Coming from America racism is nothing new to me, but I am often apalled at the blatant racism I see weekly if not daily in my travels across China. Thats not to say that I see it from everyone, however the levels of racial hatred that I see are so infinitely deep it pains me. Moreover that which I find on the internet literally knots my stomach. This whole notion of "This is China" that is used as a stereotypical validation of actions that those who speak the words are deeply ashamed of even as they pass their lips. Cross cultural relations are always complex, even without a language barrier. Factoring in a language barrier only amplifies said complexities. What really intrigues me is the willingness of Chinese men who are so eager to point out any concieved character flaw of a foreign man with urgent haste. This is indicative of a glaring lack of self esteem and confidence. Something I find painful due to the general fact that if an adult has not developed such character traits by their early adulthood they will never manage to develop them. I cannot speak for every other "western" male, I can only speak for myself. Having said that I didn't come to China for women, or for beer, or for anything other than to impact some lives and to help the world become more global. Wether it be right or wrong I would have stood my ground to these thugs as well, especially if my fiance or a child was involved. Negotiations are not to be made by shouting. They should be made calmly and articulately on neutral ground. If you cannot find the intelligence and civility in that then I pitty you Mr 779. Furthermore you cannot negotiate with someone who doesn't want to hear what you have to say. There is a word for doing so, it's called harassment, and in this case home invasion as well. I think being proud of your culture is great, don't get me wrong. Being blinded by it's dogma, or the rhetoric of anything, only illustrates an inability to think in a critical capacity and a propensity for being manipulated. That is all. Think globally, act locally.