Originally Posted by Culture_Vulture (Post 7418316)

It IS based on culture. It is also a ethnic stereotype. You can't have the latter without having the former.

Just like how when I go out with my Caucasian friends, (or my Asian friends who grew up here) it's always go-dutch. Nobody ever thinks of treating anybody else unless it's a special occasion.
Sure, I might spot for you once or twice, but if you're blatantly not going to the bank when we're going to a cash only place, then I won't dine with you anymore.

On the other hand, when I go out with my Asian friends (particularly my Chinese friends), there is an implied system of reciprocity going on. If I'm getting up to use the washroom after the meal, I'll pick up the check along the way. This is true within friendship relationships and even more so in professional/business environments. Nobody ever says it, it's just embedded within how the particular social system operates.

Now do I approve of it? Not particularly. Under very few circumstances will I pay for everything when I'm with my girlfriend. But then again, that's another social paradigm that the two of us have developed.