ch 9

With all the talk of the “popcorn population” in Dodson’s chapter nine, it really surprises and intrigues me that the people of China didn’t escape the over-populated area before the situation became a problem. I feel as if the population would’ve spread itself out before it got so incredibly big. I think this shows how obedient the previous generations of China were – they followed what their rulers told them without question, it seems. When they were told to multiply to build a stronger country, they did so, and when they were told they could only have one child, with a slight resent, they did so. I think it’s really interesting to compare this to how China seems to react to rules now. It seems, from following Dodson and also watching The Last Train Home, that the new generation of Chinese is really resentful towards the rules of their leaders.

I also find it interesting how much of what Dodson says in chapter nine shows the progression of China towards a more Westernized culture. It’s true that the way Dodson describes the children who are results of the one child policy is very similar to American children that other countries typically make fun of. I think it’s not just the Chinese government and economy that is trying to Westernize, but even more so the new generation of kids. I see this in the newfound need to marry for love and also the idea of divorce in China. I feel as if the new generation longs not only for the economic stability and freedom of the Western world, but also our air of independence, relaxation, and even our tendencies to experiment and change our minds in marriage. It’s really intriguing to watch the progress that China makes toward westernization.