Solidarity

During the current crisis, I have gained a greater level of appreciation for the Chinese capacity for solidarity.  Not only have the majority of individuals willingly complied with government-borne instruction on how to respond to the virus, but people have also been overwhelmingly complimentary of the Communist Party’s efforts to keep them safe. 

I first witnessed firsthand their capacity to unite around a common cause and message back in 2008 when the Olympics were held in Beijing.  We had arrived in July of 2007, and so we were present for both the buildup to and production of the Olympic Games which were held in August during the summer of ’08.

But before the Olympics were held, a devastating earthquake struck China’s Sichuan Province (immediately north of where we were living at the time).  The loss of life was more than 80,000.  There was also negative sentiment stirred up by some shoddy construction that had put the lives of students at risk.  



In fact, it threatened to put a dark cloud over the ceremonies that were to occur in less than two months time.  But what I witnessed was a coordinated effort by the National Media to rally the Chinese people to “overcome the challenges” they were facing as a Nation.  In fact, they predicted that these challenges would ultimately add to the backdrop of a victorious year for their country.

Television stations played patriotic messages and highlighted heroic stories of sacrifice which featured first responders, government troops, and even ordinary citizens.  One particularly touching ad featured a lullaby to sing to sleep many of the children who lost their lives in the tragedy.  I watched as a Nation mourned together and came out stronger and united.



And as I am watching my own country struggle with the fear and sadness brought on by the current crisis, my prayer is that we will also come through both stronger and united.

If each nation works to strengthen its bonds internally, it can only strengthen our ability to cooperate meaningfully as an International Community of Nations.


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