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[–]Tom_Bombadil 2 insightful - 1 fun2 insightful - 0 fun3 insightful - 1 fun -  (1 child)

On a more serious note, I work with chinese engineers at a sister plant in Shenzhen. They make decent money, but a small fraction of what American engineers make. They also live in what amount to dormitories in the building that they work, which includes a cafeteria where food is provided by our employer.

 

I mentioned to a co-worker (Chinese engineer ~27 yrs old) that I had seen a documentary about how 40 million children were raised by their grandparents, as the state would not provide services for their children if they brought children to other provences looking for work.

  He paused for a bit. Then stated that he was raised by his grandma, and didn't really know his parents. He said they left when he was 5. For the first few years they visited him a few times a year, but eventually stopped returning to see him.
He stated this as a casual fact; but then turned and looked me directly in the eye and said, "I'll never leave my children." Almost like a half whispered oath to himself. I was not expecting that reaction; given I was causally mentioning this documentary I'd seen.

 

I have serious doubts about the veracity of the NYT claims of a Chinese American dream. When the engineers live in corporate dorms, it's a crappy dream to strive for. IMO.

[–]Tom_Bombadil 1 insightful - 1 fun1 insightful - 0 fun2 insightful - 1 fun -  (0 children)

On another occasion, I mentioned to the same fellow that I read an article about how there are 55 million single males in China that are doomed to bachelor life, as a consequence of the one child policy. The article was intended to announce that the Chinese govt was preparing to roll out policy changes that were intended to help mitigate the 55 million man bachelor problem.

  He cocked his head to at an angle and looked at me. He was visibly intrigued, as I'm sure he wasn't following the Chinese news from his apt in the US. It's also important to state that I had build up some credibility, as most American coworkers know absolutely nothing of reality in China. It was time to spend some credible capital.

  I told him that national marriage policies were changing, and that in 2018 Chinese women would be allowed to marry two men. The incredulous look on his face as he paused and pondered this revelation was fucking hilarious!!! I couldn't contain my laughter.

  Thought-experiments about the unintended consequences of this rediculous idea are hilarious to me. Imagine if your brother married some gal who already had another husband. The three of them visiting your parents home for holidays. CRINGE...