I live in Italy, and though I know there are a lot of Chinese people here, I only see them in the chinese restaurant (which by the way is my favourite) , and the chinese shops. I never see them around, I don't know how they are having fun, I don't know themas persons. It seems to me they are keeping a distance from others, and don't let other people in their circle.
What do you think? I'd like to understand their way of thinking.
2006-10-04 01:20:01 · 6 answers · asked by charmed 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
I have quite a few Chinese friends and, believe me, they are as fun loving and open as any Westerner. However these are all well educated, English speaking professionals and so, apart from their appearance, they are just like you or me.
However, the sort of Chinese you describe probably work in service industries (mainly food/restaurants) and therefore do not get out and about when you are socialising. And, unless they are well educated, they will often have language difficulties and therefore find it hard to interact with 'the locals'.
Another possible reason for their apparent lack of interaction is that Chinese people still hold the family (and the group to which they belong) as being very important, in contrast with the cult of individuality of westerners. They also view older people with respect, unlike westerners who, in the main, consider any one over 50 as 'beyond the pale'. Hence there is still a reluctance to mix with the 'big noses' (westerners), among some Chinese people.
However, mainland China is rapidly transforming itself into a sort of 'westerrn style' nation, in terms of consumer demand, educational achievement, advanced manufacturing, financial services, etc., and this will no doubt produce a change in their perceptions of the western way of life. Eventually, you'll probably find yourself socialising with them on a more than casual basis.
One last thing... the Chinese are inveterate gamblers so if you want to see them enjoying themselves go along to your nearest casino. On a visit to the USA I once spent a couple of very amusing (and profitable!) Sundays in Altantic City with a Chinese friend, and the boardwalk casinos were packed with very happy looking Chinese people of all ages.
When you next see a Chinese person, smile and say "Ni hoa ma?" (= How are you doing?) and maybe you'll get into a conversation and find yourself a Chinese friend!
2006-10-04 01:57:48 · answer #1 · answered by avian 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Chinese people are VERY friendly and helpful. What you are seeing are those that are employed by Visa Mills. These companies open businesses, like restaurants, and then employ Chinese immigrants that work to pay of their passport, visa, and transportation fees. It is like indentured service, but without the coercion involved. The Chinese are told not to go out and mingle and to stay in the provided housing. They pretty much go to work and then go home and do nothing else.
This serves two purposes. First, it keeps the Chinese employees away from temptations that might cause them to leave the business before their debt is paid off, although this is unlikely as most of these people have a work ethic that should be the envy of the rest of the world. The second is that it keeps these people away from dangers and pitfalls associated with not knowing the culture, and it allows them time to adapt to it by only dealing with the patrons of the business, instead of the entire culture at one time. The have time to adapt to their new home.
Just talk to these people in the restaurant. You will find them to be wonderful.
2006-10-04 01:27:47 · answer #2 · answered by wizard8100@sbcglobal.net 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, I had one or 2 Chinese girlfriends who desired to be with me 24/7 after the primary week of relationship. Her distantness and her calling you demanding perhaps a signal that shes now not quite into you and needs to get a divorce however isn't courageous adequate to inform you.
2016-08-29 08:08:22 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, I think that Chinese people have another idea of trust and conviviality than Western people. They're not getting involved in people's private lives and don't expect people to do it. Remember that different peoples have different past and Chinese people had a long time of no entertainment and little fun.
2006-10-04 01:27:22 · answer #4 · answered by fabee 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Chinese are ethnocentric.
2006-10-04 01:26:10 · answer #5 · answered by lanisoderberg69 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
thei nature
2006-10-04 01:21:33 · answer #6 · answered by george p 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋