New Arrogant Rich of China

Unfortunately your column, though well-written, espouses movement within the financial sphere without realising that aspirants to greater wealth undergo psychological metamorphosis even before they reach the level of what we may describe as being rich.The behaviour of the 'mini-rich' supports my theory. They who drive motor cars have removed themselves from the hoi-polloi and act as if the ordinary pedestrian does not deserve space to move. Rudeness becomes the aspirant to richness. Arrogance is seemingly an inbuilt characteristic of they for whom the street cleaner is an irritant.The behaviour of young 'ladies' and 'gentlemen' gives evidence of a sense of uncaring for their fellow citizens; rubbish thrown at the feet of cleaners as if cleaners do not exist.The students who refuse to buckle down to serious work because their 'rich' parents have the wherewithal to buy entrance to colleges, indicate that China is re-building similar conditions to those that prompted Chairman Mao and others to instigate 'cultural revolutions'.Yes, you may advocate striving toward greater personal comfort and to gain prestige in social 'advancement', but at what cost?I have seen China retard in its social perspective during the past five years, much to my disgust. Walking along the streets of renovating cities tells me much of where this country is heading; and the courteous China that inspired me for generations is fast disappearing.Before the Olympics there was much ado about ordinary Chinese and their 'manners'; people were exhorted to stop spitting, to cease their queue-jumping and loud speaking in public places, yet nothing was directed at the 'new rich' and their spoilt brats.There is not much point in allusions to America or to the West, for that is irrelevant when discussing China itself.Fine speeches during the Great Hall of the People gatherings do not, in themselves, absolve leaders from getting down to grass roots and setting standards of social commitment and behaviour.It was a relief to see that corruption was being treated for its erosive effect on society and the CPC is to be congratulated on this necessary exorcism.Wen Jiabao is to be held in very high jing pei for his own humility and graciousness and the people respond to him in ways that inspire many others to emulate our Premier.But it is not enough!We need to resist the rise in arrogance among our young and upwardly mobile citizens. We need to confront this ever-growing malady of superciliousness that pervades our universities and schools. I smile when drivers and gardeners and common folk are held in esteem and when street cleaners are greeted with warmth by passing citizens.The feudal days are gone but unfortunately the mentality of feudalism not only remains but is increasing with alarming speed and it is up to you and you fellow well-to-do Chinese citizens in positions of influence to safeguard that which we cherish still about Zhongguo.I am an Australian laoshi with a passion for China.

Peoples Daily 6 April 09