Why are Chinese people so rude?

Question

This applies to most Chinese people old and young. Examples that they are rude are these:

1. Many like to raise their voice, yell or scold you when talking to you. This happens almost wherever I see Chinese people.

2. They like to put you down in your face, or talk negative things about you when your around saying your name out and laugh in their own language.

3. They have starring problems.

4. If you block their way they like manhandling, pushing or knocking you off to the side instead of saying "excuse me" and don't even apologize.

5. When you tell a worker inside a Chinese food market to get you some food behind the counter, and if they drop the food on the ground, they expect you to pay for it and eat it even though its dirty. How discourteous. The least they could do is get you another one.

6. They don't say "Thank You" after you hold the door open for them.

7. Driving habits: Cutting you off. Won't let you cross street as a pedestrian.

Answer 1

These are gross generalizations.

Unless you've somehow managed to interact with every Chinese person in this world, you have absolutely no way of knowing whether or not all, or even most, Chinese are as you have discribed.

I have experienced all of the above with people of many different races, nationalities, cultures, etc...
There is both good and bad among all people, neither of which are determined by race, nationality, culture, etc...

Answer 2

To the many Caucasian who think PRC people are warm hearted and all....it's a totally different experience if you have an Asian face....I have been living here for quite some time, if you have an Asian face and speaks Chinese their attitude is (I would call) rude. If you have Asian face and speaks a foreign language the change in attitude is drastic. If you look foreign (and wow!) that's a whole new level of politeness .....

Answer 3

If your question is in response to a visit to or a stay in China of any length, then I empathize with you and I could do quite a bit to add to your list. These are my observations based on my experience in China which I hope can help to shed some light.

1. Cultural Problems:

China is in the middle of a huge economical leap forward but, unfortunately, this financial progress is not actually having any real effect on the education system which still remains in an abysmal state due mainly to corruption and ignorance in the central government (based on 2 years of experience working in a Chinese university).

Most Chinese families have only one child and as such that one child is treated as if he or she is the only child on earth during their critical development years ("little emperors"), so it's no wonder that many grow up to be adults that have almost no sense of empathy or respect for anyone other than themselves and their immediate family.

These are two of the biggest "problems" that I have observed contributing to the rudeness that you mentioned: bad formal and home education (both possibly stemming from China still not widely accepting psychology as a serious field of study). Of course, there are many highly educated and extremely polite people in China.

2. Cultural differences

As others are so quick to point out (whilst calling you a racist bastard) there are some pretty big cultural differences between China and whichever western country you hail from.

Examples:

Directness is indeed more widely accepted in China and I found incidences of such directness rather offensive at times ("Your clothes are pretty ugly...you're not very strong..."). At this point, it doesn't phase me.

China is filled with 1.5 billion Chinese people and a smattering of foreigners ("laowai"). Depending on where you happen to be, they may have only seen a few foreigners in their life and can't resist watching a rare occurrence like you walking by.

The list of differences could go on.

If you are going to live in China for any period of time, you need to have a good sense of humor and a good reason for being there (studying the language, Kungfu, business...).

The truth is, I have many Chinese friends who would absolutely agree with your complaint. It is a REAL problem that may be a result of China's blind, ***-backwards expansion into oblivion.

Answer 4

I just read your post and must say I'm very amused. It seems that while you've had many experiences with Chinese people, you have had little education as to their culture.

1. Cultural difference.

2. Directness is not considered rude in Eastern cultures.

3. This is also not considered rude in Asian cultures. I have a good Asian friend who did not even realize that this was not normal Western behavior upon his arrival. He thought American people were just very friendly, because they would wave when he stared.

4. In at least one Asian culture, it is not customary to use such wording at all. They do not realize that it is a custom here. After they do realize the difference, they will generally try to put it into practice.

5. Never had that happen, but I suppose it is just a coincidence.

6. Refer to #4.

7. Probably due to confusion, as they may not even understand the street signs.

You will find that if you take the time to get to know Asian people and their customs, they are actually more hard-working and loyal than many American people. To expect them to immediately understand our Western culture is a bit harsh.

Answer 5

It is a different culture.
In China, maybe it would not be rude.
I find it hard to believe, that you have
met that many Chinese people, let
alone rude ones. I bet I have 10 years
on you at least, and I have never met
Chinese people that are that way.
I have only had the experience of meeting
intelligent, helpful and kind Chinese people.

Answer 6

No, however I recognise individuals who do. I recognise from my possess enjoy that the Chinese have an overly top paintings ethic. ~he individual I recognise isn't willing to speak or time waste or engage socially and this ccan come throughout as rudeness

Answer 7

1-7 I think it is unfair to stereotype any group of people.

1-6. I lived with Chinese people 6 years. When I was polite and showed respect, the Chinese did the same with me.

7. Drivers vs pedestrians? Ha! Have you ever been to Casablanca? Crossing the street is like running the bulls in Pampalona.

Answer 8

Well,I'm Chinese.
I couldn't blame you for you are saying,coz I' m experiencing that everyday,and I hate that too.Sometimes I think that's because Chinese population is too huge.
Please forgive those people who are rude to you,because some Americans behave bad too.We have to be lenient

Answer 9

I don't know where you live and how many Chinese people you know. I live in a city of about 60,000 people and it's at least 25% Asian. I've been in Asian markets, Chinese restaurants owned by Chinese families and my son has many Asian friends. I've never experienced any of your experiences. I know some don't say 'thank you' and 'you're welcome' because those aren't part of their language. They smile and bow or jsut bow their heads deeply.

Answer 10

To this fellow with youtube links;
Chinese,The Most Envied Race/Civilization.
I really wonder,WHO envies your race !!!!!

Your statements here - "pure race" , ---- "mongrels (americans), and losers from failed races=civilizations(small countries) envy the pure and almighty Chinese race" --- remind me Adolf's talk.
You know what happened to Adolf ,pal.
Your content is also against the community guidelines.
Too bad nobody's noticing anything here, nobody's reading it if you will,-- again yahoo let the scoundrels like you to print this here.
You must be in on the "mainland" typing this with blessings of your superiors while being watched.

I hope after Asker reads this, will start doing something.
Like monitoring relevant questions.