Years ago I attended a public lecture given by a world famous linguist, Michael Halliday. The topic was about English being an International Language. The lecture was fully packed with about 2000 people.
Factors for a language to become an international language include
- its global political status
- its economic power
- its native speakers
- others
The first two factors are quite clear. The third one is interesting. How native speakers respond to foreigners using their language has an impact on its popularity among learners. One of the things Prof. Halliday has mentioned was that native speakers of English in general are tolerant of foreigners' mistakes and inaccuracies in using English. This, I find is largely true.
It is not uncommon to see that native speakers show patience in trying to understand foreigners expressing themselves in English. They show appreciation and are rather unreserved in giving compliments when foreigners are using English to communicate regardless of their fluency and proficiency.
For learners, this is a token of acceptance. And it will help learners build confidence, which in turn will encourage learners to continue to learn and use the language.
I only wish English teachers in Hong Kong would be like that. Then students would behave more positively in learning the language. Yes, teachers should aim high - that students should be able to use the language correctly and speak it beautifully without mistakes. But in reality, we need to remind ourselves that even educated native speakers of any langauges make mistakes.
Any educated native speakers of any languages would make pronunciation errors, grammatical and spelling mistakes. It's only natural. If it's natural for native speakers, why would some non-native speakers criticise other non-native speakers so mercilessly? What do they want to prove? One incident I came across is the use of the structure 'Although ...but...'. Well, it's not grammtically correct, but I don't see the severity as some 'teachers of English' in Hong Kong do. One said, 'That's an unforgivable mistake and must be penalised.'
Another example which I find very funny is what I call 'double comparative', for example 'more better'. If you say that to any non-native English teachers in Hong Kong in oral exams or interviews, you are dead. Yet, you hear it in normal or casual conversations among native speakers. After hearing John (an educated native speaker of English) say 'more better' for many times over a number of years, I once challenged him and told him that he was wrong. He thought for a while and said, 'Yes, it might be wrong, but we do that. Of course, you don't say that in formal circumstances. Hey, just relax; people don't speak like teachers in daily situations. That's very unnatural and sounds horrible.'
I beleive it is really not necessary to pick on students and other people who make some language mistakes and blow it up unproportionally as if it is something fatal or lethal.
Many people choose to learn English because they like the 'flexibility'. They don't have to be perfect users. They like the feeling that as long as they can get their message across, the native English speakers are happy and they will not be discriminated against because of the mistakes they make or the accent they carry.
English teachers may want to remember that picking on learners and other non-native speakers unnecessarily and ruthlessly will not prove that your English is better. It will only discourage students and confuse users. To view it from another angle, if educated native speakers make mistakes when using their own language, why can't foreigners make mistakes?! What langauge users don't make mistakes?
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
What language(s) do you WANT to speak?
Learning a language could be a most boring thing to many. But we need it! When I was a child, my grandmum used to tell us that her mother (that's my great grandmother) viewed language learning no more than a survival skill - write your name and read the street names!
Being able to master a language could be a status symbol in colonial times. I grew up in Hong Kong - a British colony once. Of course, at that time, the official language (or ruling language) was English. To top it off, big businesses operations and high class professions were conducted in English. Chinese (or the Cantonese dialect), on the other hand, naturally became an underclass item. So, it is not hard to visualise what the society was like. If you could speak the ruling language well, you could get a job easier, line up for promotion faster, and thus move up the social ladder quicker.
Because of English's unusual status in society due to the 'special' historical background, there was an abnormal phenomenon - people pretended not to know Chinese. It was very funny. Young people returning to HK after spending a few years in English speaking countries (probably got stuck in Chinatown anyway) would tell you that they forgot how to speak Chinese and of course, they couldn't read and write it anymore. The funniest thing was - when they did speak the language (definitely more comfortable for them and for the listeners), they twisted their accents to something like a foreigner speaking the language. That was hilarious and it was pure joy to watch them act and embarrasss themselves (to me, not to them).
I wonder how often and where would one find people pretending not to know their own native language and feel pride in not knowing it?
Well, it's very sad. China was fully wrapped up in all sorts of political movements and activities during the first 40 years of its establisment, and that had left them economically, academically, socially (and in many other areas) extremely backward. Also, because of its communist rule and isolation from the international community, China was not a desirable nation to many of its western counterparts. So, to many Hong Kongers, the Chinese langauge was not a favourable identity.
After the cultural revolution, because many people suffered too much during that time and they lost hope and optimism for their future in China, many of them were somehow very desperate to get out of the place and go somewhere else where there would be peace, jobs, food, shelter, stability, justice, hope and of course, freedom and humanity. Their destination - US / UK - English speaking countries.
I believe that it just followed that English would somehow symbolise all those good things they imagined or dreamed... That further pushed up the desirability of the English language (and thus English speaking people) among a significant part of the Chinese population in Hong Kong.
This has since (even now) created another very strange, funny and down right embarassing phenomenon - that anyone who looks caucasian (From Brazilian to Russian, from those who are illerate to highly educated, from beggars to professionals) can easily find a highly paid English teaching job in Hong Kong - they only need to look 'western'. That will do!
That's beyond sad!
From early on, I have developed an interest in language learning and I am fortunate that I never feel bored in language learning and I believe I have a little talent in languages. I made good grades in any languages that I learned (Chinese, English, French and German) and I am proud of it.
I am glad that I could enjoy the fruits of being able to communicate in several languages. I used to struggle to feel right about my own mother tongue. It was hard! But since learning other foreign languages, I feel emancipated.
Now, I will laugh at and at times, look down on those people who try hard not to learn and speak their own native language when growing up in their own country. I would even avoid those people because I believe if they feel so inferior about their true identity, how could I trust them?
Next time, I will talk about how some people pick on foreigners who speak their language - That's another funny story!
Being able to master a language could be a status symbol in colonial times. I grew up in Hong Kong - a British colony once. Of course, at that time, the official language (or ruling language) was English. To top it off, big businesses operations and high class professions were conducted in English. Chinese (or the Cantonese dialect), on the other hand, naturally became an underclass item. So, it is not hard to visualise what the society was like. If you could speak the ruling language well, you could get a job easier, line up for promotion faster, and thus move up the social ladder quicker.
Because of English's unusual status in society due to the 'special' historical background, there was an abnormal phenomenon - people pretended not to know Chinese. It was very funny. Young people returning to HK after spending a few years in English speaking countries (probably got stuck in Chinatown anyway) would tell you that they forgot how to speak Chinese and of course, they couldn't read and write it anymore. The funniest thing was - when they did speak the language (definitely more comfortable for them and for the listeners), they twisted their accents to something like a foreigner speaking the language. That was hilarious and it was pure joy to watch them act and embarrasss themselves (to me, not to them).
I wonder how often and where would one find people pretending not to know their own native language and feel pride in not knowing it?
Well, it's very sad. China was fully wrapped up in all sorts of political movements and activities during the first 40 years of its establisment, and that had left them economically, academically, socially (and in many other areas) extremely backward. Also, because of its communist rule and isolation from the international community, China was not a desirable nation to many of its western counterparts. So, to many Hong Kongers, the Chinese langauge was not a favourable identity.
After the cultural revolution, because many people suffered too much during that time and they lost hope and optimism for their future in China, many of them were somehow very desperate to get out of the place and go somewhere else where there would be peace, jobs, food, shelter, stability, justice, hope and of course, freedom and humanity. Their destination - US / UK - English speaking countries.
I believe that it just followed that English would somehow symbolise all those good things they imagined or dreamed... That further pushed up the desirability of the English language (and thus English speaking people) among a significant part of the Chinese population in Hong Kong.
This has since (even now) created another very strange, funny and down right embarassing phenomenon - that anyone who looks caucasian (From Brazilian to Russian, from those who are illerate to highly educated, from beggars to professionals) can easily find a highly paid English teaching job in Hong Kong - they only need to look 'western'. That will do!
That's beyond sad!
From early on, I have developed an interest in language learning and I am fortunate that I never feel bored in language learning and I believe I have a little talent in languages. I made good grades in any languages that I learned (Chinese, English, French and German) and I am proud of it.
I am glad that I could enjoy the fruits of being able to communicate in several languages. I used to struggle to feel right about my own mother tongue. It was hard! But since learning other foreign languages, I feel emancipated.
Now, I will laugh at and at times, look down on those people who try hard not to learn and speak their own native language when growing up in their own country. I would even avoid those people because I believe if they feel so inferior about their true identity, how could I trust them?
Next time, I will talk about how some people pick on foreigners who speak their language - That's another funny story!
Monday, November 5, 2007
Biting back
Recently I have read a news article in an Australian newspaper about some aboriginal people from Fitzroy Crossing moving to Broome for the convenience of buying full strength beer.
To begin with, let me give some background info about these two places. Both towns are in Western Australia. Fitzroy Crossing is a rather remote place and are home to many aboriginal communities. In economic terms, it's neither a rich or prosperous town. In fact, too too too far from it. On the other hand, Broome is famous for its Southeast Asian, beach and tropical weather type of ambience. It's a booming tourist town for mostly Australians. Basically, the booming Broome is all about high-end tourism, luxurious gifts shopping (Pearls and jewllery) and expensive beach resorts.
So, what's in the news article? Well, it's about 5-star beach resorts, shops on 'tourist' streets being tainted by those 'alcoholic, filthy, and homeless' aboriginals and that has severely affected 'the tourist industry' and of course, put off those well-heeled Australian tourists. They don't like that at all.
They complained about their smell, unhygenic practices (urinating and even defecating in public places and even in the full view of restaurant patrons). They protested against them setting up tents and the women having a child in one arm and a beer in the other hand wandering around the town selling crafted boab nuts and probably some other little native craftwork.
The whole news article focuses on the unsightly and uncivilised way that these aboriginal people are carrying themselves. Not one word is about 'help', 'aid', 'sympathy', 'the root of the cause', and anything relating to humanitarian concerns. It's all about the economic losses that businesses may suffer because these aboriginal people 'scare off' tourists.
The Aboriginals issue in Australia began from about 200 hundred years ago when white Europeans claimed the land and denounced the existence of the natives, trying to exterminate them (both intentionally and unintentionally), but not quite successful. Over the years, the whole issue has turned into a very complicated problem whereby, I believe, has absolutely no solution to it.
I would say - that's the consequences of the white Australian government's (Oops, the Australian government has never been in any other colours) decades and series of pathetic and wrong military, political and social policies on native Australians. No white Australians should complain. Today's problems regarding the natives are the consequences of what have been done to them.
I have no solution and no suggestions to the problems. I have talked to sincere and kind-hearted Australian people who work and live in the native communities for a long time. I have read many many articles, reports and stories about them and their issues.
I tried to throw in my two cents worth saying something like... 'Now the natives have to stand up to face the reality. They are the only ones who could help themselves. If they think that the white Australians have put them in the game, then learn the rules and outplay them to gain some control of the game. That's the only way to go forward. If you want to be strong, you have to be economically independent, academically strong, socially competitive, and professionally proliferating in different fields. They should aim at moving forward (yet not to forget the tragic past). They must not indulge in endless grieving about those tragic events and waste time. They need to take action for the benefit of their whole race and country. They should turn grief into strength and determination. They should break away from those alcohol, drugs and lax habits that will certainly put them in a position of destruction and exterminate them eventually... blab blab blab'
That's what I used to say. But now, after hearing and reading so much about the underlining issues... it just seems to me that I was too naive. I was too much 'pro-action' (in the sense of the modern world). I have not taken into account the innate personality and the evolution characteristics of the aboriginal people. I have ignored that fact that the metaphysical aspects of the aboriginal culture could be far too different from the Chinese culture and all western cultures. It is beyond our comprehension. And assimilation is not really a suitable approach.
I can offer no solution. But I know well that relying on outside people's help, sympathy and hand-me-outs (mainly the white Australians) is no solution and actually a very wrong path to take. I believe there is still time and there are still ways to put the aboriginals right on the centre of the stage or the game. Just don't wait till it's too late.
To begin with, let me give some background info about these two places. Both towns are in Western Australia. Fitzroy Crossing is a rather remote place and are home to many aboriginal communities. In economic terms, it's neither a rich or prosperous town. In fact, too too too far from it. On the other hand, Broome is famous for its Southeast Asian, beach and tropical weather type of ambience. It's a booming tourist town for mostly Australians. Basically, the booming Broome is all about high-end tourism, luxurious gifts shopping (Pearls and jewllery) and expensive beach resorts.
So, what's in the news article? Well, it's about 5-star beach resorts, shops on 'tourist' streets being tainted by those 'alcoholic, filthy, and homeless' aboriginals and that has severely affected 'the tourist industry' and of course, put off those well-heeled Australian tourists. They don't like that at all.
They complained about their smell, unhygenic practices (urinating and even defecating in public places and even in the full view of restaurant patrons). They protested against them setting up tents and the women having a child in one arm and a beer in the other hand wandering around the town selling crafted boab nuts and probably some other little native craftwork.
The whole news article focuses on the unsightly and uncivilised way that these aboriginal people are carrying themselves. Not one word is about 'help', 'aid', 'sympathy', 'the root of the cause', and anything relating to humanitarian concerns. It's all about the economic losses that businesses may suffer because these aboriginal people 'scare off' tourists.
The Aboriginals issue in Australia began from about 200 hundred years ago when white Europeans claimed the land and denounced the existence of the natives, trying to exterminate them (both intentionally and unintentionally), but not quite successful. Over the years, the whole issue has turned into a very complicated problem whereby, I believe, has absolutely no solution to it.
I would say - that's the consequences of the white Australian government's (Oops, the Australian government has never been in any other colours) decades and series of pathetic and wrong military, political and social policies on native Australians. No white Australians should complain. Today's problems regarding the natives are the consequences of what have been done to them.
I have no solution and no suggestions to the problems. I have talked to sincere and kind-hearted Australian people who work and live in the native communities for a long time. I have read many many articles, reports and stories about them and their issues.
I tried to throw in my two cents worth saying something like... 'Now the natives have to stand up to face the reality. They are the only ones who could help themselves. If they think that the white Australians have put them in the game, then learn the rules and outplay them to gain some control of the game. That's the only way to go forward. If you want to be strong, you have to be economically independent, academically strong, socially competitive, and professionally proliferating in different fields. They should aim at moving forward (yet not to forget the tragic past). They must not indulge in endless grieving about those tragic events and waste time. They need to take action for the benefit of their whole race and country. They should turn grief into strength and determination. They should break away from those alcohol, drugs and lax habits that will certainly put them in a position of destruction and exterminate them eventually... blab blab blab'
That's what I used to say. But now, after hearing and reading so much about the underlining issues... it just seems to me that I was too naive. I was too much 'pro-action' (in the sense of the modern world). I have not taken into account the innate personality and the evolution characteristics of the aboriginal people. I have ignored that fact that the metaphysical aspects of the aboriginal culture could be far too different from the Chinese culture and all western cultures. It is beyond our comprehension. And assimilation is not really a suitable approach.
I can offer no solution. But I know well that relying on outside people's help, sympathy and hand-me-outs (mainly the white Australians) is no solution and actually a very wrong path to take. I believe there is still time and there are still ways to put the aboriginals right on the centre of the stage or the game. Just don't wait till it's too late.
Friday, November 2, 2007
From parents to a detective masterpiece
My parents and my two sisters are the best things that have happened to me so far. I love them dearly and without reservation. I know I am very forturnate. To me, my mother represents all the virtues you could name. She has passed away but there is no day gone without missing her and thinking of her.
I believe there are many good mothers and fathers who are trying their best and doing all the right things to bring up their children.
Yet, the 'parents' stamp does not mean 'Saints'. Some parents abuse their children. Some parents spoil their children to the extreme. Some never really care about them. Some use them as money-making tools. Some use them as relationship weapons. Some treat them as possessions because these parents have nothing else and have not achieved anything in life. Some see them as a way to exercise their 'rights' as a woman or a human. Some need them for social convenience, such as, social benefits, free housing and what not. Some have children without reason. Oh, they were accidents. So, let's make it clear that some parents are just rubbish. It just so happens in this world that whoever you are, if you can conceive, you can have a child.
Parents make mistakes, even the best and highly educated and intelligent ones. At the end of the day, they are just humans. Please remember, they are just HUMANS.
Like any normal human beings interacting with each other, they could get frustrated, angry with, and irritated by their own children. Children throw hysteric tandrums. They can't be reasoned with and they constantly seek attention. They also know exactly how to irritate their parents, take advantage of their love, play their natural psychological games to get what they want from their parents, and at last wrap them in their tiny little finger mercilessly.
In response, some parents tell their children off when necessary, discipline them, set limits and boundaries, lock them up in their bedroom, confine them to the naughty corner, send them to counselling sessions, put in place an award and punishment system, and many more. However, sometimes, that could be overdone and which may lead to some sort of damage. Some damage is slight and some could be irreversible.
I will not be surprised if the Madeleine McCann case would turn out to be one of those. Why should we rule that out and label the McCanns 'Saints'? What make them 'Saints'? Why should we be so illogical and irrational in assuming them they don't make mistakes in bringing up or treating their children? Why shouldn't we be suspicious until the case is solved? Why should we persecute the Portugese Police Force and brand them useless, inept and incompetent?
There are several possiblities.
1. The child was taken away and is now with someone else.
2. The child was kidnapped and the criminals want a ransom. (If so, it would become too difficult for the kidnappers now because the whole world knows it)
3. The child was killed by the kidnappers because the situation became out of hand.
4. The child was killed by some weirdo.
5. The child was killed because she was unlucky.
6. The child was killed because she was hated by somebody.
7. The child died of accident, negligence.
8. The child has just disappeared.
Okay, honestly it could be one of the above. Well, to help the Portugese Police solve the mystery and deal with the child's high profile and intelligent parents, we need Agatha Christie's exceptional 'detectives'. Miss Marple would tell you that people could be evil. M. Poirot would ask you to put things in order and use your grey cells.
The Madeleine case is an interesting one and should interest the best minds to find out the truth.
I believe there are many good mothers and fathers who are trying their best and doing all the right things to bring up their children.
Yet, the 'parents' stamp does not mean 'Saints'. Some parents abuse their children. Some parents spoil their children to the extreme. Some never really care about them. Some use them as money-making tools. Some use them as relationship weapons. Some treat them as possessions because these parents have nothing else and have not achieved anything in life. Some see them as a way to exercise their 'rights' as a woman or a human. Some need them for social convenience, such as, social benefits, free housing and what not. Some have children without reason. Oh, they were accidents. So, let's make it clear that some parents are just rubbish. It just so happens in this world that whoever you are, if you can conceive, you can have a child.
Parents make mistakes, even the best and highly educated and intelligent ones. At the end of the day, they are just humans. Please remember, they are just HUMANS.
Like any normal human beings interacting with each other, they could get frustrated, angry with, and irritated by their own children. Children throw hysteric tandrums. They can't be reasoned with and they constantly seek attention. They also know exactly how to irritate their parents, take advantage of their love, play their natural psychological games to get what they want from their parents, and at last wrap them in their tiny little finger mercilessly.
In response, some parents tell their children off when necessary, discipline them, set limits and boundaries, lock them up in their bedroom, confine them to the naughty corner, send them to counselling sessions, put in place an award and punishment system, and many more. However, sometimes, that could be overdone and which may lead to some sort of damage. Some damage is slight and some could be irreversible.
I will not be surprised if the Madeleine McCann case would turn out to be one of those. Why should we rule that out and label the McCanns 'Saints'? What make them 'Saints'? Why should we be so illogical and irrational in assuming them they don't make mistakes in bringing up or treating their children? Why shouldn't we be suspicious until the case is solved? Why should we persecute the Portugese Police Force and brand them useless, inept and incompetent?
There are several possiblities.
1. The child was taken away and is now with someone else.
2. The child was kidnapped and the criminals want a ransom. (If so, it would become too difficult for the kidnappers now because the whole world knows it)
3. The child was killed by the kidnappers because the situation became out of hand.
4. The child was killed by some weirdo.
5. The child was killed because she was unlucky.
6. The child was killed because she was hated by somebody.
7. The child died of accident, negligence.
8. The child has just disappeared.
Okay, honestly it could be one of the above. Well, to help the Portugese Police solve the mystery and deal with the child's high profile and intelligent parents, we need Agatha Christie's exceptional 'detectives'. Miss Marple would tell you that people could be evil. M. Poirot would ask you to put things in order and use your grey cells.
The Madeleine case is an interesting one and should interest the best minds to find out the truth.
Monday, October 29, 2007
On Mr. Prize Winner's racial superiority claim
Not long ago, there was a piece of news reporting that a former Nobel Prize winner claimed that the black / African race is not as intelligent as the 'white' race. That of course, stirred up some controversy.
Now, let's skip the race thing and focus on 'equality', 'superiority' and 'inferiority'.
No one is born equal. Really, there is no equality! Some are born more intelligent, talented, stronger, healthier, naturally more charimatic, or with more attractive physical features than others. So, in this regard, some people from each race on this planet Earth enjoy more innate privileges than others, like that Mr. Prize Winner. On the other hand, there are people from each race who are just dumb, stupid, unattractive, undesirable, naturally unruly, or physically weaker.
Besides nature and genes, people who are born and brought up in different environments, family structures and under various political systems will turn out very differently. It is very lucky that this 'Mr. Prize Winner' had a good education, grew up in a favorable environment, had opportunities to grow his intelligence in his field of science. The outcome is that he won a prize. Imagine putting him in a remote village /cave in Afganistan.
The point is - he is simply too 'childish', brainless and dim-witted to claim that one race is more intelligent than another. Mr. Prize Winner's intelligence probably hasn't extended beyond his field of science, I would say. Upon reflection, I am glad that a Nobel Prize winner /scientist shows such low level of intelligence in some areas and that give us average human beings a relief.
Honestly, Mr. Prize Winner should feel grateful about all the positve and good things that he has enjoyed which enable and groom him to become an 'intelligent' person.
Okay, now, let's turn to the factor of intelligence. I believe that apart from one's fortunate good genes, a person's intelligence is an accumulation of knowledge, effective education, conducive environment, experience, self-motivation for improvement and hard work to bring out our talents (if there's any). It is simply over generalise things too much to draw a conclusion about a race's intelligence. It is not right to compare some countries' deep-rooted and long history of sophisticaed education systems that promote 'academic intelligence' with the African countries whose focus is not on that.
However, it is not really necessary for the 'politically correct' minded people to jump up and down to boycott him. It is his much flawed opinion and argument. And it is nice to let him talk and speak stupid so that we all know and understand that intelligence is a broad spectrum that a Nobel Prize winner who is highly intelligent in his studies can be totally incompetent in all other areas. I think we as human beings are like that. We could be good at one thing but hopeless in others.
Example 2, We've heard about the term 'White Trash' - those 'whites' who live a rotten, unproductive, parasitic, and immoral lifestyle. If they are not stupid, what could we explain that?
Example 3, We've also read and learned about how the white society complaining about their large percentage of white youths' imcompetence in even the basic reading, writing and numeracy skills which will turn dumb down the country. And that has worried the policy makers.
So, let's drop that thing about racial intelligence. It's a dead end debate and unproductive. What good could you make out of proving a race less intelligent than another? Kill them all? Well, if we are not going there, then what we should do is to make sure that our education systems work effectively to raise every person's intelligence, to equip them with suitable skills for the benefits of the whole human race's future.
Now, let's skip the race thing and focus on 'equality', 'superiority' and 'inferiority'.
No one is born equal. Really, there is no equality! Some are born more intelligent, talented, stronger, healthier, naturally more charimatic, or with more attractive physical features than others. So, in this regard, some people from each race on this planet Earth enjoy more innate privileges than others, like that Mr. Prize Winner. On the other hand, there are people from each race who are just dumb, stupid, unattractive, undesirable, naturally unruly, or physically weaker.
Besides nature and genes, people who are born and brought up in different environments, family structures and under various political systems will turn out very differently. It is very lucky that this 'Mr. Prize Winner' had a good education, grew up in a favorable environment, had opportunities to grow his intelligence in his field of science. The outcome is that he won a prize. Imagine putting him in a remote village /cave in Afganistan.
The point is - he is simply too 'childish', brainless and dim-witted to claim that one race is more intelligent than another. Mr. Prize Winner's intelligence probably hasn't extended beyond his field of science, I would say. Upon reflection, I am glad that a Nobel Prize winner /scientist shows such low level of intelligence in some areas and that give us average human beings a relief.
Honestly, Mr. Prize Winner should feel grateful about all the positve and good things that he has enjoyed which enable and groom him to become an 'intelligent' person.
Okay, now, let's turn to the factor of intelligence. I believe that apart from one's fortunate good genes, a person's intelligence is an accumulation of knowledge, effective education, conducive environment, experience, self-motivation for improvement and hard work to bring out our talents (if there's any). It is simply over generalise things too much to draw a conclusion about a race's intelligence. It is not right to compare some countries' deep-rooted and long history of sophisticaed education systems that promote 'academic intelligence' with the African countries whose focus is not on that.
However, it is not really necessary for the 'politically correct' minded people to jump up and down to boycott him. It is his much flawed opinion and argument. And it is nice to let him talk and speak stupid so that we all know and understand that intelligence is a broad spectrum that a Nobel Prize winner who is highly intelligent in his studies can be totally incompetent in all other areas. I think we as human beings are like that. We could be good at one thing but hopeless in others.
To give Mr. Prize winner an example or two about this racial intelligence thing. Example number 1, you may have known that the Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Singaporeans always top the international Maths and science tests. Their performace is far better than most 'white western countries'. Yet, we don't hear them claiming that the whites are stupid and have low intelligence. So, learn about modesty.
Example 2, We've heard about the term 'White Trash' - those 'whites' who live a rotten, unproductive, parasitic, and immoral lifestyle. If they are not stupid, what could we explain that?
Example 3, We've also read and learned about how the white society complaining about their large percentage of white youths' imcompetence in even the basic reading, writing and numeracy skills which will turn dumb down the country. And that has worried the policy makers.
So, let's drop that thing about racial intelligence. It's a dead end debate and unproductive. What good could you make out of proving a race less intelligent than another? Kill them all? Well, if we are not going there, then what we should do is to make sure that our education systems work effectively to raise every person's intelligence, to equip them with suitable skills for the benefits of the whole human race's future.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Labour With a Difference
Just as we are all shouting with so much conviction to condemn child labour, many 'elite' parents fully approve of one special catagory of child labour - underage models. You may have heard that girls as young as 16 model around the global catwalks, now the 12-year-olds join the team. That became the talk of town in Oz as a 12-year old has joined the modelling force. The Australian public opinion shows huge support for that...Now, what do you reckon?
Modelling is such a glamorous 'career' and you work with world-renowned fashion designers, lead a jet-set life, socialise with rich middle-aged businessmen who could be their prospective lovers both short-term or long-term, mix with celebraties, and Hollywood stars, and afford most luxuries. Parents can quit their odd jobs to work as their 12-year-old's agent and manager to negotiate work contracts with big companies. The money keeps rolling in non-stop! It's a win-win situation for both parents and child. The bright future is set for the family and the child. What's more? That will bring the child's nation glory and national pride! She would become every girl's heroin and role model. Bugger schooling, normal growing up and that sort of crap! Only people who don't have a child with world fashion model quality will pour scorn on this splendid opportunity. Of course, private tutors will be hired to teach the young child important social etiquettes, read, write, doing simple sums and probably one or two foreign languages to expand her international clientent!
That's the menatality of the nation and thus reflects the fundamental quality of the people and society.
My conscience and common sense tells me that it is the same whether you make a child work in a factory or in the catwalk business covering her with beautiful make-up and expensive clothes. It's called exploitation. It's called child labour. It is not right! It is shame!
The only difference is parents of the child labour in poor countries do feel ashamed not being able to support their family, provide their children with a normal life and an education, and have deprived them of a normal childhood. However, parents of child models glorify their shameful antics and justify the exploitation - all because of the 'big dollar' sign. Their logic is - if it is about big dollar, do whatever and it's going to be good regardless.
Don't worry about the critics! When money comes, you can hire the best and top public relations officers and help you fight back and shut up all criticism left, right and centre. No matter how many people support child models and their parents' decisions or whatever, I don't buy their 'excuses'. I despise them. Period!
But because money talks and talks loud, I believe, it will not take too long for us to see 10-year-olds modelling close-t0-nothing bikinis and lingerie.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Out of Control
Prices are soaring!
Yesterday when I went grocery shopping, I suddenly noticed that the same bottle of 250ml olive oil which costed about HK$20 six months ago now costs me HK$29.8 (US$3.8). I was alarmed and I looked around trying to find something cheaper...but to no avail. The one I got was the cheapest. Wow!
When I sat down that night and thought about the prices I paid for normal, daily supermarket items, I realised that they have quietly got a lot dearer.
Yes, some people do complain but the voices are weak because the whole economic atmophere looks so very positive. You hear people talking about how many millions they make on the stock market, blah blah blah...and it seems that if you are complaining about prices, you make yourself look incompetent and pathetic. For me, I simply shut up!
When the US sub-prime mortgage market is in crisis and many banks and financial institutions are suffering, Hong Kong and China seem totally unconcerned and haven't even been slightly affected. The Hang Seng Index is making a historical record high almost every single day. Money keeps flowing in and flooding this small city in every way. It is expected that when later this year, China will allow its citizens to directly invest in the Hong Kong stock market, there would be an unprecedented 'Big Band BOOM' and everything is looking 'Awesome'.
How would you feel when an estate agent tells you that a 1100 square feet apartment (in reality the liveable area is less than 800 square feet) that costs 1.5 million US dollars is 'cheap'! Well, my jaw drops but the fact is these 'cheap' apartments were in reality all snapped up within a matter of hours!
Except for the 'left-behind' class which I am unfortunately fall into, much of the social conversation here in HK, besides how well your stock investments go, is around what new sports car you get this year and whether it is one of those limited editions, how many new luxury apartments you have bought or are going to buy; if you are heading to the direction to getting yourself a private jet and a super yacht; how many bottles of Chateau lafite you drank last night; if you have attended the Sotheby or Christie artwork or jewllery auctions the other day... The list goes on and on and it is all around things that are totally unreacheable to people like me!
You could feel absolutely deflated at times! It is hard not to ask yourself or myself - What's the use of studying so hard for so many years to earn your honours degree? What's the use of working over 50 hours a week and drain your brain till it hurts but you are nowhere near the affordability of a cheap '1.5 million US dollar' apartment (well, it's not even in prime residential area). I used to think that I've got a good job and I was doing quite well. But when now being enveloped by the city's unstoppable prosperity and those well-to-doers (not the minority but there is a significant proportion of them around), suddenly I feel small. Occasionally, I wish I was studying something related to economics, finance, investments, banking
etc... but not literature and education.
Well, do I regret?...'Not really'. Yes, I will never be able to afford a jet or a yacht. It is beyond a dream to treat myself a million US dollar painting from an auction. But... I like who I am. And those who like me and befriend me will not be for the reason of my 'assets'. I have one less worry!
I love every bit of my career. I am glad that I watch those lovely animal documentaries instead of World Market Analysis. I am delighted that I read my favourite novels before bed and not 'figures, forecast and statistics'. I am fully enjoying my cup of anti-oxidants-filled and thus anti-ageing tea instead of exceedingly expensive brain-damaging, stomach-eroding and hepatocarcinogenic alcoholic beverage.
Yesterday when I went grocery shopping, I suddenly noticed that the same bottle of 250ml olive oil which costed about HK$20 six months ago now costs me HK$29.8 (US$3.8). I was alarmed and I looked around trying to find something cheaper...but to no avail. The one I got was the cheapest. Wow!
When I sat down that night and thought about the prices I paid for normal, daily supermarket items, I realised that they have quietly got a lot dearer.
Yes, some people do complain but the voices are weak because the whole economic atmophere looks so very positive. You hear people talking about how many millions they make on the stock market, blah blah blah...and it seems that if you are complaining about prices, you make yourself look incompetent and pathetic. For me, I simply shut up!
When the US sub-prime mortgage market is in crisis and many banks and financial institutions are suffering, Hong Kong and China seem totally unconcerned and haven't even been slightly affected. The Hang Seng Index is making a historical record high almost every single day. Money keeps flowing in and flooding this small city in every way. It is expected that when later this year, China will allow its citizens to directly invest in the Hong Kong stock market, there would be an unprecedented 'Big Band BOOM' and everything is looking 'Awesome'.
How would you feel when an estate agent tells you that a 1100 square feet apartment (in reality the liveable area is less than 800 square feet) that costs 1.5 million US dollars is 'cheap'! Well, my jaw drops but the fact is these 'cheap' apartments were in reality all snapped up within a matter of hours!
Except for the 'left-behind' class which I am unfortunately fall into, much of the social conversation here in HK, besides how well your stock investments go, is around what new sports car you get this year and whether it is one of those limited editions, how many new luxury apartments you have bought or are going to buy; if you are heading to the direction to getting yourself a private jet and a super yacht; how many bottles of Chateau lafite you drank last night; if you have attended the Sotheby or Christie artwork or jewllery auctions the other day... The list goes on and on and it is all around things that are totally unreacheable to people like me!
You could feel absolutely deflated at times! It is hard not to ask yourself or myself - What's the use of studying so hard for so many years to earn your honours degree? What's the use of working over 50 hours a week and drain your brain till it hurts but you are nowhere near the affordability of a cheap '1.5 million US dollar' apartment (well, it's not even in prime residential area). I used to think that I've got a good job and I was doing quite well. But when now being enveloped by the city's unstoppable prosperity and those well-to-doers (not the minority but there is a significant proportion of them around), suddenly I feel small. Occasionally, I wish I was studying something related to economics, finance, investments, banking
etc... but not literature and education.
Well, do I regret?...'Not really'. Yes, I will never be able to afford a jet or a yacht. It is beyond a dream to treat myself a million US dollar painting from an auction. But... I like who I am. And those who like me and befriend me will not be for the reason of my 'assets'. I have one less worry!
I love every bit of my career. I am glad that I watch those lovely animal documentaries instead of World Market Analysis. I am delighted that I read my favourite novels before bed and not 'figures, forecast and statistics'. I am fully enjoying my cup of anti-oxidants-filled and thus anti-ageing tea instead of exceedingly expensive brain-damaging, stomach-eroding and hepatocarcinogenic alcoholic beverage.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
On 9/11
Thousand of lives were lost and many more hearts and families were broken and shattered. For many of us, 9/11 is still something we cannot fathom and we are still looking for ways to comprehend its root.
I cannot but wonder why humans 'can' be so cruel! History tells us that humans are the only species who could so brutally torture and kill other species or our own not for 'necessary survival reasons'. I am not saying that human nature is evil but facts have indicated quite clearly that we do have a very bad side.
Occasionally, most of us will experience some dark moments - hatred and having secret wishes that someone or something will 'vanish' or will get 'punished' or will suffer so that they can 'learn'... Such thoughts are mostly kept under control and many will transform them into positive moves. However, there are others who will act in the name of religion, democracy, cultural differences, traditions, defence, crusade and you name it.
Years after the original 9/11, in addition to the World Trade Centre victims, I also remember on this day those who were and are victims of 'terrorism' in other countries. At least most of the world know what happened on 9/11 and we feel for the victims and their families. What about those who were killed in the rest of the world by 'terrorism' who didn't and will never get mentioned in any form of media? Their names and lives simply disappeared into thin air!
When will we stop torturing and killing others in the name of god?
When will we stop war?
Peace will never begin with war.
Religious faith will never gain ground with murders.
Democracy will never stand tall with military intrusion.
But some religious leaders and world leaders believe otherwise. They want their 'desires' to be satisfied with all others paying in blood! At times, I do lose confidence in human nature. We are somehow a sorry species!
I cannot but wonder why humans 'can' be so cruel! History tells us that humans are the only species who could so brutally torture and kill other species or our own not for 'necessary survival reasons'. I am not saying that human nature is evil but facts have indicated quite clearly that we do have a very bad side.
Occasionally, most of us will experience some dark moments - hatred and having secret wishes that someone or something will 'vanish' or will get 'punished' or will suffer so that they can 'learn'... Such thoughts are mostly kept under control and many will transform them into positive moves. However, there are others who will act in the name of religion, democracy, cultural differences, traditions, defence, crusade and you name it.
Years after the original 9/11, in addition to the World Trade Centre victims, I also remember on this day those who were and are victims of 'terrorism' in other countries. At least most of the world know what happened on 9/11 and we feel for the victims and their families. What about those who were killed in the rest of the world by 'terrorism' who didn't and will never get mentioned in any form of media? Their names and lives simply disappeared into thin air!
When will we stop torturing and killing others in the name of god?
When will we stop war?
Peace will never begin with war.
Religious faith will never gain ground with murders.
Democracy will never stand tall with military intrusion.
But some religious leaders and world leaders believe otherwise. They want their 'desires' to be satisfied with all others paying in blood! At times, I do lose confidence in human nature. We are somehow a sorry species!
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Jamie's food and our food
Recently, I have been following the programme 'Jamie's school dinners'. I am impressed by Jamie's enthusiasm and what's more, by the dinner lady Nora's transformation. I believe many people have said many good things about them and we should be thankful for their efforts.
Yet, what really shocked me is 'why the children dislike proper food, fresh meat and veggies! Some of them even said that the veggies in the food put them off and they chose to starve. One child went as far as refusing to try Jamie's chicken wrap even when Jamie offered him a hundred pounds. Yes, I would understand if children or young people prefer meat more but these kids don't like proper meat. They only want those plastic like processed and frozen so called 'burgers' or 'sausages'. And they went bananas when the school canteen stopped offering chips for lunch.
The possible explanation for such a phenomenon could be that these children very rarely have 'real' meals made of fresh ingredients. They are accustomed to what their parents have been giving them since however long. Giving them proper food at school is like forcing them out of their comfort zone. I suppose if you go to see the parents of these children, and you understand. Sometimes, I wonder if these parents have ever experienced a proper dinner that is cooked with top quality fresh ingredients. If they had, why would they have such bad taste for food? Their bad taste and horrible eating habits have infected their children! What a shame! By the way, should we consider it as a form of child abuse to fail to provide a balanced diet and nutritious foods to your child?
Another possibiltiy is about cultiving the good taste for good food in children. One's taste for food is not inborn. We need to teach our children what to eat. We should expose them to different kinds of healthy foods. We should give more thoughts to and put in better efforts in making healthy dishes tasty. We need to use different strategies to make sure that they don't become picky on foods. We need to get them into eating what is good and important for their health. If parents have tried to push their kids to eat healthier and eat more vegetables but failed, then it must be that they too easily succumb to their children's ignorance and wrong demands. The problem lies in the fact that parents these days dare not say 'no' to their little emperors because that sounds politically incorrect and socially undemocratic.
The solution for parents is simple - use your common sense. Think long-term. Instead of being desperate to please your kids at every turn, imagine how they would thank you when they grow up and realise that you have laid down a good health foundation for them and passed on a precious and pleasurable tradition of enjoying good food.
Yet, what really shocked me is 'why the children dislike proper food, fresh meat and veggies! Some of them even said that the veggies in the food put them off and they chose to starve. One child went as far as refusing to try Jamie's chicken wrap even when Jamie offered him a hundred pounds. Yes, I would understand if children or young people prefer meat more but these kids don't like proper meat. They only want those plastic like processed and frozen so called 'burgers' or 'sausages'. And they went bananas when the school canteen stopped offering chips for lunch.
The possible explanation for such a phenomenon could be that these children very rarely have 'real' meals made of fresh ingredients. They are accustomed to what their parents have been giving them since however long. Giving them proper food at school is like forcing them out of their comfort zone. I suppose if you go to see the parents of these children, and you understand. Sometimes, I wonder if these parents have ever experienced a proper dinner that is cooked with top quality fresh ingredients. If they had, why would they have such bad taste for food? Their bad taste and horrible eating habits have infected their children! What a shame! By the way, should we consider it as a form of child abuse to fail to provide a balanced diet and nutritious foods to your child?
Another possibiltiy is about cultiving the good taste for good food in children. One's taste for food is not inborn. We need to teach our children what to eat. We should expose them to different kinds of healthy foods. We should give more thoughts to and put in better efforts in making healthy dishes tasty. We need to use different strategies to make sure that they don't become picky on foods. We need to get them into eating what is good and important for their health. If parents have tried to push their kids to eat healthier and eat more vegetables but failed, then it must be that they too easily succumb to their children's ignorance and wrong demands. The problem lies in the fact that parents these days dare not say 'no' to their little emperors because that sounds politically incorrect and socially undemocratic.
The solution for parents is simple - use your common sense. Think long-term. Instead of being desperate to please your kids at every turn, imagine how they would thank you when they grow up and realise that you have laid down a good health foundation for them and passed on a precious and pleasurable tradition of enjoying good food.
Monday, August 27, 2007
The Rye Jones case
Several teenagers shot dead a child! If it is not shocking, what could it be? Britain is not alone. Such horrible things happen in other places and not rarely. We ask ourselves - why?
Now who should we point the finger at?
Let's try to see from different perspectives.
Victim's parents: We are trying to get around our head of what was actually happening. We loathed the loss of their child. He was so young. He was just a baby! He was everyone's little darling! How did the murderers' parents bring up children who could kill someone so innocent, so young!
Murderers' parents: I will not turn my child in, of course not. Not even if I know and I witness the killing. That's betrayal. No parents should do that. I firmly believe that if my child has killed someone, it is justified. Also, that child deserved to die because he must have offended my child. My child is such a darling sweetheart. He would not even hurt a fly. If he kills someone, that's for a good reason. If unfortunately my child get caught, I would do everything possible to hire the best barristers to fight for 'justice'.
People with a modern attitude: Too bad! What a pity! Not my business anyway and it's better that I don't get involved. Well, the police were not doing enough. They should have put more police on the streets, installed more CCTVs and what not. Whatelse? Ah, the social workers have not done enough, the schools and teachers have not done enough, the politician have not done enough and the governement have failed us.
The minority, the old-fashioned and those with a conscienc: Everyone of us has the social and moral responsibility to teach our children to behave well, to be considerate, have respect for others, to have compassion for others, to take good advice, to be brave to admit mistakes and not to repeat them, to take responsibility of our decisions, to do the right things and make contributions to society. Also, we should empower our schools, teachers and the police to teach our children. We should not just focus on brainwashing the children that 'they are just perfect, most wonderful, special, gifted, talented, and are more important than others and that they can do anything they like and can achieve anything they want. If they couldn't, that's somebody's fault.'
We are given the rights to have children. Remember we don't need to get a license or to take an exam to have one. Our society is investing so much on our children from the first minute they came to the world. It is our definite responsibiltiy to make sure that our children are 'good' for the world and for our community, that they should not be 'parasiting around', 'rubbishing about', 'loitering 24/7' and 'lounging around'. Yes, we understand that some children are blessings and joy while others, a walking problem and nightmare no matter what their parents do. If we are not the 'lucky' parents, at least we must do our part to nurture the child and to get help from others so that the 'bad nature' could be suppressed and under control.
It is hard sometimes because no parents would want to face the reality that their child is a like a school report card with all failures and negative comments. It hurts so much and no painkiller can help subside that pain. As they think that there's nothing much to be done, so, the only way out is to deceive themselves through and through. Or, they put the blame on others. They blame everyone and everything, to the point that they are sometimes, accomplices, themselves. And that directly pave their children's way to destruction.
We must bear in mind that when we exercise our human rights to conceive and have a child, we have actually agreed to a social and moral contract that we must teach this child well and properly. If this child unfortunately turned into a socially disruptive person, we should have the courage to cooperate with the authority to stop him and get help.
Now who should we point the finger at?
Let's try to see from different perspectives.
Victim's parents: We are trying to get around our head of what was actually happening. We loathed the loss of their child. He was so young. He was just a baby! He was everyone's little darling! How did the murderers' parents bring up children who could kill someone so innocent, so young!
Murderers' parents: I will not turn my child in, of course not. Not even if I know and I witness the killing. That's betrayal. No parents should do that. I firmly believe that if my child has killed someone, it is justified. Also, that child deserved to die because he must have offended my child. My child is such a darling sweetheart. He would not even hurt a fly. If he kills someone, that's for a good reason. If unfortunately my child get caught, I would do everything possible to hire the best barristers to fight for 'justice'.
People with a modern attitude: Too bad! What a pity! Not my business anyway and it's better that I don't get involved. Well, the police were not doing enough. They should have put more police on the streets, installed more CCTVs and what not. Whatelse? Ah, the social workers have not done enough, the schools and teachers have not done enough, the politician have not done enough and the governement have failed us.
The minority, the old-fashioned and those with a conscienc: Everyone of us has the social and moral responsibility to teach our children to behave well, to be considerate, have respect for others, to have compassion for others, to take good advice, to be brave to admit mistakes and not to repeat them, to take responsibility of our decisions, to do the right things and make contributions to society. Also, we should empower our schools, teachers and the police to teach our children. We should not just focus on brainwashing the children that 'they are just perfect, most wonderful, special, gifted, talented, and are more important than others and that they can do anything they like and can achieve anything they want. If they couldn't, that's somebody's fault.'
We are given the rights to have children. Remember we don't need to get a license or to take an exam to have one. Our society is investing so much on our children from the first minute they came to the world. It is our definite responsibiltiy to make sure that our children are 'good' for the world and for our community, that they should not be 'parasiting around', 'rubbishing about', 'loitering 24/7' and 'lounging around'. Yes, we understand that some children are blessings and joy while others, a walking problem and nightmare no matter what their parents do. If we are not the 'lucky' parents, at least we must do our part to nurture the child and to get help from others so that the 'bad nature' could be suppressed and under control.
It is hard sometimes because no parents would want to face the reality that their child is a like a school report card with all failures and negative comments. It hurts so much and no painkiller can help subside that pain. As they think that there's nothing much to be done, so, the only way out is to deceive themselves through and through. Or, they put the blame on others. They blame everyone and everything, to the point that they are sometimes, accomplices, themselves. And that directly pave their children's way to destruction.
We must bear in mind that when we exercise our human rights to conceive and have a child, we have actually agreed to a social and moral contract that we must teach this child well and properly. If this child unfortunately turned into a socially disruptive person, we should have the courage to cooperate with the authority to stop him and get help.
Friday, August 24, 2007
I'll write about Diana too
Just for the last month, I have read and watched over 10 articles / documentaries / commentaries about Princess Diana. People have been trying to disect her since Day 1 the world came to know her.
Honestly, how could we really know a person whom you only saw in the media? Frankly, do you know and understand your closest friend, siblings and spouse?
We all put on some sort of mask in different circumstances while we play different roles in life. It is unfair to judge Diana and make a conclusion that she was either an angel or a devil. I believe, like any of us, she had both sides.
But see, it's been ten years and her case should be closed. It's time we stopped analysing her left, right and centre. Instead, let us simply remember her contribution to positively influencing people in charitable work and giving the underpriviledged more care and support. At the same time, let us learn from her that our fate is by and large our own making. When we make certain decisions, there would be corresponding consequences. Yes, sometimes it's hard because we can't always be a rational and logical person and our feelings are sometimes overwhelmingly strong. But then, we also need to bear in mind that we must try to control ourselves and not to let our heart and emotions rule unconditionally - that's the mistake Diana had made - I believe. And that's the same mistake we all make in some point of our life.
Well, the world should spare the dead. It's been so long!
Honestly, how could we really know a person whom you only saw in the media? Frankly, do you know and understand your closest friend, siblings and spouse?
We all put on some sort of mask in different circumstances while we play different roles in life. It is unfair to judge Diana and make a conclusion that she was either an angel or a devil. I believe, like any of us, she had both sides.
But see, it's been ten years and her case should be closed. It's time we stopped analysing her left, right and centre. Instead, let us simply remember her contribution to positively influencing people in charitable work and giving the underpriviledged more care and support. At the same time, let us learn from her that our fate is by and large our own making. When we make certain decisions, there would be corresponding consequences. Yes, sometimes it's hard because we can't always be a rational and logical person and our feelings are sometimes overwhelmingly strong. But then, we also need to bear in mind that we must try to control ourselves and not to let our heart and emotions rule unconditionally - that's the mistake Diana had made - I believe. And that's the same mistake we all make in some point of our life.
Well, the world should spare the dead. It's been so long!
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
A new beginning
It seems that everybody has a blog. Well, I reckon it's not a bad idea to have a public platform to voice out one's thoughts. I hope to keep this habit and in time, am able to form a big picture of my mind and my heart.
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