Ancient Myths, Modern Secrets
By: Ruby Wishnietsky
July 16, 2008
Myth 1: The Great Wall of China can be seen from space.
Since arriving in Beijing, I have been trying to sort out the fact from the myth, the past from the present, and the true nature of China from the many facades presented.
However, in turn, I have been trying to help those I meet expand their ideas of the United States. Although one of the major obstacles in this endeavor is the language barrier, it is surprising how much you can learn from a girl who only learned English to more successfully sell fake Gucci bags at the Silk Market, or how difficult it can be to find some common ground with a fellow American you meet in an Ex-pat bar.
Just yesterday, I ran into a Chinese student who was trying to help me communicate with an older couple, but her English and my Mandarin were equally sloppy. Then, I realized she was muttering words in French while trying to think of the English translation, and our communication barrier broke down! Our conversation exploded as we started using a strange mix of French, Mandarin, and English to pass the time on the long subway ride home. I think a large part of sifting through American preconceptions of Chinese culture is just realizing how hard two individuals must work to be understood, and to appreciate that effort.
July 16, 2008
Myth 1: The Great Wall of China can be seen from space.
Since arriving in Beijing, I have been trying to sort out the fact from the myth, the past from the present, and the true nature of China from the many facades presented.
However, in turn, I have been trying to help those I meet expand their ideas of the United States. Although one of the major obstacles in this endeavor is the language barrier, it is surprising how much you can learn from a girl who only learned English to more successfully sell fake Gucci bags at the Silk Market, or how difficult it can be to find some common ground with a fellow American you meet in an Ex-pat bar.
Just yesterday, I ran into a Chinese student who was trying to help me communicate with an older couple, but her English and my Mandarin were equally sloppy. Then, I realized she was muttering words in French while trying to think of the English translation, and our communication barrier broke down! Our conversation exploded as we started using a strange mix of French, Mandarin, and English to pass the time on the long subway ride home. I think a large part of sifting through American preconceptions of Chinese culture is just realizing how hard two individuals must work to be understood, and to appreciate that effort.
Myth 2: Any e-mails or phone conversations criticizing the nation or politics of China will not go through or be disconnected.
What I was told while preparing for my trip to China ran the gammit of "Expect to vomit at least twice a week" to "Everything costs less than a dollar! Will you buy me a Playstation while you're over there?" Now that I'm here, I find myself and my fellow foreigners worrying more about the warnings we brought with us from home than trying to crack open what was wild rumor and what was good advice.
Obviously, what feels like a rumor in my everyday life in China could be cold hard fact to a Chinese citizen. But that is a clear reason to branch out, talk to people you wouldn't normally converse with, and try to get a glimpse of the massive discrepancy of lifestyle between an American in Beijing and a Beijinger. Even if I dig up a "truth" of Chinese life, it's surely not true for everyone in China. Just as when someone asks me about how things are in the United States, I more often than not have to answer that it depends on where you live, who you are, or what you can pay. But some things are easy to answer, and some lies are easy to spot, even when I'm catching them falling out of my own mouth by accident.
Obviously, what feels like a rumor in my everyday life in China could be cold hard fact to a Chinese citizen. But that is a clear reason to branch out, talk to people you wouldn't normally converse with, and try to get a glimpse of the massive discrepancy of lifestyle between an American in Beijing and a Beijinger. Even if I dig up a "truth" of Chinese life, it's surely not true for everyone in China. Just as when someone asks me about how things are in the United States, I more often than not have to answer that it depends on where you live, who you are, or what you can pay. But some things are easy to answer, and some lies are easy to spot, even when I'm catching them falling out of my own mouth by accident.
Myth 3: Americans/Chinese think they are superior to everyone else.
Through my personal observations and investigations, the only conclusion I can come to about how to perceive the Chinese people is that they are all individuals. Even though their culture places huge importance on the community and family and national pride at the expense of individualism, every person has their own perceptions of how they live and how to treat others. The only way to get to know China is to get to know the people one by one. In turn, the only way I can attempt to show the values of the United States is to just share how I live and think with those I meet. I just hope I'm doing our country as much justice as the Chinese do theirs.
You really can't see the Great Wall from space?! Aww. Who knew?!
I'm glad you're discovering new things and it sounds like Beijing is a really interesting and amazing place! :)
<3 Nat