Image from www.chinagaze.com
I have lived on the same street in Xi’an for nearly three years, in that time, on that street I have witnessed instances of people being pick-pocketed or in the process of having their pockets picked hundreds of times. I have never in all that time, seen anyone doing this job that is not a member of the Xinjiang community. A community, on this street, of some twenty or so people within a wider community of thousands. It was, from the beginning, usually a very young and small boy that floated amongst the commuters and students, with a chaperon near-by. That is still the case but there are also older youths involved in the process now and there are more groups of them.
These individuals are known by the regular community and are often noted by newer passers-by, as the pickpockets are so blatant in their attempts, but nothing is ever done. It is not uncommon to see an individual bending almost horizontally from the waist, stretching arm and fingers or scissors into a part opened handbag or pocket. I make no judgement about this in terms of motivation, blame, reasoning or excuse but simply observe and ask the question: How is it that this behaviour is allowed to so blatantly go on and particular from within a minority community, that stands out in their acts so obviously? It seems a question of attitude, law, policing and almost certainly culture and politics and who knows what within.
____________________________________________
Tags: Pickpockets China
西安
I just stumbled on this blog and have enjoyed it immensely. I also live in Xian, for the past two years, and don’t know if I know you or not, but I do want to thank you for putting all this together and all your varied thoughts into words. You have said a lot of things I myself have thought, just not been able to quite put into words. I have been tempted to comment quite a few times already, but this time I had to. I have also noticed this trend, and also been so confused by it. Just the fact that you worded your title this way kind of gave me some relief, because I have also noticed they are always from this one minority group, but I hate to say that. Keep up the great work.
Thanks Mei Zhen. If we make sweeping judgements based on our own beliefs and prejudices, if we taint the evidence before us with those beliefs and prejudices we have a problem. If we just observe something as it is then I think it is ok. We refer to Tibetan people, Xinjiang Heritage, Chong Qing Restaurants, these are Xinjiang pickpockets. If those regularly stealing from people on my street were Tibetan/English/Hong Kongese I still wouldn’t like it and I would still note it. Take care.
Oh, that picture, so close to the action… that’s exactly the kind of photo I was planning to take in Yangjiacun or on Chang’an nanlu, next to the crossroad at noon, when all the pickpockets come out on the streets. But I see that another photographer had the same idea! I recognize this little boy, I wonder if he goes to school. My guess is that he’s only a full-time pickpocket, he will hate it when he becomes an adult and finds out that speaking Mandarin is more than just an asset in China.
I don’t know if I’ve met you before, but I also live very close to Yangjiacun! It is nice to see another expat’s perspective on this part of the city.
Last year, I made a photoblog entry on the Ouyghurs living and working in a restaurant in Yangjiacun. I’d bet you’ve already eaten there before!
http://www.tidbitsfromtheworld.com/lang/en/2009/12/xjnoodles/
Hey Alexandre, I enjoyed your photoblog and looking about at the rest of your articles- I just added a link to it and a couple of other xi’an based blogs I have come across recently. If you know of any others let me know, it is good to get other peoples’ perspectives on things Xi’an.
With regard to the featured restaurant, I used to go and buy that great bread even before that main restaurant section was actually added but I gotta say I have lived here a while now and for previously stated reasons I no longer do, the restaurant being more than just a hub for the hungry.
Thanks for your link, I will add a link to your site on my blog too!
I agree with what you said about this restaurant. But I still go there occasionally to have a change from Chinese food.