Home > How They See Us > Archives > 2008 > July > 23 > Entry
Chinese told to muzzle their questions
It’s not unusual for Beijing residents to ask newly arrived foreigners how much they weigh and what their salaries are. Sometimes even those questions are dispensed with as well-meaning Chinese tell strangers that they are too fat or too poor.
One Beijing district government is trying to stamp out such potentially embarrassing exchanges ahead of the Summer Olympics, which begin on Aug 8.
An “Eight don’t asks” campaign instructs city residents not to ask foreigners personal questions about their age, salary, love life, health, income, political views, religious beliefs or personal experiences, the Associated Press reported.
Another poster campaign in the city instructs locals not to give blind foreigners directions like, “It’s over there.”
Instead they are encouraged to say things like, “You are really great” or “You are wonderful,” according to the news agency.
Comments