There are two parts I see from on this story:
Here people talk bad on their government frequently. If you tell an American
that you don't like American government or discuss the problems that the
American government or American people are facing, I wouldn't expect they
will take it that offensively. I did that many times and most of the time
they agree with me on all the topics. If they don't agree, they will explain
to me what they think using facts and knowledge they know, all depending
on their political views.
Chinese people especially for us educated and brainwashed in China, take
criticizing government a very sensitive topic and often hesitate to say
anything. We were educated not to criticize or question authorities.
It is true, China do have many problems; We lived in a system tightly
controlled by the government. China is one of the countries where most fake
product is from; Corruptions, bribery, and human rights violations happen
more than the majority of the countries on the planet.
My first take is that you might take your co-workers' comments too seriously
. If you think he makes some sense, say you agree with him; if you disagree,
argue with sound facts and logic. Don't take it as discrimination.
On the other hand, given the facts that your co-worker frequently talk on
these topics with you. I think he simply tries to talk with you but couldn't
find any other topics to talk about to a foreigner. He might like you, he
is curious, he wants to know what Chinese people think on these topics.
Unfortunately, he has a low idea of how to attract people and make friends.
To me, he seems to be a Harvard idiot with dry topics or do not know what
other topics out there to talk about besides asking Chinese people on
Chinese problems. Next time, if he still talks the same topic to me. I
would say: Hey, do we have anything else to talk about? or things like, i
think all Christians are sinners who molest child and watching child
pornography. what do you think? and Americans are best known as worst-
behaved tourist and ignorant. I think we Chinese might be catching up in the
late years... :P
Just say these topics in a funny, humorous way, just pick on him with these
"offensive topics" as he does to you. If he takes it, he will find it funny,
you guys will always pick on each other and might become even closer ,
laugh more, become friends and finally these topics will be gone.
If indeed, he has other intentions such as that he purposely tries to
discriminate you or show his disrespectfulness, then i think he is a total
loser and will lose other friends as well not only the Chinese, he will also
be a loser on dating. It shows he has really low EQ or social skills.