In the lead-up to the 2008 Olympics, the world had been becoming more aware of China, but the average person just didn't have time to delve deeply into Sinology. The world watched, feasted on all things Chinese, and now better understands.
But despite my third year in the Middle Kingdom, I realize I still know only a little and more keeps being revealed.
I was recently asked why most Chinese people are indirect and tend to beat around the bush.
I was about to say it had to do with their desire to be polite and their aversion of conflict. I was also about to rattle off the other textbook reasons: "Saving face, harmonious society, Confucius teachings" and the rest.
But if the Chinese are not so direct, why is it OK for complete strangers to ask me: "How much money do you make, are you married and why not?"
I really don't know.
When I first arrived in mid 2006, I was like a sponge and after six months thought I had quickly grabbed a handle on this mysterious land.
I even successfully pitched a China book idea to a major publisher. My book was later knocked back because of the overload of China-themed books in the pipeline.
Today, my original book outline, drafted two years ago, makes me feel a little embarrassed. It was so superficial and just skimmed the surface. It was just like all the other books out there, repeating the same China clichs.
【Christmas wraps up another year of surprises】相关文章:
最新
2020-09-15
2020-08-28
2020-08-21
2020-08-19
2020-08-14
2020-08-12