In Beijing

While studying in Beijing in May 2007, I was greatly amused by the Olympic preparation campaign that was already being waged. The campaign was more substantial than ensuring that everyone was familiar with the “Olympic babies” – the five cartoon characters which each represent an Olympic ring. The campaign provided instruction about the more important points of international etiquette, such as the impropriety of spitting in public and the importance of forming lines.

Although I did not understand the necessity of teaching line formation when I first heard about the endeavor, after about twenty minutes in Beijing the need became apparent. It is not that Beijing residents are impatient as much as the ubiquitous crush of people impedes the formation of orderly, single-person lines. In Beijing you do not wait in lines as much as you wait in an undulating throng of people, in which throwing elbows and cutting are entirely acceptable.

As I may not be the most patient person I know, I was delighted to discover that in Beijing I could escape the strictures of single-person lines (and throw a few elbows). I will admit it: I do not like to wait.

Last night I realized how un-Iowan that is of me. While addressing a small gathering, one of the highest compliments an Iowa Congressman paid to Cedar Rapidians was their willingness to wait to receive assistance when a neighbor, friend, or coworker needed it more. In essence he called them good neighbors, good friends, good coworkers. Good because, in the face of substantial material loss, they demonstrated a greater concern for the people affected by the flood than for the possessions. Good because, in the relocation of the flood, they strove to retain their community. Good because, in the chaos of the moment, they refused to act entitled to any assistance.

Those affected by the flood in Cedar Rapids remembered what I forgot in the crowds in Beijing: life requires priorities and it is always better to choose people. Better for you, for them, for everyone watching. People like the ones I was elbowing in Beijing.