มองจีนจากสายตาวัยรุ่นจีนที่ไปโตที่อังกฤษ @immikeyu | Hello Stranger! EP.1 (Part 2/2)

Summary

The conversation explores the cultural differences between Northern and Southern China through the lens of the speaker's parents, one from Beijing and the other from Hong Kong. It delves into the influence of Western culture in Hong Kong, the contrasting values in upbringing, and the speaker's own experiences growing up in the UK with a mix of Chinese and British influences. The discussion also touches on the speaker's nomadic lifestyle, the initial disapproval from their parents, and the eventual acceptance and appreciation of their choices. The conversation further covers the Chinese influence in Thailand, the changing views on work-life balance, and the impact of Chinese tourists and soft power on global perceptions.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker has a diverse cultural background, with a father from Beijing and a mother from Hong Kong, which has exposed them to both Northern and Southern Chinese cultures.
• 🏡 There's a noticeable difference in values and lifestyles between the speaker's parents, with the mother's Hong Kong background being more Western-influenced due to its history as a British colony.
• 🍲 The culinary styles of the speaker's parents differ significantly, with the father's cooking being representative of strong, heavy Northern flavors, while the mother's Cantonese cooking is lighter and more delicate.
• 🌍 The speaker appreciates the blend of cultures in their upbringing, which was neither strictly traditional Chinese nor entirely British, allowing for a more liberal and open-minded approach to life.
• 🚫 The speaker's parents were permissive and encouraged freedom, even allowing them to engage in activities that might be considered taboo in some Chinese cultures, such as smoking at a young age.
• 🏙️ The speaker's nomadic lifestyle was initially met with disapproval from their parents, who valued stability and traditional career paths, but they have since come to accept it after visiting the speaker in Thailand.
• 🌏 The Chinese influence is prevalent in Bangkok, with many Chinese restaurants and a significant Chinese community, which the speaker finds comforting and reminiscent of home.
• 💼 There's a stereotype of Chinese tourists being part of large groups and being very photo-centric, which the speaker humorously acknowledges as a trait their father also possesses.
• 📈 The rapid economic growth in China has led to a new wealthy class that has not yet fully adopted international social etiquettes, leading to certain stereotypes during their travels.
• 📺 The popularity of Thai culture, particularly BL series, has influenced Chinese tourists' interest in Thailand, with some even moving there to experience it firsthand.

Q & A

What cultural differences exist between the north and south of China as mentioned in the transcript?

The transcript highlights that the north, represented by Beijing, is very different from the south, represented by Hong Kong. The south is described as more Western-influenced, delicate, and soft in terms of food and possibly lifestyle, while the north is characterized by strong, heavy flavors in food and possibly a more traditional approach to life.

How has the British influence affected the upbringing and values of the speaker's mother?

The speaker's mother, being from Hong Kong which was a British colony, was instilled with British values from an early age, especially since she studied in the UK at 16. This has made her more reserved and possibly more 'British' in her upbringing and values compared to the speaker's father.

What is the speaker's perspective on the parenting style of their parents?

The speaker describes their parents as being very free and open, allowing them to do what they wanted, including bringing friends home, attending parties, and even smoking in front of their mother at the age of 16. This parenting style is noted as being more Western and liberal.

How did the speaker's nomadic lifestyle initially affect their parents?

Initially, the speaker's parents were disappointed and did not understand their nomadic lifestyle. They wanted the speaker to return home, expressing concern about their unconventional path of living in random places without a stable job or speaking the local language.

What changed the speaker's parents' perspective on their lifestyle in Thailand?

The speaker's parents' perspective changed after they visited Thailand and saw how developed it was, with luxurious condos and a rich local culture. They also saw how the speaker was living and this firsthand experience made them appreciate and understand the speaker's lifestyle.

What is the speaker's view on the Chinese influence in Bangkok and how does it make them feel?

The speaker feels that the Chinese influence in Bangkok, including the presence of Chinese restaurants and people, is one of the reasons they consider Thailand as home. They appreciate the familiarity of Chinese food and culture, which makes them feel more at ease.

How does the speaker compare the social acceptance of certain behaviors in China versus Thailand?

The speaker notes that behaviors such as cutting queues and spitting in public are more socially acceptable in less developed areas of China, whereas in Thailand, such actions would be frowned upon or met with public disapproval.

What is the speaker's observation on the entrepreneurial spirit of Chinese people?

The speaker observes that Chinese people have a strong entrepreneurial spirit, attributing this to a cultural worship of money. This drive to earn and accumulate wealth is seen as a key factor in their success in business.

How does the speaker view the work-life balance in Thailand compared to China?

The speaker appreciates the Thai culture's emphasis on enjoying life and maintaining a balance between work and leisure. They contrast this with the Chinese culture, where there is a noted emphasis on hard work and financial success, sometimes at the expense of personal enjoyment.

What is the speaker's opinion on the impact of Thai BL (Boys' Love) series on tourism and cultural influence?

The speaker acknowledges the popularity of Thai BL series.