#1.
There are over 1 billion of us on this earth. We are like photostat copies of
each other. You get rid of one, 5 magically appears (like ballot boxes). Yes, it
is scary, especially for us. We
acknowledge that we are replaceable, thus we are not particularly
'special'. If you think you are
smart, there are a few thousand more people smarter than you. If you think you
are strong, there are a few thousand people stronger than you.
#2. We
have been crawling all over this earth for far more centuries that most
civilizations. Our DNA is
designed for survival. We are
like cockroaches. Put us anywhere on earth and we will make a colony and
thrive. We survive on anything around us and make the best of it. Some keep migrating but others will
stay and multiply.
#3. NOBODY cares if we succeed as individuals
or not. But our families take
pride in knowing we have succeeded. Yes, some will fail. We take nothing for granted.We
don't expect privileges to fall on our laps. No one owes us
anything.
#4. We know we have nothing to lose if we try to succeed.
Thus, we have no fear
trying. That is why Chinese are
addicted to gambling. We thrive on taking risks. All or
nothing.
#5. From young we are taught to count every
cent. What we take for granted like money management, I have found out recently,
is not something other cultures practice at home with their children. It
surprised me. But truth is not all societies or cultures teach their young this
set of skills because it is rude to them. Yes, most of us can count because we
are forced to and the logic of money is pounded into us from the beginning of
time (when mama tells us how much she has spent on our milk and
diapers)
#6. We
acknowledge life cycles. We
accept that wealth in a family stays for three generations (urban myth?).
Thus, every 4th generation will have to work from
scratch. The first
generation earns the money from scratch, second generation spends the money on
education, third generation gets spoiled and wastes all the inheritance. Then we
are back to square one. Some families hang on to their wealth a little longer
than most.
#7. It is our culture to push our next generation to do
better than the last. Be smarter. Be stronger. Be faster. Be more righteous. Be
more pious. Be more innovative. Be more creative. Be richer. Be everything that
you can be in this lifetime. Be KIASU.
#8. Our society judges us by our
achievements... and we have no choice but to do something worthwhile
because Chinese New Year comes around every year and Chinese relatives have no
qualms about asking you straight in your face - how much are you making? When
was your last promotion? How big is your office? What car do you drive? Where do
you stay? You have boyfriend? You have girlfriend? When are you getting married?
When are you having children? When is the next child? When you getting a boy?
Got maid yet? Does your company send you overseas? etc etc etc. It NEVER ENDS...
so, we
can't stop chasing the illusive train - we are damned to a materialistic
society. If you are not Chinese, consider yourself
lucky!
#9. We have been taught from young - if you have two hands, two
feet, two eyes, and a mouth, what are you doing with it? People with no hands
can do better than you (and the OKU artists do put us to shame)
#10.
Ironically, the Chinese also believe in giving back to save their wretched
materialistic souls. Balance is needed. The more their children succeed in life,
the more our parents will give back to society (not for profit) as gratitude for
the good fortune bestowed on their children. Yes. That is true. And that is why
our society progresses forward in all conditions.
Nobody
pities us. We accept that.
No
one owes us anything. We know that.
There
are too many of us for charity to reach all of us. We acknowledge that.
But
that does not stop us from making a better life. This lifetime.
Opportunity is as we make of it.
So,
pardon us if we feel obliged to make a better place for ourselves in this
country we call home. It is in our DNA to progress forward for a more
comfortable life and contribute to society.
But if history were to be our
teacher, look around this globe.
Every country has a Chinatown (seriously) but how many
government/countries are 'taken' over by the Chinese people?
Don't
be afraid of us overwhelming your majority, we are not looking to conquer. If we
have moved away from China and Chinese governed countries, we are NOT looking
for another country to administer. Our representatives are only there to look
after our collective welfare. They are duty bound. We prefer to blend in and
enjoy the fruits of our labor. We enjoy the company of like minded people of all
races. After all, we are only passing through a small period in the history of
time... so, use our skills and we can all progress forward
together.
Chan-Lui Lee Ph.D.
Honorary Life Member & Past
President, AFS
Melbourne, Australia