White westerners are referred to as gweilos in Chinese society. It is not always a benign term but, for the most part, it is simply just a descriptive designation. It means ‘foreigner’ or ‘westerner’. Of course, depending on the context, it can take on a heavier or lighter weight in the describing of something or someone. The word also means – kinda – western ways or western behaviours, styles or habits.
Just as we tend to think of the word Chinese as a collective term, they tend to use the word gweilo. It is natural. And, equally as naturally, it is so collective as to be almost meaningless when applied to any single person, behaviour or habit.
So who knows what it really means………eh?
My friend Dennis had some idea. He wanted me to share my ‘gweilo thoughts’ with the kids. Basically he was saying, “You know how you are kinda weird and all…..? Well, share some of that weirdness with them would you? I think a little ‘weird’ is good for them. I don’t agree with any of your crazy gweilo ways but I do think the kids benefit from hearing viewpoints different from the Chinese way of seeing things. Can you do that?”
“Yeah. Sure. Any topic in particular?”
“Well, I do kind of think that the gweilo way of being a bit independent of society is good. Not as far as you go or as far as, you know, crazy guys and all that, but I’d like them to hear about independent thinking rather than ‘harmonious‘ thinking (‘groupthink’ in Orwellian terms).
“You think I am independent-thinking?”
“Not really. I think you are a bit crazy but you are as close as I can get without it being dangerous!”
“I think that is the nicest thing you have ever said to me, Den!”
“Don’t let it go to your head!”
“Why do you want this?”
“These girls are likely to sacrifice their own dreams for their family’s needs. It is a common path for women in our culture. That means, because they are Chinese, female and poor, they may not take some great opportunities offered to them through education. These are smart girls. They can go to university and do a lot. I don’t want them to disregard their families. Not at all. I just want them to give themselves a choice. A chance. I want them to see some alternatives to the Chinese way. You may not have much to offer but, whatever it is, it is definitely not the Chinese way.”
“OK. I can hardly wait. Wahoo………..little unformed brains to mess with. Young girls! This could be fun.”
“OK, that settles it. I am sending their teacher, Ms Wong, with them. Just to be on the safe side!”
Our Off the Grid Home 