I AM an 'outside country person', a foreigner.
Spotting me in a crowd of Chinese people is easy - just look for the Anglo-American with a 'high nose' and curly, red hair.
I'm no stranger to Hong Kong and Chinese culture, but I still often feel like an alien when it comes to enjoying close friendships with the Chinese people of Hong Kong. I've lived in southern China and Hong Kong for four out of the past five years.
Recently returning to continue Cantonese and Chinese culture studies has caused me - in my efforts to 'fit in' as much as possible here - to wrestle with these questions: Why is it acceptable for Chinese people to: Wear T-shirts (often with American designs on them) and blue jeans.
Admire Western singers and actors.
Speak, read, write and sing English.
Adopt Western customs and manners? Why does it seem quite shocking, and even unacceptable at times, for a foreigner (who sincerely appreciates many aspects of Chinese culture) to: Wear a cheong sam or other 'Chinese-style' clothing.