The square, the place is full of mountains and Buddhist monks, the island that was once China "official" and that now is not recognized as independent. These are the three T, ie the hottest topics for foreigners .. At least when it comes to politics.
A week ago I was asked to make the Chairman for the 'XPS, an AIESEC conference, where Chinese students leaving for an internship abroad are prepared to experience (intercultural dynamics, cultural shock, business cultures, goal setting and so on). Working agenda, whereas most of these guys has never been abroad and based on the experiences related by those back here, it was decided to insert an "heavy" (in time) on Chinese culture . In my opinion the idea is brilliant, it would be nice to see a similar session in Italy, it would be out of the beautiful (to be able to get out). But here in China is different, it is customary not to think of things to discuss, much less "high stakes": everyone thinks the life of everyday, everyday problems and so on. We, of course, do the same, but for example, Italians love to talk politics at least as much love to give the coach on Monday morning (free to comment).
We, we wondered if it was worth addressing the issue in a "conservative", touching the proverbial hot, or throw in a session ever made and risk. Yes, good, we wanted to try the second. Personally directing the session was one of the hardest things I ever did, in constant tension watching the reactions of a hundred faces, sometimes to peek there were no external ready to bring the scandalous debates, weighing each syllable. And 'round, maybe the key was the way to present everything is not politics, is a role play, each group was divided into two bring arguments for or in favor of phrases deliberately provocative. Of course, see for example, undertake a "most Taiwanese do not feel Chinese" has won the day and all the preparation for it.