(February 27, 2019 at 12:25 am)PRJA93 Wrote: I thought this one was funny because all of the older Chinese people thought Pandra Express was pretty good while all of the younger Chinese people tried way too hard to act like they were disgusted by it because it's not "authentic"
There is a generational difference.
Older Chinese people typically grew up during the time of Maoist communism, when China was poor, material goods including good food scarce, and indulgences such as high cuisine considered bourgeoise, which was a dirty word. At that time the zeitgeist was making do with whatever is available and not ask for more. Having more material riches than the average, at least publically, was shameful.
Younger Chinese people typically grew up when China has become much more wealthy. Materialism, so long as one continues to pay lip service to orthodox Marxism, is encouraged at every level in the society. Having the wherewithal to indulge in high cuisine is considered a mark of success. Being Bourgeoise is a sign of refinement. The zeitgeist is to not be satisfied with anything other than the most modern, opulent, and ostentatious. To be rich is to be proud, to be rich is to be glorious.
Add to that, the younger Chinese people typically grew up as the only child when the government impose rigid one child policy. So the younger generation has become accustomed to not only being lavished with indulgences when growing up, but also pressure to exhibit success as befitting the contemporary zeitgeist.