March 19, 2007
Population Control Measures
The Chinese practice what they preach, at least in one area. In 1979 concerns about burgeoning population lead to the institution of the One Child Rule. Lately affluent families are flaunting it, and there are certainly pros and cons to the initiative. However, it is refreshing indeed that the government doesn't expect the populace to abstain from sexual activity in order to implement this measure.
Every guest room, from those in five star hotels to simple country inns, had a condom corner in the bathroom -- an on-hand birth control minibar. And the price is right -- if my currency conversion is correct, this condom could be had for $1.29.
Speaking of hypocrisy (were we?) during my visit, China responded to the our State Department's criticism of their human rights record with a report of their own assessing human rights in the USA. The US didn't do very well. No propaganda was necessary.
Photo note: Condom corner at the Sheraton Guilin.