Democracy in a Broad Sense

I have learnt recently that there is a village in China where people still practice People's Commune. That stunned me initially and I asked myself why people would want to do that while everyone else focuses on accumulating wealth, building up careers and pursuing a quality life in China nowadays. More importantly, why would the central government allow this happening in the middle of the economic reform - a reform that is so crucial to both the country and its ruling party? The government needs the economic results to prove that China could be prosperous under the administration of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and that Chinese people could live a better life under the leadership of the CPC.

30 years of Mao's rule had shattered China's economy. People were living below the line of extra poverty; dignity was completely destroyed; and moral values were severely distorted. The subsequent pursuit of an economic reform allowed China to retire from political upheaval and focused solely in the well-being of its people. On the other hand, it legitimized the continuous ruling of the CPC and saved it from becoming yet another Soviet Communist Party.

Although the economic reform is under the totalitarianism of the CPC, the living standard of the Chinese people have been improving. Why would people want People's Commune and why is it allowed? In answering these questions, I drew a new insight into the concept of "Democracy". For years, I have been narrowly interpreting the term. Democracy does not simply imply universal suffrage, nor does it only mean party politics. A democratic country should allow its people to pursue their own lifestyles. A democratic country should practice liberty as well as encourage new ideas, creativities and innovations. A democratic country should accommodate the opinions of its people and strive to address their concerns. Thus when we pursue democracy we should pursue one in a broad sense, not just merely universal suffrage and a responsible government.

I started to respect the choice of the village people and admire their courage in their persistence of preferences. I am also thankful for the tolerance of the government officials. China is a huge country. There isn't a single policy that could cater for the needs of every province, needless to say for every single village. Moreover, there isn't a single policy that is able to serve the needs of every one of the 1.3 billion populations. Let's not forget to empower the people when pursuing a democratic China.