Chapter 5: So, what's the difference anyway?

The differences between the United States and PRC

1. In the United States, most families have at least one car for every adult.

In the PRC, people ride bikes, walk, or take public transportation. Mostly only wealthier people have cars.

2. In the United States, people go grocery shopping only once per month and stock the food pantry, every shelf, the fridge and the extra freezer beyond capacity.

In the PRC, people go to the market every few days because they Have to carry the groceries home, there are no food pantries, and the only shelving is the extra shelving you buy and keep in the hallway.

3. In the United States, laundry is placed in the dryer after it is washed, which is generally located in a separate laundry room.

In the PRC, laundry dries by hanging around the house or on the balcony—if you have a balcony. Or if you have a dryer, it’s sitting on a small table outside on the balcony—shaking.

4. In the United States, it often seems anyone can come into the country legally or illegally and enjoy most citizen privileges.

In the PRC, it’s hard to enter the country if you have a legitimate purpose and legal entry documents, and even then, you must pass a police interview.

5. In the United States, people buy bottled water because it tastes better.

In the PRC, people buy huge jugs of water so they don’t get sick.

6. In the United States, government funding for abortion is debated and in some places abortion is illegal. Having children results in a tax break.

In the PRC, illegal pregnancies may require abortions and illegal births often result in high fines.

7. In the United States, people buy their fish prepackaged from a butcher.

In the PRC, people buy their fish live from a big fish tank in the grocery section.

8. In the United States, turtles are pets.

In the PRC, turtles are sold live at Wal-Mart in the grocery section.

9. In the United States, many DVD players will not                play pirated movies.


In the PRC, most DVD players only play pirated movies.

10. In the United States, my friends and family miss me.

In the PRC, I miss my friends and my family even more!