[normtwofinger]

After spending a month touring China and observing their general social behavior and customs, I can say that I most likely will not be returning. It felt like I was a zoo display and everyone was watching and staring, like they have never seen an outsider before. And it wasn't the cute innocent staring, it was the 'why are you here?!?' staring. I was laughed at several times while walking in public. 90% of the people in the street constantly spit up their phlegm, men and woman. I had to physically remove a man from entering the bus so I could exit myself. There are no 'wait-your-turn' lineups (ie. McDonald's), it's a stampede to the cashier. They have the 'me-first' attitude, much more so than at home. The funniest thing is that they were airing PSA commericals to be polite for the Olympics. They showed a man actually allowing pedestrians to cross the street, instead of plowing through them, and allowing another vehicle the right-of-way, instead of laying on the horn. Another thing I observed was how the little boys were allowed by their parents, to do anything they wanted, without consequence. This wasn't the case for little girls, as they were told no. I think this translates to men's attitudes when they are grown up. All through childhood they are allowed to do what they please, so why can't they do the same when they are adults? This attitude must work it's way into politics, and must be frustrating to outside nations who deal with China. Now this doesn't mean everyone is like this. I did meet some very nice locals along the way who were very helpful and kind. This is just some of the things, that as an outsider, I observed in my time in China. Flame on.