Don't be a bull in a China shop_其他_趣味英语-查字典英语网

Don't be a bull in a China shop

I don't think a single Chinese can represent the whole country. There are many who take efforts to observe local customs. But, if too many carry on their indecorum wherever they go, it's bound to happen that some outsiders may view us - all of us - in a negative light.

That's why we need education campaigns to change those behaviors. And we should start from home. Let's refrain from the traditional thinking that a personal faux pas would mar the national image. Let's create the notion that a good citizen should not act improperly, whether in Waihuan Street or Wall Street.

Netizens are wrong to infer that it is appropriate to do something simply because others, possibly locals, are doing it. Would you rob someone if you see a robber doing it without getting caught?

That said, some sculptures on public land are indeed for "interaction". I was walking in a park in Yixing, Jiangsu Province, the other day and spotted a couple of boys frolicking on top of a sculpture. As soon as I pointed my camera at them, they turned stiff and an old gentleman who wore a park badge started shouting at them. I asked him whether he would leave them alone if I, a reporter, had not shown an interest in them. He nodded. What the kids were doing was "naughty" to him, but a symbol of innocence to me.

To take the bull of manners by the horns, I offer the following advice: If you want to ride that famous bull to ensure you'll be part of a future bull run, look for signs first. If they have words like "No climbing", don't do it. Take photos in front of it instead. Since most sculptures on public land do not allow body contact, so to speak, you can assume the default rule is "No". If you find words to the contrary, from either posted notices or nearby security guards, go ahead, why not have fun with it?