Views About the Chinese New Year Global Spectacular

Some time ago, a Chinese person living in the United States received a mailing from a local Chinese Language School introducing the Chinese New Year Global Spectacular of New Tang Dynasty TV (NTDTV). She then wrote back a strongly worded letter, claiming that NTDTV is backed by Falun Gong and local Chinese should boycott the show. In addition, she repeatedly stressed that people should watch "authentic Chinese cultural programs" and resist Falun Gong.

In the U.S., where the freedom of belief is respected, her suggestion of course didn't receive much support, and she later apologised privately. However, her comments raised an important issue: What is authentic Chinese culture? Is Falun Gong part of authentic Chinese culture? Is the NTDTV Spectacular presenting authentic Chinese culture?

People living in the West know clearly that Falun Gong doesn't originate from the western culture, but from Chinese culture. The endeavour of NTDTV to promote Chinese culture has received strong support from many governments. Most recently, the Mayor of New York City proclaimed February 14th 2007 as "NTDTV Chinese New Year Spectacular Show Day". Moreover, posters approved by the New York City Visitors and Convention Bureau have been recently displayed on light poles in Chinatown. On the posters, it is clearly printed "Authentic Chinese Culture without Influence of the Communist Culture."

Many overseas Chinese who originally came from Mainland China have all kinds of misunderstandings about what the authentic Chinese culture is. The reason for this is the so-called "Communist Culture." The core principles of the Communist Culture are "Atheism, Materialism and the philosophy of Struggle," and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has been relentlessly brainwashing every citizen through political campaigns, textbooks and state-controlled news. Consequently, the Chinese unwillingly and unknowingly wear a pair of "Communist Culture" glasses which prevent them from appreciating and accepting authentic Chinese culture. Communism was imported to China from the West, while Falun Gong is an authentic Chinese cultivation system and of course part of Chinese Culture. Falun Gong's principles of "Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance" are in fact the essence of Chinese culture. Before the CCP started to persecute Falun Gong, Chinese embassies and consulates were very proud to see Falun Gong spreading quickly around the world as authentic Chinese culture, and they provided much convenient assistance to the practice. Although Falun Gong has not changed over the past years, the policy of the CCP has changed.

It is known that the CCP is also exporting culture. However, the Communist Culture is nothing but violence, struggle and vulgar forms of entertainment. Without respect to Gods and nature and without belief and spirit, the Communist Culture will not last long. In contrast, the Chinese New Year Spectacular of the NTDTV gives people a precious opportunity to experience the authentic Chinese culture.