Letters and Blogs

Biases on rocket launch plain to read

Comment on the article "Satellite launch sparks conflicting claims" (China Daily website, April 6)

The truth is, the rocket that was launched tried to put a satellite into orbit.

Desirable or not, The DPRK has the right to do that. Diplomatic negotiations would be far more effective than triggering ignorant outcries from the media.

From what I've read in the Western media, it started with a theory that such a rocket could be used to launch long-range nuclear missiles. After that, every report began to refer to it as a hostile move.

Sensationalized language makes the public see it in a negative light. For example, one particular article referred to it as a "missile" initially only to switch to "rocket" when it later mentioned that it tried to send its satellite to orbit.

This is the sort of fear-mongering I come across all the time.

I strongly believe it is what polarizes opinion in the East and West today, and I hope Western countries can be more professional in their reporting. I'm not from China but I also try to do what I can to reduce unnecessary bias wherever I am.

Reader

on China Daily website

Time to rethink hoe look at China

What I was taught about China and what I have experienced in China do not match. I am an American expat living and teaching in Guangdong Province. (I'm here with my wife and a three-year-old son.)

I often ask my students what they have heard about America and marvel at how their perceptions differ from reality.

It's the same with me when I consider what I learned about China (as a student many years ago).

It's quite strange how a country that outlaws guns, gives ample vacation time, that encourages family togetherness, that allows for playtime and personal fun, can be portrayed as so evil.

Given America's stressful living, materialism, violence and snobbery, I think it's time for me to re-think many things I have been taught.

As for me, I am finally living in a country I can call "home".

Philip Curcio

Via email

Beware cultural exclusion

Comment on the article "FM expresses concern over Chinese victims in shooting" (China Daily, April 6)

Several lessons are emerging that all nations can learn from. First we must take mental illness seriously.

This man, like the recent Canadian beheading attacker and Virginia Tech shooter, had been recognized as mentally ill by friends and neighbors.

Yet distance and shame kept all involved from seeking help.

And secondly, we must take cultural integration more seriously. This Vietnamese immigrant had never properly learned English, and the US had not done enough to ensure he did.

Language barriers often leave people feeling ostracized. In this case Wong was ridiculed even by his own countrymen.

Humiliation is a leading cause of violence.

Guns of course are a problem, but it is easy to oversimplify here. South Africa bans guns, and yet is a world leader in murder.

So yes, treat gun ownership cautiously, but don't jump to simple conclusions to complex problems.

Kate

on China Daily website

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(China Daily 04/09/2009 page9)