George Soros, Ma Yun and some other smiling people walk around Hangzhou because hey, the crisis is over, baby! George Soros was in Shanghai a few days ago and gave a lecture at Fudan, and then went off to meet his old buddy, Alibaba head honcho Ma Yun, in Hangzhou, where he talked without notes and generally enthralled people with his guru-ness. According to Soros China is the bomb and is already recovering from the financial crisis even as the rest of the world still founders, and yeah, he put Alan Greenspan in his place, and yeah those yangmei (Chinese bayberries) are delightfully delicious. Oh, and one of the articles had this interesting intro:
2009年6月8日午后，烟雨江南会。低调的私人会所中名车云集。它们的主人都在等待一位老人的出现。为了争睹那著名的犹太鼻， 为洞悉“金融大鳄”狡黠眼神背后的思想。
Yes, people came from far and wide on a rainy Hangzhou afternoon "in order to see that famous Jewish nose". Sure it's not the most invidious form of racism imaginable, but let 's be frank, we're starting to find this cultural fascination with the chosen people a bit tiresome. Just the other day a radio show in the taxi was talking about Zhejiang businessmen and the Jews. Ad. Frickin. Nauseum. It sure makes this slanty-eyed goy just want to go out and bash some Jewish and Gentile noses (in equal, nondiscriminatory measure).
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"... but let 's be frank,we're starting to find this cultural fascination with the chosen people a bit tiresome."
Who exactly is the we?
I am not sure exactly what you are trying to say here Peijin. I am assuming it is all meant to be a tongue in cheek attempt at humor but (for me) it somehow misses the boat, almost coming across as mean-spirited.
I think I know what you are inferring. I've seen the fascination first-hand. That being said, your snide commentary reeks of racism and I can't see the point. If you're simply tired of the "cultural fascination" that's discussion best left for the bar.
To be frank, I am not at all sure I am making my point very well but I am not a writer.
You're a good writer Pei and I am betting a good guy too but this is disappointing.
Racism directed at whom? I'm confused.
Guess I was right, I am clearly not making the point very well and maybe nobody is "getting" me. Something about the verbiage just strikes me wrong. I mean, what do you read in phrases like...
"... we're starting to find this cultural fascination with the chosen people a bit tiresome." or "slanty-eyed goy" or "bash some Jewish and Gentile noses"?
As I said, it's probably tongue in cheek humor. I don't wish to have some kind of great debate or argument here. I was only relaying how it made me feel as I read it.
If I had a kuai for every awkward "you have such a big nose" remark, I'd be able to buy a new nose.
That dude in the purple is about the only one who's head isn't about to explode.
Soros must be looking for official permission to invest in some companies or sectors that are tough for foreigners to get into these days(heavy manufacturing, electronics, finance). That is why he is over here and doing a light kowtow.
But numbers from the Economist and McKinsey on China's power output divert from the official line on China's economic downturn/recovery.
You mean like the domestic airline industry... oh wait, he's already done that... If you did a bit of reading you'd possibly be aware that he's being active in investment, philanthropy and policy advocacy here for oh, about 20-something years.
I am glad you said this. One thing that many people often forget is that those who talk up China's rising business prospects the most are typically those with the most business interests in China.
China is recovering now, very slowly. So is the rest of the world, or it will be soon. But by grandstanding in China's favor, people like Soros are trying to build confidence internationally in a market where they have invested. Do you honestly think he is going to go to China and say, "China is not really outperforming anyone, and the prospects for the revival of the pre-crash business situation are slim, especially once the bank binge-lending wears out?" Of course he won't.
I am not saying China is heading for a fall. But I am saying that people put way too much stock in the words of a few "gurus", most of whom have friends in high places are seeking to make more.
The fact that he went to see his frind, Jack Ma, should make this even clearer. By playing the confidence game, he is improving his friend's business prospects as well, or do you think that Alibaba will benefit if Soros goes up there and gives a level-headed assessment of the economy?