Mom, Dad, Grandma and I went to Shenzhen for the first time ever today, and it was an... experience. My twinkie self was completely overwhelmed by the massive amounts of people jammed into tiny spaces, the socially acceptable spitting and littering in public areas, and unenforced traffic signals that drivers consider optional.
The Chinese concept of personal space is amazing in that there isn't one. I rode several elevators that would be considered full by western standards, and in most western societies, the people waiting for the elevator would wait for the next car. Not so in China. Each time the doors opened, the people waiting for the elevator would force their way in, luggage and all. In some instances, they would shove aside the elderly and disabled to make room for themselves. For a society that supposedly reveres the elderly, I noticed several instances where frail old people were shoved aside by younger people: in elevators, on escalators and in the mad scramble for seats once train doors open. It was a fascinating study of modern China.
The people in China may look modern, but their outlook feels provincial. The technology is Shenzhen rivals the most modern and advanced cities, there are tons of luxury cars on the streets, and everyone is dressed in the most recent and trendiest fashions. Yet, in more than one instance, I watched in disbelief as someone tossed his garbage to the ground when a public garbage can stood only several feet away. This blatant disregard for the public good and environmental conservation shows a shortsightedness that feels very provincial and ignorant. It was surprising.
As for the squat toilets? Well, I expected those in China.
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