After observing some of the "touristy" things we did, blended with the discussions we had with agencies and businesses here, several things are apparent. China wishes to share its long history and culture with the world. However, talk to the people specifically, and they are very open about the problems and mistakes made under communist rule. Still, after seeing the Great Wall, the Beijing Wall, and the Xian City Wall, they appear to be attempting to hold the history of these walls, while breaking them down through a society that is more and more open in terms of moving to a market driven system. Also, while here, another suicide (11 in total) at Apple supplier Foxconn occurred. The state reports that the suicide rate for the percent of workers at Foxconn is one fifth the national number. The media is raising questions about the factory culture here in China, with the workplace dorms and young workers hundreds, even thousands of miles from family.
One other observation - while the people are in a high context society, they are still very individualistic and even more forward or aggressive than most would think. Just walk the market, try to stand in a line for anything, or try to cross the street and it becomes clear that they look out for number one. Still, i find in general that customs of tact and respect still exist. These customs, including handing cards, money, passport, gifts and other things with two hands to the other person, or bowing to someone as you are greeted are responded to with great pleasure by our Chinese hosts.
Robby is our new guide and will take us to several points of interest today. Lots written about "Indigenous Innovation, which will go on my next posting...
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