Jackie Chan: Chinese People Need To Be Controlled

BOAO, China — Action star Jackie Chan said Saturday he's not sure if a free society is a good thing for China and that he's starting to think "we Chinese need to be controlled."

Chan's comments drew applause from a predominantly Chinese audience of business leaders in China's southern island province of Hainan.

The 55-year-old Hong Kong actor was participating in a panel at the annual Boao Forum when he was asked to discuss censorship and restrictions on filmmakers in China. He expanded his comments to include society.

"I'm not sure if it's good to have freedom or not," Chan said. "I'm really confused now. If you're too free, you're like the way Hong Kong is now. It's very chaotic. Taiwan is also chaotic."

Chan added: "I'm gradually beginning to feel that we Chinese need to be controlled. If we're not being controlled, we'll just do what we want."

The kung fu star has not been a vocal supporter of the pro-democracy movement in his hometown of Hong Kong. Since the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997, voters have not been allowed to directly elect their leader. Several massive street protests have been held to demand full democracy, but Beijing has repeatedly said Hong Kong isn't ready for it.

The theme at Saturday's panel discussion was "Tapping into Asia's Creative Industry Potential," and Chan had several opinions about innovation in China.

He said that early in his career, he lived in the shadow of the late martial arts star Bruce Lee. He said that during his first foray into Hollywood, he struggled to establish his own identity, so he returned to Hong Kong. After spending 15 years building his reputation in Asia, Chan finally got rediscovered by Hollywood, he said.

Chan said the problem with Chinese youth is that "they like other people's things. They don't like their own things." Young people need to spend more time developing their own style, he added.

The action hero complained that Chinese goods still have too many quality problems. He became emotional when discussing contaminated milk powder that sickened tens of thousands of Chinese babies in the past year.

Speaking fast with his voice rising, Chan said, "If I need to buy a TV, I'll definitely buy a Japanese TV. A Chinese TV might explode."

Comments

[freakmind]

disgraceful

[RandVictims]

Americans tried to export freedom on China, instead China exported tyranny to America.

Markets are free, people are enslaved

The American experiment is over.

What's next?

[flossophy]

China exported tyranny to America... like their massive donations to the Clinton machine?

The American experiment is perhaps over simply because the Democrats will get their way.

They almost got their wish in the late 70's... but enough people smartened up to change the trajectory of history.

[JoshuaLudd]

Change it to what??? Bigger government, more debt, crumbling infrastructure, and less freedom? Thats what we got from the 80s and all of the Bush years.

[tony4sure]

Sorry, were you awake the past 8 years? The state the country is in now is not the fault of the Democrats.

[biskitdaddy]

If Booosh got his way he would have totally wiped out the middle class; got rid of him just in time.

[robXdion]

America had tyranny since before they even opened shop in 1789. It was called slavery. Remember that?

[HowietheScreamer]

Jackie used to be a pretty strong supporter of Democracy in Hong Kong, but now that HK is part of the PRC and he needs permission to make films from Beijing, well bidness is bidness. Knowwhatimean?

[ron ray]

I'm distrubed that Mr. Chan thinks freedom in china is not worth endangering his flow of dollars by taking a stand.

But it's far more disturbing that U.S. presidents since Nixon have felt the same. Particularly the first president bush, who sent his emissaries to consol the butchers of Tiananmen before they even had time to wipe the blood off their hands.

[nothingmusic42]

i'm going to play the voice of opposition to the general responses here.
first, props to chan for saying what he thinks, no matter if it's the popular thought or not. he did NOT say that the chinese model was perfect,, just that he wasn't sure the chinese people could handle a free democracy. he was openly critical of the quality of chinese products.
second, nations like china and russia have existed for centuries by following a strong, powerful central gov't, be it king, czar, state, or the party. america has been a nation for a little over 200 years. china has existed for over 2000. strong, cherismatic leaders have taken the reins of power from weaker hands so many times in their history that the people expect their leaders to have total control. and the people have revolted have revolted in the past. you think tienimin square was brutal? read some chinese history to see how past revolts were put down.

[Jablum]

Very interesting right. Their civilization is the oldest documented ???

[tony4sure]

China is the oldest country/nation on Earth, about 4 thousand years old (at least). However, what does that have to do with powerful central Governments and charismatic leaders?

And how do these excuse concurrent abuses of power and human rights? I don't see the connection.

[Jablum]

It doesn't have a direct connection, but he history of a people can tell where it goes. It is a powerful and little understood nation.

[Politicallyinterested]

Sorry but the Chinese (Han people) are not the oldest country/nation in the world. The first Dynasty that can be legitimately verified is the Shang Dynasty. It is not certain whether the Xia Dynasty existed; and if it did, whether it was Chinese.

Like in most places in the world, there were people in the area that is China today. However they were other people with different cultures. People and cultures have continuously replaces other people and cultures around the world.

The Greeks are slightly older and more conservative than the Chinese (Han) in terms of connections to their ancient culture.

If today's Egyptians can be legitimately proven to have cultural connections to Ancient Egyptian culture, then they would be older. I don't know modern Egyptian culture and people that well though.

The world's first civilization was the Sumerian civilization.

The world's first settlements where in today's Lebanon/Israel. However the people there today have no legitimate connections with the cultures of those settlements.

I know and appreciate Greek and Chinese cultures and languages very much. These are something that I know a lot about.

[Joethepauper]

He said he's confused. He shouldn't open his mouth if there is any confusion in his mind. Just like monetary currency, words have their own value. I know many people who babble on and on about stuff they are either confused about or don't know enough about to even attempt speaking about.. I know other people who rarely speak at all, but when they do speak, it's logical, well-thought-out, and grounded in reality. Who do you think I ignore, and who do you think I pay attention to? The more words that come out of a person's mouth (and the more incorrect ideas are spoken), the less each word is worth. Silent Bob's lines are the most important in those movies because he didn't spend the entire time constantly yacking.

[Clavis]

This is very upsetting. I was a big fan of Mr. Chan's work, but now I will not be able to enjoy it.

It is kind of scary to read the words of people raised in non-democratic environments. I once posted a comment on a YouTube video of something involving Putin, and a Russian citizen sent me a reply attacking me. Their attack was filled with propaganda and spin making their situation out to be perfect and my situation a terrible one. Even when I tried to be even-handed about it, they were all about demonizing me. Mr. Chan's efforts to characterize the freedoms Hong Kong had as "chaos" and the lack of freedoms in China as "[needed] control" sound the same to me -- a justification of a situation where others control you.

It has always been this way, it seems: most human beings are okay with being followers of some leader.

[BonesofWrath]

I personally like Mr. Chan regardless on what he said. Now read further before I get everyone jumping on me. But I'm assuming the content of his message is due to a little bit of being unsure about the new way things are going as his following statements suggest:

"I'm not sure if it's good to have freedom or not," Chan said. "I'm really confused now...."

Transformation into something else more open and free can be scary. I'm just trying to look at it from his perspective at that moment. I'm not trying to justify his words.

If it's not that, it might be all the damage done to him from doing his own stunts all those years. Have you gusy ever watched his behind the scenes footage? OUCH :P

As I said before, I enjoy Mr. Chan's work. Not everyone is perfect. And it's not my place to criticize him. He will have his own people respectfully do that.

[greglondon]

Americans need to understand that our model of freedom and democracy is not a one size fits all solution to the world's problems. The Chinese have to work out a system that works for China and Chinese culture. Mr Chan also said that he's concerned about Chinese youth "they like other people's things. They don't like their own things.". What I heard was a Chinese patriot concerned about where his country might be heading. A theme present in all his movies if you pay attention.

Why do so many of us think that those entertainers who's work we love have to agree with us. I hate the politics of Ted Nugent, Gene Simmons, Arnold Swartzenneger, and many others, but I still enjoy their work. I don't know these people personally and probably wouldn't get along with them if I did.

Secondly, China is a country in transition. Hong Kong was an occupied colony not that many years ago and is still suffering the pains of transition. Jackie Chan grew up in a Hong Kong under stable British control. Of course the transition to Chinese control and the uncertainty about what will change and how much looks like chaos to him.

[tony4sure]

China is a country in transition as is every other country on this planet. As for Hong Kong, it was an extremly wealthy and successful territory under the British. If it is undergoing uncertainty it is due to the fact that it is too free for Beijing. Too Western, too Capitalist, too "not Chinese Communist".

And that in itself is not a bad thing.

[Jablum]

makes sense to me.

[Joethepauper]

I realize they are in transition, but it's about PROgress, not REgress. They have tried being controlled. There is one other way to go that they haven't tried.....not being controlled! Try that before you suggest more control. Worst case scenario: If freedom was granted and it turned into chaos and some people died as a result, but they emerged from that chaos with a fair social system, it would be worth it. How many people would have been wrongly imprisoned or died for the state to continue it's control? It's much cheaper, easier, and less hassle trying to control every aspect of people's lives, and ends-up causing resentment anyway. I couldn't care less if there was some huge calamity in the pursuit of freedom that resulted in a huge loss of life as long as the survivors were free. I would fight for it, and if I perished in the effort, I'd be glad I was able to give the gift of hard-fought freedom to the survivors. I'm not the type of person who could sit in Germany, watching the trains come-in full and leave empty while strange-smelling smoke filled the air, without saying or doing something. I don't care what the government tells me to think if it's wrong.

[weihans]

Chan is not a Chinese patriot. His statement actually implies that an outside force, say, Japan or England, must control China.

If Chinese must be controlled, then the leaders in China must be controlled because they are Chinese and can go crazy and be chaotic (history has shown us how chaotic Chinese leaders can be time after time). But somebody's got to control this group of chaotic people we call Chinese. So, an outside force that is not Chinese has to step in.

Again, Chan is suggesting that Chinese people be controlled by non-Chinese people. Isn't that the logic of his statement? Please correct me if I made a logical error.

[Hemkit]

It's called perspective. If your life is good and someone is spouting off about how bad it is because of your government, you may take offense to that. Because the US likes to remind everyone how great we are, when an American comments on someone else's government or way of life, it can be looked at as an attack. Mr. Chan lives and works in HK and has worked to make himself successful. I think I'll look at things from his perspective rather than assume that my democracy is the only way to go.

[clearmountain44]

I find Jackie Chans comments incredibly offensive. He just proves that he is only a entertainer. An excellent physical clown that makes people laugh. I love hm for that. but his comments cannot be respected. outside of his profession, except for his fame, he speaks with zero moral authority.

[katielady]

Seven7s right.. Jackie, there is no reason for governments, religions or any institution should "control" people. Only jails are authorized to 'control'. and militia

[Seven7s]

Things like this take time. America wasnt exactly a beacon of freedom and justice for all 10 years after the revolution either.

[weihans]

Seven7s:

You're right.

America wasn't all that free and just in PRACTICE in her early years. But America was all that free and just in THEORY in her early years. That, my friend, makes all the difference in the world.

I am Chinese and am a firm believer that the "cause of freedom is not the cause of a race or a sect, a party or a class-- it is the cause of humankind, the very birthright of humanity."

[negogato]

You are my Brother.
Anna J Cooper - freedom is respect.

[Jablum]

I agree and the masses have to all want it.

[tony4sure]

And now it is?

[Joethepauper]

Why is it that slavery was a moral blind spot? People knew it was wrong, but there were more people who went along with it because they didn't want to rock the boat. If you see something wrong, rock the boat. Tip the boat over if you can, it was a s#itty boat anyway. A better boat will always come along. I'm immune from moral blindspots because I don't rely on other people to think for me and dictate what I should believe. The moral blindspot today involves gay marriage/rights. I'm not gay, and I find the whole thing peculiar. That being said, homosexuals should have the same right to ruin their lives as everyone else. If 50% of hetero marriages end in divorce, let them have a shot at it too. That way, it's scientific. You have a control group and an experimental group. China is the same way. Give freedom and less control to one province. Study that province and see if more freedom results in something positive or something negative. That will be the experimental group and once the data are collected and analysed, they can change it back if it doesn't work out. The scientific method works for everything, even society.

[TheOuroborus]

Sad that Mr. Chan is now just a mouth of the Chinese government. Sound like he bought a new set of knee pads. Open wide Jackie.

"Too free like in Hong Kong"? What a load of crap.

[tony4sure]

Exactly.

[weihans]

There's no question that we need some kind of authority to protect everyone's freedom. In a free society, yes, everyone can do whatever he/she wants to do, but he/she just has to live with the consequences, like going to jail or paying a fine. That's the notion of freedom in a nutshell.

I respect Chan a lot as an actor and director, but not as a human being. Chan "himself has reaped the economic benefits" of a relatively free society/market. Moreover, he himself has "enjoyed the freedom" that came with his "achievements" and his superstar status, not realizing that not everyone is as talented and smart and as lucky as he is.

In an authoritarian society, those being controlled are the majority and those controlling others are the minority. Those being controlled would either want to move up the social ladder to become the controller in the long-run or develop some kind of "guanxi" with the controller, as is happening in China. This would actually create more chaos underneath the calm surface, again, as is happening in China. This chaos is sometimes associated with corruption and injustice, among other things, once again, as is happening in China. Maybe we can never get rid of this chaos, but we can certainly minimize its effects on the society.

[Pieter Nieuwenhuijs]

Dear mr. Chan,

next time when you talk on behalf of others think twice, you mention Taiwan as example? This is kind of strange considered the fact that you are not welcome there? Oh, maybe that's it? Retribution?

Taiwan is far from the country that China is. Most important they are a well functioning democracy. OK they get a bit passionate about politics now and then, resulting in some good fights in the senate, but still. Maybe this would be a nice thing for dome Dems and Gops? A good fight, then a beer and get constructive in rebuilding the country. Anyway the only mistake Taiwan ever made is to retreat from the U.N. when China stepped in, making them a sitting duck for political games and since then declared an unwilling province of greater China. Taiwanese are maybe related to the Chinese through bloodlines, not through their hearts and minds.

[Cryostatic]

I'd sort of like to see members of congress and the senate just brawl it out. Mabye if they could vent their frustrations on each other physically, they'd be able to stop using the american people to do it.

[blackfriday1978]

Speaking from a man who can't control himself. He has a kid from wedlock while he is married (but denied that he was ever married, he denied that he ever had a son until that boy was a teenager, could no longer deny such a terrible gene) then hooked up with some untalented actress, had a baby girl whom he also denied. His mortal standard is fairly low - that's fact. Choatic?! Like his life was any better.

As a Chinese, I don't know what this guy is talking about and I doubt that he knew what he was talking about. Jackie Chan, wake up! Your time is over, stop making non-sense action movie. You went to Hollywood because you were done in HK (ZERO creativity and no new things bring to the table); plus, you went there for the money. So, please stop talking about Chinese people as you are one but you are no expert to current affairs or culture dynamics.

[goosie29]

Mr. Chan needs to be institutionalized!

[CantileverBeam]

If he wants to speak on behalf of communist China, he can go ahead. I don't agree with his statement. I believe it is more dangerous for the Chinese with power to not be regulated. But, it's not my country. The Chinese people can speak out if they disagree and dare to stand up for themselves. But, to bring down Taiwan and Hong Kong is another matter. If he didn't attack them, I might have believed some people's claims that we are misinterpreting what he said. Unfortunately, those comments show that this is not the case.

He is attacking the democracy and freedom that exists/existed in Taiwan and Hong Kong and promoting communism. That is no better than American's that denounce communism and advocate democracy for other people's countries. I am of Taiwanese origin. In my eyes, I do not see more chaos in Taiwan than in China. I am happy with the freedom and democracy that exists there right now, without the fear of being jailed or publicly executed for it; so are most of the population. The chaos we see that exist in the Taiwanese society mostly stem from the remnants of the totalitarianism rule that took place decades ago, where people were killed simply for being educated, because they "could be" a threat to the ruling government of the time. Perhaps Jackie Chan and the CCP do not see this as chaos. Then, that leaves me to wonder what they do see as chaos.