Saturday, May 28, 2011

CHINA - In praise of tolerance by "The People's Daily"

The price of a thing can remain indifferent, as it can get a sense of oppression. A criminal case can raise the feverish expectation for justice, but also give rise to the search for procedural flaws. In evaluating the reforms, also, some clapping with both hands, while others are skeptical ... Chinese society is in a period marked by pluralism, diversity, divergence of thought and culture.

This is undoubtedly a historic change. We went from a time when one heard a single voice to that where "a hundred flowers bloom" [classic expression of diversity used by Mao in 1957 to launch the movement known as the Hundred Flowers quickly suppressed], an era of uniformity in a period marked by an abundance of different profiles.

This reflects a great liberation of thought, while embodying the onward march of China. While the country through the deep waters of the reforms and attacking the bastions, the parties of wrestling and the necessary adjustments between the different interests naturally give rise to the expression of multiple claims.

Similarly, with the amplification of the country's openness and globalization, it is normal to happen a clash of ideas between tradition and modernity, between international and local. Who says a certain cacophony pluralism said almost always an expression of "thoughts of a different nature," which may even give the impression of a certain cacophony.

In this context, we welcome discussions peaceful, dominated by reason, we expect that the criticism of others are well taken. Unfortunately, we find that some do not tolerate dissent. The discussions lead to trading insults and accusations, labels are pasted on frightening people for a yes or a no.

Personal feelings take precedence over the pursuit of truth. Some, instead of humbly take account of criticism, crying immediately defamation and will even use their powers to stifle dissent. As stated by the writer Lu Xun [1881-1936], abuse and terror, not fight. Affirms the value of ideas in the confrontation and is verified in practice.

"I'm not with you, but I will die to defend your right to speak .*" This commitment shows the greatness of soul, but above all self-confidence. While the mode of the controversy, which is to stick labels on his opponents or seek their Achilles heel, being treated with hostility everything is different, it actually reflects a narrow-minded and fragile, it does not contribute to building a harmonious society with healthy minds.

In fact, only by considering the "divergent thinking" with tolerance, adjusting its position in the dialogue, exchanging to dissolve tension, which is best achieved in forging consensus and advance the debate of ideas. More than ordinary people, governments need to show "tolerance" **. Indeed, while the narrowness of the first is limited to verbal abuse, that of the latter can really hurt, as in the cases of the poem or post Pengshui Lingbao [two notorious abuse of power, dating 2006 and 2009 respectively, where local authorities have attacked the authors of electronic messages they dislike].

While among ordinary people tolerance is a sign of some distinction, some education, it certainly reflected in the leaders of the "greatness of soul", but it is mainly the expression of the requirement that 'they have to govern for the people and the principles of the rule of law. "As we serve the people, we should not fear that our shortcomings are possible denounced." Critics may be partly unfounded and sometimes outrageous, but since they start from a good intention, that they comply with a legal and does not affect public order or morality, they must be treated with tolerance.

We can treat them with bias as the "challenge". Instead, we must be aware that in a pluralist society respecting different opinions, is to respect the right of expression of citizens, but also the sine qua non for social and allay concerns of possible evacuation sources of tensions and clashes.

Oversee the government's highly talented people who contribute to the prosperity of their country merely gather bright ideas expressed by the population. Indeed, when different voices and even dissenters are heard, they are actually important sources of improved standards of governance.

"As long as no divergent opinions, we can not take any decision," said one ***. Only by allowing the different opinions that can understand and comprehend all aspects of an issue and take appropriate decisions knowingly. Hence the famous saying of Mao Zedong: "Let the people speak, the sky will not fall on our heads so far!" Hence also the statement of Deng Xiaoping: "We should not fear that mouths open and tongues are loosened.

The most terrible is the absolute silence! "Where then repeatedly made this recommendation by the Chinese leadership [particularly by Prime Minister Wen Jiabao in March 2011]:" Let's create the conditions so that the people can criticize and supervise the work of government. "It's in the plurality that is the secret of prosperity.

The more a society moves forward, the more it needs to express its diversity and it needs to be able to unite the different views into a single will. If one deals with the different voices tolerance, if one seeks unity in difference, our society will not become a "bag of potatoes that dangle against each other." Instead, it reinforced its cohesion and will be pulled up through trade and exchange of ideas.

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