I have been told that a movie ticket in Shanghai costs around 80RMB. However, government policy states that tickets must be sold at 50% off every Tuesday. I almost went to go see "Avatar" this past Tuesday, but, due to a conflict, I did not. Not thinking much about this missed opportunity - as I knew I could just go the following week - I went about my weekly routine. However, the next day, my friend sent me a text which stated ticket prices have been rocketed to 200RMB! At this point, I tried to console myself by thinking: the only reason I want to see this movie is because everyone whom I have spoken to cannot stop raving about the movie's wonderful-ness...it doesn't matter that it's now at the top of the box office list (note the sarcasm).
Fast forward three days, I find myself in front of a street vendor selling "Avatar" - of course pirated - dvds. It was quite tempting at 5RMB, but I did not want to ruin my "Avatar"-watching experience by purchasing an extremely low-quality dvd...which someone probably made by filming the movie from a movie theater screen. Last weekend, I had a similarly interesting encounter with another street vendor selling pirated products; this time, American novels selling at ~25RMB each. I will now verbally reinact the scenario:
The vendor asked me, "小姐, 你是不是往那边走?" Young lady, are you walking in that direction?
To which I replied, "你想干什么?" Why do you want to know that?
Vendor: 过一点这边可能会有人来查, 我想把东西搬到那边. Someone may come inspect this area in a bit, I want to movie these books to another area.
Me: 你想搬就搬, 我就不买了. If you want to move, then move, I just won't buy anything. (I realize that I sound a bit harsh, but this attitude is relatively polite compared to what I have experienced in some areas.)
I did not end up buying anything from the vendor that day...and, in the meantime, I am still willing to wait for "Avatar" prices to go down.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Safety First...then Holiday Cheer
Today I came across a time.com article stressing the importance of contraceptive use during the holidays. As one can imagine, intoxicated individuals filled with holiday cheer and - obviously - glasses of red wine, festively-named cocktails, and whatever else these generous sippers fancy, may find themselves behaving in a more rash manner. In these cases, the aforementioned individuals may forget or become too lazy to utilize condoms. As a matter of fact, among the 18 to 34 year-olds who took part in the study, 27% had unprotected sex because of alcohol-induced "temporary memory loss."
I have been told that in China's three-star and above hotels, condoms must be placed in the hotel rooms. When I stayed at a Jiangsu four-star hotel, I did find a box of condoms near the toiletries. However, in tiny Chinese characters, I read (not verbatim): 打开盒子50块钱 or 50RMB for opening this box.
Although I see, on a relatively regular basis, couples in an intimate embrace and/or smooching (on a less regular basis), people still seem too embarrassed to approach a store's condom aisle. While walking through a hygiene product and herbal medicine store, I found a safe sex aisle straight across from the escalator. Although the store itself was filled with female customers, no one approached the safe sex aisle (excluding the saleswoman); there seemed to be an invisible boundary five feet out from the aisle entrance and even curious individuals only dared to glance in that direction for a few seconds. I wondered if I were to count the number of people who entered the aisle in a day, how many would I count?
I carry out my current research at a family planning clinic. The clinic provides FREE birth controls pills and condoms. However, I rarely see the female patients taking any. If they are interested in taking some, they may first shyly ask a doctor for permission. Since I wear a white coat, some women regard me as a staff member and hence ask me. When I hand them a few packets of condems, they thank me several times and say, "哎呀, 太多了" or Oh, my, this is too much!
Now, going back to the article and with regard to my observations, people in China need to be educated about condom use. Among many unmarried youth, there is the mentality that if you truly love and care for your significant other, then you will not use a condom in order express your commitment to the relationship. Oftentimes, it is the male refusing to use the condom and the woman "forces" herself to accept this refusal.
Simply put, condom use needs to be stressed not just during the holidays (but, of course, some need a stronger reminder on certain days).
I have been told that in China's three-star and above hotels, condoms must be placed in the hotel rooms. When I stayed at a Jiangsu four-star hotel, I did find a box of condoms near the toiletries. However, in tiny Chinese characters, I read (not verbatim): 打开盒子50块钱 or 50RMB for opening this box.
Although I see, on a relatively regular basis, couples in an intimate embrace and/or smooching (on a less regular basis), people still seem too embarrassed to approach a store's condom aisle. While walking through a hygiene product and herbal medicine store, I found a safe sex aisle straight across from the escalator. Although the store itself was filled with female customers, no one approached the safe sex aisle (excluding the saleswoman); there seemed to be an invisible boundary five feet out from the aisle entrance and even curious individuals only dared to glance in that direction for a few seconds. I wondered if I were to count the number of people who entered the aisle in a day, how many would I count?
I carry out my current research at a family planning clinic. The clinic provides FREE birth controls pills and condoms. However, I rarely see the female patients taking any. If they are interested in taking some, they may first shyly ask a doctor for permission. Since I wear a white coat, some women regard me as a staff member and hence ask me. When I hand them a few packets of condems, they thank me several times and say, "哎呀, 太多了" or Oh, my, this is too much!
Now, going back to the article and with regard to my observations, people in China need to be educated about condom use. Among many unmarried youth, there is the mentality that if you truly love and care for your significant other, then you will not use a condom in order express your commitment to the relationship. Oftentimes, it is the male refusing to use the condom and the woman "forces" herself to accept this refusal.
Simply put, condom use needs to be stressed not just during the holidays (but, of course, some need a stronger reminder on certain days).
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Road to Care
Three weeks ago, a few other Rotaracters, Rotaract friends, and I visited an orphanage in Suzhou (a quaint city outside of Shanghai). The center is government-run, was established in 2005, and houses both the elderly and orphans. The elderly who live there either have no children to take care of them or their children cannot afford to do so. In terms of the orphans, there are approximately twelve; while a few are relatively healthy, most of them suffer from a mental disability or have cleft palates.
The facility's director gave us an introductory tour, from which I mainly learned:
1. During the daytime, there are three full-time staff members. At night, there are two.
2. The government reimburses all medical fees; however, we recently were told that, in order for the orphanage to receive reimbursement, the children must receive care at pre-approved hospitals.
3. The orphans are generally found in the streets. Recently, two infants were found frozen to death.
4. All the orphanages are government-run. The orphan must be sent to the orphanage that is located in the community in which he/she is found.
5. The orphans with cleft palates are generally adopted after undergoing facial reconstructive surgery. However, couples are willing to adopt them if the orphans already have surgeries approved. The staff kept commenting on how beautiful a recently adopted child has now become (after undergoing the surgery).
Based on the director's statements, it seemed like the children have everything they need. However, I still felt and feel that, although the basic needs of food and clothing are met, these children need more emotional and psychological support. Yes, the children with mental disabilities are limited in their everyday activities, but they certainly do not need to be confined to their beds. One girl, about 4 or 5 years old, cannot walk nor speak, but, from observing her facial expressions, I knew she could relate to what I was saying.
Each child needs more stimulation and individual attention. Thus, we hope to start a long-term project where at least one individual visits the orphanage every month. Another issue we hope to address regards a three-year-old girl who suffers from cerebral palsy. In addition to her mental condition, she also suffers from a digestive disorder that the doctors whom she has seen have been unable to diagnose. The main symptom she experiences is that her stomach literally bloats into a balloon whenever she eats (it does not matter the amount she consumes...the condition still materializes). No further action has been taken because the orphanage will not be reimbursed if she receives care from another hospital. Thus, we are working to learn the specifics and will hopefully come up with a collaborative solution.
The facility's director gave us an introductory tour, from which I mainly learned:
1. During the daytime, there are three full-time staff members. At night, there are two.
2. The government reimburses all medical fees; however, we recently were told that, in order for the orphanage to receive reimbursement, the children must receive care at pre-approved hospitals.
3. The orphans are generally found in the streets. Recently, two infants were found frozen to death.
4. All the orphanages are government-run. The orphan must be sent to the orphanage that is located in the community in which he/she is found.
5. The orphans with cleft palates are generally adopted after undergoing facial reconstructive surgery. However, couples are willing to adopt them if the orphans already have surgeries approved. The staff kept commenting on how beautiful a recently adopted child has now become (after undergoing the surgery).
Based on the director's statements, it seemed like the children have everything they need. However, I still felt and feel that, although the basic needs of food and clothing are met, these children need more emotional and psychological support. Yes, the children with mental disabilities are limited in their everyday activities, but they certainly do not need to be confined to their beds. One girl, about 4 or 5 years old, cannot walk nor speak, but, from observing her facial expressions, I knew she could relate to what I was saying.
Each child needs more stimulation and individual attention. Thus, we hope to start a long-term project where at least one individual visits the orphanage every month. Another issue we hope to address regards a three-year-old girl who suffers from cerebral palsy. In addition to her mental condition, she also suffers from a digestive disorder that the doctors whom she has seen have been unable to diagnose. The main symptom she experiences is that her stomach literally bloats into a balloon whenever she eats (it does not matter the amount she consumes...the condition still materializes). No further action has been taken because the orphanage will not be reimbursed if she receives care from another hospital. Thus, we are working to learn the specifics and will hopefully come up with a collaborative solution.
Seed of the Oryza sativa
When it comes to eating rice, locals tell me that they need to eat it in order to feel full. Consequently, when I do not take rice (as I prefer bread or noodles) with my other dishes, they look at me with mortification. If my companions are able to recover from this mortification, one of the two scenarios, as elaborated below, materialize:
Scenario One
Companions: How can you be full without eating rice?!
Me: But I am eating potatoes. (At this point, I must then explain the starch benefits of potatoes) Potatoes are also filled with starch and can be a replacement for rice. (Then I think to myself, how do you think the Irish fulfilled their starch-nutrient needs?!)
Companions: No, potatoes are 菜 (here, 菜 is used to refer to vegetables).
Scenario Two
Companions: How can you be full without eating rice?!
Me: During college, I generally ate bread. At home, I always had the option of various breads and noodles.
Companions: Guess you're still not used to the food here. You are a *香蕉人 (directly translated, "banana").
*In the U.S., it highly discriminatory to call an individual of Asian descent a "banana" or "twinkie." These terms are generally directed at individuals of Asian descent who try to be and/or think they are white (whatever identifying as white encompasses). These individuals purposely become friends with white people only and may feel superior to other Asians. However, in China, I have discovered that the term banana does not necessarily encompass these qualities. Nonetheless, each time someone calls me this here, I am still (a bit) horrified. Instead, it is almost a colloquial version of the terms Chinese-American or Chinese-"X" citizenship from a country where the white population is/seems to be the majority. Here, "banana" is directed toward individuals, like myself, who are ethnically Chinese but were born and/or grew up in the U.S. for the majority of their lives. Thus, these individuals have the cultural habits of white people. These cultural habits, in terms of food (as mentioned previously), may include replacing rice with potatoes and preferring bread over rice.
Scenario One
Companions: How can you be full without eating rice?!
Me: But I am eating potatoes. (At this point, I must then explain the starch benefits of potatoes) Potatoes are also filled with starch and can be a replacement for rice. (Then I think to myself, how do you think the Irish fulfilled their starch-nutrient needs?!)
Companions: No, potatoes are 菜 (here, 菜 is used to refer to vegetables).
Scenario Two
Companions: How can you be full without eating rice?!
Me: During college, I generally ate bread. At home, I always had the option of various breads and noodles.
Companions: Guess you're still not used to the food here. You are a *香蕉人 (directly translated, "banana").
*In the U.S., it highly discriminatory to call an individual of Asian descent a "banana" or "twinkie." These terms are generally directed at individuals of Asian descent who try to be and/or think they are white (whatever identifying as white encompasses). These individuals purposely become friends with white people only and may feel superior to other Asians. However, in China, I have discovered that the term banana does not necessarily encompass these qualities. Nonetheless, each time someone calls me this here, I am still (a bit) horrified. Instead, it is almost a colloquial version of the terms Chinese-American or Chinese-"X" citizenship from a country where the white population is/seems to be the majority. Here, "banana" is directed toward individuals, like myself, who are ethnically Chinese but were born and/or grew up in the U.S. for the majority of their lives. Thus, these individuals have the cultural habits of white people. These cultural habits, in terms of food (as mentioned previously), may include replacing rice with potatoes and preferring bread over rice.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Research Observations
My research involves Shanghai female migrant workers' access to healthcare insurance. In my survey, I ask these females questions on their family background, contraceptive usage, and knowledge on their personal insurance status. I carry out my research in a community-based hospital in Changning District (长宁区). The clinic is open six days a week, but on Fridays and Saturdays, it is open from 8AM to 11:30AM. Furthermore, the siesta time is at least one-and-a-half hours Mondays through Thursdays. Usually, the hospital staff members take naps or...take naps?
Every few months, women come to this clinic to receive a contraceptive check-up. Their information is directly entered into a centralized web-based database. After the check-up, each woman receives a white slip, on which is a certification stamp and a head shot (which the woman provides herself). She must then send this back to her hometown - where she has hukou (permanent residential) status - before a certain deadline.
My survey is administered interview-style, in which I personally ask the patients questions. A number of these women are not able to read. However, they often note that their husbands have at least a middle-school education. The benefits of personally asking these women the questions is that they are not as embarrassed admitting that they cannot read and I can make sure that all the questions are addressed. However, the disadvantage is that some are not truthfully answering some of the questions. For example:
Question: How many abortions have you undergone?
Answer: 好像做了"X"次.
Translation: I think "X" number.
Secondly, perhaps because these women are not used to surveys and/or for cultural reasons, there are ambiguities when I think the question is straightforward. For example:
Question: How many abortions have you undergone?
Answer: 生第一个孩子以前算么?
Translation: Does it count if it was before delivery my first child?
Question (Part I): Do you have NCMS (the government-sponsored insurance for rural residents)?
Answer: 没有.
Translation: No.
Question (Part II): Do you have that insurance in your hometown where you pay 20RMB or more a year?
Answer: 哦, 你说哪个牙, 好像有. 家里人管这个, 所以我不太清楚.
Translation: Ah, you mean that one. Yes, I think I have it. My family members (usually the mother-in-law and/or father-in-law) take care of it, so I am not very clear about the situation.
Finally, one thing that I find a bit frustrating:
Question (Part I): How many years have you lived in Shanghai?
Answer: 好多年了.
Translation: Many years.
Question (Part II): How many years is "many years?"
Answer: 十几年了．
Translation: Over ten years.
Question (Part III): How many years is "over ten years?"
Answer: 好像 "X" 年.
Translation: I think "X" years.
Every few months, women come to this clinic to receive a contraceptive check-up. Their information is directly entered into a centralized web-based database. After the check-up, each woman receives a white slip, on which is a certification stamp and a head shot (which the woman provides herself). She must then send this back to her hometown - where she has hukou (permanent residential) status - before a certain deadline.
My survey is administered interview-style, in which I personally ask the patients questions. A number of these women are not able to read. However, they often note that their husbands have at least a middle-school education. The benefits of personally asking these women the questions is that they are not as embarrassed admitting that they cannot read and I can make sure that all the questions are addressed. However, the disadvantage is that some are not truthfully answering some of the questions. For example:
Question: How many abortions have you undergone?
Answer: 好像做了"X"次.
Translation: I think "X" number.
Secondly, perhaps because these women are not used to surveys and/or for cultural reasons, there are ambiguities when I think the question is straightforward. For example:
Question: How many abortions have you undergone?
Answer: 生第一个孩子以前算么?
Translation: Does it count if it was before delivery my first child?
Question (Part I): Do you have NCMS (the government-sponsored insurance for rural residents)?
Answer: 没有.
Translation: No.
Question (Part II): Do you have that insurance in your hometown where you pay 20RMB or more a year?
Answer: 哦, 你说哪个牙, 好像有. 家里人管这个, 所以我不太清楚.
Translation: Ah, you mean that one. Yes, I think I have it. My family members (usually the mother-in-law and/or father-in-law) take care of it, so I am not very clear about the situation.
Finally, one thing that I find a bit frustrating:
Question (Part I): How many years have you lived in Shanghai?
Answer: 好多年了.
Translation: Many years.
Question (Part II): How many years is "many years?"
Answer: 十几年了．
Translation: Over ten years.
Question (Part III): How many years is "over ten years?"
Answer: 好像 "X" 年.
Translation: I think "X" years.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Holiday Celebrations
On Christmas Eve, I had the pleasure of eating a fusion of delicous Western and Eastern cuisine. As you can see from the picture below, we basically had a feast! The feast included: deviled eggs, macaroni salad, Shanghai roast duck, dumplings, miniature spring rolls, pickles, a vegetable platter, a cheese platter with French bread, miniature donuts, rice krispies (my fav), gingerbread and shortbread cookies, and, of course, an assortment of wines.Today, a few of my colleagues decided to surprise me with a Christmas Day KTV outing. The KTV place we went to is a chain establishment called Party World; it's not as tacky as it sounds...quite elegant, actually. Once the singing commenced, I was "kindly encouraged" to sing James Blunt's "You're Beautiful," Backstreet Boys' "As Long As You Love Me," etc. Then, among the few Chinese songs that I know (i.e. 老鼠爱大米...the direct translation is "Mouse Loves Big Rice"), it didn't help that all the subtitles were in traditional characters. Nevertheless, I had a wonderful, wonderful time and am incredibly grateful for my friends!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
My First Blog Post in Chinese!
昨天，我给我们卫生经济研究室做了一个关于美国退伍军人健康部门的报告，也组织了一个圣诞节party。两个方面都很成功。
关于我们的party，我给同学和老师们介绍了一个交换礼物的游戏，叫做White Elephant。大家都没玩儿过，但是都觉得非常有意思。我买的礼物是一个非常可爱的大猪头（这礼物被抢了一次！）我得到的礼物是一盒子巧克力，正是我喜爱的东西！谁给我巧克力，谁就是我的好朋友！
学生们也带来了很多好吃的零食。教研室也提供了经费给我们买Christine面包店的巧克力蛋糕。我也给每个人买了圣诞老人的帽子...大家带上的样子都很可爱。
今年是我第一次不再家里过圣诞节和新年。虽然在上海过得很好，我还是有时会想念家，因为那里有我的家人和好朋友。特别是上海天气冰冷的时候我会想家！我也想我母亲做的菜！
最近，为了提高我的中文能力，我再看一个叫做“王贵与安娜”的联戏据。真的太搞笑了！我建议大家去看看。
关于我的研究，这方面都很顺利。我要特别的感谢我的导师，医生们，和同学们的支持。没有他们，我的研究肯定不会这么顺利。
因为这两个月无法在我这个博客写作，今天我写得比较杂。我想写的东西太多了！好的，现在我就写到这里。下次可能会用英文写了，哈哈。
祝贺，
小张
I will try to write in English next time! Happy Holidays! :)
关于我们的party，我给同学和老师们介绍了一个交换礼物的游戏，叫做White Elephant。大家都没玩儿过，但是都觉得非常有意思。我买的礼物是一个非常可爱的大猪头（这礼物被抢了一次！）我得到的礼物是一盒子巧克力，正是我喜爱的东西！谁给我巧克力，谁就是我的好朋友！
学生们也带来了很多好吃的零食。教研室也提供了经费给我们买Christine面包店的巧克力蛋糕。我也给每个人买了圣诞老人的帽子...大家带上的样子都很可爱。
今年是我第一次不再家里过圣诞节和新年。虽然在上海过得很好，我还是有时会想念家，因为那里有我的家人和好朋友。特别是上海天气冰冷的时候我会想家！我也想我母亲做的菜！
最近，为了提高我的中文能力，我再看一个叫做“王贵与安娜”的联戏据。真的太搞笑了！我建议大家去看看。
关于我的研究，这方面都很顺利。我要特别的感谢我的导师，医生们，和同学们的支持。没有他们，我的研究肯定不会这么顺利。
因为这两个月无法在我这个博客写作，今天我写得比较杂。我想写的东西太多了！好的，现在我就写到这里。下次可能会用英文写了，哈哈。
祝贺，
小张
I will try to write in English next time! Happy Holidays! :)
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