Fun With Terms!
Reading this recent piece in The Washington Post about China's "Marxist" journalism schools, I am reminded how well certain countries twist and obfuscate the meanings of normally clear political terms. To wit, here is a Chinese lexicon:
Marxism: a system of economics in which market capitalism is encouraged and practiced most effectively by members of the Communist Party
the rule of law: a legal structure that applies to most men, excluding those in the Standing Committee of the Politburo
democracy: a system of government in which free press, freedom of speech, and full freedom of religion are prohibited, as well as national elections in which members of different parties may compete.
People's Republic: a type of government in which "the people", defined as those not involved in the government, have no say in determining the policies that affect their lives.
harmonious society: a society in which criticism of the government is discouraged and penalized.
autonomous region: a geographical region under direct control of Beijing.
overseas Chinese: ethnic Chinese born and raised in foreign countries
Have I forgotten any?
January 6th, 2008 - 02:46
Overseas Chinese translates into what? Hua Qiao or Hua Ren? Hua Qiao refers to PRC/ROC nationals living in foreign countries; Hua Ren refers to “ethnic Chinese”.