“Young and Restless in China”

In the PBS Documentary, “Young and Restless in China,” the stress

forced upon young Chinese is an uncomfortable side-effect of the country’s

accelerated growth. It is consequently a nation’s youth being torn between old

Chinese traditions and the new ideas brought from western cultures.. This makes it

more difficult than ever for young Chinese to maneuver their way through the

land of booming economy and opportunities. Life in China has changed drastically

due to modernization and the influence of western. As a result, generations clash,

causing much confusing and stress for young Chinese. The seemingly most

emblematic dramatic change has been the matter of wealth.

Young Chinese whom have set out to study and/or live abroad,

known as “returning turtles” upon coming home, have been exposed to the keys

of becoming a successful entrepreneur. Lu Dong, a thirty-two year old software

company owner, indeed solidifies this claim, stating, “Get rich quick!” The vast

opportunities available to the new generation of China is in abundant supply.

Returning turtles are bringing back savvy business and money making knowledge

with them, and in turn, interrupting old Chinese traditions, set by young Chinese’s

parents and grandparents. China in the 1980’s was simply happy with what money

they had, versus striving to make as much money as humanly possible. The

Equivalent to monetary value used to be what was referred to as “rashing tickets”

To purchase everyday items ...

... middle of paper ...

...

included in the documentary, the unique situation is overwhelming. There has

never but one such nation as China in history, with such a swiftly moving

economy and way of life. Young Chinese aren’t sure which way to go. Pick the

path to the left and please the old Chinese traditions. Or pick the path to the

right, and possibly struggle trying to make a better life for themselves. But are

young Chinese really trying to find their own ways, or just copying what looks to

be a more comfortable way of a western style journey? Life in China has

changed drastically due to modernization and the influence of western culture,

namely the US. As a result, generations clash, causing much confusing and stress

for young Chinese.