[Opinion] Deng and the Press

There is term called “to watch the desk” at the newspaper office. This means that the desk from which the assistant director of the department to the chief edits the article that a reporter writes. The article is perused thoroughly, capturing the mistakes in expressions as well as the context that the reporter at the front is unable to notice; thus it has a lot to do with enhancing the quality of the article. Consequently, there also is a saying that says “Being blessed with a good desk” is more important than “Being blessed with a good wife.” Deng Xiaoping, with the 100th anniversary of his birth the day before yesterday, must have been a distinguished desk. As the English language internet version of People’s Daily reported, “Comrade Deng leads the People’s Daily with a broad view and understanding as he had edited the editorials and articles for decades.”

The fact that “Deng Xiaoping is a distinguished desk” cannot be something to be proud of. In a communist country that views the press as propaganda or an apparatus of instigation, regulating the press may not be a fault, as it is as natural as guaranteeing the freedom of speech in a democratic country. The Chinese government realized that the control of the press crashes a nation’s confidence after the SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) epidemic occurred, and seemed to respect the press for a while, but drew in the reins again. Hu Jintao, the General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party, hardly allows any criticism on the policies of the party, nor discussion on sensitive matters.

However, Deng Xiaoping was different. On March 19, 1957, the People’s Daily wrote an editorial that the discussion for the Great Leap Forward, which had just erupted, was continuing. It was Deng who emphasized that “We need to listen to the criticism of the people who are non-communists,” and inserted the article. When Deng saw the original draft of the editorial of “Let’s Listen to the Criticism and the Opinion of the Public” on September 30, he emphasized the importance of public opinion as much as three times, revising the title to “Let’s Repeatedly Request Criticism and Opinions from the Public.” He also pointed out in an editorial on November 11 that he should not stop listening to the public’s criticism, but also pointed out once again that he needed “self-criticism,” mentioning that he had an experience revising editorials and articles more than 106 times.

It may be that Deng has brought upon the development of the Chinese economy, but not the development of the press and democracy. What also needs be taken in consideration is that the article was written by the editorial staff of the People’s Daily, looking back upon memories of Deng. However, as Deng did say that the press should do much to help the integration and stability of the society, he said, “The most to fear is silence, not criticism.” A leader that cannot stand the criticism of the press, and a leader that acknowledges the danger of silence… It may be worth taking consideration which kind of a leader makes a better country.

Kim Sun-duk Editorial Writer

yuri@donga.com