I think that freedom of speech is just part of western culture, it's not a thing in asia.
Criticizing the authority is not easy anywhere, and it's only being made possible with freedom of speech. The west has learned to control the public opinion to a degree, and adapt, but it's a difficult exercise, which explains why freedom of speech does not happen elsewhere because it involves changing a lot of things in how government works.
When freedom of speech is not part of a country, it's much easier to make its citizens like the government. People like authority, it's too much of an effort to be curious, ask questions, think about alternatives, organize dissent, talks, etc.
Freedom of speech is a "thing" in Japan and South Korea, albeit not to the degree that it exists in the US or possibly even Europe. Both countries have histories of popular protests and uprisings in modern times. In SK's case, it led to the impeachment of their former prime minister. Not every Asian country rolls over their dissidents with tanks. It clearly even seems to be a "thing" in Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Although, granted, that did happen as a result of the West "changing a lot of things." But the concept is hardly alien to Asia (for some values of "Asia".)
You're right, but freedom of speech essentially is a cultural thing of the west. Western countries are shaped by freedom of speech. It's not just not the case in Asia.
I'm not saying Asians have no notion of freedom of speech.
Also. Separately. If i criticise my government thats between us. Shitty westerners have no right for they have no skin in this game. How dare they complain about my government things that i don't even consider important?!!!
> Shitty westerners have no right for they have no skin in this game.
That's not completely true at present. Westerners have an interest in how Chinese government treats its people.
1. As the border disputes between China and India, the claiming of the South China Sea, and overseas investments as part of the Belt-and-Road initiatives show, the Chinese government may have an expansionist, imperialist and/or colonising ambition. This means that it is not only current Chinese citizens but also potential Chinese subjects that need to be wary of Chinese government.
2. Many neighbors of China are allies of the West; SK, Japan, India. Many have an economic interest that the South-China Sea is politically neutral.
3. Because Chinese expansionism and imperialism is a possibility, it becomes of concern how the Chinese government how Chinese government treats its minorities and frontier populations, and it isn't good at all. The people of Tibet, Xinjiang, HK, Taiwan all acutely face threat to their personal freedoms from CCP rule.
As a corollary, you may contrast this to US imperialism. Because of its superpower position/ambitions, its government is similarly of global interest. Contrast the reception; US citizens actively and openly criticize the US government's abuses of personal freedoms and unjustified attempts at imperialism.
Neighboring countries will face a huge economic burden in the case that the CCP loses control and an internal power struggle begins. A peaceful transition of power in China is extremely unlikely. The Chinese model of transition is bitter and long civil wars. In this circumstance, China's neighbors and investors will be affected.
I don't think it's that complicated, it's just a matter of having different values. The Chinese culture values prosperity, solidarity, and security over freedom. and those are things the current government has provided in spades over the last few decades. Freedom of speech is not that important as long as you and your family can live your life in peace and prosperity. For most Chinese, it makes no sense to go against the government.
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[ 3.1 ms ] story [ 23.8 ms ] threadCriticizing the authority is not easy anywhere, and it's only being made possible with freedom of speech. The west has learned to control the public opinion to a degree, and adapt, but it's a difficult exercise, which explains why freedom of speech does not happen elsewhere because it involves changing a lot of things in how government works.
When freedom of speech is not part of a country, it's much easier to make its citizens like the government. People like authority, it's too much of an effort to be curious, ask questions, think about alternatives, organize dissent, talks, etc.
Although, granted, that did happen as a result of the West "changing a lot of things." But the concept is hardly alien to Asia (for some values of "Asia".)
I'm not saying Asians have no notion of freedom of speech.
That's not completely true at present. Westerners have an interest in how Chinese government treats its people.
1. As the border disputes between China and India, the claiming of the South China Sea, and overseas investments as part of the Belt-and-Road initiatives show, the Chinese government may have an expansionist, imperialist and/or colonising ambition. This means that it is not only current Chinese citizens but also potential Chinese subjects that need to be wary of Chinese government.
2. Many neighbors of China are allies of the West; SK, Japan, India. Many have an economic interest that the South-China Sea is politically neutral.
3. Because Chinese expansionism and imperialism is a possibility, it becomes of concern how the Chinese government how Chinese government treats its minorities and frontier populations, and it isn't good at all. The people of Tibet, Xinjiang, HK, Taiwan all acutely face threat to their personal freedoms from CCP rule.
As a corollary, you may contrast this to US imperialism. Because of its superpower position/ambitions, its government is similarly of global interest. Contrast the reception; US citizens actively and openly criticize the US government's abuses of personal freedoms and unjustified attempts at imperialism.