Challenging social constraints

Interpersonal conflicts are something we don't like to encounter, yet they are a part of life, especially since cultural differences often bring social tension. Two recent news stories have made us realize why Chinese people often feel discriminated against. The first is about a woman in a Canadian coffee shop who didn't queue to get water for her daughter. When other people and staff asked her to queue, she threw her hot coffee at the staff. The second is about a Chinese person driving in Australia who was caught speeding at 200 km/h on a road with an 80 km/h speed limit, and was ultimately fined and had their license suspended for three years.

Reflecting on these two news stories, I've noticed a tendency among Chinese people to challenge social constraints and rules. This behavior can easily leave the impression that Chinese people are untrustworthy, even somewhat barbaric, which is truly regrettable. We go to great lengths to immigrate abroad and send our children to study overseas, hoping to enjoy better education, environments, and human rights, and to live in more stable and civilized societies. But we must honestly ask ourselves: when we live abroad, besides enjoying the local advantages, have we genuinely identified with and contributed to building the core values of that place? We envy others' quality of life, but have we become a part of upholding these qualities instead of challenging or destroying them?

Yes, we all dislike being discriminated against as Chinese, but we must also examine ourselves. When we challenge laws and social norms, a hidden sense of superiority often lurks within us. China's long-standing Confucianism has given us invaluable wisdom: "Do not do to others what you would not have them do to you. Be without resentment in the state, and without resentment at home." Let us lead by example, reflect on our words and actions, and nurture the next generation into cultured Chinese people capable of self-governance.