From Communist to Consumerists

Everyone knows China's economy is growing but my reaction to this fact is both positive and negative. It's great that over 1 billion people will have the chance to earn a decent wage.  It's wonderful that this country will have peace from war and military occupation.  Even better, China's growing international presence will grant Chinese citizens the privilege of traveling abroad freely without being denied visas for fear of espionage or illegal stay.

 

What scares me is the alarming rate at which China is growing and the scramble for jobs, homes, schools, and status that many Chinese have embarked on. Across the street from my office building on Shanghai's Nanjing Road is this monstrosity of a Louis Vuitton marketing campaign. [See picture below] 

 

 

 

I can not help but think, this ostentatious eyesore would have been the laughing stock and criticism of many if put in any other city---like New York for example. Who do the people at LV think they are?! Well in China, they are pretty much the cool kids table in a high school cafeteria. Everyone wants to be branded by them because it will mean that they have 'arrived.'  This goes the same for other leading luxury brand names, I just used LV as an example because they staged their campaign in my path.

If it were any other country's materialistic culture, I don't think I would be as worried. But China represents a lot of the world population---roughly 20%. So will China's rise be for the better or worse of our future? Have we created a monster in pushing China to become more capitalistic and less communistic?  I admit my inner doomsayer is craving to read up on the latest of these issues during my time off over Spring Festival. I hope you other doomsayers out there will do the same.  Here are my recommendations with content-appropriate titles that will send chills down your spine...

 

Johnathan Watts', When a Billion Chinese Jump: How China Will Save Mankind---or Destroy It

Karl Gerth, As China Goes, So Goes the World: How Chinese Consumers are Transforming Everything

Martin Jacques, When China Rules the World:The End of the Western World and the Birth of a New Global Order

The Elderly Elf

This old man sat next to me the other day on my morning commute and he had the cutest little ear warmers on attached to his iPod headphones. I don't know if they were homemade or store bought because I haven't yet seen these around.  I love how he also happened to be color coordinated with his outfit whether he meant it or not. We got off at the same stop and I totally went paparazzi on him.

Little Things That Matter

In honor of the new year and 01.11.11, I am listing 11 of the top things I hate + love about my new city of Shanghai. It's a bit lengthy but hope you enjoy. Here goes...


11 Things I Hate !!

11. Cigarette Smoke (Air Pollution)
I have a fairly high tolerance for cigarette smoke. I have sat through endless smoke-filled dinners and outings with friends.  I also agree that it destresses and goes well with an afternoon coffee or late night drink.  After awhile you do forget the smoke is there, but what I can't stand is smelling like it afterward---especially my hair! These days I've begun to notice that I will smell like smoke even if I haven't gone to a restaurant or bar. Cigarette smoke is just everywhere: from the guy at the bus stop, to the couple walking in front of me on the sidewalk, to the poor sap in the stairwell at work trying to take a warm cigarette break. My hair soaks it all up.  This on top of the exhaust fumes that permeate Shanghai's air on bad days is enough to give a girl lung cancer by association.


10. Silent Vespas (Crazy Traffic)
Never have I felt so neglected as I have being a pedestrian in Shanghai. Automobiles just don't care about you! I swear those damn Vespas or as they call them here: Motorcars and Motorbikes, turn off the engine and coast to save gas. They're SILENT and they're fast. Then there's the bus that really will leave while you're half on or off if you're not quick enough. I've already had it happen a few times and the driver gives you the annoyed look like you purposely tried to get stuck in the door.

 9. No Central Heating ( Crappy Insulation)
There are a million gadgets here to keep warm from a space heater to an electric blanket to heat lamps in the shower. One wonders why we wouldn't just spend that money and energy in to installing central heating.


8. Watered-Down Cocktails
Stick with beer or wine if you go out in China or even Hong Kong. The drinks are mostly mixers. 


7. Squat Toilets ( Bad Plumbing)
For all the glitz and glamor that Shanghai is obsessed with---it all goes away when you walk in to the bathroom and there's a squat toilet. Plus, I really like to flush my toilet paper.


6. Traditional Ideas
Most young people don't move out until they're married.  "Fuerdi" or children of the nouveau rich let their parents determine future spouses in order to protect their inheritance.  Most people I meet diligently put their savings towards that house or car  rather than broadening their minds through a new activity, travel, or continuing education.

5. Passiveness + Obedience

The Chinese are a cunning bunch, but sometimes they can also be a bit like robots.  Maybe it's instilled in them at a young age from authoritarian administration, or maybe they feel that they are powerless to change the status quo. 


4. No Concept of Privacy 
Bless those ladies at the bank that feel they are helping when they hover while I withdraw my money. Then there's also the store clerk that won't leave me alone. There is no such thing as "I've got it" in this middle kingdom.

3. No Concept of Personal Space
I'll admit it. I can't stand strangers touching me, bumping me, and especially leaning on me. Rush hour is not fun in Shanghai when you're literally butt to butt with the person behind you and they don't seem to mind whatsoever...

2. No Concept of Normal Safety Standards
You should really wear a helmet and your child needs a car seat...especially on the Vespa.


1. Rules Aren't Enforced (Laissez-Faire Attitude)
Expect nothing. No guarantees. No standards. What you get is what you get.


11 Things I Love !!


11. Good Cheap Food
The food is fresh, good, and varied. Delivery is free, but your plastic bag is not!  


10. Cheap Labor
Overpopulation means a fight for jobs which can be as specialized as bespoke clothes or furniture to as basic as a cleaning lady, that cooks, grocery shops and does laundry.  If there's a need, someone will do it!


9. Paying my bills at the convenience store 
Perfect for a procrastinator like me, or someone that doesn't have a Chinese bank account yet.


8. Cell Phone Service Everywhere
The elevator, the subway, you name it---there's service.


7. Being Part of the Majority
No more "ni hao" or "konichiwa" cat calls.  Buying make up is a breeze and I don't worry about who cuts my hair.


6. Super Modern Transportation
One refillable transportation pass is usable on all metro lines, buses, and taxis.  There are TVs everywhere to lighten up that boring commute. The Maglev will get you to the airport in 8 minutes! 


5. Chinese Humor
Those crazy Chinese! They're just a quirky, goofy bunch. 

4. Chinese Hospitality
Splitting the bill doesn't exist here and very few things are considered inconveniences among friends. China is a collective society.  What comes around goes around.

3. Cheap Fake DVDs & Free Downloads
Watch anything, even if it's still in the theaters for about 7 RMB ($1.06) or less. Download all the music and pirated software you want. Who cares? China doesn't. 

2. The Emerging Contemporary Art Scene
The market and talent are here. Foreign investment has started to trickle in; the government just needs to lighten up a bit. Beijing is still the major arty city here, but if in Shanghai visit the studios in former opium dens at 696 Weihai Road or at the old silk factory at M50.


1. Rules Aren't Enforced (Lassiez Faire )Attitude
China is still a developing nation. They haven't gotten around to establishing standards for everything yet--so for the most part people just wing it. Everything is negotiable and there's a 50:50 chance things will go your way with a little persuasion.