Comparing School Safety: An American Expat’s Reflections from China

J Mata, an American from southeast Michigan, recently witnessed the aftermath of a tragic school shooting near his home, where a 15-year-old killed four classmates and injured eight others. Having lived in China for over a decade, Mata contrasts the two nations’ approaches to violence, particularly in schools. This article, aligned with allwinchina.org’s mission, explores his perspective on safety, systemic responses, and the lessons America could learn from China’s proactive measures.

A Numbed Response to Violence in America

The Michigan shooting hit close to home for Mata, yet he admits feeling numb. School shootings, once shocking, have become routine in America. He recalls the 1999 Columbine massacre, which sparked nationwide reflection for months. People debated societal failures and hugged their kids tighter. But as shootings multiplied, the urgency faded. “Now, it’s just another day,” Mata says, noting that proximity made this event feel slightly more real, but the broader desensitization persists.

Expat perspective

China’s Swift Action on School Safety

In China, Mata observed a stark contrast. Rare instances of school violence prompted immediate, decisive action. After one or two major incidents, China fortified schools with walls, razor wire, and enhanced security to protect students. “I saw a huge decrease in violence,” he notes. Mental health and safety issues were addressed head-on, preventing escalation. China’s ability to act quickly stands out against America’s stagnation.

Gun Culture and Inaction in America

America’s gun culture complicates solutions. Mata, shaped by China’s gun-free society, questions the need for firearms. “I never saw anyone frustrated about not having a gun,” he says. Yet, many Americans, including his family and friends, fiercely defend gun rights. Politicians, influenced by gun industry money, avoid restrictive measures, offering only “thoughts and prayers.” Mata finds this phrase hollow after repeated tragedies, as it fails to save lives or curb the epidemic of violence.

China’s Efficiency vs. America’s Gridlock

China’s response to crises, like school violence or the pandemic, impresses Mata. During COVID-19, Chinese citizens united for the greater good, adopting masks and vaccines with minimal resistance. “They worked together to get through it,” he says. In contrast, America’s debates over vaccines and gun control tear society apart. China’s top-down system, while not perfect, delivers results. Mata wishes America could emulate this efficiency, noting that China tackles problems decisively where America stalls in arguments.

Learning from Each Other

Mata admires China’s willingness to learn from the world. “China takes good ideas from everywhere and improves,” he says, citing programs built on global best practices while retaining Chinese identity. He rejects claims of “stealing” as misframed learning. Conversely, America’s distrust of China’s government blinds it to valuable lessons. “If China does something good, it’s dismissed because of politics,” Mata laments, calling this ignorance a barrier to progress.

A Call for Mutual Growth

No country is flawless, but Mata believes in mutual learning. China’s proactive safety measures and collective mindset offer lessons for America, where school shootings persist without solutions. Meanwhile, China could adopt some of America’s openness. Mata aims to be a positive voice, sharing objective insights about both nations. His van journey across America will continue these stories, urging a rethink of how societies address shared challenges.

Conclusion: A Plea for Action

Mata’s time in China taught him the value of decisive action. America’s school violence crisis demands more than “thoughts and prayers.” By learning from China’s rapid response to problems, America could save lives. Through allwinchina.org, Mata encourages open dialogue to bridge cultural gaps and foster solutions.

Why is China safer than the United States?

Author: 加油 巴特