Chinese Citizens, Keep Your Dignity

Foreigners arriving in China for the first time have their illusions of shy, courteous, reverent, clean Chinese people violently ripped from their minds by the shouting, pushing, spitting masses in the large cities. While many of us learn to love China despite the constant sensory assault, even the Chinese government has finally identified etiquette education as a serious societal fault.

The high-level attention to the issue was probably spurred by a series of articles in different foreign publications in 2006 reporting on noisy, impatient, Chinese tour groups in Thailand, Singapore, and Europe. This Asia Times Online article is just one that describes the problem in detail, including complaints and even cancellations from host country tourism officials. Of course, the ever-looming Olympics creates both a lot of pressure and a useful tool for local officials to change the People's behavior and present a better face to the world in 2008.

It's hard to have a lot of confidence that any combination of initiatives could change the personality of 1.3 billion people in just one year, but then again, authoritarianism does get some things done that democracy and freedom don't achieve as easily.

Today, I came across a pamphlet entitled, "A Guide to Civilized Behavior." Page 1 covers domestic travel. Page 2 covers Chinese citizens traveling overseas, and it is separated into simple 4-character phrases, just like important texts children are forced to memorize and recite in school. Some of the instructions are striking simply for the fact that they have to be said at all (don't carelessly spit phlegm?); some for their unique peculiarity to China (forcibly taking photos with foreign visitors); and some because they reflect inappropriate behaviors that are absolutely universal (graffiti and vulgar language). Please enjoy/ excuse my rough on-the-fly translation.

CHINESE CITIZENS DOMESTIC TOURISM
Building a civilized, harmonious travel environment will directly benefit every traveler. Becoming a civilized traveler is the responsibility of everyone, please observe the following conventions:
1. Protect sanitation. Don't carelessly spit phlegm or chewing gum; don't litter; don't smoke in non-smoking areas.
2. Observe public order. Don't cause uproar and ruckus; observe order and line up; don't block the way; don't chatter loudly in public areas.
3. Protect the natural environment. Don't trample on green spaces; don't pick flowers or fruits; don't chase, throw things at, or feed animals.
4. Protect cultural and historic sites. Don't scrawl graffiti on historic sites; don't climb on or touch cultural relics; observe regulations about taking pictures.
5. Cherish public facilities. Don't defile and destroy guest rooms; don't damage public facilities; don't steal small items; economize on water and electricity; don't waste food.
6. Respect others' rights. Don't forcibly take photos with foreign visitors; don't sneeze on others; don't spend too long on public facilities; respect the work of servers; respect the customs of all religions and minorities.
7. Take care to treat people courteously. Clothe yourself neatly and appropriately; don't bare your chest or torso in public; give way to the old, young, ill, and disabled; let women go first; don't use vulgar language.
8. Advocate healthy entertainment. Boycott superstitious activities; refuse sex, gambling, and drugs.

CHINESE CITIZENS TRAVELING ABROAD
Citizens of China, traveling overseas, pay attention to etiquette, keep your dignity.
Be particular about sanitation, lovingly protect the environment; wear appropriate clothing, please to not make a ruckus.
Respect the old, love the new, help others to be happy; give women priority, be courteous and yield.
When doing things on a long journey, mind the time; line up orderly, don't jump the line.
Be civilized in your lodging, don't cause damage; eat quietly and don't waste.
Healthy entertainment is good for the body and mind; gambling and sex, steadfastly refuse.
When visiting sites, observe the rules; never violate customs or taboos.
When you encounter difficulty, seek advice from your consulate; journey in a civilized manner, return home safely.