40 years behind

I have another observation that supports my assertion that China is about 40 years behind the U.S. in development.  

I watched Capote recently.  In the movie, set in 1959, Truman Capote travels across the country in a sleeper train--exactly how most Chinese travel now, in 2006.

Previously, I mentioned the lack of dryers, and how everyone line dries their clothes--as most Americans did in the 50s (also from a movie, Big Fish).  

Of course, I'm assuming these movies protrayed American life in the 50s and 60s accurately.

Actually, it's more like there's this huge gap.  About 5% of the population lives like it's 2006 in the U.S., with Viking ranges, BMWs, the latest cell phones and computers... while the rest of the population is struggling to get by. 

The latter are less fortunate, and about 40 years behind the times and are the ones who will try to cheat or extract an extra 1 or 2 RMB ($0.125-$0.25) from you. 1 or 2 RMB is a fair amount of money for these people.  It can sometimes be enough for an entire meal.  

The dichotomy is interesting--and heartbreaking to see.