Once upon a time in China there was such a high demand for English language education that the best and worst of human nature was brought to the forefront. In some cases, some would say in many cases, things were pretty much as they had been for decades. That is, reputable universities hired reputable, well credentialed teachers for their English language programs. Often these teachers served as consultants and their sought after advice was not only considered but, amazingly some would say, occasionally followed. However, sadly, things have changed. And so does this story. Its not about the past anymore; its about the present. And, as is often the case, the lure of profits became the impetus for that change. Moreover, the bleak and dismal reality of English language education in China, when seen as a whole, is often viewed as mired in the muck of greed and avarice. A spot on view, many would say.

The profit mongers, especially the private school owners, are often singled out as the worst culprits. Little is said about the fact that the ranks of English teachers in China are filled with unqualified, culturally insensitive nabobs from English speaking countries where their best hope for employment would be along the lines of K-Mart or the local car wash. One has only to read the forums here and elsewhere on the net to see the validity of this assertion. The beauty of the English language is often so uglified by these so-called teachers that one must grit ones teeth to keep from screaming. Interestingly, although the profit mongers and the unqualified teachers are actually in bed together, more often than not its those very same teachers that complain the most. The reality of the situation is that if I were one of those teachers, I wouldnt work for someone that would stoop so low as to hire me in the first place. That they would do so should be the first clue regarding their dishonesty.

But lets set that paradox aside and get back to our story. As the realization of potential profits in English language education grew, it became more business than education. An analogy could be how fast food in Western countries has become more fodder than nutrition. Parents even take their babies and toddlers to feed from those troughs. Parents in China are now taking their children to the dispensers of crap English. They and their students are the victims. The so called educators and the so called teachers are the victimizers. But wait! Doesnt capitalism excuse me market economy breed competition? And doesnt competition breed excellence. No, not in our story. In our story the playing ground is too big. The victims lack sophistication. Pockets are lined. Black cars, mistresses, gambling, high rise apartments and etc. are the lure that ultimately hooks the unethical businessmen and women who choose to play the English education game.

Well, this story has no end. The truth be damned. Things will continue as they are. A few years back the government, realizing how much profit was being garnered by the unlicensed private language mills, chose to license them rather than punish them after all, by doing so, they could reap some vast tax profits. Furthermore, the sad truth is that the Western teachers must shoulder some of the blame. They have helped and are helping this whole mess snowball into something that a right minded individual can only see as pretty damn ridiculous.

So, it begs the question, are you a part of the problem or part of the solution? Are you bringing your expertise to China? Or is it just the opposite - are you too damn lazy to get the qualifications one should have to teach English anywhere? Are you helping perpetuate the nonsense by working for private schools and/or universities or colleges that you know are dispensing crap, or are you exercising discernment? Are you here to help or hinder? These are not rhetorical questions - feedback is requested and will be appreciated.