TED Radio Hour The Greater Good?
Jun 19, 2020
Wang Hung, a Chinese writer, discusses cultural differences in crisis responses. He contrasts China's collective mindset with individualistic approaches in the U.S. Peter Singer, a Princeton bioethics professor, emphasizes effective altruism, highlighting initiatives that maximize global impact. Activist George Monbiot proposes a 'Great Reset' narrative to address social challenges by fostering cooperation. They explore the complex balance between personal sacrifice and the greater good, reflecting on how we can redefine community and altruism in times of crisis.
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Beijing's Pandemic Protocols
- In Beijing, pandemic protocols require QR code scans and temperature checks.
- Red codes indicate international travel, yellow codes indicate infected areas, and breaking quarantine results in government alerts.
Differing Cultural Values
- Chinese collective mindset prioritizes the greater good, even if it means government tracking.
- American friends find these measures intrusive, highlighting differing values.
China's Culture of Conformity
- China's 5,000-year history of non-elected rule shaped a culture of conformity.
- This makes one-party rule and compliance during crises like the pandemic unsurprising.