Go where I want to go
In 2005, as China rapidly emerged as a global powerhouse, its economic growth and expanding influence became central to world affairs. Amidst this backdrop, I found myself curious about the perspective of the nation's youth—the future leaders of this rising superpower. How did they view their world? What were their hopes, fears, and dreams? Were their lives shaped by the same anxieties the rest of the world had about China's trajectory, or did their personal experiences reveal something more nuanced and individual? Were their aspirations in line with the intimidating image often portrayed in the media, or did their stories offer a different narrative?
To uncover these answers, I visited a popular shopping mall in Beijing, a place where teenagers gathered. I asked them five simple yet revealing questions. For these conversations, I used a backdrop of traditional cloth, the same fabric often used to make quilts. To my surprise, nearly everyone recognized it instantly, fondly recalling childhood memories of the quilts found in their grandparents' homes. This small detail, rich with nostalgia, became a poignant reminder that despite the country's rapid transformation, the personal ties to tradition and family remained deeply woven into their lives.
