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Description

Photo shows the use of the peace sign, which was prevalent in China. In this particular restaurant, we couldn't understand why the waitresses would ignore us, but this was because there was a push button system through which to order. We finally figured this out at the end of the meal much to the delight of our waitress.

Comments

Technology

It seemed like the technology usage in restaurants in China was much more progressive than in the U.S. For example, even at a small dumpling restaurant in the mall, our waitress used an electronic PDA-type of device to take our orders rather than a pen and paper.

Context

The peace sign to us is not a peace sign to the Chinese. They are putting up a "V" for Victory. I got varying answers to why it started but mostly its just a tradition at this point that everyone copies. Its fascinating how ubiquitous it is throughout all of China. Virtually every photo taken contains the "V" for Victory. 

This experience was pretty

This experience was pretty funny. We kept trying to track down the waitress and they would completely ignore us. Or they'd get annoyed that we grabbed them. At the very end of the meal we figured out the button system - I think even they started laughing at us that it took the entire meal to figure it out!

Button on Table

I found the theme of the button on the table to hold true not only in other Chinese cities but also on my trip to Korea.  My theory is that while Americans crave personal attention, Asians may prefer less intrusiveness that a button offers.

Peace sign

I asked the student I was paired with at the business school and she said, 'that's just what we do when we take pictures.'  For me, their use of the peace sign reinforced my impression that the Chinese people as a whole were very happy and enthusiastic.

Peace Sign

The peace sign was very prominent.  I assumed it meant something different in China.  Anyone?