J M Kim
A few years ago, a few friends and I were touring Asia. In many places over there, courteous driving is almost none-existence. Drivers don't stop for pedestrians and in some places, not even at designated pedestrian crossings. It has a lot to do with the pedestrians too. It is not an understatement to say that the way of ife in certain areas is that if anything happens, the one with the deeper pocket is gouged first. Needless to say, it is the person who owns a car that often has a deeper pocket. In short and in fairness, I can say that there is very little coorporation between motorists and pedestrians. In fairness, I would say climate conditions, socio-economics, and culture influence the way people behave.
Anyway, we all learnt how to dodge the cars by trial and error. After managing to cross one busy intersection, one of us mentioned that "You don't know how good we have it back home (US)" and all of us lauged as if we heard a very funny joke. Thinking back in time, I relaized that there is isn't really anything funny about this.
Observations like this reminds me time and again, regardless of race religion or culture, of the saying that goes along the lines that "A nation is made up of its people" and "It's all about standards." Unfortunately, it is from a somewhat controversial source, but the more you think about it the more thruth it seems to carry.
This is not necessarily targeted towards Chinese or any particular group, but just in general.
Just my two cents ...
