China-Please Vote for ME!

It’s either the beginning of the end of Chinese dictatorial rule…or it’s evidence that Democracy just isn’t worth it.

My friend, Dave Sloan, suggested that I watch a movie called “Please Vote for Me” about the election of a 3rd grade class monitor in Wuhan, China.

At the beginning of the movie, the kids have NO idea what Democracy is. Nor do they know what it means to Vote.

As the 3 candidates (8 years old) begin to square off, a few things jump out at you.

• It doesn’t take long for them to realize that character assassination and negative campaigning is a strong strategy
• The degree to which parents are involved…VERY involved
• Votes can be bought through “favors”

It’s kind of like watching what happens when Democracy is introduced “in the wild.”

That…and some insights into Chinese culture as well.