Dear Readers,

    I will understand if you call me biased when you hear my answer to the self-initiated question about the best place on earth: China.

    You’re right. I am biased because that is where my family is, where my home is, where almost everything that constitutes who I am today is. However, my reasons extend beyond pure bias. I’m sure you know (or will soon come to realize in one way or another) that China’s culture is unmatched, the food is superb, and the environment (although undeniably affected by the economic demand for rapid growth) is still breathtaking.

    I myself also enjoy these diverse elements of our country and long for them even as I put pen to paper at this very moment. Yet, what is most convincing, is the people and our Chinese ways.

    I have heard from a very small number of people that those in or from China are most friendly and welcoming. Unfortunately, I more often read articles published in the United States about how selfish and careless those in China can be, using the Shanghai World Expo and carbon dioxide emissions to demonstrate their points.

    In my opinion, there is truth in both statements: pollution is far from becoming something we can fling over our shoulders into the “historical happenings” bin. It is a global problem and not a phenomenon that China should take full responsibility or blame for.

    Recent examples are prevalent and include my interactions with student news agencies who intentionally portray Asian organizations in a negative light as well as apparent differences in conversations with guest speakers of different backgrounds at a conference. There is little time or space to elaborate on specifics, but I hope you either take my word into consideration or come and see for yourself: there is no place better than our home.

    I’m sure that as China improves economically and environmentally, things will change gradually in more ways than one. Very rarely are things in this world black or white; most frequently, they are shades of gray. But it is with great optimism that I predict that beneficial changes will offset adverse ones, little by little.

    Sincerely, Laiyin