Explaining reasons
61. What do you think are the main reasons for the gap between the rich and poor?
The main reason is because there are some fields that are in demand and there are short supplies of labour, while other fields have too many people in it and the demand may not be a great. Well, if you ask me, I don't think you can expect everyone to become rich at the same time. Some people say that under the market economy system it's only natural for the most capable people to make a fortune first. Life is competition after all. Well I can accept this partly but I think we should still do more to raise the standards of people who are struggling in life.
62. Why do people in China traditionally want to have a son?
Well in the past, sons were preferred because they carried the family name. Also, when they married, their wife would join the family. This means that the parents would gain a daughter-in-law. But when the daughter married, she would join her husband's family.
Nowadays there are a lot of daughters who keep their mother's family names. I think the bigger reason is that in the countryside, sons can help out more on the family's farm, just because they're stronger and have more endurance. There's still a sense that the son can earn more money and then take care of the parents better. I think this is changing because a lot of people are realizing that a daughter tends to take better care of her parents when they get older.
63. Why does advertising have such a powerful influence on what people buy?
Advertising is a very powerful tool and it's getting more and more popular these days. I think many people don't have any real knowledge about a product, so most of the time they rely on advertising for information, which they think is trustworthy. If there is no advertising, consumers will not realize certain products exist so they will not buy it. If you advertise your customers are introduced to your products and may be encouraged to make purchases.
64. Why do people like sports so much?
Well I'm not really sure because I don't really like sports that much. I suppose it's because sports represent a safe, fun, and fair way to compete. Sometimes in work or in our studies we may feel things are not quite fair and even. Sports are fair and objective. There's also a social function of sports, getting together gives many Chinese a chance to establish and contact each other. Sports are fun and they keep both the body and the mind in shape.
65. Explain people's attitudes to old buildings.
Well, if! had to guess, I'd say that generally speaking people feel fond of them and even nostalgic.
I mean they are part of our history and culture. But I think a lot of people are also impatient to see China develop and modernize quickly so our attitude towards the old buildings is often.. . well... preserve them if we can, but if a more modem building needs to be built why not build it?
66. Why are so many people buying cars these days in China?