Found in translation episode 2

Found in translation episode 2
ShanghaiCityGirl Apr 20, 2015 08:37

Before some ‘hipster’ cartoons like Shrek became popular, aiming to teach kids that beauty is only skin deep and a rich princess would rather give up her luster and wealth to marry rude and ugly ogre, most of people born in their 80s got a little brainwashed by Disney productions. In practice that means we learned more or less consciously that slim, long haired princess and a tall, handsome prince are socially approved ‘ideals’ of people we should seek to have a relationship with. And although you might think China is like a completely different planet, turns out they did watch exactly same animations, maybe just girls focused a bit more on Snowhite, Why?

No matter which Chinese city of province you find yourself in, every single Chinese person will tell you, without a moment of hesitation, that a perfect woman in their eyes has white face, wealth and beauty – and such lucky lady is called 白富美 BAI FU MEI (bai – white, fu – rich, mei – beauty).

Rich and beauty parts don’t need too much explanation, but why ‘white’?! Chinese people have this saying ‘yi bai zhe bai chou’ – which means ‘white skin can hide hundreds of defects’ – so be ready that if you come to China and you pride yourself in naturally, ivory white skin, you are bound to be an object of frequent admiration (another good reason to remember about daily application of sunscreen!) and unavoidable, random photo sessions in the streets.

Now, obviously every BAI FU MEI should have an appropriate partner to complete her status, and in perfect life she should never cease to find a type of a guy called ‘高富帅 GAO FU SHUAI (GAO – tall, FU – rich and SHUAI – handsome).These ‘requirements’ are not that far away from Western ones, after all. BUT !In order to let China keep its uniqueness, there are special conditions of being considered GAO FU SHUAI and of course – peculiar way they carry themselves. Chinese ‘Princes Charming’ never bothered themselves to work hard because they were born in privileged families AND they live their life most probably following the motto ‘I am gao fu shuai and I know it, I am not afraid to show it!’ – by showing off their privilege ,including all belongings as well as BAI FU MEI style girlfriends on various social media.

If Shrek lived in modern China, he would NEVER get away with his shenanigans and the excuse about onion and layers, and his buddies would never be able to throw the ‘Living la vida loca’ wedding party since Chinese Fiona would definitely choose Justin Timberlake’s doppelganger. But I believe, he might at some point find common ground with some GAO FU SHUAI , because just like Shrek, they simply know what they want and who they are, so maybe would be willing to share their knowledge how to make all ‘BAI FU MEI’ girls think ‘damn he fly when he walk on by’ ( well, just in Chinese, of course;)

Tags:Language & Culture

2 Comments

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sorrel

ECC, why are you copying blogs from an external site? These are not original pieces for this forum.

Apr 22, 2015 06:47 Report Abuse

rasklnik

Shrek isn't hipster, it was a book by William Stieg,

Apr 21, 2015 08:36 Report Abuse