China is one of the longest standing cultures in the world and has some of the strongest and most stable traditions. The Chinese society is ruled by monarchy and the people of China are organized into a hierarchical system of socio-economic classes known as the four occupations. The four social classes of China are in descending order starting with scholars, peasant farmers, artists or craftsmen, and then merchants or traders. Philosophers, writers, and poets were all highly respected in their society. China has had advantages for farming in the amount of wetland that their nation has naturally. Because of China’s dense population, many of the farmers use their small land holdings to produce enough food for their own consumption, while the little remaining produce is used for exchange against other goods. Chinese farmers in attempts to obtain maximum yield with available lands often use intensifying cultivation techniques, such as the preparation of paddy fields, which can be used year after year. Rice cultivation began in northern China, but because the plasticity of rice is so adaptable to environmental change, it was eventually grown in the different elevations of southwest China as well. China’s vast territory has a diverse environment that is different depending on the area. The Chinese culture has a strong emphasis on obedience and deference to elders and responsibility to the community. There are many strict societal rules for situations they encounter in their lives. Eating can be used as a way to honor guests, socialize, or deepen friendships. Eating with proper manners has an incredible importance in their society. The manners and behaviors that an individual has are connected to their social status and thus if a child i...
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... hard time for China, where they were very weak and vulnerable. Other nations had more advanced militaries than China because China wanted to stay true to their old traditions. The Boxer Rebellion weakened the Imperial government and demonstrated how un-prepared they were. Shorty after the Boxer Rebellion, the Qing dynasty ended after having control for over 250 years, and China finally became a republic. After the Boxer Rebellion was over, foreign troops remained in areas of China and many troops ravaged the countryside of Beijing looting the villages. Foreign troops continued looking for Boxers after the rebellion was over; executing anyone who they believed might be one. Although the Boxer Rebellion was not a success for the Chinese, it showed them how desperately they needed change. China is a great nation with one of the longest standing histories in the world.
Immigration, the act of coming to live permanently in a foreign country. Throughout the United States’ history, immigrants faced various challenges and especially after 1880. Most immigrants moved to achieve the American dream of having a better life and pursuing their dreams. But, this experience as they moved, was different for every immigrant. Some lives improved while others did not. Immigrants such as Catholics, Italians, and the Chinese were not welcomed into America in the late 19th century and early 20th century because of their differences in beliefs and cultures.
There are many different ways of looking at and understanding the large and multi faceted country of China. From looking at things like its history, economy, politics, philosophies, and other aspects of the Chinese people, it is difficult to really describe China as one specific thing. Instead of there being one true face of China, it seems there are a variety of different people and faces to represent this diverse country. In some cases, what might be representative of one group of people in China, is completely different for another. Take for example the difference between people that live in rural areas, and people that are living in the city. As seen in the documentary, Young and Restless in China, the poor people in rural areas live very
The world is always changing which forces people to modify their ways of life. Some people label changes in society, politics, economics, technology, and fashion as modernization. One might say it is only natural for cultures to also go through modernization. The Chinese culture is very resilient to change because of the values they hold for their traditions and customs (Li & Mengyan, 2013). According to Guan, LÜ, and Yu (2012), Chinese culture is deeply rooted in respect for elders, social relationships, and overall harmony and honor. I think what many people do not take into account is the pressures many adolescent immigrants or Chinese-American offspring endure. In a case study of essays, many adolescents felt the stress of “struggling with high parental expectations and intergenerational conflicts at home and suffered acculturative stresses and ethnic peer divides at school” (Li, J., 2009). These children are very adaptive as are their families. What many people do not realize is that there are many ways in which one could accidentally disrespect the Chinese culture. Baldwin explains the key rules of simple dinner etiquette: “do not r...
There are some cultures that are similar in terms of geographical region and as more in similarities than differences. For example, by historical influence, Latin American countries share culture between them and also with Spain, as well as Europeans who share certain cultural, tastes in food, manners and customs, because some countries had influences of past kingdoms and conquests. It can be said that no culture is like the Chinese culture, neither in language, customs, or personality; the Chinese culture is so unique that is a whole world to know. Chinese cuisine is adapted to the climate and the characteristics of the geographical area, meaning that Chinese food cannot be eaten the same or in the same way as in other countries. In fact, it is said that the tasting of traditional Chinese recipes in their home is a
Today marriage is defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary as the relationship between a husband and a wife or a similar relationship between people of the same sex. For the purposes of this paper, it will focus on marriage between a man and a woman and how marriage is differently defined between the American and Chinese cultures. This paper will discuss the cultural differences found between the American and Chinese culture with emphasis on age and mate-selection. The cultural differences between American and Chinese culture related to marriage practices shows that Americans value individualism and Chinese historically value collectivism.
Chinese-Americans authors Amy Tan and Gish Jen have both grappled with the idea of mixed identity in America. For them, a generational problem develops over time, and cultural displacement occurs as family lines expand. While this is not the problem in and of itself, indeed, it is natural for current culture to gain foothold over distant culture, it serves as the backdrop for the disorientation that occurs between generations. In their novels, Tan and Jen pinpoint the cause of this unbalance in the active dismissal of Chinese mothers by their Chinese-American children.
Chinese cultural traditions such as arranged marriages, different religions, and superstitious notions, all which repress women, also influenced their character. A great deal of importance is placed on the variety of traditions that were placed on them. The theme of tradition being passed down from mother to daughter is also stressed. This particular tradition is not explicitly expressed. In order for it to be preserved and handed down it is to be observed, absorbed, and understood.
Philip J. Ivanhoe. Confucian moral self cultivation. New York : P. Lang, vol. 3, 1993.
... Imperialism. Their responses and actions to western imperialism would set a foundation for their future destiny in a world that was rapidly changing and moving forward, and leaving the traditional world behind. Both countries shared the fear of foreign influence, China continued to go against foreign influence and ultimately got taken over by western powers after being involved in four wars. On the other hand, Japan was more open to foreign influences and used it to their advantage. As a result, Japan had more technology, gained better understanding in political and moral ideas of western civilization. On the other hand China was against the new advances and couldn’t grow their nation as quick Japan did and was ultimately left behind. During this time of progressive change, one nation seized the opportunity to change and adapt quick enough while the other didn’t.
China has an area of 9.6 million square kilometers and a coastline of 18,000 kilometers (Network Center of MOFCOM, 2004). It has a population of 1,401,586,609 people as of 2015 (Worldometers, 2015). In China they tend to eat a lot of the same foods. Some of the local food consists of rice, noodles, fish, vegetables and meats (Parkinson, 2011). “China is described as a collectivist country because it “emphasizes the needs and goals of the group as a whole over the needs and wishes of each individual ().” “Upholding a stable and harmonious society has been viewed as the most important role of ethics (Werth, 2013).”
The Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution, beginning as a campaign targeted at removing Chairman Mao Zedong's political opponents, was a time when practically every aspect of Chinese society was in pandemonium. From 1966 through 1969, Mao encouraged revolutionary committees, including the red guards, to take power from the Chinese Communist party authorities of the state. The Red Guards, the majority being young adults, rose up against their teachers, parents, and neighbors. Following Mao and his ideas, The Red Guard's main goal was to eliminate all remnants of the old culture in China. They were the 'frontline implementers' who produced havoc, used bloody force, punished supposed 'counter revolutionists', and overthrew government officials, all in order to support their 'beloved leader'.
The United States and China are two very large countries that have cultures that are well known throughout the world. There are many differences between the United States and China, but there are many contributing factors that shape the cultures of these two countries. Language is universal, but there are different meanings and sounds, which vary from one culture to another. In China, citizens speak many languages, but about 94% speak the Chinese language. The difference in dialects was overcome by the written word and eventually a version of Mandrin became the “official speech” (The Cambridge Illustrated History of China, 1996, p.304).
On the contrary, Chinese parents will help their children to arrange everything, preparing a delicious meal and saying things like "You can't eat such good dinners any more. Eat more! If you aren't accustomed to the life there, just come back home."
Taoism, known as “The Way,” can be categorized as both a Chinese philosophy and a religion. Taoists believe in accepting and yielding to the ways of life, complementing nature and being by internalizing their goals rather than worshipping a god externally. Taoism, in its metaphysical and philosophical nature, is much like Confucianism, but the ideal interests of the two religions are contrasting. Confucianism was formulated during a time of war and relies heavily upon a moral and political system that fashioned society and the Chinese empire, while Taoism correlates to a time of peace and honors spiritual and metaphysical preoccupation (Taoism 2).
The Chinese culture is one of the most popular cultures in the world today and it has been around for a very long time. The Chinese people are known for their eloquent ceremonies and customary behaviors in the society throughout the world. They are known for their distinctive cultures, which include art and crafts, calligraphy, embroidery, and operas. Another part of Chinese culture that has been enjoying attention worldwide is the Kung Fu, and it has been an integral part of the Chinese culture for ages. The Chinese food, of course is another interesting piece of culture they exhibit as their food is sold around the world, they are very nutritious and healthy.