You say you want a revolution...

Chinese have revolution running through their veins. This trait is similar to the French taking to the streets in protest, or Americans writing letters to the editor or going on talk-shows to express their discontent.
Revolution has been engrained in Chinese culture for centuries. The trouble-making Monkey is portrayed as a hero and depicted in cartoons. Children learn that trouble can create clarity, and it is not mischievous to be a revolutionary, if you strongly believe in something.
Because this revolutionary characteristic in Chinese citizens is encouraged, it is very likely that another uprising similar to the Cultural Revolution could happen again in present day China. Most of the ingredients are already present. There is extreme economic inequality. Combine that with the culture that encourages revolution, the only missing piece is someone in power to champion the cause and spark the conflict.
Mao played that role in the Cultural Revolution, and without his support, the Red Guards who were once squelched by the administrators, would not have been able to rise up and revolt successfully. It is this last ingredient that holds the key to a successful revolution.
If cooperation at the top is not present, an attempt at a revolution could end up as another Tiananmen Square tragedy (June Fourth Incident - 1989).

I read an article yesterday titled: "Day When Chinese Cars Jam U.S. Roads Is Nearing".
With the Nano hitting the Indian market, I wonder what the Chinese have in store for us.
A handful of Chinese auto companies showed at the North American International Auto Show this year, and one of them displayed "a collection of tiny, bubble-shaped cars that look better prepared to carry golfers on fairways rather than U.S. roads." I have to admit, although I would not want to be in one of these tiny cars when a Hummer hits me, I would love to own a bubble-shaped car! What a way to start your morning -- happy and bubbly!

But on more of a serious note, I would hope that these cars pass all the safety & crash tests the first time around. That is really one thing that worries me with Chinese products. Being in the purchasing field, I procure materials globally in order to get the best deal. By best deal, I mean suppliers must meet quality, reliability/delivery, and price goals. Chinese companies are competing and winning the bids, but from my experience they require more manpower on our side since inspections of goods are instrumental in keeping the suppliers honest.
I also worry about the labor conditions of factory workers, and hope that they are not being exploited.

I am very excited to be taking this class and take time to actually learn about the history, culture and changing foreign relations of China.