I think the independence of a country marks an important historical moment because the
country is no longer ruled or controlled by others. The country owns its sovereign rights, sets up its own government, enacts its laws, organizes its own military. An independent country could provide people with better-off lives and happiness because people are equal
and have their ownrights. They can also join hands to make contributions to the country.
Although I did not experience the moment when Chairman Mao announced that the People's
Republic of China was founded, I am still excited when I imagine that scene.It is our responsibility to know the history and inherit our history to the next generation.
The independence for me means I can support myself, lead my own life and do something
following my heart. When I was young, I was always dreaming if only I could grow up overnight.
However, when I really grew up, I realized that living independently was not easy.The more mature I became, the more difficulties I faced. I am happy that I can share the burdens of
my family and I have more freedom, but I sometimes really miss the carefree time of my childhood.
I know that if you usually recall something,that means you are getting old. I think I am now getting more and more mature.
I know that if you usually recall something,that means you are getting old. I think I am now getting more and more mature.
Dear Meng,
回复删除Thank you for your thoughtful response as to what the idea of independence means to you. Personally, I feel the same way -- that when I was younger, I couldn't wait to grow up, and now that I'm an adult, I find that it's not as chalked up to be and that I also wish I could go back to my carefree childhood days.
In terms of what it means for a country to be independent, however, I find myself disagreeing with you. An independent country does not necessarily mean that its people are all free or have equal rights; in fact, this has often been the case throughout history. Even with the United States, for example, slaves were not free and did not have any rights, much less equal ones, until later. Unfortunately, an independent country does not automatically entail that its citizens are free and are enjoying equal rights, although I do wish that were the case. I feel that freedom and the path to equal rights, like independence, are long, possibly never-ending, journeys.
Thank you for your thoughts. I especially appreciated how your response was so personal.
Sincerely,
Mitali
Great point! It's really great to connect the meaning of independence to a country and that to an individual person! As a Chinese, I'm also thrilled whenever I watched the video clip about that moment when Chairman Mao stood in front of Tian'an Square and announced the establishment of People's Republic of China!
回复删除Dear Meng,
回复删除That was remarkable! But I will have to disagree with you was said that " An independent
country could provide people with better-off lives and happiness because people are equal
and have their ownrights". The perfect example is Libya. Since 1968, Libya has been INDEPENDENT. But the question that should be asked is that did its independence translate to happiness? You opt.
Best,
Masoud
I agree with you Masoud... political independence means a lot of things together. For some countries is just a rhetorical exercise, meanwhile for others carries dramatic changes.
回复删除In the case of my country, one could say “once a colony, always a colony”. However we are an independent society from 1818, the economy is highly ruled by foreign issues and rules, and the political world is mainly focused on what's doing USA or Europe. The mainstream societies have always made a path for other countries to follow them, so if the King's words are no longer useful, financial strategies may serve as incentives.