ABSTRACT

There is a common misconception that the Chinese people are relatively homogenous in terms of how they think and act, but in reality, this notion could not be further from the truth. In order to truly understand China, one must first appreciate the differences among its people. In the English speaking world, there are many variations of a popular joke that starts with “An Englishman, an Irishman, and a Scotsman walk into a bar …” The actual content varies based on who is telling the joke, but it invariably plays on cultural stereotypes. In China, there is a similar joke that also contrasts stereotypical differences among people from different provinces. Here is a version that might be told by someone from the Shandong province:

One day, seven passengers, all from different places (the Northeast Provinces, Guangdong, Henan, Shanghai, Beijing, Zhejiang, and Shandong), boarded the same plane. During the flight, the captain informed them, “We are in trouble. I’m afraid that somebody must jump off the plane to lighten the load so we can continue to fly safely.”

Upon hearing this, the Cantonese took out his checkbook and said, “Not a problem. I’ll write a check to the one who is willing to jump.”

The Beijinger replied indignantly: “How can you buy life with money? Though death befalls all men alike, it could be weightier than Mount Tai or lighter than a feather. It’s just a life, what’s the big deal!” While others looked at the Beijinger admirably, he continued, “Unfortunately, I have a meeting with the envoy of the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to discuss peace-keeping issues today. This meeting concerns the well-being of mankind. I can’t die, so I’ll leave this glorious opportunity to you.”

The Shanghainese said, “The one who jumps off should be the one who has the least value to the society. One from a city should be more highly valued than one from a rural area, and one from Shanghai, the biggest city, should have more value than one from other cities. I’m Shanghainese and my valuable life should be devoted to the economic development of Shanghai.” Then he turned his eyes toward the Henanese who dressed like a peasant.

On hearing this, the Henanese burst into tears and cried, “I’m a poor peasant and my value for the society is the smallest among us. It should be me who jumps off, but I have to support my 84-year-old mother. I can’t die!”

Growing impatient, the Northeasterner waved his iron fist and said, “Shut up! Let’s settle this with our fists.”

Then everyone turned to the tiny Zhejiangese. Unflustered, he took out a scale calmly and stood on it, “Well, I weigh only 45 kilograms. If I jump off, you’re still overloaded.”

The Shandongese, who had been silent during the entire process, stood up and opened the cabin door. Just when he was about to jump, another Shandongese suddenly came out of the cockpit and said proudly, “Only we Shandongese can be counted on at critical moments. My brother, I’ll jump with you!” And so they jumped.

As the rest started to cheer for their heroic deed, the plane abruptly began to nosedive. As it turned out, the second Shandongese who came out of the cabin was the pilot.