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Jianan Qian

Op-Comic: China’s one-child policy left me lonely. As adults, my generation still feels lost

Two parents and a child stand in front of a wall with a sign written in Chinese characters
(Jianan Qian / For The Times)
By Jianan Qian
I was born under China's one-child policy, part of the only generation in history to result from such sweeping restrictions.
Chinese media described us as sure to be spoiled. In reality, I was lonely. I was home alone often with the tv for company.
In Shanghai, I was surrounded by only children and didn't question the policy. I couldn't imagine my family affording more.
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In college I met roommates from rural areas who spoke about their siblings. I wondered what it would be like to have one.
My mother pinned all her hopes on me, and I was afraid of disappointing her. Sometimes this became a heavy burden to bear.
My mother seemed worried about getting pregnant despite her IUD. If she had a second child, she would have lost her job.
Years later, when my mother had brain surgery, a friend asked if she'd ever had an abortion. My mother shook her head: no.
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China changed its policy in 2015. But now, amid talk of too few births, I worry officials will interfere with choices again.
As for my one-child generation, the worst is perhaps yet to come as children are obligated to take care of elderly parents.

Jianan Qian is a writer and illustrator in Los Angeles.

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