Why are many middle and upper class Mainland Chinese rude? I've noticed this mostly with middle aged Chinese, not so much their children. In China (Jiangsu provence) I have witnessed repeated displays of hierarchy from the middle and upperclass.
I'm a Chinese student from a middle-class family and now I live in Australia as student. By seeing the different ways people treat each other in both countries I can understand why you think this.1. Historically Eastern-Asian countries have a long "power distance" between people, in addition to a respect for hierarchical order. Respect only happens between similar classes. The waitress is considered a lower servant, instead of an individual, for higher class people. This is true not only in China, but in all Eastern-Asian countries from the past until now. Yes, to some extent, even in Japan and Korea!I never said "thank you" to a waiter in China until after I flew to Australia! Consequently when I go back to China I've learned to thank waiters. Some of the waiters were surprised and happy with that, yet some don't have any reaction; they are used to the bad attitude and ignorance from those being served.2. China became rich and open to the world in just a few decades, and so did the chinese middle and rich class. Most of them did not receive a proper education in academics or manners when they were young. If you take a look at what happened in China over the last century, you will know more.3. In China too many people are competing for very limited resources. By "resources", I mean almost everything valuable: A chance to go to a good middle school, a good university, job opportunities, promotional opportunities, good doctors, wealth, et cetera... People became selfish toward other people simply because they are all competitors. (However, this is not true within families where parents extremely spoil their children.)These are just a few of the reasons that I can think of. I might add more later on... Hopefully this can help you. Feel free to ask me for more :)And correct grammar errors for me if you like :pBTW: Jiangsu people are not known for being rude in China, and they are relatively rich and mild. Why do you think they are more rude? I think they probably just appear to be more rude compared with their more developed neighbor Shanghai.
Why are some mainland Chinese people so rude, impolite, and lacking in manners while travelling? I love Beijing and this land so much, I want to make it more lovable.
I think, as Lauren stated, it has a lot to do with Mao and the Cultural Revolution. I have encountered dozens upon dozens of situations where mainland Chinese have been quite rude.Several times in the store people would just jump in front of me in line. (They think selfishly, as one's own well-being being the most important)On the train, sometimes the attendant/stewardess would just open the cabin door without knocking. (They don't care to be polite, just to do the bare minimum)People constantly spit on the ground, sometimes even indoors.I have seen people throw litter out the windows of the building I live in.People here often are willing to do whatever it takes to make money, even at the expense of the planet and the well-being of humanity (Think of all of the factories without pollution controls, etc.)People are willing to do whatever it takes to have face/for the admiration of others. (People will buy a car even when they practically never drive it, only to show off for driving friends or for special events)I used to say please, thank you, and excuse me all the time. My assistant teacher told me everyone thought I seem too weak and foolish since I was too polite. Since then, I try not to be overly polite any more.In the gym, Chinese guys will always say how foreigners are weaker than them and how I am ugly, have a gut, etc. The funny thing is, I am probably the only competitive powerlifter in the entire gym I go to, yet they just love to bad-mouth me for being a foreigner. In larger cities I don't think this is as common. I chalk it up to insecurities on their part. They don't realize I can understand their Chinese.People don't typically value honesty here. They believe it is foolish to be too honest, and that you will never become successful this way. People love to yell stuff at me when I walk by, not expecting an answer. They might say "Hello", but it's not for the purpose of conversation, moreso it's like they are looking at a monkey in the zoo.Some people working in the store will keep an extra close eye on me here, even though I am a pretty clean cut looking guy, just because I am a foreigner. They act as if foreigners are all criminals or something.Of course, not all of these apply to all Chinese, but I believe it is good to bring these things to light so Chinese people may learn how to become more polite in future generations.