Foreigner moving to China: what no to do?

Foreigner moving to China: what no to do?
Sep 13, 2007 23:23
AL32 Points: Join Date: Sep 11, 2007 Status: offline	Hi there everyone, this is my first post here, so bear with me plesae. In a couple weeks, I will move to China and tackle the exciting challenge of teaching English to young kids between the ages of 7 -12. Now, my question is the following: what is better to avoid while in China? OK, I will try to explain: what would be general behaviors that would either not be appropriate or even illegal in China that would otherwise be tolerated in Western countries? Here's one example to come to my mind: pornography seems to be a big no-no in PRC. OK, here I will add that this is an EXAMPLE and I'm not talking of my personal interest or experience... Furthermore, in N. America adult magazines are sold everywhere and one 'could' think of quietly reading such publication without the chance of getting sent in jail.... I just read in another thread that tatoos (I don't have any BTW..nor Playboy magazine for that matter..) might draw Chinese police attention to the bearer...I don't know the level of gravity that this is though. And it kind of surprises me because last year I was constantly harrassed in the Dongmen streets of Shenzhen by women with plastic covered sheets showing pictures of tatoos... So any other ideas on behaviors, attitudes, possesions (and so) to avoid that you think might be either good or critical for me to be aware of before I move in the country? And please, spare me the obvious like running naked in the streets or stealing policeman's hat.... ;-P Thanks in advance for your precious advice / AL

Sep 13, 2007 23:23

AL32
Points:
Join Date: Sep 11, 2007
Status: offline

Hi there everyone, this is my first post here, so bear with me plesae.

In a couple weeks, I will move to China and tackle the exciting challenge of teaching English to young kids between the ages of 7 -12.

Now, my question is the following: what is better to avoid while in China? OK, I will try to explain: what would be general behaviors that would either not be appropriate or even illegal in China that would otherwise be tolerated in Western countries?

Here's one example to come to my mind: pornography seems to be a big no-no in PRC. OK, here I will add that this is an EXAMPLE and I'm not talking of my personal interest or experience... Furthermore, in N. America adult magazines are sold everywhere and one 'could' think of quietly reading such publication without the chance of getting sent in jail....

I just read in another thread that tatoos (I don't have any BTW..nor Playboy magazine for that matter..) might draw Chinese police attention to the bearer...I don't know the level of gravity that this is though. And it kind of surprises me because last year I was constantly harrassed in the Dongmen streets of Shenzhen by women with plastic covered sheets showing pictures of tatoos...

So any other ideas on behaviors, attitudes, possesions (and so) to avoid that you think might be either good or critical for me to be aware of before I move in the country?

And please, spare me the obvious like running naked in the streets or stealing policeman's hat.... ;-P

Thanks in advance for your precious advice

/ AL

Sep 14, 2007 08:33

JABAROOTOO
Points:
Join Date: Jul 4, 2005
Status: Offline

Hi Al,
Just behave like a normal average citizen and try not to attract attention by doing those obviously stupid things that you mentioned above. You'll quickly learn what is not so acceptable but most Chinese are gracious enough to give you loads of space to continue if you are too insensitve to notice you have been offensive.

Tatoos can be had almost everywhere in the country.
Enjoy your stay here.

Sep 14, 2007 23:00

AL32
Points:
Join Date: Sep 11, 2007
Status: Offline

Thanks Jaba,

I guess that the lesson of the day is to 'go with the flow' and merge with the crowd; mind your own quiet business and no one will bother you.

Good to hear that the population is tolerant in general; but still, it might not be obvious to a foreigner at first to realize that he's "testing" their tolerance. Also it might not be that easy to merge with the crowd when I sometimes feel like even when going 'low profile', people look at me like I'm a superstar or something... But that I can work with and on; I mean, once the locals of my area in town know me (and they will), I will become just like a ghost (or one of their drinking buddy ;-P ).

Cheers!

/ AL

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