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chithanh | 1 month ago

Far more Chinese think that their country is a democracy and the government serves the people than in the US.

Whether this is objectively true is another question, but from their perspective, that's what it is.

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dennis_jeeves2|1 month ago

>Far more Chinese think that their country is a democracy and the government serves the people than in the US.

>Whether this is objectively true is another question, but from their perspective, that's what it is.

Correct, as a general rule, slaves think more highly of their slave owners, compared to people about their politicians/leaders who were elected by them.

( what happens behind the scenes is this: the slaves/dissidents who are rebellious are killed off by the dictator - only the most ardent supporters survive)

femiagbabiaka|1 month ago

The average chinese netizen is approximately 100x more aware of their position in society and the propaganda being broadcast in their direction than the average american

tehjoker|1 month ago

This is the kind of opinion that could only issue from one of the last societies to own literal slaves.

eloisant|1 month ago

I can hear the argument that the Chinese government serves their people better than the US gov. Not necessarily agree with it but it's worth discussing.

However I don't know by what definition of democracy a country with a unique party, with so little freedom of press, can be considered as one.

chithanh|1 month ago

A 1 party system can still be democratic in a way. Just participation in the policymaking works differently. In China this is feedback from the public and local committees.

Also that freedom of speech is very limited is correct, and there is extensive online censorship. But that doesn't mean the government ignores what people think. Almost all domestic government policies are broadly supported by the population. And when public opposition is strong then the government is known to delay implementation or change course.

Notable examples are Covid Zero, the K Visa, and the reclassification of drug use offenses.

dennis_jeeves2|1 month ago

>I can hear the argument that the Chinese government serves their people better than the US gov. Not necessarily agree with it but it's worth discussing.

Correct, as a general rule (true) slaves think more highly of their slave owners, compared to people about their politicians/leaders who were elected by them.

(what happens behind the scenes is this: the slaves/dissidents who are rebellious are killed off by the dictator - only the most ardent supporters survive)

senderista|1 month ago

Good governance (stability, competence, responsiveness) is independent of democratic rule, and is generally what ordinary people care most about.