The Chinese Perspective

The other day I came across a poem that claimed to echo China's sincere perspective at the way the world looks at them. And I couldn't help but wonder at the new light thrown upon the facts we already know.

I still don't quite subscribe to it though.

Here's the poem:

What do you really want from us?

When we were the Sick Man of Asia,
We were called the Yellow Peril.
When we are billed as the next Superpower, we are called The Threat.
When we closed our doors, you launched the Opium War to open our markets.
When we embraced free trade, you blamed us for stealing your jobs.
When we were falling apart, you marched in your troops and demanded your fair share.
When we tried to put the broken pieces back together again, Free Tibet, you screamed. It was an Invasion!
When we tried communism, you hated us for being communist.
When we embraced capitalism, you hated us for being capitalist.
When we had a billion people, you said we were destroying the planet.
When we tried limiting our numbers, you said we abused human rights.
When we were poor, you thought we were dogs.
When we lend you cash, you blame us for your national debts.
When we build our industries, you call us polluters.
When we sell you goods, you blame us for global warming.
When we buy oil, you call it exploitation and genocide.
When you go to war for oil, you call it liberation.
When we were lost in chaos, you demanded the rule of law.
When we uphold law and order against violence, you call it a violation of human rights.
When we were silent, you said you wanted us to have free speech.
When we are silent no more, you say we are brainwashed xenophobes.
Why do you hate us so much? we asked.
No, you answered, we don't hate you.
We don't hate you either,
But do you understand us?
Of course we do, you said,
We have AFP, CNN and BBC. . . .
What do you really want from us?
Think hard first, then answer . . .
Because you only get so many chances.
Enough is Enough, Enough Hypocrisy for This One World.
We want One World, One Dream, and Peace on Earth.
This Big Blue Earth is Big Enough for all of Us.

Courtesy:The Washington Post.

Hypocrisy as a way of life

Yes, thats true. Hypocrisy has come to become a part of our lives whether we like it or not. Hell, we might as well like it, considering the kind of hypocrites we've become.

First, its the sena against valentines day. Then its the BJP against the cheerleaders in IPL (although the very same members of the party prolly enjoy the item numbers on bollywood). The double talk by ppl like mayawati and the enforcement of 'standards' by the mumbai police. As gowry puts it,

"Ur Free to piss on the streets, but not kiss"

Its everywhere around us. Those who deny it are the worst of the hypocrites.

And it doesnt end there. Even at BITS, with the self proclaimed aim of nurturing its students enabling their self development to the fullest, the treatment actually is akin to that of a prison cell. With specific time (4 hours each day on a weekday) where students are allowed out of campus, and a lockdown of hostels at 11! The ban on birthday parties in hostels by the chief warden and the clear and distinct expression of dislike at any activity that indulges the students in any kind of pleasure. But ofcourse, as they always claim, they dont mean to harm the students, neither do they intend to keep us from doing what we like. They 'want' us to be 'happy'. And they're doing whatever they are, coz its good for us! Welcome to the age of hypocrisy.

But looking at the bright side of things, it brings out the rebellious and brave front within us. An irony of sorts, but yes, the reality. The last day of waves and all the people who were a part of it and witnessed it will agree.


It started off on the usual note. Events galored and everyone had fun. Ofcourse we as an educated institute denied the display of blatant hooliganism during shows like fashp. But thats just the tip of the iceberg. More than 3/4th of the campus probably wouldnt know what actlly went on during those 3 days at the J. Or in the parking lot. Neither do they know about the quarrel on the maingate that led to the police arrival.
But what everyone does know, is that the wonderful performance by Junkyard groove on our own open air stage, was interrupted by the arrival of the police van with its interminable echoing of the siren amid growing silence. And soonafter everyone was dispersed back to the hostels within 5 minutes. And that is when DC came in to feed on the rumours. Within half an hour of the incident atleast 10 different stories, all claiming credibility, were floated and discussed on mainchat freely as though they were matter-of-fact.
I do join everyone in condemning the way the night ended. Everyone seemed to be looking for a scapegoat to dump the blame on. Of course, what could you expect? But that is the kind of end that the festival had. Waves '08. The only way one could be oblivious to it, is by attaining Nirvana; the state of statelessness that the cultural festival claimed to be all about.

And the ripples that it started off are felt even today... But nevertheless, the day was entertaining in the least expected manner. And denying that I enjoy entertainment would be hypocritical.
I'm just happy Quark didnt end up in a mess like this.

Yes, even I'm Hypocritical at times. And I dont admit it.