I've been in China a few days and already hooked on their tv shows. I am watching 我是特种兵之利刀出箱利刃出鞘, in the hotel room, a tv series about their Special Forces. It was either that or Justin Bieber on HBO.
After watching so many tv shows and movies about the prowess & honour of China's military, both past & present, I'm almost convinced to join the People's Liberation Army. Mom too.
Also, most tourist spots offer free entry to military personnel. And discounted tickets for senior citizens, I discovered. So mom and I made it a point to show all the counter staff her passport to prove she was entitled to the senior citizen discount.
Military tv programs are big budget affairs. Explosions and stunts galore, as well as love affairs in the midst of historical wars and modern army training. There is no lack of manpower. There is no need to virtual CGI-soldiers when you can muster this many extras.
The shows are peppered with occasional sloganeering and noble characters professing to die for the people, for the country and for The Communist Party of China.
If I stay here any longer, I may be able to even sing a few of their patriotic songs.
