Judging from what kind of guy david lee hoffman is, and the respect he has for the farmers, I don't think he was trying to be insensitive. How do you explain to someone that speaks a different language what you do and don't want in a nice manner? The guy was on a serious business trip and mission.
As half-Chinese, I found Mr. Hoffman's documentary laughably haughty and culturally insensitive. One scene in which he snapped at someone presenting teas to him for inspection particularly rankles me. "No good! Chemicals!", he said.
Clearly, the Chinese gentleman did not understand a word of English. And clearly, Mr. Hoffman's comment was solely for the benefit of the camera.
I also find Samovar's sponsorship laughable, they are purveyor of a few low-grade teas from Rishi.
u may be surprised of how much english the average chinese traveler understands, they generally dont speak it as well, but significant degree in comprehension of the language, esp after the 'learn english campaign' for the olympics
I love this video, I saw david's doc "all in this tea" and it changed the way I approach tea, thanks for this awesome video!! I would be awesome to actually work at samovar tea lounge
Judging from what kind of guy david lee hoffman is, and the respect he has for the farmers, I don't think he was trying to be insensitive. How do you explain to someone that speaks a different language what you do and don't want in a nice manner? The guy was on a serious business trip and mission.
spectowin 3 months ago
As half-Chinese, I found Mr. Hoffman's documentary laughably haughty and culturally insensitive. One scene in which he snapped at someone presenting teas to him for inspection particularly rankles me. "No good! Chemicals!", he said.
Clearly, the Chinese gentleman did not understand a word of English. And clearly, Mr. Hoffman's comment was solely for the benefit of the camera.
I also find Samovar's sponsorship laughable, they are purveyor of a few low-grade teas from Rishi.
aliciasamore 2 years ago
u may be surprised of how much english the average chinese traveler understands, they generally dont speak it as well, but significant degree in comprehension of the language, esp after the 'learn english campaign' for the olympics
hongster76 2 years ago
maybe you're just too sensitive ??
But something tells me you'd never agree to that !
plutoplatters 2 years ago
I love this video, I saw david's doc "all in this tea" and it changed the way I approach tea, thanks for this awesome video!! I would be awesome to actually work at samovar tea lounge
bigsuuze 2 years ago