Amiram Hayardeny's My China Experience

A Plea

Let me describe a situation which unfolded at the Third Ring Road branch of Carrefour supermarket in Beijing just a few days ago.  I was standing at the checkout line at this gigantic European supermarket preceded by a large cart loaded with foods and other goods.  My weekly shopping for the family.  Living in Beijing, we have found Carrefour to be the closest to what we were used to at home.  With some exceptions, of course, but still, the wide variety of products, the relatively easy access, and even English speaking employees.  As the person at the cashier was checking out the items, I noticed that a conversation had developed between the guy checking out my stuff, and the next one.  At first I thought it was rude, and unprofessional, not giving his entire attention to me, the customer, but I thought nothing of it.  Until I started to get some words, half sentences, and the general attitude of that conversation.

The two young checkout cashiers were bluntly and loudly, making fun of me, my shopping habits, the amounts of stuff that I had in my cart (we are entertaining a large family this weekend).  I couldn't believe it.  It was beyond rude.  It was taking rudeness to the point where it could potentially affect the business for which these guys were working for.  It is unacceptable by all means, and everywhere.  China is not exception, nor should it be.

I have to say that this wasn't an isolated incident.  It's actually quite common.  People would comment on size, looks, appearance, my child rearing skills.  They will do it to my face and they would do it loud, and laugh in the process.

So here's the deal: some foreigners DO speak Chinese, and the ones who have been here for years, even if they can't speak the language fluently, they certainly can make the topic of conversation, and the body language.  It's rude and inconsiderate.  It hurts people and it hurts business.  It's not in your best interest, your employer's best interest or your country's best interest.  But first and foremost, just put yourself instead.  How would you feel if someone commented about you in a public place?

In a few months time, thousands of foreigners will converge on Beijing for the 2008 Olympic Games.  They will undoubtedly appreciate the Chinese sportsmanship, the amazing accomplishments in building and rebuilding China.  They will be awed at the site of the Bird's Next National Stadium.  They will expect to be respected.  Making fun of foreigners who can't speak the language is not an acceptable behavior.  It's offensive and rude.

Posted at 04:02PM Jan 20, 2008 by Amiram Hayardeny in Personal  |  Comments[2]