Reading about Chinese and Hakka

["S. L . Lee" <sllee@asiawind.com>]

Clem,

I think we should diversify this forum to include the topic you raised on
reading. If you can read Chinese (not just English books about Chinese), it
would be a great help to go into the originals. May I suggest that you also
include some works that may not be in total agreement with your current
thoughts? I am not specifically recommending any. It is a challenge to our
mind to read the opposite views. For instance, the history of Taiping
Rebellion by Hakka has always been a controversy.  The Qing official history
has been, and understandably, negative to this history. Many of the western
writings which based on Qing's interpretation would share the same view. The
Boxers is another similar story.  I have yet to see a positive book on
Boxers written by western historians. So, how do we evaluate these events
and the books about them? Each historical movement has its cause and
consequence. Hindsight is always 20/20.  Conclusion from the outcome without
looking at the background and cause often miss the meaning of such events.
Certain personal experience of historical events may give you part of the
picture. Different versions and opposite views will lead to a more objective
conclusion. Just some thought.

SL Lee