Let's all move to China and then we can be very very happy!

**allenwrench** · 08-24-2008, 08:34 AM

Global Attitudes Survey, PEW Research Center 2008

http://pewglobal.org/reports/display.php?ReportID=261

Satisfaction with Economy; Country in right direction.

China：-------82%
Australia：---69%
India：-------65%
Gemany：------53%
Poland：------52%
Russia-------52%
Egypt：-------44%
Brazil：------41%
USA：---------20%

Posted by: LookInTheMirror

**The Muse** · 08-24-2008, 09:31 AM

Of course the "Chinese people express extraordinary levels of satisfaction with the way things are going in their country and with their nation's economy". If they didn't, their government would "point out" how wrong they were for feeling any other way.

**DJ1972** · 08-24-2008, 09:53 AM

Originally Posted by The Muse

Of course the "Chinese people express extraordinary levels of satisfaction with the way things are going in their country and with their nation's economy". If they didn't, their government would "point out" how wrong they were for feeling any other way.

That was my first thought too. It makes sense to me that the US would be the lowest, as we are the most spoiled and able to be the most outspoken without fear.

**daughter of pearl** · 08-24-2008, 10:06 AM

At least, in China, we would look happy if there were officials around, or a journalist were pointing a camera at us....happy, happy, lucky, lucky...in kind of a smile or else way...

**Pemberleyan** · 08-24-2008, 10:32 AM

Somehow I don't think any persecuted, tortured Christians were part of this survey.

**Nishu** · 08-24-2008, 11:59 AM

Ok, I'm going to have to be a funsucker.

If you look at the wording of the statement, it doesn't ask about how 'happy' they are. It asks about how happy they are with the way things are going in their country and about how they feel about the future of their economy... in short, they're asking for a statement about their optimism for the future.

We may not think of China as a top vacationing spot, but have you seen the news lately? Their economy has had some fierce growth lately, and more people than ever are moving up into the middle class. They may not all be happy, but they should be optimistic. Anyone see Ted Koppel's special on China? He seemed to get the same impression.

As far as the U.S. being last... well, duh. Who is happy with the way things being run? Who here is optimistic about the future? Looking at some of the conversations we've had, I'd say not many of us. Don't make me dig up all the old threads, I will.

**kittykatstrong** · 08-24-2008, 01:44 PM

I agree, they prob. asked like 10 people from eash country. I am pretty happy over all. But am happy the way the country is being run right now I would say no.

**azangie** · 08-24-2008, 01:49 PM

As you all have said, who in their right mind would believe a survey from China.
Of course everyone there thinks things are wonderful.
Otherwise they'd be on their way to a prison camp to change their minds.

What a bunch of bull!!!!

**The Muse** · 08-24-2008, 02:37 PM

Originally Posted by asimplegirl

DH has told me.. 99.9% of surveys and statistics are actually made up.

And this assertion is based on what?

**IntlMom** · 08-24-2008, 02:57 PM

Interestingly, the ppl in China may truly BE happy. But largey because of what they have told their whole lives. Now you know me, having a daughter that was born there, I tend to lean towards loving China, it's ppl, it's culture, and it's heritage. That said, while we were there for two weeks, we had time to really speak with our interpreters, far from the influence of the governement, cameras, or "what-not" that wouldn't allow them to speak freely. They truly love their country, and at least the ones that we spoke with had a genuine love for their governement. Now, mind you, they basically "spew" all that they have been taught their whole lives, but they were happy.....even if they had what we would consider "blinders on". In other words, they were happy with what they have been allowed to have from the gov't.
Most of us would think this would be terrible. But if all you've seen is what they have seen, then I can see how they percieve that they are happy.

Interestingly, one of our guides went into this long discussion about how great and wonderful "Chairman Moa" is and was and continues to be........ we had an interesting political discussion with her, and she could not fathom all of the "freedoms" that we have. She was "happy" just the way she was. Again, it's all they have ever known.

OK, off my soapbox!

**JerryG** · 08-24-2008, 03:07 PM

Thanks for the input IntlMom - You have good insight

**Nishu** · 08-24-2008, 03:08 PM

I was wondering what you'd have to say about this, IntlMom. I was kind of waiting for your opinion on it. Thanks!

**IntlMom** · 08-24-2008, 03:12 PM

Originally Posted by Nishu

I was wondering what you'd have to say about this, IntlMom. I was kind of waiting for your opinion on it. Thanks!

Did I come close to what you thought I might say?

**Jamauk** · 08-24-2008, 03:37 PM

Originally Posted by Nishu

I was wondering what you'd have to say about this, IntlMom. I was kind of waiting for your opinion on it. Thanks!

I was, too! In fact, I didn't even click on the thread until I saw that Traci had responded (I've been so busy, I have to be selective with my reading!!)

Traci,
You said basically what I was thinking. We haven't been to China (yet) but people that are there really don't know any other way of life. Even the poorest of the citizens that live outside of the city (where the economy is still really rough) don't know any other way of life. And because of the gov't censorship, they really can't compare their lives to ours or any other "western" country. They don't have access to that much information.

It doesn't surprise me that they are optimistic about their future. They are told (and they believe) that the gov't will provide for them. Why wouldn't they be optimistic that this will continue to happen?