The latest chapter of global COVID madness is the total lockdown in the city of Shanghai. Once known as the “Paris of the East,” the city is now a scene directly from a dystopian novel.
The lockdowns in Shanghai are not like what we experienced, even in the leftmost of states like California. In the States, people lost jobs, could not go to their favorite restaurants or bars, and had to install bidets if they wanted clean asses. In Shanghai, residents are literally locked in their homes. Some are driven to suicide, and others are starving, including the elderly and children.
Survival with Chinese Characteristics
In a supposed effort to keep citizens physically safe, the government of Shanghai has overlooked the mental and social needs of its populace. Based on my experience living in China, I have to say that this is to be expected. Most Chinese apartments are relatively cramped compared to the average American’s living conditions. With little area to roam and without permission to leave the home, it is no wonder that some residents are losing their hope and their cool. Couple this with Mainland China’s scant regard for mental health, and you may see an outcome much deadlier than the coronavirus.
Moreover, the average Chinese city-dweller does not keep much food around the house. When I lived in Guangzhou, my ex-girlfriend took it for granted that we would be able to get fresh food from the market whenever we needed to. She would complain that food kept in the house took up too much space. Smaller accommodations and less of a food preparedness culture will make things harder for the Shanghainese.
Having not left the USA for the past five years, I really wanted to get back out and travel. Realistically speaking, I may never get the chance to do so again. In particular, I may never get to visit China again. I miss the food, wish that I could see more of the sights, and would like to touch base with old friends in the country. Being surrounded by attractive women and having an opportunity to shoot my shot and hit is always an added bonus too. Potentially being stuck in the country, imprisoned in a high-rise apartment or hotel turns me off, however, especially if I ended up becoming a hungry Chinese family’s idea of foreigner food.
At least I have my memories of the Middle Kingdom.
Speaking of old friends and memories, Randall Fields, author of American Nightmare and one of the rawest voices of a Black man’s experience in China, is enduring the lockdown in Shanghai at the time of this writing. If you want to get a glimpse of what life is like in Shanghai, “Oz of the East,” then I suggest that you follow him on Medium. Signing up for Medium and giving him a follow is free. I want to see him reach 100 subscribers so that he can start monetizing the platform.
Good luck and Godspeed to Shanghai’s residents and visitors. Hopefully, the lockdown will pass soon. It may be time for foreigners living in China to consider bugging out.