Beijing Lights Up the Night

Money and instantly accessible foreign culture fuel Beijing’s vibrant nightlife, where young Chinese adults express themselves via impressive dance moves and access to exclusive nightclubs. Dance, alcohol and music blind patrons to dire poverty confronting most of China’s population. The increasing inequality on display could shatter national instability. Beijing Olympics organizers, intent on security, plan to tame the city’s nightlife during the sporting event. Government leaders constrain any endeavors that might attract a public following or criticize the status quo, and so rather than use wealth to resolve social problems, the partygoers waste exorbitant amounts to escape everyday stress, pursuing exclusivity and novelty. For now, young Chinese have freedom to party, but not freedom to improve their communities. – YaleGlobal