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Q: Why don't people have any gratitude for migrant workers in China?
Urban Chinese are so quick to denigrate and mock the 'nongmin-ess' of migrant workers, pointing to them as evidence for China still not being a first world, 'civilized' country. I see it all the times and it disgusts me.
Don't they realize these people, who live in abysmally poor conditions, are the ones who built their fancy apartment blocks, highways, bridges, subways, etc.? They're the ones who are actually bringing modernity to China, so why are they victims of such contempt from those with money in China?
People still look down on them because they are poor. Maybe they are particularly upset about it because the migrant workers are everywhere, and they know that if they had been just a little poorer, they would be doing the same thing. They want to feel like they've risen above that, but it's constantly staring them in the face. There is no respect for anyone that they think is below them. I suppose migrant workers also represent old China, a China they wish would disappear. They want a modern China. I don't think these people take the time to consider how China came to be the way it is. It's funny how those who work in offices other than those in their hometown are also migrant workers, but don't consider themselves to be. Don't they go home for New Year's like all the other migrant workers?
A little common courtesy would go a long way here. It gets me extra food at a 快餐.
woody:
I also agree. I go out of my way to thank all those workers who I deal with on a day to day to day basis. Whether that is resturant staff, doorman, cleaning staff, rail workers etc I do not care. I also try to do little things like taking my rubbish and tray at a fast food resturant back to the bin and counter etc or to walk over to a street cleaner if I have some rubish in my hand and give it too them. A lot of people give me an odd look when I do but some close friends have actually changed their behaviour as a result.
Jnusb416:
I think I've rubbed off on some of my friends as well, because they seem to be saying thank you more often...
giadrosich:
Yep. Back home you would get stared at if you didn't throw out your own trash at a fast food place! Here, it's just the opposite! 
