We love a good Global Times investigation, and the latest one is a classic.
"Do Shanghai expats feel superior to those in other Chinese cities?" the article asks, referencing a WeChat post that recently went viral. (Unfortunately, That's was unable to track down the post). China's number one state media outlet illustrated #thestruggle perfectly with these stock images:
The viral WeChat post in question suggests foreigners residing in the Pearl of the Orient think they're better than everyone else. "Regional discrimination is so severe in China that even one of my foreign friends in Shanghai told me that he tends to look down upon Beijing's foreigners," the post allegedly alleged.
GT interviewed a bunch of Shanghai laowai to answer the "age old debate" and find out whether they live up to the "arrogant and self-important" stereotype. Just in case you're too arrogant and self-important to read the whole thing, take a look at the highlights of these arrogant and self-important answers:
"I feel healthier living in Shanghai than in Beijing. The air quality is better."
"If you come to China to expand your perspectives on Chinese culture, you should definitely move to Beijing, not Shanghai."
"Beijing attracts a different sort of foreigners usually. Expats in Beijing tend to be academic or diplomatic and they probably speak better Putonghua, know more history and politics and integrate better with Chinese culture."
"The expats I knew in Beijing were particularly interested in Chinese politics and culture or the arts and music scene, whereas from what I've seen in Shanghai there is more involvement in finance or entrepreneurialism."
"Being a local or expat doesn't matter. We are all human beings. It doesn't matter where you are from."
Oh, and this:
"It is English teacher versus everyone else... Shanghai unites fairly or unfairly in its disdain for English teachers. They are the untouchable caste."
And there you have it.
Previously in Global Times takes:
• Global Times Blames Brexit on Western-Style Democracy
• Global Times on Queen: Britain 'Caught With Pants Down'
• Global Times Sends Best Wishes To 'The Homosexuals' And Also to Humans
• Global Times: Hot Crimean Attorney General Will 'Save The World'
[Images via Global Times, h/t Ryan Kilpatrick]
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