11.6.19 Power of Centralized Government + Technology

 The power of centralized government paired with technology , part 1
Shanghai
The usual light show on the many architecturally interesting buildings across the Hungpui River from The Bund, was amped up in a coordinated, jaw-dropping, mesmerizing performance of color and theme on both sides of the river in honor of the International Import Expo. [And, pollution levels were dramatically down due to manufacturing being closed for the duration of the Expo]. 
Emma and I had watched the beginnings of it from a table at Jean Georges, where we indulged in a delicious high tea.

The power of centralized government paired with technology, part 2
Shanghai
Social Credit System = an ongoing assessment of citizens’ and businesses’ economic and social reputation.
Emma warned me not to step foot into a cross walk until the lights turned green. In populous areas, such as The Bund, these facial recognition towers are just one way the government keeps track of those who don’t follow good citizenship protocol. The system rewards and punishes based on scores ... “keeping trust is glorious and breaking trust is disgraceful.”
Walking across the street at the wrong time, spending too much time playing video games, paying bills on time...
Punishments can include: having your photo displayed on these towers, getting your dog taken away, being banned from gettin on trains or into good hotels, having your internet speeds throttled....
On other fronts, technology shows up in helpful ways, such as using WeChat for instant payment at most places. My hotel room knows if it is day or night and opens/ closes my drapes accordingly. The multitude of cleansing options of the Japanese toilet have been embraced in most places I visited in this city.