Focus

For former faker, reality is much better

(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-12-30 07:49

Remember Daniel Hutton? In August, he attempted to become "white guy window dressing", or in other words a white foreigner hired by a Chinese company or government body to impress.

Well, the American is now a real employee of a Chinese advertising company in Beijing.

"I might be a white guy working for a Chinese company, but trust me, I'm definitely not a window dressing," said the 29-year-old. "The company hired me because of my knowledge and experience in the field and truly wanted to be involved in international business."

At first, Hutton had second thoughts about working for a Chinese company, although the job is well paid. "I had to make sure they wanted me for who I am, not what I look like, especially as I was not introduced to them by a modeling agency, " he said. "After learning how much work I have to do for them, I made my decision."

Hutton added: "No matter whether you're white or blue, you need to have real expertise to stay in the Chinese job market."

Hutton enjoys his new job because his boss and colleagues have taught him about doing business in China - and has not once been asked by his boss to go to a business banquet.

"I discussed the white-face-for-rent thing with my colleagues and they all believe the trend won't last long because the fascination with laowai (foreigners) is gradually fading, as Chinese are learning more about the world and the country is just becoming international," he said.

"When China was catching up to the outside world, everything foreign was automatically 'better', but now people realize life in China can be as good as it is in the West - or even better," he added. "Chinese people have now become more fascinated with themselves."

Cui Jia

To read the original story, visit: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2010-08/27/content_11211668.htm