RE: Can You Have an Opinion in China??
I think he has a right to his opinion, and the way he chooses to express them, as does anyone else, nobody is advocating for violence, its always better to admit there are problems, rather than ignore them.
That said, as a foreigner (in any country) if you insult someone or their country in their own language, there most likely will be an opposite knee jerk reaction.
Its basic tribalism at play, it exists in everywhere.
In China, you will always be an outsider, and if your opinion starts to cause significant disturbance, you will be treated like a nail that needs to be hammered down instead of listened to.
I'm fortunate that most people I interact with in China can think for themselves, and don't just repeat the state approved propaganda.
The first step in solving any problem, is acceptance, that can be a difficult task for many in China, based on my experience.
He does have the right to his opinion and how he expresses them, but there are always consequences.
To me, when he goes out of his way to make videos that put China in a bad light, it is kind of a dick move. Especially since he lives there without being a citizen. And remember that countries like USA and Canada are developed and stable. It is unlikely like political instability could result from someones opinions but in China, it feels like you are trying to blow on a house of cards. Thats why people will get defensive since to them it feels like you are jeopardizing the countries advancement (even if it isnt necessarily true). Not criticizing anything could result in weak foundations while over criticizing could result in a definite collapse. The sweet spot is somewhere in between since criticism allows people to realize problems and try to solve them while order can create proper harmony.
While simply repeating state propaganda makes one ignorant, i find that the average western mentality that assumes that their way is always the best way is also ignorant. Its not hard to find western people that think anything other than democracy is always evil and so is restricting freedom of speech. It takes intelligent people to see the positive and negative consequences of both so that they arent in bondage with either.
Good comment man. Thanks for passing by!
It isn't all roses and sunshine in China, I think that is his point.
Having watched a few of his videos, I can't say I disagree with anything he has said.
I can accept that everyone can have a different experience.
If there is one constant in China, its change, the opinion you had yesterday might be invalid tomorrow.
I try to keep an open mind, I've had quite a few negative experiences in China, the old problems are being replaced with new ones.
The wealth gap, and ever increasing personal debt in China is already a major cause of dysfunctional behaviour in China.
Live now pay later.
Western lifestyle habits are in high demand in China and are quite expensive, most can't afford it.
Divorce rates are also increasing, far too many people in China marry out of social obligation, and family pressure rather than finding a compatable life partner.
I could go on and on, most of these problems exist all over the world, China is no exception.