When I was in China for the Chinese New Year, a few things happened:

  1. I once again rubbed noses with the “wonderful” Chinese civility.
  2. My grandma fainted in my parent’s hotel room and had to be hospitalised. It was later discovered that she had lung cancer.
  3. I discovered a new friend - my cousin.
Let’s begin with number 1. It happened as soon as I was getting off the plane from Singapore. [People from the People’s Republic of China will henceforth be termed “mainlanders” so as not to be confused with people of Chinese descent who are now living in other countries.] Mainlanders all about were scrambling to get off their seats and jump off the plane with their hand-carry luggage. It’s even worse on domestic flights. There is a tremendous frenzy when the boarding gate is announced to be open. Thoughts that were going through my head: What’s the hurry man? It’s not like the plane’s going to leave without you. There’s no need to be pushing and shoving, everyone’s assigned seats already. Imagine my distain.

Mainland manners are now legendary and global regard for mainland etiquette is at an all-time low. So, this is the product of your 5000 years of history and culture that you’ve always been bragging about? It is disgusting. It pains me profoundly to be ashamed of my country of birth. That 5000 years of history have only bred barbarism and materialism.

That is why I admire Japanese culture so much. They are so much more refined as a society. During my visit to Tokyo last year, I was impressed when my aunt told me it is considered rude to talk loudly or use the phone while taking public transit. When they take off their coat in a restaurant, they flip it inside out so as not to dirty the chair. I remember thinking to myself – this is civilisation.