tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-979406776626253850.post4156298806208568454..comments2024-03-16T04:21:06.187-07:00Comments on cJinL: Examining Asian StereotypesC.Jinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16246233484696302105noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-979406776626253850.post-13475264422166300852015-05-15T15:55:45.514-07:002015-05-15T15:55:45.514-07:00But in many ways you can say the same about Asians...But in many ways you can say the same about Asians have stereotypes about Westerners. Now I have been living in the ROC (Taiwan) for so many years now that I gave up my own nationality and am now a Taiwan citizen.<br /><br />Unfortunately many of the stereotypes are based on some fact. now I can only refer to Taiwan and China where I spend a couple a weeks a month. There is one correct you need to make Taiwan was already modernized and industrialized back in the 70s way before the ROK and the PRC.<br /><br />Drivers.I would have to say drivers in China are a lots worse than drivers in Taiwan, Hong Kong or Singapore. But this is only because in many ways cars are still new toys to mainlanders. Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore have always had private ownership of cars. China it's really only been in the last 25 years in tier one cities like Beijing or Shanghai. In tier two cities in the last 15 years and tire three (plus others) in the last 10 years or less. The other issue is because of corruption in China you don't even need to pass a driving exam. Simply buy it for around 10,000RMB. A bit of what Taiwan was like in the 60s.<br /><br />Asians do not all look alike. There are certain physical characteristics you will find. Those in the south tend to be smaller than those in the north. This has to do with diet and climate more than anything. But they all look different depending on what ethnic group that are from. There are mainlanders in the north in some regions like Yumin County where you will find Chinese with blue eyes and blond hair and for the most part look Northern European. There are also a number of other areas along China's border you will find the same.<br /><br />A funny little anecdote. First I speak Mandarin, including 8 other Chinese dialects. So when I go to China I can use the local dialect that trows people off all the time. On the phone I'm always mistaken as Chinese. When I show up for meetings with people that I've never met their mouth drop open when this 6'2/190/blue eyed/brown hair white guy walks in the door. Which is always very funny. I should mention that I also speak Korean, can't write or read it. But I am speak both South and North Korean. They are the same, but there are a number of differences. But I digress. <br /><br />A few years ago I had to go to Washington DC for a meeting. I flew into JFK. Immigration was very funny. Because I now travel on a Taiwan (ROC) Passport. So I got to the window handed it over. The immigration officer looked at me at the passport. Then at the passport and looked at me. He had a look of bewilderment. And then started with the questions. Are you a citizen of Taiwan? Yes. But your not Asian? Right. How did you get this passport? Well I became a citizen of the Republic of China (Taiwan's official name). I had to produce my drivers license, health card, military service card (yes I did Taiwan military service). <br /><br />Anyway I'll sign using my Chinese name.<br />陳基思<br /><br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com