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From 1930s to the present (generation gaps in China)
Becauseof a flare up of “Shingles”, it was difficult to fall asleep last night. As usual I tuned the radio to BBC News and by chance listened to a multi-hour long broadcast entitled “China’s Generation Gap” which chronicled the period from 1930s to the present, nine decades of history in 4 generations of a family. All start with a 86 year old Chinese matriarch who live on farm and never went to school. Her only contributions to society are the four daughters and three sons she raised as she grew up under Japanese occupation. Her children in the secondgeneration grew up during the cultural revolution and had their education and lives interrupted. Somehow they survived through the hardship and some even prospered. The third generations are the current city dwelling youths who in many ways no different from the current American youth, steeped in the tech culture and enjoying independence and life to their fullest. The fourth generation, just been born or still in childhood look forward to even brighter future. The BBC reporters interviewed various members of these four generations and offer fascinating insights into this period of Chinese history. Go to the BBC website and look for “generation gaps”. Well worth listening! https://www.bbc.co.uk/search?q=China+genration+gap
Of course, this period 1930-present also parallels my own life (I am 84 now) and can deeply appreciate the similarity and difference in life experiences I had with these four generations of Chinese population. Once again, I am moved to say “I am a lucky guy!”