There is a huge difference in traditional Chinese and American values. It is reflected in many aspects in our daily lives. For instance, Chinese and American react differently when receiving gifts. In Chinese culture, receiver opens a gift after the giver is beyond the range of sight to show respect. In American culture, it is considered a social norm to open a gift in front of the giver. Such culture clash may seem very difficult for Chinese to adapt to. In Chinese culture, a gift embodies much more complexity than simply the joy of giving. A gift can be read as the social status of the receiver according to its monetary value and proper decoration. On the other hand, if the gift is not in favor of the receiver, opening gift after the giver is out of sight can be a gentle act of avoiding awkwardness. Secondly, there is a big difference in the notion of accomplishment between American and Chinese culture. Individuality is significantly stressed in American value as each individual should fulfill their own person goal through intrapersonal training. It can be reflected in the way of education: kids are taught to take care of themselves and be expressive. As a result, Americans are more independent comparing to Chinese. On the contrary, the notion of collectivity is the focus in Chinese value. It is taught that individuals should contribute for the world around him/her instead of satisfying personal desire; and the expression of feeling should be subtle. Hence, diminishing personal traits for a consensus on the outside becomes a phenomena. What's more, American tend to satisfy personal desire with money rather than saving for the future. Chinese has a tendency to save money to plan for the future. In conclusion, because of the difference in living environment, historical development, Chinese and Americans formed their own distinctive values, also known as the cultural difference.
caption: One girl open her present in front of the giver, her mother.
Citation: Shabana, Adam. "Parenting Advice: 7 Tips to help Families Handle Commercial Pressures this Christmas." Photograph. Female First. 5 November 2012 Web. 11 November 2015.
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