Shanghai Musings

Every single car, and all the bikes, in Shanghai is electric how did they achieve this? Also, to have a car to drive in Shanghai is expensive - that car isn't but the plate is. All these ways to reduce pollution and congestion. Ones which here in the UK we battle against. However, the Shanghai public transport is excellent from what I can gather, Didis (like an Uber but far far better) are everywhere and so quick to arrive. The infrastructure is there and on a par with, if not better than, driving your own car. Mopeds and bikes have their own lanes on many roads, everyone gives way to everyone, people cross the street at crossings knowing the cars will wait. A dance of chaotic efficiency.

How do we show people in the UK what it could be like, allow them to see the possibilities? BUT - the infrastructure has to be there first, and in the UK it isn't. Not everywhere. Perhaps in some cities, Manchester for instance seemed as though it was moving in the right direction (pun intended). Public transport has to be everywhere, be timely, and be inexpensive.

Communism v capitalism ... I don't really understand either fully to be honest. Perhaps with capitalism it's growth for the few, whereas in communism it's growth for the many? Capitalism has definitely been corrupted, become a behemoth juggernaut which eats and destroys and uses. Like a child with no concept of sharing, what's mine is mine (and often what is yours is mine too). Individualism over the collective, self-ishness over community.

I can see how it is trying to move towards a better way, but the power is still held in the hands of the few and they are very unwilling to let it go. Hoarding their wealth and power like Smaug atop his treasures. And for what purpose? What will they do with this wealth, what will they achieve? Is it a numbers game? Is it an ego trip? Is it all of the above? Is it a male thing?

Walking through the museum of Shanghai yesterday I could feel the male ego and power throughout the history of the city. People fighting for land and wealth, control, there was no concept of sharing. And I include the UK and Europe and the USA in this abhorrent behaviour. Was there any part of the world we didn't invade or insinuate ourselves, bring our way of life and impress it onto others because we thought ours was better? I feel so sad and ashamed to be British sometimes, to know what my ancestors did, how much culture and wealth we wiped from other countries. And yes, I could see how we brought some good things, but often all the good was at the expense of others, taking from others to build our own wealth and power for ourselves.

And yes, there have been ruthless female rulers, but in many circumstances I feel they acted like males to get there and to stay there. Possibly or probably had to but often simply out of desire to be powerful and wealthy.

So much male energy, toxic masculinity,

What if women had ruled the world? I guess we may not have been much different? I'd have to research to understand.

Museum of Shanghai - the notice saying that non-staff are not allowed to explain the exhibits. Control over what is said and known and interpreted.

It feels so cosmopolitan here, so many western brands and shops and restaurants, it's easy to forget the control, the restrictions, that the Chinese people have on their lives. But is it a bad thing? We/I see it from a very different perspective, but if I had lived here all my life would things be and feel different? Is western 'freedom' all good? I must allow though, that I am not comfortable with the knowledge I often sensor myself while here as I do not want to say the wrong thing. That is a restriction I am sad about. And all the surveillance and facial recognition cameras everywhere, it's a little disconcerting - even when there is so much surveillance in the UK anyway. Even the side streets here have traffic cameras and CCTV. Eyes everywhere. A form of control, but it does make me feel kind of safer in some ways, and it means no graffiti or destruction or anti-social behaviour.

Swings and roundabouts. What would be acceptable to achieve the life desired? To feel safe and also fulfilled?