Something that I continually get to experience during my time here is Racism. Being a North American white male age 30 this is a concept that is completely foreign to me and usually to anyone else in my demographic.
I understand Racism, what it means and know it is something typically born of a lack of education and fear. But having to experience it so suddenly and at a later age provides a unique perspective for me. I am a very tolerant person, I do not judge a person based on their race, colour, creed, background , sex or sexual orientation. But rather on their actions and their character as I witness it first hand.
I now find myself wondering is tolerance a trait we are born with? Is it something we learn from our parents or the society and culture in which we were born? And in turn, is it something we can lose by being immersed in a society and culture that is less tolerant and markedly different than our own? The longer I stay here the more I consider the latter.
Chinese people in general are highly xenophobic and it is to be expected considering the majority are not provided with an education beyond primary or middle school. And China's borders have not been open to foreigners for that long. The government and the education system here also breeds a feeling of superiority even arrogance in the population. As anyone not Chinese is usually viewed as inferior. Which does nothing to help improve racism. I am speaking in generalities of course, as there are always exceptions. I have met many wonderful open minded people here. My girlfriend included, but from my experience they are the exception not the rule.
So I would say that although the society or culture you are in can skew your perspective. It cannot change the person who you are. I have come to realize that I am not becoming less tolerant as a person I am just encountering more instances where it is increasingly difficult to remain tolerant to the individuals involved. It comes down to respect. And I simply cannot tolerate someone who does not respect me.
Pic from: http://www.indybay.org
