[Disestablishmentarian]

I read an article quite a few years ago by an expert on China. Big revelation to me was that the Chinese people do not view government authority the way that we do. Whereas we operate on the principle of consent of the governed, the Chinese, according to this author,have a long tradition of being ruled by an emperor and do not expect the freedoms that we have. They take the absolute authority of the state as a matter of course.

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I believe the term for this theory is "Oriental despotism", coined from a 1957 book by the same name by German sociologist, Karl Wittfogel.

Wittfogel became known as a member of the crypto-Marxist "Frankfurt School", which is enough reason for me to strongly doubt anything he had to say. Nonetheless, he had an impact on fellow-traveler academics.

Besides, my daughters tell me I'm not supposed to use the term, "Oriental" anymore.

Sigh.

FWIW, I don't think the people of Hong Kong have any interest in oriental despotism as their form of government.

[Chuckster]

Besides, my daughters tell me I'm not supposed to use the term, "Oriental" anymore.

A friend of Japanese descent informed me some 30 years ago that "Rugs are oriental. People are Asian".

[ichabod1]

What in the hell is wrong with Oriental. I hear you’re not supposed to use it, why? Because it refers to Asia or Asians? If that’s racist, isn’t calling them Asians racist too? Isn’t speaking to their persons impertinent? Perhaps we should refer to their heritage, as in “ is there anything more I can to to assist you, Your Heritage?

[Bigg Red]

Yeah, looks like the Hong Kong Chinese are now accustomed to Western style freedom.