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.
When Lu Xun was born, Chinese society had been following the same traditions for generations. A pillar of these traditions, strict social hierarchies particularly oppressed women. Instead of having a say in their lives, they were subject to their father, their husbands, their husband’s family, and then even to their sons. Marriages were arranged, and in the event of the death of a husband, the woman would be expected to remain chaste even to the extent of choosing suicide over remarriage. Social hierarchies also restricted the intermingling of classes with strict social rituals separating the elite from the common. During Lu Xun’s early years, however, society had begun to get restless, and many pushed for change. At the forefront of the changing tides in Chinese society, Lu Xun advocated for change in the ancient social hierarchies that had directed Chinese society for generations in his stories “My Old Home” and “New Year’s Sacrifice” which specifically responded to the injustices of the traditional system against women and the arbitrariness of the separation between classes that the hierarchical system imposed.
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.
Not everyone is the same, especially when it comes to expectations. Depending on a person's ethnic background, the necessities are different. It's the same type of idea for different cultures; Chinese, French, American etcetera all have different mindsets when it comes to what they want to see in a hotel during their stay.
Li, J. (2009). Forging the future between two different worlds: recent Chinese immigrant adolescents tell their cross-cultural experiences. Journal of Adolescent Research, 24(4), 477-504.
China is a country that has traditionally had a clearly defined social hierarchy. The teachings of Confucius, the famous Chinese philosopher, embodied the Chinese social structure. He thought set roles and rank were vital for a society to function harmoniously. If an individual tried to deviate from their prescribed role, the country’s social order would be threatened. For centuries, China has had a citizenship comprised of 80% to 90% farmers, a small amount of specialized craftsmen, and a few elite families that controlled and drove society. Through the generations, the strictly defined roles of Confucius have died away, but his ideas of hierarchy are still ingrained in the Chinese way of thinking.
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
Comparison of American and Chinese Cultures Cultural differences are apparent from one group of people to another. Culture is based on many things that are passed on from one generation to the next. Most of the time, people take for granted their language, beliefs, and values. When it comes to the cultural differences of people, there is no right or wrong. People should be aware of others culture and respect the differences that exist between them.
The American Born Chinese is a graphic novel by Gene Luen Yang. The plot of American Born Chinese revolves around three stories: Jin Wang’s school life, Chin Ke’s stereotypical interactions with Danny, and the legend of the monkey king. Within this graphic novel, many plot elements are used to express the author’s work further so that it brings out emotions in its readers.
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).
Philip J. Ivanhoe. Confucian moral self cultivation. New York : P. Lang, vol. 3, 1993.
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).”
Chinese people want peace and order for their society. Around 500 B.C the Zhou kingdom had become weakened. During the Period of the Warring State, armies were sent out to destroy any other enemy state that mean the mens, womens, children, and even the whole villages were beheaded. Also at that time violence became common. So Chinese people come up with three perspective . There are three philosophies, Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism, grew out of a need for order and peace to society.
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 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.
A significant part of the ancient Chinese civilization was that it shared a common background that is longer than any other ethnic group on Earth. China mostly isolated and unknown to the outside world, was quietly progressing at a rate greater than or equal to other notable civilizations of the prehistoric world. China was composed of several dynasties. The dynastic cycle played a definitive role in the successions of Chinese empires. Each era’s achievements and failures influenced the next. The combined contributions from all the regimes, not only led to the success and progress of China, but defined it as well. Technological discoveries, inventions, creations and its ability to adapt all participate in its maturity. The evolution of ancient Chinese dynasties provided the cultural, economical and governmental structure that developed and shaped their country into one of the marvels of ancient times.