Andrew, think about your comment, then explain to everyone how the
millions of sites that exist on the internet that are anti... anything,
come from. If as you say, it is impossible for someone to do this in the
US, or any other country, where then, are these sites published?
Mars?
I agree businesses must operate legally within their locality. However
the Internet itself being Global, does have a certain Global legal social
responsibility. This is not a brick and mortar store located in China.
Also, Have a look at the many businesses operating out of Indonesia,
owned by Chinese Nationals that are blatantly operating so far outside
the Indonesia law that it may as well not exist. The treatment of their
employees in inhumane and the wages are enough to keep them alive,
barely. This is no exaggeration, it is open for anyone to see, as
everyone does, yet nothing is done about it because of the
repercussions that occur not only to those actively going against
them, but the employees as well. This is where the anger is usually
placed. And that is just one country as an example.
What happened to people being able to use their own judgement of
right or wrong, listen to their conscience and they beliefs, and follow
the path they choose. If this path is not available for choice, then how
will they ever be tested? Does this not go against the very fabric of
traditional chinese belief?
Do you really think that censoring the internet will fix any social
problems? Absolutely not.
As far as the actual topic itself and my thoughts on that....
In theory I applaud Google's move to HK. However after further
thought and consideration, practically I feel this will backfire and
simply remove all services completely from Chinese Nationals as the
Government will not tolerate the lack of censorship. Nor will they be
ruled over by a corporation, therefore really they have no choice but to
essentially rid mainland china of anything to do with google, that is
not compliant with their censorship decisions.
Do I personally agree with it? Of course not. Do I choose to live in a
censored environment? Of course I do, and so does everyone reading
this thread. It's the degree that is under question here.
I believe this move by Google has nothing to do with ensuring
mainland China receives /news/ services for example, as the news
services that are provided by google are censored already and by that,
I am referring to the media politics that exists regardless of belief.
I live in a western democratic society yet I am fully aware that any
news service readily available is in the most part, mills and boon
worthy.
I know that I have no choice but to go to news channels located in the
east, sometimes in areas which are labelled as terrorist propaganda,
yet are proven as time goes by to actually speak the truth. To say this
move is driven by Google's caring about the people blah blah blah is
completely ridiculous given that any corporate manager worth a grain
of salt would pre empt that this move would end badly for the people
in china. This is purely justification for flexing their muscles against
the Chinese Government to continue to profit from Chinese Nationals.
This is about money. Nothing more.
I see this move by google purely as a 'stamp your foot' exercise, and a
rather dangerous and costly one at that. Google you are now entering
into the political arena, you must reassess what outcome you are
hoping for, and then implement best strategy for that.
This move was only ever going to antagonize the situation, and
possibly put the employees of Google who work in China in more than
an uncomfortable position.
I see absolutely no point to this move, in fact when you view it from
the 'other side of the fence' and by this I mean from an Eastern
Culture perception, it simply reeks of foolish western arrogance. It
makes a fool out of Google as there is no move left than to agree to
Chinese ruling to move back into Chinese Mainland. And even then, it
is not over.
China will never tolerate interference to a degree such as this from
outside influence, much less a company.
What on earth were you guys thinking??????
Ps.. btw I am on western decent, i do not have any eastern relatives by
blood or marriage, i am a westerner through and through. i believe is
respecting cultures, I don't believe in forcing one culture onto another
regardless of who, where or when.
