There were lots of talks about China these days, and most of them are true, while others are not entirely correct, all depends on your own experience.
Many topics involve topics between the have and have not class in China. Just to name a few, the fight between people of Hong Kong and the mainlander over eating in the subway incidents, the protest on Italian retailer on favoritism of mainlander with hard cash, in HK vs. the natives. The stampede on the April release of I-pad end up in closing the stop and stop the sales, to Broadways show about doing business in China in NY. Almost everyday, there were news about China in the broadcast or on the web twitter that goes on and on, some times it get overwhelm. I do not ready them, but my mailbox is no less fill up of links and forwarded articles from friends and family. Now you know who you are…
Most western nations think the Nuevo rich Chinese are hunger for materialistic things, they seems to be not too sophisticated, and buy anything with the label and use and wear them when and whatever they like. There were malls cater specific to their taste (Glamour’s and the junky) all over China. That is certainly true in many aspects. You don’t have to join the party either.
However, their behavior is certainly no different than ours in our own culture in the US. In the 70’s when the rest of the country was in recession, and everyone wanted to move south to rich Texas for jobs, they encounter the rich, loud, unsophisticated, cowboy outfitted, big blond, hearty meat eater but cash loaded Texans, we put a label on them as well. Are these Texans unsophisticated? You can stay that just like at that oversize ring and the long fingernail. Yet how can you judge the by only their behavior, it is just the culture of the south. Perhaps you may think the deep tan cosmetic recreated California more sophisticated? Never the less that is entirely yours to decide.
As for the Chinese
Dig a little deeper why this is phenomenon happened
1. For starter, being a one-child society, most of the younger generation in China grew up showered with gifts and attention by their parents. They were pampered according their parents social means. What ever they asked for they usually gets. They bare no responsibilities force upon them, no need to share anything with siblings or extended families.
2. They saw their parents lived a life of changes; from sharing a TV with the village to an open society they can acquire anything with cash. The temptation to own everything is far greater the logic.
3. They also fail to grasps the concept that merchandise changes every season or month. The cycle of purchasing will never end. The rate of pushing new products is much faster pace than in any western society. Therefore they got caught in that circle of continue longing for the latest and the newest.
These are just some of the few factors that contribute to their buying. As for label conscious that is because in Chinese society showing off you have expensive goods means your family is well taking care of. Instead of the kind of show attitude in the western society, therefore the more expensive the label, the more they sell. Anything foreign is consider better quality, and in “most cases” it is true.
As long as China continues her path to prosperity, it does not seem to be a problem. Although the Chinese income, in the average compare to our own were rather low, cost of living is very reasonable. Most of the young and unmarried lives with their parents, therefore there is no apt rental cost, lunch is often left overs, average individuals do not have a car, their entire salary earned is for their own disposal. As ¬¬ saving goes there is no reason to, if they wanted to get marry or perhaps their parent wanted them to. They usually flip the bills. A dream, may be next time around you can select to be born Chinese, in China. : )
Therefore they have disposal income much more than any of us. Their buying powers are amazing, and it is an all cash society. Forget about your credit card. It is not welcome here.
They buy anything, shoes, cloth, watches electronics, games, music etc. Buying make them feel accomplished rather than show off. It makes them feel good. I am not sure if they even know what materialistic means.
They also love to eat. Not like us, going out to have a good meal in a nice place. Although the principles are the same, fill the stomach an find something that tastes great. For them however is more like going to a place to hang out socializing, food is secondly. Think again, they have no one at home to hang out with but their parents. Going to dinner is just an excuse for an escape from the planet of the “Parents”
What about saving for travel to experience the world? That is entirely difference story. I learn from my friends that in China, you have to provide proof that you have a reason to return before a visa will grant; (like having property or married). That is also the case for a foreign entry visa. The country you wanted to visit wanted to make sure you will leave, it is not as simple as get the round trip book a hotel and go. Still wanted to become Chinese? Plus for those that stock your parent in old folks home, there is a disgrace to do that to your parents. They are your responsibility when they get older. It is only fair isn’t it? Who’s been changing your stinky diaper for years? “Nanny”?
Sorry, you are not I, I have one.
This only my own experience, I am sure there are many more. You are welcome to make your own. I may not entirely correct, but it is my observation and lone encounter.
Chance Encounter Shanghai_ Spring
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