Ok, first of all, most of you know nothing about China. That's not a criticism of you though, it's a criticism of our media which seizes on any sensationalistic story it can and then tells half the truth to make it even more so. They've created an image of China in the minds of most Americans which is entirely untrue. I know this because, although I am a white American, I lived in China, speak Chinese, have a degree in East Asian Studies (focusing on China), and my wife was born and raised in China.

Just think about how bad America would look to people in other countries if the only stories they heard about were things like the Rodney King beating, the redneck's who tied up the gay guy and beat him to death in Wyoming, and the rascists who dragged the black guy behind the car in Texas. And speaking of Texas, I'm sure any story about our imbecilic President doesn't do too much for the image of America.

Anyhow, back to the story. Yes, teachers in China can still hit students. Teachers in China are considerabley more respected than they are here, however, and education is highly valued so kids don't act out that much. Also, the most that they could legally do is give a kid a smack across the knuckles, or at worst, a paddling. Like Birdgirl, I too remember when this was still common prcatice in schools here in the U.S. so it doesn't seem all that outrageous to me. In any case teachers in China aren't beating the shit out of kids on a regular basis.

Like Billionfold, I too doubt the validity of this story. Ogrish.com isn't exactly the bastion of journalistic excellence. If it is true, the teacher will get what is coming to him. Most likely in the form of a bullet in the back of the head. Yes, this is something you've heard about China that is true. They don't fuck around with things like murder, rape, or child molestation. Incidentally, they have an incredibly low rate of violent crime. Whether you agree with the death penalty or not it certainly seems to be working over there.

Oh yeah, Yes Nochowder, there is weed in China. Although it's not too common. Like most Asian countries, they tend to go straight to heroin or meth and not mess around with our beloved and harmless herb. Mostly you'll find hash which is pretty much only smoked by the people of far western China right on the border of Afghanistan (not a big surprise). It's ok but not the best. Sure as shit makes Chinese opera more tolerable though