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Hey friends, why do mainland Chinese have bad manners? When Chinese people travel abroad, a lot of them act like they are still in China. People in other countries are rightfully upset about Chinese tourists cutting in line, spitting on sidewalks, shouting in public, literally vandalizing—like they own the place.
Some viewers warned me that I shouldn't talk smack about my people. Hey, I don't have a tribal mindset. Tribal mindset, for example, in my mother's eyes, as long as it's her side of the family, they are always in the right; whatever they do is considered morally correct. I don't have that; I actually hate that kind of tribal mindset. It is what it is. Let's just be honest: if anyone calls me a traitor, you just proved you are weak; you don't have the courage to face some facts.
Now, back to Chinese tourists. Those uncivil actions make others uncomfortable. Many countries' businesses are like, "We don't like Chinese people; we only like their money." That's sad. Many would say, "Well, there are 1.4 billion people in China; of course, there are some bad apples." True, but why don't Indian people have that kind of reputation? They have 1.3 billion people, too. Here's my take; you're welcome to share yours in the comments below.
All these behaviors can be traced back to the lack of respect for others within Chinese society as a whole. For example: "You are gay? Weirdo! You shower in the morning? Normal people shower before they go to bed at night! You haven't joined the Chinese Communist Party? You better hurry! Never attended college? Uneducated!" Many Chinese don't even show respect to their fellow countrymen, let alone respect the customs and rules of other countries when traveling abroad.
I can imagine that excuse and attitude: "Cut in line? I'm in a hurry! Speak loudly? I'm a loud person naturally! Damage cultural landmarks? Well, not ours! Not flushing the toilet? I forgot! Rout to service stuff? They kept me waiting for too long—10 minutes!"
From my experience with Chinese people, including my family and relatives, I know how difficult it is to improve basic social manners. For example, my mom: she once went to a neighbor's house and said condescendingly, "The air is so stuffy; have you ever opened the window?" At my cousin's house, she asked, "When was the last time you dusted your TV stand?" "Ten years ago!" At home, she was constantly mad at my dad: "I'm sick of your ugly face!" She complained about my cooking and housekeeping skills at my house. She doesn't recognize everybody is unique with their own strengths and weaknesses.
In schools, Chinese teachers don't teach courtesy, compassion, empathy. Nope. Teachers don't say, "Respect everyone, no matter who they are." No, respect is like VIP seating; it's reserved for straight-A students. If your grades are low, you are getting roasted in front of the whole class. And the Chinese education system is not about raising good people, decent human beings; it's about raising straight-A robots. Their big dream isn't, "My kid is a kind person," no, it's, "My kid is going to crush that test and get into Beijing University." What's empathy going to do? Get my son a scholarship?
Having lived abroad for many years, I've learned to respect others, to be mindful of their feelings, and avoid causing unnecessary trouble. Unfortunately, in China, respect isn't a priority.
Hey, thanks for watching. I'll see you next time.