China, Thats where they make American flags right?

(Photo via Laura Padgett treehugger.com)

When I think China, I think thats the country that makes everything I own (For the most part). Looking around my desk right now I am slowly starting to realize that everything around me is made in China. Until this semester, I hadn't really formally learned anything substantial about China. To me it was just a country where they apparently make everything in the world. I never took a minute to think about another culture because I was only really learning about American or European history until this year. I don't think I know that much about China except for the images and stereotypes I have from the little knowledge I have received in school.

Everyone builds up stereotypes of other countries, it's only natural really. Personally I try to not stereotype but it's literally impossible to avoid. China seems to be a popular target for stereotypes here in the U.S. My personal stereotypes are:, they eat cats and dogs, its impossible for them to pronounce "L's", and they all know Kung Fu and will kick my ass if I disrespect them. I know that most of these are probably wrong in most cases but in my defense the only Chinese kid I knew growing up was awesome at kung fu and couldn't say "Hello" for the life of him.

I am really interested in the day to day routine in China. I cannot imagine living like they do with so many people everywhere you go. I know I would be forced to figure it out but I really do not think I could live in China.

(image from http://thenextwavefutures.wordpress.com/2010/01/17/google-china-and-strategic-ethicsthe-world/)

For one Google is like a second brain to me, I use some sort of google product for just about everything. Since China and Google are having some beef China wouldn't work for me. That sounds like a lame reason but it really is important to me. I also want to learn more about their laws and policies. I am hazy on whats really okay or not in China and I feel like its important to know whats up before we go there so I don't do anything stupid. I am also interested in Chinese music. I am a huge Hip-Hop fan and I have been known to dabble in recording and audio production. I hit the internet to try to find some interesting Chinese Hip-Hop and here is what I found.

I obviously have no idea what he is saying but it seems to me that China does have Hip-Hop and it sounds pretty similar to American Hip-Hop beat wise. I am interested in how far they can go with their lyrics before they get into trouble by the government. It makes me think back to all of the crazy things I hear in American Hip-Hop and I dont think China would let that fly too well. I think they have to keep it pretty PG and I dont like that.

I think I'm just too 'Merican for China.