Absurdity, Allegory and China

This entry began as a comment concerning the anti-CNN clique, though it is clear that I cannot add anything new to the debate, other than to say that the Chinese press is reporting that the “Chinese public is venting its spleen online over inaccurate reports about the Tibet riot.” That said, I cannot imagine that there will be any investigations into the allegations of death threats made against some of the western media people. Inaccuracies and their subsequent punishments, often resulting in death, have a history here. It seems to go with the territory, as far back into the hazy past as one can imagine. Some things never change.

But what I find even more ominous than the latest froth over ‘inaccuracies’ is the appearance over the last several months of oversized military billboards in conspicuous public places –Jianguomen and Guomao being two that readily march into mind – showing goose-stepping , grim-faced soldiers toting automatic weapons, long lines of tanks, along with saluting sailors and their ships. And most of these oversized postersare done up in eye-catching red.

As the Olympics loom closer (and, yes, I do mean loom, as it appears more likely that it will not be the feel-good fest of international goodwill that the Chinese have been planning for) these much-larger-than-life posters give a whole new meaning to the slogan One World, One Dream, as well as to that giant of Olympic pop tunes, We Are Ready. It is also important to note that these displays pre-date the latest troubles in the western highlands by, at least, a few months, possibly longer. Putting one’s best foot forward usually doesn’t call for goose-steppers in spit-shined jackboots. Visitors might get the wrong impression about the peace-loving Middle Kingdom. Or perhaps not.

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