I wouldn't be quick to assign blame. Most of the lateral parking spots can only be occupied by driving backwards, and drivers don't usually leave enough room for the one in front to make the maneuver. If the car in front of you is signaling right (meaning it's looking for a place to park), please stop before the parking spot.

i'm not talking about parallel backing into a spot, i'm talking about reversing down the street a few hundred feet.

How about reversing on the expressway because you missed your exit? Self driving cars in Beijing are going to be fun.