[Han Han, a famous young writer and influential blogger, has come up with seven joking reasons to boycott French products as the following (translated by Oiwan Lam, from Global Voice Online ):
First: We must distract our attention and find some fun in it. Our party report said that “Judging from the French politics, Sarkozy has a difficult time. The economy is going down, unemployment rate is high and he has lost people's support. Therefore Sarkozy has to work on human right and Tibet issues to distract people's attention”.The same logic applies to China. The Chinese government also has difficult time. The economy is going down, unemployment rate is high and it has lost people's support. Therefore it has to work on human right and Tibet issues to distract people's attention.
Second: Can't afford to buy French product. The stock has gone down, economy is in regression, other factors like energy price and taxation etc.. Expensive French product is now becoming more luxurious. Since we can't afford it, why not joining the boycott team in exchange for the good name of being patriotic? When the economy becomes better, we can make use of this good name for a good position.
Third: We can protect our government. This is very important. The present government is selected by our father and grand father's generation and therefore represents us. When our government is correct, it means we are correct, if it has face, it means we have face. If we win in this political and economic struggle, the government wins. However, if we lose, it is our mistake. The ignorant mass has been incited by a small fraction of people and triggered a wave of narrow minded nationalism. We have caused damage for our country's diplomatic relation. This provides staircase for our government to exist the stage.
Four: The boycott can prevent corruption… It has great impact to those government official who are eager to have overseas study tour. Their wives are key consumers in the duty free shop. If we boycott French product, they will be hesitated to bring the French luxurious items back to China. As they are not so trendy, it takes a while for them to identify other substitutes. The boycott can thus prevent corruption.
Five: The boycott can help my automobile racing team… (Translator note: the main competitor in the automobile race is Citroen.)
Six: Can prevent government official from escape. France has become the most popular spot for Chinese officials to disappear during their study tour…
Seven: Can reduce the cost for chasing girl. You can tell those girls who love French luxurious items that for the sake of our country, I won't buy you this. ] Continue reading