<p>Agreed. I have a friend in Seoul, South Korea…been friends for decades…its not a racial slur. Don’t misunderstand me. </p>
<p>Though I note that with China’s rising role in global economics and as more and more Chinese desire to get an education in the Western World, with the USA as their first choice, followed by Canada, Australia and Great Britain…we are finding (saw an article in either NYT or WSJ within the past year I believe) many of them are becoming more belligerent and domineering…as if to suggest they are superior. Some say its because for centuries the Chinese in particular were subjugated by other nations and races and now having reached the pinnacle of power they are misbehaving somewhat…I have noticed a sort of arrogance among many Chinese nationals studying in the United States…a rudeness that is most unfortunate. Not humble and gracious GUESTS in our nation. They act as if they are ENTITLED to an education here…and all of them are paid for by the Chinese Government. </p>
<p>If you know anything about the Chinese military and intelligence services, they also send over a considerable amount of “persons of interest” in the overseas student population. But that is another matter altogether. And I am not suggesting all of them are in that category. But they DO exist. Just ask your friendly neighborhood FBI agent. </p>
<p>We Americans are not immune from poor manners overseas. For decades upon decades, American students have travelled overseas to study and acted out the perfect role of “Ugly American”. (Although some go the other direction and “go native” in a weird act of self denial.) I am only saying its being noticed that many Chinese are coming here to study and some of them are less than grateful guests. Some of them opine about the quality of American institutions of higher learning as if they are experts on the subject matter or even have a voice in the discussion. I find that supremely arrogant and rude, given their taxes are not paying for their education here, its OUR taxes that are underwriting it…at least indirectly. </p>
<p>Foreign student exchanges provide a valuable opportunity for students, but also provide a valuable governmental objective…for through the exchange of ideas and values, we learn more about each other, remove hysteria and misperceptions and hopefullly avoid conflicts. In theory.</p>
<p>But 40 years after we started allowing Arabs here to study, many people have expressed doubts about its ultimate success. Particularly women who married them and saw their “husbands” steal their children and take them back to Saudi Arabia, never to be seen again. Arabs NEVER send women over here to study. Verboten. </p>
<p>I support diversity and exchanges. I am just saying we need to be mindful of our manners and respectful of customs when we are guests and that we Americans should not be too willing to give away the crown jewels.</p>