1. What is a “harmonious society”
Below is an excerpt from Wikipedia – Harmonious Society
The Harmonious Society is a socioeconomic concept in China that is recognized as a response to the increasing alleged social injustice and inequality emerging in mainland Chinese society as a result of unchecked economic growth, which has led to social conflict. The governing philosophy has therefore shifted around economic growth to overall societal balance and harmony.[1] Along with a moderately prosperous society, it was set to be one of the national goals for the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
The concept of social harmony dates back to ancient China, to the time of Confucius. As a result, the philosophy has also been characterized as a form of New Confucianism. In modern times, it developed into a key feature of CCP general secretary Hu Jintao‘s signature ideology of the Scientific Outlook on Development developed in the mid-2000s, being re-introduced by the Hu–Wen Administration during the 10th National People’s Congress.
2. What is an unharmonious society?
The image below highlights the trap for an unharmonious society.
It has three key elements:
- Poverty
- Crime
- Injustice.
To briefly highlight each …
2.1 Poverty
The image below is worth more than 1,000 words.
Poverty is relative or even a perception. For example, an American living in poverty may well be considered a middle-class citizen in a developing country.
What, then, is the key to the perception?
Inequality!
When the gap between the haves and have-nots becomes too big, you have (the sense of) poverty as well as injustice, leading to more crimes.
2.2 Crime
A society filled with crimes is not harmonious.
2.3 Injustice
No justice, no peace!
3. China
After the century of humiliation, China was impoverished – been there, experienced that!
Fortunately for China, with economic reforms (aka “state capitalism”), China has lifted some 800 million people out of poverty over the past four decades. Better yet, China has started addressing the issue of inequality (What happened to Jack Ma), which is totally beyond the West’s comprehension.
The crime rate in China has always been low, especially when compared with America. It becomes even lower with reduced poverty. The same can be said about the justice system. For more, read The People’s Republic of China at Age 75.
4. America
Although America has indeed been hugely successful, especially economically, here is the cruel truth behind this success: throughout American history, there has always been a huge underclass supporting America’s economy, from slaves in the old days to millions of prisoner labor (Prisoner labor is modern slavery. I’ve been sent to solitary for speaking) and undocumented migrants doing the work that “Americans do not want” (e.g., apple picking and lawn mowing) nowadays.
4.1 Poverty in America
Read Poverty in the United States: 2023.
What about inequality?
Read the image below!
In short, poverty in America is perpetual, and “perpetual poverty” means “perpetual crime!”
4.2 Crime in America
Two informative readings:
Why is the incarceration rate so high?
Crime and injustice!
4.3 Injustice in America
Read the image below!
In short, it is the injustice system, stupid!
5. Closing
America should strive to be a harmonious society like China has been doing for at least the past 2,000 years.
America, reform our failing political system, as I have suggested (History 2.0 – China’s Comeback vs. America’s Decline), or face a bloody revolution at home (A quarter of Americans open to taking up arms against government, poll says)!
