The Chinese have nearly unbounded eagerness. This is an advantage when you are trying to build something -from the Great Wall to a highspeed train- or if you need directions. People will go way out of their way to help us: from closing shops so they can walk us near our destinations to calling their English-speaking friends to understand our requests. As individuals the Chinese people are VERY nice to us everywhere we go.
However, mix this eagerness into a large group and CRAZY things happen. Previously polite and friendly people will elbow you in the ribs as they push past. Old women will race each other down a gangplank to a boat that’s not leaving until it’s full. People pack in so densely they move as one body to board a ferry with assigned seats. It’s ridiculous, hilarious, and sometimes infuriating. We’ve mostly learned when we need to join in the melee or get left, and when we can sit and watch. By the time we were done with the Expo, I was pretty done with China and it’s 1.3 Billion pushy-people, but was again amused moments later while boarding a ferry nearby. See the following video of the next passengers starting the boarding process taken as we disembarked. Keep in mind that they’ve already been sectioned into a group that will not overfill the boat, it’s an 8 minute ride crossing the river, there is a steady stream of free boats, and they’re not giving away free stuff on the boat or the far side. The exuberance is boggling. My parents were wondering if we were just missing the point – perhaps there IS a prize for being first (cookies?), but it must be very secret, because the man who achieved this lofty goal seemed to get nothing more than his choice of seats (which didn’t appear to be a special choice) and a smug look of self-satisfaction.
Go Go Go! from Jesse Knight on Vimeo.
I will say that the attitude is infectious. When you’re immersed in a sea of anxious people, you want to join them, to be running with them down the ramp and onto the boat with reckless abandon. Perhaps you’re missing something? or someone will get left? Are there dogs nipping at the people in the back? Fortunately most Asians are small enough that I don’t fear a personal trampling, and the larger ones don’t tend be as aggressive.
#1 written by El Viejo June 12th, 2010 at 06:15
We really enjoy your comments, insights, and pictures. You are all such good communicators.
(Jean) and Coyne
#2 written by Karen Vixie June 21st, 2010 at 01:44
Great comments on crowd mentality. I love how you can see the good in the people and also step back and not be offended by them.
Jesse has been given a true gift of helping people feel loved and special. I would love to tour china with you.