Why It's Hard to Persuade a Chinese Person
Several years ago, Yoyi had a conversation with a Chinese friend about politics. When discussing difficulties faced by China, she confidently attributed them to the US meddling, saying that Ukraine deserved to be punished, and so on. However, when Yoyi tried to reason with her, she found it difficult to accept, even with solid evidence. This experience is likely shared by many.
Many people say that Chinese people do not reason logically, but this is not entirely accurate. They do not care about logic; instead, they prioritize their stance. To understand their perspective, one must grasp three points: 1. Who are they standing with? 2. Why are they following a particular party's stance? 3. How do they view their own stance?
Firstly, they believe that individuals should stand with the nation, rather than their own group or family. This is influenced by long-term collectivist education, which emphasizes group interests over individual interests. Families, nations, and societies are viewed as a single entity. Additionally, this is closely tied to China's long-term information control, where the government not only blocks external information but also selectively reports news. For instance, if there's a closed school in Malaysia, you only tell the students that Malaysia is bigger than Singapore, and that Singapore used to be part of Malaysia. You also frequently mention in history textbooks that land size is important. As a result, these Malaysian children naturally think that conquering Singapore is normal.
Secondly, why do they follow a particular party's stance? Loving one's country is a universal value. While most countries' people recognize this, many Chinese people have made a mistake or intentionally mixed up the concept. They confuse the party with the nation, thinking that the Communist Party is China's correct historical choice because it's the winner. They've been taught from a young age that whoever has the most power is right. This leads them to believe that the Communist Party's rule is reasonable, and that the party is the nation. If you disagree with the party's will, you're seen as unpatriotic.
Thirdly, how do they view their own stance? Chinese people are educated to be obedient to their leaders and to prioritize their country's interests. This is deeply rooted in Confucianism, which reminds them to be loyal to their rulers and to protect their interests. When they say that someone is a traitor or a sellout, they're actually showing their loyalty to their country. If you tell them that every individual is independent, they'll say that Chinese people should accept their country's ideology, not Western values. You can't prove that Western values are better, so you can't convince them.
In summary, when you try to use logic to convince Chinese people, it often doesn't work. The premise of using logic is itself irrational, like some flat-earthers who only accept evidence that supports their views and dismiss opposing evidence as 'conspiracy theories.' They'll say that foreign countries are the same, and mix in some low-quality theories, such as 'freedom is not absolute, but absolute non-freedom.' They think they're knowledgeable, but they're only familiar with the world. If they don't think critically, they can only claim to have seen the world. This is what some patriotic overseas Chinese people are like.
Perhaps socialism's iron fist is the best way to wake them up, just like the three-year lockdown during the pandemic, which made Xi Jinping treat them so harshly that they finally came up with a White Paper Movement. Yoyi respects every individual who participated, and Yoyi likes some Chinese friends who remain clear-headed. However, Yoyi dislikes the Chinese people as a group because most of them lack self-awareness, cannot respect others, and cannot think critically. They also cannot reason.
Actually, Yoyi has more to say, and will continue writing in the future. This post will be followed by a photo. Hehe.