Doublethinker rocks

"Is that even a word?" This is my first reaction after reading this post titled 'Doublethink'. Well, according to wiki, Doublethink is the act of simultaneously holding two contradictory beliefs while fervently believing both.

I have to admit that this definition cound not have described me more accurately. Born and raised in China and having live in the west for several years, I believe that China should be a democratic country and democracy is a universal value. But I also believe that turning China to a democracy overnight will throw the country into turmoil and the current authoritarian communist party is the best and at the same time the worst party to lead China. I would openly critize the Chinese government, but I would also find subconsciously myself coming to its defense. Call me superficial, but this is me!

To me, doublethink seems like the best way of resolving any internal conflicts. By embracing two contradictory beliefs, one is allowed to find peace within oneself, when a compromise is seemingly impossible. You might call this a coward way of running away from conflicts, but this is sometimes the best way of resolving a conflict, or at least containing it until an ingenious idea presents itself. Take the dispute of Taiwan's sovereignty for example, US constantly affirms to China its One-China policy. On the other hand, US maintains extremely close military ties with Taiwan. This is the doublethinking ability of the US on full display.

Generation 1.5 is probably the most obvious group of doublethinkers. Generation 1.5 immigrate to a new country before or during their early teens, with myself being one. Generation 1 are adult immigrants, who typically hold on to their cultural traditions; the 2nd generation tends to identify more with their adopted country. But generation 1.5 is stuck somewhere in between two distinctly different cultures, beliefs and traditions. The easiest way of dealing of the differences is to embrace the differences. On last night's "Insight", a young Bangladeshi girl talked about her possible dilemma in choosing her future husband. She came to Oz when she was 5. Due to the western education she received, she wants to marry someone she loves, but she understands why her parents want her to get into an arranged marriage. Doublethink again comes to rescue, at least for now.

No one can deny that Hong Kong and Sinpapore are modern and technologically advanced international cities. Who would have guessed Feng Shui masters are one of the most prominent occupations in both cities? All the developers would hire some Feng Shui masters to advise their architects, so that they can achieve the optimal flow of Qi. Science and superstition, two completely opposite beliefs, coexist peacefully in these two cities.

I remember at the start of this year, during one of my engineering design lectures, my lecturer told us that we should think in terms of quadri-parity, instead of duality. Things do not have to be either black or white; they can be black and white at the same time or neither black nor white. (Doublethink chooses the 'both back and white' out of the four options. ) There is no doubt one needs to be flexible to be a doublethinker. Ingeious ideas are likely results of flexible thinkings.