Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large numbers.
Chinese Protestors Turn Violent ugh.
It rained most of the day. When it wasn't raining it was very cloudy, dark, and wet. The moisture just hung in the air. I went out to lunch with Yumi this afternoon to a real nice western style resturant at the bottom of her apartment complex. It was pretty much over-priced western style food. The waiter was really annoying. He just stood at our table and kept on asking what we wanted and saying stuff while we were trying to decide. Hold your horses, garson (sp?). I had spaghetti, which wasn't very good. Yumi had a small pizza with lots of cheese. I think I have started to become lactose intolerant from the lack of dairy products here. I haven't been drinking much milk and eating much cheese, so when I get alot, I feel all bloated or whatever. Its a bummer cause I love cheese. I had also ordered a Ceasar Salad for the both of us...oh wait...i'm sorry...a Caeser Salad. The waiter brought it to us and right away I was all like, "Zhe shi shen ma?" (what's this) The guy was like, "Caeser Salad". Someone must tell them and instruct them on how to make Caeser Salads here. I will describe it. First off, there was no lettuce in the salad at all. Secondly, there were apples and pear chunks in it. Thirdly, there were 1cm^3 fried bread chunks in it. Fourthly, there was no grated cheese or Caesar dressing or vegetables. It was a very bizarre salad. Can anyone tell me what this was because it wasn't a Caesar Salad. While we were there, a chinese guy showed up that Yumi knew. He is one Hirano-san's underlyings. If you don't remember Hirano-san, he is the Japanese head boss of a local company that I met on my Beijing Trip when I met Yumi and Rumi. I have seen him randomly since and he is always very nice. I always tell Yumi to say hello for me because some of her students are taking internships at the company so she sees him weekly. But anyway, Yumi said this underlying reminded her of a Yakuza member (Japanese Mafia gangster). I said, "Why don't you go say 'Hello'?" She giggled a bit and said, "No". She looked at him and realized he was sitting at the table with Hirano-san. So we waved and bowed our heads slightly. We continued on with our meal. Near the end of it, Hirano-san got up to go to el bano and on his return he walked up to me and politely asked permission, "Do you mind if I talk to Yumi for a few moments in Japanese about some important things." I was all like, "Of course." Compelely surprised he asked for permission. Being polite I guess. He crouched down to chat with her. He said a bunch of stuff in Tokyo-Talk and I was like, ok. Basically after he finished, he thanked me and went back to his talbe, this is what he said...
-Something about her students
-He spoke with the Xiaolan Local Government and asked for their protection of Japanese workers staying in the area. Including Yumi and Mayu. The government agreed...(personally I don't give that much weight. One thing you learn is not to believe what anyone says in this country)
-He said that he was just called back into work today and is worried because he had a little too much too drink for lunch. (His face was a little red).
After lunch we all headed out.
I had class with Jack, Daisy, and Violet. Violet was 30 minutes late. She has been coming very late the past couple weeks. I taught them emotions today and a few things to say when you greet people. Violet picked it up right away, thankfully. After class I chatted with Catherine about Vacation days for May Holiday. Turns out it will be May 1-7. But of course what the chinese do is move a day over to Saturday, so I will have a full day on Sat April 30th and then work straight thru the returning weekend of May 13th. Oh well.
I headed out to the gym where I ran for 30 minutes and did some weights. Chinese muscle-heads are just like American muscle-heads, however, they are not as fat and big as American muscle-heads...which is much easier on the eyes and ears. And they don't like to wear shirts which can be just as irritating. "Homer, make sure you wipe your sweat from the machines. Last week I got a nasty rash." -Reinier Wolfcastle
I went back to Yumi's and spent some time with her. She loves Disney movies so I borrowed a couple from Peter and we watched 2 of them. It was a good day to stay in because of the rain.
After watching the movies I checked the internet to see how China fared today with these Japanese protests. See the above link. The riots turned violent. I have no problem with the chinese protesting the Japanese school books, because I think they should protest against them. I agree with the upset attitude over the deletion of history, eventhough I think it should be watered down a bit for children, they shouldn't remove it. So, I agree with that. What irritates me is when protestors start to harass people, preach hatred, and cause damage. "Be Vicious Towards Japanese Devils" and "Japanese Pigs Get Out" Great slogans people. Can they possilbly imagine what would happen if the Japanese actually left? Oh, and, of course, let's discuss the whole thing behind riots and how they only hurt the people causing them and other innocent bystanders...just like the Rodney King riots...the chinese rioters smashed up Japan-style business and other things selling Japanese products, nevermind that the owners were Chinese and local neighborhood owned shops. You are only hurting yourselves, your commmunity, and innocent people. Ignorance. Only hurting themselves. This kind of thing disgusts me.
These protests also reek of government organization. The posting of "march routes" and that the protestors are protesting against the bid for Japanese on the UN Security Council...I don't know of any chinese person not in the Party (i only know a couple party members) that pays attention to politics in any way. There is so much that is held from these people they have no idea whats going on. The only foreign countries most of those I encounter really even know about are America, England and Australia. They know the names of others, but to point them out on a map is impossible. The government is taking advantage of the effectiveness of mob rule and focusing it on Japan. (mind you I still believe they should protest the books, and Japan should take care of this, Yumi feels the same way, but they shouldn't be losing control over it)
The only good that can come out of these protests is if the chinese people stop protesting their misfocused anger and hatred on Japan and start protesting one of the real major reasons for their problems. As the article says, some officials fear that the protestors will start targeting the government on corruption and social/political reforms. I just hope this doesn't lead to another Tiannamen Square. Hey, its possible, I mean, 2 weeks ago if someone told me there would be 20000 chinese protestors egging and throwing stuff at the Japanese embassies and consulates...I would have said, "no way." I have known about this for a while before coming to China, but living in China really hits it home to ya, the Chinese are brought up to hate the Japanese. Its like Peter said, "Chinese people don't grow up, they are cultivated."
Pray for this country.
Headed home. Time for bed.