Foreigners still kept at arm's length by Chinese culture
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The Chinese attitude toward "laowai" (foreigners) is not what it used to be. I first visited China in 1995, and then came to live and work in 1998.
The way Chinese react to foreigners has changed dramatically, but at the core we're still outsiders.
On public buses and subways, Chinese used to stand and yield their seats to us. As a "foreign guest," I appreciated this, but also resented this, because the same people wouldn't give their seats to elderly and pregnant Chinese.
Hospitality toward foreigners has fluctuated through history, but today we are almost "normal" in China. We're still a novelty for people wanting to practice English, but most realize we are only human.
I stand on the subway, just like everyone else. In China's small towns, some people still point and stare, but not as intensely as they did a decade ago. Many vendors still try to rip off foreigners, but they're getting more used to our presence, and our ability to bargain.
Some Chinese still befriend foreigners only to get something in return whether it's improved English, investment capital, help going abroad, or a romantic partner. But today we also have more genuine friendships.
Some of my best friends are Chinese. We have mutual trust and respect, and our friendship isn't a front for selfish motives. Foreigners can indeed develop deep, lasting friendship with Chinese people. I've found Chinese to be loyal, long-lasting friends.
But, no matter the level of acceptance or rejection, one fact remains unchanged: We are al-ways outsiders.
"Laowai!" Strolling along China's sidewalks and alleys, we hear it every day. It's slang for "waiguoren" meaning foreigner. For those without Chinese language skills, waiguoren would directly translate "outside-of-the-country-person." It's logical, and should suffice to describe foreigners. But laowai?
A direct translation of this word reflects the true feelings of some Chinese toward foreigners. Lao, a common word meaning old, can also be used to express "old friends." In other words, friends for a long time, or always. The second half of the word means outside. Direct translation: Always outside.
