Should war ever break out between the United States and China, the Chinese populace will start off with one huge advantage. No, not the population’s uncanny ability to dodge rapidly approaching projectiles, honed daily in Frogger-like pedestrian adventures; nor will it be the thick coating of particulates already insulating Chinese lungs from any potential U.S. chemical or biological agent. Rather, it’s that most Chinese folks are 100% unfazed by massive explosions everywhere around them, and, in fact, seem to rather enjoy it.
Max and I were at his friend’s apartment for Chinese New Year, in what I’m told is a relatively tranquil part of Beijing. But starting around 3PM, a low-level rolling thunder starts building in every direction, and the crescendo doesn’t peak for the next 12 hours. From the 37th floor rooftop of this building, we had an incredible 360 degree view of the whole city. But perhaps the most awesome sight of the evening was when one of our host’s friends - perhaps having imbibed too much Chivas and sweet green tea, the Chinese answer to vodka and Red Bull - inadvertently shot off roman candle charges directly at two ladies walking their dog. The charges missed by a few feet, but what was really impressive was that they didn’t even flinch... not even the dog! Hard! (Max's pictures, which establish that I was not nearly so stoic, will be shared as soon as he sends them to me).
Then you learn that Spring Festival actually lasts for about two weeks. So three days later, when you’re strolling out from a nice dumpling dinner, “BANG!” and little kids scurry everywhere like insurgents with IEDs.
But despite my personal measured ambivalence (read: uptight aversion) to fireworks/explosives, I have to confess that I really like the d.i.y. approach to the holiday. I get that the provision of certain non-rivalrous, non-excludable public goods is one of the things states are supposed to do, but there’s something really lame about celebrating one’s freedom by passive reception of government-provided spectacle. There is some irony to the fact the Chinese have a wildly more democratic approach to their blow-shit-up holiday than we do.
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6 comments:
sounds like 4th of july at the geist house...
glad to see that you've successfully navigated much of eurasia and lived to tell about it. thanks for the postcard, and rest assured that you wouldn't have been much warmer in chi-town this winter - if we get any more highs in the -18C range, i might just ship out to ulaan bataar myself.
haha! this is awesome!!
It's a safety valve to prevent real revolution. Or a rehearsal, depending on your point of view.
thomas i read your blog. i did not leave a poopy napkin on it
Loving the blog, Thomas. I'll be in Shanghai myself in a couple of weeks, so I feel a little more prepared now. Drop me a line when you're back in the States; it would be great to catch up.
Very offtopic, but i just wanted to give a shoutout for really livening up last night in the Pirate bar, great stuff man. If you're ever in Holland again, feel free to drop the people here a line. We'll be lookin into getting you some airtime as well, but no promises there:)
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