Discussion keeps the world turning.
This is Roundtable.
You're listening to Roundtable with myself, He Yang.
I'm joined by Yu Shun and Yu Shan in the studio.
Coming up, your voice matters and it would be great to hear it in our heart -to -heart segment.
Got a question? Something you're itching to share?
Fire up that voice memo and hit us up at roundtablepodcast at qq .com.
And NetWear Graffiti or Netfeety is here, turning everyday objects into vibrant works of art.
Trees are dressed in woolen sweaters in Chinese cities, giving streets a cozy, colorful makeover.
Have you spotted any trees and NetWear in your neighborhood?
What's your take on this woolly trend?
Our podcast listeners can find us at Roundtable Podcast.
I mean, Roundtable China on Apple Podcast.
And now, let's have a moment of Heart to Heart.
Today, we've managed to line up several audio clips for you to enjoy.
First up, our listener Queenie has a special message for someone she cares dearly.
Hey, Long Table, I'm your hardcore fan.
I've caught up with all your episodes and have been learning English with your program all the time.
Part of the reason I work at university now is because your podcast helps me stay immersed in an English environment.
I often recommend it to my friends, so please make sure this message will be heard.
Today, I found the courage to send my voice message.
I'm feeling sentimental today as I'm about to leave for a job in a university.
I believe you all have this feeling, how moving it is every time we travel far away from home.
Yesterday was Valentine's Day, which I spent with my sister.
I'm really going to miss her and want to send her New Year's wishes.
She's a very kind, thoughtful and caring girl.
This is an updated blessing for my sister.
I wish her success with her master's success proposal and hope her birthday wishes come true.
I also want to thank her for her constant support.
We are both over 30 now, but still feel lost about life sometimes.
But we all know we've always been each other's supporters.
Thank you. Thank you so much, Queenie.
And I got that from your email.
And thank you so much for reaching out to us and also reminding everyone how much strength lies in sisterhood.
Yushan and Yushun, what do you have to say to Queenie and our lovely listeners out there?
Yeah, I just feel so blessed that Queenie, you choose to, you said, gather your courage to send us this voice message.
Because it's really sweet that you're wishing the best for your sister.
And in the meantime, I just want to say you don't need to get over 30s to feel lost of life.
It's happening at various age differentiations.
And there are always uncertainties or challenges or just new opportunities that might seem risky at the moment.
Or one tryout of trying to get out of your comfort zones that's seeming kind of different from how you feel previously.
that's causing you to feel confused or quote -unquote lost of life.
But it's really important, as you mentioned, that you are accompanied by your sister who is apparently providing you a lot of support.
And the fact that you girls are supporting each other is what I think is really encouraging to me and all of us here on Roundtable as well.
So yeah, thank you for your message.
Yeah, to me it's quite the same.
You know, it's quite inspiring to know that you and your sister uh support each other and i think it's a very fortunate thing to have siblings as your support right um it's such a beautiful bond i would say and it sounds like you both have an amazing connection and yes keep lifting each other up wonderful
and queenie if you like what we've said or at least you know hearing your own voice on national radio to a global audience um i hope you can feel that your courage has panned out to something satisfactory.
And also next time, maybe send us a question.
And if you're out there contemplating, I'm a little shy.
I'm thinking about all these different things.
Will my voice sound good on air?
Stop your hesitation.
Just reach out to us and we always appreciate it when you do so.
Oh, just a quick note.
We struggle on all that mentioned above every single day, just as you are, like questioning how our voices sound on radio and stuff like that.
So yeah, let's take it easy.
And now let's air the next audio clip we have for you from Freddy.
Hello, I'm Freddy. I have been studying and living in Guangzhou for over five years now.
I would like to share with you guys two things.
The first thing is that I was commuting to work eight to a day.
And then I met these people who were making a lot of noise when they were waiting in line for the metro to come.
And when the metro came, they did not wait for the passengers to come up the metro first.
And they were just, you know, cut in line and then hop on the metro.
When they were on the metro, they were still making a lot of noise there.
Even when I was wearing my noise cancelling headphone, I could still hear their noise.
So I know these things are not my business and I should not take these things too seriously.
But still, I would somehow put these things on my mind.
I just want to know how you guys manage not to, you know, take these things too seriously and just not add to your mental pressure.
Hey, Freddie, thank you so much for reaching out.
And actually, well, we just heard from him talking about, quote unquote, the first thing.
And then there is a second thing following up, but we'll take care of that in a second.
Yeah, guys, it's easy to say, don't let it get to you.
But it's not always so simple to exercise that thought, right?
So what do you guys recommend?
Yeah, so first of all, I would say it's totally okay to feel annoyed.
And these things can trigger us, of course.
And I can totally feel you.
And the key, I think, is finding ways to let go of that frustration before it consumes too much of your energy.
And as He Yang says, you know, we need a couple of these kind of tips.
And I have one. It's called cognitive restructuring.
OK, try to observe the situation from a kind of a detective's perspective.
You know, the person's playing the short video might have just been scolded by their bosses.
And maybe the auntie who cutting in lying in front of you could be an uncle or a little boy like me could be, you know, rushing to the hospital, right?
This doesn't excuse, you know, unreasonable behaviors of them.
But by using these kind of imagination, you maybe can transform the source of this irritation from annoying stranger to ordinary person who might have a story.
So that's one of the tips that I can give.
And another one is, yes, having a pair of noise cancelling headphones is a great option.
If they don't affect your hearing, you can slightly turn up the volume so you don't hear the external noise I mean, I agree with you on the first part, of course When these things happen that you cannot change anything based on what's already happened around you it's important that you imagine this context
that's going to help you to kind of digest all of these emotions because it's so common we're just human beings, Freddie, and I feel you so deep that sometimes we're just trying to wish for the righteous outcome of things but it turns out that not everybody agrees on that or rather everybody is practicing
the same way as we do which is so normal people are so different and it's very important for you to realize what to do in face of all of these waves of emotions that's generated in me and also all these what we call passive aggressiveness, I think, that I am feeling given this outside surrounding that's
been triggering me to feel sad and angry.
But in the meantime, I can't do anything to change it.
So here is what I offer you to try, Freddie.
That's something I listened that I learned from one of my favorite podcasts called the Mel Robbins podcast.
So Mel, Miss Mel herself recommended this theory called let them theory.
And the core of this theory is just simply to let them, let them be, because you cannot possibly change other people's behavior or how they think or how they, you know, make noises around you.
So in order to take back control of your own mental status and your own peace, you got to let them and let go of your sense of control and regain your self -consciousness in realizing that, oh, wow, I'm doing this.
I'm feeling angry. Let's stop doing that because it's simply not worth it because you need to value your own mental health and your own heart and your own peace and strength and all that.
So on top of that, just let them.
That would be my advice.
Oh, yeah. And actually, while these are methods that, you know, we're trying to make changes by ourselves, that doesn't mean, you know, those people don't need to change, actually.
Oh, yeah. So it's just that they might not even realize their behavior is a problem, especially in public transportation situations and where everyone might be in a rush.
And so communication can become more complex.
So but remember, this is their problem, not yours.
Okay, I have a whole speech ready here.
Freddie, can I share something personal with you?
This happened almost 10 years ago.
I was a fresh graduate and I've already studied that Michael Sandel course on justice and the law.
Back then, I was too young, perhaps naive.
I was really passionate about the idea that everyone has a role in standing up for what's right.
So, one evening, I was in the cinema with my best friend, who's also a lady.
We're watching a movie.
There was this obnoxious man speaking so loud on the phone for like two minutes.
What? I asked him to stop, and he threatened to beat me up.
When he stood up, I realized he was twice my size.
In that split second, I was so terrified.
My courage was all gone.
Immediately, I was weighing my options.
I won't be able to stand that fight, obviously.
If I were there, I would stood up for you.
oh, thank you. That's good to know, but hear me up.
And my friend seated right next to me, the most harm she could do was probably to troll the man online afterwards.
And then I looked around.
Nobody showed any sign of stepping up to help me.
So, I felt so incredibly scared and isolated at that moment.
And then if you were wondering, in the end, that man was pulled away by one of his friends and he was shouting profanity at me the whole time.
But at that time, I was just happy that I'm safe.
So there's something I learned and I think that maybe you can take from it too.
That is, maybe this is overblown it a little bit, but let me just say justice isn't always about big gestures or grand acts.
It's in how we choose to act.
I had to assess whether confronting the man was worth the risk of getting hurt, and that's in hindsight.
But even till today, I still somewhere there in my heart hold the belief of my idealism.
The flicker of justice never went out.
If there's something worth fighting for, I believe we should exercise our rights to speak up and stand our ground.
You can't control the rude person cutting the line.
You can control how you hold on to your values.
You can still hold the line for yourself.
Stand tall and be the example of fairness.
And I do take under account what Yushin mentioned.
Like if you're in a subway station, when everybody's busy, you might not have the time to give a speech or whatever it is.
That said, I want to share with you one more observation.
A few days ago, I noticed something in the Beijing subway station that gave me hope.
Now, as a fellow Beijinger, I can tell you 20 years ago, nobody would wait patiently in a line.
But recently, as I got onto the escalator, I saw everyone lining up on the right, leaving the other side clear for those in a hurry.
And this was in peak rush hour in Beijing.
And this is the result of years of civic education, from announcements to signs to conductors' reminders.
It made me think that change takes time.
And while one person might not change everything, education can.
As societies grow wealthier, as we see better examples across the world, and the internet gets us more connected in a good way, and maybe a bad way at the same time, we begin to see that change do take place.
Civic education reinforced through many efforts throughout the years, it can affect the way we interact with each other.
And change doesn't happen overnight.
But with the right education, to some extent, it becomes possible on a larger scale for the benefit of all.
And that is my flicker of hope that I am fanning bigger, hopefully into a flame and I want to share that with you.
And here's another audio clip from our listener, Freddie, who has something else to ask.
The second thing is that I had my new job two weeks ago.
I am still adapting to this new work environment and I have these great colleagues.
They are actually kind of my age or just slightly older than me and they are actually very great this is one of the few things i like about this job but there are things that i don't like about this job as well they would require you to write a daily report a weekly report and a half year report and they
would host a lot of meetings maybe three times or four times a week and i don't think these things are necessary and contributing to your efficiency but you know So my mentor is kind and very thoughtful.
She knows a lot of things and she has taught me a lot by far.
She didn't want me to quit because she has the workload of two people now.
So I don't know. I am still torn apart and hesitant about my decision to quit.
And I hope you guys could give me some advice.
By the way, can I just say I love this podcast and this platform and the message you sent through this channel.
And I actually enjoy it quite a lot and sort of be inspired every day.
And that's it, thank you.
Actually, only enjoyed it quite a lot.
Okay, well, I hear the undertone there.
But thank you, Freddie, for sending out these questions and trusting us with this very important question.
And we only have two minutes here.
so guys please offer Freddie your responses.
I mean I hear that Freddie is kind of wavering over his decision on whether to quit or not and I believe you mentioned you are quite close to your colleagues and you trust your mentor and that you expect to learn a lot from him or her that within this working context so why don't you kind of consult
these people that you feel close to within the same work environment, because I believe they will have a better understanding of your questions in the meantime, and also probably provide you with more detailed solution in dealing with how you feel as well.
And I think now that you mentioned you've only been there for two weeks, it might be also helpful to give yourself some more time to see if you can find a way to improve things or adjust your expectations or maybe make that role more engaging.
So here is how I would suggest to Freddie.
Yeah, I was also thinking, you mentioned that you like your colleagues, but it sounds like, you know, the reports kind of thing are a real sticking point.
So maybe think about whether those positive aspects of the job are worth putting up with the things that you dislike.
So if you realize that those systems really don't work for you over time and even starting affecting your ability to do your job properly, Then I think exploring other opportunities that better match your work style could be your option.
Interesting. Coming from different angles.
Yes, for sure. And also, I just like to bring up one point that maybe also consider whatever your decision is, it's going to look on your CV later.
And if it's too frequent of more than one or two, you know, fast quits, then it might not look good.
Or, I mean, it's not necessarily career kill, but you'll need to come up with something that's a good answer in your next job interview.
Also, maybe think about that.
And we love hearing from you, and we appreciate your thoughts.
If you enjoy what you hear or have a question or topic you'd like us to dive into, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Just shoot us an email or voice memo at roundtablepodcast at QQ .com.
We can't wait to hear from you in our heart to heart segment coming up.
They're showing up everywhere around the world this winter.
More trees in Chinese streets are rocking a warm fuzzy sweater look.
fiber freaks from around the world go on a netting rampage to embrace the world in warm fuzzy comfort so what is all that about stick around and we'll discuss right after this break looking for passion how about fiery debate want to hear about current events in china from different perspectives?
Then tune in to Roundtable, where East meets West and understanding is the goal.
You're listening to Roundtable with myself, He Yang.
I'm joined by Yu Xun and Yu Shan in the studio.
Have you noticed the latest trend where trees are rocking colorful sweaters in cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Houhai?
It's like nature's own fashion show.
In Shanghai, for For example, trees along Cheongyang Road have been decked out in vibrant netware featuring designs such as fiery, colorful animals and flowers.
These stylish trees have quickly become the city's newest Instagrammable spots, attracting both locals and tourists for photos.
Guys, do you like this idea?
And in English, there are terms for it.
Net -fiti, so basically network graffiti.
Or yarn bombing. Yarn bombing.
Okay, that sounds very exciting to me.
So guys, take it away.
That sounds cute, but I don't think I would, you know, join any of these kind of activities to put on sweaters on trees.
But at least this is quite a trend.
You know, the trend, as you said, called yarn bombing involves covering public objects with knitted or crochet.
Crocheted, like, materials, you know, yarn bombing is said to have originated in Texas, U .S.
in 2005 when Magada Saeg knitted a cozy for her boutique's door handle.
And this idea was to use leftover yarn and unfinished projects in a creative way.
And I think this way I can understand.
Yeah, and before I kind of read detail into what we're talking about, I saw pictures online reporting on how, you know, trees are wrapped in yellow and red sweaters and there's this little girl wearing the same color, kind of like a jacket and sweater right next to it and taking a picture, showing her scissor hand and looking
happy and everything.
So it's more of a cozy sensation given to people through this kind of practice.
So yeah, indeed, knit fitting or yarn bombing, I'll see that it's a good use of yarn, especially now that you mentioned, Yuxuan, that this idea was to use leftover yarn.
And it's making it even more efficient.
Well, in all these Chinese cities, often it's local companies or charity organizations.
organizations, they have some kind of collaboration to dress up these trees, and they become a place where people love to take pictures and share on social media.
Some people say this is great for the community.
It is great for that street for some publicity, and also the trees need a little bit of, you know, a warm jacket to wear during cold weather.
What do you see as the reasons, the things you like and dislike about this endeavor?
You know, initially, actually, I was seeing this kind of trend started with people using AI softwares to dress these iconic buildings such as, you know, Temple of Heaven, also in Beijing and also the Oriental Pearl Tower in Shanghai, right, with, you know, sweaters.
And it's not just yarn.
And I've also seen many landmarks turned into fluffy, also jelly -like or even ice cream shapes.
And then these tourism departments joined in and extending the idea to historical buildings and landmarks and also these trees and making it into reality.
I think it is quite cute.
And some of these communities are setting up these activities to actually letting all of these families and also children to join in to have these kind of parent -child activity.
I think it is also a great opportunity for them to bond and enjoy their time.
You know what this reflects?
Some sort of fatness among young people that's specifying through the personifying of objects by putting sweaters on them.
And this is not according to me.
This is according to researcher Cao Yixia from the Institute of Applied Economics of the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences.
And according to her, this is what young people do nowadays to kind of project their desire for companionship by putting fluffy covers on objects.
And also, according to an attending physician in the field of mental health, such phenomena also have its root in psychology.
Because what people find fun is that it uses a contrast to turning building into people, like you said, Yuxun, and also turning things without warmth into warm things.
I think that is why people find it so cute and lovely to have trees wear sweaters these days.
Yeah. And apparently, well, according to Professor Liu Hong from Beijing Forestry University, dressing up these trees might not always be good because doing so for an extended period could lead to insects laying eggs inside and causing diseases in the trees.
I'm sorry to leave you in a little bit of a downer on such a cute topic.
But if it's just for wintertime, I think it's all right.
You're listening to Roundtable.
Thank you so much, Yushun and Yushan, for sharing your wonderful thoughts.
I'm Ha Yang. We will see you next time on Roundtable.
