Contributed Story: Revolution in China?
SUMMARY: An American expat in China discusses the political climate there and his opinion on the prospect of revolution. If Expat Chronicles wasn’t censored in China before, it surely is now. And I could care less.
You often hear in Western media that China’s government is immoral and oppressive, and you’re led to believe that at any minute the people will revolt to produce something resembling a modern democracy. I can barely speak Chinese (much less read it), so I’m no expert on Chinese culture or politics. But I’ve lived in China for almost two years now. This is my American perspective on Chinese culture and the prospect of revolution.
Revolution is a long shot. In Hong Kong I was studying for a Master’s degree in economics. None of my classmates seemed to have strong political views. Most took up economics because their parents told them to, or because they thought it would lead to a well paying job, or just for the prestige conferred by higher education – any subject would do.
Security and Militarization in Colombia
SUMMARY: I discuss the security and militarization climate in Colombia.
Public security precautions and militarization in the streets are something to get used to in Colombia. I haven’t seen anything like it in any other country I’ve visited. The security issues may be common across Latin America, but the militarization sets Colombia apart (well, I’ve heard Mexico’s similar but their cops wear ski masks). You become accustomed to seeing guns everywhere you go. All kinds of guns: revolvers, shotguns, assault rifles.
Sin Nombre: Relevant, Intense, Heart-Wrenching
SUMMARY: I review Sin Nombre, the best film I’ve seen in a long time about a Mexican gang member trying to escape his past and help an innocent Honduran girl safely enter the United States. Themes discussed include MS-13, immigration and human rights, love, and more.
I wasn’t going to include this post on this blog (only my other blog), but WordPress.com apparently doesn’t allow embedding YouTube videos so I’m posting it here as well because I spent a lot of time finding those fucking videos!
Sin Nombre is the best film I’ve seen in a long time. It’s also the first Spanish-language movie I watched without subtitles. They weren’t available at the pirated DVD market where I bought the disc. Fortunately I had no trouble understanding. … Read more
Why I’m Bullish on Colombia
SUMMARY: I detail why I believe Colombia will emerge to be a dynamic economy and one of the most influential countries in Latin America.
Sidenote for those who aren’t economics nerds, A ‘bull’ or ‘bull market’ refers to optimistic investments or expressing confidence. A ‘bear’ or ‘bear market’ refers to economic pessimism or lacking confidence.
EXCERPT: Brazil is the Latin American emerging market most economists drool over because of its size. But if we look at unrealized potential, Colombia may be the most attractive. Where does Colombia’s unrealized potential come from? Security. I’ve written extensively about the crime here. I’ve complained more than it deserves because Colombia’s undergoing a historic turnaround. … Read more
Por qué soy optimista sobre Colombia
RESUMEN: Explico por qué yo creo que Colombia llegará a ser una economia dinámica y también uno de los paises mas influyentes de Latinoamérica.
Para leer este artículo en inglés, siga a Why I’m Bullish on Colombia.
Como he escrito en el primer post de este blog, una de las principales razones de mi mudanza a Latinoamérica es para lanzar mi carrera en un mercado emergente. La globalización es un producto de dos tendencias mundiales: la caída del socialismo y el auge de Internet. … Leer más
