China and Western countries have something different in cultures about certain animals, but when it comes to pigs, we have the same idea—pigs are ugly, lazy and stupid.
Just look at some Chinese sayings such as "Boiling a dead pig" and "A pig looking in the mirror is still a pig". And in English, there are some expressions like "Eating like a pig" and "Pigs might fly". None of them are complimentary.
However, pigs have some good qualities (品质). They are even as smart as dogs and elephants. They have good memories. And they know whether people treat them well or not.
A UK cartoon, Peppa Pig is a most popular cartoon. The four members in the pig family teach children from all around the world about love, friendship and the value of family. And a Chinese cartoon movie, The Adventures of McDull, is also very famous. In the cartoon, the little pig, McDull, has a heart of gold and always works hard towards his dreams. Most people want quick success, but McDull is slow and patient, and not afraid of failing again and again.
Maybe when we talk about pigs next time, we should think of their good qualities.
