Anachronisms popped up throughout China but none so startling as in Shanghai. A thoroughly modern economic metropolis that could easily be taken for any western economic center (save for the calligraphic signage) the toilet-training custom of splitting a toddler’s pants prevails. Along the curb squatting children were a frequent sight. My visit coincided with the preparation for Olympics in Beijing and the Chinese government requested its population to refrain from this child-rearing technique…to no avail.
