Fashion is determined by the media. If journalists write that something is fashionable for the umpteenth time, it eventually becomes true. Shanghai is the best marketed city in Asia, it seems. Which means it's the most fashionable, too. But fashion has nothing to do with the real world; it's only as important as we ... Full Comment>>

"The only positive results involved cases of severe egotism dropping by 11% from 1997 to 2007." - because egotism is more socially acceptable nowadays, perhaps? Full Comment>>

Then let's agree to disagree on that. ;) At least working is better on your CV than being unemployed. Full Comment>>

I've met very few Chinese who speak better English than an average expat (taking into account they have a Bachelor degree). However, I've met many local English teachers who think their English is better than it actually is, and actively downplay the skill of native speaking teachers. There are exceptions, of ... Full Comment>>

Well, the thing is, China responds to criticism. Usually it's neuralgia and ostrich-policy, but occasionally they will listen to criticism and adapt accordingly. I'm still amazed by their ability to go from fastest-growing poluter to #1 in renewable energy investments in the course of 3 years. Sure, they're still a ... Full Comment>>

If you look at things long term, you'll realize that ESL gives you no relevant work experiences back home. Even if you want to be a teacher back home, it's still barely applicable as experience (hopefully the employer won't know anything about teaching in China). Now my 2nd kid is on the way, this realization has ... Full Comment>>

You read me true, my friend. I love humanity, and as much as Chinese like to think of themselves as separate and different from the rest of the world, they are not. Idealists have been out of style for decades, but I can't help being one. I believe there are lots of native idealists in China too, but the social ... Full Comment>>

Ah, the old "you're jealous if you criticize wealthy excesses" argument. The age old catchphrase. Almost as charming as: "if you don't like it here, then leave". Schoolchildren use the same catchphrase for anyone who criticizes the cool kids, giving them a free hand to abuse power, strength or ... Full Comment>>

So, is it a shitty crap restaurant, or a crappy shit restaurant? Full Comment>>

Random rules imposed to those without guanxi, for having the gall to pretend to drive around in a car that would make people jealous. What's wrong with this culture? Not the consumer culture, not the brand-name worship - this guy just needs to be fined for being CREATIVE! Full Comment>>

i’ back o yir heids a treat, ye eejit! Full Comment>>

what a privilege, to be a witness to another family's wealth. i especially liked the part where the brat tries to make her (likely a jew or muslim) eat pork. lucky girl indeed. Full Comment>>

Foos yer doos, mikey? Full Comment>>

it's true that i've taken the time to speak with expats more. the kind of people you wouldn't normally talk with back home, because you're basically complete strangers. some of those people can help you make a difference in your life. expatlife 26 scored a worthwhile job through connections. i met a professional ... Full Comment>>

A dinna ken fit yer on aboot min! Full Comment>>

yes, hospitals here have a "too complicated = no cure exists" approach. Full Comment>>

i haven't defended her act of slapping for an instant. of course it is wrong. i've been criticising the reaction of media, police and the chinese in general, which resulted in an elderly lady getting 10 days jail sentence. Full Comment>>

I hope they make it. True love knows no barriers. Full Comment>>

I'd quadruple-thumbs-up your comment if I could. Full Comment>>

Europe doesn't lock up mentally ill anymore unless by court order. Those who are safe to participate in society live in open care homes. My mother works as an administrator in one, and the mentally ill can actually save up quite a sizeable bank account, she says. Families fight over their inheritance after they pass ... Full Comment>>

HAHAHA! Yes, a bimbo was wowed by some gov't family's glitter and glamour. Chinese see it as a win for them. Anyone with interests beyond gossip and fashion knows better. Full Comment>>

Very good point. If it really was a barely provoked attack, they'd have some juicy images to show on the evening news. But it just looks strange if the elderly lady was just knocked over by a baggage trolley. Full Comment>>

I could suggest that the parents sent their kid out to create a situation, but let's assume that it isn't the case. How about this hypothetical scenario: Kid sees foreigners, wants their attention. Foreigners ignore him, so he is determined to grab their attention negatively. Cowardly kid targets the weakest, most ... Full Comment>>

i guess i could provide examples of the media deliberately misinforming the public about events to service their own narrative, but it won't disprove the fact that i'm making assumptions of my own. so, you are right: i have no proof. i guess we should trust news stories word for word. is that what you are saying? ... Full Comment>>

chinese parents see no reason to intervene when their kid's harrassing a foreigner, because it doesn't cause them to lose face. if you ever taught young children, you'd know this. you can't compare it to western parents. Full Comment>>