Job Discussion Forums

A man called Roger · Joined: 04 Nov 2009 Posts: 96

If you really did get beaten up by gate guards - for doing almost nothing - then for reason, think in terms of unpleasant encounters with others, and the guards being hired to do the beatings!!!!!!!

In China, if face has been slighted, its tradition to pay an underling to do the nasty work - and in a lot of businesses if the boss wants hired thugs they go no further than their security staff. I suppose it doesn't stretch imaginations too much to think of a really peeved school administrator, or even a richer student with plenty of guanxi would have the means to get a guard to beat up an FT.

Jobs are hard to get and gate guards, who are 10 to the dime, usually come from outside the city - it would take a major issue for then to let fly at student of Ft - because of a personal issue.

mat chen · Joined: 01 Nov 2009 Posts: 494 Location: xiangtan hunan

Really the poster's story doesn't make sense to me other than it is planter here to create a bad feeling about working in schools in China.

The Ever-changing Cleric · Joined: 19 Feb 2009 Posts: 1523

cmknight · Joined: 29 Apr 2004 Posts: 38

kev7161 · Joined: 06 Feb 2004 Posts: 5880 Location: Suzhou, China

I'm not sure if anyone is saying one must be FRIENDS with security guards, rather being on friendly terms with the ones at your school gate or apartment complex couldn't hurt when it comes for them looking out for you as they do the other teachers or residents. Heck, I go shopping across town at this little import store that's located within a gated community. Not that I was expecting any problems entering or exiting the gate, but I still smile and say "ni hao" to the guard on duty because a) I like to be polite when possible and b) better safe than sorry. I've always gotten a smile back and that was that.

The guards at my last living place accepted packages for me, came to my apartment when I couldn't figure out the circuit breaker or gas meter and, yes, always had a friendly smile or greeting for me. My most recent place (before I returned to USA) wasn't gated, but still plenty of security around. One was quite talkative and friendly and we stood around and chatted (the best we could) when I had the time. It's not a hardship to be friendly with people around you, esp. those that have it harder than you (long hours, standing outside in extreme weather conditions, etc.).

Not ALL security guards or other Chinese people can be lumped into one group. It's too bad the OP had his experience, but I don't feel it's a widespread standard.

A man called Roger · Joined: 04 Nov 2009 Posts: 96

mrwslee003 · Joined: 14 Nov 2009 Posts: 190

"Different strokes for different folks." and in Chinese there is a saying
that says "One kind of rice feeds 100 kinds of people."

Some of us wouldn't mind saying "hi" or "ni hao" to anyone- our neighbours, guards, even show sympathy to a beggar with a few fen.
Others, they only want to rub elbos with the high and mighty-the presidents, the stars, the millionaires.....

Is that wrong? No, especially if you live in a free country like our home and native land.

However, I would prefer the former to be my kid's teacher.