A Trifle Too Much Skin

12/07/2011

Quite often, I read about or hear others describe the Chinese as a people who possess far more conservative attitude, or at least in comparison to others. In quite a few aspects this is true, or at least in regards to relationships and sexuality. A prime example of this would be that casual dating still doesn't occur on the level that it does back in the states. Rarely will I even see anyone hug or kiss in public, be it a boyfreind or girlfriend or even mothers and children. Sometimes I can't even get a whole class of my senior medical students to say the word "breast", even if it's just so that they'll be able to understand the term "mammogram."

However, to just brand the Chinese people as more conservative in every aspect would be a poor move to make. Simply because they may not do more than hold hands with their sweetheart in public doesn't mean that they don't have any behaviors that would definitley surprise a fair amount of people from my homeland.

Take this for a prominent example of the gulf between our cultural taboos:male shirtlessness in public. Other than the pool, beach or someone's back yard, we probably wouldn't look all too kindly or respectfully upon the average John waltzing down the street, with his gut hanging out and chest hair out in the open for all to lay eyes upon.

At least here in the northeast though, it's a different story. Many a time when the local mean feel a bit warm or stuffy, then without much hesitation they'll casually roll or slide their shirts up halfway, thus giving the whole world a flash of belly for the public's viewing pleasure.

It's definitely a phenomenon that's best described as "common," and incredibly so. On blazing spring or summer days, one need not venture far before coming across one, two, or even a whole pack of men with their shirts tucked up partway, a look that we here now call the "Chinese man-kini." It doesn't stop there, however. For many, it's not enough to flaunt their belly-button in order to feel just a little bit cooler. Many in fact will strip themselves completely from the waist up after a long day, and curiously enough will usually do this in packs of three or more.

All in all, it's just another cultural difference that I can't do much about save except it and strive to adjust to it. Really, it's honestly not bad, but instead just a little odd for a foreign resident like myself.

.....That is, until I see a group of shirtless comrades chowing down a few tables over from me as I try and dine at a local restaurant. When such instantces occur and my vision abruptly becomes obscured by an unexpected sea of sweaty, tanned flesh, then I experience one of those rare moments where I actually become quite thankful that winters here run such long courses.

A Staysniak in Jilin

12/07/2011

A Trifle Too Much Skin

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Geoffrey, aka Jifu

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