LETTERS

We are often told that online gaming causes people to spend valuable time in front of computers at the expense of work and school, and that it isolates them from human companionships. As a fan of online games, I think this is unwarranted prejudice. Playing online games is in fact a less solitary activity than most people think. Games nowadays differ from those of the past, when each player played one person at a time. Many are now multi-player games where players are encouraged to interact. I often socialize with other video game fans through the Internet. In my opinion, multi-player type online games do not create lonesome individuals at all, but rather sociable ones. At the same time, I find them a good way of keeping in touch with friends in other cities, and making new friends with similar interest. Online games also encourage team spirit and leadership qualities. Players competing in chess games and other sports are expected to interact and conduct extensive social exchanges to foster a spirit of solidarity and cooperation. Im currently the head of an online gaming community. This position has shown me how to organize and coordinate diverse people and groups. What Ive learnt from the virtual world is of great help to me in everyday life. Playing online games helps relieve tension and stress after a hard working day, which is another reason why I believe that, in moderation, online gaming is the opposite of harmful. Wang Xun Hong Kong, China

As a lover of movies, I am proud of the rapid development in Chinas film industry. Its boom has put growing numbers of Chinas films on the international screen, and also showcased Chinese culture and customs. Some filmmakers, however, place too much emphasis on spectacular stunts and action sequences at the expense of storylines. Id like to see more Chinese films that celebrate the spirit of our nation. Feng Yanting Guangdong Province, China

The story of the Chinese-French family is very interesting. It makes me think of foreign friends of mine who have decided to settle in China. Some studied or worked in China some 20 years ago. On their return in recent years they were equally surprised at the remarkable social changes they see, and find life here far better than they expected. Big cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou have, to some extent, become “world cities”where foreigners can enjoy a life as convenient and easy as in their home countries. A friend of mine who took a trip to Shanghai was impressed by the citys internationalization, apparent in store sales assistants who are fluent in English. Living in Beijing, I can also sense a change. When eating brunch in trendy restaurants in the Sanlitun area on Sunday morning, it seems I could be in New York or any other international metropolis, as the people around me are of diverse nationalities and cultures. Chinese cities nonetheless retain their own characters and traditions. This is probably why China attracts so many foreigners to make it their second home. Gillian Zheng Beijing, China

For many of Chinas rural residents, education beyond the middle school level remains out of reach. Rapidly increasing tuition fees prevents many qualified students from attending high school, forcing them instead to find work in factories or on construction sites. An educated citizenry is the foundation of a modern economy, and education is the only way to help people get rid of poverty. A countrys continued growth depends upon an educated labor force. The loss in human capital due to poverty that impedes sustained education will hinder Chinas efforts to modernize over the coming decades. The 15-year free education launched in Ningshan County, therefore, is of enormous significance to Chinas rural education. I hope it can be replicated in other regions and so benefit more students. Xue Ning Shaanxi Province, China

Many people in Beijing hold it as a source of pride that the city is no different from world metropolises like New York or Paris. For me, who was born and grew up here, it is a curse. I remember when I took bus to school as a small child, I would pass old people playing Taiji in the dense shade of trees growing by red palace walls. Now these spaces have been converted into roads or parking lots, and the sight of green is on sharp decline. Courtyard houses have been knocked down, and many alleys whose names refer to their origins or a particular period in the history have been entirely destroyed. Though shabby, they hold memories of a cherished past and old customs and are part of the nuance and environs that constitute the citys identity. May Beijing remain Beijing. Han Ting Beijing, China