People Profiles: Zhou Laoshi
I thought it would be nice to write about some of the people I've become friends with while in China. Ok, maybe I stole the idea from Clint Rosenblatt, but I've found that people that study Chinese language are an interesting bunch with a very diverse educational background. I've found talking with these people interesting; I think you will too.
The first person I'd like to introduce you to is Mr. Zhou Shuchun. He is deputy editor of the Xinhuan news agency (the Chinese version of the AP), editor of the Beijing Reference Newspaper, and one of the teachers of my government class.
This man is a thoughtful, articulate (in english) observer of U.S., International, and Chinese politics. In just two classroom discussions, he has begun to change the shape of my perspective of the Chinese system. As of now, I'm still formulating opions so I won't go into any diatribe on the Chinese system.
What I've found most interesting so far is his incredible grasp of western intellect and culture. He constantly cites well-known western writings and philosophies, and he uses this knowledge to clearly highlight the similarities and differences in our two countries.
Tonight we had a long discussion on the differences between Chinese and Western society. The highlight was differienciating between the Western system's focus on individual rights, individual motivation, and individual reliance; and the Chinese system's focus on obligation to society and family over obligation to the individual.
More than once Zhou Laoshi had stressed the point that China is in the middle of a massive social transition. He seems to see the positives associated with a more individual-centric system, but he worries that if wide spread individual focus occurs too soon, then the entire development of China could suffer a serious blow.
With the growing gap between the Chinese rich and poor could signify the beginnings of this happening already.
I'm very pleased to have this talented dude as a teacher, and I'm looking forward to watching the class progress. I'm also looking forward to meeting the second professor in the class.