Has anyone else out there noticed that Chinese people (and perhaps other East Asian cultures) have an incredible knack for avoiding topics or avoiding taking a personal stance in arguments? In my experience, when I bring up a debate with my Chinese friends, strangers or colleagues, they often will say that the argument could go either way or that the subject is too hard or there are lots of possible problems/solutions. How they slip out of debates is very similar to how I imagine a politician would. I think it's actually an amazing skill. For example, if I were to complain about a colleague and site numerous examples, my Chinese friends can both sympathize with me and remain non-committal about that person at the same time. Even if they have no reason to not get on that person's bad side.
Always being able to dissemble and avoid difficult subjects may seem like a very convenient and good thing, but I can personally see why not taking a stance or "drawing the line" can also be a bad thing. For example: with regards to bad policies, ill treatment of persons or family members, or even injustices; just because it doesn't have to do with you personally you can comfortably avoid the subject, but SHOULD you?
By dissembling or avoiding certain subjects you can maintain a more harmonious atmosphere and avoid making enemies. A harmonious society can be very productive and a cohesive society be more peaceful, but I fear that people can take advantage of that.
