The funny thing is that these news reporters think this “newfound” patriotism is actually a new occurrence for the Chinese students. On the contrary, the recent news events have just brought to light what was underrepresented by the Western media. Look at China and India, they are prideful of their country and believe that they are at least on par if not better than the US. Their youth are vibrant and have a thirst for success. As Rob said, they are in a good period of their country’s history. How can they complain? They are becoming less totalitarian and more authoritarian. They enjoy more of a market economy. And the youth are finding new avenues of expression in business, manufacturing, art, engineering, and others.
As for the aid for Sichuan, what is the use of proselytizing if the people’s basic needs are not met first? I think these missionaries have the intentions of helping them find their physical needs first, then their spiritual needs. Very few missionaries endure the inconvenience of leaving home without a good helping of selflessness and a compassion for the people they will serve. I think these missionaries had the right intentions but a bad plan. China has enough people to take care of their own that are probably more concerned about their own country than a group of foreigners are. They certainly don’t need more people in Sichuan causing logistical problems to increase. What about the safety of those who enter? It is a disaster site. How will they feed those volunteers entering the province? It is much more efficient to give China money and resources to help themselves rather than ship ourselves and the aid over, when just the aid will do. I want to help, like anybody next to me, but I am just not positioned in the best way to help. But I can give money and resources.