China, a real and present danger

[Sean Hayden]

It's not just you Cunt, the lives we lead in our heads are much grander than reality warrants, and this tends to color our analysis; often negatively in my opinion e.g. a sense of having a grasp of "global issues".

[laklak]

We're lucky to have Galaxian for a more universal perspective.

[Sean Hayden]

--the extreme end eh?

[Sean Hayden]

Does China actually have thousands of people locked up in "re-education camps"?

[Cunt]

Does China actually have thousands of people locked up in "re-education camps"?

It sounds like it. Suggested that it is to 'reeducate' a sect of religious nutters though, so I would expect the reporting to be polluted with religios disinformation, so it's tricky.

I tried a search on 'uighur' on the China Daily site.

I did mainly because every piece I've read about the matter, paints China as pure villains, which seems unlikely...would be nice to hear what they say for themselves.

Found something.
https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202004/ ... 16d6d.html

Xinjiang has established vocational education and training centres in accordance with the law to carry out vocational skills education and training, in order to allow more Uyghur Muslims to obtain employment opportunities and improve living conditions, to prevent the breeding and spread of terrorism and religious extremism, effectively curbing the frequent terrorist incidents and protecting the rights to life, health, and development of the people of all ethnic groups. Worthwhile results have been achieved. The training centres employ a residential education model which allows trainees to go back home on a regular basis and ask for leave to attend personal affairs. The trainees also enjoy the freedom of correspondence. The training centres fully respect and protect the customs and habits of the trainees, and provide a wide range of halal diets with rich nutrition for free. After the trainees have completed their studies, they have found suitable jobs and improved their quality of life. In addition, a number of foreign journalists who have conducted interviews in the education and the training centres have published stories that reflect the true role of the centres and express their understanding, approval, and support for the education and training programmes in Xinjiang. In October 2019, more than 60 countries spoke enthusiastically during the 74th session of the General Assembly, praising China's huge human rights progress in Xinjiang. A series of preventive measures to counter terrorism and extremism adopted by Xinjiang in accordance with the law is precisely to safeguard the security and human rights of people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang.

[Sean Hayden]

Geesh, with writing like that I might be convinced to just give them my liver. What was I doing with it anyway?

[laklak]

I'm exercising mine. It's getting pretty buff.

[Animavore]

[Tero]

NY Times daily newsletter

Compromising values
U.S. sports and media have often showcased American values, even if clumsily or unfairly. These cultural exports helped spread democratic ideas internationally during the Cold War. Movies like “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” or “Selma,” which celebrate democracy, justice and equality, can change how people view the world and how it works. Celebrities can push people to vote or get vaccinated, or put a spotlight on neglected problems.

Censorship prevents these institutions from shining a light on China as its leaders oppress dissidents, crack down on democracy in Hong Kong, round up and detain ethnic Uyghurs and threaten war with Taiwan.

In the meantime, Chinese studios are getting better at making movies, and they’re not afraid to take an anti-American stance. In 2017’s popular “Wolf Warrior 2,” the Chinese hero Leng Feng saves African villagers from an American mercenary called Big Daddy, who proclaims his people’s supremacy moments before Leng triumphs and kills him.

The consequences are asymmetrical. Chinese movies proudly showcase their country’s values while American movies remain silent about China — skewing the messages people hear not just in the U.S. and China but across the globe.

American movies can even give the impression that China is better. In the 2014 movie “Transformers: Age of Extinction,” U.S. officials were portrayed “in unflattering tones,” according to PEN America. The Chinese characters in the film, which was made with the Chinese government’s support, were more often selfless and heroic. Variety called the movie “a splendidly patriotic film, if you happen to be Chinese.”

“Transformers” made more than $1 billion at the box office — $300 million of it from China. From a business perspective, it was a success.

related paywall story
https://nl.nytimes.com/f/newsletter/_dY ... bVgEAAAAAA~~

[Brian Peacock]

Hollywood also makes movies about how you can't trust the US govt.