Wishfull thinking by "The Economist" under fire

via WikipediaI had to smile, when I saw this angry comment by Paul Denlinger, who goes at his weblog after the Economist about their attitude towards China. What is the argument? In an editorial The Economist - I believe Paul Denlinger gave up on the magazine after reading this introduction - the main argument is that the current nationalistic fever is quite likely to turn against the Chinese ruling party after it has dealt with the French and Carrefour.
The argument at The Economist:

There is no doubt genuine fury in China at these offences; yet the impression the response gives of a people united behind the government is an illusion. China, like India, is a land of a million mutinies now. Legions of farmers are angry that their land has been swallowed up for building by greedy local officials. People everywhere are aghast at the poisoning of China’s air, rivers and lakes in the race for growth. Hardworking, honest citizens chafe at corrupt officials who treat them with contempt and get rich quick. And the party still makes an ass of the law and a mockery of justice.

I agree very much with Paul on this issue: there is no beginning of an indication that this analysis of The Economist is more than wishful thinking. To summerize Paul Denlinger:

It is exactly this kind of argument which Chinese see as western hypocrisy and double standards. Of course there is anger at some Chinese government policies, but these are a separate issue. Please don’t try to change the subject!

Unfortunately, there is a trend in how "Western" media look to China (and the rest of the world). Lack of facts and too much wishful thinking is a major one. Mostly webloggers are blamed for having this same combination, but the traditional media have here also a longstanding tradition.
Paul Denlinger is a speaker at Chinabiz Speakers, and if you are interested in retaining him as a speaker, do drop me a line.

Update: Meanwhile I have joined the China Speakers Bureau as a principal partner. You will find our celebrity speakers now at their new home.