TV

If my time in Sichuan taught me anything, it's that Chinese families love watching TV. The TV is often turned on first thing in the morning, and remains on until the last person goes to bed. It stays on during meals, and is the focal piece of the living room. What could possibly be so riveting, you ask? Kung fu soap operas! These dramatic mini-series, set in imperial China, feature "classic" tales of love and glory, as well as actors that seem to have been chosen based solely on their ability to widen and narrow their eyes.

Every few hours or so, there's a short break from these exciting adventures and the news is broadcast. The first fifteen minutes of every thirty minute segment is devoted to canned images of President Hu Jintao smiling and cordially shaking hands with various foreign dignitaries. Sometimes, just to mix it up, he'll be shown surrounded by smiling children. But mostly, it's him nodding wisely at a long conference table, while the news anchor says something like "President Hu met with such-and-such leader today, and pledged his support for the continued good relationship between the two countries." Oh good. Because I worried that something was actually happening in the world.

When the "real" news comes on in the second half of the segment, the nationalist propaganda machine really starts churning. Did you know that nothing bad ever happens in China? The rest of the world may be corrupt and evil, but China is always working hard to clean up other people's mistakes. Bird flu? Psh - who cares about the health threat to humans and livestock! The important thing is that friendly and concerned government officials are making "strong and effective efforts to contain the disease".

With these attractive viewing options, it's no wonder that family life revolves around the TV.