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2009-07-20

Who is trying to fool others?

Comments on David Burchell “The great gall of China has us fooled”, 20/07/2009, http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25805432-5013479,00.html

Whether the China experts that Burchell talked about have fooled us or not, or whether they have claimed a false moral high ground or not, remain to be seen. However, one thing is certain that Burchell is trying to claim the even higher moral ground.

It is a bravery act, one against many experts. It is commendable on this ground.

One, however, may want to see if David Burchell is trying to claim the moral high ground of the glorious power of past British imperialism. If that is what Burchell tries to do, he may have lost that battle before he even started, since the United Kingdom itself has long given up that status.

Zhao’s book may be useful in understanding some very limited aspects of China at a particular time of Chinese history. There are, however, many valuable Chinese books, especially history. In that context, Zhao’s book is a drop of water in the ocean and it should be understood in that context. Using that book may or may not help Burchell’s cause.

If Burchell wants to claim a moral high ground relating to Chinese issues, it may help if he understands more Chinese books and history and culture.

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