Mongolian ethnic identity closely related to practical interests

• Source: Global Times
• [22:09 August 20 2009]
• Comments

The population of ethnic groups suddenly increased. According to my observations, some Han people who changed their ethnicity during that wave called themselves “Mongolian of 1982” or “Mongolian of 1983.”

I have to say that the design of ethnic minority policies was reasonable in the 1950s.
However, since the constitution of ethnic minority groups has been changed, the policies need to be improved.

GT: How can ethnic minorities seek balance between developing their economy through interacting with the outside world and preserving its own traditions?

Wendurina: The ethnic minority culture doesn’t only belong to the ethnic group itself, but makes up an important part of the world’s cultural legacy.

When I studied in Japan, the scholars there always emphasized that all cultures are equal, and there are no such thing as “advantaged” or “disadvantaged” culture.

One cannot grade different cultures according to their capability of adapting to modern science and technology.

It’s impossible to restore a culture once it disappears.

The Manchuria culture is facing a severe crisis, since few people still master the Manchurian written language today.

Behind the language, there is a whole set of habits, social customs and ways of thinking.
For Mongolians, it’s important to learn Putonghua and English to promote communication, however, education in Mongolian language and culture should also be stressed.

Preserving traditional culture and developing the economy are not necessarily contradictory to each other.

In the current world, nomadism and herding is probably the most environmentally friendly lifestyle.

In recent years, the growth of GDP has been given too much emphasis. Many entrepreneurs, mainly Han entrepreneurs, focus on exploiting mineral resources, like coal mines and oil, and require local herders to migrate and change lifestyles.

The entrepreneurs’ simplistic emphasis of overemphasizing industrialization and urbanization actually changes themselves into potential victims of the worsening environment.

Enterprises should be more socially responsible, and decision-makers should also work harder to promote ecological education and sustainable development.