FTs in China are able to give anecdotal information about their personal experiences with
their employer and about the places they have 'visited' in China. They would be well
served to recognize the extent of their experience and the paucity of their knowledge
about China. Seeking 'respect' for their minuscule knowledge is pathetic.

Very well said, FTinPRC. Yes, the incredible diversity of China adds to its complexity and, yes, exposure to a few cities does not make an expert of FTs who suddenly know everything about China. It's similar to those who went to the Beijing Olympics and maybe took a week or so to travel and now suddenly they're China experts. But still, it's surprising to me that so many FTs have seemingly deep seeded feelings and opinions with so little exposure to China as a whole.

I've asked posters in this forum before if they've ever spent time in villages or if they've expanded their horizons beyond the cities they've taught in. They don't answer the question, which leads me to believe the answer is no.

And you're right; it would take a lifetime to truly understand China - if that's even long enough.

I was imagining today what stories would a Chinese person tell if they suddenly found themselves in Mobile, Alabama or some such place and decided after a brief stay that he could speak with authority about America. So I had to laugh when I saw what you'd written about a Chinese citizen in America or England.