Job Discussion Forums

[hairyrambutan]

I hate people bumping into me. Every day, everywhere. Ostensibly getting in my way on purpose. I can't see it being worse among Chinese than it is among Indonesians.

Population density may have something to do with it.

As far as differing levels of xenophobia go; I am half Indonesian and half British, yet I don't obviously belong to either ethnicity. However, having lived in both of my parents' homelands for considerable stretches, I have developed a strong opinion over which is the better place to live if your appearance doesn't allow you to blend in easily.

[reddrake]

[laughing_magpie06]

hairyrambutan, you said you know which place is worse. Could you let us know the answer?

[hairyrambutan]

Unequivocally - Great Britain.

I lived in the south of England and Scotland and for me the latter was far worse than the former. However, my mother was never able to become a regular member of society in England despite never uttering a word of Indonesian during her time there (meaning she spoke a great deal of English, not that she became a mute) and having no Indonesian friends to cluster with.

Racist slurs were common in both areas.

I don't claim to actually 'know which place is worse', but this is my opinion.

[wailing_imam]

I'd just like to put in a few thoughts regarding teaching in Indonesia and teaching in China.

I spent around two years teaching in both countries. In Indonesia, I lived in Jakarta, and in China I spent time in Shanghai, Suzhou and Jingmen (Hubei).

For a westerner, life in Indonesia is much easier. One can switch off and relax far more easily in Indonesia. China is very stimulating, often too much so, with an excess of noise, humanity and just an overbearing sense of difference which one does not feel in Indonesia.

I had a great time living in Indonesia, but would not do it again. I feel the country is going nowhere, the economy is poor, and there is no real reason to work here (I am in Indonesia now - not for teaching though). I find that there is a very sinister edge to Indonesian life, particularly in rural areas. On the whole, people are pretty peeved to be here, and are desperate for change in a country that is run by goons that have done very little in the way of development.

China is a place that many teachers want to leave as soon as they arrive. Many posters here have expressed a sense of happiness that they are leaving China. The reaction that these people have is so common, a knee jerk, a deep sense of alienation and of being overwhelmed. It passes. I too struggled a lot in my first year there, but China is a country that takes time to adapt to. There is a massive sense of optimism and pride amongst the people, the economy is good, there is a hell of a lot to see, and you can save up loads of dosh there - salaries for those with experience are much better than those on offer in Indonesia. I would go back and teach there, but not for a lengthy contract.

[reddrake]

[hairyrambutan]

[wailing_imam]

I wouldn't say that people genuflect in front of their government in China, but rather worship the holistic idea of 'Chineseness'. The mainland Chinese are staking what they believe to be their rightful place on the world stage, as a massive power, as it was 600 years ago. The Chinese identity, or Han identity, is extremely powerful, and the government are more than happy to promote the myths and ideas. This is a huge country, and like Indonesia, has many languages. The autocracy must find as many ways to bind the people as possible.

However, there are more and more protests occurring in China, with workers standing up for their rights. It's an interesting place to be right now.

[hairyrambutan]

[No Moss]