Traits of an Asian from an Asian

Critical.Complaints.Negativity.Sarcastic.

All these are perhaps the main characteristics of Asians. Or should I say habits?

Let’s just say I am in the position to make such hard statement because of the exposures I faced with. Studying in Melbourne and doing my casual works may look very common to other people but I reckon the most important part is observing and learning from its culture.

Being over a year here, I’ve lived and socialised with different nationalities. And each has their distinct characteristics. Sad to say, Asians are the ones that are not able to see the good side of things. Asians (not all but most) are critical. Not that it is entirely bad because being critical means seeing things as it is but Asians actually pride themselves in being OVERLY critical. We (am using ‘we’ cause I am in and out totally Asian) are trained and encouraged to out-do each other by seeking the weakness in the opponents and comments on it, if not manipulate it to boost our ego. Even if we manage to beat one opponent, we will not be satisfied because we will find some other things to critic on and then continue our on-going interest in negativity. (This is definitely good traits in doing business) We also like to correct and teach others to show our superiority rather than share the joy of happiness or tears of sadness with them. Take the Bitch I’ve known for example, she never looks at the good side of things and always have a comment on every single bloody fucking thing. No wonder she gets a lousy job, no social life, bad aura (in other words, FUGLY) and definitely a pathetic useless boyfriend. (Yes, its pretty obvious I dislike her.)

Most Caucasians on the other hand are always there to be happy for you and not afraid to highlight their weaknesses. Perhaps they have a lower ego or maybe they are Christians (saying this because I was dragged to church by my girls before and in the church, good and bad news is shared NOT harshly commented on. Unfortunately, not all of those traits were practiced once they are out of church.)

Let’s just say there is always a ‘BUT’ in our sentence.

Asians structures their sentence like this, ‘Yeah that’s good BUT you know the place in etc etc is better and you should really do this the next time. I was there and got really good discount...’.

While the Caucasians (again, most but not all), ‘Yeah, that’s fantastic!! You’re really good at it and I remember I did this one time and got scolded by the boss. It was so embarrassing... bla bla’. (they do elaborate and crap a lot more though)

Why am I saying this when I myself is an Asian too? That’s because there were numerous incidents that prove my theory.

First, was in a meeting when a colleague came in and said a bad news. Rather than empathizing, few other colleagues (Asians) went head on in commenting her mistakes. HEAD ON. They don’t even bother to stop and understand.

Second, a case study is given and lecturer asked to comment. This Asian dude raised his hand and starts highlighting the negative sides and says that the company should do this and that. Lecturer stops him and asked for positive remarks instead.

Third, was in a meeting and a few colleague was asked to play out a scene. Boss asked to comment and an Asian fella list out the not-to-do stuff. Boss got agitated and asked him to comment on the positive side first.

Fourth, look at Facebook or Twitter or where ever and see how many Asians actually talked about something good rather than bad?

And many many more... Its not the same nationality too but the common thing is they are all Asians.

I am all but praising my people as well. Am also clearly showing the Asian characteristics I had just commented on. In fact I do admit that I am a little critical, if not more. I am still but I am striving to throw away that habit of constantly being critical, sarcastic and just mere negative. I want to start appreciating the good side of things and enjoy the presence of sharing the news. So yeah, let’s just stop for a minute and look at the good side of things and appreciate them. =)

“Constant complaint is the poorest sort of pay for all the comforts we enjoy.” (Benjamin Franklin)

“The world is sad enough without your woe.” (Orison Swett Marden)

“It is better to light one small candle than to curse the darkness.” (Confucious)

“I think a compliment ought to always precede a complaint, where one is possible, because it softens resentment and insures for the complaint a courteous and gentle reception.” (Mark Twain)