7 Comments

I so appreciate the nuance that you bring to your readers! There are always countless shades of gray, pros and cons in our world. A country is not just its worst government actions or most venal people. An example as an American who is well aware of my countries ideals and failures. In the 90s to early 2000s I would not buy anything made in China because of concern about supporting sweatshop conditions. Who wants to own something that enriches somebody taking advantage of other humans? But then I found out how the factories, same as had occurred in Europe, provided women with financial opportunity and choices, were a contributor towards a shift to a middle class (which is probably the most comfortable financial and educational place to be-again theirs a lot of nuance here). It wasn’t all black and white. It was humbling towards living an ideals based life. I still try to only buy from sources I know pay fairly or to buy second hand, but we can only be humble in presenting our thoughts and living our ideals. Thank you for continuing to share yours.

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Thank you so much for your comment and being open to what I wrote.

I understand what you mean by ideals-based consumerism. Personally I think it's pretty difficult to execute purely. For eg, there was a boycott of McDonalds in my country, but I didn't want to do it because it means that workers could literally be out of a job, and indeed many shops closed. I thought of them first and foremost. People can choose to criticize me, but I don't want workers to lose much-needed income, and these folks need it badly.

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Exactly! I wanted to share the anecdote related to one person’s understanding of China evolving thanks to a journalist’s reporting because your writing is valuable. Hopefully, the conversations on Substack are different than on Mastadone. pro peace!🕊️

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I suppose, in my case… it’s hard to be pro a country that’s deliberately attacking your people. With water cannons, sure, but still. A Filipino Coast Guard personnel lost a thumb!

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Yeah we have the same problem. It's thorny, and I don't know how Malaysia will overcome it. Right now we're just maintaining our relationship with China. It helps that we have a strong Chinese presence in Malaysia as well to help us understand China better and open negotiations.

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Thank you for your insightful information…. I think every country has their own pros and cons…. But big countries like China and America are more in the spotlight…. The world is looking at them….. you said it right…. Let peace rule

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I felt understood! I think your are right, we, who live in Chinese culture but with western views, have our own unique view. I do not know much about China, but I am generally neutral too; why is there a need to be on any side? I am pro-peace too, high-five!

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