Criticism double-edged sword for society

• Source: Global Times
• [02:17 June 10 2011]
• Comments

More Chinese online opinion leaders are trying to reshape China's political landscape, by criticizing the current system and attempting to copy the Western political scene. Integrating these new phenomena into China's reality bears both opportunity and risk.

The latest example was set by a few "independent candidates" running for village and county-level People's Congresses.

It is noticing that the online world has developed an overwhelming culture of criticism.

Many little-known people have gained popularity and fame in doing so. It is hard to tell whether such a culture of negativity represents mainstream public opinion, or is just a by-product of the Internet.

Meanwhile, scholars that support gradual reform remain reticent and refuse to speak out over sensitive issues. A dissenting opinion is usually met with verbal attacks and defamation.

There are sharp but correct criticisms, but there are also suggestions that obviously fly in the face of public interest, such as disparaging patriotism, suggesting China disregards national interest in international competition, and antagonizing national interests for individual gains. Such claims are sadly finding a receptive audience.

The spread of these criticisms is creating a ripple effect in a society that advocates harmony. Activists hold that China's future will be tightly associated with this change.

China has moved beyond the times when everyone conformed to the same ideas. Diversified opinion is inevitable, including people with political goals different from the mainstream, or those who challenge the current system legally or illegally. Social stability has to be built on that reality.

For a long time, China was under Western political pressure, and the country has turned the pressure into a driving force of reform. At the moment, external pressure appears better-suited to the national character than internal pressure.

A critical culture should not be allowed to grow infinitely. While freedom of speech is expanding, society should also reach a consensus on political correctness.

The hardships China endured over the past century and the public's desire for a happy life have determined that social upheaval made by any political excuse must not be avoided.