I started the American Popular Culture course with a survey of American values. I want to share a response I received from a student. I'm sure you'll be as impressed as I by the insight, maturity, and quality of expression of a freshman writing in a second language. I have made only a few spelling corrections. The wording is entirely the student's.
Dear Professor,
It was an honor for me to attend your course. I’m XXX, a freshman who majors in English. The brief glance of American popular culture you gave us really impressed me a lot. In return, I’d like to share some of my superficial view on Chinese values.
You said that America is a democratic country which citizens have strong passion for politics, while Chinese seems to have less interests in participating in political affairs. They care more about their own lives, families, especially their own children. Maybe having gone through a long period of feudal society, it appears that Chinese lack sense of host more or less. But Chinese is absolutely a patriotic nation. When Wenchuan Earthquake happened, the whole nation focused their eyes on the disaster area, helping the victims of the calamity heart and soul. When torch-relay got obstructed abroad, the overseas got together to protect the relay. Besides, the Beijing Olympic Games wouldn't be successfully held without the unyielding support of the Chinese. All these show the great cohesive force of sharing suffering.
As the generations of Confucius, living and working peace and contentment is our desire. So the Chinese wouldn’t bully the other countries. Instead, they long for harmonious coexistence, renewing old friendships and establishing new contacts, just like a family. To safeguard world peace and promote common development is their desire, they hope that one day can beat swords into ploughs.
The Chinese civilization has always given prominence to unremitting self-improvement, reform and innovation. As an ancient Chinese motto puts it, “As Heaven keeps vigor through movement, a gentleman should unremittingly practice self-improvement.” It is their perseverance, determination, stamina that enable the Chinese nation grow after surviving numerous setbacks and adversity. China is a country with large population, people value their precious opportunities. I think it is the main reason why China has developed so swiftly since the reform and opening-up.
The Chinese nation is also good at learning. Perhaps you had already felt it since you stepped into our university. Students worked hard day and night in order to get higher degree and have better future. Many of them think that only getting a higher degree can change their destinies.(though I think the skill and the ability are the power). Their families put a large sum of money on their children's education. But education in modern times has acquired a kind of snob values.
The Chinese is also a thrift nation. Unlike the US, which has a fairly sound social security system, China is a developing country after all. Besides, China thrifty is Chinese traditional virtue. They’d rather save the money in the bank than make investments to get much higher rewards especially during the financial crisis.
You said that Americans believe that God guide their destinies. While in China expect some religious people, most people believe gods, but they don't care who the god is .It seems that they're some sort of superstitious, but is there anyone who doesn't want to be blessed by god?
China is one that has continued uninterrupted for more than 5000 years. The distinct cultural tradition of the Chinese nation that developed in the long course of history has exerted a strong influence on China. Chinese values are deeply rooted in Chinese culture. So it is difficult for me to present all-around Chinese values. I just tell my superficial views and I'd like to explore more through books and personal experiences. I’m looking forwards to getting further communication with you so that I can get a better understanding of Chinese and American culture through their discrepancy.
P.S: here are some of my questions about American culture.
1) It is said that art is a mirror, Can the Hollywood movie can truly reflect American culture? if yes, could you please list some.
2) why TV Shows are so popular in the US?
3) what's the advantages of American education, compared to China ?
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