Trident University
Module 5 CA
ENG 102
20 June 2011

The effects and benefits of Democracy in China

Introduction

For Americans, "democracy" is a cherished and familiar word. Proud of their own democratic institutions, most Americans have felt freedom is not free and Democracy takes courage and effort within the whole country. But Democracy does not mean the same concept and advantages to all people everywhere; it changes each time it translates into a different language and cultural context.
Democracy (translated into Chinese as " minzhu ," or "people-as-masters") is not a concept inherent in Chinese culture or political philosophy. In fact, it is in complete opposition to their own culture, which stresses harmony and obedience. But neither is democracy a concept that has just recently taken hold in the minds of Chinese youth who have seen the wonders of democracy in Western-style music and food. The Chinese democratic tradition was begun nearly one hundred years before the white plaster statue erected on Tiananmen Square attracted the attention of the world. In those hundred years, it has been the cause of rebellions, arrests, purges, and endless debate on the best way to understand and implement such a complex form of social organization.
The power of the word "democracy" worked on Western viewers of the 1989 movement as well. Chinese students knew from experience that describing their struggle as a "democratic" one was the best way to win international sympathy in the industrialized West. The "Goddess of Democracy," although it had plenty of antecedents in Chinese religious and political ceremonies, was also instrumental in tugging the heartstrings of millions of Westerners who drew a connection to the Statue of Liberty and assumed that Chinese aspirations were identical to their own.

Democracy benefit in a positive way giving the people