G9 This Generation Dispatches from China's Most Popular Literary Star (and Race Car Driver)
Name of Book: This Generation: Dispatches from China's most popular Literary Star (and race car driver)
ISBN: 978-1-4516-6000-5
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Year it was published: (2006-2012), anthology form, 2012
Summary:
For those who follow Chinese affairs, Han Han is as controversial as they come- an irreverent singer, sports celebrity, and satirist whose brilliant blogs and books have made him a huge celebrity with more than half a billion readers. Now, with this collections of his essays, Americans can appreciate the range of this rising literary star and get a fascinating trip through Chinese culture.
This Generation gathers his essays and blogs dating from 2006 to the present, telling the story of modern China through Han Han's unique perspective. Writing on topics as diverse as racing, relationships, the Beijing Olympics, and how to be a patriot, he offers a brief, funny, and illuminating trip through a complex nation that most Westerners view as marching in lockstep. As much a millennial time capsule as an entertaining and in and invaluable way for English readers to understand our rising Eastern partner and rival, This Generation introduces a dazzling talent to American shores.
Overall theme:
"Although the originality and profundity of his ideas are sometimes questioned, the importance of his role in shaping opinion in China cannot be so easily discounted, given the immense size of his readership." (IX)
Author: Han Han
Author Information:
Han Han was born in 1982 to middle-class parents. After dropping out of high school due to low grades, he wrote a novel, Triple Door, which became a runaway bestseller with more than twenty million copies in print. He has since become a star of the rally racing circuit and an international celebrity. He lives in Shanghai. (from back)
1. This Generation
Date published: February 5, 2008
Issue: Often elders blame youngsters for everything and even tend to accuse them of being self-oriented. Han Han counsels people to look at themselves first before blaming "this generation" for problems.
2. Why Do you Cost More than me?
Date published: April 14, 2006
Issue: Han Han points out the inequality between someone living in a rural area vs someone who's living in a suburban area. He talks a little of his personal history and briefly discusses and outlines how a village turns into a city, as well as problems that rural people experience, and importance of urban registration.
3. Social regression, government extortion
Date Published: May 13, 2007
Issue: Anhui wants to develop steps to curb the births among the rich and famous having more children than they can. One of the proposals is having fines for such people that exceed their salaries. Han Han pokes holes in that theory, asking different and proposes that to curb population, why don't all the wealthy people move out of China and pointing out that money won't go to poor people.
4. Regarding my debt to society
Date Published: May 14th, 2007
Issue: In #3 Han Han mentions how he feels that society is unjust, and a few people call him out on it, mentioning that he should be more appreciative. He points out various taxes one has to pay for different things, as well as says that if he should be poor, the government will not help him out.
5. How radical and ridiculous I am
Date Published: May 17, 2007
Issue: Han Han wrote Xu Jinglei's magazine towards youngsters and their sexuality, which was misinterpreted. Then he ridicules how Chinese parents don't let their children date until way past high school and possibly college and how they hope that kids find a right person with apartment.
6. Traditional Values
Date Published: May 28, 2007
Issue: In #5, Han Han encourages what he calls "Western-style sexual liberation". The criticism he experiences talks about when he'll have a daughter. Han Han points out the inconsistency between men that are womanizers but will deny their daughters the same thing and then moves on to lack of virtues of China.
7. On flying the flag
Date Published: June 2, 2007
Issue: Huang Ju has passed away and Han Han wonders why the flag wasn't lowered to mourn his passing like in capitalist nations, even if they are putting on a show, according to him. He also considers when the flag should be lowered and how many people need to die, or "filtered keywords" that is. He also contemplates of having extremely tall flag-post to make half-mast normal.
8. Let's do away with student essays
Date Published: June 15, 2007
Issue: In China, the way to write essays is to follow models instead of letting your own voice shine through. Those who express their true opinions will either be expelled or receive zero points. Han Han mentions that students lie in their essays but tell truth in their love letters. He tells people not to write essays but write other stuff instead. Essays, he feels, could destroy interest in literature.
9. Insults to China
Date Published: August 11, 2007
Issue: Han Han feels that it takes very little to insult China, or to get it up in arms. He points out that various nations will NOT react to minor insults the way China does. He also feels that Chinese have very little self-respect, and points out that should Americans wish to create dissension they could call all people from different cities bastards. "If and when the day comes that we are no longer always crying and wailing about how other people are insulting us, that'll be the time when there is no more risk of civil war in China." (31)
10. Market day for patriots
Date Published: April 20, 2008
Issue: There was a disruption in Paris by Tibetan supporters which caused the Chinese to encourage mass protests around the French Carrefour chain in China. Han Han feels that these protests are on the childish side and they show no class. He basically continues to do what's he's doing and also thinks there's no debate, but only actions. He also mentions that something like this is only for thrill seekers instead of true emergencies.
11. Q &A with Chinese nationalists
Date Published: April 23, 2008
Issue: Due to previous, #10 story, Han Han makes a mock Q and A Session with "patriots", answering to the charges and comments and accusations against him, as always pointing out inconsistencies and sarcasm he uses in terms of Carrefour chain and the ridiculousness that one wants to relax the government but then wants them to clamp down on his blog.
12. Loving our country, saving our face
Date Published: April 23, 2008
Issue: Han Han talks that he's also loyal and loves China as well and refuses foreign travel unless absolutely necessary and also loves Chinese women. He makes an appeal to the readers not to do anything stupid and not to march or anything else, pointing out that if China continues to threaten with boycotts and whatnot, then the foreigners will refuse to tell China anything and in the end China will end up the loser. Also criticism of a nation is not a big deal. It also seems that habit is stronger than thought: each time something bad happens, the Chinese often go back several decades.
13. Let's not get in a rage so easily
Date Published: June 4, 2008
Issue: Sharon Stone made a callous comment about the earthquake to China where only two of her remarks are posted and rest are removed. Han Han discusses the criticism as too much and asks where is the criticism is towards the countrymen that built poor schools and so forth. He feels that she shouldn't be criticized and even pointed out that Chinese say these similar things when it comes to tragedies abroad.
14. Expressions of personal taste strictly prohibited
Date Published: June 21, 2008
Issue: In the journal blog that wasn't included in this collection, Han Han criticizes the worship, (if I'm not mistaken,) that people have towards certain writers such as Ba Jin and Mao Dun, as well as Bing Xin whom he finds unreadable. Instead of being rational, the critics became irrational and even wanted to nail Han Han's picture to a pillar.
15. I'll do whatever it takes to be an Olympics sponsor
Date Published: July 17, 2008
Issue: The Olympics approach and China becomes concerned with intellectual rights which makes Han Han happy. But the intellectual rights, he feels, often go to people who don't need them, and he wonders about his own rights and losses when it comes to books and whatnot. From what I can understand, China protects the giant not the little person.
16. Faking it
Date Published: August 14, 2008
Issue: A girl, Lin Miaoke sang the Olympic song, but in truth the singer was Yang Peiyi. Apparently there is more criticism and whatnot when the musical director, Chen Qigang confessed to such an act. China often fakes things, according to Han Han, and he finds the teacher's confession admirable.
17. Sex+Soccer= Scandal?
Date Published: August 29, 2008
Issue: There's a problem with Chinese soccer men checking into a hotel for a short time and then doing poor showing afterwards, which causes people to cry out disciple and order. Han Han points out the energy that these people experience and says that the hotel room is not a problem. He proceeds to criticize that Chinese players have no individual streak and that China needs to reform leaders instead of players.
18. Oh, man- what do we do now?
Date Published: September 15, 2008
Issue: Han Han points out how one country's products were boycotted, while another has hurt their feelings, the last because it made them look bad and they ended up supporting Chinese products which damaged health.
19. Clothes must be new; this is getting old
Date Published: October 30, 2008
Issue: Han Han wants to donate the barely used clothes and items he has received as gifts, but donations that are going to Wenchuan earthquake victims refuses to accept them, saying only new stuff is needed. He goes on how people are generous in spirit and whatnot, and why does it matter what kind of items they are as long as it goes to people who need them? If this will be kept up, there won't be many donations in the future.
20. We must boycott French products
Date Published: December 10, 2008
Issue: Due to a meeting between the French President Sarkozy and Dalai Lama the Chinese government is encouraging people to boycott French products once more. Han Han gives hilarious reasons on why he supports the boycott, such as the fact it will enable his team to hopefully win during a race, help with focus change, serving interests for government, clamp down on corruption, discourage officials from defecting to France and last but not least will give men excuse not to buy French luxury goods.
21. In praise of Feng Shunqiao
Date Published: December 20, 2008
Issue: Feng Shunqiao, who used to be a secretary-general of Zhejiang Province was found guilty of taking bribes and was sentenced to a twelve-year prison term. Han Han points that from 1993-2003, Feng Shunqiao accepted only eight hundred thousand yuan throughout the year, and when you compare him to other politicians, the guy has very clean hands and isn't lucky. "If all our officials were as honest as he, if all of them could restrict themselves to eight hundred thousand yuan in bribes in a thirteen-year period, this would be a heaven-sent blessing for common working folk." (80)
22. Some points to note about whoring
Date Published: January 4, 2009
Issue: Han Han publishes an article on his blog where someone's friend ends up consorting with a prostitute and gets into trouble and how it happened at the end of the year when police have to fulfill their quota, as well as how much it cost to get his friend out. Han Han breaks down the expenses the man has suffered and points out lots of things, as well as the fact that the friend messed up and what he could have done with such a large amount of money and what if all cases were treated equally and so forth. Anyways, be careful when sleeping with prostitutes.
23. No fire without smoke: business as usual for China Central Television
Date Published: February 11, 2009
Issue: CCTV headquarters in Chang'an Avenue in Beijing were burned down by fireworks due to a manager mistake. Han Han condemns CCTV over its behaviors and actions, then points out that many people don't care or don't think too much about CCTV. Han Han also points out how strange that CCTV tended to hush up about the accident or downplay it, while the foreign media reported on it in great deal. He debates on whether or not CCTV should be banned and points out that people no longer respect Chinese media.
24. Like Jackie Chan, guessing the majesties' wishes
Date Published: April 21, 2009
Issue: Jackie Chan makes remarks about Taiwan and Hong Kong being too free. Han Han agrees about people being controlled, but argues about the "who" should be controlled. While he agrees about Taiwan, Han Han makes interesting points about Hong Kong which used to be a British colony but was then returned to China in 1997. Certain programs didn't stick to Hong Kong as they should have. Han Han also points out that due to Jackie Chan's name, he won't succeed as an official because who would want to work with someone whose name means "will become a dragon?"
25. Further points to note about whoring
Date Published: June 8, 2009
Issue: Another story related to sex; a public official "unknowingly" has sex with a minor who's about fourteen years or younger, along with a lot of money received by different people. Han Han points out the lessons one can learn from such a story, such as if government says you're not guilty, then you're not, or people can get trouble for knowing too much and so forth.
26. The Founding of a Republic
Date Published: August 8, 2009
Issue: Han Han sees a list of famous Chinese actors as well as their nationalities. None claim residence to China. He points out that China has a lot of work to do and mentions that it's China's responsibility that so many people tend to be flying the nest. While he claims he won't be doing anything, he doesn't want to be restricted to only having one child in the future.
27. Report on preparations for the World Rally Championship in Australia
Date Published: September 3, 2009
Issue: Han Han travels to Australia where he writes (I think,) a sarcastic travelogue on the sights and experiences he had, as well as comparing them to China. He is shocked by protesters, by things cutting into profits, and not meeting any government authorities. He invites Australians back to China to just visit, advising them that living in China is a bad idea.
28. November 21, 2009
Date Published: November 21, 2009
Issue: Han Han gets invited to do a professional lecture and does a topic titled "The city makes life more miserable" about how unbearable life in Shanghai is. ( I doubt the speech is included in this collection.) President Obama wanted to meet him, but he declined, stating that "I have absolutely no interest in sharing a room with a bunch of actors, that's all." (116)
29. Try the pickles
Date Published: December 14, 2009
Issue: The government, after attempting to restrict politicians from various vices, goes after the ordinary people by creating standards towards the bikes they ride. Han Han points out the dangers and whatnot of various bikes, that people should be wearing helmets and be fitted with disc brakes and whatnot. Han Han sold a bike to a friend that has problems with transportation and works at a petroleum factory, but the friend returned the bike back due to different fees. Han Han urges people that instead of only a day to live out the poor life, is to just do it everyday of your life.
30. Just testing
Date Published: January 15, 2010
Issue: Han Han reads a few reports about Shanghai: one is about the bulldozers and the rate they're moving is something like "one crushed person a day" (121) Second that Shanghai directors will not allow mafia types to make a home in Shanghai in which Han Han points out that the cost of living is already so expensive that no one can support a gang. Third will be the restriction of using a car, similar to the Beijing system. Then he moves on to Google planning on removing its operations from China and being misunderstood. At long last will be a new device where indecent messages will cause for a cell phone to be disabled and one has to sign paper to get them working again.
31. Required course for Chinese officials: Lesson One
Date Published: January 20, 2010
Issue: According to Han Han, things are not a problem until officials start involving themselves with the issues. Gansu Province will be creating a new website where a team of 650 Internet commenters will lead the public opinion into a right course. Han Han feels that the attempt is misguided and says that if someone has to spend money just to get a good opinion, then they're doing a bad job. He then tries to compare Gansu Province to the entire nation and concludes that the money being spent on such things could have been used on other things such as good planes and whatnot, in other words, something for public good.
32. Are you Xiaoming?
Date Published: February 6, 2010
Issue: Recently there has been an increase in pointless posts, and this causes Han Han to talk about Fifty-centers, people who get paid money to sway public opinion. Han Han mentions that perhaps its because the the posters now get paid ten cents instead of fifty cents and in order to earn more money, the posters have to make many posts. He mentions as well that its because of them he began the blog and they sell their souls for that money. He also feels that praise is worthless and at last is planning on sorting out comments, who goes in what category.
33. Han Feng is a fine cadre
Date Published: March 4, 2010
Issue: An official, Han Feng, kept a diary online and talked about his activities, mostly having sex with women and whatnot. I think Han Han might be sarcastic in this, but he calls him a fine cadre, and mentions that things could be worse as when compared to other officials he's familiar with. (Love this part: "9. As for his job performance- although we have yet to uncover evidence of him doing any work, given that he is a bureau chief who has burrowed his way inside a number of female subordinates, his title and his performance more or less match." (135)) Han Han also urges for people to keep him working instead of letting him go.
34. Where else could I find someone like you?
Date Published: March 14, 2010
Issue: After #33, Han Han sets up a poll asking his readers whether or not Han Feng is a good cadre. Ninety-six percent say yes, while four percent say no. Many people feel that Han Feng isn't bad at all due to his limited appetite. Apparently he raised tobacco consumption in Guangxi. Han Han was invited to observe or propose legislation but felt he couldn't achieve much so he turned the invitations down. Towards the end of the post, he points out how fortunate Chinese government is in having such a trusting doe-eyed population that completely believes in it. According to him as well, the Chinese hope to meet someone who won't cause trouble for them, and don't care about the politicians' personal lives.
35. Letters from strangers
Date Published: April 4, 2010
Issue: A newspaper article publishes Han Han's address, thus a lot of people begin to visit him with various grievances they have suffered, in hoping that he could help them out. He talks of history, of how in Imperial China the common folk could try to intercept a sedan chair in hopes of finding an Emperor himself. But now due to automobiles, it would be thought of as suicide. He then talks about a chain of command that an unfortunate person has to go through and mentions that even then their problem will not be resolved, and uses an example of government stinting the victims. The unlucky ones will appeal to media after those failures. There is hopelessness within them.
36. What is it you're so afraid of?
Date Published: April 17, 2010
Issue: Han Han hears a story of three people who have been sentenced to jail terms in Mawei, Fujian. He started to do research only to run into some blocks. He then describes the story as of a woman who died was possibly gang-raped. The parents demanded autopsy but that was denied to them. Three rights activists tried to get justice but in the end got captured. Han Han then tries to explain the complication. He points out that incident could have easily been averted instead of it blossoming the way it did. He also says that People's Court is more of fashion statement rather than a philosophy.
37. Yes, do come! Yes, do go!
Date Published: April 19, 2010
Issue: The Shanghai Expo is about to begin, and reporters have started bombarding Han Han with requests for interviews. Han Han decides to provide standard questions and answers he is likely to get asked such as lack of culture in Shanghai, what will happen to Pavilions and so forth, including a question where foreigners have weaker constitutions than the Chinese.
38. Children, you're spoiling grandpa's fun
Date Published: May 2, 2010
Issue: Recently there have been knife attacks at few different kindergartens where numerous children have perished. Han Han points out that instead of news coverage and whatnot of the attacks as well as casualties, the government refuses media the right to print things out and instead the media is focusing more on happy things such as festivals and whatnot.
39. Talking freely, wine in hand
Date Published: May 7, 2010
Issue: Han Han points out as well as talks about the interview he has had with a Canadian reporter. He also discusses how the Chinese and foreign media outlets are different from one another. He pastes various questions as well as his responses to them. He states that he will not leave China for Canada in terms of living, as well as why he doesn't miss Google and so forth.
40. Those scallions that just won't wash clean
Date Published: May 14, 2010
Issue: Fujian Province came up with ten principles for institutions of higher educations, and one of those happened to be that if someone gives students wrong ideas according to Communist rules and laws, then they will be dismissed from their jobs. Han Han admits that he has only a middle school diploma. (Little contradiction because "I seem to recall that there was a discussion about the tripartite division of powers in my high school curriculum...You know that I am someone with only a middle school diploma..." (166)) If you tell the real TRUTH in China, you will get in trouble. Han Han urges teachers to be real teachers and asks them how they will look at themselves years from now.
41. Youth
Date Published: May 28, 2010
Issue: Han Han talks about the two friends he has as well as the jobs these friends have to suffer through. He also discusses the situation of the migrant labors, how people aren't doing as well as they should, and how some people try to get by with help of parents if you're a man, or if you're a woman in hopes of marrying well. Han Han sees no way out of the situation.
42. Orphan of Asia
Date Published: June 24, 2010
Issue: Han Han writes a brief history of a book titled Orphan of Asia by Wu Zhuoliu, then proceeds to talk about the "true" orphan of Asia: the North Korea. There was a game between North Korea and Brazil and Han Han hopes that should the team lose they won't be shot. Han Han feels that the relationship between North Korea as well as China is often misunderstood by the outside world. He also points out how far China has come in the fifty years.
43. Protect the -[unacceptable input]
Date Published: September 12, 2010
Issue: There's an issue with Senkaku Islands, otherwise known as Diaoyu Islands where Japanese Coast Guard took a Chinese fishing boat as well as the crew into custody. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wants to stage a protest about it, but Han Han urges others to worry about things in their life instead of being concerned about big things and reminds others once more about the free choice. He points out the government's attitude and compares it to being sneaky, while the reader is clean. Diayu Islands have history of government receiving foreign officials. The islands will not be ceded, or so Han Han feels, and urges others not to worry about it.
44. Should we or shouldn't we?
Date Published: September 19, 2010
Issue: Due to the anniversary of September 18, 1931, Han Han and some of his friends are debating whether or not to demonstrate in protest of Diaoyu Islands. He then begins to discuss the three types of classes that exist in China: masters, slaves and dogs. Han Han feels that people should be more of spectators rather than protesters, and everyone feels useless due to the incident. He compares a nation to a woman, and party owner is a man and talks of various relationships they all can have. He will be planning on demonstrating for Tang Fuzhen and Xie Chaoping and feels that if people can't demonstrate peacefully, then any protests they'll make will be meaningless.
45. Do we need the truth, or just the truth that fits our needs?
Date Published: January 2, 2011
Issue: Chief Qian, otherwise known as Qian Yunhui has died and the uproar over his death has not subsided. Han Han is unsure of what happened and tries to present the facts this way, as well as giving the romantic version of the Chief Qian's life. He reveals that his family is originally from a village on outskirts of Shanghai, and talks about the Chief's life and attempts to battle government over land sales and whatnot. The government presented his death as a "traffic accident," but people never believed that. Han Han wonders if the romantic version truly happened or what the government said it happened? Everyone assumed that the story wouldn't match up to police, but that wasn't the case. "Sometimes the truth does not correspond to the people's needs, but the truth matters more than sentiment, and sentiment matters more than standpoint." (192)
46. On begging
Date Published: February 10, 2011
Issue: Han Han discusses the issue of how sometimes his car rattles and he tells his friends that it's money and nothing to worry about. He then proceeds to the reason why he does this- begging from adults and children- and to his feelings about it. He feels that begging from children should be strictly banned, then explains how the government can take steps and go about it, as well as provide assistance if the person is disabled or whatnot.
47. Prices are going to take a dive
Date Published: February 22, 2011
Issue: Han Han reflects on how he keeps finding out he doesn't have much money in his wallet anymore, and then takes a reader through the trip of where the money goes as well as the costs and gives personal history as well, how he bought an apartment around the year 2000, or his parents helped him out rather, as well as the rise of prices, how a tank of gasoline went up from one yuan to over five yuan and renting apartment later on in Sognjiang. When he returned back to Hong Kong later on, he reported that the only thing that actually cheapened was the marriage registration fee which went from nine yuan to five yuan.
48. Huang Yibo is a fine cadre
Date Published: May 4, 2011
Issue: Huang Yibo wears a badge with full five stripes which signifies a lot of achievements during his life. Han Han points out that the person most admired at a reunion is one who made the most money rather than one who has held a post in school. Han Han recalls how he thought China was mighty and had a secret weapon, but was later disappointed to learn that China didn't have a secret weapon because they can't manufacture various items. Han Han also mentions how Huang Yibo is very similar to the politicians and how they are his role models. He recalls three lessons one must remember in order to be a successful administrator. In the end Han Han wishes Huang Yibo luck in Communist Youth League.
49. Three Gorges is a fine dam
Date Published: May 22, 2011
Issue: In 2006 the Three Gorges Dam was completed, and five years later people begin to criticize it for various reasons, such as possible ruin to environment, trigger earthquakes and so forth. Han Han attempts to refute the criticisms by pointing out the positives and even brings in Boyang Lake, which, if the dam is built, the land can be used to sell real estate.
50. I have a good life in Shanghai
Date Published: June 24, 2011
Issue: When Han Han returns from the airport, he goes driving on various highways and searches for "Asia's No. 1 Curve" which no longer exists and causes him to recall how his old primary school no longer exists and how for a friend of his nothing exists anymore either. He also reflects on how Chinese leave their native cities to try luck for other ones, and if they come back, then they realize that old things don't exist anymore. He has some run-ins with people which causes him to wonder if these people text their families back home about how they have good lives in Shanghai.
51. The disconnected nation
Date Published: July 26, 2011
Issue: On 23rd of July in 2011, two high-speed trains collided in Wenzhou of Zhejiang Province. Han Han tries to act the mediator between the authority and normal sides by asking the questions that ordinary people ask and answering them the way authorities might view them. According to his view, the consequences aren't important, and if something happens, at least they expressed concern and tried to do something about it. Han Han says that everyone feels aggrieved and without reform people won't progress.
52. What do you do if it's too downbeat?
Date Published: November 2, 2011
Issue: Since #51 was deleted, for a while Han Han refused to publish or to write anything. Then he begins to discuss his experiences with writing and publishing while living in China, such as you need a book number to be able to publish, and only a publishing house can issue book numbers, and with only official approval can one have a publishing house, thus its impossible to have free publishing. He also discusses some vocabulary that was used, such as counterrevolutionary and then downbeat which translates to "beat down." Even if you attempt to try other ventures to publish your work, Han Han points out they won't work then proceeds how difficult it might be to be considered part of culture if you have to censor everything.
53. We already had our say on that
Date Published: November 16, 2011
Issue: Han Han reveals that he has been keeping a blog for six years now, and that he has wrote several hundred posts in all. He describes his experience in having a microblog as well as his experience or days when he blogs, such as getting up, checking comments and followers, and trying to get dates and so forth, as well as brief discussion of vanity and why he doesn't attend high class things. He finds out that like minded people congregate in one place and things are basically same old same old.
54. Speaking of revolution
Date Published: December 23, 2011
Issue: Han Han tries to answer more questions from media and readers about whether or not revolution is needed, (he feels a reform is more necessary,) why not lead uprising (he doesn't want to, and government will block his efforts,) whether or not China doesn't need democracy and freedom, (freedom has different meaning for Chinese,) and so forth.
55. Talking about democracy
Date Published: December 24, 2011
Issue: Han Han continues to answer more questions about revolution and democracy such as whether or not revolution can mean violence, along with accusations that he has accepted money from government, whether or not changes will depend on people in power, and last but not least finishes with question about if revolution should come, what role can influential intellectual figures play?
56. Pressing for freedom
Date Published: December 26, 2011
Issue: Since Han Han feels that things don't come for free, he agrees to bargain and then begins with saying what he wishes the government can do for him and some of his friends, such as more freedom of the press, to loosen bounds that stifle culture, publishing, media and film. In return he will try not to settle scores, he'll try to look to the future, withhold comments about high leaders' families and their interests, as well as focus on discussions of current society. In few years if there's no improvements, he says he'll personally make appearance at every congress of Writers' Association or Federation of Literary and Art Circles to audit proceedings and register his protest. He hopes to create more of an open playing field.
57. This last year of mine
Date Published: January 8, 2012
Issue: Han Han reminisces on the year he has had in 2011, as well as recalling why he started to race in the first place, his friends Liu Caodong as well as Xu Lang have left (Liu Caodong died in 2011, while Xu Lang died somewhere 2000s,) he also became a father to a little girl, he also wants a bigger family, his essays have changed, although he claimed they began to change in 2009 or 2010, he has no other aspirations in other directions and will continue to keep demanding all the constitutionally permitted freedoms that are important to his work.
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