When Wang Qian told us he loves to read the works of Mark Twain and F.
Scott Fitzgerald, we were surprised. English literature is not widely
available in China, where the government still censors what people
read.
We were even more surprised when, during our interview, Wang quoted the
fall of Babel, a Bible story. One of his former teachers at Dalian
University of Foreign Languages had loaned him the Bible, which is
commonly suppressed in officially atheist China.
During the two days we spent with Wang, we learned that despite
all the government controls, China's young people are thinking for
themselves and examining their society more objectively than ever
before.
Take, for example, Wang's philosophy about religion in China.
"Thanks to Confucius, we Chinese don't have a religion," he
says. "That is an advantage, but also a disadvantage. … The Christians,
they fear that one day God will judge us, but we don't fear anything."
Our interview with Wang was peppered with many of his deep thoughts, but he is a down-to-earth guy from humble beginnings.
The son of farmers from Anhui, one of China's poorest provinces,
Wang said his parents struggled to afford enough food for the family
when he was young, which may have stunted Wang's growth. Wang is 5
feet, 3 inches tall.
After
they had Wang's sister, a violation of China's one-child policy for
which they had to pay a $150 fee, they started a small business to
supplement their farming income.
Now in their 40s, they rise at dawn every morning to sell duck
meat at the market. Almost their entire annual income of about $2,500
goes toward Wang's and his sister's education. Wang was the only one
from their 2,000-person village this year to go to college.
"No matter how hard our life is," said Wang's mother, "I still
feel happy letting them study." She never got beyond elementary school.
The sacrifices of his parents are not lost on Wang for a
moment. Like all Chinese children, he is expected to support his
parents when they grow old.
"I think it is a regret of my father to not have a chance to study, so
he pushed so much hope into me," Wang said. "The first time I get money
from employers, I will send that to my father."
Wang
Qian displays his nunchucks skills in Dalian, China, which is located
by the Bohai Sea. He says he started practicing the martial art because
as a small child it made him feel stronger.
(Beth Loyd/ABC News)
When Wang first arrived in Dalian, he experienced culture shock, as
many millions of rural migrants do in the cities. He couldn't
understand the local accent, and he suffered from homesickness and
insomnia.
Dalian is 1,200 miles away from his hometown, but light years
away in development. Often referred to as China's most livable city,
Dalian, with its light-rail system and high-tech investment, is also
one of the country's "model" cities.
Like many college-educated Chinese, Wang hopes to find a job in
Dalian or another big city upon graduation. But unrealistically high
expectations for pay and an influx of new graduates leaves one in three
college grads unemployed in China.
It is a major concern for all young Chinese. "Too many people, too few jobs," Wang said.
Christopher Davies, an English writing teacher at Dalian University,
says Chinese students are generally more focused on their studies than
students in the West.
"There is a distinct lack of creativity from these students,
but in terms of work ethic, it's incomparable," said Davies, a
Canadian. "These kids work hard and it's refreshing."
But the focus on studying leaves little time for other life experiences, according to Davies.
"The
students can't go to a bar," he said. "The social aspect is really
lacking here at this campus as well as most colleges in China, and the
students recognize that."
Keg parties, fraternities, even coed dorms are unheard of here.
On the rare opportunity that Wang, his girlfriend and friends leave
campus, they hang out at the mall and play video games or shop.
As in the United States, college is the first taste of freedom
for young Chinese adults, but they are quick to point out that their
lives are nothing like how they imagine campus life in America.
Wang and his friends had just seen the movie "American Pie" -- on illegal DVD, of course -- when we met them.
"[Americans] are more open-minded about relationships between male and
female students and their life seems more comfortable," said Ma Tian
Yu, one of Wang's friends.
"Every American is very optimistic," said Mei Ling Zhang, Wang's girlfriend. "No worries, [they] just live a happy life."
"I think America has a culture of acceptance," Wang said.
Wang and his friends say they think of power, freedom and
openness when they think of the United States, and some of them dream
of going there.
But not Wang. He says, at 21, he's too impressionable to be exposed to so many different ideas and cultures.
And even if he does work overseas one day, he said, "my heart will always live in this country because I am Chinese."
SOME COMMENTS:
The
unfortunate thing is that apparently, the reporter had two obvious
misconceptions:1) Chinese people cannot read the works of Mark Twain
and F. Scott Fitzgerald because Chinese government still censors what
people read.In fact, Mark Twain is well known to every educated
Chinese. I read some of his ADVENTURES OF TOM SAWYER (??.???) in my
Chinese lesson (obviously translated from English into Chinese) in
middle school back in early 80s. I later read it again and some of his
other work in my college reading book which is mid-80s. So I don't know
where the reporter got that idea.Chinese government does not censor
what people read because they simply cannot. They do censor what the
bookstores sell. However, so many shadow book dealers on the street of
China after dark practically selling anything, everything. The police
only cracks down when the government orders it to do so. Otherwise,
they just turned blind on this.The reporter really need to get on
www.amazon.cn to search and verify what has been banned and not banned
to make a credible and responsible comment.2) Bible is commonly
suppressed in officially atheist China.In fact, the Bible is publicly
on sale in every single Chinese bookstore. So I don't know where the
report got her idea from.I once know a Chinese minister here in
Richardson, Texas, who asked the Americans in his church to donate
money to buy all the Chinese Bibles in the quantity of hundreds. Then
he worked with the PRC Consulate here in Houston and sent all those to
the Christians in China, for free!I have friends and family members in
China practice Christianity without any problem. They all have
Bible.China does worry about Catholicism because it goes all the way to
Pope sitting in Rome. If the Pope waves his magic hand, it could end up
topple the Chinese government. On the other hand, it is very relaxed
towards Protestant branches.I know Chinese officials who openly admit
they are Buddahist, Christian and Muslim. Suppressing religion is the
past, not now. China cracks down cults, just like the US cracked down
Branch Dividian in Waco, Texas in 1993, and cracks down FLDS child sex
abuse now. In every country, there are people using religion as cover
to do unspeakable things such as sex abuse. China is not immune to this
problem, maybe even worse.I am deeply saddened by this story because
with the powerful position the reporter has, she conveyed a wrong image
of China to the American public. In addition, I am deeply worried that
the highly educated class, the reporter, the American elite class, has
so much misconception towards China today. No wonder the American media
often demonizes China because they simply know very little about China
today.I am eager to communicate to this reporter who wrote this story,
and those Americans who read this story and have wrong impression of
China today, so I left my email address here.China has a dark history
of culture revolution, etc. But China is not the what it was yesterday
or 50 years ago or even one year ago. China is changing fast, very
fast!C. Robin GanPlano, TXC.Robin.Gan@Gmail.Com
I
love both USA and China. I had degree from both American and Chinese
colleges, so I know how things work in both countries. Amercian college
students work very hard too. They are not all party animals. Many of
them are very hard working as well. Compare to Chinese students,
Amercian students also enjoy life. Their life is not just textbooks,
but other hobbies. A computer science student can be a poet or a film
maker. This is not going to happen in China soon. In China, generally
speaking, a computer student is just a comptuer student, they don't
study or love other fields. I think after another decade, it will
probably happen. After all, they are looking up to Western culture and
education system. True, it's easier to get into American college, but
it's not that easy to get out. I worked harder in Amercian college.
American is not always reporting negative news about China. I've seen
many positive news on China reporting as well. Have you seen the newest
issue of National Geographic? They have entire issue dedicated to China
now and then. Again, I love USA and its people. There are many kind and
hard working people that make this a great country. I think Chinese
students who come here study shouldn't just learn its technologies, but
its culture. Make friends with Amerian people, learn their culture.
This country is not just about pop culture, party and cocktail.
Oops,
almost forgot another thing I have to point out: Saying that English
literature is under government control is absolutely RIDICULOUS! I
won't waster too many words on this issue. You can test it by yourself
in a simple way: visit Amazon China website: www.amazon.cn, then search
"Mark Twain", or "Scott Fitzgerald", you will get a lot of them! Come
on! Check it out by yourself!
This
article is an objective one. But there is one thing I have to correct:
Bible is NOT suppressed in China, there are many Bible related books
that you can buy in public book stores. I have read some of those books
and know many stories recorded in the Bible. I am Chinese and I grew up
in Harbin City in northeast China. There are many churches in the city,
most of them were built before the communist party took power. But
there are also some new churches built in recent years. Now there are
more and more churches and Christians in my home town. The fact is that
people in China do have the freedom of religion as long as they don't
try to subvert the current regime. It is true that Chinese people do
not have the same amount of freedom as Americans do, but in the past 30
years (I am 30 years old, and I was born when the Cultural Revolution
ended and China opened herself to the world), I have personally
witnessed how China has changed for better dramatically. People's lives
have become much much better than 30 years ago, which is a huge
achievement. I know that China is still not a democratic country yet,
but we can not expect that to happen over night, right? USA became what
it is now after more than 200 years. I received my graduate education
in USA, and I love USA deeply. The Americans are fortunate to live in
such a free and democratic country. I chose to come back to China after
graduation (more and more Chinese students in USA do the same) for the
same reason as said by Wang Qian: my heart will always live in China
because I am an Chinese. I hope I can do something to help China get
better.
Thanks
to Qian. Your story recalls me a lot of my college sotries. My english
writing is simple, because I even do not pass the CET-6(College English
Test Band Six) in China. Two years ago, I was studying my engineering
course in the university and calculating the cost of three meals every
day, I rarely step out the campus for shopping, tourism and party, it
was really a poor life. But I prefer it, because it is much more
comfortable than my high school life, I slept six or seven hours per
day including noon rest to win the chance for university during that
time. Do you have the same experience? Althoug I do not believe gods, I
believe “better effort, better effect”. I wish you have a life. By the
way, I am now in Shanghai, my E-mail is caitou2002#126.com, “caitou” is
my nickname on internet, if you need a hand, send mail to me.
This
is a good story. I am a ordinary Chinese studying in US. Many people
have already pointed out that it is wrong to say that religion and free
access to English literature is a problem in China. I agree with them.
My parents in law are Christicians. They read Bible every day and go to
church every weekend. No problem for them at all. As regards to English
literature, I read many English novels when I was a high school
student. My family background is better than Wang's, but I can
definitely understand his feelings. A lot of Chinese are studying hard
and working hard to make their lives better. Wang is one of the
examples. I think China still has many political or social problems.
But it also have had great progress in the last 30 years in both
economy and social lifes. Kids in poor families definitely have equal
opportunities to have a decent job and become rich if they study hard
or work hard. Isn't it a big progress?In my opinion, both Chinese and
Americans love peace, freedom, and their own countries. But Chinese
definitely know more about Americans than Americans know about Chinese.
Chinese have a better sense of the whole world.
I
was impressed with Mr. Wang's determination to make something of
himself. He is the modern vision of a new China. The growth of China
today is a reminder of a China during the T'ang Dynasty when China
opened to the World for business. Mr. Wang is an ambassador for the new
China that is just growing into maturity. Mr. Wang, I would like to
have your e-mail for correspondence.
As
a Chinese who has lived in the U.S. for nearly 10 years, I was very
moved and impressed by this interview and Mr. Wang's performance. I
like the entire interview except the first paragraph because like many
people have pointed out, the first paragraph is simply plain old and
out-of-touch view of China and Chinese government. To set the record
right, in nearly every English language department of every Chinese
college, Mark Twain, F. Scott Fitzgerald and many more American and
British writers' works, are part of the reading and writing cirriculum
whether you like it or not. I remember watching "The Graduate" and
"Toosie" as part of my American culture class even 16 years ago. Yes,
1992 when I was in college, and even many years before that, these
great works have always been part of some college's cirriculum. Many
people have set the record about "the Bible" right, so I won't repeat
that. I was very impressed with Wang Qian's English and his flawless
pronounciation. He is definitely 10,000 times better than me 16 years
ago. This quality has to be attributed to Wang's hard work and tens of
thousands of foreign teachers working in China. Basically, my point is
after living in the US for so long, I have discovered that in average,
Chinese are more informed of American culture and society than
Americans are of Chinese culture. I hope more and more Americans who
have traveled abroad can bring back more accurate and truthful
information about other nations. More mutual understanding can only
lead to positive and healthy growth of this great country.
Wang. What is your email so that I can contact you? Thanks.
*********
WE ARE COLLECTING QUESTIONS FOR WANG BOTH ON THIS COMMENTS PAGE AS WELL
AS ON FACEBOOK. WE WILL BE SUBMITTING THEM TO HIM TOMORROW SO PLEASE
SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS! THANK YOU. ************
Dear
Wang Qian: I was very impressed by your story and hard work. Maybe I
can help you if you decide to study in the US. Drop me a message. Bill
william_masten@hotmail.com
HI,
I am a Chinese. It is not true what this reporter said about 'Bible' in
this issue.<br>My grandmother has been believing Christianity for
almost 10 years. She demanded of our kids to pray to Jesus before
dining in her house. <br>My grandmother, a unlettered old woman,
learning a lot of words from the Bible and hymnbook. I thought Jesus
gave her that energy.<br>After she went out of this world, her
friends of Christianity surrounded the coffin, singing the song I
didn't know. But I knew, she must be very peaceful at that moment.
Another
idiotic article written by a mindless, uninformed journalist. The Bible
is widely available in China and not in any way "suppressed". It's too
bad Americans are still robotically accepting wacky unsubstantiated
stories about China without the ability to critically reflect. It's
good that the Chinese are becoming more educated than before. Too bad
that doesn't seem to be the case with American journalists. This
article looks like it had been written by a 10th grader doing her
geography project.
I
am a 27-year-old common Chinese.I definitely disagree with the argument
that the Bible is commonly suppressed in officially atheist China.If
only you like it,you can buy it from the bookstore,even through the
internet.The reason many people don't read it is that they simply don't
like it.Not because our government still censors what we read.Just like
people don't like something innately,there's no reason.I admire
Amercian culture,I admire the western culture,but it doesn't mean I
should throw away my own culture.Nothing is perfect.All we can do is
merge the eastern and western culture to make a difference in our
lives.And Wang Qian,good for you.I bet you will absolutely succeed in
the futrue with your good discipline.Best wishs,Alvin
Hello,.I
am not Mr.wang.I am just a young Chinese and an audience of ABC
website.First,i am very surprised that a news on a common college
student can attract so many American people attentions.It was reported
that there were 4.95 million college students graduation.And at least
half of them had the similar situation with Mr.wang.They came from
remote small villages. Parents are farmers.Although there are aided
found for poor students in their local areas,the aid amount is not
enough.I remember that our village committee sent 200RMB to my father
when i was admitted by a college from Qingdao in 2001.But the tuition
each year costed 3600RMB.Including living and eating,the fee was up to
10,000RMB each year.And my parent's annual income was about
10,000RMB.Every time,when i went home and saw my mom older and
older,have more and more white hair,i always got wet eyes.Besides the
fierce competition,another reason that Chinese students study hard is
that they have parents eager eyes behind them.They have to work hard
and stand out among his fellows. Maybe it is a big difference between
American college students and Chinese college students.This is also why
most of successful men have poor backgrounds.If you know Chinese
,especially Chinese from remote and poor areas,you will know China
better.After all,there are 0.9billion peasants in China.From this
issue,in my opinion,Americans are a little panic about Chinese young
generations thought more mature than American peers.A suggestion on
ABC:It is a good signal to see an American mainstream media reporting
an ordinary Chinese college student.An common thing in China,triggers a
hot discussion in US.It is worthy consideration.Besides criticising
Chinese government's policies,pollution,food safety,Tibet ,human
rights,i hope that i can see reports like this in the future.My email
address is rocky_chow2003@yahoo.com.If anyone wanna know more China,i
would like to communicate with you from what i've seen and
experienced.Thanks.
Hello,warm-kind
American people.I am not Mr.wang.I am just a young Chinese and an
audience of ABC website.First,i am very surprised that a news on a
common collegue student can attract so many American people
attentions.It was reported that there were 4.95 million college
students graduation.And at least half of them had the similar situation
with Mr.wang.They came from remote small villages. Parents are
farmers.Although there are aided found for poor students in their local
areas,the aid amount is not enough.I remember that our village
committee sent 200RMB to my father when i was admitted by a college
from Qingdao in 2001.But the tuition each year costed 3600RMB.Including
living and eating,the fee was up to 10,000RMB each year.And my parent's
annual income was about 10,000RMB.Every time,when i went hom and saw my
mom older and older,have more and more white hair,i always got a wet
eyes.Besides the fierce competition,another reason that Chinese
students study hard is that they have parents eager eyes behind
them.They have to work hard and stand out among his fellows. Maybe it
is a big difference between American college student and Chinese
college students.This is also why most of successful men have poor
backgrounds.If you know Chinese ,especially Chinese from remote and
poor areas,you will know China better.After all,there are 0.9billion
peasants in China.From this issue,in my opinion,Americans are a little
panic about Chinese young generations thought more mature than American
peers.A suggestion on ABC:It is a good signal to see an American
mainstream media reporting an ordinary Chinese college student.An
common thing in China,triggers a hot discussion.It is worthy
consideration.Besides criticising Chinese government's
policy,pollution,food safety,Tibet ,human right,i hope that i can see
reports like this in the future.My email address is
rocky_chow2003@yahoo.com.If anyone wanna know more China,i would like
to communicate with you from what i've seen.
I
am a retired American educator who is teaching Oral English at Liaoning
Normal University in Dalian PRC. First, I want you to know that my
students all take a course in the Bible and in Bible Literature. An
article in China Daily reported that more than 50 million Bibles have
been printed in China in the #### few years and that more Bibles are
printed in China than any other country. In addition, the article cited
the existance of about 20 seminaries in China. Two weeks ago, there was
a feature story in China Daily about a retired couple working at a
seminary in Nanjing.The English books mentioned in the story are all
widely available in the university library. I do find that my 21 to 22
year old students are much more socially repressed than American
students. Their focus is definately academic, not boyfriends, working,
or cars. Their view of their parents (filial piety) is ingrained in the
Chinese culture. Their dormitory conditions are spartan to say the
least. They must be in the dorm by 10:00 p.m. and the electricity to
their rooms is cut at 10:30. They aren't allowed hair dryers, tvs,
refrigerators, or microwaves. My students must all be outside, reading
their English aloud at 6:30 each morning and they are not alowed to cut
class unless they get permission from an official. They do not have hot
water in the dorm and go to a bath house once or twice a week to bathe.
My blog documents these remarks: http://steveschina.spaces.live.com/
Dear
Wang Qian, You are a wonderful, amazing and inspiring young man and I
will not soon forget your story. I am only sorry that your keen
intelligence, hard work and achievement means that you must be
separated from your family. You and they are sacrificing so much, but
of course, this is what you must do. Your girlfriend also seems like a
very intelligent and good person, and I truly wish both of you every
happiness and success. I hope we will hear what happens for you! Best
of luck!
This
story is quite misleading. First of all, British and American
literature is widely available in all cities in China. Just walk into
any Xinhua Bookstore (the state run one) and go up to the forieign
language section. Furthermore, ask a student where he or she got her
English name, the response may well be "I just love Emily Bronte".
There is no censorship or control over what students read in this
matter. Only when subjects touch on Chinese politics do the censorers
come in.Knowledge of the Bible is also pervasive among Chinese
students. I met two of my sophomore students coming out of the
bookstore and they showed me their "bible story" books that they had
purchased. Their professor had asked them to do research for better
understanding about American culture. Right, Chinese students are not
like American students. They don't get drunk so often, but they do have
lives. They take out student loans, they get part time jobs, they go to
bars, have girlfriends and boyfriends and yes, they "go all the way".
Some of them are naive about the West, but more and more they are right
on target. Their understanding of us far surpasses our understanding of
them as this article shows so well. I'm not surprised that ABC picked
up on this report and ran with it. It continues to perpetuate our
favorite myths about the Chinese.
This
story is pleasant but quite misleading. For starters, classics of
American and British Literature are available widely in China. Go to
any bookstore and you will find them there in the foreign language
section. You will also find current fiction, though much of it is not
very good. To say that the government censors what people read is a
joke nowadays. While books do go through screening before being
published, only in extreem cases is anything changed or omitted. This
is usually when something about China is expressed, such as in the case
of the biographies of American candidates. AS far as editting or
preventing anyone from reading classic literature...it is widely
available in it's original form--and cheap so most students can afford
it.The "surprise" at Wang's knowledge of the Bible is naive at best.
IOne day I met two of my students at the Xinhua bookstore in downtown
Chongqing. They had just come out of the bookstore and were reluctant
to show me what they had bought. I thought maybe they had picked up the
Chinese copy of Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus. Finally, a
student pulled out a Chinese version of "the big book of Bible
stories". Their teacher had asked them to do some research so that they
could better understand Western religious and moral attitudes. Religion
is limited but not supressed in China. In every city there are many
churches where ordinary citizens go to worship. In the city of
Chongqing, there must be 10 major churches and who knows how many
smaller ones--in the countryside where people can not afford to build a
church, they have home worship groups, a practice that is also common
in rural S. Korea.It was not a surprise that ABC news picked up on this
story and ran with it. It continues to uphold a condescending view of
China students and society. While Wang is a student to be admired, my
exprience teaching in China tells me there are far brighter, far
spunkier to be found.
Hello
Wang, I enjoyed watching your story on ABC news. You should be very
proud of your self. You handled yourself beautifully and showed much
respect to your family and your father. I too have taken care of my
mother for the last 20 years it is an honor to help your parents not a
burden. I know you will be very successful. Remember to focus on what
you want and ignore what you don't want. I recommend that you study
success as much as you study anything. Eduction will earn you a living
self education will earn you a fortune.Very best, Malibu California
The
program said we can come to this website to find information on
contacting Wang... where can I find that information? Or is this where
we post messages to Wang?
Welcomemars,
I did not mean I am disappointed in US. Some Chinese immigrants have
voted by their feet to find more chances to contribute to the society,
and maybe also easier promotion to the elite class. But I feel I can
contribute more to science by doing it in US. From all the kindest
wishes I read here, I do not agree most americans are very
close-minded. I walked through the exact path: born in a remote village
and my parents even borrowed money from relatives to pay my college,
and they do not wish me to payback. I am rather shocked to read all
these kindest wishes here. These are also kindest wishes to me when I
was in China's college. It is a personal growth to get mature. Not
everything will be smooth in any country. Hope US media can have more
reports like this to show the kindness of American people.
Dear
Wang,Thanks for sharing your insight from Dalian. I have traveled there
often from Oregon State in the U.S. It is a beautiful city and I
believe you will have great opportunity there as a student of English.
Intel, the large U.S. computer chip manufacturewr, is building a new
plant there soon and other U.S. companies are sure to follow.I am sorry
that the young Chinese students feel like we have too much influence
over Chinese culture. I don't believe it is an intentional act on the
part of the U.S. citizens to influence Chinese culture. I believe it is
simply the result of a shrinking world and access to mainstream media
that has been so heavily edited in China before.I hope you and your
friends will be open to some of the good parts of Western culture and
will adopt a policy of taking the good and leaving the bad.Good luck
with your studies and maybe I'll see you the next time I am in
Dalian.Mr. Richards
Dear
Wang, After hearing your english, you have nothing to fret, it darn
near perfect. As for the youth in American, vs China, I agree with you
about the views that they tend to be liberal. Id only add that its not
a majority, but neither is the conversative wing a majority. Most kids
will go with the flow, until they are pressed and then then take a
stand. Most Western schools from the time the country was founded to
the ones in France before the French Revol., are bed of free thinkers
and yes, liberal views.Once one get into the job market, those liberal
views tend to meld into moderation and as one get older, into
conservatism. As for does America have an impact on China, or the other
way around...hmmm. Being Im not in China, and being I dont see much of
a sway in the political thinking as far as freedom of speech etc, I
find it hard to see how America has impact. Other than in materialistic
views, which are counter to the basic view of Lenin etc.As for Chinese
impact on the States, I can tell you, that chinese culture is in our
daily lives in the major cities.Did you know that Toronto has a very
large population of Chinese? That the best Chinese Rest. are not in NYC
or Chicago, but in SF and Seattle. That the Chinese views on family,
and hard work that dating back toearly America is in our daily lives.
This is not to say other immigrants didnt have those views, but on the
West Coast, and into central US, Chinese culture and foods and thought
travel with the building of the railroad.So, yes, China did, and does
have an impact on America to this day, Chinese culture is part of the
American Fabric that makes us who we are, for better or worse. All the
best, and good luck in your future.Anton MastNew Jersey
I
got chills as I listened to this young man store. If only our 21 year
old Americans could learn some great discipline from Mr. Qian. Life is
just not about the lastest fashions, coolest cars, and the hottiest
party spots. This young man is preparing for the future and our younth
are falling by the waist side. I would like to say to Mr. Qian keep up
the good work it will pay off in the end. You will reap the benefits
from your hard work. I pray that my young children will be as
passionate about their future as you are when they reach your age.
Chinese
student look at US like western people look at tibet or Dalai Lama.
they keep dreaming the best thing about US's power, freedom and
openness. but when they face the the real US one day, they will see
most american r very cute, but they r very close-minded, just like ABC,
CNN, BBC......keep making lies about China, and ask people to hit
Chinese and China.....this is the only way that they tell americans
that US is the greatest country in the world.
Dear
Wang, I was very moved by your parents devotion to you and your family.
You must be very proud to have such wonderful parents. I was equally
moved at your return of devotion to them when you stated that when they
are old that you will care for them. I would like to know if you
receive scholarships in your country? Would a business or organization
pay for your school if you are an exceptional student?
Wang
Qian,On ABC news television, I say your interview with the media. As a
viewer, I agree with you on what you said about when you graduate from
college. As a KID, we were always within the sound of our parents
voice. I think you will love the city. And, I believe your father will
be only a phone call away when you persue your intelecutual
endeavours.My brother is a Director of Undergraduate studies at a
University in state, College, Pennsylvania. I live only a boro away
from where my mom lives. And, my sister is a mom. I took Tai Chi when I
was working at an area hospital emergency room. It is a good
discipline. I am a graduate from the University of Pittsburgh in the
1980's. Best of wishes for a very good future.
WongWell
done, you outlook on life and your dedication to your parents is
inspiring. You are not that much different then most young Americans.
Hard work and dedication at least in the US will take you fare. I hope
you get the same chances in China. Keep up the hard work.Boise,Idaho
Dear
Mr. Qian ! Your parents are making sure that you get " the best
Education", which is quite admirable. They are making the ultimate
sacrifice for you. Your Dad's love for you is much more greater than
agape. Perhaps, your ears are burning for him to say "I love you Qian"
But in true, his emotional affection for you is blatantly there. I know
some times, you just wishes to hear him say those three works to you,
but may be for him--it's too overwhelming--may be he cannot utter those
words, but his actions--tells it all.! Much luck with your educational
goals. If he is having difficulties saying "I love you Qian" Then the
next time , you chat with him, you say, "I love you dad"P.S. I do plan
to visit your Anhui within the next year!
Wanshang
Hao Xiansheng Qian,I found your story on the US ABC News to be quite
interesting.You are on the right track. Education is everything!!!
Especially in a new GLOBAL economy. Please realize that your employment
may very well not be in your home country, but any place in the
world!!! You will have the necessary education and the qualifications.
It is a matter of making your resume or information available.I visited
China last October due to work committment, but found Shanghai and the
Chinese people very interesting and friendly. I am currently employed
by a major US automobile manufacturer and was required to travel to
your country. I was so impressed that I actually finished my first
semester of the Chinese language at my local university. I will
continue in this regard during the summer months utilizing the web and
Chinese language forums, and the second class in the fall semester.I
wish you the very best of luck. Please tell your parents I said hello
and I wish them very much good health and happiness, because they are
the true heros for you and your sister!!!!Kind
Regards,Nickfishfax1@aol.com
Hello
Wong! Your story touched my heart and brought tears to my eyes. I have
the greatest respect for China and its people. My family toured China
and had the opportunity to see both the wealth and poverty of your
beautiful country. But it was the people that won my heart. I found
them strong, proud and hard working. The elemetary school we visited
puts America's schools to shame. The children were disciplined and
eager to learn. No government is perfect but I think China and America
could learn much from each other. With your wonderful attitude you will
do well in the future. You spoke the english language very well ...
maybe you should come to America and teach english, we could use your
help.
Mr.
Qian, I just saw you on the news. I want to applaud you for your
positive attitude on life and determination. You are a American term,
"go-getter". I know you will go far and suceed in life. I wish I had
your drive!! it was uplifting.My son 16yr old sat down and watched it
closely! I talk to him so much about the importance of his
education.sincerely Norma, retired USAF.
Dear
Wang, I am a teacher of students in America who are 12,13, and 14 years
of age. I am going to share your story with them in my classroom
tomorrow because they need many examples of what the real world is
like. They are not as appreciative of the free education they receive
as they should be. You are a very well-brought up young man and I
admire your courage and determination. You will go far. Best wishes to
you for a wonderful life.
Wang
Qian , Although we live in different countries and have different
cultures. The Mrs and I wish you and your friends the very best.
College can be a little hectic for email friends but, you and your
friends are more than welcome to contact us at KnightFromPa@aol.com
Knightfrompa is also our myspace ID. Frederick & Abby
Hello
Wang or ABC Editors,I was very impressed with your comments about life.
I especially enjoyed your comments about taking care of your family
when you are employed.Is ther a way to email you, Wang?
I so agree with you. I sometimes feel that Americans think that they are indestucable and no one can ever be as powerful.
Mr.
Qian: I watched ABC evening News and enjoyed your story much. I am
currently considering coming to China as a teacher and stories like
yours are certainly encouraging. I am an internationally published
author and I am currently looking to have a nonfiction adventure book
published and I believe I will start in the Chineese market. While I do
have an agent, I have decided not to renew the contract so this book
needs an agent. I am willing to give you the agents cut (15%) for
finding a publisher in China to have it printed in Chineese and English
for the Chineese market. if you are interested please contact me at
jallbrig@iupui.edu. Thanks, Anthony Allbright
Wong,As
a small-town girl who also left my hometown to go to college in the big
city, I was very inspired by your drive and ambition to be successful.
I think that if you never lose sight of your goals and keep striving to
accomplish all that you hope for, you will make it to the U.S. Good
luck in the future. Katie
From
Singer,NH<USA.. To Wang,Itwas great to see your story and thoughts
here.wish you best of luck,know China is changing and growing
always,and it is not just the USA that has input in China,but also
China has input in the USA..Many of us listen and read news from
China.and feel an afinity to a good ,educated and as well hard working
people,who have great admiration for family...Understand much will
change with China and USA in the future,pray we will always be growing
friends,tis best for the world and for all peoples.Good luck with Games
coming,tis correct to have a National pride!
Hello Wang. I wish you the best in life. Take care. My emaill address is :wbrown@beaumont.k12.tx.us
What
a great story.America would be wise to embrace the Chinese people as
brothers.It is easy to point the finger.Believe me you don't have all
the rights here like you think.America's future rests on how they
interact with China.The future of human beings will be determined on
this one issue.China is ready is Amercia?We better smarting up and
realize that we won't get far with the paths that we have already
took.We need to get out of the war business and get into the people
business.China and America have the potential to make this a world John
Lennon would be proud of.potpolitics.com
I
admire this young man, his love for his family and the desire to help
his familiy. That is one selfless young man. I wish him all the best
and thank you for this article on him. Gy1USMC.
For
some reason this story hit me emotionally cause I know that America
will bobble and not fully take advantage of the power of China to their
peril.I like the Chinese would love to go their one day.America better
be smart and do whatever they can to insure we never face China in a
war.It would be wise to welcome the Chinese as brothers and enjoy a
peaceful future.The future of humans depends on it-potpolitics.com
Hello
Wong! My wife and I were impressed by your positive remarks and your
energy. You will do well in your life. If you get to the US, we would
like to hear from you, OK? Contact me at
http://www.felinedesign.net/getanswers.htm -Tommy
Hi Wong! You are welcome here in the USA! It was great so see your story & good luck to you from Philadelphia!
Profoundly
agree. I am now thankful to every place I ever lived, especially
thankful to America where I live now. But I dreamed about America too
much when I was in China's college. I do not mean the VOA lied to me. I
do not even blame VOA played a misleading role. I mean it is own my
fault that I dreamed too much about America. Perhaps I was also too
negative about China. I thought I can solve all the problem if I leave
China. I thought America is a heaven and everything in America is very
fair and very nice.
You'll
be surprised how easily the Chinese can get in hold of English
Literature and other things that is supposed to be 'censored' in China.
The infamous chinese firewall can easily be bypassed. Most Chinese have
a favorable impression of the US, even more impressive than what an
average American think of their own country. Which is more than what an
Average American thinks of China.