WRITTEN ON October 15th, 2006 BY William Heath AND STORED IN Across the Board, What do we want?

Among the articles prohibited from importation in accordance with the law of the People’s Republic of China are

Printed matter, films, photographs, gramophone records, cinematographic films, tapes (audio and video), compact discs etc which are detrimental to the political, economic, cultural and moral interests of China

I guess that rules out most Hollywood movies, and much rubbish music – Madonna, Bee Gees, Neil Diamond – all highly detrimental to any nation’s cultural values I’d have thought. Wow. Heaven knows what Googling gigabytes of music are on my laptop – presumably there wont be any problem at Customs me having the odd Shirley Horn track, Hendrix or Basie…I think there’s some Steppenwolf too. All most invigorating for anyone’s cultural and moral interests. It also says you cant bring in opium (not an issue for me – anyway I guess they already have in copious quantities) marijuana or other psychotropic subtances. Vegas this is not.

The Chinese government is committed in its present five-year plan to the creation of social innovation which depends on a vigorous NGO sector. The British Council, who know the form here, are unequivocal:

Stick to safe conversation topics…do not criticise China…avoid ridiculing your own organisation or British standards, even in a light-hearted manner. This is regarded as disloyal in China and will reflect badly on you

Fair enough, but it begs a question that goes to the heart of how we do what we do here. It’s not “can I manage not to be critical for two days”, but rather how, in a frank and helpful cultural exchange, do we explain that the focus and energy of Britain’s social innovation stems not from enlightened five-year plans but from dissatisfaction with the status quo which finds no outlet? Social change comes from the awkward squad, from exclused and marginalised or on their behalf. Can we explain the disproportionate role played in the history of social innovation in Britain of Quaker discernment and concerns, and the business method which upholds those acting under concern?

I don’t know. But the food here is terrific.