Letters

Stereotyping doesn't help

As a foreigner, it is most interesting to hear some Chinese people say: "You don't understand Chinese (people or culture)." Surprisingly, the very characteristics such people try to convey to me are contradicted by the thoughts and behaviors of some other Chinese people I know.

No one can be a totally authoritative representative of a nation or culture. We should neither stereotype others nor stereotype our own customs and culture. The moment we do so, there will crop up an exception.