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Story time: the man with the status symbol

momogrowPosted for Everyone to comment on, 5 years ago2 min read


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Many years ago, I visited China with my husband. Well to be precise it was January of 2001. I spent 2 months in this vast country. I found it overwhelming in some ways and in some places - it was a learning experience. One realizes that indeed there are many people in this country and that there is a stark cultural difference. It meant many things: amongst them was the fact that there is a different understanding about ones so-called personal space. I got used to that as we travelled frequently via there very efficient public transport.

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One evening in a remote town – we needed to find a restaurant. It became customary for us to be armed with our picture book, then start our search. This was essential and a necessity, since we did not dare to speak the few words of mandarin that we learnt. One word could have several meanings. We were afraid to insult anyone or make fools of ourselves. A well-dressed Chinese man in pinned striped suit, brief case in one hand and toilet paper - 12 rolls - in another hand - approached us. He stood quite closely and asked politely - in his best English whether he could join us for a drink to practice speaking in English. Delighted to mingle with locals – we said yes immediately – we could put our trusty picture book away.

We chose a restaurant and sat down. He began to tell us about Japanese people – he called them ugly. I asked why - his response was "It is obvious!" We did not understand - no comments. We listened. We then dared to ask him about the toilet paper as he held the bag while seated. He then said proudly, “Many people in this town cannot afford toilet paper, it is a status symbol.”

That was 2001: an indelible impression was made on us both. I would love to visit again to see whether things have changed in that town.
I have looked at toilet paper differently ever since then.

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