In response to (Message Deleted by Poster) (Education and Professionalism)

Jeez! There seems to be so much breast-beating by posters using monikers such as Lets have more Professionalism, and Education and Professionalism to admonish Silverboy for simply being BLUNT is silly. Through Silverboys efforts alone perhaps many FTs (newbies especially) have been spared likely frustration and even danger.

The fact that he displays a particular style in his postings only adds to the diversity that should be present on this forum. What often happens to many FTs in China (myself included) is shockingly unprofessional, and in some instances, discriminatory and racist.

Bad behavior is bad behavior, and in my opinion, cultural difference has precious little to do with it. I was fortunate to make many wonderful and lasting friendships while in China. In the beginning, I had a measure of cultural guilt, but it was through my friendships with Chinese folks, young and old, that I learned they too are constantly on guard to protect their interests from cunning employers and school leaders. Chinese people are all too aware of the rampant level of corruption and often horrifying work conditions and terms that exist in their country. Most of them experience it more than foreigners.

I speak only a small amount of Chinese. Foreigners I met who do speak with much more fluency than myself, told me that they experienced a sort of death of innocence as they began to understand what was actually being said about foreign teachers (or foreigners in general) by employers, managers, students, and citizens.

This notion that we must maintain a high level of decorum and professionalism (everyone has a different definition) when dealing with people who are clearly exploiting us is nave and only enables the employer or manager to make us believe that we some sort of insensitive and self-serving outsider for questioning their unscrupulous and often outrageous and double-standard ways.

For me, Silverboy has helped far more people than he has possibly harmed or offended. I appreciate the time and energy he invests in his research and resulting warnings.