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Beijing Cabbies Not Allowed to Dye Hair Red
Yesterday I posted about tickets going on sale for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. Understandably, China wants to make a good impression on the hordes of international travelers who will descend upon their country. In an effort to control that impression, the government has made a 12-item self-improvement list for cabdrivers.
So, if you travel to Beijing for the games, you can be sure your cabdrivers won't smoke, spit or overcharge. Women won't wear big earrings or have red hair, and men's hair will be kept short. They'll also always use their meter, or they'll run the risk of losing their license.
On the one hand, I feel sorry for cabbies who are having their appearance micro-managed by the Chinese government, but on the other, taking a taxi in a country you're not familiar with -- especially when your language isn't commonly spoken -- can be daunting. Travelers who are confident they can make their way around the city -- without being taken for the proverbial ride -- are far more likely to enjoy their stay.
That being said, what does the government have against red hair?
Filed under: Festivals and Events, China
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Nancie Apr 18th 2007 5:33PM
hmm.....red hair? It just isn't a natural Asian color. Every time I see one of my Korea students with red hair I do a double take. Maybe the government just doesn't want them to stand out, and take any of the attention away from the Olympics :)
http://www.360.yahoo.com/bunni56531
Ren Apr 21st 2007 10:36PM
o thats because the flag of china is red. so if they do like have red hair or something it can be like "oh i only support my country" also red can be seen as hostile to other people. same thing as the chinese government does not like to be associated with dragon even thou our culture does, because dragon represented wars and fighting and stuff.
vlad Apr 22nd 2007 2:21PM
Obvious. They used to have "The Little Red Book" and dont want the new cult, " The Little Red Look".
ronda Apr 22nd 2007 2:55PM
what the heck?!? as a redhead i'm insulted.. and tired of the whole 'redheaded stepchild' thing!
Looove Apr 22nd 2007 3:01PM
mabey also because its the communists color, foe me it would be like a tatoo kinda scary unless u kno the person. ronda, you are so lucky to have red hair, but beacause its kinda rare people find ways to get over it.
Dav? Apr 22nd 2007 3:02PM
Interersting. I know there are still people who only trust people with a "conservative" look; however, I contend that people who adhere to strict conventions tend to have succumbed to those with the power or have the most power and are reponisble for most of the trouble in the modern world.
I think if I saw Chinese cab drivers with blue-haired Mohawks and nose piercings, I'd say to myself, "Wow, I can really feel comfortable and free here." I'd enjoy myself more if the precedent were set that it's OK to be an individual than if I felt I had to watch my every move to make sure I conform enough to stay out of trouble. Not my idea of vacation.
Hula girl at heart Apr 23rd 2007 1:53PM
This is bs to the max, another strike against redheads. I am a natural redhead and I've noticed that blonde hair doesn't seem to be on the restricted hair dye list, ha, and that isn't a natural Asian hair color that I've seen, whatev!!!
Debbie Apr 22nd 2007 3:22PM
I am a natural redhead, so why is the real reason they don't allow it?? do they have something against redheads?? I am totally insulted and hurt !!!!!
JAS07 Apr 23rd 2007 1:05AM
With Koreans having black hair, it is hard for them to color it to anything other than red. I don't think the Korean government has anything against red heads,if Koreans were mostly dying their hair blonde, I think the government would have asked for no one to color their hair blonde, but the fact is that most Koreans who dye their hair, dye it to red and the government wants Koreans to look and feel... well, Korean. Does the gov fear that a cabbie with a hair color other than black might be confused with someone who is not Korean or perhaps, someone who has a mind of their own?
Katie Apr 22nd 2007 3:44PM
I agree with those who have natural red hair. I too am one of the many women in the world with 100% natural red hair. Most times I hate it, and that's because of what it seems to mean to society. I'm supposed to be easily angered, mean etc. and yet men can't stay away from women with red hair. I feel sorry for people being told they can't dye their hair red. Who cares what color the cabbies hair is? I'd die it purple just to spite them.
R.K.Savage Apr 22nd 2007 3:48PM
Did you know that More people speak English in China
than in the U.S ? Amazing isn't it?
R.K.Savage Apr 22nd 2007 3:52PM
The red hair thing has me puzzeled. Maybe there is a Chinese folklore that sheds a bad light on Red hair or something, cause I cant see what the government could possibly have against red hair.
otaylake Apr 22nd 2007 3:59PM
It's NOT about YOU people. Who cares whether or not YOU have natural red hair? Few to no natural Asian redheads exist in China. It's about a whole other regime governed by a whole other peoples with different social and cultural attitudes from ours. They outlaw everything in China, including losing in competition. I'm not coformfortable in countries where people are told what they can wear and look like, either; but neither am I comfortable in a group of stoners, spikers, punkers or gangstas - and I definitely don't want to travel with people who are spitting and smoking. Attend the Olympics if you are going. I won't. I disapprove of countries (Read "China") whose citizens are forced in extreme, cruel ways to not just compete, but to win. Make no mistake. Any Chinese competitors who don't keep the medals at home will be punished severely. Why we allow our athletes to compete against these unfortunates, I have no idea. The Olympics have become barbaric in attitude. If you're severely injured, the show must still go on. Break a few bones and you're still expected to compete. The Chinese will accept only death as an excuse for not winning. Wby would we want to help them support the cruelty towards their citizens. I'll stay home and keep the TV on other channels.
Carole Apr 22nd 2007 6:05PM
Debbie, They aren't dying their hair the shade of red you are naturally....How about the REALLY shocking poster board RED? and with their skin tone and the true black hair they have..it is a bit OUT THERE! Now I have no problem with what shade or color they dye their hair myself...but that is speaking from the freedom we have here in the U.S.A.
I only care about the taxi fare they charge being held to a fair account...so if the red hair and big earrings must go................so be it! It must mean they are with the program....LOL
erin Apr 22nd 2007 4:09PM
ok, wut happens if a cab driver has naturally red hair? do they have to shave it off? do they have to dye it, get a wig, or get another job. it's pretty controlling. also, speaking as a red head, i am insulted that they chose to single us out. i would be pretty freaked by all the conformity. like they were being turned into robots. creepy.
webguy Apr 22nd 2007 4:17PM
Perhaps the Chinese government wants people to feel as if the people servicing them are professional. It is not uncommon for companies to institute dress codes.
bob Apr 22nd 2007 4:29PM
How many Koreans, Chinese, or any other Asians do you know that actually have naturally red hair??
stuff44218 Apr 22nd 2007 4:34PM
The same reason a woman who came into our retail store wouldn't let my coworker with blue and pink hair wait on her. She requested someone else. In that country its probably considered alternative.
Jeff Apr 22nd 2007 4:39PM
Wow, the group offended NOW is the people with red hair - will this country ever again have a topic where some "group" isn't offended?? Let's pray that a WWIII never happens becoz the U.S. would be woeful and pitiful becoz of all the factions.
Terri Apr 22nd 2007 6:25PM
I am not sure if this is why they don't allow dyed red hair, but during Mao's 'reign', he used propaganda to describe the 'Western devils'. He had posters made up showing Westerners, with bright red hair, and drinking Coke. It was supposed to be something for a true Chinese to beware of. So maybe that's why...?