My thoughts on the differences between American and Chinese culture_婚姻与家庭.docx

My thoughts on the differences between American and Chinese cultureStudent: Teacher: College: Major: Polytechnic Class: 3Student ID: 201074201. Introduction: In the present age, it is an acknowledge fact that globalization impacted enormously in America and China. On the other hand, some experts assert that we must face with the difference between each other. As for me, I am really fascinated with these two kinds of culture, and my thoughts about them are as followings.2. Main body:2.1. Marriage and familyTo begin with, America and China have quantities of differences views in marriage and family. In America, bride and bridegroom usually hold their wedding on a church, which represents bless and expectation for their future family life. However, there are so many kinds of wedding in China. Some people prefer a wedding held in a hotel, and their relatives and friends would like to play some games or chat after wedding. Others still prefer the traditional Chinese wedding, which is out of date in many peoples opinion. Referring to the family, I am inclined to believe that Chinese people consider more about the family, because of the lower divorce rate and less number of cohabitated couples than America. Chinese are more responsible for their families, in other words, they tend to tolerate more pressure. In contrast, Americans often takes themselves into the first place, and if they think there are irreconcilable differences between couples, they would probably get a no-fault divorce immediately. In addition, a few Americans tend to have DINK family or same-sex family, which is rarely seen in the tradition country, China.2.2. EducationFurthermore, it is obvious that education is very different from form and focus in America and China. In America, there are not only public schools but also private schools, namely religion schools and elite schools. What surprised me more is that some elite schools are more famous and well-established than public ones, such as Harvard and Princeton. On the contrary, Chinese schools are more famous for public schools, for instance Beijing University. In the aspect of focus, American schools pay more attention to teaching students hoe to learn on their own, and the way of thinking, including creative thinking, logical thinking, and even critical thinking. On the other hand, we focus more on the basic knowledge and the grade of every test. From my perspective, it is on fault for either of the countries, they choose the best ways. As for America, it is the best developed country and advanced in many aspects all over the world, so what it needs is not a person who is good at basic knowledge but creation and analysis. As for China, it is a developing country and it calls for many workers with basic knowledge. Undoubtedly, China has the largest number of population in the world, so the heated competition also contributes to that education system in China. Nevertheless, I am afraid that China cant develop many well-round students under this kind of education system.2.3. Ethnic and racial diversityUndoubtedly, America and China both comprise of variety of ethnic group and race. However, the history of them to overcome the diversity and conflict is different. After the Emancipation Proclamation and Civil Rights Movement, Americans gradually established the equality of society and raise the status of the black. And later, the government gives better education chance to the black, that is, the right to be considered priority when the universities are enrolling new students. While, I am inclined to believe that with the continuous prejudice on the black, there is still some problem remaining in this melting pot. On the other hand, a big family, in my opinion, is a great metaphor for China. Even though we have as much as 56 ethnic groups, our nation is so harmonious with the respect and the friendship to each other. The care and help from governments contribute to the stable and well-developing condition, where the conflict and the terror action barely take place.2.4. Values and beliefsIf the culture resembles an onion, the last piece of it must be the values and beliefs. Values are personal principles and standards of behavior and judgments. The formation of American values is highly influenced by the early settlers, that is, European puritans, who escape from religion persecution and find for freedom. Having suffered a lot from the bad condition, they finally succeed to survive. This unique history results in the belief that hard working and self-discipline make success. Americans tend to have 3 levels of values. The first one is about individual freedom and self-reliance, which is the indispensable in daily life, and the second one is about competition and equality of chances. What is more, the last one is material possessions and hard work, causing their passion for the sake of their dreams. To demonstrated, many immigration populations leave motherlands and reach America to seek for their American dreams. In consequence, some of them achieve their goals and become a billionaire at one night. On the other hand, Chinese values are impacted with Confucian thoughts, introduced by Confucius and his followers. As for Chinese, we usually take group loyalty and collectivism into the first place. The obedience to the superiors or elders is a basic requirement in traditional custom, even if the superiors or elders idea is nearly wrong or misleading. This custom also leads to our filial piety to our parents. In addition, Chinese are well-known for their industry and prudence, which lead to many legends in our history. To demonstrated, we solve the shortage of grain with 20 percent of populations and 7.7 percent of lands in the world. So it is not a surprise that Chinese students can always be top students and won scholarship in foreign country. Other Chinese still hold some tradition custom, such as doctrine of mean, thrift and so on.3. My gains and perspective:Only in this term do I make the decision to get further education in America. For the sake of better prepare, I not only choose this kind of class in school, but also start to study in new oriental after school. The harder I feel in learning, the greater I obtain in this program. Overall, thanks to your teaching, I have an access to the knowledge of America culture, and I pick up some Chinese culture I never know!4. Reference: the notes from teachers PPT