There is only so much criticism you can take when it comes to something you love, no matter if it’s only about your haircut or about something important like your religion or your country. (OK, I admit that sometimes haircuts can be important, too.) Anyway, the Chinese have apparently had enough of critical Western media coverage and boycotts in the run-up to the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. So when someone had the idea to put a heart and “China” beside their MSN chat icon, this person somehow unleashed a wave of patriotism. Literally millions of Chinese have by now adopted this symbol to pledge allegiance to their home country!

We all know that love and rational thinking may not always be the best of friends, so I will not question the (non)political rationale behind this amazing chain reaction. But isn’t it an incredible, fun gesture? Imagine doing that for your country because the Asian press had criticized your over-meticulous German way of organising the football world championships! I somehow don’t see people waving “I love Europe“ flags in the streets of London or Berlin… We still have a long way to go until a true European patriotism becomes reality.

PS: Now we are only waiting for our Chinese colleague Shu to start the same avalanche on Skype, our favourite internal communication tool (yes, working for BuzzParadise does have its advantages!)… Personally I would still be more apt to put “I love Luxembourg” though. Despite the weather.

Image credit: info.msn.com.cn