Earthquake Nationalism

With over 50,000 dead, bodies being found daily, countless homes destroyed, rubble that will take years to clear away, and a nation in shock, China has once again become the center of attention, but instead of heavy handed criticisms there are helping hands and barrels of aid making there way to the most devastating natural disaster in China in many years. The poor people of sichuan province, the poor people in the south that could do nothing to prevent such a disaster, are the same people that earlier this year witnessed one of the worst snow storms to hit the south ever and trap millions at train stations trying to get home to their families for the spring festival.

2 days ago the entire country spent 3 minutes in silence to pay respect for those that lost their lives. The entire country. The entertainment industry has completely shut down business for 3 days. Donations of blood and money are coming in numbers that I have never heard of before, with the majority of people I know donating rather than the minority.

There is something really awe inspiring about a nation that can work so hard together, even pulling the help of so many overseas Chinese, including my own university that has an enormous effort in the works to send aid. I am really moved by the way this country works - people really care about their neighbors and friends, they do as much as they can for family and friends; and yet I can't help but feel torn about my feelings about this, because actions are not consistent throughout all situations.

China is refusing workers to from abroad to come in to help, they are only accepting other forms of aid. China nationalism is a little scary as well: when turned toward a good cause such as a disaster or building the country up for the Olympics the work that can be done is amazing, but when there is a perceived threat at home or abroad the people take that same energy and channel it in a very negative way, often irrationally such as with the recent craziness against the french and the need for foreigners to be careful.

I am torn because I am not sure whether this is just an advanced form of nationalism being puppeted by their authoritarian rulers, or is this a deep seated cultural caring for other people. On the one hand I get a mixed view on how Chinese treat others in society; sometimes people stand up for elders or pregnant women on the bus and on the train, but sometimes a group of strong men will refuse a seat to the same older person and pregnant woman and I have never seen a man give up a seat for a woman. People do not say sorry for running into you on the street and lying and cheating is only regretted if caught doing it, otherwise they brag about it. People don't like to accept help because they don't want to have to return it, as is traditional in this society. And yet they all can come together beautifully to deal with a national disaster; Chinese are often extremely friendly and always offer their help.

Perhaps it depends on where you are in their relationship circles: friends gain enormous benefits, acquaintances can get a free meal and perhaps a favor, and strangers get a cold shoulder, but if it is for the idea of the nation and the Chinese culture anything is possible.

Still, no matter how torn about the reasons for such a phenomenon, I can't help but admire the larger social consciousness and willingness.