Cultural Differences

Hi Guys, Just walking around the streets of Beijing and meeting the common Chinese person has been very interesting for me.  Some of the younger people will come up to me to try out their English language skills.  One of their opening lines for me has been:  "You are very fat!" They say that not trying to be mean.  It is simply matter of fact.  I'm only 8.5 weeks out right now.  And, although I have lost a lot of weight, I am still rather large by Chinese standards.  Just under 300, if the scale is right in my hotel. Also, I am not a overly sensitive person.  So their remarks didn't get to me.  But if someone on the streets of the US walked up to me and said the same thing, I would consider telling them where to go. I have also received a lot of gratitudious advice about health eating.

Jim, That brought back memories. I'm 6'5". They always thought I was a giant.  Your right to just laugh it off, and realize it's a different culture. They don't mean anything by it. Another tip, don't ask what they're feeding you. Sometimes it's better not to know.  Enjoy your trip. DD

Would it be helpful to reply "You are very short!"? Probably not. Stiff upper lip there Jim.

I guess it would not improve Chinese/ American relations for you to respond with, "Thank you for stating the obvious. However, tommorrow I will be a little lighter and you will still be (insert disparaging comment here)..."

That's a hoot!  Whenever I have worked around a lot of Asian people (especially those born outside the US) they have always has plenty of comments about my size!  I have had some fun conversations about it.  It can be somewhat awe-inspiring to people, I think.  Sometimes I've just felt like Godzilla towering above them. Oddly, for some reason I am a magnet for the affections of people of Asian descent!  I attract them for some reason, which is flattering in a way.   I wish I were on your trip.  Sounds like you are enjoying things! Ken

Hi Jim, Some years ago, when I weighed in the high 340s, I was making photocopies at a local copyshop and noticed an older woman at another copy machine looking at me. I thought perhaps she recognized me. As I was opening my car door, she scurried up and shoved a photocopy of a tabloid newspaper ad for a "Miracle Weight Loss Cure." I tried to hand the paper back to her and said, "What makes you think I need this?" as she backed away. All this time, she spoke nary a word. Sensitive, mellow fellow that I was--and am, of course--I followed her, growling, "You're very rude. How do you know I'm not ill or maybe used to weigh 600lbs." She almost ran back inside the shop. I suppose she meant well, but I don't know. Besides, I'm not prone to excuse rudeness on the grounds of good intentions. If I ever see her again, I'll give some anti-aging articles I've been saving! Just kidding. Thanks for the anecodote. I'm impressed that you're traveling at 8.5 weeks out.

I would walk around shirtless, paint yourself green, and try to collect offerings as the current incarnation of Budda. But that's just me. Seriously, I would love to visit the far east and I am envious.