TWO DIVERSE CULTURES
Chinese and American cultures are vastly diverse, to say the least.
Many cultural factors differentiate them such as beliefs, entertainment and trends, and values. What are different are also the physical factors such as climate, mode of transport, locality?
Through both countries, their population would agree that their own culture is more superior. Chinese believes that Americans do not understand the meaning of culture specificity, traditions, and history. They believe America is only a combination of other cultures such as European culture, and that they are too young to have a culture of their own.Here are the differences raised between China and the United States of America.
Here is an interesting article about the hard landing for China’s economy.
Chinese civilization
If you meet a Chinese man or woman, it is more often that they will boast about their country and their culture. Indeed, Chinese civilization has harvested a long period of strong cultural traditions which have expanded over the years, not just locally but globally too.
There are similar strict policies and regulations that are embedded in Chinese law in the present day that existed thousands of years ago. China being such a large country, is grouped into various states and the population within each state uphold their own particular behaviors and lifestyles, but nevertheless preserve the overall Chinese culture.
China is rooted with original conventions, delicacies, and stories. They are so specific and exclusive, hence, why the public is so proud.
The Chinese government, however, suffers from chauvinism. In cases, they are so proud they impose their own Han ethnicity to the oldest Chinese groups which still exist in Tibet and Xinjiang. This is an example of China’s political act, showing their power over the country.
What will be the next target for China?
American civilization
American people are an example of chauvinism too. The ‘American way of life’ is deeply implanted in the nation. The way their mind thinks, acts, and speaks is also very cultural specific. The way their businesses, literature, and political system affects the nation’s education system is very particular, therefore succeeding continuous like-minded generations.
American culture has been considered the major establishment that transcends international borders; more specifically, American pop culture icons such as actors, musicians, and celebrities. Not only that, but also food culture such as McDonalds, American hotdogs, and donuts. Many products that appear without history or ancestral charm, but nevertheless attract the global audience.
In recent years, the States have succeeded in demonstrating authoritative power globally but have administered a respectable reputation with China.
Consequently, the engine towards the idea that American culture does not really come from history or traditions remains with some Chinese people. However, Chinese is still fond of the huge American market, with large crowds of Chinese tourists visiting the States every day.
Misunderstandings
Chinese have many preconceived ideas regarding American civilization. The question is why: is it pure envy, or is it a competition? Even though many aspects of American culture is built around brands, celebrities, and materialism, America is still able to understand Chinese culture. Compared to the Western, Chinese are still too attached to tradition.
If civilizations are different, why not have same goals for their respective countries?
Indeed, the Chinese and American are attempting to take over the world. On one side, China is the largest country in Asia, not only population-wise but also in terms of the economy, the market, and technological advancement. On another side, the United States have been establishing the world’s biggest corporate and companies that transcend globally. Both countries have different skills but the same expectations; that is to expand their power across international borders.
In recent years, China’s president Xi Jinping has taken control of the nation’s film industry. His aim is to orientate the film’s subject, not only highlighting more specifically on Chinese culture but also to expand it abroad. This is not the first instance that the Chinese government has regulated media in the country. In 2010, Xi Jinping took part in advertisements that promoted the government’s socialist views.
To conclude, it is clear to say that both countries are different, but it also sure to say that both nations have their own way of life, their own traditions, and own culture.
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