The most noticeable thing about being here is how androgynous the people are. I feel like in America there are set gender rules for everyone and if you happen to step outside of them you are ridiculed or accused of leaning towards a particular sexuality. In China, I feel that their gender roles are completely different and perhaps hard to identify. From what I've noticed, there seems less pressure to be a "manly man." Not only do I think a lot of men's fashion here tends to be more feminine but certain mannerisms are more accepted here than in America; for example, crossing legs, singing cutsie pop songs aloud in public areas, physical interaction with fellow male friends, talking about the latest romance comedy, etc. I feel that if boys my age back at home acted like boys my age here it would be surprising if a passing fellow didn't accuse him of being gay. A lot of my male Western friends have said that it's easier to be a man here because they don't feel as much pressure to act like badass all the time and that it's easier to go work out because there isn't a fear of being teased. I like walking down the street and seeing tomboys holding hands with pretty boys - you don't see much of that in America.
Another weird thing I've noticed is artistic food stacking. The three times I've gone to Pizza Hut here (a birthday tradition the international kids have started) the Chinese people stack food into intricate designs at the salad bar. I don't know, it's weird. They take their bowl and place each vegetable one at a time in a particular pattern and the last time I was there, one couple was food stacking for the length of time it took for us to order, wait, and finish our pizza - this is not a lie. I don't know if this will ever be something I'll understand.
When they were done we kind of wanted to ask them to get a picture with it since strangers always want pictures with us.
Anyone in the mood for some Engrish?
Here are my dorm's rules:
