Listed below are several diverse opinions by non-natives who have come to live in their cities. This information comes from a survey conducted by the Southern Metropolis Weekly.
Li Wei, a researcher with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in Beijing
Those railing against non-natives are mostly the poorer and lower echelons living in Beijing. Their ritualistic keeping-up-with-the-Joneses mentality causes them to look down upon people from rural areas. Since the economic reform and opening up policy, China’s vibrant population mobility has indeed rendered our public resources scarce. This transformation has pitched natives against non-natives in the battle for a niche in the city.
It is natural for a city to raise the limits on population mobility, a good thing for brilliant brains rather than mediocre players.
Jing Yongming, Beijing-based author of Beijing Migrants
Several years ago, city policemen routinely checked residents for temporary residence permits. Even I’ve been checked.
Despite local hostility, non-natives have gradually woven themselves into the fabric of city life and evolved into a mainstay of our labor force.
Beijing’s culture is not liberal. Quadrate yard buildings featuring a closed and symmetric structure are excellent examples of our conservatism. I have been to many countries, and I find that China has the most city walls. Our entrenched, isolated culture poses a formidable hindrance to all non-natives.
Liu Hongbo, a governmental official in Beijing
Some old Beijing locals have an intrinsic and stubborn sense of superiority. In their eyes, despite how rich the non-natives are they continue to look down upon them. But such people are in the minority. Most Beijing locals will respect non-natives with integrity and ability.
Cao Lin, an editor with Beijing-based China Youth Daily
A Beijinger’s sense of entitlement is institutional in nature. This is something ingrained in arrogant natives who have misgivings about the energy crisis. In fact, their insularity is discriminating in nature. When they need support and resources from other provinces, they will throw off their habitually arrogant airs. But when it comes to their immediate interests, they climb on their high horse again.
Zhou Yong, a director of a film and video company in Guangzhou
When I first arrived in the city, I felt quite sensitive and vulnerable. But later, I got use to the local culture and customs. Honestly, I really cherished some little gems of city life. For example, the locals are quite practical and realistic; they don’t like gossip.
These people bond with each other through language and groups. But they have a sort of blind loyalty to their culture, even the negative parts, the dreck and the dregs.
Fu Yu’an, an engineer of a telecommunications company in Guangzhou
Many cities are full of immigrants and migrants. This is always an endless topic in big cities.
I disdain people with tunnel vision that live in big cities. They always feel superior to others but in reality they’re city saboteurs.
Efforts would be better spent encouraging natives to strive to catch up with others, rather than in engaging in puerile debates.
Rocy, a salesman working in Shanghai
Shanghai natives regard non-natives as old-fashioned. Shanghaiers really pay attention to appearance and judge people by their appearance. They are quite snobbish and disparage less capable people.
In stores and restaurants, non-natives are poorly waited upon. But their arrogance toward aliens is not pitched to foreigners. We see a lot of local girls fawn on foreigners.
(China.org.cn by He Shan, September 19, 2007)
