Cultural Differences -- Cultural Revolution -- Trust

Last night, friends came over for dinner. As usual, Louie cooked some wonderful homemade Yi’s recipes  (yummy,yummyJ).  When the kids went downstairs to watch a movie, the adults had a talk about the “differences” between American and Asian.  One of the examples was when the girls were  selling homemade dumplings in our  neighborhood last weekend in order to raise fund for the kids with cancer at school.  The dumplings were sold out and 100% purchased by Caucasians.  Two of the Asian neighbors turned down the “offer”.  Asians should like dumplings more than Americans, however it is not about the “food” itself; it is about trust.   Another example happened when Selena and I went to Starbucks for a light dinner before her dance class  the other day.  As soon as we sat down, a girl came to us and told us the machine was down and the store would be closing.  She offered complimentary coupons for us to come back next time.  I shared this incident  with my friends in China.  One of them wrote back to me and said, if that had happened in China, the first reaction would be be “Is it true?” – the question mark!  On top of that, there won’t be any “compensation”.  It is about “trust”. 

During the Cultural Revolution, relationships between people became very complicated and trust was damaged.  It is why we always say Americans are easier to get to  the point.  Chinese sometimes have to go around and around before they make  the point.  It might have to do with the culture, but also life experiences  really changed people in important ways.  I remembered an interview was conducted here in US with one of the June 4^th , 1989 Tiananmen Square Incident leaders.  She said, “Everyone lies in China”  and her point was that  you almost had to “protect” yourself to lie about something in order to cover yourself.  How sad that was!  “Trust” and “Integrity” are such valuable characteristics to carry for a person.

China has five thousand years of culture, our ancestors taught us “a man without trust and integrity is not a true man”.  Louie and one of the friends at dinner that evening went through the tough time of the Cultural Revolution. They were silent in the discussion until  we finally all agreed that “America is like a huge laundry machine. People come from all over the world  and bring their own colors.  We might get ‘dyed’.  But it all gets  washed off eventually. “ No matter how complicated your thoughts are, finally we  can be  clear and  direct  here in the States. "

Differences: Dance Competition

The girls  and I recently watched a Champion Dancing Competition between China and US ("So You Think You Can Dance"). While the program originated the US, China broadcast it while we were still there. The competition was between the champion dancers of China and US.  Coincidently one of the five judges, the only Chinese judge Mr. Li Hengda is  the girls’ dancing instructor here in Seattle.  This is definitely the top competition, here is the link http://www.tudou.com/albumplay/SWbunVpEi2c/S6RGeutcIHI.html

 

Chinese dancers won the overall best group competition. Their training foundation and skills are very strong and their presentation is artistic and flawless.  The individual winner was, Russell from US.   Russell won the super star/dancer over China’s Zhang, AoYue.  My observation is:  you know Chinese artists or athletes are trained professionally typically from 4-5 years old for a good 10- 20 years full time before they became famous. One example of this that comes to mind is LangLang (the Chinese pianist).  He has practiced 9 hours a day every day since he was five.  I am not sure anyone can have that long lasting of an “interest”.   Yes, we have heard over and over, that is why you are not LangLang or "xxx" because you can not endure the hard times. Langlang’s dad almost caused him to commit suicide when he refused to practice.   I  remember reading Michael Phelps biography (Olympics’ seven gold medal swimmer).  It told of how he loves swimming and enjoys it. 

 

I am sure many of our Chinese “stars” must love what they have been doing before they commit to it. However, there is still a difference in the culture that affects each differently.   It showed in the dance competition.  China’s essentials of basic training is way above; the dancers are visually beautiful and present each move very nicely.  However, US dancers are more of the “international model”.  It has to do with the culture, education and overall environment.   During the performance, the American dancers really touched us with their enthusiasm about dancing. It was funny and relaxing to watch. As a matter of fact, my three girls really supported the US group in their cheering because they loved their natural and relaxed style.  I think the soul of art is to touch people’s heart and when that happens, it is contagious. 

 

People even said the Chinese dancers were much more relaxed in the Las Vegas competition than when performing in China.  I totally understand.   This is why when we just look at an American kid you can tell he/she is different from a Chinese kid (our girls are a little different, they are "wild"J) .  Americans are more at ease.  Chinese people will say Americans are natural to become an actor/actress or a public speaker since they are much more relaxed, natural and poised.  Chinese are trained to be intentional in everything they do -- it must be for a purpose.  Of course things have changed a lot, China is changing and connecting to the world and is beginning to learn to play under the “international model”.