Job Discussion Forums

[Mr. Kalgukshi]

I would suggest everyone quickly get back on topic.

One more comment attacking the messenger and not focusing on the message will result in this thread no longer being available and an appropriate sanction.

[jeffinflorida]

My purpose of posting this thread was to remind those of us who live in china that attacks - often unprovoked - happen to those we know. As stated this did not happen to me but to a friend from the Netherlands who happened to be hanging out at the Bar Street where most of the FTs go to meet and drink. And they hit him from behind.

Job related? Certainly is because we need to remind ourselves that we stand out and many chinese are racist and chose a foreigner as an easy target. While I have never been attacked (yet...?) many times my Pretty Chinese Girlfriend has been the target of harsh words - that she wont translate for me but often do upset her - to confrontation by chinese men - and not under the influence of alcohol either - who ask her why she is with me, etc.

Some newbies or those contemplating coming to china should know that dangers do exist and attacks do happen and that they are certainly a target for the anger seething inside so many chinese.

Maybe I am lucky to have never been attacked but is it only a matter of time for all of us???

[Ping Jing]

I agree. Alot of Chinese folk are racist and automatically deem all foreigners easy prey. The rich laowai.

I had a 14 or 13 year old tell me the other day - \"You are a foreigner, so you must be rich.\"

I have a total of 4000 yuan to my name. Maybe 5k if you count my clothes.

Perhaps I should start wearing the same shirt for 3 days in a row. I\'d save alot of money by not shopping.

They all like to shop, but what do they buy? Certainly not clothes.

Even the nice girls wear the same clothes, day in and day out.

PJ

[Anda]

Um, I spent eight and a hlf years in South Korea and had nothing bad happen despite walking around the place at all hours of the night by myself. I have know others however who regualarly got into fights. I had one old man grab me once and ranted on a bit but I did nothing and he just let go. This was in a market place with lots of people around.

I didn't like Indonesia but still never got into a fight but could have easyily. I spent a year and a half in Papua New Guinea and never got into a fight and never looked like getting into one.

Here in China I have had not problem.

I fit in where ever I work and get on with the locals. You can't however show you are scared or you will quickly get into trouble. If you are with a lady then it is best not to hold hands in public or show that you are in love. Let them think you are teacher / student. In Korea and here in China whenever I hold hands with a lady then I get dirty looks but I give twice as much back and they back off. But why risk things happening when you have a lady with you!

I'm just trying to say like some others here that you are just as safe here as back home provided you use common sense.