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Energy-based cultural transmission

Posted by Joel Martinsen, March 15, 2011 5:01 PM

Soft power

The Dongguan-based Pegasus battery company decorates its wares with elements of traditional Chinese culture.

"Energy transmits culture" (能量传播文化), the packaging claims, and customers can enjoy depictions of giant pandas, Peking Opera masks, the four great inventions, and scenes from classic novels, at least until they shut the battery slot and go back to clicking the TV remote.

Shown here is a Qing Dynasty ceramic jar with an illustration of a man riding a qilin. The caption:

Thousands of years ago, through their own knowledge and hard work, the ancestors of the Chinese people invented and created with their own hands a perfect artificial stone, which has endured to be enjoyed by all humanity. This artificial stone, known as ceramic, is a great wonder in the history of human civilization.

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Energy-based cultural transmission