Z. Alice Chen Essay #2: On Chinese and American Cultural Differences: There are many differences in the cultural traditions of China and America, some of which are expressed in our customs. For example, Americans wear black to funerals whereas the Chinese wear white, Americans celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas whereas the Chinese celebrate Chinese New Year and the Festival of the Full Moon. Americans eat turkey, the Chinese eat New Year's dinner and mooncakes. But these differences in customs are only one aspect, more important are the causes behind the differences, such as each culture's perspective on morality, life, friendship, etc. America is a democratic country, so the people have the right to freedom of speech and expression, and are also able to pick their own career paths, without having to heed the opinions of others. American parents encourage their children from a very young age to do whatever makes them happy, without any other aim. When I was five years old, I had a classmate who would learn how to play a different instrument every week, whereas in all my life I have only studied one. This is due to cultural differences: American children pick their instruments because they like them, but Chinese children's instruments are often chosen for them by their parents, who force them to practice and learn how to play them well. It is the same when they grow up. My American classmates pick their majors based on their interests, some study art, some study language, but seldom do I encounter a Chinese student who has not chosen to study economics, law, or science. The Chinese pick their majors from a practical viewpoint. They consider whether their career will be lucrative, whether it will earn the respect of others. They need to think of whether their chosen career will allow them to have the financial means to support their parents in the future. They cannot think only of themselves, as many Americans do. In the United States, as long as you have money you will always have the respect of others, no matter how you earned it. In China, money can't always win you the respect of others. If you make your money through disreputable or dishonest means, no matter how much money you have, no one will respect you. In fact, it is likely that they will look down upon you. You can only earn the respect of the Chinese people if you are both educated and hardworking. Americans put themselves before others, to achieve their personal goals they are willing to do almost anything. They like to show off, and are not embarrassed to praise themselves. They believe that modest people will be taken advantage of, so they never pass up an opportunity to flaunt their own talent. The Chinese disagree with this perspective, believing instead that those with a proper upbringing should never glorify themselves. For example, while writing their resums, Americans will often use flattering adjectives to describe themselves, such "outstanding", as "hardworking", etc., words which the Chinese regard as unnecessary because they believe that if one possesses these qualities, then others will discover it for themselves. Even when others compliment the Chinese, they often respond very modestly. For example, American parents love to brag about how smart their children are, but Chinese parents seldom do. Even when other parents praise their children, Chinese parents often respond modestly with "Not at all, you're too kind", or something of that nature.
In regards to career, Americans also do not hesitate to pursue their own benefit. They don't care about saving face or hurting others. The Chinese, however, are the opposite, for the sake of saving face they will sacrifice anything. They will never do business with someone who has insulted or offended them, even if it is detrimental to their own financial situation. To the Chinese, relationships are very important. The Chinese will only have dealings with people they trust, and they themselves will always try hard to be worthy of the trust of others. They place a lot of importance on promises, which we can see even in small matters. For example, when a Chinese person makes a plan to have dinner with a friend, even if a conflict arises, they will do everything in their power not to miss the dinner. An American put in the same situation would usually just change the plans, to avoid troubling him or herself. Chinese families have hierarchical relationships, the younger generation must always respect and obey their elders, the head of the household always has the last word. American families, however, are more democratic in nature. When I was young, I always went to my American neighbor's house to watch cartoons. When his father wanted to watch a basketball game on television, his mother would always say, "There's two of them and only one of you, just let them watch." In American families, it doesn't matter how old you are, the majority always rules. But at my house, if my father wanted to watch something, it wouldn't matter if there were two of us or a hundred of us, he would still get to watch his program. The Chinese and American cultural traditions have many different outlooks, thus their customs are also very varied, but many people live in an environment where the two traditions are mixed. I am one of these people. I drink soda instead of tea, wear jeans instead of q po's, and speak English much better than I speak Chinese, but my moral perspectives are still Chinese. Throughout my life, my thoughts and desires have been influenced largely by the Chinese culture. Although the differences between the two cultures make them difficult to reconcile, once you become accustomed to living with both, you will be able to benefit from the finer aspects of each, as well as gain a better general understanding and tolerance of cultures other than your own.