People in China stare at me in the elevator. I turn my back to them. What else can I do?

Question

I don't speak Chinese & I don't feel comfortable being stared at in elevators. Am I supposed to be culturally sensitive and let some stranger stare at me the whole time? I think I'll bring a newspaper with me and hold it up in front of my face. It'll also save me from having to see them spit in our apartment building elevator. Unfortunately, it won't shield me from the sound of them horking up snot, burping, or snorting like pigs.

Melissa, I'll try that, haha!

Jimmy, takes one to know one. Anyway, you don't know what you're talking about. You probably are mixing up and combining 2 countries in Asia because you don't know anything about any of them except bits and pieces!

It's not impolite to stare here. Or, more accurately, there aren't any rule for politeness here. Most people over 35 are rmenants of the communist rule. They were farmers and never learned manners. After the rise of capitalism, some of these uneducated people rose economically, usually by corrupt methods. Now a lot of them have money, but they are like wild boars. I live here, I know.

Answer 1

Fart on them!!

Start a conversation with them and ask them questions. Even if they speak English, answer the questions yourself. Tell them jokes and laugh like you are crazy. have fun with it!!

Answer 2

I live in Japan and have blonde hair and blue eyes so I get stared at all the time too. It can be very uncomfortable because I know there are alot of foreigners in Japan, so why do they still stare? You'd think they are used to us by now. I have also noticed it tends to be the older Japanese and children, I think the 20-30 something age range don't really care.

I have learned to just not worry about it and go about my business. If I do get really bothered though I just stare back and they usually look away....I know China is different from Japan, but hope it helps.

Answer 3

Well if you don't want to be stared at, just were a shirt with the american flag and a pic of uncle sam on it that reads:

"we are better than you"

before you know it, all the stares will disappear.

Answer 4

I thought the Chinese were very respectful of others...I mean I know they tend to stare at foreigners but it's because we look so different then them. Don't take it personally. but it's hard for me to believe that they go around spitting and snorting for no reason....

Judging by your additional comments...well you're an idiot. That's probably why they stare at you.

Answer 5

I think I'd leave China. Is there a reason why your there? School? just traveling? if it's going to be over soon, I would just grin and bare it. Literally, make an a** out of yourself, they'll stare,but at least they'll have something to stare at.

Answer 6

Staring back and scowling usually does the trick.

Answer 7

When people stare at me I just stare back, right into their eyes. It usually makes them uncomfortable and they'll look away.

Answer 8

Stare at them back or say Hello-they will eventally turn away.

Answer 9

PUt a paper bag over your head.this way you can't see them and they can't stare at you. For the sounds use ear plugs.

Answer 10

Try to communicate in english. If not,commnicate with signs

Answer 11

I THINK THEY ARE ASKING THE SAME QUESTION.THEY FIGURED YOU ARE THE ONE STARING AT THEM AND THEY WERE HAPPY WHEN YOU TURNED AROUND THEY DIDN"T WANT TO LOOK AT YOUR FACE....NEXT TIME SMILE AND BE FRIENDLY THEY MIGH HELP YOU OUT IF THE ELEVATOR FALLS ON THE GROUND....!!!