Foxy,

There is a difference between a stereotype and a generalisation.

In sociology we make generalisations not stereotypes.

Your description of people in the Soviet Union who know the truth from their lived experience is a stereotype not a generalisation.

Most of the people on The Forum make the same mistake as you in confusing stereotypes with generalisations.

Mr O,

Prejudiced thought always involves the use of a
stereotype - a rigid mental image that summarizes
whatever is believed to be typical about a group.

Like ethnocentrism stereotyped thining is an almost
unavoidable feature of social life. People want to
think in terms of general categories, if only to
enable them to make sense if the world by simplifying
its complexity.

The essence of prejudiced thinking, however, is that
the stereotype is not checked against reality. It is
not modified by experiences that contradict the rigid
image.

If a prejudiced person such as yourself about the
Chinese, finds that an individual member of a group
does not conform to the stereotype for the group as a
whole, this evidence is simply taken as "the exception that
proves the rule"and not as grounds for questioning the
original belief.

But enough said. I find you rather a bore. And would prefer
not to continue this discussion with you.

No offense - you need to talk to kindred spirits with whom
you have more in common. I'm not one of them. Chris probaly
is. Talk to him.

Sorry, but the tit-for-tat is not enlightening.

An observation: The attainment of an Education does not, necessarily, ensure 'enlightenment'.
We are the construct of the whole of our being, and 'life experience' may impart true 'wisdom' for some, but only disenchantment, confusion and distrust for others.

A million successful 'experiments' may NEVER Prove an hypothesis; but One Failure Can Prove it Wrong.

I think, therefore I am - but that does not necessarily make me 'whole'.

The Elephant is a mammal; Man is a mammal; therefore, Man is an Elephant? Mmm.

The man 'saw' himself in the mirror, took the 'saw' and cut the desk in half, put the two halves together to make a 'whole' and climbed out the 'hole' to freedom. Umm.

ALTRAV,

Not familiar with the 'Illuminati', but I admit to misgivings about Ultra-Orthodox anything - and 'closed communities'. Malka Leifer, extradition?

'Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced Friday that Istanbul’s iconic Hagia Sophia would become a mosque once again, brushing aside a legacy of Turkey’s secularizing modern founder, who converted the site to a museum more than eight decades ago.'
'Hagia Sophia — originally a Byzantine Christian cathedral and later an Ottoman mosque ...'

Netanyahu and the West Bank?

But, back to Topic (China):

Foxy,

"It will therefore be interesting to see how far the
country will stray from the socialist path and whether
economic liberalisation will in turn lead to political
democratization. Given China's size and potential its
economic future will be of world historical significance."

A big ask I think, and certainly to be hoped for, but 'historical significance' is most certainly 'spot on'.
Interesting times ahead.

Mr O,

As for Chinese Nationals surreptitiously 'invading' Australia - with a view, supposedly, to espionage, sabotage and rising-up 'when' China invades? Cashed-up Chinese, immigrating (or Studying), buying apartments 'off the plan', and undercover groups/individuals, secretly funded by the CCP, investing in 'strategic' businesses and properties - preparatory to 'the inevitable'?
Conspiracy on steroids. But, possible?

Let's hope, Foxy, et al, that sanity and good manners will prevail.
My fingers are tightly crossed.

Foxy,

There you go, turning me into one of your stereotypes.

I guess if I can put up with being an engineer most of my life I can put up with being boring as well. Some people would say they are the same thing.

Dear Saltpetre,

What does a Chinese optimist from the mainland say?

"It can't get any worse".

I shall keep my fingers crossed as well. (smile).

Saltpetre,

I see you've been to Sydney.