In honor of National Day, I think it’s finally time for me to attempt answering one of the hardest question I get from home and abroad: why China?
Badaling section of the Great Wall, Beijing
My usual canned answer takes about 15 seconds and provides no real insight- it goes something like “China is a really fascinating country and it’s becoming more and more important, not to mention (insert something about culture and/or people/history) – and the food is delicious!” This is all true, but a real answer for why I’m so attached to this country more involved than a two sentence response.
“Why China?” is always hard for me to answer because while I love China, I know that, like any other country, it’s not perfect. On top of that, Americans typically don’t have a glittery perception of life in the Middle Kingdom. It feels like I’m trying to justify a boyfriend with a bad hair cut and even worse table manners to old school Southern parents.
I’m aware that at first glance, China is not a sparkly abroad destination that Instagrams well and gives people *~*wanderlust*~*. It’s gray, there’s a serious air pollution problem, the concept of “waiting in line” is foreign to most people, people still spit on the streets, and personal space is often a luxury. I’m not arguing with any of that, those are all just parts of life in China.
Probably not made for Instagram.
And I love China, although I want to scream every time someone shoves their child in front of me at the airport security line. My eyes almost roll out of my head every time a Starbucks barista writes “外“ on my latte, but those things don’t change the fact that for whatever reason, I just really love China.
China IS fascinating. China’s ancient history is rich and interesting, while China’s history post 1949 will never cease to be one of my favorite discussion topics. As an American, China has always given off a mysterious vibe and it’s exciting to learn about and live in a place that is so completely different from my own country.
Huanglongxi Ancient Town
But there’s not one specific thing, or even combination of factors, that can accurately answer the “why China” question. I’m more than happy to list things about China that helped spark my interest (The Red Detachment of Women, college courses and seminars on China, past interactions with delegations from Chinese colleges, even visiting the China pavilion in Epcot) , or are especially interesting for me, but that’s just scratching the surface.
I remember flipping through one of those cheesy “Soup for the Soul” books when I was younger and seeing a mess of quotes about love, and one actually stood out and has stayed with me: “We like someone because. We love someone although.” – Henry De Montherlant. I’m guessing Henry was probably talking about actual human relationships, but it’s just as poignant for places.
I can definitely answer why I LIKE China with a pretty standard response. But I can’t give a neat answer for what exactly it is that has made me truly comfortable and happy being in China. It’s not just the history, places, or people – it’s just China, flaws and all.
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