My Hong Kong | Conformity is not a dirty word. The Chinese value teamwork and it has been keeping Hong Kong safe during the coronavirus
- The collective mindset is not something to be sneered at despite what the West might think, and while hundreds of thousands have died in the US where individualism is prized, here we have not suffered as badly.
A viral video showing Chinese kindergarten children gathering in a circle and bouncing basketballs in synchronised fashion was watched 36 million times on Twitter and millions more elsewhere recently.
Each child was seen dribbling two balls simultaneously, and then moving in tandem to take over an adjacent position, while still managing to bounce the balls without missing a beat.
Many praised this feat as incredible teamwork, and said it was important to teach children about cooperation, which could come in useful later in life.
Some, however, suggested it was terrifying, likening it to a military parade of marching soldiers. Others said children should be allowed to be different, and this video was attempting to prove otherwise.
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Chinese kindergarten children’s impressive basketball skills go viral globally
Teamwork, and individualism, both have their places in society. Teamwork is a powerful motivator and individualism a creative force.