Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Regarding Annoying Questions

Probably one of the most annoying questions I get asked from people back in the States is, "So what is it like living in China? What are the people like?" Honestly, its a somewhat ridiculous question. Imagine if someone asked you, "So what's it like living in America? What are the people like?" The problem with the question is that it is asking you to deliver the information equivalent to a freight train in the space of a mailbox. So you feel cheated, because this questioner (with good intentions) is going to walk away feeling like they know what your life is like, and what the people are like, when in reality all they have seen is a snapshot the size of a postage stamp.

/end rant

/take deep breath

By the way, if by some chance you are reading this and have asked me that question - I love you, and know that the reason you ask is because there is a genuine desire to know what life is like b/c you care, and for that I thank you and appreciate you.

The 'people' aspect of those two questions is difficult for the reason that every person is vastly different. Imagine if you will a foreigner visiting Manhattan, then going back to their native country all excited that they now know 'Americans' and what all 'Americans' are like. Not only is there great diversity within the country of the United States, but also within that particular area of a huge city.

Hence, the reason why I started this blog. Hopefully the snapshots of what 'life is like in China' will accummulate to the point where an accurate montage will exist for people to get a understanding of the differences and similarities off life here and life there.

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