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Sign up with Google Sign up with FacebookQ: How do you Americans deal with Chinese who hate you so much?
I'm not American, and not some crazy America-lover, but the complete BS the Chinese spew about America pisses even me off. I just had a big conflict with my school, because I had a class where the kids would do nothing but badmouth America and applaud themselves, and I couldn't stand teaching them anymore. I always just ignored it and tried to (unsuccessfully) change the topic but I just couldn't stand the psychotic little hate-mongers anymore.
I'm not sure they understood what I meant by "Canadian", and they seemed to think they were winning some victory by telling me how evil America was and thinking I would run right to Obama and convince him to give all his money to China and listen to China always.
Outside the classroom, I get anti-America lectures at least every few months or so. How do you deal living in a country where some people blindly blame you for all of China's problems?
Like I've said before, it must really suck for you, because I've never encountered this type of behavior. Sure, I've had an argument of sorts with a student or two about a misunderstanding, but not a big one and certainly not one that left me angry. That usually ends in a draw anyway. Either they say it in Chinese where I can't understand it, or they think I'm too nice to say it to my face. Or...maybe they don't have much of an opinion on America. All I can say is that I guess it sucks to be you, and maybe you should consider a job change. My students have never said anything rude about America...although, come to think of it, maybe they are too shy and don't know enough English. I highly doubt that though. They seem like nice people.
I've learned not to argue with anyone that has no idea what they are talking about especially here in China. As far as the strange and regular accosting and incessant need for me to defend myself (as an American), I just try not to let it bother me. They're entitled to their opinion, I guess. I treat them the same way I treat crazy ignorant people in the states...just ignore them and hope they go away.
I would guess that your students are trying to "ingratiate" themsleves with you by slamming the US. Instead of talking about the many contributions that Canada and its citizens have made, they chose to tear down the "neighbor".
As for me, usually when I face this situation, I just ignore it (Chinese style) and most of the time it works. Humor sometimes works too, like when Uncle Sam sells weapons to a particular island and they demand why, I always say that is between Washington and Bjing.
Only once did I have to leave an English corner when one person, who was not even a student at the school, just wouldnt let up. At first I ignored him, but he kept interrupting the studnts and shouting louder. So, I left.
Now, get this! Two days later, one of the student gave me the jerks business card. Imagine my surprise when my student told me that the Jerk wanted to HIRE me to teach his kid English!!!!!
Even though I am Canadian, I went to Uni in the US and have American family, so I will attempt to answer this.
Through years of experience I have learned it is a useless waste of time to argue with ignorent people. The more you present the facts, the more they dig down and try to rationize their talking points, even though they have no facts to back up their debate.
I would rather just walk away smiling at their stupidity then try to debate them....it's like beating a dead horse.
I will say in closing that they have been brainwashed for their entire lives, so just laugh and feel sorry for their ignorance.
If they knew half the shit we know about China (and believed it) they would have a stroke.
Jnusb416:
Haha, so true. Just agree like you would with grandma: "Ok grandma" smile and nod, smile and nod...then walk away.
iluvchina:
Canadian married to an American here. Yeah, you have to pick and choose your battles. That`s just plain common sense and maybe a bit of wisdom as well.
There`s been some good comments here as to why people have the attitudes they have. Whether they`re justified or not, perception and what that is based on can`t be overlooked and has a powerful effect on attitude.
That’s it I am calling myself South African when i go there.
In america, we get the same shit. America-haters everywhere. And we get it from immigrants who CHOSE to come here and born citizens alike. Some do it just to get under your skin, some do it because they dig the drama. I just let them ramble on, if I'm bored I'll battle it out with them, but I love listening to their conspiracy theories.
What can you do? You either listen, and/or debate it with them, try to educate them, or walk away. What else are you gonna do? Let them boil your blood? Is it worth it? Pick your battles, dear. Pick your battles.
Sometimes I remind them that the USA is comprised of people from the whole planet. I also point out that the largest population of Chinese type people outside of China is in the USA. But yeah, I know when people hate the USA, they mean the hate WASPs, of which I am one.
funny thing is, in other ways they certainly love Many things about America. It's a crazy world....
I still have the mental image of those Chinese males at that college cheering as the Twin Towers were attacked. I mean, I know they are stupid and reacting in primate fashion, but come on, to openly celebrate the horrific deaths of masses of people?? What a sad statement that was about those boys, their upbringing, and humanity in general.
Sometimes it's good to be Canadian American. I've only had a few who bad mouthed America outright but for the most part they bad mouth everyone
Nobody hates me. Everybody pretty much likes me, including the Chinese.
Awwww! I'm so sorry 'bout that. Well, as I said...... "Everyone pretty much". You're one of the exceptions I guess. Come on kchur .... be a lover not a hater.
You would like me if you met me. Everyone pretty much does. lol
kchur......
Do you mind my asking why you are here in China if you feel Chinese attitudes toward you are so bad. ??
I'm here because I want to be, not forced to be here, not here because I have to be. Knowing human nature to be what and how it is (and we're all human), why would you not expect that not all Chinese would have perfect attitudes toward foreigners?? It's only a given that the Chinese would have IMperfect attitudes toward foreigners. That this would be the case shouldn't be a surprise or a shock. It's the same everywhere in the world.
I came here expecting and understanding that I would be looked at as being the 'foreigner' and in the minority. Certainly I am in a very very small minority in a nation of a couple billion people of a different descent, language, and culture than the one that is dear and familiar to me.
Just interested in your perspective on this.
Xpat.John:
iluvchina,
Can I ask how long you have lived in China? Also, what part of China do you live in?
I ask these questions, because they will be useful in knowing how to better answer your question.
kchur:
I've answered that question before, luv. Lurk more post less.
Lived and worked in HK for 8 years, traveling in and out of China often during the 8 years.
Have lived in GZ for 8+ months. TIme has gone by so fast. Hard to believe!
Xpat.John:
That would explain a lot. Living in HK & Guangzhou (or any top tier city) can give you a rose colored view when compared to living and working in a smaller tier 2 or tier 3 city. The people you are used to dealing with have a much more cosmopolitan view of the world (comparatively to other Chinese).
Chinese people, in general, can be very straight-forward people when expressing things they believe strongly in. Especially, when they feel challenged or intimidated by someone and think they need to bring that person down a peg or two.
The expat life in China is not for everyone. It is hard for some people to let things roll off their back on a continuous basis. Over time, it can turn happy, cheerful people into cynical and depressed.
Common logic would say that this would be the best sign that it is time to pack the bags and leave China. But, that is often easier said than done. Work, relationships, etc can get in the way of buying that one way ticket out of Dodge.
The golden rule for expats (well... at least for me) is just to let things roll off our back. We do it all the time for our Chinese hosts, but for some reason we have difficulty doing it for our fellow expats.
BTW, welcome to Guangzhou. I love that city.
At the moment, I'd be inclined just to ask "Did you hear what WenJiabao said?? He reckons China will definitely be a democracy soon, and that it needs to rid all the corruption from its government". Let them chew on that little bit for a while
"How do you Americans deal with Chinese who hate you so much?"
In almost 2 years here now, and as an American, I've yet to experience this hate. At least directly to my face anyways