Thursday, February 16, 2006

The First Days

It's currently my fourth day in China and I'm starting to get settled. I mean, I still can't really figure out what people are saying half the time, or what anything that's in written form says, but I am hopeful I will be able to make quick progress.

I really didn't appreciate the freedoms I had in the United States until I came here - you don't really realize the value of, say, "freedom of speech" or "freedom of the press" until you lose it. When I watch the news, I wonder if it's been censored (probably) and when I talk to people, I have to be careful that I don't say anything inflammatory. That shouldn't be a problem, I guess, if I stick to mundane topics like the weather or how wonderful Chinese culture is.

As a result of my big Chinese brother always watching, I've become obsessed with internet security and anonymity. My travails have led me to Tor, an application designed to anonymize your traffic. I've also set up an SSH tunnel to a computer in the US, so at least I know that I'm not being spied on until I get there (I think maybe only one person reading this blog will appreciate what an SSH tunnel does).

Although, with the Bush administration's penchant for lies and deception, I am certain that federal agents would swoop down upon my parents if I uttered any suspicious phrases. But at least I can talk about the Bush administration being sneaky! There is tremendous freedom in that.

Here is a snippet from the handbook for international students:

"It is forbidden to organize an illegal gathering on campus. The organizers of lectures, speeches, parties and similar gatherings of international students should apply to the university authorities for formal approval 72 hours prior to the commencing of the activities."

2 comments:

Aileen said...

Actually, people are starting to say some inflammatory things about the government. Just casually ask them their thoughts on communism and capitalism, and you'll be able to gage their sentiments. Then you can tell them about how great 'freedom of speech' and 'freedom of the press' are to start watering the seeds that are already planted in their heads. Hehehe!

Mr. Jeffrey said...

yo, I'll be in Beijing next week through 3/11.
I'll introduce you to some friends of mine.
I don't have your email or number.
Could you pass it to me through Dave?