On to the next set. . .
11. thyself
I'm not sure how to interpret this. In the west, we see ourselves as bigger than we truly are? Chinese people minimalize their individual significance? I suppose Chinese people, especially the older generations, are quite modest. I don't know about Germans, but the stereotypical American is seen as large and loud and loving the limelight. However, I think the way one views her/himself depends a lot on personality and I'm not sure about making sweeping cultural generalizations on this point. What do you think?
12. individualism vs. collectivism
13. beating around the bush
11. thyself
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| photo via WeChat |
I'm not sure how to interpret this. In the west, we see ourselves as bigger than we truly are? Chinese people minimalize their individual significance? I suppose Chinese people, especially the older generations, are quite modest. I don't know about Germans, but the stereotypical American is seen as large and loud and loving the limelight. However, I think the way one views her/himself depends a lot on personality and I'm not sure about making sweeping cultural generalizations on this point. What do you think?
12. individualism vs. collectivism
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| photo via WeChat |
This aspect is shifting. Although not
long ago Chinese could be seen as collectivists, I feel like the
situation is evolving, especially in urban areas. While being a team
player is still very important, people aren't as connected to their
work unit as they once were. Supporting and helping family may be
more common in China than in some western countries, but modern day
Chinese are becoming more indpendent. From what my husband describes,
the sense of community seems to be diminishing. In my opinon, this is
also a problem in modern American society.
13. beating around the bush
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| photo via WeChat |
In America, it's common, especially
when doing business, to tackle a problem head-on. For the Chinese, a
problem is usually tackled so carefully that it may appear that no
one is dealing with it at all. I've struggled with this at times. I'm
still working on the art of trying to get to the point with out
getting to the point. Sometimes I still have to ask Ming to try an
translate people's action for me. “My student's mom has said they
are on vacation the past couple weeks. Do you think her daughter is
still going to study with me?” I once asked. “No, honey. They
just feel bad telling you she won't.”
14. the line up
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| photo via WeChat |
The only cultural difference that has
the power to turn me from a kind, mild-mannered Midwestern girl to a
seething ball of rage—the queue jumper. Lack of lines are also a
drag, but I've worked a lot on my technique and have gotten pretty
good at dealing with them. Push to the front, use your elbows when
needed, stick out your hand, and yell out what you want. I hate it,
but I can do it. I have seen some progress in the line former
department over the years. The Beijing subway system has somehow
managed to crack down on crowded and pushing with a fair level of
success. People generally stand in line at places like McDonald's and
the supermarket, yet somehow lines often fail to form for the
bathroom. Hopefully the situation will continue to improve, as I see
lines as the cornerstone of a civilized society.
15. Guanxi
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| photo via WeChat |
It's not what you know, it's who you
know. In China, networking is important. Sure, that's true pretty
much anywhere, but here it's taken to a whole new level. Ming has a
few hundered phone numbers in his address book, because you never
know who you might need to call for a favor. I, on the other hand,
have about 30 numbers and tend to delete anyone I haven't talked to
in over a year. The concept of guanxi is essential to making it in
China, as with all the bureaucracy and competition, it's near
impossible to accomplish anything without knowing the right people.
And knowing them often isn't enough. . . expect to provide a handsome
gift or dinner.
What do you think, has there been a recent shift in cultural norms in your country?
2 comments:
I can't stand the Chinese way of "dealing" with problems, which often is "let's pretend this problem is not here and hope it will disappear by itself". This also happened a lot in my previous job, maybe there was a problem in the production and everybody knew it but no one would go and tell the Spanish engineer who was in charge until it was too late (i.e. when the shipping container was about to be loaded). The poor Spanish guy was always yelling at everybody (because if anything went wrong he was the one who had to give explanations to the CEO).
Queuing, ah... just a few days ago I was waiting for my turn to buy a train ticket in the station and a migrant worker kind of guy got in the space between me and the person before. I said very loudly: PAI DUI!!! and he thought it was very funny, then went behind me.
I always get mad in public restrooms because instead of doing one line every person gets in front of one door, or they cut the line pretending you are invisible, etc. The 大妈s are the worst!
I also make comments to people who won't stand in line. It is interesting to see their reactions and it makes me feel a little bit better knowing I am trying to put some order back into the world!!
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