Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Happy golden empire

China's upbeat conformity may look strange to us, but it's part of a powerful tradition.

Chinese culture reveres social "harmony" over individuality and dissent. From the time of Confucius, Lao Tzu and the dynastic emperors, and continuing through the communists, Chinese authority figures have preached the value of family, hierarchy, social cohesion and getting along without rocking the boat.