Interview with Song Qiang's characters

"Unhappy China" seems to be a huge brick, hitting the softest part of many people's hearts in China. With sharp words and clear views, this book makes many people happy and unhappy. But there is no denying that this book sells like hot cakes. The reporter contacted Song Qiang, one of the authors of this book.

A "fake" that incites national sentiment?

China Unhappy was sold in Shenyang Xinhua Bookstore within one week 100. This well-written book excites many people. "Why is China unhappy?" As well as the "China Proposition", are straightforward and outspoken about internal affairs and diplomacy. It can be said that this book caused a sensation all over the world. Western media said it was a sign of high nationalist sentiment in China. Many people in China think that this book is just inciting national sentiment, which has no connotation and is unreasonable.

Reporter: Why did you publish this book?

Song Qiang: Many great events happened in 2008. We think there should be a book about these events. The five of us had a heated discussion in a small farmhouse near Shangzhuang Reservoir in Beijing. Each of us has our own opinions. Huang Jisu is slow, Liu Yang is elegant, Song Xiaojun is humorous, and Wang Xiaodong is a pure idealist. We talk for about six hours every day. Later, these chat records were compiled into manuscripts.

Reporter: Why do you want to publish a book like this?

Song Qiang: Many people think that we are fooling people by publishing books like this, but what I want to tell you is that this is the most scientific way to publish books. This is a very vivid thing, more vivid than those lifeless truths.

Reporter: Many people think this book is too sharp.

Song Qiang: People think this book is inciting national sentiment. But I think I'm on the rational side. We are really facing pros and cons now. We should thank the financial crisis for showing us a lot. We're not inciting, we're just telling.

A "trap" aimed at "circling money"

A week after the book was published, 200,000 copies were printed. Some people say that this is a successful hype. To put it bluntly, we are also trying to find the wallets of "angry youths" and "angry youths" with high nationalist sentiment. At that time, there were many comments on the Internet. Everyone thinks that most of the contents of this book are grandstanding, and the result is "circling money."

Reporter: Did you ever think that this book would sell so well?

Song Qiang: Yes, we think this view will definitely resonate with people. Even if it is controversial, it has sold 370 thousand copies now, which shows that our views can still cause quite a stir. Reporter: Some people say that you are speculating for money.

Song Qiang: We are all public figures with our own careers. We only do this because we have something to say. Five people share the money for a book, and no one makes money like this.

Reporter: You call this book "necessary courage".

Song Qiang: Our society needs such a voice. Now is not the era of "200 million pairs of pants for airplanes". We need some brave words.

Just to stimulate intellectuals.

Unhappy China criticized many social elites. "Qian Zhongshu was born in a frivolous and impetuous cultural atmosphere. Wang Shuo's fever is a typical symptom of the downward period of national spirit ... "Words like this abound. According to public opinion, this book is a "spur" to China intellectuals.

Reporter: Is this book specifically aimed at intellectuals?

Song Qiang: One thing, the thinking mode of China scholars is very limited. Mostly for the sake of criticism, to vent their anger. The political elites of a country are all born from intellectuals, and they are very important. We hope that many people can put down their bodies and speak in the vernacular.

Reporter: Why is it called "China is unhappy"?

Song Qiang: At the beginning of the discussion, Zhang Xiaobo was the moderator. He always sits quietly and listens to our discussion. Whenever we discuss a recent event, he will shake his head and say with emotion, "This is really unpleasant." Feeling more, he patted his forehead: "There are so many unhappy things. This book is called China Unhappy!" "

Reporter: What do you think is the function of this book?

Song Qiang: Give your opinion, because I think everyone knows what I said, but they just don't say it. What I need to explain is that there is still a dark side in the world, but progressive human beings have begun to solve it and let us participate in it.