The curiosity of the Chinese people impresses me the most out of everything I've witnessed here. Nearly every day, a local will strike up conversation with one of us volunteers--testing his English, learning about us (where we come from, what we do), asking how we like China, and, yes, often inquiring about taking a photo as well. I can't tell you how many unflattering photos of sweaty, frizzy-haired, uniform-clad Traci are floating around China, but I don't turn down people who ask for photos. I'm intrigued that I (and all the rest of the Purdue students, obviously) intrigue people here. Some volunteers ask, "What if I went back to the US and started taking pictures of Asians? Wouldn't that be weird?" I agree, but I think context makes the situation here acceptable. Beijingers are curious!! Few caucasians live and visit here, even with the approaching Olympics. Those that do fascinate the locals.
I love their curiosity! As Americans, many of us take for granted the diversity and openness of our country. Both have jaded many of us. Instead of stopping and looking in wonder at the exciting, vibrant world around us, we get caught up wishing for Western toilets or dry laundry or homemade meatloaf (and, wow, do a few of us here want some!). What an opportunity we have here. I bet Beijing students would love to change places with us volunteers, to work in the US and experience the country and its culture and people at a defining moment in US history.
Oh, this means sappy quote time!
"One way to open your eyes is to ask yourself, 'What if I had never seen this before? What if I knew I would never see it again?'"
Rachel Carson
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