Good Intentions

Newspapers here use the term friendly fire to describe the wounding or killing of soldiers by allied gunmen. At one time this might have been described as deadly error, fatal incompetence, or in the case of a civilian, manslaughter. While a touch of gentility often betrays kindness, the euphemisms for killing or maiming are nothing but a whitewash.

And there are lots of them. Others that come quickly to mind include fallout, side-effects, collateral damage, and unintended consequences. They’re all designed to let the perpetrators off the hook, or to excuse innovation and action without foresight.

An article called Good Intentions begins;

Must we persist in innovating without anticipating the broad consequences of our actions? It as if good intentions alone excuse narrow vision. Doctors and drug companies were not driven by malice to profer Thalidomide to pregnant women. Henry Ford’s wildest dreams failed to reveal the social fallout which would accompany his production system. And the corporate innovators of television technology and broadcasting were only “doing their thing”

From Media & Education, April 15, 1976.

Ach mein Gott! When one begins quoting oneself it must be an early sign of senility (<;

Fire and Water

After two years, it had become a tradition. So, this third year, after unloading our bags, Ellis and Julian immediately joined me in the search. This year Megan was with us too. The beach was mostly pebbly, but rocky in some spots. Easy to spot the driftwood bleached white from the sun. First we collected the kindling. Then later the more substantial bits and pieces of limbs and lumber washed ashore by Lake Ontario’s “tides”.

Then, as the sun began to set on the landward horizon the next step in the holiest of holy rituals began. Our techniques and successes would win the approval of even the most demanding Scoutmaster. Very quickly flames were a’dance in the stone-lined pit.

Little Lylo, too young yet to gather the makings, was as entranced as anyone. None of them really likes eating marshmallows, but they all love toasting them over the open fire.No waiting for the embers either.

As darkness settled it was totally therapeutic to loll about, enchanted by the sights, sounds, and smells of campfire and the rhythmic beat of the waves gently breaking on the shore.

Fire and water, the sometime foes. Joined in complementary harmony. A rustic Yin and Yang.

Whistlin' in the Wind

My neighbour whistles. She just began to do this about six weeks ago, I was quite startled the first time I heard her warbling away as she hung her laundry out to dry. Actually, I was shocked. Was she in love? Or had she consciously set upon a desperate course to revive the long-lost art of schoolboys?

It conjured up memories which were at once pleasant. But also disconcerting. Recollections of youthful days when whistlers were abundant, and displayed their varied talents without a shred of self-consciousness. Walking to school. Cycling in the countryside. Standing by the lathe while producing parts for Lancaster bombers. Yes, we used to whistle God Save the King and even ditties about whistling itself, like Whistle while you work. Hitler is a jerk.

What has brought about not only the decline, but the fall of this widespread folk art? Air and sound pollution in the cities? The Walkman and its descendents? Then the ipod? Perhaps the culprit is all in our minds. Preoccupation with mutual funds and pensions. Consumed by the seduction of consumption itself. Even whistling to bring your pet pooch back to heel has been replaced by leads and leashes, or a plastic toy which blasts forth an unmelodious note.

Or is it feminism? It’s no longer correct behaviour to let out a phew...eet, phoo..ee...oo at a pretty gal walking on the other side of the street. On second thought it could be that’s this loss to humanity is related to the disappearance of the steam engine. That bold and mighty inspiration to musical sibilation. Whatever.... whistling’s gone.....caput....fini.

Unless my neighbour’s cheery notes are contagious, trend-setting, or even become the basis for another reality show.

Will the Boat Sink the Water?

This book about the life of China's peasants is remarkable. Although the Middle Kingdom pundits have seized upon it to justify their own political views, often at polar opposites, it's richness lies in its style rather than its statements. Written by Chen Guidi and Wu Chuntao, a husband and wife investigative journalist team, it fulfills and then transcends the reportage with a delightful, yet low-key, literary manner. Further, the book's translator, Zhu Hong, has retained the nuances of the original Chinese language edition.

And the subject? In a word, the plight of impoverished peasants who are often ruled in feudal manner by corrupt, self-serving, tyrannical and brutal officials, far from the bright lights of Shanghai and other burgeoning cities.

The title is drawn from a typical Chinese aphorism attributed to Emperor Taizong (Tang Dynasty 600-649). Writers Chen and Wu’s publishing experience illustrates the erratic loosening up of information control as China experiments with its entry onto the world stage. Publishing initiatives in China, as with other media, are subject to approval by officials at various levels. The official edition sold over 250,000 copies prior to being banned. Following its withdrawal from shops, pirated copies were made and are estimated to have reached up to twelve million units.

This is not samizdat, handwritten or typed, and furtively passed around to trusted recipients! Which in itself speaks volumes (no pun intended) about the changing censorship situation in China!

But the real joy contained in these pages is to be found in the authors’ empathy with and understanding of the victims, and their commitment to shine the light on these horrors. The fact too, that despite official harassment, they continue to pursue their mission. Implicit in their experience is that the State is not monolithic. But diverse, and in many cases officials are very sympathetic. It is the system itself which is flawed. And the very fact that Will the Boat Sink the Water? was legally published indicates a positive trend.

Will the Boat Sink the Water? [ Zhongguo Nongmin Diaocha]

Written by Chen Guidi and Wu Chuntao

Published in English by Public Affairs, New York [2006]

ISBN-13: 978-1-58648-358-6