Contrary to its rather negative reputation in the West, pigs in Chinese culture are a sign of kindness and generosity. Pigs care a great deal about friends and family and work hard to keep everyone in their life happy. Chinese people view the pig as a smart and prosperous animal. Western ideas tend to be a little more negative. When talking to a Westerner, however, you have to be a little careful when you talk about pigs. A pig in the West is seen as a dirty, lazy, and fat animal. If anyone ever called you a pig, you wouldn't be smiling. When a person doesn't like someone, sometimes he will call that person a pig. If you ever meet a Westerner who was born in the year of the pig, don't say, 'Oh, you're a pig!' Most Westerners will be quite understanding. They will be sure that you made some kind of a mistake. However, don't take any chances. You might just offend someone who does not share your positive ideas about pigs. You have to be careful when you talk to a Westerner about pigs because______.