國外網友的評價

http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/pleasevoteforme/talkback.html
I hope that true democracy will one day be practiced in China and not the false kind as it is in America.

The children in this 'experiment" actually practiced a bastardized, ersatz version of democracy, one where the cult of personality is most influential, where mere superficial formal procedures take precedence over inculcating real democratic sensibilities and petty minded squabbles are focused more than substantive matters just like the "democratic" processes you have in the US. The only difference is that these children are far less corrupt and human than their adult American counter-parts in the political game.

Posted by: enovis on December 1, 2009

I stumbled upon this website today while searching my subject matter "middle school bribery for student council votes" a rather personal subject for this a.m. I will explain. My 6th grader, first year of middle school, called me at 7:20 this morning and said mom I forgot my speech on the table can you drive it to me, yes I said. Upon arrival at the school his eyes were slighly watery and his shoulders hung low, not like him. I asked what was wrong and he explained that the boy he was running against in class had handed out candybars this a.m. to the whole class so they would vote for him. We had just told him last week that this type of behavior is unacceptable when he asked us about it, he had heard in advance that this other child would be handing out the candybars. My son had inquired at the office if this was the right thing to do. The secretary replied well thats how politics works! I was angry and astounded at this answer to a first year middleschool student to get these warped believes in his head and to be crushed at his first taste of the american dream. Truly this adult does not belong working with children. I find that some of the staff in schools would curl up into a ball and die if they had to deal in the business world with adults. Instead they have a pulpit of children to preach to. I later called the principle and explained what occurred. I hope he speaks to his secretary number one and two has some boundaries set for these classroom elections. It really stinks when a child gives up feeling good about themselves and its only the 4th week of school. I told my son to put his shoulders back, take a deep breath, read his speech and the cards will fall where they may.

Posted by: Jcam30 on October 1, 2009

Great film! By the way, the 'adult' democratic politicians behave no differently than these cute, cherubic, bratty 8-year-old Chinese kids. They just wear suits to cover it up.

Posted by: ericcartman on July 29, 2009

RE: "The abusor, as a monitor now, next time when he beat other kids, he should be punished by student trial with possible punishment like cleaning the classroom, cleaning the toilet and writing individual apology letters to each and every kids that he has beaten in the past.
if this is not done, he might possibly become abusive criminal in the future. It is not OK to abuse people, power and honor.

Posted by: Kunkun on January 21, 2009"

China does punish its most embarrassing government screw-ups by the not so democratic method of summary execution.

One needs to watch this fascinating film with some historical perspective. The kids' parents and the teacher were probably victims or perpetrators, or their children, of the cultural revolution, when far more humiliating things were done, including vicious and violent attacks AGAINST the teachers and parents. "PVFM" seems almost benevolent.

Also one might look at Hong Kong today, where "elected" candidates are successful if they shine the shoes of the Beijing powers that be, who pretty much hand-pick the SAR's chief executive. Hong Kong was promised universal suffrage -- eventually -- but when that might happen seems to be farther and farther into the future. A democratic China is far from imminent.

Finally, think about this film the next time you observe democracy in action at your own condo association board or small-time city council meeting. Some of the noisiest shouting matches you'll ever hear.

Posted by: Baroness Radon on July 5, 2009

Wow The posts here are proof positive of the level of ignorance of your own existence. Please vote for Me mocks you from the start with its title and none of you got it. It is a propaganda film welcomed by our own government. Lets start from the beginning, The teacher could go to jail and never be heard of again if she tried this on her own. Therefore she had complicit instructions from the state on how to run the election. The purpose of the election was to make the children ( citizens ) think that they were responsible for choosing someone to control them. Yes control that s what the Monitor position was all about. The monitor takes a lot of the work load off of the teacher and at the same time relieves her from being seen as both disciplinarian AND state Mother/Father figure.

It is also in her best interest to see that whomever she picks ( remember geniuses that the Teacher got to pick/force the candidates for/onto the children some freedom of choice ) is going to serve her purposes as well. True democracy, not found in America either, would have the choice of having no Monitor to hassle you at all. Let s look at her ( the States) choices for candidates: A lovely young girl ill suited to the job ( there were plenty of bossy little girls in that class that could have done the job ) next we have a gregarious boy who if elected could do the job well enough but at his heart is more of a politician than an officer and last she of course picked the INCUMBENT Monitor a boy who has already proven to be ideal at the job. All of these choices were the Popular kids in the class. The teacher sees these students every day and knows everything. And if it was about democracy why didn t every kid get a chance. Or if it was just about a lesson or trying something new then why was the incumbent chosen. It was a popularity contest. Please vote for me means humans always vote for their own perceived self interest. And just like excuse me ,,,

And exactly like elections in America there were bribes, mudslinging, smear campaigns, henchmen, and meaningless speeches that never talked about what all of this was really about or for. The teacher did not have to allow the field trip offered by the Incumbent or any of the other gifts offered to the class. She in no way provided an even playing field. Money ( power ) won. And if any of the others won the class would still have imposed tyranny. And the teacher would have someone to do her dirty work. It s a film about democracy knuckle heads not about China. duh.

Posted by: Actually uses his brain on May 15, 2009

I find this film disturbing in a couple ways. One way is how poorly the women are treated in China. I did know that women were not valued as much as men in China; However, I had no idea it was that bad. The fact that Luo Lei was allowed to shove his mother out of the room while he practiced disturbed me.

Another disturbing fact was that Cheng Cheng had his father clean his bottom when he had finished his buisness on the toilet. Honestly, by the time you are eight years old you should at least be wiping your own bottom and cleaning your own messes.

But i also find this film very educational. For the people who posted before me that thought that it was terrible that these children had to live in a communist country and sing songs about communism, these children haven't known anything other than communism for their entire lives. As far as they know, communism is the only right way for a government to run. Besides, it's not like they are taught about what a democracy or a vote is, as you can see in the opening of the film. If the Chinese government did choose to teach their children about democracy, don't you think that there would be alot more riots and rebellions by the people that would prefer a democracy over communism? That's why the Chinese government has refused to let this film be broadcast in China.

As for the people that have a problem with the songs the chinese children sing about communism, what do you call the "Pledge of Allegiance" that I, as a middle school student, am told to sing each morning at school? Do we shun our government for telling America's youth that we need to memorize and sing a song about democracy each morning? No, because it is a custom that we are taught at an early age, just as it is in China when they sing their communist songs. And, just as America's youth (myself included) are taught that communism is bad, Chinese youth are probably taught that communism prevails over democracy, if they are even taught about democracy at all.

But when it comes down to it, I am pleased that my social studies teacher chose to share this documentary with my class.

Posted by: Taty. P. on April 13, 2009

At first I was upset that they put these little kids up to this kind of ordeal. My summation was "Lord of the Flies" with adults involved. But upon reflection, I thought that this kind of hazing is preparation for the real world and this is, after all, another culture that went through the Cultural Revolution, and all the other craziness of Chinese Communism. The American way of always telling kids they are are wonderful and protecting them from ugliness may be why the Chinese are eating our lunch now. I wondered about the boys' hair cuts. Is that some kind of Chinese thing or a western influence?

Posted by: John DiTraglia on March 23, 2009

I would not have voted for Cheng Cheng as I find him naturally manipulative. Notice how he told his assistants to jeer the girl before and after her speeches. I would have voted for the girl, but sadly she would not provide enough order. Cheng Cheng had the power to use his voice to control the class, but Luo Lei had to use his hands. He never really "beats kids up." He is less abusive in my opinion than Cheng Cheng.

Posted by: Ted on March 21, 2009

I remember I saw this film ages ago and I still remember it today. I logged on to find out about its next showing. I think this film is a great teaching piece. I am surprised about all the negative comments, and instead I think the film should be used to motivate Americans. It is a wake up call - the world is moving away from being centered around us. In fact it is travelling light years ahead of us , and before it is too late we need to seize our opportunity to at least catch up.

Posted by: vt on March 9, 2009

Absolutely compelling documentary. It is interesting to see how the Chinese children view democracy. Without having any true democratic institutions- Democracy is at its essence a popularity contest. The child who promises and buys off the most children unsurprisingly wins the election. (Look at your local and federal elections and tell me how they are different?)

The founding fathers had a similar view of a national democracy:

「. . . [D]emocracies have ever been spectacles of turbulence and contention; have ever been found incompatible with personal security or the rights of property; and have in general been as short in their lives as they have been violent in their deaths. Theoretic politicians, who have patronized this species of government, have erroneously supposed that by reducing mankind to a perfect equality in their political rights, they would at the same time be perfectly equalized and assimilated in their possessions, their opinions, and their passions.」 - 詹姆士 Madison, The Federalist Papers

It is no accident that the United States is a representative republic, although most Americans are unaware of that. Inherent in our American belief of freedom is that the rights of the minority have to be preserved - in China, the minority, whether house Christians, or political dissidents are nothing more than pesky mosquitoes to be swatted by the elephant of the state.

America's democracy is deeply rooted in the belief that we are created by God with rights that He gave and that men take by nature try to take away. American democracy is a product both of the humanism of the Enlightenment and the mistrust of sinful man found in of 4000 years of Judeo-Christian thought.

The belief that democracy in itself is enough, is sorely lacking. A democracy where might makes right is China. A country where might is voluntarily limited by the belief in a higher power than man, has traditionally been a very American (and British) worldview.

One of the most prominent features of this little experiment in democracy was the absolutely ruthless nature of the two boy candidates. There was no moral law to curb their behavior, no appeal to a common courtesy based on religious belief. As America abandons her collective belief in a Creator and institutions like the church are marginalized where are we headed?

Alexis de Toqueville said it best in Democracy in America: 「I sought for the key to the greatness and genius of America in her harbors…; in her fertile fields and boundless forests; in her rich mines and vast world commerce; in her public school system and institutions of learning. I sought for it in her democratic Congress and in her matchless Constitution. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power.」「America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.」

Posted by: E Toledo on February 8, 2009

I saw this documentary last night and seriously ,it was astounding. When I was 8yrs old, I do not remember being this 'people' smart. These kids are groomed to get manipulative from a young age. I guess in a way, this is a lot better to show kids reality than coddling them with happy smiley and unreal themes from Disney and other fantasy shows.

About the election process, IMO the filmmaker was trying to show that while democracy in theory is a lofty concept, in practice, the democratic process is dependent on the people participating in it and in that respect, anything goes!

Posted by: Cardamom on February 8, 2009

I was flabbergasted by the outcome of this and am left with many questions to ponder.
I'm deeply disturbed that some Chinese, particularly the children thought that this was representative of a quality election. The parents of those children, yes, even the little girl's mother are responsible for the nastiness that ensued. Instead of focusing on geniunely positive and uplifting means to garner votes, those parents taught their children to be vindictive, liars, and just plain putrid. AS a teacher and mother of 3 children, I believe firmly in uplifting children - not criticizing them, telling them what they're bad at and who they are not as good as, or letting them talk to their parents with such backtalk. I certainly would not condone or encourage my child to rip another person apart, esp with such lies. Open discussion should be fostered and thoughts exchanged between parents and children, but I was struck by the fact that the parents allowed their children to tell them to get out and so on.
I'd like to think that the children learned something beneficial, but it seems that they have learned that lies, bullying, and bribery go hand in hand with democracy. It should be mentioned that America is not a democracy, but a republic.
*I'm amazed at the comments made by 班尼 Castillo that seemed to call people disgusted with the behavior of this film, hypocrites. I'm not sure if you willingly created a straw man argument or if you truly equate Americans wanting their children to have a good education and quality of life with teaching children to lie about others and stoop to vicious behavior to get ahead. As a parent and teacher, I do my best to make sure my children (biological and students) have opportunities and skills to become people who will help make this world a better place - that is the point of why we parent isn't it and why we are alive? HIgh GPA's equivalent bad? Good schools with quality educators spending hours every day with my children are not what every child deserves? As far as the big car thing goes - look at the news 班尼 - things are changing. IF someone wants a green grass - let 'em. Why do you have to run over people for green grass, good schools, and encouraging your child to do their best and find their niche in life to help this world?
*I also was surprised of how the children were allowed to behave in school. I hope this is not representative of how children behave in China. I can only hope that the teacher didn't step in for the sake of the authenticity of the film. Judging by her demeanor though, it seems the children are just allowed to be disrespectful to others.

Posted by: Cheryle V on February 1, 2009

Once again money talks. It seems to me the winner's father had deep pockets which equalled votes for his son. However, I thought both boys were pretty ruthless. But, then again, politics is hardball after all.

Posted by: jeanette m. johnson on February 1, 2009

great documentary. I am stuck to the television when i watched it. I just do not know why the filmmaker has to show the father wiping his son's bottom after using the rest room. I think it will be embarrasing to the child when he gets old.

Posted by: ramon on January 27, 2009

What I found so disturbing is that how the teacher allowed bribery and intimidation to occur in this film. The whole exercise in democracy was the worst example I have ever seen. Is this how the chinese think democracy works? The seeds of corruption born in the hands of children.

Posted by: John Gutt on January 26, 2009

Why are some posters here so surprise about a video like this? Isn't that exactly what's taught in the great USA at a very young age? Compete against your neighbor, attend the best schools, have the highest GPA, have the biggest car and the greenest grass on the block? No worries about who you run over! Why is this documentary so surprising, a sign of ignorance and inhumane when that is the norm here in the US? Oh, I forgot because it is in China right? Give me a break.

At least these people are not pretending to anyone. This video is evidence of how different cultures present themselves and how other want the world to see them. We do the same here. It is just washed up and cleaned up a little. The competition, the selfishness, the needing to get ahead by any means. What better place than America to understand all of that was displayed in that classroom? What is it that we reward in this country that is so different than others?

Posted by: 班尼 Castillo on January 23, 2009

I found the film both fascinating and disturbing. It was shocking to see the tactics used in this so called democratic election. It wasn't. The winner was like a little mobster. They were cute however, showing behavior of an 8 year old. The look of horror on the children's faces after they had elected the bully monitor said it all. What a mistake. I read further that the bully boy was chosen as an assistant to the teacher and he liked it better. It seems that is what is rewarded in this culture abuse and bullying but what do we expect from a country with horrible human rights. It is a viscous cycle perpetuated by ignorance.

Posted by: julie on January 23, 2009

I watched the documentary and it was great. I am on the other end of a member on this board that expressed the fact that the teacher allowed the students behave in such fashion. The same member also stated that she did not know that Chinese kids behave so poorly.

I personally think that any 8-year old from any country would act similar considering the setting. They were in a debate and competing for a very prestigious position. THAT IS HUMAN NATURE & what better example than kids in our classrooms in the US. What I am really concerned about is a lot of our adults in the US that still act like the kids in this film. Selffish and out of control! I think that allowing the students to act in their natural way teaches them how their behavior can lead to many things (bad and good). It was great seeing the teacher taking a back seat and allowing the kids to have autonomy of the classroom. Maybe us teachers in the US can learn something from this experience. I am going to use the video and show it to all my 8th grade students. Our students here can only wish to have the maturity & the independence that all those kids showed on this film.

Posted by: Mr. C on January 23, 2009

To the poster who said they called their son in China and told him and his wife NOT to have children while in China sounds like a dictatorship to me. Why would anyone feel they have the right to tell anyone when and where to have children? This is exactly the dictatorship that prevails in countries like China.

Posted by: Irene on January 21, 2009

I TIVO'ed this program for my daughter to watch. It was just amazing.
This class of 8-yr. old Chinese kids have a class project to elect a new class monitor. Of course they do not know the words 'Democracy' or 'Vote.' Here is a group of sweet, innocent school children who become cunning, ruthless, underhanded, backstabbing little politicians given to dirty tricks and bribery once the office of Class Monitor is dangled over their heads.

Posted by: Sandy Hayden on January 21, 2009

The teacher really should know better about norm and ethic, if not democracy.
Luolei who was elected in this election, he beat many other kids during the previous 2 years of being the Monitor. He surely is a good little actor, put on good behavious and say the right things to get elected. but the reason of his "success" is not "Fair Play". He promised to change from a dictator to a manager. He got elected.
If he forgot or ignored what his promised, he should be the monitor no more!
Kids were afraid of not voting for the monitor who beats them up. they got excited about the gifts and the monorail ride which was paid by Luolei's parents.
In my opinion, Luolei should not have the chance to be a candidate of this election, because he already abused the honor of being the class monitor in the previous 2 terms.
The teacher was fully aware of the abusing monitor, but i think she is really unfit to let this happened, and he will be the monitor once again. She also allow Luolei to give gifts. Those bribe are forms of corruptions.
It is also typical for abusive relationship: Abuse first, then offer gifts as compensation. From time to time, those who was abused think the abuses are OK. But they are not OK.
I respect CHENCHEN and the little girl's courage and the huge amount of preparation for this election. I think CHENCHEN did a very good job. Their effort will not be wasted. I hope that their feelings would not be hurt, because they did good, especially CHENCHEN.
Also this program shows how much of the kid's work are actually done by their parents which is unproper. Parents need to understand that there is a fine line between asist kids' work and actually do kids' work for them.
Democracy is not about casting a vote. It is about the process, it is about why you vote for this person, what is the reason.
In a word, if there is no FAIR PLAY, there is no real democracy. it is just something that you pretend to have.
The teacher and the school should know better. At least know better about common sense.
The abusor, as a monitor now, next time when he beat other kids, he should be punished by student trial with possible punishment like cleaning the classroom, cleaning the toilet and writing individual apology letters to each and every kids that he has beaten in the past.
if this is not done, he might possibly become abusive criminal in the future. It is not OK to abuse people, power and honor.

Posted by: Kunkun on January 21, 2009

The power that be,(School,Teachers)gave the students only three choices. Not unlike how the elite of the western world give the citizens a choice of usually two or three candidates. It doesnt matter to the teacher/elite which of the candidates the students/citizens elect. Either one will carry out the agenda of the teacher/elite. Having a real choice is only an illusion perpetrated by the power that be.

Posted by: Chester Green on January 21, 2009

I just watched Independent lens's "Please vote for me". What a wonderful show. Leave it to public television to go into the heart,(the children), of China and get a view that we otherwise would never see. It was so interesting to see how this election would end up. It sad to know, that even adults,(our elected) still behave like children in order to get elected.

Posted by: Chester Green on January 21, 2009

it's amazing to watch a comunist country practicing democrcy with their future.... it shows their desires to be free and express themselves...... very nice movie....congratulations...... very well edited

Posted by: juan pablo zapata on January 21, 2009

Democracy has to start with respect for others. I was frankly shocked that the children were being beaten by Luo Lei who had been 'monitor' for the past two years and was, amazingly, re-elected. I agree with Cheng Cheng that governing by force is not the way -- nor is it democratic! Luo Lei appears to be a little snot and I was shocked that he won the election. However, his win made me realize that looks and money count for more than honor and intelligence -- even among 8 years olds and I find that profoundly sad.

It was obvious from the furnishings in his home and the bribe his father gave him to pass out just before the election that Luo Lei's family has more money than Cheng Cheng or Xu Xiaofei. Rich kids are often more confident and popular and, from what I saw in the film, that's about all that Luo Lei had going for him other than his pushy father.

I have no problem with parents who support their children but I do object to parents who do the work for their children as did Luo Lei's dad. It was quite obvious that the little girl, Xu Xiaofei, had written her own speeches and I applaud her! She has more courage and integrity than Luo Lei.

It was disturbing after the election that the teacher and parents kept telling Cheng Cheng and Xu Xiaofei that "it's alright" and to "stop crying." It's not alright! Both children took their loss as personal rejection by their classmates and that's crushing for anyone. Acknowledging and accepting their tears would go far to alleviate the personal rejection. It would be more appropriate to discuss people who, despite crushing defeats, both personal and professional, brushed themselves off and tried again and again to reach their success -- even fat people (and Cheng Cheng is NOT fat, just a little chubby which I predict will not hold him back but will spur him to achieve much more than others.) My personal favorite is a saying attributed to 湯瑪士 Edison who eventually invented the light bulb and held thousands of patents for his inventions --- he said, "I have not failed. I just found 1,000 ways that won't work."

It also seemed inappropriate to make the two who didn't win approach and shake the hand of Luo Lei. It should have been the other way around.

I hope someone explained to Cheng Cheng and Xu Xiaofei the true reasons that Luo Lei won because it certainly was not because he was the better candidate -- he wasn't!

Posted by: S.E. Jaynes on January 21, 2009

I saw this film today, Jan. 20, 2009 and was appalled at the behavior of these children. At first I didn't know what Asian country these children were from. And, I could have been watching any North American classroom. I am a teacher and see this rude, hyperactive behavior every day in every class. I was also appalled at the educational methods employed by the teachers in encouraging this behavior and conduct. They encouraged the mean behavior of the children and didn't offer any concrete direction in guiding this so called "process of democrary." Where did they take their lesson plans from, the recent U.S. presidental elections?

I also realized that the parents were at fault, as well as the teachers. I thought that Chinese children were more respectful, and better behaved. I tuned in a few minutes late and thought, "these kids need one of those super nannies" to help these families.

Imagaine, teaching 8-year-olds to act and behave in this fashion. Real democracy is instilling a respect for, first, parents, then schools, then the world at large. and then the world. These very behaviors shown in this film is exactly what is destroying democracy here in North America. They only taught these children rudeness, bribery, and looking our for their own interests. If this is democracy, I want no part of it.

Posted by: Ellie on January 21, 2009

The movie was very confusing! At the ending how they just left both children crying.....it was sad. I think the girl should of won and for eight year olds they were way to mean in my opinion , and there parents went crazy trying to help them especially Luo Lei's dad who wanted him to BRIBE.Which was really crazy , and I think he might of lost if he didn't.Overall I really liked this movie.

Posted by: Water on January 21, 2009

I just watched " Please Vote for Me" and found it very moving. Of course I knew that China was a communist run country, but I never realized what a strong-hold that communism has over a country. I live in the US and though I understand there are limitations here as well, I guess I've never really felt held down by my own government. To see these children do something completely experimental and foreign, was amzing. I thought it was beautiful that the students ended up voting for Luo Lei, the one from the very beginning whom said he 'didn't want to control his classmates, he wanted them to vote for whomever they wanted.'

I love learning about new countries and systems. I feel as though my brain can't sop up enough, and I think this film shows a slow but coming movement for China.

Posted by: Allison on January 21, 2009

I am a Chinese and now study in Canada... I really hope freedom will come to China ASAP!!!

Posted by: 班尼 on December 29, 2008

The concept of the class representative (banzhang) has existed in China for decades and they are always the top performing students that are elected by their peers, there's nothing groundbreaking about the elections reflected in this documentary. Communist Party members are also elected by their peers in a similar manner and democracies exist in different forms in different countries.

Although democracy it is ultimately the best way to govern a nation, I tend to agree that China needs further develop, improve rule of law, and create stronger institutions before moving towards a completely democratic state. The atmosphere is relatively apolitical in China, with a government that is driving results rather than rhetoric. They have reserves of over 2 Trillion that increases by one billion everyday...and the improvement in infrastructure and standards of living is staggering.

Democracies exist in different forms in different countries, you have parliamentary and presidential systems and there is further differentiation in the Asian context. Japan is considered "Democratic" but the LDP has ruled for the 61 out of 63 years. Thailand is "democratic" but there have been 18 military coups which would lead to civil war if it occurred in China. India's "democratic" but has levels of poverty unseen in China. I think China should find it's own direction for political pluralization rather than blindly following existing models.

Posted by: Joe on December 7, 2008

DEMOCRACY IS IDEPENDENCE AND JUDGEMENT.dEMOCRACY IS ALSO FREEDOM FOR OUR PEOPLE DEMOCRACY IS ALSO THE FREEDOM TO VOTE FOR WHO YOU WANT TO VOTE.THE PEOPLE ARE FREE TO GIVE A SPEECH WHEN THEY GET ELECTED.THATS DEMOCRACY.

Posted by: Alma Meza on November 19, 2008

I think democracy is about freedom,to vote and voting equally to who they want. Also to be a manager and not a dictator. Not to boss and be selfish to the people. Democracy listens to the peoples opinions, needs and attitudes. The people all have a freedom of speech. This is freedom to me! :P

Posted by: Gabriella Ottersberg on November 19, 2008

democrocy is free of election and to vote who ever you want

Posted by: Anonymous on November 4, 2008

democracy is when you have a right to vote for your leader

Posted by: Vivian on November 4, 2008

grat movie, they knew what they were doing, seemed nice and mean great clip.

Posted by: valerie gomez on November 4, 2008

I think they were copitive and, at first dint know a anything about democracy. they seem nice and mean but they knew what they were doing though. Great movie.

Posted by: valerie gomez on November 4, 2008

i think this film was great

Posted by: Blanca guerra on November 4, 2008

my definition of democracy is,
having the right to vote for whoever you want,
or just being able to vote period.

basically having a voice,
in what happens in out country/world.

Posted by: isabella s. on November 4, 2008

i think that those chinese children should not have to go through that communism. But thats just how i feel.

Posted by: indieAdmin on November 4, 2008

i think this was a great film and these young kids did great.. i remeber when i was about the same age and i was running for school president democracy is when the highly paid get to vote to see who gets to be in the office .. i think thats what it means but i now i am on the right track.. well nice video and i am glad to have watched it.. ps yall kids did so good..

Posted by: zachary v. on November 4, 2008

well i thought that the two boy's were realy agressive and mean to there perents. the girl on the other hand seamed realy nice but she didnt realy exprese her self and that isnt realy helpfull.

Posted by: miriam gomez on November 4, 2008

the meaning of "democracy" is that you have the right to vote. on "elections" you can speak out to who you are going for and 'want' to win. that is just it. you have a voice....

Posted by: Anonymous on November 4, 2008

to vote and who will be a elected

Posted by: joshua johnson on November 4, 2008

This is sad because they don't know what vote is.

Posted by: Joshua Johnson on November 4, 2008

democrocy is free of election and to vote who ever you want

Posted by: Anonymous on November 4, 2008

Democracy mean's that everyone has a voice, it's just not always heard. I like the way all the perant's were showing support to there children.

Posted by: Crystal Marrouqin on November 4, 2008

I Think That DEMOCRACY Is A Type Of Government With People That Have Rights : ]

Posted by: jasmin on November 4, 2008

I loved this movie! I was surprised by a lot of people's reaction to it though. Why was anyone surprised that the parents helped so much? Of course they were going to help, don't be so naive. "That the kids were so cruel!" Did you go to school at DisneyLand? They were kids, rapacious and loving at the drop of a hat. The way the teachers handled the class as well as the parents interactions with their children was where I felt the true slice of life came out. Children were spoiled yet oddly accomplished. That they would be spoiled yet told that "They were playing horribly!" Kids are spoiled here as well but not forced to perform. There, even if the child was an unruly tyrant, he memorized his lines to near perfection. I was truly surprised by how articulate the children were. That they also seemed to grasp the nuances of politics (bribes, mud-slinging). At the very least, I liked that even when the kids wanted to quit when they faced their first difficulty they were still told to keep trying. Otherwise, what would they learn? Cheng's mom said almost exactly that. Education can sometimes be uncomfortable. Children are tougher than we give them credit for and some of the best lessons in life are not easily learned. Maybe we need more of China's system over here.

Posted by: Roman泰勒 on October 17, 2008

What's the big deal of this. Class president is always elected beginning 3nd grade. You just need someone is nominate you, another one to second that nominate and meet the grades requirement. It's pretty simple affair, people are nominated the first day, then vote next day by show of hands. I was nominated twice, but never won. So this definitely not the first time, once we even elected someone the teacher didn't like. But he was disqualified halfway that year since his grades has slipped, but no one really know if the teacher has something do with it or not.

Posted by: Xian on October 11, 2008

I think there definition of democracy is differnt from ours, because they still have a dictatorship. Its a good movie. I think this film represented the reason they don't have a democracy. In China Communism helped the farmers and everyone else, improve life. It still exists today.

Posted by: Ke Laoshi's class on October 6, 2008

It is disturbing to read some of the comments that quick to dismiss this film for fear that it revealed dirty politics that is so rampant in "democratic" elections. For those who blaimed parents for coaching their 8-year olds on speeches, remember how many of you have reviewed/rewrote/polished your kids' college essays? It found this deep-rooted bias/sense of superiority towards other cultures laughable. Bill

Posted by: Bill on July 12, 2008

It was fascinating to watch this documentary but upsetting that children so young are put through so much stress. I would have waited until middle school or High School to do this type of electing.

There was little supervision by the teacher, even when children were taunting or being mean to each other.

Lord of the Flies came to mind when dirty politics was relied upon. Having one child seems to have created spoiled chilren, at least when Cheng Cheng disrespects his mother and orders her out of the room. She tolerates this treatment (perhaps because he is a boy). Too much too soon for these kids. More supervision needed and manners taught.

Posted by: lisa on July 12, 2008

The film showed a dirty election process far from what the ideal fair election should be like. There was little guidance from the teacher and the children were allowed to run rough shod over the opponents at times.

The director's take home message seems to be that democracy is inherently selfish and chaotic and 'western' democracy is incompatible with China and can come only very slowly.

Posted by: Ben on July 1, 2008

It is good to see that children nowadays are more expressive and have chances to express themselves. However, it is sad to see that manupulative behaviour are encouraged and mind of majority of children are submissive and can be so easily bought.

Posted by: zhe on June 25, 2008

I just watched this film on the web today, and it is quite interesting. However, the film's translation is not very good. For example, during the debate between Luo Lei and Cheng Cheng, the latter said that he would not become a "dictator", if elected. A better translation here would be "ruler", which has a quite different connotation from the word "dictator". Also, some of the phrases in the film are not translated at all, which affects the overall viewing experience. Lastly, as some of the posters here have pointed out, "class monitor" is not a good translation. "Class representative", "class manager", "class officer" are all better translations.

I am also puzzled by certain generalizations about Chinese society made by some of the posters here (e.g. status of women in China..etc). I think it is dangerous to make judgments on any society based on a documentary film. In order to understand another society other than one's own, one must look at it from multiple angles. Relying one's information on a single source, no matter how good it is, is simply unwise.

Posted by: John on May 29, 2008

There are so many elements in this film that can be be discussed (the children's relationship with their parents, with each other, the "campaigning" process, the staging of the film, etc). However, what stood out most to me was Luo Lei's victory. That he was a bully was of no threat to and obviously embraced by the other students. Here was an opportunity for them to actually CHOOSE their "leader" and they still went with the guy who abuses them. What does this say about the human race, hmm.... It would have been interesting to hear the children's reasons for selecting Lei after the election. Was it that he "bought" them (e.g. the trip and the gifts at the end of his speech)?

Although, as I was watching the film I really wanted the little girl to win, I felt like Cheng Cheng would be the victor. Yes, he was a bit manipulative (as are most children...and politicians) but he was correct when he said, "...but I'm a quick thinker." I thought his debating skills (though coached by his mom) were phenomenal for a child of his age.

This film would be great for grade school children to watch and discuss as a class.

Posted by: Zenobia on February 14, 2008

How interesting that the traits that make up today's American political candidates (and probably politicians all over the world) show up even in eight year old kids in China. The manipulative kids and parents demonstrate how early in life the ultra-competitive mindset is drilled into us. The way Liu physically pushed his mother out of the room shocked me a little, and watching Cheng Cheng lie and trick his classmates was more than a little disturbing. Still, school in general can be such a high-pressure environment, so it's no wonder the kids were so desperate to succeed.

I thought this was well-done and captured not just the manipulation and pranks of the parents and kids involved, but also their absolute cuteness. Little Cheng Cheng saying, "I'm fat and so it's hard to suck my stomach in" was too precious and reminded me that these driven people were just kids.

Posted by: Dusti Chuang on February 7, 2008

Fantastic film and so well put together. I first watched this while in in Nagoya, Japan. One week later I was lucky enough to catch the show again in Canada.

The interaction between the parents, the teachers and the children is spell binding.

Personally, I would have voted for the young girl. To fight past her personal demons at such a young age is quite amazing. Also, watching the little girl cleaning the chalk board always makes me laugh...ultra cute!

Posted by: 詹姆士 McCarthy on February 7, 2008

This is an amazing documentary I have seen and it lets me recall some bittersweet memories when I was studying in a primary school in China. A lot of western audience can't understand how important a class monitor is. Class monitor works like a pseudo-teacher. Class monitor has the right to order other students do anything and any students should respect the class monitor. That is why Chan chan said he wanted to be a class monitor because he can control others (the original sentence is a Chinese idiom: if I order others sit, no body dare to stand up).

However, lots of audiences misunderstand the role of girls in a class. Not all girls in China as shy as Xu Xiaofei. According to my experience, because girls become mature early than boys, in some situation, some brave girls always control the class.

For me, I used to be a class monitor in my primary school. Most audience doesn』t understand that to be a class monitor, excellent academic record is the basic requirement. Therefore, no wonder all candidates were successful academically. With one or two talents are very common for Chinese primary students. I have learnt calligraphy and painting since 6 years old. Most my friends are good at flute, piano, ect. You don't need to surprise that all candidates were so smart. With 1.3 billion populations, China is lack of resource and opportunity. Everyone has to strive to win in any single chance and the loser got nothing--this is social evolution--only the winner can survive.

That's why the competition is so brutal even between kids--they have to learn all skills to win in future from an age when most US kids are still believe fairy tale. They lost their childhood forever!

I experienced all of them but it doesn』t mean that I agree with the education system. After passing through this rigid education system, all students lose the ability to imagine. When look at one question, everyone reflects to have the same answer.

The most important is all students lose the interest of science or knowledge. It is true Chinese students have learnt more academic knowledge than any western students. A talent primary school student in China can easily solve math questions which a high school student in US can't solve. However, it doesn't mean the talent Chinese student love math or have passion on it. Chinese student can be a perfect worker but can't become perfect scholar.

After watched this film, I just want to say: "Please save these kids!!!!!!!!"

Posted by: Jing Zhao on January 2, 2008

Democracy means that everyone should be involved and never excluded from being heard. WE ARE THE PEOPLE...we, each ONE of us, creates the union that SHOULD form our country's government and it's democracies. Everyone needs to be envolved and interested in our government and, most importantly, feel confident that our opinion does count for something and will make a difference.

Posted by: Cynthia on December 20, 2007

I found it interesting that the candidate with the most money won this election. Even though many students in the class agreed that he is abusive, they gave them his vote based on (in my opinion) the gifts he handed out at the end of his speech.

That said, I was impressed by all three of the candidates. How articulate and mature they all were!

This was such a fascinating film.

Posted by: Aaron K. on December 5, 2007

The classroom behavior experiment in Please Vote for Me reminded me of the Jane Elliot blue eyes/brown eyes lesson. The take-aways and methods are different, and it makes for a facsinating film, but it seems cruel and unethical to manipulate kids like that.

See for yourself: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/divided/etc/view.html

Posted by: Henry K. on November 23, 2007

I enjoyed this film a great deal. It was actually comforting to see Chinese children learning about practicing democracy through mock elections. I thought the 3 children who ran again each other did an exceptional job for their age, and it seemed to come across as if they acquired a solid basic understanding of the concept of democratic elections.

I personally hope this wasn't just a one time lesson and that Chinese educators continue to expose their children to ways of the west that make sense, and in theory and ideally, contribute to the common good of the people.

Posted by: Daniel Rodriguez on November 21, 2007

Competitiveness is a big thing in Chinese culture. It reflects traditional value, much of it Confucian (conservative). This drive to excel should not, however be viewed in isolation. Chinese culture is an intertwining of two streams - the Confucian balanced by the Taoist. The Taoist one, is the pressure escape. Taoism views all struggles as ultimately futile. The girl, having lost and been hurt, would hopefully find solace in that philosophical outlook.

As for comments that convey surprise (oh but they were only little kids), check out our parental and passionate involvement (winning at all cost) at the baseball diamonds and skating rinks all over the country.

Posted by: crossing park on November 20, 2007

One more thought ... if anyone thinks this kind of competitiveness does not exist in American culture, take a look at the world of school sports. I once saw a documentary about high school cheerleading squads competing for some big prize. The competition was so fierce that the losing teams could not fathom why they had lost -- because their coaches had told them they could only win. The students had not been prepared for loss (by either their parents or coaches) and were unable to exhibit any graciousness toward the winning team. Even taking second or third place was so abhorrent to them that they were unable to congratulate the other teams, and were not expected to do so by their coaches or the event organizers. The only thing the coaches had to say was that the judges got it wrong. THIS was shocking.

Posted by: Karin on November 15, 2007

This was an utterly fascinating and gripping film. At first, I also reacted with some shock, but then began to look at it as a tiny window into a world I know very little about and try to put it into context. I think we should remember that our tendency is to react to this film from the point of view of our own culture and social experience. While the behavior of the children might seem shocking or disturbing to us here in the U.S., much of their behavior may be quite normal and accepted in China. This film was much more about human behavior, individual and social, than about democracy. It was not the democratic experiment that caused the children to behave the way they did -- it was their culture. You only have to watch the parent-coaching scenes to understand a bit more about the core societal values at work here.

Posted by: Karin on November 15, 2007

Well, that's democracy for you - the big money interests always win.

These elections are viciously cutthroat. When I was in elementary school (early 90's) and we had class officer elections, we had to give like 1 speech and that was it. There were five spots and I got fifth. That was the last time I had anything to do with politics.

Great filmmaking; struck some very nostalgic chords, especially the calisthenics and face massage exercises. Don't get what's with the weird Jedi-style ponytails though. I felt for these kids even though I kind of disliked all of the candidates. You had to wonder how much the campaigning really affected the voting body; these are little kids we are talking about.

It felt kind of weird and foreign even for me, and I WAS one of these kids (though they have a hell of a lot nicer school.) I can only imagine what Americans watching this program might think.

Posted by: Lixivium on November 12, 2007

Why is the director so focused on talking about "Chinese culture" and "eastern culture" as an opposite to democracy? Is he not familiar with Taiwan or Japan? He should say Peoples Republic of China, not try to disguise it with culture which is untrue.

Posted by: culture? on November 12, 2007

After watching this program, I immediately called my son in China to tell him he and his (Chinese) wife should not have any children while they lived there. The total lack of personal moral responsibility towards the other shown in this vignette of daily life in China is unfortunately common, it seems. Unkindness is not only overlooked, it is rewarded. Hurting the other, emotionally and physically, is the norm. Intelligent little boy, big for his age, with deep feelings and brains as well, is reduced to tears and then told to 'stop crying' and made to shake hands with the poor policeman's son who does not even know how he is being warped at home and at school. The little girl may as well not have tried at all.

I could never even watch this video again, although I think everyone should see it. To those viewers who spoke about Piaget - Thanks, but Piaget is no star in China, where rote and imitation of the model is the key to learning.

To those who said similar stories can come out of American classrooms - of course, you are correct, and the producers could find such stories, BUT the ground of our culture will not back up these examples of cruelty. If you come across a classroom in the United States or Europe and find two third graders crying at the front of the classroom and others sobbing in their seats, I doubt very much that no adult would protest.

We are talking about the intentional hurting of others - by the bully, who is anointed by adult teachers, and by the teachers who allow it, and by the policeman who is only interested in his son's 'winning.' Of course children are betrayed by school systems in the USA, but, as I said above, intentional hurt is not in the curriculum. It happens, but it is not stamped "approved behavior." An 8 or 9 year old child cannot comprehend protecting the rights of the minority and majority, nor the concept of the person, but children know right and wrong in their bones - the emotion so powerfully shown in this video production gives the evidence.

After watching this powerful documentary, I urged my son to move back to the USA.

F.X.K.

Posted by: Susan Kaup on November 9, 2007

I was so mesmerized by this show I couldn』t quit watching it. I thought it was very interesting on how the parents interacted and how they were coaching their kids. Cheng Cheng was my favorite and I wondered if he would have won if Luo Lei did not give out the gifts. I could get into the pro and cons as others did before but voting and running for an office can be dirty hard work but living in a democracy is hard work but rewarding and it’s not to be taken for granted. I think that the kids handled it well for their age especially for the pressure they were under and to learn what voting is all about. I thought it was also endearing to watch how the other kids interacted with the ones that didn't win and cried but I thought that was great for them to be able to show their emotions and then congratulate the winner. I remember running for office of secretary when I was in third grade and lost but it still was a good experience for me. I loved the film

Posted by: 派蒂 Bjarnson on October 30, 2007

Margo Allison's comment cleared up the most puzzling part for me. I couldn't understand what cultural norm allowed the teacher to encourage such chaos and misery. It only makes sense if the real lesson is "Democracy is bad."

Perhaps, too, they really don't know how to conduct elections or use the democratic process, so the horrid way the election was run may have been due to ignorance. Do the Chinese believe democracy is in itself an entirely cut-throat, corrupt idea? In the U.S., big money politics is mean and corrupt, but the concept or ideal of democracy is a beautiful thing. This is the element that the teacher in the film, and probably the entire society, doesn't know. Certainly, creating an artificial presidential-style election using eight-year-olds is itself corrupt and mean spirited.

There was no teaching of how to "do" democracy as there is in American elementary classrooms. Sure, high school elections are a popularity contest, but somewhere inside most young Americans is the knowledge of how real democracy works: a spark of decency, a moral compass.

The way the boys order their mothers around proves that women haven't made many gains in China, but the most sickening part was the stepfather wiping an eight-year-olds anus after a bowel movement. In fifteen years, what will he and his cohort be like? Entitled a bit?


Posted by: Lila G., Oregon, U. S. A. on October 30, 2007

Great documentary!!! This will give us conversation and research topics for a long time to come. Before even commenting on the film one must look at the history of the region. Ancient city, taken by the Japanese, the Wuhan Incident, the Cultural Revolution just to scatch the surface. Now bring into account that the very people introducing this new political ideology were raised in deep communism and nationalism and have had to endure (rightly or wrongly) the consumerism that is present China. 哈囉 Independent Lens. Now mix in "only child policy" and the class society of the regime and we get a brilliant documentary.

Some posts have mentioned "honor" but I think they are thinking of Japan not China. Collective is China's history not individuality and honor of a person.

How does a teacher raised in communism with the threat of prison suddenly move forward and teach a strange concept freely? How do parents sit back and allow their only child to find his own way when their way was marked by class and party? Will this new way last? Will they be retrained if the new way fails?

To me the most disturbing aspect was not the experiment but what we found in the school previous to the experiment. Children were ruling the classroom and striking other children. Only one child reflected that stupidity of that concept. Did anyone else hear the song that said that communism brought the gift of democracy?

This first step into democracy is so much like the first step of Russia and its succumbing to dark side during the onset.

Posted by: Trixie on October 30, 2007

The first time the children cried,and it spread throughout the class, I was vividly reminded of learning many years ago that open emotional expression, and a strong collective consciousness are fundamental to Chinese society. We saw these kids being indoctrinated in these principles through songs, speeches and slogans,urging collective action against "enemies". Knowing who and what the enemies of China are, I had wondered exactly how valid principles of democracy could be implemented in such a setting. From the get-go the three"candidates" were chosen by the teachers. Then it started to get to me; the ubiquitous Communist Youth Organization scarves, the government functionary teacher impassively observing kids suffering vicious attack by the rest of her class; the position of the parents of the Current Occupant; the overbearing interference by the parents, it wasn't pretty. It began to dawn on me that this "exercise" was causing a lot of negative emotional impact in this class, and that more than once they were reminded that "this is "democracy" . I sadly concluded that delightful as the portrayal of the children,their lives and families was, I was watching a blockbuster source of anti-democratic propaganda. "See what this democracy thing does? It destroys brotherhood, our great national values of caring,and equality,our comradeship in batle against our enemies- you've felt the harm yourselves. Isn't our way best?" It would be extremely interesting to know if and how this film might be used in China. I'm left with a bittersweet afection for the darling children-all of them, but also the sad if cynical opinion that this eminently well intentioned enterprise might possibly have done more harm than good. I'll be the first one to rejoice if this surmise is proved wrong.

Posted by: Margo Allison on October 30, 2007

Great film! As a current teacher in the U.S. and as someone who went to China to adopt a daughter in 2002, I thought it really provided a raw slice of that culture -- the good and the bad. Of all of the comments above, only one noticed what bothered me the most, and that in passing. The boys, when frustrated at home, commanded their mothers to leave the room. Their mothers complied and the fathers did nothing. Clearly, women are still second class citizens there. When the little girl prepared to play the flute (she had the most talent of the three) the boys were allowed to humiliate her and shred her confidence and shoot her out of the water as a realistic candidate from the start; she never recovered from that. In a land of 1.2 billion people, all competing for resources and opportunities, you have to perform or you get left out. It is not a land of handouts for the inept like America has become. Actions and decisions are based on ability and connections (the ability to procure resources, not on sentimentality and "feelings"). I think most viewers didn't understand what a "Class Monitor's" job is... to herd the kids along between classes or at lunch efficiently and to be able to make things happen... not "represent them" aka American Politics but more like a drill sergeant. The girl was clearly not the best candidate for this task. They chose the boy with the most experience, the Policeman Jr. They stuck with what they knew, and if he had connections to gifts and the monorail and the local government (more resources for them)and could get his classmates to move efficiently and to perform, then, from their perspective, he was their best choice. But as he resumed his authoritarian hand of discipline, maybe next time, they will consider "at what cost" does his leadership come. As intimidating as his leadership style was, the girl's lack of authority and the resulting chaos that would have followed was even more frightening to the class, because they too, are driven for progress and respect strength. I taught a summer class of 39 13 & 14 yr. old Chinese boy and girl students here in Amercia one summer. They were incredibly spoiled, especially the boys. They were little Emperors who were disrespectful, rude and used to getting their way. When I rewarded some by taking them to the fair early and left the "naughty" half behind to join us later they threatened me with the influence of their parents, that they were rich and that they could act the way they wanted to because of who their parents were. But they were very capable academically and athletically. But spoiled? One of them was still bathed daily by his grandmother (at age 14). Did you notice the father wipe his son's bottom when done on the toilet? At age 8? A teacher who tries to stand up to the little Emperors there is soon reported and fired. Parents and politics wield amazing influence over who can do what in China. This, and the preference for boys, explains why the female teacher did so little to control the environment. There, it is okay for the boys to assert themselves over the females, and it is naive to think their female teacher doesn't understand that. That said.... weren't those kids capable? They were articulate. Did you see the girls doing the dancing, gymnastics or flutes and then the whole group doing exercises? They have far, far more abilities than most American kids, and this also includes reading, math and science. And this is what I'd like my American students to see... how driven Chinese youth are. They are building the next world power while our kids are, as someone above said, "More concerned with eating Cheetos and playing video games." America is going to be left in the dust until our youth rediscover what a work ethic is. But hey, it's all about Halo 3 and feeling good and watching Paris Hilton updates and calling that news.... Folks, let me tell you... our local ASB student elections in our school in the 6th & 7th grade are not superior to what you just saw. The kid who is popular (good looking, smug and generally silly) gets elected. It has nothing to do with ability, ethics or potential leadership. There are a lot of promises made and many bribes (candy) handed out, but every year, it is a popularity contest. The entertaining one with the quick one liners wins.... Voting in a Democracy is an educational process. I'm glad China is trying, but it will take a while to reach our level (or maybe not). Still, those families love their kids, eat more healthily than most Americans, and work hard for results. Hold on, it is going to be a rude awakening for our kids and grandkids. Maybe women there will take on a higher status as they become a greater and greater minority as men already outnumber women by 60 million. We do a better job at fostering true individual creativity, but China has us in spades when it comes to numbers of people, working hard and producing results. C. Winn

Posted by: C. Winn on October 29, 2007

Fantastic. You had me up watching till 4 am. I don't know China at all. What got me was the natural political instinct Cheng Cheng had -- do his parents know they've got an incipient mobster there? The votecounting, the collaring others to run errands, the intimidation and pressuring -- where'd he learn it all?

Watching Xu Xiaofei, watching how the boys pushed their mothers around...I wondered what response Xu Xiaofei might have drawn if she had behaved like the boys, politicking aggressively. I wonder