China and the escalator

[Sean]

I've been working in China for a while and its tenuous culture is supplemented by great deal of imported development; when these combine there can be some illuminating things to see. From my notes-

They don't drive fast because they don't drive well and give themselves more time to think; as elsewhere in the developing world though professional drivers gain much skill for dealing with the chaotic conditions, and accidents seem rare. They cycle only with a slow peddle in low gear and are never seen speeding round a corner. They don't walk on escalators or even moving walkways- everyone almost without exception gets on and stops immediately until delivered to the top, all gliding together in unison with no one getting ahead or behind, and without the first suggestion of initiative or individual spirit. If they're going to escalate they're going to do it together.

On the street the spacing out of objects, activity and people even when in the same group and whether walking or sitting embodies socialist stasis and thought with its stultifying interconnection. People attend to each other's presence over individual contribution and there's a link with the surveillance culture with shifty-eyed plain clothes police and clandestine figures standing around. In urban life everything tick-tocks at a smooth, moderate and continuous pace with people coming and going regularly and in harmonious awareness of others around; the tone is orderly, safe and without urgency.

In a conformist society people are afraid to stand out and risk losing their benefits as a member indistinguishable from any other- the system's provisions are respected obsequiously. It's a social contract demanding your humanity and isn't worth it for the thinking person. A foreigner seen walking while eating a snack is another great surprise and source of unsteady humour, it being highly unclear how someone could do anything of their own volition beyond the herd mentality.

[kishnevi]

I don't run up escalators because I don't want to knock over the people ahead of me.....

[Sean]

[NikF]

Sean, that's interesting. Tell me, please, how do people react to your camera? And if there is some reaction, does it vary in any way, depending on such as age or location etc?

[Sean]

Hi NikF

When a Caucasian's silhouette appears on the horizon the Chinese shuffle, touch their hair, look then look away and yawn in a series of anxieties of great consistency across the country. They're as infected with phones and similar things as anywhere however, so not particularly averse to cameras, as indeed some places in the world are.

Despite having spent four decades importing Western technology they're not especially keen on the notion of other countries and pursue isolationism on many levels. There's a concern about what I think and they sense that taking a photo means there's some inconsistency I've noticed... They're a simple people and basically friendly if with little interest in foregrounding problems or being truthful about them.

I've travelled in Islamic countries that don't like photos, and in Kinshasa it's against the law and you'll be arrested.

Best, S

[NikF]

Hi NikF

When a Caucasian's silhouette appears on the horizon the Chinese shuffle, touch their hair, look then look away and yawn in a series of anxieties of great consistency across the country. They're as infected with phones and similar things as anywhere however, so not particularly averse to cameras, as indeed some places in the world are.

Despite having spent four decades importing Western technology they're not especially keen on the notion of other countries and pursue isolationism on many levels. There's a concern about what I think and they sense that taking a photo means there's some inconsistency I've noticed... They're a simple people and basically friendly if with little interest in foregrounding problems or being truthful about them.

I've travelled in Islamic countries that don't like photos, and in Kinshasa it's against the law and you'll be arrested.

Best, S

In answering my question you've managed to paint a picture there that's given me a good idea of how they react. Thanks for that.
I'm not as widely travelled as some, however I've been around and parts of what you've written reminds me of Russia. On the street the people affected a rather blasé attitude, but if I got too close they would become aware and avert their eyes - even when the camera was only a cellphone.



But as I said, you've provided some insight. I do enjoy seeing photos of other countries and cultures, accompanied by details of the ordinary life of the average citizens who are depicted. Thanks again.

[Sean]

Yes indeed, look down, look to one side, people quickly get self-conscious... A poor show I always think.

Where in Russia was that?

And I guess I can post more on the Photography thread in due course.

[NikF]

Yes indeed, look down, look to one side, people quickly get self-conscious... A poor show I always think.

Where in Russia was that?

And I guess I can post more on the Photography thread in due course.

That was in the Republic of Udmurtia in the city of Glazov.

Sure, I'd like to see more of your photography in that thread. While I don't always comment on photos that are posted I certainly like looking at them.