Job Discussion Forums

[doogsville]

In my three and a half years here I've never experienced anything that felt like racism. I say felt like because I don't speak the language well enough to know exactly what people are saying about me sometimes. I have experienced curiosity that bordered on rudeness, and rudeness itself, but it doesn't bother me that much, unless I'm tired and grumpy anyway. In my forty something years in the UK I have witnessed a lot or racism first hand, so I don't believe it's something that is in any way unique to the Chinese.

As to the paperwork, I have had no problem, nor has anyone I know personally. I guess it's different for every city and province, and may even vary from employer to employer.

China is a huge, huge country, so it's difficult, and not very useful to make generalisations about what anyone will, or will not, experience here. A quick look through just this board will show you that many of us have had different and sometimes conflicting experiences in certain situations.

Come over, check it out, find your niche and stay as long as it's working out for you. One of the great things about living in such a huge and still developing country is that opportunity abounds for those who are willing to seek it and make the most of it. Sure, the playing field is very unbalanced, the Chinese will look after their own, and we will never truly belong here, at least, not in my lifetime. However the people you will meet day to day will often be friendly, accepting and very willing to help you as you adapt.

[BruceLeeWannaBe]

[choudoufu]

[ecubyrd]

@BruceLeeWannabe

I've got a story for you. This one isn't a "there was this one guy" I read or heard about. This one involved me personally.

A couple of years ago a large black Buick was backing towards me and my dog while walking. I assume the guy didn't see us. Anyway I yelled out to get his attention but he didn't stop. So, as his bumper started pushing into me I hit the trunk lid with my fist. The car stopped and a younger man jumped out acting all tough. He grabbed my jacket and was yelling at me. He spoke passable English (found out later he'd lived in Australia) and was telling me that I had to pay for the dent I put in the trunk lid. I disagreed and told him that his father had just hit me with their car. He became infuriated and tried physically intimidating me. By this time, many people had gathered around (some had seen what happened with the car). I refrained from becoming physical. When I tried to leave to go home the guy grabbed me from behind and threw me to the ground. Not only did none of the bystanders jump in to accost me, they actually restrained him. Someone had already called the police.

The police came, and they took us to the station. 2 witnesses came along for questioning as well. The end result was the younger Chinese dude spent all of Chinese New Years in the joint locked up and his father had to pay me 10,000rmb. The police told my wife during the negotiating on penalty/pay that the guy got off lucky...ie that I didn't beat the crap out of him (I'm not small).

So, in conclusion, this is a real life story that is the direct opposite to what you believe to be all Chinese gang up on or are against foreigners. I'd say you have made the best decision for you to stay away if you actually think that is what this country and its people are like.

[Javelin of Radiance]

[Alien1982]

[choudoufu]