How should we establish our national self-confidence?

This year's Nobel Prize Presentation Ceremony is coming soon, China will broadcast it for the first time. Although the broadcast is limited to Natural Science Award by the CCTV-science & education channel, in light of the significant impact of the Nobel Prize on the history of mankind, the fact that Chinese audiences finally to be witnesses of human wisdom and vision scene is, after all, a good news. But, at the same time, as we can see from the prevue, the style of this broadcasting plan is open to questions - I think it will make the ceremony an entertainment and show off event.

According to CCTV propaganda, on December 10 night, CCTV-science & education channel would broadcast a five-hour-long large special event “the Nobel Science Night”. During the five hours, in addition to the presentation live in Stockholm, CCTV also add some content mainly on two aspects: First, interludes with more entertainment programs- not only “the painters, singers, dancers, actors would do some performance- so arts and science will be perfect blend in this annual feast”, but also “fun staff about the 100 year Nobel Prize” with the aim “to enable the program easily gratifying”. Secondly, it would “emphasize China's scientific and technological achievements (including the manned space flight, orbiting the project, the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, artificial sun, life outbreak theory, the human genome, the super hybrid rice, and other major scientific research achievements) to the general audience”.

Does it sound like another CCTV Chinese Spring Festival evening party? 　　

No matter how solemn, any ceremony should be allowed to be transformed into entertainment programs, even “making fun of it” is also a kind of freedom of expression. But it seems that such an incident should not be dominated by the country's scientific & educational television channel.

There may be controversy in each specific selection of Nobel Prize, however, indisputably, it represents the highest achievement of science, literature and peace ideals all over the world. Chinese people always feel regretful that there is not a local Chinese scientist or writer has been awarded by Nobel Prize yet. In each autumn, the traditional season for harvest, every Chinese, no matter professionals or ordinary people, reflect our national science development just as the media do. But what we see from the CCTV propaganda is, it is ignoring the public opinions but seizing the chance to show off. I think it is not only a kind of contempt of human wisdom, but also a everymockery on the public.

It is true that Nobel Prize is just a prize mainly awarded by the west countries. It is inevitable unfair because of the cultural differences, the lack of exchange or the political bias. We do not have to shoulder the burden for this. But should we treat it as a party time just for fun?

CCTV explained that their intension of the broadcast plan is to enhance “the Chinese audiences’ national self-confidence”. But I believe that the real national self-confidence should be built on the humble and honest basis. China's scientific community, literature, economic and academic circles have made fruitful achievements in the last couple of decades. We are very proud of that. But in the face of the Nobel Prize, we are still hoping to hear more autocritcal voices from the national television.

Reflection leads us to learn, honesty makes us progress. I think this should be the real way for us to establish our national self-confidence.