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The plan sparked complaints that the Chinese government in Beijing was attempting to brainwash children, BBC News reported.
Following the protests, Hong Kong’s chief executive, Leung Chun-ying, said Saturday individual schools now would be allowed to choose whether to introduce the classes.
"The schools are given the authority to decide when and how they would like to introduce the moral and national education," he said, according to the BBC.
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Leung called the move on the education plan a "major policy amendment", saying he had heard and understood the public's criticism, Reuters reported.
The government noted the scheme had not been withdrawn and that schools could introduce it as they saw fit.
"We don't want the recent controversy to affect the operations of schools, nor do we want to see the harmony of the education environment to be affected (by the scheme)," Leung said, according to Reuters.
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The South China Morning Post reported that the Hong Kong had planned to introduce “mandatory national education” in elementary schools by 2015.
Reuters said tens of thousands of people -- parents, teachers and students -- had staged a week-long protest, claiming the curriculum amounts to Communist Party propaganda that glosses over the darker aspects of Chinese rule.
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The decision comes on the eve of elections in Hong Kong that will see a legislature expanded from 60 to 70 seats, with just over half of them to be directly elected.
The Beijing-backed Hong Kong leader has drawn criticism over a series of issues since he took office on July 1, including the national education program, sky-high property prices and concerns about an influx of mainland Chinese visitors to the former British colony.
Reuters contributed to this report.
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Patriotism, as normally defined, is a love of country and willingness to sacrifice for it. China needs to understand that this type of allegiance is earned, not achieved by demand.
I agree on that point Annie. But that is a comment that should be taken to heart by people in this country as well.
As it stands, some are trying to promote the view that is a person does not believe a certain set of ideal, have a particular faith, etc then that person is not a good patriotic American.
Belonging to a particular church, being in a particular tax bracket, etc does not dictate how good of an American a person is.
That is a fair point. But then what we should be afraid of - if a country asks its citizens to be patriotic? All countries and all leaders have done it at some point of time. The lines by JFK "Ask not what your country can do for you...." are not seen as brainwashing in any shape or form.
I agree, Annie. I also believe that history ought to be taught as factually as possible, to include the ugliness and warts as well as the great achievements. Otherwise that patriotism and allegiance would be based on lies and deceptions. It would be effectively programming robots instead of helping to create citizens. That would be a true measure of a government's corruption and desire to simply control the populace.
It's very telling that the Chinese government would refer to this as "mandatory national education" and to define it as including "morality." This seems to indicate that the Chinese government is trying to create a nation where the government becomes a de facto state religion and would be using this bully pulpit to stamp out the integrally connected ideas of individuality and freedom of choice.
PJ: Asking for patriotism is fine. Demanding it and making threats to get it is not.
@HN - so who is making threats here? I didn't read anything that talks about it.
Just look at post 911 world in the US. People have been wearing their patriotism on their sleeve and expecting others to do so as well. I would be more concerned about that than worrying about Hong Kong which is a chinese territory being asked to be patriotic chinese.
Then why do we "demand" that school children recite the Pledge of Allegiance in this country? Why do so many demand that prayer be allowed in school? Is it only wrong when our perceived enemies do it?
Annie..it's not a "demand"...it's brain-washing.
It's like when a child is born and raised into a religious family with religious parents.
They really have no chance of knowing anything else from birth until....?
Like Americans don't demand patriotism. Stop being hypocritical! Americans demand so much patriotism that even if we go to war for bad made up reasons like in Iraq if you speak out against it you are labled anti-American. Look in the mirror befor talking about others.
If a politician now doesn't wear a flag pin it becomes news..."is he anti-America?"
Michael Moore mad a great movie in 2004 telling all the lies about the Iraq war and the early Bush years and what was he said to be? An America Hater.
Thats how hypocritical most people are these days. You think you s* smells good. But it stinks.
dave,
Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance by children at schools in the US can hardly be put in the same category as the classes they wish to introduce in Hong Kong, though the "under God" bit is better left out. Kids don't even have to recite it if they don't want to- that is freedom in action. Plus, the Pledge is a simple statement of those particular things that we consider to make up an American- loyalty to our Nation (symbolized in our flag), to our republican form of government, to our Nation above sectional or state squabbles, our committment to maintaining the Nation as a whole despite the problems we may face, all while providing for the liberty of the citizens and providing them justice- a promise of fair and equal treatment under the laws. It is a pity that religionists demanded the insertion of "under God" and ruined the perfectly secular Pledge by insinuating that it takes a belief in God to make a good American, which is totally wrong whether the majority believe in God or not. It was, however, inserted at a time when we were in a Cold War with world communism and it was regarded as another way of showing the difference between us as much as it was a statement of a religious belief. They would have been better off saying something about our Constitution as it is what every public official and military member take an oath to preserve, protect and defend (depending on the individual office or Service) and covers freedom of religion.
Anyway, that is a big difference from what is being protested in Hong Kong. Some may "demand" that the Pledge be recited, but since this IS America they can't enforce their demands without infringing on someone else's rights- except in private schools. Again, they can demand that prayer be allowed in school, and they are free to pray individually at the start of a class- they just cannot demand that everyone else be forced to pray.
So the premise of your statement, about "demanding", is in error right from the start. Keep in mind that minor students are still Americans and entitled to every protection of the laws. The demand can be made- and also ignored, as the student sees fit.
And now, boys and girls, let's recite the Pledge of Alliance and sing 'God Bless America' ......... Place your hand over your heart, stand up, and stare at the flag...... OK, boys and girls, now let's sing the National Anthem, followed by 'Ole Beautiful," OK?
America's government operated public schools have been brainwashing children since the day The Authority had determined the proper curriculum.
Certain external organizations also impose their version of patriotism on adults: Football and baseball games begin with the singing of the National Anthem while the audience is required to stand in attention.
As to Rock concerts, operas, and Broadway ....... no need for such blatant and crude form of manipulation.
Teaching patriotism through history, culture and art is one way and should be embraced or accepted as Hong Kong is part of China for 15 years now. Teaching patriotism thru forced propaganda and activities should not be allowed though but most likely will be in time as this is how China has done it in the past. This is not the same as pledging allegiance to the Flag or singing the national anthem at sporting events in the USA as you don't get penalized or abstaining.
I am not a "patriot" and do not fly the U.S. flag. I am a citizen of the world. The U.S. - much as our egotistical leaders continually put forth otherwise - is NOT "the greatest country in the world". We are (rightfully so) seen by the rest of the world as arrogant, high-handed, self-absorbed and self-serving. We could use a little humility, especially after 9/11 when the previous administration totally squandered the good will and compassion that the rest of the world showered on us. Not only are we not loved, we are hated.
I do fly the flag, I beleive kids should learn the pledge of allegance. It gives them a proud feeling to know that they learned something about thier country. Something to take pride in. Not like these people who sit around and bitch about how bad the USA is. You can always pack up and leave. That's one thing good about the USA, they won't try to stop you from leaving. So mozzie why don't you move someplace in the world other than the USA. What's a matter you can't fine someplace that offers the freedom the USA has. For all you liberal non flag flying people who want to live someplace else. Don't forget obama will have all the educastional material in schools and training camps if re-elected. Hope you like your'e new future, since you don't like the freedoms we have here in the USA!!
Tim: I was waiting for a knee-jerk post such as yours, which totally misaddressed my own. You cannot give a reasonable argument refuting my comments. Everything I said is true. I do not hate this country, I love my country. It's the arrogant attitude of our citizens that "we are the greatest" that I find disturbing. No other country is as self-absorbed as we are. If you had done any world travelling at all, you would know how reviled Americans are, especially by the Europeans. They are nice to us because we have money to spend in their countries, but behind our backs, we are ridiculed as fat, lazy, stupid, demanding and insensitive to other cultures. Not far off the mark for most of Americans. Recognize yourself?
The U.S. brainwashes kids. Video games, cartoons, toys, they distract people so they dont pay attention to what the government does. Look at this hand whlte this hand does something else.
They also brainwash kids by creatively editing textbooks and school curriculum to promote their viewpoint, especially the radical Christians who insist that their version of the Bible be in everything.
Obama's speeches are full of empty promises and smoke and mirrors... isn't this a form of propaganda? A half of dozen lies were identified in his acceptance speech at the DNC alone! Shame on him and shame on us for believing him.... we arent as smart as the Hong Kong citizens it seems!
The fact that you point to Obama as the one spewing the propaganda shows that you've already been brainwashed by FOX News. Congratulations Commrade!
The fact that you are taking the opportunity to bash and denigrate the United States when commenting on an article about China is just plain sad.
I recognize that you hate the United States, but can we at least comment on the actual topic at hand? Believing in anything, like the US is bad and brainwashes everyone, so strongly is a sign of exactly what you yourself are declaring the US to be guilty of.
Who brainwashed you I wonder? They did quite a good job of it.
Of course everything Romney says is true, Memphis. Isn't that right? Give me a break!
You "EARN RESPECT", you don't force it down peoples throat. IF China's Gov. stopped to think just how many people "COULD" March down on them. They would have a whole new outlook on things.
Then by your definition, education is brain washing?
I agree Kelly, it's not just the Chinese Communists who are adept at probaganda and brainwashing, we have them too! The DNC convention was a great example of crowd manipulation employing rhetoric and fiery speechs over truth and fact!
Look at how easily the democrats were manipulated in the 'faux' vote over the decision to reinsert God into their platform when the crowd was obviously against it! I notice the liberal media has largely ignored that story! Much like the Chinese media ignores the opposition to the communist agenda!
Those on this thread who criticize you are missing the point... we too are subjected to controlled propaganda from both the administration and the media!
If you can get past the attacks on him, Romney has has a very successful career (Olympics and Bain's success in creating jobs here and overseas). Obama's record before 2008 is empty and his record as a leader and administrator the last few years as President has been, by any objective opinion very poor. Yet when he speaks people cheer, despite the lies! Incredible when you look at it from that perspective!
Now we can all agree politicians on both sides of the aisle stretch the truth, but there is no way anyone could spin Barry's term into a rosey picture, yet some sheeple still believe that hope and change thing.... the Chinese have to be impressed!
Obama's childhood mentor and father figure, Frank Marshall Davis (now deceased) was a registered Communist! It is not a stretch to link Obama's current socialist agenda to this man. Communism is just a state run version of socialism... Obama has been increasing the size of the Federal Government expotentially since he became President. In fact the Federal Govenment is the single largest growth 'industry' under Barry's watch. I don't need Fox News to spell that out for me!
His friendship with Bill Ayers and Bernadette Dohrn would be further proof.
Nobama and his unhinged loyalists spread enough disinformation and diversionary propaganda to make Machiavelli look like a rank amateur. "Look at that!!! Look at this!!! Fear this!!!! Hate that!!!!! Just don't look at my record........because it REALLY sucks!!!!!!!!!!!!"
those that think the US can "do no wrong and are the greatest 'whatever'" are as delusional as those that think we are the source of all evil
When Chinese kids come to study here many adopt Anglicized names. I've met a "Jackson" and a "Madison" (both first names). The world wants to be "American" look at the picture of those kids in cargo pants and t-shirts. I saw the same style in Belgium, France and Greece in the spring. It's a global world out there and the sooner we accept it, the better off we will be. Decades of isolationism did the Chinese no good. Let's not fall in their footsteps.
Nooo..they aren't brainwashing the kids...really? Absolutely no different than any religion or dictorial led gov't would do. Kids are taught to hate..not something that comes naturally, and is especially true of religions. Man twists everything to suit his own needs and beliefs.
The difference between most religions and this governmental action would be choice. While I do agree many children don't have a choice, because their parents "indoctrinate" them into a religion at an early age, they still DO have a choice later in life to break that cycle.
Governmental enforced "patriotism" classes a la 1984 = bad any way you slice it.
"Chinese government in Beijing was attempting to brainwash children"
Welcome to capitalism, we've been brainwashing our kids for nearly a century. Eward Bernays, the father of modern "Public Relations",who wrote the books on Propaganda and Spin turned brainwashing into a government and industry staple. In one year alone and single marketing firm spent $4 billion researching and implimenting a marketing scheme to train children how to nag their parents more effectively for items they truly didn't need and their parents didn't want them to have and couldn't afford to buy them. This "marketing campaign" was secretly used on Disney, Nickelodeon, and the Cartoon Network with the help of child psychologists and unbeknownst to the parents of the children who were watching. This sort of brainwashing is not only legal in this country, it is seen as an integral aspect of public relations and marketing, capitalism wouldn't work without it.
The most common brainwashing of children is the way they are brainwashed by their parents into those parents' particular religious cult. All god believers do this to their children; most atheists don't. Atheistic parents tell their children that it's up to them what they believe and encourage them to investigate religions and make up their own minds.
Linking your subjective viewpoint to an article on Hong Kong is a stretch at best.
I admit that I have strayed off topic somewhat, but the viewpoint I espoused was pure objective fact.
All forms of community info is some form of propaganda brainwashing. its just who we are as a species
public schools, do the brain biased washing by acerting, liberal bias agendas, for world govt., among other things, the NEA is the worst.
Scary in that if Romney and Ryan get in I think we will all have to take lessons on being a good conservative. Learn that being rich is like a right that we should all respect and try to allow the upper class to rule!
That was almost a coherent thought. Good try.
I always knew there would be a culture class when Communist China attempted to integrate the British Capitalism of Hong Kong. Maybe they should just lease it back to the Brits for another 99 years until China claws its way out of the dark ages.
It is time that China got dealt wiff, on so many different levels.
Truly, it's an Evil Empire.
You should just go to China and start killing them if that's the way you feel. Don't come back to the U.S.; I'm sure there are many other countries you have condemned so just hop from one to the other while you spread your righteous ideology.
I fear people like you more than anyone from China.
Well.. with a name like that, I guess we should be thankful you're not "dealing with" liberals like me here in the US of A. Sichuan's right.. Go to China, please.
FYI, this isn't unusual. Even though China isn't a democracy, domestic public opinion forces it back down on (generally nasty) stuff it wants to do, all the time... most of it isn't picked up in the western press. This incident isn't an exception. I only hope that my fellow Americans are as vigilant as China's netizens when it comes to countering governmental abuse and overreach.
We need to first deal with the one here in November and then China.
Well, there is you and Obama but other than that, you are correct.
In the US brainwashing is accomplished via Fox News. But patriotism is not taught. Instead, the gullible public are taught to believe all the dribble coming from one politicial party.
Interesting, by all the hub-bub on this it's as if someone is concerned about government brainwashing? In China I would not be too surprised as it's a communist country, but with the socialist leaning in this country and the recent argument with content of school books in Texas (IE the rest of the country uses them also) I would really be concerned with what we teach here and the government's role in it rather get into a semantic argument over the definition of Patriotism. Most of us respect our country and thats Patriotism.
And so, like the "Great leap forward" before it. the "Great harmonization" continues........
Beuller Beuller Beuller!Heeelloooo! Didn't any of these people get the hint back in 1999,when their 99 or 100, ?yr. lease was expiring? Didn't anyone know this going to happen once they were let go from Britain?
Liberty : Freedom from government control or coercion.
Having lived in a communist country half my life, I can translate: all this means is that instead of making this a required national plan and add to international criticism, they will be "convincing" all school to "voluntarily" adopt the program. If you don't you will be labeled an enemy of the people and of the glorious communist party and the people's revolution. In fact, many parents and children will demand it and cry tears of "devotion" (secretly caused by threats of imprisonments or loss of party perks). See - there are more ways to skin a cat than making it a required national plan.
"(secretly caused by threats of imprisonments or loss of party perks)."
Doesn't even take that here , just takes a good commercial / slogan.
Blind patriotism is a dangerous thing. Good for Hong Kong on this one.
I am privileged to have been born in USA, but I won't deny that this country is flawed as hell.
"patriotism is a dangerous thing"
Is more like it.
Absolutely correct. We are so sorry to see you leave.
Nibor, it's people like you with comments like that that are part of the problem. Instead of demanding better of your country you sit at the side criticizing others that do.
Just because you might be doing okay doesn't mean the country is treating others the same.
so, the hong kong people have a problem if their children learn to shout "we are number 1"? it did not hurt anyhting here in usa. we saw that at our both conventions, didn't we?
Teach the good, the bad and the ugly
Most of the guys in the photo are wearing flip flops. They are doomed to a life of failure and ridicule.
Every country, including the U.S., practices indoctrination in its schools. Maybe we could learn something from the Chinese.
The cops in my town had a wish list for a $10,000 tent so they could put on a show and tell where they were going to have a kid cooperating with them steal some drugs that were going to be displayed and see if any other kids there would turn him in. Really. When I was in Catholic School were were taught that in Communist countries, kids would be taught to turn in their parents. This sounded to me a lot like that. I'm glad they never got the money for their tent.
"in Communist countries, kids would be taught to turn in their parents. This sounded to me a lot like that."
In communist countries kids and all people were taught to turn in anyone who spoke against the communist party, had any religious book, made a positive comment about the West or listened to "Voice of America" on the radio. Also taught to turn in anyone who made a joke about the adored dictator or put up a Christmas tree or attempted to plug in a telephone not issued by the government. Those accused were automatically imprisoned for years or killed - no trial, they just disappeared.
Hardly the same as pointing out drug dealers.
When you lose your freedom you know it.