Columnist Gabriel Yiu of Chinese Canadian Concern Group, intervener in the Hogue Commission, argues that PRC-controlled media is fomenting division in Canada's diaspora and skewing geopolitical views
In the west, the web of interpersonal contacts, family, professional relationships, are now often referred to as 'social capital'. In China, I understand this is called 'guanxi'. I don't think it is too far a stretch to think that both ideas, broadly understood, are used by those in power as levers to manipulate individuals. Seems to me it is more a difference in degree, than kind.
All this being said, people are people and we want our own agency, but we also 'go along, to get along'. Uncritical nationalism not withstanding, people are motivated by incentives. The reach of the CCP into businesses through not only party members, but the realization that if you want to advance you need to play ball, skews peoples choices towards utility from their ideals. Most people are not brave. I feel for those in the Chinese diaspora who speak out against the weight of the Chinese government. Today, can you imagine having the last name McGregor and be expected to owe allegiance to Scotland because you have extended family there? Our democratic norms makes this thought absurd. In places where these norms are not as well developed, it may be more common.
Too many newer immigrants do not identify with their new country but remain tied to their home country, bringing their grievances, hatreds and attitudes here.
They remain tied to their former home by modern means of communication, unlike in previous years where the main means of communicating with their former home was by the occasional (expensive) phone call and/or letters.
While it is normal to have some ties to their original homeland when they move to a new country such as Canada, they should (and have the responsibility) to integrate into their new country while shedding loyalty to their former country.
Otherwise why move to a new country.
Getting rid of dual citizenship would force people to choose between their new country and their former country.
Thanks Sam. This CCP domination of Chinese-language media internationally was the case when “Claws of the Panda” (Manthorpe) and “Silent Invasion” (Hamilton) was released, 5-8 years ago.
In the west, the web of interpersonal contacts, family, professional relationships, are now often referred to as 'social capital'. In China, I understand this is called 'guanxi'. I don't think it is too far a stretch to think that both ideas, broadly understood, are used by those in power as levers to manipulate individuals. Seems to me it is more a difference in degree, than kind.
All this being said, people are people and we want our own agency, but we also 'go along, to get along'. Uncritical nationalism not withstanding, people are motivated by incentives. The reach of the CCP into businesses through not only party members, but the realization that if you want to advance you need to play ball, skews peoples choices towards utility from their ideals. Most people are not brave. I feel for those in the Chinese diaspora who speak out against the weight of the Chinese government. Today, can you imagine having the last name McGregor and be expected to owe allegiance to Scotland because you have extended family there? Our democratic norms makes this thought absurd. In places where these norms are not as well developed, it may be more common.
Too many newer immigrants do not identify with their new country but remain tied to their home country, bringing their grievances, hatreds and attitudes here.
They remain tied to their former home by modern means of communication, unlike in previous years where the main means of communicating with their former home was by the occasional (expensive) phone call and/or letters.
While it is normal to have some ties to their original homeland when they move to a new country such as Canada, they should (and have the responsibility) to integrate into their new country while shedding loyalty to their former country.
Otherwise why move to a new country.
Getting rid of dual citizenship would force people to choose between their new country and their former country.
Thanks Sam. This CCP domination of Chinese-language media internationally was the case when “Claws of the Panda” (Manthorpe) and “Silent Invasion” (Hamilton) was released, 5-8 years ago.