Ch 46: Beware the Social Danger!
What do you get when you combine?
1.) Rapid social change and increasingly abundant economic opportunities
2.) A mobile and growing international population
3.) A city with old world / new world charms & vices
You get:
1.) World class restaurants/lounges/clubs @ world beating prices
2.) Pampered services available @ almost all economic levels
3.) More “fun” distractions then any other city in the world
What does this result in?
Simply put if you are a “normal” person anywhere else in the world from a “normal” socio-economic background with a basic grasp of English then you are a social VIP here (not business or political, just social). It’s funny to see it but it’s a reality of modern Shanghai life. I am a firm believer that ones “true” self comes through not when one undergoes adversity in life but rather when one obtains power / choice in life. Adversity can bring out an animal instinct to fight back (you don’t have much choice). When you have power and choice you’re true nature truly shines.
In Shanghai many regular folks suddenly find themselves as VIPs with relative power and choice. Do they choose to remain as the nice guy/girl that was the optimal choice in their previous environment? Or do they choose to become something else? That’s Shanghai- it doesn’t change you but it does give you (and others) a glimpse of your true self. Are you ready to look in the mirror?
1.) Rapid social change and increasingly abundant economic opportunities
2.) A mobile and growing international population
3.) A city with old world / new world charms & vices
You get:
1.) World class restaurants/lounges/clubs @ world beating prices
2.) Pampered services available @ almost all economic levels
3.) More “fun” distractions then any other city in the world
What does this result in?
Simply put if you are a “normal” person anywhere else in the world from a “normal” socio-economic background with a basic grasp of English then you are a social VIP here (not business or political, just social). It’s funny to see it but it’s a reality of modern Shanghai life. I am a firm believer that ones “true” self comes through not when one undergoes adversity in life but rather when one obtains power / choice in life. Adversity can bring out an animal instinct to fight back (you don’t have much choice). When you have power and choice you’re true nature truly shines.
In Shanghai many regular folks suddenly find themselves as VIPs with relative power and choice. Do they choose to remain as the nice guy/girl that was the optimal choice in their previous environment? Or do they choose to become something else? That’s Shanghai- it doesn’t change you but it does give you (and others) a glimpse of your true self. Are you ready to look in the mirror?
posted by ashton at 2:13 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home