Dystopian “1984” has arrived Many years ago George Orwell wrote “1984” as his vision of a possible future that was based upon fear and dis-information; a very small ruling party enjoying extreme wealth and power at the expense of the people. Such situations arise as a consequence of revolution or wars. For Orwell it was a Russian revolution and a world war. In countries like Russia, Cambodia and China extreme ideas about changing society and politics by extreme action resulted in the purges and terror of the Stalinist era, the “Killing fields, and starvation after the cultural revolution. Ultimately these attempts to change society failed to varying extents because of a lack of conditioning of the people and the lack of control over the media. Terror only controls people for a short time and eventually leads to reactions against the regime either by its people or by other powerful leaders wishing to take power. For ultimate control a government must have complete control of the media, thereby enabling the complete indoctrinisation of people over time. This, with the establishment of constant fear creates the perfect “1984” dystopia. All of these elements have been present in North Korea under the Kim family’s communist dictatorship. More worrying is the movement towards ultimate control in America in the last few months. A background to all this and the foundations for a future dystopia are the situations in the Middle East, the increasing militarism of Putin’s Russia, and the popular moves away from traditional politics in the UK and in France and Germany. Fragmentation and chaos creates an easier path for a country to descend into “1984” control, ostensively for the good of its people, but ultimately for the good of its rulers. People are greatly influenced by the media and by fear. In a democracy they are easily encouraged to choose the path that promises what they think is better, even if it is not. In the UK, politicians fed on the unjustified fears of its people concerning immigration, and were encouraged by the imagined halcyon days of the “great” empire. People voted to leave the European Union without seriously considering the future or whether the information fed to them was true or sensible. The same reactions were clear in the American presidential election, and are clear in voting trends in France and Germany. President Trump was elected on the basis of fears about unemployment and immigration. He appealed to patriotism and the lost “greatness” of the USA. Just like North Korea, he is taking advantage of potential threats from terrorists and other countries. The threat of attack or harm is a wonderful way to explain deprivation, starvation, unemployment etc. By placing blame on another group of people distracts people from the truth and focuses their anger elsewhere. In “1984” the constant existence of an imagined war enabled all ills and hardships to be explained. People’s hatred was directed away from their government and towards the “enemy”. In the DPRK it is the Western world, and the USA in particular who are said to be the enemy and the cause of all ills in the country. Spies and traitors are blamed for failures. In Nazi Germany it was the Jews who were blamed and in America today it is immigrants. For a society like “1984” to exist, fear must be constantly maintained. Aside from threats of terrorism and war, a culture of perpetual fear is created in North Korea and in Middle Eastern countries. Everyone is encouraged to spy and inform on each-other for reward. The accused are publicly punished, put to death, and their whole family sent to prison or death camps. Any suspicion of rebellion or disagreement with the rulers is punishable. Apparently Kim Il-sung purged possible threats to his position, even from his own family. President Trump has replaced long serving and experienced people in government and in the Judiciary with his own supporters. Lies about the opposition are called “alternative truths” and the media is accused of spreading “false information” when it criticises his administration. President Trump and Kim Il-sung both regard the media as the most powerful danger or asset. Control of the media is essential in maintaining control. “1984” describes the “Ministry of truth” where history is re-written, facts are distorted and where lies are made truths. It is from here that the penalties for unacceptable thoughts are broadcast. So it is in the press offices of governments, and most obvious in North Korea where “news” is constantly played to the country through loud speakers. The latest worrying invention is Google’s ability now to put made up words into the mouths of videoed people. What you see, as well as what you read, can no longer be believed. The “alternative truths” voiced by all politicians in the UK on both sides about leaving the EU were totally confusing and encouraged voting on the basis of feelings rather than facts, as was the case in the US presidential election. It is through control of the media that indoctrination can develop. In the DPRK, for two generations, the process has begun at birth and continues until death. People are conditioned to believe whatever the media says. Many now believe that the Kim family are gods who care for them. Conditioning has become so entrenched that many are able to accept two opposing “facts” as true at the same time, just as described in Orwell’s “1984”, which he called “doublethink”. They accept Kim Il-sung as a benevolent god, yet witness his corruption, brutality and rich lifestyle while they starve. The terrifying reality is that the Kim regime is clever, yet irresponsible and careless of the consequences of its actions. Kim Il-sung is likely to make a pre-emptive nuclear strike on another country if he feels he is going to lose power. Millions of deaths will mean nothing. His control is almost absolute. The success of conditioning and his propaganda in his own country has made him confident that other countries will believe outrageous, ridiculous comments and threats. America is now led by an administration that encourages fear, defames and punishes opponents and attempts to control the media. It now threatens Kim Il-sung and ironically it appears that only the Communist administration of China can influence these two and prevent catastrophe! The horrors of “1984” are now proved to be a possibility, and are now features of the DPRK. They can become features of any country whose rulers realise the power of fear, conditioning and total media control. Ted Mason . May 2017

China is very keen to develop tourism with its citizens, but more so with foreign travellers. However, many travel agents in China have little knowledge of restrictions to travel for foreigners. This can lead to worrying problems arising when a foreigner arrives at a booked destination only to find that they should not be there!Several years ago I went with a Chinese tour group to Henan to climb a mountain. The agent that booked us knew I was a foreigner and even had a copy of my passport. On arriving at the mountain we all entered a large hall to get tickets and find our little bus to take us further up the mountain. I was immediately surrounded by police and soldiers. Much argument ensued between my Chinese colleagues and the police. My passport was taken away for examination. If you cannot speak Chinese it is very worrying when you ask what the matter is and get told not to worry! It appeared that this was a restricted military area not open to foreign tourists. I was escorted out of the area and had a further very long trip on a bus to the nearest city. Our coach collected me on their way back. They said that the mountain views were amazing and they saw nothing "strange".Last year some Chinese colleagues and I booked a trip with a travel agent to another famous and beautiful area of Henan. Once again it was made clear that I was a foreigner. Our first visit was to a mountain known for its spectacular waterfalls. It was indeed a most wonderful experience. We then went to some famous caves. On arrival, there were long queues of Chinese tourists waiting to go in. As soon as we were seen we were pushed to the front and into the caves! I thought it was because I was considered a foreign VIP! These caves are the most amazing I have ever seen; enormous cathedrals of Stalactites and stalagmites. This place must be one of the wonders of the world (or should be). On leaving, I had time to wander around the park and look at the various stalls before meeting with my Chinese friends. We then took the coach to a mountain where we were going to stop the night before climbing it. Imagine my stress levels when I was not allowed out of the coach. It was explained that every place we had been to, and this mountain, was prohibited to foreigners! I could have been arrested at any time. I had to spend the night and the following day in a hotel room out of sight, waiting for the coach to pick me up on the way home.The resulting complaints resulted in full refunds of our money. Chinese travel and tour companies do not always know where restrictions apply. Be warned.If tourism is to be encouraged, particularly to such wonderful places, Chinese authorities and travel agents will have to sort these problems out. The exact places visited etc. are not mentioned to protect those wonderful people who helped me avoid arrest.

I have just read about President Trump's choices for his ministry. It is frightening. I have just read about Britain's Chancellor of the exchequer due to announce a ten billion pound black hole in the budget as a direct result of Brexit. There is speculation now of massive cuts in social spending, and tax increases despite assurances that the government would cut taxes!. Already I know personally about essential services being cut. I hear of Trump's plan to withdraw from climate change agreements. Already there are reports of violence against "immigrants" and foreign workers who have lived in these countries and contributed to their wealth. I think voters in the UK are beginning to understand the consequences and those in America will soon follow. Countries and international business rely on confidence, trust and stability. It seems that these are being lost.... and difficult to regain.

I have an instinctive feeing deep down that some very bad times lie ahead. I hope I am just being foolish.The Middle East, ISIL, Putin, DPRK stupidity, Brexit.... and now Trump.I keep thinking of the first stanza of a poem by W.B.Yeats; "The second coming."Turning and turning in the widening gyre The falcon cannot hear the falconer; Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold; Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world, The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere The ceremony of innocence is drowned; The best lack all conviction, while the worst Are full of passionate intensity.Ah...... time for coffee and cake.

Last month I was delighted to be invited on a tour of North Shanxi by China Daily. It was with enormous pride that we were shown the modern architecture of Taiyuan, the historic walled city of Datong, and the wonders of Buddhist art and sculpture. Perhaps strangely there was great enthusiasm shown in taking us to De Sheng (Victory Fort Village). I have travelled to many provinces of China and in each I find similar village scenes; deserted and derelict homes, bewildered elderly people and a distinctive old culture disappearing.As a foreign tourist, I am very interested in old traditional China; its people, homes and daily life, its stories, art and buildings. Modern cities with their lovely buildings and shops are to be seen everywhere in the world, but an old village in China is distinctively Chinese and part of this countries history and culture just as much as its famous scenic areas.With Chinas industrial revolution came the need for migration to the cities. A one child policy also contributed to the depopulation of the rural villages. Now I understand that the Chinese government are trying to develop policies to encourage a return to the countryside. Furthermore I hear today that such villages are recognised as a part of a vanishing Chinese culture. As China develops tourism, there is a move towards revitalising these as tourist attractions.I personally find ethnic minority tourist sites very false and commercial and feel sure that attempts to turn rural villages into sites of interest will result in a similar pattern. Yet such investments do restore and preserve the old Chinese way of life to some extent. I see no other alternative. I look to western historical village sites that have generated education, prosperity and jobs. I think about rural communities in the UK that have become identified as typical England! I think about how the world of business is changing as a result of the internet. There is now a possibility for businesses to be run from home, wherever that may be. Could this be of interest to Chinese people who want to live in a rural setting with their family, yet be part of a modern electronic marketplace?

I have just noticed a questionnaire on CD main page asking about whether scooters should be banned from using the roads!I note from the answers so far that most people voting say they want them banned!Firstly a great majority of Chinese people use this form of transport and many now rely on it as their most convenient form of transport. To ban them is absolutely ridiculous.Secondly this questionnaire once again demonstrates the complete lack of common sense by its writer. It follows the trend of questions put on CD regularly that suggest banning everything; do not solve a problem... just ban it!Thirdly, and most significantly, you need not ban scooters (I presume this includes electric bikes) from the roads because these people do not use the roads anyway. They ride at speed down the pavements where people walk and they ride through crowded markets expecting everyone to get out of the way as they beep their horns.The resulting vote is possibly a reaction to the dangerous and irresponsible way that scooter drivers ignore traffic laws and general safety.Instead of a ban, basic traffic laws should be strictly enforced. I know, ban traffic laws because they obstruct the right of drivers to do what they like... good idea!

Having made replies to various blogs here concerning Britain’s exit vote, I have often been asked about my opinion by Chinese and British people. In my last reply I stated that there was much confusion about the issue and that intelligent and honest facts seemed lacking. Intelligent voting was almost impossible, leaving emotion and gut feelings to fill the gap. Large numbers of people voted, yet almost 30% did not, either being unconcerned either way or totally confused by the arguments. The final result was very close and, being an emotional vote was influenced by feelings of patriotism and the memories of a great British Empire, and the scare-mongering of politicians on both sides. Now that the referendum is over we see more clearly how far the exit people lied or distorted the truth, which was countered by the stay people with fear statements. It was a wonderful time for the press to exaggerate and distort the statements to their advantage. Bad news sells newspapers. The media were quick to pick up the more unpopular policies of the EU, notably those regarding the environment, health and safety, subsidies and immigration. What they did not report were the achievements of the EU. Indeed the EU publicity office has clearly failed to deliver good news over the last 10 years. The people of Britain were left with isolated horror stories about illegal immigrants, seemingly stupid rules about the shape of bananas, the expenses and contributions to the EU and the effects of agricultural policy. I have noted from my own experience that some countries in the EU do not always follow EU rules, whereas Britain always has, causing resentment. In the papers today, I see that several exit people are now back-tracking, spinning what they have previously said or flatly denying what they said. Indeed all MPs from both sides are clearly reluctant to now formally sign the exit clause 50, and seem horrified at the immediate results of the vote. It is almost as if none of them really believed it would happen! The UK independence party now have no mandate or purpose, and Nigel Farage can only insult EU representatives. The British Prime Minister is resigning with his party in complete disarray. The leader of the opposition is fighting around 40 of his own MPs who want to get rid of him. There seems to be no effective government left in Britain, and I can identify no politician with experience, skill or notoriety to fill the gap. In short, the decision to leave Europe has been met with shock and disbelief. From being an important and influential member of the European community, Britain is now to become a small isolated island struggling to open new trading partners. Northern Ireland and Scotland voted clearly to stay in Europe and may now revive again their wish to be independent of rule from London. Ex-pats living in France, Italy and Spain, many enjoying retirement and the benefits of the EU, may now face problems. It is predicted that house values and interest rates will fall, prices will rise and opportunities for British workers to work in Europe will diminish. The value of shares has plummeted. Only speculation is left about how things will be in the long term. Britain has always benefitted from European migrant workers in the health service and in agriculture. Britain does not produce enough of these skilled workers, or does not have enough people wanting to do the work. Their value to the British economy is significant. Such a disgrace then, that because of the exit vote Polish and foreign workers are increasingly being the target for violence and discrimination. Some ignorant people see the vote as a justification for their actions. So, Britain is now a nation divided with no clear leadership or direction. Massive protests are arising in London against leaving the EU. I also note that the supermarkets cashing in on the media frenzy to leave by selling British flags and toys are now finding that many are ignoring these shelves and some customers are clearly seen showing disgust at anything supporting Britain as a “Great” country. I am seeing many of the exit supporters going very quiet in the company of very angry British people. There are now many questions yet to be addressed; what of Britain’s membership of NATO, Interpol and the United Nations? How will such a small island continue to influence and support such organisations? What is going to happen now that the lying politicians have led the emotions of voters to leave the European Union? I think I will stay in China!

Some time ago I wrote about my worries concerning so called "reality" television in the west. I will not repeat my comments but you can find them yourselves; "Western Reality programmes hit a new low."I advocate freedom of speech that is open and honest, to include all the wide spectrum of the media. However I also am aware of the effects of media on an audience. I have little time for those who abuse the right of free speech with offensive, abusive or irrational comments.Once again I am in the UK for a short break and am even more astounded at the depths to which UK television has reached. In the "reality" programmes that are supposed to reflect real life (but clearly do not) we are able to witness even more graphic examples of swearing and sex, nudity and ignorance. These programmes are very popular as they appeal to the lowest common denominator and the basest instincts of humans. A viewer can ridicule the participants, and revel in their antics in and out of bed. The outcome of all this is a numbing of the senses and a view of "reality" that is severely and dangerously distorted. The programmes are aimed at the most vulnerable of society, and are able to be watched by children as everyone has facilities to record and playback. In order to further sensationalise these programmes and maintain public interest, the only place left is to start showing rape and violence as part of this "reality"...... maybe next year?American film makers have been guilty of this for many years. Many popular films rely on filthy language and gratuitous violence and sex. At some point there must be educated, moral and sensible people who monitor and fairly judge media content. If not society degenerates into chaos and depravity. If China can supervise the media to ensure the constructive development of society that is good; not banning everything but guiding.Now, I must not miss Big Brother tonight because I want to see who ends up in bed with the blond whose big breasts we saw in the last episode. I wish I could swear like her. Well, it's all on TV so it must be true.

A Gaokao mill! The examination mill! Well that about sums up the attitude towards quality broad and balanced education in China; a factory for passing an outdated test that was resurrected after the cultural revolution.There are schools in China who are interested in more effective assessment of students. Reforms to change and replace this examination are hampered by fear of change and corruption in the system. Once again the lack of trust in the universities abilities to select students fairly is wrongly levelled at them. How many skilled and intelligent students are not accepted because they fail this one test? I met a father who was upset because he felt he had let his son down. He had encouraged him to take a full and active part of his school, running clubs and taking responsibility for many activities. He had less time to study study study and achieved lower scores in tests than expected as a result. No credit was given for all his social work that had made him a better person.The stress levels created by this testing system is appalling. I have met some "successful" teachers who are praised for getting students to pass their subject within this test. Yet they know little about their subject and rely entirely on rote memory answers to questions in text books and exercises. A while ago there was an article in CD about a foreign language teacher in America who could not speak this language. This is much more possible in China, and indeed I have met one teacher of English who cannot understand clearly spoken English and cannot speak it. His students are able to pass the Gaokao because he relies on the grammar and vocabulary introduced in text books and exercises, and CDs of English tests for listening skills.Because of teaching to this test, the real teaching of English is denied. The wonderful achievements in kindergarten and primary schools are forgotten later on. The standard of useful English drops and interest in learning the language is lost.Children are not machines. Schools are not factories. Selection and quality control cannot be achieved through one examination. 1. Turn teaching into a disciplined profession2. Educate parents in how children learn and what is best for them3. Prove that Universities and schools can be trusted to accurately and fairly assess students4. Introduce a more effective system of selection for university

I just read in the opinion section about teachers not being paid in one area of China. The article states that,according to Chinese law, teachers should be paid above that of local public servants? How is it that I know many teachers who are paid well below this, some no more than 2500 yuan per month?As for not paying teachers in Zhouzhi county, Shaanxi for many months, the local officials should be fired and investigated for corrupt practice. When teachers are being developed into a profession such treatment by managers clearly shows that they have no regard for teachers or for the education of children. Another reason for being fired from their "important" positions. Furthermore, some schools in China are strict about keeping salary amounts secret. I have discovered that this is so they can pay teachers unfairly. Teachers doing the same job with the same children in the same place can be paid very different amounts for no logical reason. It is little wonder that managers want to keep salaries a secret. Western teachers expect an honest and open salary structure. This avoids argument and dishonesty and corruption. If China feels that it needs a quality teaching profession, it must be prepared to meet the costs of rewarding quality teachers and treating them as professionals instead of low paid workers who only do what they are told with the least effort.News reports like this disgust me.