Comment on Jun and Politics

Studies often show that casino employees usually experience a sense of moral dirtiness from running the games where gamblers may lose heavily, yet this doesn’t always push them to quit. Casinos exist in a morally gray area–some countries like China have made such gambling acts illegal, and such acts have led to many negative economic impacts on the players. However, instead of accusing the casino industry of being the ultimate villain, dealers like Jun don’t blame themselves for the losses. Instead, he sees it as the player’s responsibility to control their spending. 

Jun grew up in the post-Cultural Revolution in China, which was a time of economic recovery and uncertainty. Like many teenagers today, Jun wanted to become a superhero due to the influence of the media. This no doubt gives Jun a unique background. In my opinion, the post-Cultural Revolution period under Deng Xiaoping is one of the most arguable historical periods. Some say that it is the foundation of China to be one of the strongest countries and economies today, which I agree with, while some claim that the country’s political and living conditions are changing rapidly in a negative way, which I also agree with. However, what surprised me is that the attitude, personality, and way of speaking are no different then people who grew up in Western states. This is a good proof of how China became globalized later on after the economic recovery, and its people became more adaptable with the change of time and environment. The results and impacts of a country’s big decision or change can often be seen in its people who grew up during that period. 

About Jun’s immigration to the U.S., he did not initially move to the U.S., but followed his wife for the sake of family unity. Gladly, his immigration was quite easy due to his wife’s prior move. I must say that immigration to the U.S. is relatively hard after globalization, but at least it was also relatively easy during Jun’s time, compared to today, after the 2020s. Regarding the weather, I believe this decision is right or not, I do not know, and I believe no one can know until 100 years later. However, in my opinion, the average living standard of the U.S. is better than China. Please do note that these claims are not from any experts but from a high school student.

Jun believes that each life stage comes with its responsibilities. For example, Kids should play, Students should study, and Adults should work and support their families. Through the interview, he showed that he accepted these transitions without complaint and feels content with his role. In my view, I do not believe in any responsibilities but not directly harming others. On the other hand, the world after globalization is like how Jun described, but I do not believe it is due to people's responsibilities. Instead, I believe it is the result of the limitations of each stage. The social and educational structures have led to these different stages, and it is not necessarily bad. After all, there are still a lot of options and choices to take within this structure. Plus, there are significantly fewer conflicts with higher social efficiency and living standards under this structure compared to the past.

Jun also regretted not studying hard for China’s college entrance exam, Gaokao. He believes it is a fair system that offers social mobility to common people. However, I hold quite the opposite beliefs. There is no doubt that this system is fair, but this way to achieve this fairness is not the best way for absolutely everyone. For example, using miles per hour is arguably a good standard of measuring speed. However, the tester put all the vehicles in the same environment. There are three vehicles: a sailing boat, a car, and an icebreaker ship. They are all racing on a plain field with the measurement of miles per hour, like how the Gaokao system required all types of students to compete under the same environment and requirements. Not mentioning how almost all colleges in China only consider the Gaokao during applications, the system itself already limits many people.

During Jun’s early time in America, he tried to work in a sushi restaurant, but he did not enjoy it. The language barrier and education have narrowed job options. A friend of his recommended that he become a casino dealer. According to Jun, it is accessible, requires minimal English, and provides stability. It is not ideal, but it meets most of his needs. I appreciate how he had the courage and bravery to change jobs, and I believe that is how people should act. If they are doing a job they do not like, then it is never too late to change. Some might argue that the losses of switching jobs are going to be big, but the losses of torturing yourself to do something you don’t like for most of the time in your life are bigger.

Jun sees his role as a Casino dealer to be neutral. After all, all he does is deal cards, and others make their own decisions. According to Jun, adults must be accountable for their actions and decisions. I agree with this claim, and similar logic can also be used under other issues. For example, when there is an illegal drug dealing happening, it is not only the sellers who are punished, but also the ones trying to purchase it, considering how people must be responsible for their actions. However, the key difference between gambling and drugs is the biological addictiveness. Addictive drugs will change your body to go beyond your free will to harm yourself more, while gambling is a mere mental activity, and similar mental activities almost exist everywhere, like playing video games. Therefore, the casino industry should be innocent, and the heavy economic losses are the result of the gambler’s own decisions and actions.