Who Wants to Be A Celebrity?

So you want to be famous? Try a little time in China to test out that dream. This exercise will, of course, work best if you are white, American, blond, and blue-eyed (in that order of importance). If you fit any or all of these descriptions, China will offer you an understanding of just how noteworthy you truly are.

-Conversation will falter when you arrive at a location and are noticed. Then, chatter will begin anew as the people who witnessed your arrival notify everyone in the vicinity. Pretty soon all heads will be turned to you as people whisper about your appearance.
-People passing you on the street will stop to stare at you. It is optional to acknowledge their presence.
-People will approach you and ask you to take a picture WITH them. You will learn to accept politely.
-People will approach you and ask for your phone number so they can become your friend. You will learn to decline politely.
-Nearly every store you visit will offer you exceptional service. It will not be uncommon to be ushered to the front of a line or even have a new line opened for you. Similarly, restaurants and airports will offer you special treatment.
-Paparazzi will blatantly take your picture. You will learn the art of looking pleasant while distant. After all, if you look angry, it will send a bad message to the masses observing you, but excessive friendliness will only invite more photographs and then you will never get to your destination.
-Paparazzi will secretly take your picture. You may or may not notice them after the photograph has been snapped. You will cease to wonder what will be done with the potentially unattractive pictures; there are too many in existence to actively concern yourself with all of them.

Essentially, every moment spent in public will not be your own. There will be no anonymity. If this suits you, don that stylish outfit, perfect that strut, and go rule the country, preparing yourself for life as a future superstar. If these scenarios sound less than appealing, perhaps you should reevaluate the glamour of being famous. Or invest in sunglasses.