Job Discussion Forums

[psychedelic]

Hi Miyazaki,
I agree with your posting. To the OP,if you can't stand the U.S. so much..THEN LEAVE. That's what the So. Koreans say all the time as I've read whenever a foreigner has even the slightest criticism about their country,people,etc. so now I'm saying the same to you! Go live in China or Myanmar,etc. Yes,there are plenty of problems in the U.S.A...high taxes,pollution,jobs going overseas,over ten million illegals,too much red tape,etc. but there are many positive points as well. Deal with it!

[Imagine8]

[englishmaster]

If you are coming to Taiwan to get away from "ignorant people," I would definitely *not* recommend it. Although the mainland is worse due to less exposure to the west, and North Korea is worst of all because of none, you will find mainly mindless lemmings with no reflective dimension to their minds or intellectual curiosity. For all its notorious illiteracy, America does have a vibrant intelligent minority available online, and the world's largest publishing industry.
Actually, a sojourn out here in the vast oriental mental void might chasten you. You will come to see why liberal social institutions are inventable and sustainable only by westerners, plus the immense difference between educational systems. Don't expect any of your students, irregardless of how many years in cram school, to be able to invent their own discouses, or even have the inclination. The only things that make life liveable out here are western imports or limited copies of them.
There are, on the other hand, quite good reasons for bailing the USA, and you can read more about them at www.escapeartist.com. Just don't leave America because of silly rejection of its supposed unfriendliness or some such whining.

[Toe Save]

[rupert shellgame]

There is some confusion, and I'll try to clear it up since I started the thread.

I gave the impression, I see now, that I am coming to Taiwan to escape American ignorance. That's my fault. It's not the case though. I meant to ask only about what Westerners' views tend to be in Taiwan, and not so much about the Taiwanese themselves. Someone described them as lemmings I think, and this doesn't surprise me a bit for a society saturated with Confucianism (as I understand it).

What I mean about finding a place to live where people are less ignorant, I did not mean Taiwan was that place. I'm just going there to save up some money first. Then who knows where I'll go. As the resident apologists point out here, every country is screwed up in some way--the world, is screwed up. But my hope is to disassociate myself from the U.S. eventually, and take up honest work somewhere else, since honest work is at a premium here. There is enough anti-Americanism (read "rational and understandable anger at the U.S.") as it is--imagine what's coming.

The "hand that feeds..." That just sounds funny to me. Are you a sheep? What are they feeding you in America that you love or need so much?

I could say more, but some of you folks are just proving me right post by post.

[flapjack]

I wouldnt come to TW to get away from america as they copy most of the unlikable americans traits and have loads of their own that are a gordian knot to figure out. Although most TWese are not very politcal about american foreign policy.

If you are truly upset about americas foreign policy and want a different lifestyle and dont like spending most of your money on taxes I would suggest going to Thailand or perhaps Barcelona.

And by the way spending time in bars with expats in any foreign country is not all it is cracked up to be.

[rupert shellgame]

I want to emphasize, once again, that I am not coming to Taiwan to get away from America. I was just curious what the expats are like.

[flapjack]

I suppose that depends on your own personality and who you decide to spend your time with.

[MomCat]

OP, Before you suspect that all expats jump to conclusions by taking phrases out of context and then continue to believe what they have told themselves even after being presented with evidence to the contrary, while at the same time claiming that their hosts are not capable of creative thought, I'd like to try to answer your question.

I've only taught in one city, Hsinchu and I teach adults. Many of my students want to be challenged and many are very capable of critical thinking.

There is no "typical" expat. Some come from countries where their options have been severely limited and have a need to find work elsewhere. Some have came to teach, earn a few bucks, drink a few beers and have a couple of adventures before returning to their home country and their real life. Some have come, fallen in love with the country and/or with a woman and stayed to make this their new home. Some are looking for adventure, others for escape.

You will find religious fanatics, moral reprobates, health and yoga nuts, alcoholics, old folks and kids.

The expat community will probably be more varied and smaller than any community you've been a part of before. Your ability to tolerate and enjoy the company of people with views very different from yours will be to your advantage.

Anyway, that's been my experience.

Good luck to you,
Cat