I think, to an extent, Western-style liberal democracy is never going to work in China. In any big country, it has a nearly universal tendency to turn into oligarchy.

[–] blight@hexbear.net 78 points 2 years ago (26 children)

I think you missed her point, she's saying that westerners have a narrow view of what even counts as "democracy".

Iosif V. Dzhugashvili quote

[–] rodbiren@midwest.social 7 points 2 years ago (18 children)

I mean, certainly one could pick out a few test cases to indicate a democracy. Do the citizens have the apparent right to...

criticize the government freely
due process and unpartial justice
fair treatment of minority groups
run for office when qualified
free press

The US has a lot of headwinds on this short list but at least I am aware of the atrocities it has committed, can ask questions without being disappeared, and can theoretically run for office without being shot. Our democracy is ugly as hell, but at least I can see it. I question all governments that claim some higher ground.

[–] blight@hexbear.net 34 points 2 years ago

I think e.g. Daphne Caruana Galizia would have some interjections here

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