|
Earlier this month, I was in Guangzhou for a forum on modern literature. The participants hailed mostly from academic institutions and media organizations, but you wouldn't know that if you had only heard their self-introductions. They sounded like freelancers. It drew my attention. The event was organized by Southern Metropolis Daily, one of the country's most influential newspapers. Like the newspaper itself, the literary forum and subsequent awards reflect its independent values. The award carries the implication that your achievement is above the froth of political correctness or power politics. Of course, it has its own politics, but compared with the alternatives, it is fair and transparent. All the jurors' decisions are published, as well as their debate transcripts. In other words, if you are a truly good writer but not affiliated to any organization, you may still win an award. In the humanities and sciences, China has reached a special point when the power of influence is not monopolized by one force. As I see it, influence is shared by three inwardly separate yet outwardly interwoven forces. One is government sponsored, such as the Writers' Association; the second is the world of academe; and the third is the market, represented by best-selling books, high-circulating publications and a handful of online platforms. There is a strict hierarchy in the first two, which represent the establishment. They assign titles that correspond to official positions. Also, they have the most resources, such as the ability to hire and enroll people into degree programs, etc. But they are often slow to recognize outside players. | 
