thanks or no thanks

There’s an interesting piece in China Daily about importing Thanksgiving into China from the States. As with Christmas, which frankly and openly exists in China to promote consumption in a generally slack sales season, a “winterval” between December and the Lunar New Year, there’s lots of hard eyed calculation behind the move, this time mainly social:

"I think such a holiday will remind the children of their parents' attention and love and teach them how to be thankful and considerate to their elders," said Chen Wanzhi, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), during a panel discussion on Tuesday. "It will also remind the adults to be more caring and tolerant of others."

He said some college students have proposed their own "Thanksgiving Day", a time to voice affection and gratitude to their parents, teachers and friends. "I think it's a very good idea."

…But some people have questioned to what extent a holiday can really boost harmony. "Not all social issues can be solved with a holiday," said Prof. Zhou Xiaozheng of the Beijing-based People's University of China. "We have to carry out research and analysis before making a proposal."

What I like about this is the way that it cuts all the authenticity cackle and cheerfully goes straight for the cultural engineering potential. I also look forward to some attempts to integrate Guy Fawkes night, especially given its political history. Via

Comments

[Madam Miaow]

Jeez! What happened to International Labour Day May 1st, or National Day celebrating their own revolution on October 1st (1949)?