Europeans On The Mean Chinese
Via the WSJ, economist Andy Xie writes at english.caixin.com about "The Panda Syndrome":
Limiting what other people can do seems to be central to the current European thinking on fairness. When someone opens a shop longer than others, it forces others to open longer too. Since human rights should dictate working hours, there ought to be a collective action on how long every shop can open. That line of thinking is leading to all sorts of restrictions in Europe on how long a shop or any other business can stay open. Restricting work has become a significant part of the European concept on human rights.Because Europeans cannot restrict working hours elsewhere this has caused them frustration. Complaining about working conditions in China, for example, has become a favorite explanation for European economic difficulties.
Barnett says the average guy trying to build a future for himself in China is like the "There Will Be Blood" guy... He's working 90 hours a week because he doesn't think he has a choice.
http://vimeo.com/2981999
Crid at April 21, 2012 10:45 PM
From the article:
If you read the article, the Chinese are more capitalist than the Europeans.
Since human rights should dictate working hours, there ought to be a collective action on how long every shop can open.
This is the heart of socialism and communism; they are looking for equality of outcome, not equality of opportunity.
There should be basic safety, health and wage rules. Not quite as extensive as they have in this company, and not as extensive as the appear to be in the EU.
I enjoy being able to going to my local grocery store or department store 24 hours a day. There are stores that aren't open 24/7 but that is by choice.
Jim P. at April 21, 2012 11:23 PM
Oh the Dororthy/Toto/Oz/Kansas Conundrum!
Ah yes, when people get or even think about another country proceed to complain about why something is not the same. Why don't they do this ...?
Well You are not in "Kansas Anymore Toto". Different place, different rules. Do not be surprised if you complain about so policy or injustice and people ignore you. Or if you try to change the system albeit for the better that it flops completely.
Same with businesses, do not come in and expect to get going easily. You will be fighting against culture, city hall, and other local businesses. Really got to do the intelligence gathering.
John Paulson at April 21, 2012 11:26 PM
Sensible enough, JP, but I don't think the political vibe in Europe is dialed into the idea of civilized competition the way you are.
Crid at April 22, 2012 4:01 AM
On the one hand, I miss going to stores whenever I want.
On the other hand, life is so much easier here than in the States.
Inconvenient shopping is a small price to pay.
NicoleK at April 22, 2012 6:46 AM
Nicole... "inconvenient shopping" is not the only price.
Wait and see.
Radwaste at April 22, 2012 7:26 AM
Well, the banks are under siege...
NicoleK at April 22, 2012 11:35 AM
If you are in a competition and your current methods do not allow you to be successful or competitive relative to your rivals, continuing to use what has not worked is a recipe for self destruction.
Robert at April 22, 2012 10:17 PM
Initiating force against someone for just wanting to work, and criminalizing working, is the most bizarre bit of fascism, you'd expect it straight out of North Korea. But we've come to think of fascism in the West as normal ... we're the proverbial frogs, and the water is now at a slow boil.
Lobster at April 23, 2012 3:58 AM
Right out of "Atlas Shrugged".
hadsil at April 23, 2012 9:38 AM
"Because Europeans cannot restrict working hours elsewhere this has caused them frustration."
They should come to America, then, where you can vote yourself money and blame the resulting poverty on "the rich".
Radwaste at April 24, 2012 2:26 AM
Leave a comment