We’ve written elsewhere about Chinese President Hu Jintao’s ideological campaign for improved social morals, which has had implications for media in China [See also this link]. Just to keep tabs on how Chinese media are taking part in the “Honor and Shame Ideology” (荣辱观), also referred to as “Eight Honors and Eight Disgraces” (八荣八耻), here’s a look at an announcement in yesterday’s Changsha Evening Newspaper (长沙晚报), which is launching an original “nursery rhyme” competition: [PHOTO: Chinese children play paddycakes using the national “Eight Honors” nursery rhyme, from Sina.com]
“Searching, searching, searching, searching for a trusty friend, to tip their hat, shake my hand, everyone let’s all be friends” [a child’s nursery rhyme]. We all have memories of such innocent nursery rhymes that grow up with us. They saturate the young lives of successive generations. But in the [recent] past, some vulgar and unseemly so-called nursery rhymes have invaded our schoolyards and polluted the spirits of our children. Carrying on the Socialist Honor and Shame Ideology (社会主义荣辱观), and in hopes of enlivening the spiritual lives of our kids, this newspaper has decided to launch its “Star City [Changchun] New Nursery Rhyme” propaganda competition.
The new nursery rhymes must take “Eight Honors and Eight Disgraces” education as their main line, including such content as patriotism, diligent study, friendliness, honesty, justice, loving-care, thrift, courage, and towing the line. The new rhymes should be clear, simple to learn, suitable to a child’s taste and sing-able. Each rhyme should be about 15 sentences in length and must be original. Teachers, students or anyone else interested in created nursery rhymes (or children’s songs) may participate by submitting their creations to this newspaper. Multiple submissions are welcome. Submissions may be made by Internet ([email protected]) or by mail … Winning submissions will be printed in this newspaper. Submissions must be received by June 6, 2006.
[Posted by David Bandurski, May 24, 2006 at 9:57am]