Letters from Readers

T he first issue ofSpecial Focuswas an absolute joy to read.I think this publication,especially in its English form,is immensely important—in a day and age where most westerners only hear stories of China’s business and military,Special Focusdraws the focus onto what makes China China:the people.It is so rewarding to learn about the unique Chinese customs and mindsets through these stories,and yet see the universals of humanity as well:love,dedication,hard work, sacrifice,acceptance,food,and family.

Jon Gartner,America

H aving been fascinated by the odd,intricate prescriptions and ingredients of Traditional Chinese Medicine(emphasis onTraditional), I,especially enjoyed the article“Romantic Cures inCompendium of Materia Medica”by Wu Liyang. The tales of incinerating belts and combs to turn them into tonics are just as enchanting.

What has happened to the romance?In a day and age where scientists are beginning to admit that there will be questions that science is just not able to answer,is a scientific basis for everything still absolutely essential?

Sam Bowden,Britain

F rom“Hardworking Isn’t Everything,”one perceives a hint of how some Chinese immigrants do business abroad.The comparison of Fung Wah and Mega Bus makes it clear that one cannot achieve everything by mere hard work.As the U-nited States is a country where a legal system is well-established,and labor-intensive industries are replaced by high-tech ones,Chinese businessmen should come to realize that it’s not always a matter of price,but also of standards,service, and safety.

Julian Han,China

I was fascinated by how Xuan Quan a“penniless bridegroom”turned ashes into wealth.Coming from an African country myself,it is very common to be unemployed even with a good education and even worse when your family is not affluent and influential.Becoming successful therefore seems like a mirage.But stories like these speak to the youth and teach us to not let our challenges define us.Success is within anyone’s reach—you just have to reach out.

Naa zia Ibrahim,Ghana

I t is possible for people who are guided by true love to commit themselves to each other and overcome cultural and traditional resistance against transnational marriage.

In“An Armenian Wife’s China Adventure,”the decision Noune made to follow her husband to China is captivating.Under the influence of love and with tears in her eyes she said,“By choosing you,I have chosen the final destination of my love.”This is such an amazing and inspiring response,which highlights the high levels of bravery,a tool that Noune used to overcome fear of the unknown and face the new challenge of surviving in a for-eign land.

The establishment of a new home in China,which grew from almost nothing,gives a clear indication that people who are determined under the influence of love can defeat chains of poverty together.Noune and Deng showed this through the initiation of a small business that culminated into a big business enterprise.

Ephraim Kayembe,Malawi

“18 Years and 18 Days”is actually a journey of understanding.

Through the process, the daughter not only forgave her father’s vacancy during her childhood,but also understood every effort her father put into his career.

Every child resents their parents at times.In your childhood,haven’t you ever blamed your parents for things like leaving you alone at home instead of playing with you? Haven’t you ever treated your parents as your trash can to throw all the negative feelings at?Your parents might have worked hard to create better conditions for you when you stayed home alone;they likely suffered your bad temper in silence.

The relationship between parents and children is biologically the most intimate of relationships.Life is too short to be wasted in misunderstanding.Why not cherish every moment you stay with your family?

Kristen Zhou,China