Recently, the Chinese media has liberally used a new term called "The Chinese Dream" modeled after the commonly phrased "American Dream." As an American, I already find the "American Dream" to be too loaded a phrase to take seriously. But not only it the Chinese Dream a loaded phrase, its as of now, a term void of definition meaning that any clever writer can fill it's cup with any artificial nectar and media fanfare they so please. Yesterday I read an article from Xinhua analyzing the subtle and suspicious differences between the Chinese and American Dreams. Not to my surprise, I was bombarded with CCP propaganda and rhetorical nonsense.
First: The Chinese Dream focuses on the strength and prosperity of the nation while the American Dream focuses on that of the individual. Regarding this distinction, the article reveals nothing about America despite its geographical advantages, natural resources, and recent decline. Since America doesn't have to worry about as many security problems it can focus on the individual. But the Chinese Dream requires a strong nation due to China's violent history. Based on my experience, Chinese people worry more about internal threats as opposed to external threats. China is the strongest country in Asia, it has nothing to fear from a serious rival power in the region (besides maybe the US). If anything, the Chinese fear the possibility of being forced out of their house by the government, by an earthquake that could crush the shoddy construction foundations of their local schools or hospitals, or the lack of ability to purchase a house due to skyrocketing housing prices.
Second: The Chinese Dream is about the revitalization of the people, the American Dream is about the success of the people. In my opinion, I think both of these have remained as dreams as opposed to realities. But if you take a good look at both societies, America (despite the Recession) has done a much better job than China has in fulfilling its "dream". In America, albeit rarely, we can witness the accomplishment's of personal success. In China, I have yet to see any person that I would consider "revitalized". Much of Chinese culture and civilization had been destroyed and ripped from its roots during the Cultural Revolution. Today's younger Chinese have little to believe in other than test scores and materialism. Indeed, China's reforms to Capitalism have defined the Chinese individual to an extreme matched to Mao's socialist reforms in the 1950s and 60s. Today Chinese people are defined by their material wealth. Who has the nicest apartment, most loyal wife, hottest mistress, tallest high heels, shiniest watch, most durable man purse, and my favorite longest camera lens (I'm convinced this is a phallic symbol). Of course, most Chinese can't afford these things, so the other side of the coin is the mass sea of factory workers who see themselves as little more than parts in a giant machine. Either of these alternatives is far from a revitalization. Culturally, the revitalization efforts have been even worse since all Chinese Opera, Minority Costume, and artistry has been reduced to a state of banality designed for tourists. True China has experienced growth in the past 30 years, but forests of construction cranes can not be substituted as a revitalization effort.
Third: The Chinese Dream builds a harmonious society, The American Dream ensures the happiness and freedom of the individual. I mostly agree with this assessment although I would correct Xinhua by saying that the American Dream strives for "the pursuit of happiness" as opposed to happiness itself. In China, harmony and the satisfaction of the people are valued above anything else. This is because throughout Chinese history, during eras plagued by the dissatisfaction of the people, chaos, war, and starvation descended upon the empire thereby allowing for the collapse of the old establishment and the rise of a new dynasty. However, these chaotic periods would last for generations, sometimes hundreds of years. However, the article does make an uneasy comparison between the nation of China and the family. It says 家和万事兴 meaning that a harmonious family can take on any obstacle. It goes on to say that like a family, the Chinese people share to ensure the welfare of all China's citizens. Nothing could be farther from the truth. People in China keep to themselves. When there is a traffic collision, no one will aid the victims. They will simply stand and stare awkwardly. Han chinese, the ethnic majority, look to minority Chinese citizens such as Hui, Miao, Mongolian, Uighur, and Tibetan peoples as outsiders who lack the civilized nature of those who apart of the Middle Kingdom. The best example of Chinese selfishness is the wealth and power accumulated by corrupt Community Party officials who make their money by performing shady deals which disregard the peoples' welfare. Chinese people may be generous with people "within their family" but not complete strangers.
Fourth: China's Dream is based on its long history, America's Dream is based on experience. This basically belittled the American Dream due to America's short history, while China is far more wise because of it's long history.
Fifth: This last bit was the most descriptive regarding the article's true message. China's Dream is for the glory of the people, while the American Dream is for the individual's glory. By the peoples' glory, the article states a salvation from past humiliations and disasters, followed by respect for the people, safety of the country, and the ability of all people to work happily and live safely. These demands do not come from the "dreams" of the Chinese people. Like the dream itself, these were manufactured by the government. A harmonious society and an acknowledgement of respect from the rest of the world are not the objectives of the average Chinese citizen. But if the CCP media wants to project a "dream" that truly reflects that of the peoples', perhaps they should start with a government that actually represents the peoples' interests instead of representing their own.
Here is a link to the Xinhua article: http://news.xinhuanet.com/politics/2013-05/28/c_115940154_4.htm
