What is 'reverse cultural shock?'
I have always thought that I would have caught this syndrome. However, when I landed in Shanghai, everything seemed pretty normal to me. For a moment, I thought I was conditioned to live in different part of the world. I could automatically behave like a Chinese or more accurately - Shanghainese. Until I met Nicole (an alumnus now working for BAIN consulting) and she commented that I totally looked like an ABC (American born Chinese): tanned, dressed up differently.
I have to say that I lost my 'bond' with my city. Because I have changed nothing less compared to this city in the past 2 years while not living here. I am still discovering the 'human touch' of this city and trying to find a peaceful land where I can walk around and sit, think and do nothing.
Probably such needs are itself too western to be fulfilled in Shanghai. I really need to re-think about who I am and what is important to me as a person.
I have to say that I lost my 'bond' with my city. Because I have changed nothing less compared to this city in the past 2 years while not living here. I am still discovering the 'human touch' of this city and trying to find a peaceful land where I can walk around and sit, think and do nothing.
Probably such needs are itself too western to be fulfilled in Shanghai. I really need to re-think about who I am and what is important to me as a person.
posted by Jingwei @ 10:06 PM
2 comments
2 Comments:
I know what you mean about being able to sit and think in Shanghai. You go to the parks and all the benches are taken and all the quiet places are filled with couples.
But Shanghai is changing/westernizing/modernizing so fast that it's hard to say how an ABC girl's look would differ nowadays.
PS I'm Shanghainese too! Ok, well, half. =)
hmmmm happened on my return to india as well. after switzerland you suddenly realize the importance of personal space in everyday life (i think in many parts of western europe for that matter). delhi/india didnt offer that to me, yet i was fortunate to have predicted it...at some level i think i yearned for the chaos and feeling of being 'swamped' 24/7. i think im going to enjoy it for some time now:)
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