The sad truth of life is that racism/discrimination against others exists everywhere. It turns my stomach that any one person feels that their worth is so much better than someone else’s that they will exert control, power, and various social tactics in such a way to demean, humiliate and treat others in a derogatory way.
My last post touched on the very real issues that are happening in China, specifically in Guangzhou. Since that post a few weeks ago things have calmed down, but nothing is perfect. The government is working to handle any issue of discrimination or racism (because China is big on “saving face” and not looking bad), but this isn’t to say that things still aren’t happening. Foreigners be they African, Black American, or brown skinned individuals are all aware of what is happening, and all know to be very cautious when out and about.
As I have said before, I live in Shanghai and from what I have seen in Shanghai, foreigners (meaning all expats) have had discriminatory measures (not allowed in spas, hotels, certain restaurants, and local tourist venues) placed on them, not just those foreigners who – *ahem* look like me.
So, what’s happening now? Shanghai is vibrant, busy, and feels like things are “normal again”. We still have temperature checks when we enter stores/local venues, and we have to show a green health code (via an APP that is used here in China) to show that we are healthy. Local attractions are requiring individuals to make reservations before coming and they can regulate the number of people (locals and expats are required to make reservations) who enter in. Many places still have reduced hours, so they are not open all day, but most places are open.
We had a holiday this week, Labor Day OR May Holiday is a holiday celebrated here in China on May 1 celebrates the workers of the country and you are given time off from work. The weather was lovely this weekend- Saturday it hit 90 degrees and today Sunday we had a high of 82 degrees. Parks have lots of people (even temp checks to enter parks), sports bars are busy, many restaurants are celebrating Cinco De Mayo here, brunches are all over the city, and local tourist attractions are open (with prior reservations and temp/health checks to enter). I did try to go hiking this week and the park was closed. That was a bummer because it was a long trip …. But “C’est La Vie” ….
How am I feeling about my time in China? This is where I am living right now. the borders are still closed and currently there are no flights out. The last one-way flight I saw out of china was about $7000.00 USD with a layover of +18 hours….. Never Would I Ever take this flight in my life. So, I am here. I can’t leave the city of Shanghai without the risk of being quarantined when I return, and I do not want 14-day isolated quarantine at all. I know SIP sucks …. I know it does, but SIP is nothing like isolated quarantine here in China. From what I see on the news, and all over various social media sites, many Americans are more so concerned with their personal freedoms than the effect that being out can have on society at large. What I do know is that, China, as strict as it is, did a good job of containing the virus. I know. I know. It all started here ……
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Yeah were past that now. It happened. It sucks – Its everywhere and we have to deal with it and move forward. What happened next (for us in China) after COVID19 hit ??? Serious quarantine! None of this protesting and arguing and complaining. Stay inside your home and seriously only come out for necessities. The amount of in person – social distancing- meet ups I have seen – oh my gosh! And everyone isn’t social distancing – so that’s another story for another day.
BUT QUARANTINE??? NO ONE LIKED IT. NOT ONE PERSON. It’s not fun. It’s not vacation. I see the numbers continuously rising back at home and I do feel that I am better off here, RIGHT NOW, than back at home. I do hope that Americans will realize how serious this is. Opening the country back up so that you can go to the mall or eat out with your friends isn’t worth risking sickness, your life/health, or the worst yet- death.
Someone asked me what do I suggest as their state loosens up SIP and allows re-opening.
1: Stay at home – you don’t have to go out just because its allowed
2: When/If you go out avoid large crowds
3: Plan ahead and be effective. Get as many things as you can with as few trips as possible out
4: Always wear your mask. I hate wearing my mask too. I really do, but I wear it daily.
5: Keep your sanitizer and wipes with you.
6: Keep your immune system strong – take daily multivitamins/eat foods/fruits/vegetables to get your vitamins in
7: Drinks lots of water
8: Rest when you can
9: Take walks when you can (safely of course). If lots of people are out plan your walks when it’s not so busy outside
10: BE SAFE AND MAKE SMART DECISIONS. We are all adults and know what’s smart and what’s not so smart. Even though many people feel the need to go out and about just because they can it doesn’t mean that you have to do the same.
I still currently don’t have a start date for physical return to school though some schools in China have returned to the classroom. We are teaching online – and I’m learning lots of new skills because of this. I miss the classroom for sure, but until we return online it is.
I am staying cautious and aware of everything that is happening around me. I am following the news locally (in China is my local) and at home (USA). I love this skin I’m in and I know by virtue of this skin whether its right or wrong I am often looked at and treated differently. I do my best to treat others fairly and as they deserve. I do my best to be kind, helpful, and offer a smile when needed. It is in my nature and comes as a result of my upbringing. May we all be safe, kind, and helpful to others in these difficult-trying-and crazy days were in.
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.until next time. Paz.
#StayAtHome #SaveLives #StayHome #ContinueYourSIP #ShelterInPlace #COVID19
ONE MORE THING:
Here is a link to my TPT store! I am excited to have the site up and to get more resources uploaded soon:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Karla-Gurley
You should see this image when you click the link. Please hit follow me! Thanks!
Did yall see this? I’m sure you did! I read this article and I was immediately – SAD
^you see what happened in Atlanta when it reopened^
May 3rd = WORLD LAUGHTER DAY!!!
I hope you can find some time today to laugh and joke in the midst of all the crazy that is happening In the world. In celebration WORLD LAUGHTER DAY here’s a clip from one of my favorite comedians.
What a time to be alive! I hope you all are staying safe and healthy! I sure am
#FearlessinShanghai #Thankful #joychangeslives #KMarieTakesChina #BlackGirlMagic #KarlaGirlLivingLife #BlackGirlJoy #LivingMyLifeLikeItsGolden #ChinaorBust #ChinaAintReady #BlackInShanghai #BlackInChina #BlackAmericanInChina #LookOutWorldHereComesKarla #KarlaGirlJoy #BlackGirlInShanghai #eatsleeppartyrepeat #givingisgood #givingisfun #WakandaForever #ShuriAndNakiaAndOkoye #MelaninMagic #Blessed #-FaithfulIsMyGod
“life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all” – Hellen Keller
*I choose ADVENTURE*
FEARLESS in SHANGHAI 