Us V.S Them

Us V.S Them
Taddious Jan 09, 2014 13:20

Before delving into this topic, it should be clarrified that "us" is a reference to non-Chinese, or the aptly and in-no-way-offensive terminology "laowai"/"waiguoren" (more on that later...). In addition, this is not a China-bashing blog; quite the contrary in fact. I am attempting to quell the China-bashing that I often encounter. For the duration of my seven years living in Shanghai, I am happy; therefore my opinions may tend to be a touch skewed on the biased side-of-things, however I'll try to keep things objective when it suits me! So, let's get on with it...

China's Progress

The government cracking-down on corruption, gradual steps to control nepotism, the process of eradicating piracy and fraudulant goods, the Free Trade Zone (albeit a pilot), China's first moon landing, etcetera. The world has seen China make bounds and leaps when it comes to progress and it has done so within the last twenty years. By comparison the global powers have established themselves as such, piece-by-piece, over the centuries. With this in mind, why do "we" (a reference to "us"/"laowai"/"waiguoren") mock, belittle and generally look down upon China?

I see it in forums, blogs and comment sections; and I hear it from the mouths of foreigners who currently reside in China. It baffles me to no-end:

When China first landed on the moon, I was (for lack of a suitable word) happy. It was when I visited a certain website and browsed the comment sections, that I noticed a vast majority of foreigners, living in China, were ridiculing this momentous event: "Gratz China, you carry on with the moon, see you on Mars in the next fifty years". There were several comments to this tune. Let me ask a question: If you run a marathon and win the race, do you look back, flip the bird at and mock those who are lagging behind yet to finish? No, you wouldn't, unless you're a gigantic douche.

If you find yourself comparing YOUR country to China and find that YOUR country is better in some shape-or-form, then allow me to congratulate you. Congratulations for being born in a country you had no choice in selecting. Congratulations for being raised in a country whose progress you had no part to play in. Alternatively, if you find yourself comparing your country to China in an objective, constructive manner, then I think that's all fine and dandy.

 

Laowai/Waiguoren

In short: laowai is not a derogative term, get over it. As I'm sure countless people have already said, laowai is in fact a rather pleasant term if broken-down accordingly ("lao" old/friendly "wai" outsider). In addition to this, what may be considered offensive in English, may not necessarily be considered offensive in Chinese. Even the term "Heiren" (black person *gasp*) is not used derogatively; it is used more as a matter-of-fact; which I find mildly refreshing, considering the political correctness bullshit we put up with in the U.K. Ask a Chinese person what colour their skin is; with a stoic-like expression, that person will answer "yellow" (and then probably think you're a bit-of-an-idiot for asking such a ridiculous question; what next? The colour of the sky?)

Arguably, you could state how the terminology does nothing but enforce the segregation of "us" and "them", to which I agree; however, my beliefs are that peope ARE different and with that I find no harm in being recognised for what I am. Afterall, it is my experience that Americans usually catagorise anyone who is not American as "European", some even go as far as to think Europe is a country. Right?

I am very aware that some terms, or labels, that Chinese use are in fact quite derogative; such as "Waidiren" (countryside person), I strongly dislike this term which is used Chinese-to-Chinese.

 

"We have 5000 Years of Culture" and Patriotism

This is a fun one. To be perfectly frank, it's usually Americans who are quick to ridicule this phrase, using it in sarcastic tones coming-across as the patronising authority-figure, ushuring China to keep-up in the aforementioned marathon. (I'm in no way bashing America here, these are just my observations from comment sections and blogs).

China has RICH culture. This is fact. I sometimes find, that in arguements, we sometimes try to draw on our opponents strengths and turn them into cliches or weaknesses. Is that what people do in the war between "us" V.S "them"? I don't know, but for the sake of opinion, I'll say, yes... it is. In addition, I feel the statement is borne from some instinctual (perhaps even tribal) fear and jealousy. My point is not going to go much deeper that that...

British people (I would generalise) tend to look down upon patriotism (we are only patriotic during the World Cup). We see it as a form of brainwashing. Watching children being puppeteered to salute a flag and chant the words of their nation, it happens in China, it happens in America. I think this is the first stage, the foundation, to "us" V.S "them". I envy Americans and Chinese in this light; I wish England had some sort of patriotism that united its people. Before you mock a country and her people's patriotism, be sure to look at your own first.

 

Bad Habits/Manners

Another fun one. Spitting? I f**king hate it. Belching in public? Breaking wind in public? Eating on the metero? Pushing in-line? The list goes on... This is my biggest gripe in China and it bugs me to no-end. During the Shanghai Expo 2010, the government put out these kind of PSAs on TV and various posters across the city, telling people that it is uncouth and uncivilised to wear pyjamas outside. Low and behold, I saw a dramatic cut in people taking-up this pastime. I wonder why it's not done more often...

Anyhow, we follow a trend here, before stepping on your soapbox and exclaiming to all, that Chinese have terrible habits, be sure to look at your own country. I do:

- Pub brawls and after-hours fights on the streets, sucker-punching and muggings; I've never seen or encountered a single one in Shanghai. (Yes, yes, yes... I'm sure you've seen one, Mr John Smith; I'm just relaying my experiences here). I have NEVER felt so safe, as I do in Shanghai.

- Cliques. You like pop music? You at times wear Hello Kitty? You rather enjoyed Prometheus the movie? Foreigners will judge-the-sh*t out of each other for things like this. It is a huge breath-of-fresh-air to be away from judgemental pr*cks. (This point is only in reference to taste in fashion, music, etcetera. Trust me, I know Chinese judge for other things).

- Shameless. This is a taboo subject, it's tied-in with the face-culture of Asian countries. My point is mostly in relation to celebrity/idol worshipping and individuals doing all that they can for their 5 minutes of fame. This is a personal opinion (as are all my points, actually), there are some aspects of "face" that I consider noble and civilised.

Anyhow, the point is, every country has its people with terrible habits; I know this is a rather redundant thing to conclude my point with, but it needs mentioning.

 

In conclusion:

If you rant about China/Chinese ("them") and do-so in an arrogant manner to come-across as a superior individual from a superior society ("us"), hailing from a superior country, you are a douche. I will once again refer to my previous analogy about running a marathon and finishing the race: don't look back and mock those who have yet to cross the finish line. Offer them encouragement, celebrate their achievements and constructively criticise the shortcuts they may take.

If you rant about China/Chinese, just to vent steam, then that's a-okay in my books, I actually enjoyed reading a blog complaining about Chinese drivers!

If this blog, has in any way shape-or-form offended you in some way, I apologise. It is simply a drawing from my own experiences and opinions. My points are vulnerable to contradiction and scrutiny and if you feel you are the type of person who needs to correct me and even go-so-far as to tell me how unhappy, I in fact, should be, then feel free to do so.

There is no "us" V.S "them", we are all invalids, controlled and guided by unseen forces and we are all powerless in infulencing them.

 

Tags:General Language & Culture Expat Rants & Advice Lifestyle

4 Comments

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Mateusz

I sincerely hope you're being ironic when you call "Laowai" not offensive (I hope you don't actually believe that it's "pleasant"), and talk of accepting xenophobia, and admiring Chinese ethnic nationalism. It really shard to tell if you're serious.

Feb 18, 2014 15:24 Report Abuse

Taddious

It's about context, mate. If it's said in a relatively crude manner, then sure, it's offensive. I stand by my original comment in the blog: laowai is used as-a-matter-of-fact, as apposed to racial slur. Fortunately and unfortunately, China isn't burdened by political correctness that would otherwise have "us" gasping in shock or inhaling sharply through clenched teeth. In my opinion this is VERY refreshing. I have experienced "laowai" used as a racial slur; often combined with 死 ("si" to die). Naturally this isn't pleasant. I'm not being sarcastic at all; I guess agree to disagree on this one.

Feb 19, 2014 11:40 Report Abuse

coineineagh

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 huge polluter, but the government has shown it can whip things up ship-shape in no time, if it wants to. In democratic coutries, there would be opinions, arguments, misleading commercials, and inaction. I'm very negative in my posts sometimes, but that's because Chinese are willfully oblivious to problems, and you need to mock, ridicule and shout to get through their thick skins. Occasionally a more positive approach would be warranted, but getting sarky is hard to resist. I believe western culture is more aware of the "us vs. them" dichotomy in thought, but to argue that that makes "us" superior is oxymoronic, of course. The dichotomy is saturated in our language, and western thinking patterns aren't free of black-white reasoning either. It's a holdover from the way we use discrimination in an attempt to make sense of the world. In conclusion, I'd postulate that there is no clear difference between bad and good ranting. All rants call attention to problems of some kind, and there's just a varying degree of usefulness/helpfulness among rants.

Feb 12, 2014 11:27 Report Abuse

Taddious

I can't disagree with you here, in fact I quite agree with everything you said.

Feb 19, 2014 11:42 Report Abuse