Lately I've been approached by several kids in expat places to have English small talk, sign my name on a paper, and then have my picture taken with the kids (I'm an American laowai). This doesn't bother me at all and I think its kind of humorous. Conversely, I can imagine that this would irritate other people in laowai community. Does anyone know what's the deal with the signature and picture?

Probably homework assignments.

apparently one (or more) of the schools are encouraging their students to 'seek out and engage with foreigners'. they've been doing it for a while and there was a period where the students would come into my workplace regularly to chat and collect signatures. i'm guessing that the photos are just a development of the idea. I don't mind as long as I'm not busy (or eating) but there were others in the office who became annoyed. I did hear that the students were from Cody's School but I'm not 100% sure of that. either way I think it's wrong of teachers and parents to push their kids to bother 'guests' of their country for free lessons and practice. if you're responsible for this, please stop.

Had that today and can hardly say it's a problem, just child approaching with parent to do some homework, as my girlfriend was talking with parents. They quite good with the English to, impressed me lol

As long as they with parent it's not an issue surely unless you a sourpuss ;o)

Happened to us today in Sal's. Quite annoying really when you are trying to have a quiet meal.

I did it twice, then it became annoying. Now I tell them I am Chinese. They give me a blank stare for 3 seconds, say "oh!", then they go away and let me study my Hanzi in peace.

I do not understand why everyone does not just go along with it. They are harmless children, doing a homework assignment. The more foreigners are friendly and talk to them, the better concept China will have of foreigners. We are guests in their country: the least we can do is talk to them for a few minutes.

I saw a mother and child doing this at the French Cafe. It's not really an issue for me, as long as they're polite - I politely respond with, "No." Most parents are good enough to walk away - after all - pickings are a plenty - the irritating insistent parent simply inspires my nasty speechless glare...after all, I'm a very culturally sensitive person...I respond in kind...if I'm not busy...

Alternatives - respond in French, German, Italian, Spanish (or your favorite foreign language) - that'll work great too...

First time it is cute, third time it start to be seriously annoying.

We don't go at Sals or at French café to give free English lessons, we are here to have a meal and a good time with our friends.

Today at Sals it was wayyyy too much, there was like 6 or 7 kids going to every "laowai"'s tables.

I see it like this. In the US if I went up to a random Asian person and trying practicing Chinese, it would probably be seen as racist (the person might be Korean, not know Chinese, think it is obnoxious to speak Chinese when the language in society is English, etc). But this world knowledge is based on my experience as an adult. I don't blame these kids and can't be angry at them. I also really don't mind it at all if I'm not busy, I think its kind of cute and perhaps it can make a positive difference in these kids' lives. At the same time, I feel teachers/parents shouldn't be encouraging this. First, not all white people are English-speaking; this practice is instilling a weird stereotype about a population which has little exposure to non-Chinese. Second, in my experience most of the foreigners in Kunming are nice and interesting people (some of best people I've ever met), but as with any random sample you're bound to run into some asshole who would be rude, yell, or even hit the kids. Not to mention many of these venues serve alcohol and the given laowai might be drunk. Third, some people go to these places to work (like me, for instance). What if we went to your workplace and interrupted what you're doing to play some games?

Just my thoughts. But really it doesn't bother me much. I'm just curious who is promoting this activity.