Introduction
This paper compares and contrasts the Chinese American culture with the African American culture. The Chinese Americans are very distinct people who have their own ways of doing things. The Chinese American culture differs from the African American culture in a number of ways. However, on close scrutiny, the two cultures are very similar. Chinese Americans are citizens of the United States that have their ancestry in china. However, the term is used to refer to all American citizens that have their origins in East Asia i.e. China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and others like Singapore, Malaysia, Mexico and Philippines (Tung 3). These sub culture consist of people who immigrated to America from as early as the 1800. The first immigrants were brought in by American companies that had enlisted Chinese laborers (Tung 4).
Although the Chinese were the earliest immigrants to America, a ban on Chinese immigrants instituted in 1885 till 1943 ensured that very few immigrants of Chinese descent got into America (Daley & Stotsky 16). When the ban was lifted, Chinese immigration into the U.S. went up. A majority of the immigrants came from Hong Kong and Taiwan. Mainland china restricted immigrations until late 1960s (Daley & Stotsky 18). The immigration of Chinese to America was interpreted by the People republic of china’s government as a betrayal. Those who went to America were assumed to have renounced socialism or communism for capitalism. However, the immigration restrictions were repealed, in tandem with international trends, leading to Mainland China becoming the major source of Chinese immigrants In the 1980s (Daley & Stotsky 20). Massive immigration from mainland china has continued leading to formation of what are called China towns in some major cities such as New York, Pennsylvania and Connecticut. The numbers of Chinese Americans have been swelling due to both illegal and legal immigrations.
Religion
Chinese Americans have retained their traditional religions from Mainland China. Most of the Chinese Americans ascribe to the Confucian way of living and practice shades of Buddhism (Daley & Stotsky 90). The Chinese believe in the existence of a spiritual world. They have established different methods of divination, purification or general worship that help to connect with the spiritual world. The religious beliefs of the Chinese Americans are so dynamic and very interesting to delve into. In actuality, they kind of still believe in gods and their religious teachings are based on myths and legends. Buddha is widely accepted as the supreme holly figure and in line with their spiritual myths; they have many festivals to celebrate different aspects of life based on their spiritual interpretation. There are some Chinese Americans who have converted to Christianity.
Government/ Politics
Chinese Americans and Black Americans a like, have been actively involved in governance or governance related issues. Politically, both cultural groups are inclined towards socialism thus a majority of them are democrats. Traditionally, African Americans supported republicans; this was so because President Lincoln who signed the Emancipation Proclamation was a republican (Franklin & Moss 198). The support for republicans continued until democrat governments of Roosevelt, F. Kennedy and later Lyndon supported civil rights legislation and economic packages that were more favorable to African Americans (Franklin & Moss 206). Overtime, the Democratic Party has shaped itself and positioned itself in line with the interest of the working class people. It has also positioned itself as champion of freedom thus appealing to the underprivileged African American and Chinese Americans.
Chinese Americans and African Americans have for long fought to be of influence in government matters. The struggle culminated into Barrack Obama being elected the first African American president. Consequently, the Obama administration appointed Gary Locke, the first Chinese American state governor (Lau 1). Although the Chinese are actively involved in politics they are not as unified as African Americans. The disunity among Chinese Americans is caused by the varied views they hold on different political subjects (Daley & Stotsky 58). Differences can be discerned in terms of social economic status, and attitudes towards China as a country. The attitudes vary in terms of some people actively supporting Chinese nationalism, some others being hostile to such like leanings, while others are just indifferent (Daley & Stotsky 61).
Values
Democrats are known for being liberal oriented. Most African Americans are democrats but they are not as liberal oriented as the Whites. Both the Chinese Americans and African Americans are largely a traditional people. The Chinese in America have not been influenced in a big way by general liberal attitudes due to a strong cultural base set by early immigrants. The immigrants often come with and hang on the ideals practiced in their home countries (Tung 6). The Chinese have great respect for elders and offspring go a long way in attempt to honor and take care of the aged.
When it comes to family and marriage, both Chinese Americans and African Americans are strongly opposed to any liberal oriented legislation. For example, it is quoted that most black Americans opposed same sex marriages. When the state of California passed proposal to ban gay marriages, over 70% of the blacks supported the ban (Vicky & Surdin 1). The Chinese, just like Black Americans are very conservative on family related issues such as extramarital sex and abortion.
The Chinese are widely known for their honesty in personal interactions and business transactions. The Chinese generally value education and a holistic kind of education is designed and encouraged from an early age. Education, it is believed, is the only way of moving up the social or economic status ladder. They have very strong family values. Family relations are greatly respected and honor a great aspiration for all.
Black Americans value relationships more than any other consideration. According to Vicky and Surdin (1), they are more relationship oriented than say punctuality or time related concerns. They are more inclined to dealing with issue at hand than worrying about being in time for the next event. Chinese Americans like African Americans are collectivist in thinking. However, Chinese are more inclined towards modesty than black Americans. From my reading about and observing the Chinese Americans, I think, Unlike African Americans, the Chinese stress or value self respect and self reliance. While African Americans are interested in collective freedom of the group, Chinese Americans are more concerned with freedom of individuals or self-promotion (Tung 12). While African Americans are more concerned with public freedom, the Chinese Americans are more concerned with internal freedom (as an individual) and managing to beat external constraints based on personal integrity and capacity.
Language
I have personally observed that Chinese Americans, just like African Americans, only use Standard English when transacting official business. However, when in their enclaves or with fellow Chinese, they use native languages from Asia or China. The Chinese Americans speak Cantonese (Lau 1). This language according to Tung (69) is ranked third among the non-English languages widely used in America. It is most widely used in china towns especially in New York, California and Hawaii (Tung 75). Most Chinese Americans know Cantonese and use it among themselves. There are variations in Chinese language but due to majority of immigrants hailing from Taiwan and Mainland China, standard mandarin is now taking centre stage as the Chinese American’s language. Mandarin is slowly but surely replacing Cantonese as the official language of the Chinese in America; it is now widely used in many states (Lau 1). Some Chinese Americans also use what is called Wu Chinese. Wu Chinese is largely but exclusively spoken especially among immigrants from Shanghai (Lau 1).
Chinese Americans just like African Americans learn English but they also teach their children some in-group language. The Chinese teach their children Chinese, while African Americans teach a kind of Pidgin English called “African American Vernacular English (AAVE)” (Green 5). Teaching their children Chinese serves a number of purposes. It helps foster pride in Chinese cultural heritage. Teaching the children Chinese also helps ease interaction between the children and other relatives especially those back in China. African Americans also associate speaking AAVE with a sense of Self Identity unlike the mainstream that associates speaking such a language with illiteracy (Green 2).
Non Verbal Communication Styles
Chinese Americans have a very distinctive way of communicating. The Chinese shy away from any forms of direct confrontations (Elliot and Adams 1). This is unlike in my culture; African Americans tend towards passionate, emotion filled, expressive communication (Elliott and Adams 1). While the Chinese seem modesty and observe some level of distance while discussing, African Americans are direct and can often feel threateningly too near to other in a heated discussion. African Americans also employ more physical touch than is acceptable in Chinese culture.
Education
The Chinese are generally known for industry and discipline. They value education and take it as the sure way towards social mobility (Daley & Stotsky 89). For some time, it appeared like African Americans were naturally not book people. On deeper scrutiny, I realize it is all stereotypical and does not reflect reality. It is true that black’s to date lag behind such groups as Chinese Americans in academic achievements (Reed 8). However, the lagging behind has an explanation in the racial discrimination and segregation that was directed at the blacks with full support of government agencies. Stereotypical and racial thinking led to many black students being labeled as un-teachable by public schools.
With racial discrimination having ended, Chinese Americans as well as African Americans are catching up with Whites in academic performance. It is widely agreed that with proper policies that eliminate segregation but entrench multiculturalism, blacks are capable of scaling the heights of academic success. Those who have found opportunity to develop and use their mental powers have contributed in a big way through innovative solutions or creations. African American’s innovativeness has enriched the American culture and contributed generally to the body of knowledge (Franklin & Moss 96).
Business
According to Reed (59) majority of black Americans remain underrepresented in employment; whether in government or private organizations. African Americans remain the last likely to be employed and the first likely to be fired according to the national bureau of labor statistics (Reed 63). It is also true of Chinese Americans that they do not easily find jobs in government or non-Chinese owned private business. The most successful of Chinese Americans are those entrenched in business. Business with China is their niche and a number of them are doing extremely well.
Apart from international trading especially with china, the Chinese are refined local business dealers in America. The Chinese’s distinct contribution to business is the famous Chinese restaurants in most states in America (Daley & Stotsky 51). The restaurants with their characteristic outline are scenery in themselves. The Chinese are involved in every trade one can think of. They are very industrious and are respected business people because they are always honest or value honesty in business transactions. Chinese Americans have made a lot of money from the art and movie industry. Chinese art is widely known and appreciated. Chinese actors have spiced the movie world with juicy martial art films.
Health
The Chinese Americans enjoy better health than African Americans. For a long time, the African American’s life expectancy, as compared to Chinese American’s life expectancy, has been extremely low. The life expectancy levels are as a result of the Chinese leading a healthier lifestyle. The Chinese are known for their self discipline thus not overindulging in alcoholism, drug abuse and smoking. They believe in physical exercise as a critical way to perfection. They also have developed distinct medical practices such as acupuncture and massage which contribute to wellness. They practice yoga and meditation which are widely known as having great medicinal benefits.
Personal Reflection and conclusion
Before I started this research, I held to some stereotypes about Chinese Americans; some I was conscious of while others I was not. Somehow, I laterally believed that Chinese Americans are a hideous (detached and not outgoing) and unwelcoming people. I tended towards assuming they are not very social and do not easily engage others. I also tended towards thinking they are timid and not assertive.
From the research, it is clear that Chinese Americans, like any other a people, are greatly gifted. They have their unique lifestyles and cultural values. Just like African Americans, Chinese Americans tend towards more traditional values, which I find welcome. Although, I value freedom but I know freedom comes with responsibility. To the extent that the traditional values advocate for more consideration about our liberal tendencies, they are fine and dialogue is welcome. What I realized is that much difference between say the Chinese Americans and African Americans is in approach to issues. While African Americans are more direct and confrontations, the Chinese Americans are principled and honest. At the work place, I would have to take each individual as he or she comes. It is good to understand the Chinese Americans non confrontational approach to issues. It would also be important to appreciate their sense of modesty and self-centered focus in performance. That aside, they are a great a people, exciting and interesting to be around with.
Works Cited
Daley, William, and Stotsky Sandra. The Chinese Americans. New York: Chelsea House, 1995.
Elliott, Candia, and Adams R. Jerry. Communication Patterns and Assumptions of Differing Cultural Groups in the United States. Awesome Library. Web.
Franklin, John, Hope, and Moss A. Alfred. From Slavery to Freedom: A History of African Americans 7th Ed. New York: Knopf, 1994.
Green, J. Lisa. African American English: A Linguistic Introduction. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2002.
Lau, Emily. Famous Chinese-Americans in Politics, Law and Civil Rights. 2003. Yellow Bridge, Web.
Reed, L.Wornie. African-Americans: Essential Perspectives. New York: Greenwood Publishing Group, 1993.
Tung, May, Pao-may. Chinese Americans and Their Immigrant Parents: Conflict, Identity, and Values. New York: Routledge, 2000.
Vick, Karl, and Surdin Ashley. Most of California’s Black Voters Backed Gay Marriage Ban. The Washington Post. 2008. Web.