Strange and slightly ironic article from Xinhua

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Terrik

Terrik

So I was reading Chinese State news as usual this morning when I came across this opinion piece:


http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-07/14/content_11705744.htm


Oddly enough, I agree with most of the content. Even more strange is that nothing is usually printed in offical press unless its endorsed by some level of the government. The ironic part being that there's still websites that (sans proxy) I can't access due to political sensitivity. I don't get it.
 
A

Aisaku

Maybe the key to this is 'endorsed by some level'. maybe the censor who read this wasn't that through?

I really liked this bit:

One problem that has long plagued Internet opinions is the lack of sufficient reasoning.
Click to expand...
 
Terrik

Terrik

Either that or the Chinese government is quickly wising up to the fact they can't control the juggernaught that is the internet. That recent uproar over the anti-porn software to be installed on every new computer sold in China was quickly swatted down by netizens and the government backed down.
 
C

Chibibar

Terrik said:
Either that or the Chinese government is quickly wising up to the fact they can't control the juggernaught that is the internet. That recent uproar over the anti-porn software to be installed on every new computer sold in China was quickly swatted down by netizens and the government backed down.
Click to expand...
I think the government realize that full censorship doesn't quite work in the 21st century. The internet opens up a whole new virtual world that allows people to access information normally inaccessible before. I also notice the article talks about people "discarding" their civilize way when on the internet. that is kinda normal I think. I think the internet really allows people to be their "true" self.

why do I think this? Generally people act certain way because of fear of reprisal. In face to face, there are certain things you can and cannot do without getting into trouble. You can't actually "thump" your co-worker for being stupid or slap someone in public for being stupid. BUT you CAN do that on the internet and pretty much get away with it (unless mods/admins ban you from the forums, chat room, games, etc etc) but there are more freedom you can do online and people tend to bring out their "worst/true" self.
 
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