Not just here, but also on reddit and other social media.
Sure, there is a propaganda war brewing wherein a lot of Western media are pushing exaggerated narratives, Adrian Zenz is a theological dope of an academic, and the CIA has a vested interest in accelerating conflict, etc. but surely there’s got to be room to also address the shortcomings of China as well? Whether it’s about LGBTQ+ issues, or the exploits of Chinese capitalism, or being able to criticize or make fun of Xi, I see posts here routinely and systemically brigaded and comments downvoted to oblivion that even sniff at criticism of China.
I consider myself a free agent, and China’s meteoric rise gives me some hope for a brighter tomorrow (in contrast to the US), but this blatant campaign of social media manipulation gives me pause for concern. It just screams insecurity and makes me not trust what feels like a counter-propaganda narrative. (Mods, please never get rid of the downvote counter.)
Anyway, here’s hoping for a brighter future, but please let ideas breathe.
Thanks for listening.
I have any number of critiques of China (Yeah I’m a Dengist, for Little Deng.) But they’re winning and despite occasional misgivings, they’re doing pretty well since Xi came in at reigning in the capitalists.
Also I have met people who have met Xi, both decades ago and now, and dine with his family. And they swear up and down that he’s a committed Marxist and takes building Socialism dead seriously, whatever other critiques they may have. But he needs to manage the Nationalists/ National Bourgoise/ and Neo Maoist/ultra factions carefully, and that usually means the ultras get shafted.
Its an open secret that Sixth Tone is personally protected by Xi.