Patriotism vs. Self-censor

Last Thursday, I ran into a friend from South Korean major in international studies. Our conversation began from the coming Olympics--I said no to his question 'Are you excited about Olympics?'. He was surprised because all the Chinese students in his department are very excited about it. Then we began a long talk covering many issues in China this year, including Tibet. He was very shocked by my opinion of Tibet and he said finally he found some Chinese different from others who all have the same opinion, which almost can be put as 'representatives of central government'.

The idea interested me is he said other Chinese think the same way as I do but they have the self-censorship that prevents them saying what they really think because of fears or worries for the experience of that Chinese girl in Duke.

I am wondering about it. All my interesting and provoking politics talks have been conducted in English. I seldom talk about politics with my Chinese friends because I don't think it is worthy the time---the people who care enough to talk about it are not much, and most of them seldom care enough to know enough to make points valid enough to stimulate my thinking and because I am afraid of the label of 'unpatriotic' based on the over-simplified reasoning and extreme nationalism thinking which can be seen everywhere. Also, I have to admit, I don't know enough to make my points valid.

I think there are some Chinese people who think as I do but just don't express their thoughts in public. But I can not understand why they have to say something they don't think or are not sure is true. I define honesty as not necessarily speak out every truth, but absolutely not telling lies. Censorship in my understand only limits the expression of certain information but has nothing to do with lying.

Therefore, I don't think Kang's 'self-censor' is accurate enough. 'Fear' ---to be labeled as 'unpatriotic' is more accurate in my opinion. I will feel much more glad if Chinese students really have their own opinion but just because of fear they become the representatives of central government. Things would be much better and much easier if it is true.

So let's assume 'fear' is the only reason why they are representatives of central government, I think the discussion about what is real patriotism seriously would be very beneficial. There are some good words about it from INBOX section of Vol. 172, No. 3:

1. Richard Stengel's "The New Patriotism" was helpful in understanding the theme of this presidential election [July 7]. Upholding American ideals makes us better, but candidates tend to look for hot buttons to create fear. We need a definition of patriotism that recognizes our nation's proud heritage but sees how much better we can be.----Steven A. Ludsin, East Hampton, N.Y.
2. Nowhere in Peter Beinart's article did I see mention of the word nationalism, which is what much of far-right patriotism really is. It is not healthy to say, "I love my country, right or wrong." I love my country too---and I am not ashamed to acknowledge its mistakes as well as its accomplishment. ----Mark Fagerbury, Richmond, VA.
3. The issue is not how patriotism should be expressed but whether it is a positive force in the world. I don't think it is. Patriotism is what kept the media from questioning plans for invading Iraq before the war started. Fear of being labeled unpatriotic is what kept more legislators from voting against authorizing its invasion. The U.S. has a long history of not living up to its ideals because more importance is placed on shallow expressions of honor and love of country than on making sure all people are treated equitably.----Mary Brewerton, Denver

Loving a country is like loving a person in some extent. Seeing both the bright and dark sides of the country and still love her; listening to her and understand her worries, concerns, holding her hands quietly and try to find a way for her, instead of only cheering for her; speak out and try to stop her when she is doing something stupid and harmful to herself in the long-term. Help her to be better, to live up to her best. Fear shouldn't exist in a healthy relationship, no matter in a personal relationship or in the relationship with a country. No fear, then no need to be self-censor, then a healthy relationship can be built. But I don't know how to get rid of the fear......