The last couple of days, I have heard some interesting things from locals here. Most of the people I know well:
- Teacher: "Did you know Lake Dian used to have dragons? And mountains used to have gods." Me: "What about now?" Teacher: "Oh no, not now. They were only there during ancient times because they only believed that in ancient times."
- (While looking at my house in Charlotte on Google satellite) "Oh now I really want to go to America. Look at the trees! In East Asia people are so many, and the trees so small! In America, the people are so few, and the trees so big!"
- Teacher: "You can use this term to refer to East Asian minorities." Me: "It's okay to say this. Like, I can say 'he is a term for minority.'" Teacher: "Yes, yes! That's exactly how you say it!" Me: "So if I said to a person from a minority group, they would not be angry?" Teacher: "Oh no, they would be furious with you." Me: "So this is a racist term." Teacher: "No, there is no racism in East Asia. Since we are all equal, we can say offensive things about other people. Like, if I was talking to an East Asian about a person from a minority group, I would say, 'that person is a term for minority now understood as an ethnic slur.' But if I was talking to that person, I would never say that." Me (not wanting to get into a debate over logic and racism): "hmmm, okay..."
- In a text message: "Jarred, today I have some great news. Our group performed a concert. Now I am so tired. Thank you."
- "Jarred, do not be nervous. When she (his wife) goes into labor, I will wait 4 hours, then I will call you. Then you can come and take us to the hospital. But whatever you do, do not be nervous."
- "Tibetans can easily murder people."
- "At first we heard 5 were kidnapped and 1 killed. Then we heard 4 were kidnapped and one found alive. Then we heard 11 were kidnapped and 5 killed. But now the police have figured it out. A person fell on the mountain and hit their head on a rock and it killed them, so no problem."
