Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Question

So yesterday in the van, I asked some students if their experience in the U.S. was different from what they expected. Zak said that he thought that the U.S. was exactly the same as what he had seen on television in China. I wonder if any of the rest of you have noticed differences between the representations of the U.S. you've seen in China and the reality you've experienced since you've been here.

6 comments:

  1. Of course, there are many differences. For instance, American people are not that outgoing and humorous like figures in the Big Bang. I did meet people who are shy and reticent. And some of them are not as friendly as I imagined before. So people, even they come from different nations, share the same characters of human beings.

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  2. Actually it's quite similar with what i have seen in the American TV series.But of course there are differences.Not everything in America is that cheap as imagined,and the street is not that dangerous as showed in the series.Also,it surprised me that the shops closed so early. BTW,there are as many Chinese people as it's said in America! PENNY

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  3. I didn't expect America people are so polite. They would hold the door for you when entering the building. And there have been three times when I stood in the road looking the map and people passing by would ask "can I help you". I mean the movies we saw in China may focus more on the heroes and leaders instead of ordinary people in the daily life. There is really a lot we can learn from the it.

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    1. So you will notice that this will change slightly as we visit other cities. In general, Americans are very polite and kind. However, each region acts differently. New York is known for people who are always on the move and do not care about others (I've seen many exceptions). So though what you said is true, there are many exceptions.

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  4. I think you learn a lot about how culture is exaggerated in television shows. So you might get an understanding but I would suggest meeting as many Americans as you can in real life so you start to understand and appreciate how different we are. It's the same in China - you can't say all Chinese are the same. It's easy for our minds to make sweeping generalizations and quick decisions as to how people are in a particular culture. Remember to ask, Why? Why? Why? Why?

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    1. I should have kept what you tough in class in mind.Apologize ;)...It's easy to make generalizations and it is easier when you are in the campus or a small town. Experience more and ask more questions.Thanks for advising!

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