The Information Age burst into China all of a sudden, really just five years ago.  A lot of people can afford a PC now, and the computer plays an important role in our daily lives. We all benefit from this great invention. However, the computer in China is also misused.

Some Chinese people see the  computer as mysterious and omnipotent, and this belief makes them vulnerable to advertisers. Businesses add the word “computer” to their advertisements to make people think of science and reliability. They know that consumers will keep questions to themselves if they know the “intelligent computer” was involved with the product. Others who provide services sometimes put an old unplugged computer on display outside regardless of whether it is necessary, just to attract consumers. For elder Beijingers, the computer seems magical.

For more than a century, sidewalk barbers throughout Beijing have served up a shave or a haircut at a price anyone can afford. They still do. The results are basic, nothing fancy. For many Beijingers, this is enough. Blending in and dressing plainly have long been seen as virtues.

But those wanting a touch of style and with change to spare go to a salon, where they  can pick a haircut. The results vary, but it is nice to have a choice. Today, Chinese who have the money to adorn themselves with luxury items, along with the latest haircut, head to the jewelry counter in one of the new department stores, where they have many choices.