US baby doesn't make Yao Ming less patriotic

• Source: Global Times
• [21:40 May 26 2010]
• Comments

Yao Ming has a daughter born in the US last Friday.

According to American law, his daughter automatically received US citizenship, and Chinese law does not recognize dual nationality, so Yao became the father of a US baby, which disappointed his fans. The nationality of Yao's daughter has become a nationalist touchstone.

Yao, as a basketball super star and NBA player, is very popular among Chinese public. He has become a Chinese national hero, and it is thought that the daughter of a Chinese national hero should have Chinese nationality.

Here comes a question: Is it true that a Chinese who plays decent basketball in the US can be called a national hero? Frankly, it is a common phenomenon among developing countries. Many years after the effects of imperialism, developing countries still try to beat the former imperialists any way they can.

But this is taking nationalism too far. It is not necessary to compare basketball skills rather than gross national happiness.

Yao has fulfilled his responsibilities as a Chinese and a basketball player, and he deserves the right to choose his daughter's nationality.

Even if Yao is a national hero, is it necessary that his daughter must also be a legacy and therefore better have a Chinese nationality?

The true nationalism does not force citizens to sacrifice their right to choose. It is not Yao's fault he loves his daughter.

Southern Metropolis Daily