China issues '8 Don't Ask' questions to citizens for Olympics

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In order to avoid being rude to foreign visitors, the Chinese government has given a list of 8 questions its citizens should avoid asking visitors:

• don't ask about income or expenses
• don't ask about age
• don't ask about love life or marriage
• don't ask about health
• don't ask about someone's home or address
• don't ask about personal experience
• don't ask about religious beliefs or political views
• don't ask what someone does

The government doesn’t want idle chit-chat conversations to annoy visitors participating and attending the upcoming Olympic Games.

The Chinese have a penchant for the number 8, which they consider lucky. The Olympics will start on the eighth of August at 8.00 pm (8/8/08 at 8.00 pm). In step with that tradition, they have issued these eight don't-ask questions.

The government has displayed posters in prominent places with the rules for locals to follow. They were issued by the Dongcheng district Propaganda Department to show proper hospitality toward visitors.

Previously, another government department wanted locals to give more smiles during the Olympics.

The government has also issued warnings against queue-jumping, spitting, littering and speaking too loudly in public, in an effort to project a good image to outsiders. However, some of the locals are not happy with these restrictions.

One blogger asked: "Other than the weather what else are you suppose to talk about?" The blogger posted this query on New York's Craigslist website.

Shanghaiist, a popular blog in China, questioned this policy by asking "Are there also eight don't tells?"

One of them complained:

"While 'Eight Don't Asks' is a general practice in the States ... I don't understand why Chinese living in China should follow this rather western guideline."

In contrast to criticism, a few others showed support for this “Don’t Ask” policy, saying it will bridge locals with visitors. What may be right locally may not be right elsewhere.

In my opinion, the Chinese government should relax; the locals will know how to behave properly. My brother has been to China several times and he said they treat him well. The visitors will have a good time, China has great food, great things to learn and historic places to visit.