Rich Folks

Well Connected

Poorly Connected

Click the pix for larger picture.

We went to a wealthy "village" the other day. It's an enclave surrounded by farms and the residents are very well off. The breadwinner spends his time in places like Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hong Kong and Shanghai where they accumulate wealth. The residents are often from this area, but since the big bucks are elsewhere they only come here on holidays and such. They most likely own a home in any number of places.

Surprisingly, the homeowners welcomed us into their homes so we could gawk at their splendid lifestyles and enhance their already outsized face. In the US we would have been met by Dobermans. security personnel, or perhaps blazing firearms.

Communism is dead in this country in case you hadn't gotten the word.

6. Privileged Class

First read this story.

Privilege is everywhere is Chinese society. My school, even though it's the top academic school in the region has a fair number of rich boys who are neither smart or try hard. A few are disrespectful and disruptive. They are scattered in a few classes, and are not liked by the students whose classes they pollute. I have heard the Li Gang line from students regarding these kids.

Government officials, successful business people, and certain professionals are wealthy, and they like to flaunt it. They have expensive cars, lovely homes, and spiffy lifestyles. Commoners resent them, and the country could be in for trouble if the economy fails to lift everyone up financially.