Posted on 07/01/2002 6:41:37 AM PDT by Stand Watch Listen
Once again, the world has been enlightened as to the wisdom of socialism. A recent article in the USA Today highlighted a great problem in Communist China. It seems that China is suffering from having too many men versus women between the ages of 18-34. The trend, largely a result of governmental family planning, could potentially make it virtually impossible for approximately 40 million Chinese men to find a wife in the next two decades. According to the article, Chinese men-to-women ratios range from 117 to 130 men for every 100 women, versus a worldwide rate of about 105-107 boys for every 100 girls. Although the difference of the Chinese men-to-women ratio may only appear to be marginal versus the rest of the world, consider that China is home to about 1.3 billion people and is the most populous country in the world.
For most of us, this news isn't terribly surprising. After all, the Chinese government's policy of "one-child per family" was first implemented even before the Reagan Administration. The 'one child' typically was a male, as female babies were often aborted or abandoned in order to have a male child to carry on the family name. The astonishing facet of the story is that the Chinese government appears to have only recently realized that this abnormal male-female ratio could potentially cause some rather serious social problems.
This striking discrepancy between the total of men and women in China could have a substantial impact on the society of China, its economy and its potential to become another Superpower.
The Chinese society could suffer greatly from this unnatural imbalance. With less available females that could become wives, a greater proportion of Chinese males are likely to turn to homosexuality. This probable rapid increase in homosexuality over the next two decades will also spurn an increase in sexually-transmitted diseases in China and an increase in the spread of AIDS. With the aforementioned problems, along with an increase in alcoholism and depression, a rather significant 'underclass' of blue-collar men will soon be seen in China. This underclass may eventually become a heavy burden for the government, through increased health costs and the need for the government to continue to fund 'projects' to keep the men busy throughout their lives.
An interesting subject to ponder is the impact that these 40 million unmarried men could have on the Chinese economy. On one hand, the likely increase in healthcare costs would increase the tax burden upon the nation's taxpayers. However, the positive impact that these men would have on the economy could outweigh the negative economic consequences. Essentially, China has 40 million men that can be virtual slaves. The article mentions that China is currently using these men to construct a massive natural gas pipeline and a high speed rail system to Tibet. These men can be paid a grossly lower wage than normal, as these projects will draw them away from larger populations and they will have no comparison in evaluating their lifestyle versus the average Chinese man. This reduction in the cost of labor may help China continue to be one of the fastest growing major economies in the world.
The important issue for Americans is how this phenomenon will impact both the chances for a democratic China and our future relations with the country. Over the next several years, this excess of men in China will likely be used to both strengthen the ever growing Chinese military and to enhance the infrastructure of the country. If these men are used to enhance China's military, the U.S. could face quite a formidable enemy in the near future. In addition, a swelling of the military will allow both current and future communist leaders of the country to better control the masses. China is certainly not an ally of the U.S. and tensions between the countries are likely to only escalate if communism continues to thrive in China.
Though this issue of "excess men" in China may seem to be a trivial subject, it is worth noting that these men will help to ensure that Communism remains the prevailing political philosophy of the largest country in the world. With that in mind, could China become the next Soviet Union in the coming years, only stronger? It's worth considering.
No. Just an extremely potent gay-rights movement.
Or a huge source of problems (rebellion, crime, etc.)
I think it's more likely that China will revert to long historical precedent, and even out the imbalance through civil war.
Where the Hell did that come from? If it were true that the presence of fewer women promoted homosexuality, Alaska would be more popular than San Francisco for the light-in-the-loafers set. Hell, the Wild West would've been populated by flamers if this were the case.
With less available females that could become wives, a greater proportion of Chinese males are likely to turn to homosexuality.
If the inability to get chicks turned a guy gay, Star Trek conventions would look like Mardi Gras in San Francisco.
Taiwan maybe?
No, just more dirty laundry piling up and total control of TV remotes ;~)
Tell me how to that to match the REALITY.
Good deal! China has tons of peasants who are really strong and hungry...
So does America. We call them "single taxpayers".
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