2 ms·

Are they really more free, or do they just seem more free because the taboos don't quite match up, and you see them violating yours without thinking about the f

Are they really more free, or do they just seem more free because the taboos don't quite match up, and you see them violating yours without thinking about the fact that they have their own which they're avoiding? You say it's common to talk about weight or salary without people taking offense. Fair. On the other hand, in the US it's common to talk about the misdeeds of the President, express disagreement with the legislature, or question the government's policies. These are day to day conversations too. I don't think I've ever heard anything like that in China.

colordrops 9y ago
With older crowds you need to be familiar before talking politics. Younger people talk pretty freely about politics in social settings. To be fair that's not much different from the US.
- mikeash 9y ago
  That's definitely not been my experience. I haven't heard anyone talk politics at all, with me or with each other, aside from occasional bits about American politics. And that covers a wide range of ages and social familiarity.