We’ve been discussing different perspectives before. Like the map of the world that is viewed from a different position in China or in Europe or in the US. We’ve also seen the example of playing a game. Whereas we might think we are playing a game of chess when looking at the actions taken by countries on the globe, the Chines might be playing a completely different game: GO. That game has a completely different set of rules and accordingly, we might have to look at China’s actions from a different perspective.

Now, how about those Olympic games? As you can see in the pictures enclosed here, the Chinese are adapting a Western way of ‘behaving’ during the games. From how to smile, to how to build, etc., etc. We are imposing our way of thinking upon them and, maybe even more interestingly, they are adapting it. Will we see the Chines culture during the games? I highly doubt that, it will be an image of how we perceive China to be. And the Chinese are more than willing to play along with that game (part of the GO-strategy?).

So, I think the issue raised during ‘de Balie’ debate, is an interesting one. It might just be, that we have a different way of looking at the world and how it should operate. We might have a different way of looking at humans, what drives them, makes them happy, etc. Who are we, Westerners to determine what’s right and wrong. We are still trying to police the world, but maybe we should give up that desire to control. Maybe we should be singing a different tune. That just might prove to be much more effective in dealing with some issues at hand…