> Somehow Westerners going to China seem to think that they matter a whole lot to the Chinese government. The ego-bruising truth is that you don't matter in the

> Somehow Westerners going to China seem to think that they matter a whole lot to the Chinese government. The ego-bruising truth is that you don't matter in the slightest. Although I believe this is the truth, you'll forgive me for taking precautions when traveling to a country that has imprisoned people with similar views to my own. I'm not worried about that happening, per se, moreso afraid of being rude and knowing what to avoid. > To get in trouble you really have to go out of your way to do so by actively organizing unrest. This is comforting, and good to hear from someone with more experience than I. > Chinese people do talk openly about sensitive topics, they just probably won't be too interested in doing so with someone who doesn't speak Chinese well, although it did happen to me a few times (in a university setting, mind you). I'm going on a program between universities, so I hope this happens! I love a good philosophical/political discussion, which is why I made this HN post, because I was afraid that my tendencies could land me in hot water. Thanks for the reality check though, and for the rest of the advice.