Los Angeles Gudong: Dragon Boats and Writers

Los Angeles Gudong: Dragon Boats and Writers 1 The Dragon Boats Are Coming Foreigners may not appreciate our rice dumplings, but the drums of dragon boats are already booming overseas...

Los Angeles Gudong: Dragon Boats and Writers 1 The Dragon Boats are Coming Foreigners may not appreciate our rice dumplings yet, but the sound of dragon boat drums has been heard overseas. No one has ever seen a dragon, but the dragon is almost our totem. It represents a spirit, a kind of power, and is a symbol of mystery, power, and sanctity. Therefore, we call ourselves the descendants of the dragon and try our best to visualize it in various forms. Unfortunately, so far, only dragon boats seem to be the only ones that can sculpt it lifelikely. Even the dragon dances during the Mid-Autumn Festival and New Year are a little less than perfect. The Dragon Boat Festival is different. It is not only a performance, but also a competition. An exquisitely crafted dragon boat swayed gently on the blue waves, already full of air and power. As soon as the gongs and drums sounded and hundreds of oars were waved, people were immediately excited and cheered for it. In addition to the unique shape, the main reason lies in the display of heart and strength from the whole. Because as long as one of them is distracted and takes pictures randomly, the dragon boat will fall behind immediately, it may overturn, and the warriors may even fall into the sea. It is with this magical power that dragon boats bravely break into foreign waters and are appreciated by foreigners, and gradually become a unique mass sport. It can be said that this is the most special and successful export of Chinese culture, and it is also the most outstanding and wonderful display of the dragon spirit. 2. Ashamed When talking about dragon culture, people can’t help but think of literature. Some overseas Chinese-language writers simply call themselves intellectuals, or even claim to be cultural messengers and standard-bearers for promoting Chinese civilization. But in fact, everyone knows what writers can do or get from it. We are too thin-skinned and reluctant to mention the less honorable things, but unfortunately others do not show extra kindness to us because of this. For example, there was a joint exhibition of calligraphy and painting in Los Angeles not long ago. Many celebrities were invited to cut the ribbon for the opening ceremony. Everyone chatted and socialized among the books and paintings. The scene was so warm and lively, but no one took a serious look at the exhibits around them! As the president of the Writers Association, I feel so much that I can’t wait to grab their clothes one by one and plead: Please take a look at our works! So, has literature really declined? I think it should be said that good works, such as good novels and scripts, are still read and bought by people. Both China and the United States have produced many well-known writers. The ones who are not good are probably mediocre people like us. There are many reasons, but there are two fatal ones: one is a problem in the market, and the other is a problem within ourselves. Although there is nothing we can do about market problems, we can at least try to cater to them. We are afraid that we are to blame for our own problems. Take Los Angeles as an example. If you ring the gong and look for so-called writers, there are only seventy or eighty of them. However, there are as many as five or six organizations similar to the Writers Guild! This is already a big joke. We still don’t know how to respect ourselves. We are always doing what you do and what we do. We are either criticizing each other or flaunting ourselves. How can you teach people to think highly of you if you are so uncivilized? These are acquired disorders, coupled with congenital deficiencies, it is really hopeless. It turns out that no matter how high-sounding the words are, the people who started this type of organization were somewhat of a small circle. The purpose was not only to bring some friends with similar interests together so that they could brag to each other when they were bored. Later, when some people find that they can't get along with others and want to start a new one, there is nothing wrong with it. The question is, how many people can do this when they are in separate courts and can still bow to each other? Thank God, good news finally came from Los Angeles, the Sacred Valley, and Las Vegas: the three writers’ associations have joined forces to create a special issue! I hope such good things will come one after another like Sanshui Lao watching a revolving lantern! Special note.