Swimming#
In order to exercise, my mother urged me to go swimming. Because I had learned for a while when I was a child, I didn't resist this sport. So I went swimming at the same time every day, until something happened last time that made me heartbroken.
The swimming pool I was in had a swimming class, with about seven or eight coaches. Every time I went swimming, the students would occupy some lanes, which I completely understood. So before I got in the water, I would repeatedly confirm which lane had students training, and then I would swim in other lanes. As for how the coaches trained the students, I never paid attention to it. After swimming about three or four laps this time, I suddenly found that there were students training in my lane. Because I had repeatedly confirmed before getting in the water and there were other external guests in the lane, I was puzzled, so I asked the coach on the shore if this was also a lane for student training. The coach's reply surprised me: "(expletive), I've said it several times, lanes three, four, and five are for student training." I was surprised, and besides being told which lane was for student training, I always confirmed it before getting in the water, so why use foul language? Although I was a little angry, I didn't argue with her. But I have to say that she caught my attention. Here are some things I heard her say to the students during swimming:
"Someone, who looks like a fat flying pig, why don't you swim properly?"
"Someone, you swim slower than the oldest and second oldest, isn't that outrageous?"
"You little brat, swim faster..."
This coach constantly used vulgar language to reprimand the students, and I spent almost the whole day in anger. It really makes people angry. What's even more heartbreaking is that after one student was scolded, they replied in a childish voice, "Coach Zhang, my mom said that swimming gets faster little by little, and the body gets better little by little..." These students are probably in the third or fourth grade of elementary school, just a child, is it okay to scold them like this? This coach only dares to behave like this on the premises, she wouldn't dare if parents were around, no matter how much courage she had.
Education and Upbringing#
Unfortunately, at this time, there were only students, coaches, and external guests in the venue. I really wanted to have a friendly conversation with this coach and see if she could improve her way of communicating with the students. Because this teaching method has serious problems. But I know that if I turn around and leave, she will reveal her true colors. At this moment, I really wish there was an organization in China like Social Services, so that I could report this coach for abusing students and make her pay the price, at least requiring her to apologize and reapply for a coaching certificate. Unfortunately, there is no such channel.
I often hear people online saying that China is a cultural wasteland. I do not agree with this kind of statement. Chinese civilization may not be superior to other civilizations, but at least it is not inferior. However, civilization is an abstract thing that needs to be reflected in the details. From an individual perspective, civilization is a person's cultivation and upbringing. Unfortunately, under long-term guidance, our citizens have become restless and have taken self-interest as the center of morality. The most typical example is the concept we have been instilled with since childhood, "There are no permanent friends, only permanent interests."
In the minds of the Chinese people, this world is always taught to be in an endless zero-sum game, with the East rising and the West falling, or vice versa... Isn't this sad?
When will a restless heart become peaceful?
Many times, I feel regret for the brilliant Chinese civilization, as if only the seasoning of economic takeoff can make the originally exquisite civilization shine. But for me, regardless of the economy, Chinese civilization will always be my pride, and humanistic thinking will always be the guiding principle of my actions.
Music#
Recently, while watching the videos of the YouTuber "吾等益耳，" I accidentally heard the song "群青" (Ultramarine Blue). When I checked the other works of this singer, I discovered that they are actually the singer of the theme song of "我推的孩子" (The Promised Neverland).
I have to say that the song "群青" is really energetic.
And Juan Diego Flórez's voice is still so charming, it's admirable...