Simon at Simon World has a great post of editorials from SCMP on racism that exists in HK and Chiner society.
"Most people find cross-cultural relationships difficult. Usually in the beginning they are happy. But once they start to understand each other they realise they cannot accept the differences. There's not much magic left when you watch him cut his toenails," he said. "The clients who ask for westerners mostly want to emigrate to places like North America. But now it is very easy to do it on your own - through business connections or relatives. As a result only about 3 to 4 per cent of our clients now request to meet westerners."
Tai-tai is always quick to remind me of the intentions of many a Chiner girl. Yeah...she's got a bit of a jealous streak...but, it is so incredibly obvious as to why most girls want to date/marry a gweilo. Money...passport.
But, as the article states above, it is so much easier for people both in HK and in Chiner to emigrate without going to the trouble of destroying a marriage and stealing a gweilo from his family.
I call them 'party favors.' Local girls that show up with the homely gweilo...the sort of guy that wouldn't be able to date the pig farmers daughter at home, actually gets to date the pig farmers daughter here. He lavishes the young lady with all sorts of money and promises...while she returns the favor with attention and 'love.' The girls are dressed provacatively and stand out in a crowd...like a person at the new years party with the cone paper hat and noise blower...party favor.
Many friends have married local ladies...and the marriages have lasted long. Most married when they were single...and for the most part, most married for love.
Taking a trip to the consulate for a passport renewal or something simple, exposes you to the stories of men that are desperate to get their new 'girlfriend' a visa to the USA, while they await their divorce papers to arrive. Sick and sad. As many of the success stories I mentioned above...there are just as many of these stories to counter them.
I will probably endure the wrath of those out there that disagree...but, I will stick with my tai-tai and little family we have worked to establish for the past 20 years. Nothing's going to come between that...
As for the racism portion of this, as Simon notes...
A healthy sign of a mature, mutliracial society is where the colour of the skin of a local starlet's boyfriend isn't newsworthy.
Indeed. Hong Kong has changed since the handover. It is hard to pin a finger on it...but this editorial helps a bit.
Comments