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- 80 Meters
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- Jennifer Dunn
Over the past decade China's government has emphasized tourism as a means of developing the economies of rural areas, where most of the nation's ethnic minorities reside. The tourist industry has exploded in recent years, and proven its potential to channel some of the prosperity of eastern urban areas to the expansive, underdeveloped western provinces. However, the pace of development has accelerated beyond local government's capacities for stable and communicative planning, leaving many locals feeling marginalized, frustrated, and uncertain about their futures. This piece explores the tourist industry of Lige, a small village on Lugu Lake in Yunnan province. Locals share their perspectives on recent developments and reflect on tensions between community members, local officials, and the national government.
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Piece Description
Over the past decade China's government has emphasized tourism as a means of developing the economies of rural areas, where most of the nation's ethnic minorities reside. The tourist industry has exploded in recent years, and proven its potential to channel some of the prosperity of eastern urban areas to the expansive, underdeveloped western provinces. However, the pace of development has accelerated beyond local government's capacities for stable and communicative planning, leaving many locals feeling marginalized, frustrated, and uncertain about their futures. This piece explores the tourist industry of Lige, a small village on Lugu Lake in Yunnan province. Locals share their perspectives on recent developments and reflect on tensions between community members, local officials, and the national government.
2 Comments
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Review of 80 MetersThis is possibly the best piece I've heard on the human side of China's rapid economic development. It tells the story of the people caught up in the whirlwind change. They invest in their hopes, only to see those hopes dashed by poorly thought out policies. It clearly shows the tensions between rapid development, environmental concerns and short term political interests.
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Steve Calamia
Posted on December 03, 2006 at 09:18 PM | Permalink
Review of 80 Meters
I like that the piece begins with an optimistic tone of entrepreneurial success encouraged by the Chinese government's priority of tourism. However, this tone is soon shattered by the somber revelation of new government policies and priorities that conflict with past advice. The listener is given an intimate look into the depressing confusion of the locals who, already in debt, are forced to tear down and hopefully rebuild that which their lives' savings has only recently built. The traditional song heard throughout the piece seems to tie everything together with a tristful voice. That in concert with local ambient sound really pulls the listener into the story. By the time the piece is concluded the listener is left pondering how a government can commit such passively thoughtless acts against their own people. A poignant and moving piece, I am left longing for a solution, probably much as the people of Lige are, as well.
With growing global concerns about the Chinese government's ostensibly oppressive nature this piece grows more and more relevant. This piece would compliment a segment on Chinese life, communism, or international tourism. For a more poignant effect, it could be presented as a contrast to a segment on Chinese cultural or governmental successes.