This is kind of weird to say, but I'm a little scared of China. I'm afraid that if I went there I'd say something stupid and get myself thrown in jail.
Is this a stupid western stereotype, or do you really have to watch what you say sometimes?

Sorry for the incredibly stupid question, but I didn't really know who (or how) to ask.

I dont know why you would ask this. Nowadays you even have to be careful whose question to answer since you dont know who paid who to ask what kind of quesion.

In general I would say you are safe as long as you dont want to provoke.
they like harmony here. and as long as you develop your harmonious personality I am sure they will support you in doing so.

good luck.
and: stay low level and dont answer all kinds of stupid questions they might ask.

that's complete bulls**t! i have been here for more than 2 years and nobody ever got in trouble for "asking the wrong question" or saying the wrong thing. yes, your question is "stupid western stereotype", but i don't blame you. many chinese people have stereotypes about the west too. if you don't try to get politically involved here or commit a crime, there is nothing to be affraid of. china is a very safe place in fact. try not to step on peoples feelings and don't try to tell them how to lead a better life, because we westerners are so much smarter and need to teach the rest of the world. actually it's funny to sit in china and discuss all that NSA/ Snowden shit with my chinese friends. china isn't any better, but at least the are openly aware of it.

That's what I thought (or rather, was hoping for).

I'm actually currently in Japan, not China, and I've met a lot of Chinese foreign exchange students, for the first time on equal ground (because we're all foreign here).
Although it sounds awful to say, I was stunned by how normal they were XD So I kind of figured that China's more normal than everyone in the States likes to say it is.

But yeah, sorry for (what was probably) a horribly offensive question (and then statement following it.

I would agree that China is a very safe country and not nearly as scary as it seems from the West. Your question would have been very relevant 50 years ago, when China was much like North Korea nowadays, but having had many open conversations with Party members it's obviously no longer the case.

On the other hand, you have to remember that entirely free speech doesn't exist in China, and as a general principle it's good to be careful with what you say to whom, and be aware of implicit taboos. I think that as a foreigner you can get away with a lot and perhaps only cause mild annoyance at your lack of cultural sensitivity, but for Chinese people there are definitely limits not to be crossed. My reference: having talked to someone who crossed that limit and ended up in jail.

I agree with missb. Some culturally sensible themes you should not discuss with everybody. With (chinese) friends, as far as my experience goes, you can talk about anything. Just as at home. And if I went to the U.S. as an expat or exchange student, I also wouldn't discuss Guantanamo or exterritorial drone usage with just anybody, just out of respect. I also wouldn't ask a German if he like hitler or if his grandfather was a nazi. Again: once you find real friends, you can also discuss these questions I think.
@missb: i am curious - is your reference expat or chinese. can you tell us which limit he crossed?

All that said--- probably should avoid protests, overt criticism of the government, religious proselyting and (of course) illegal activities.


Old joke among Chinese friends from "back in the day"

American: "Well, in America we have freedom of speech."

Chinese: "We also have freedom of speech. But in America, you have freedom AFTER speech."

@eurowatz: Chinese - he spoke up about corruption (which shouldn't really be taboo but it is what it is).

@fracmeister: Nice joke.