Entry Six: Meeting Alex

We’ve met several Americans in passing here in China including Mr. Alex Brenner, a teacher and freelance journalist in Beijing. Alex is a native of Columbia and found out we were in China from a friend who works at The State newspaper. He got in touch with us via email, so we gave him a call and he had dinner with us on our last night in Beijing. Alex interviewed some of the students and asked about their experiences in China so far.

 

The students asked him questions about his experience coming from South Carolina and living in China. We learned some very interesting things about China from an American point of view.

 

Alex lives in an apartment, as most people in Beijing do. He said his apartment is smaller than what we are used to in South Carolina. He moved to China seven years ago to earn a master’s degree at a local university. He says he is still learning Chinese, even after seven years, and is sure it is something he will be learning for life.

 

He doesn’t drive because getting a license as a foreigner is very difficult and expensive. He doesn’t worry about crime at all. There may be pick pockets and other minor offenders, but nearly no major crime, certainly not against a foreigner as the penalty is harsh. He wasn’t surprised that the Chinese point and stare at us and ask to take pictures as we walk pass or ride by in the tour bus. Chinese people aren’t accustomed to seeing Black people and there is a slight superiority complex at play. The presidential race in America may change the opinions of African-Americans around the world, he said.

 

Unfortunately, we were pressed for time and Alex had to go work on another story. His insight was valuable. He has promised to keep in touch via email.

 

- Charlene Slaughter