Kung Fu Kicks, Chicken Feet and Noodle Shops: Reflections on China

Is is very rare to have the opportunity to visit a country in such rapid economic transition. On every block in Shanghai is a construction crane. To reinvent itself from an undeveloped agricultural society to a vibrant industrialized economic superpower in three decades is a remarkable accomplishment never seen since the German "Wirschaftswunder" (Economic Miracle) of the 1950's, 60's and 70's.

The hackneyed image of a sleeping dragon of the East being wakened accurately depicts China's relatively steep transition to capitalism. Equally as steep is its people's embrace of capitalistic entrepreneurship.

There is much to be impressed with in China. Whether it is the oldest continuous culture, the birthplace of civilization (arguably older than the fertile crescent), or the overall generosity and kindness of the Chinese people, China can leave anyone with an open-mind awestruck by the rich, deep and complex nature of its culture and society.

The admittedly young but distinct "Chinese Capitalism" seems to be working for now. In some regards, it has suceeded in creating a safe prosperous utopia. China does not have the "barrios, ghettos, slums, no-go areas" that plague the United States with its highest homicide crime rate in the industrialized world statistic. It does not have the culture of "being dumb or vapid is cool." It does not have the culture of over-consumption. For now, China has avoided the sin of buying Mercedes Benz's and big houses because they need to be "perceived" as being successful in order to be successful. For the most part, China has avoided these vices of gluttony, envy and covetousness.

However, with that said, China is changing. With this change comes marketing. With marketing comes image. With images comes the feeling of happiness (in economic terms - utility) associated with certain status or object of possession. It is truly "up in the air" whether Chinese Capitalism will work. So far, we have only seen it succeed during periods of economic growth. What happens when the business cycle naturally turns the other way?

It is mere speculation at this point whether China will eventually need to liberalize socio-political aspects or whether it can maintain this unique at times contradictory form of commi-capitalism. After visiting the country for a short time, the conception that China is less free than Western society is in my impression questionable. Although I never personally saw anyone publically criticize the government the way people in the West have the freedom to do, I also never saw anyone pubically embrace the government either. I have a feeling the West is at times too hypocritically scarred by images of "tank man" and the cultural revolution to recognize that in everyday activities the Chinese people seem just as content and free with their situation as any American in the United States.

With that said, I do have my qualms with China. First and foremost would have to be the aforementioned general lack of open political discussion regarding issues such as civil liberties and public choice. Although the people may generally be free, the people do seem to placate to the wishes of the government without individual thought. My second problem would have to be the level of pollution emitted as a result of industrialization.

On the second point, it would be hypocritical of me to blindly criticize China for this without recognizing the United States' disregard for its pollution levels during its own industrial revolution in the late 1800s. Further, levels in the 1900s and the current disregard for the industrialized world-backed environmental legislation like the Kyoto protocol leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

In addition, numerous economists have argued that economic development has to be pro-industry anti-environment in the early stages of industrialization. One thing to take note of is the fact that China publicaly looks to achieve a standard of living similar to the United States. However, someone has failed to let them know that the world does not have the natural resources needed to sustain two United States consumption rates.

What China needs is what numerous academics have called a look beyond the failures of an American consumption rate based on greed and glut. China needs to blend European style conservatism with American entrepreneurship to establish an even newer version of Chinese Capitalism.

The talked about transition back to cloth shopping bags from plastic and paper is a start. In New York City, a large portion of the city's trash is exported to Central America because there is no place for it in the United States. I would hate to see that happen to Asia.

Further, the air pollution in China is horrible. The Guardian via the Chinese Academy of Environmental Planning has stated that air pollution caused 411,000 premature deaths in China in 2003.

Take a look at the following picture in this article. That is not fog in the picture. People have said that the air pollution has improved since the Olympics. I personally feel it is still really bad.

I am not telling anyone anything new by saying my country is not perfect. Nor is China, nor is the World. Someone smarter than me once said that the American form of government is much like a dog walking on his back two legs. The astonishing thing is not that the dog looks awkward and inefficient walking only on his hind legs. The astonishing thing is that the dog is walking at all.

Politics aside, I truly enjoyed my time in China. The people, food and history were the highlights. I hope for further trips into the richest deepest culture in the world. China is definitely more than just Kung Fu kicks, Chicken Feet and Noodle Shops.

China is not the China the West sees in Western media sources, but China is also not the utopia the Chinese government wishes it to be. I hope one day every common Chinese and American can have an educated discussion on all issues related to our countries and the world. For this to happen, both America and China need to grow dramatically.