Assimilation and Over-Assimilation
Most expats who move to China follow a similar pattern. First, there's the shock and euphoria of actually living in China. Then, there's a protracted struggle to carve out a life despite linguistic and cultural misunderstandings. Finally, one finds his stasis in China; though while there still may be issues with understanding and occasional frustrations, for the most part the laowai has found his niche in China.
This stasis can be called assimilation, a word with a distinctly positive connotation in expat circles. But can it go too far? Can one over-assimilate? What would over-assimilation even look like? I hazard a guess:
Assimilation: You no longer mind squat toilets and even find them preferable in public latrines.
Over-assimilation: You break your friend's toilet seat by attempting to stand on it and squat.
Assimilation: You develop a fine taste for Chinese vegetables, even ones prepared with a gallon of oil.
Over-assimilation: You demand to the waiter at the "Western restaurant" that he boil the elements in your green salad.
Assimilation: You're more than happy to drink beer with your Chinese friends in the "ganbei" style, at least on occasion
Over-assimilation: You refuse to drink beer in anything larger than a shot glass.
Assimilation: You don't mind sitting with your Chinese girlfriend under an umbrella in the shade when you take her to the beach
Over-assimilation: You tell your friends just coming back from vacation in Thailand that they have turned "too black".
Any others?
