Speaking up for civility

A disclaimer: this is not to suggest that all Chinese have bad manners. Similarly, Westerners certainly don't always possess flawless etiquette.

Nonetheless, one of the first things that strike a newcomer to Beijing is the social conduct that seems to pass as acceptable. Certain habits and elements of "anti-social behavior" are obvious from the outset and worth mentioning. These habits confuse tourists and grate on the social consciousness of discourtesy-weary expatriates.

While most try hard to ignore these things, it is difficult to find a Westerner who lacks long list of irritations to share when pushed on the subject.