Chinese Giving Blood

As I left my house to donate blood at the local RI Blood Center, I told my father that I was going to donate blood. And I received a startling response. My father, who I usually think is reasonable most of the time, goes irate in that I'm going to be donating blood.

Then, he proceeds to ask how much blood does the donation take. I tell him a pint (equal to a glass of beer). He becomes even more perplexed. He mentions that it's not good for my health and it can kill me. I try to reason with him stating all the scientific evidence from researchers/doctors that it's perfectly safe and it actually has benefits. But it was no use; there was no way of helping him understand my perspective and not be late for my donation appointment.

Later, I receive a phone call from my mother about it... I know it's a serious issue when one of my parents calls the other about it.

Not knowing how the Chinese culture perceives donating blood, I go to the internet to search for an explaination for my parents' negative view for donating blood.

The first result was this. And the first statement basically explained my parents' reaction: "In the West, donating blood is no big deal - some juice and cookies and it's back to work. But in China, blood is associated with qi, or life energy, and so many people are (unnecessarily) reluctant to donate."

Unsurprisingly, the Chinese perspective on giving blood has led to an increased need for blood in their healthcare system and has actually created a necessary black market for it. Some counties in China have even offered incentives to students (e.g. bonus points on exams) if their parents donate a certain amount of blood.

As a result of me donating blood today, my mother made me a delicious soup that supposedly will help me recover. Can't complain about that!

Until I get evidence that donating blood can adversely affect my health, I'll be donating as much as I can.