Job Discussion Forums

[A.K.A.T.D.N.]

It's pretty easy to get egocentric over here in Asia, and I wonder what some of you have had to face. In Korea I found it easy to get a big head and develop a crass personality towards things, act as if you know it all since you have to be in the forefront all the time, try to explain to the Asians what this and that means. It made me feel like a demi-god in Korea, but here in China, I feel as if they really cut you down to size and make you feel like nothing.

Not that I care. It makes me feel good to see people aren't such Anglo-philes, always wanting to suck up. But the fact that the Chinese are apt to see things in their perspective without deferring to us as guests and hosts to their country in a hospitable way, rather disturbs me. It makes me wonder if something went on here before I came to teach to make me the brunt of their anger. Did we, as Westerners, bring this upon ourselves? Or is this just the Chinese way?

I respect their way, I really do. I think that in some respects it's good. But getting back to what I said about becoming egocentric, I often find it hard to walk down the streets, to state my opinions, to assert my feelings, a little too much here without feeling I'm an egomaniac just here to feed my ego, to be seen as different. I met many in Korea who thought they could do this without any offense to the Koreans or sensitivity to their culture. This "King Mentality" is what the Japanese say gives their students "An English complex." I don't want to feel like I'm intimidating, or dominating these people. But my actions and beliefs are quite often different than theirs, so I don't want to be too servile.

The fact that these people cheat you always keeps you on guard. Their god is money. I think that in a way to be egocentric makes them feel intimidated, as if we're too arrogant. But not wanting to get into negativities, I can't stand the egocentrics I meet who think it's their right to be here and think the natives, and other foreigners who defer to the natives, are of lesser beings.

It's just too easy to become egocentric over here, but than again, it's sometimes needed.

[skunk_booty]

Off he goes again......

[A.K.A.T.D.N.]

[skunk_booty]

now now... No handbags please!

All I can say is.. if its not the ex-pat community you have a problem with.. its the local Chinese. If its not either of them its your own drinking problem that you have seen fit to tell us all about. Your head is in a mess son.. stop embarassing yourself.

Yes, 10 posts since July. I have been reading a lot longer than that... I use this forum for information, not inane rambling.

And just because I am a newbie (which I'm not afraid to admit) doesn't make my opinion any less valid.

Anyway... I've got more useful things to be doing...

[wombat]

skunk_booty has shown more decorum and maturity in his/her 10 posts on this forum than AKATDN has been able to acheive with his 90 odd posts.

AKATDN, you should learn from skunk_booty.

[skunk_booty]

Thank you for your kind words Wombat!

I know I'm probably adding fuel to what seems like an endless fire, but is the irony lost on you AKATDN that you write a post about how its easy to be egocentric in Asia, then later that day write a post called "Mumbles" and earlier this week "THE RING" which were both very egocentric?

Just a thought..........

[A.K.A.T.D.N.]

[wombat]

[logician]