More from Mary
I had dinner with Mary and her aunt, who's also 18 and also a first-year student at this university. As always, Mary entertained and made me heartsick that I no longer teach her classes (the university switched my classes this semester). Among the many gems:
"Now, the university has said it is a crime for the man and the woman to walk hand-by-hand. If you are caught doing such a thing, you will be blamed by the leaders. They will write your name down in the history book and you will have that terrible mark on your record forever. Last night, I was walking home with my brother [that means her close friend, not her relative or boyfriend] and I saw the policeman following us closely, looking at us. I told my brother we must part at once."
Re. study hall, which every student is required to attend every night (including Fridays and Sundays!) from 7-9: "I don't think it's so unnecessary to be forced to go there. If we are not forced, we will do something else, like watch the movie or read the novel. You see, we Chinese have no self-control. We do not do things unless we will be forced to do it."
I tried to take a photograph of Mary and her aunt. Mary immediately turned her head away, protesting, refusing to be in the photo. I asked her why. "You know, I am such an ugly girl. To take the photograph only is a reminder that I am so fat and ugly. Please, you must respect my wishes."
