NEWS//China-U.S. cultural differences
“Freedom in the United States is more rebellious, focuses on individual desires, and is based on human weaknesses,” observes Xu Ruyi, a reporter with China.org.cn. “China's freedom is more philosophical, focuses on social connections, and is based on human decency.”
Xu noted three differences in the way freedom is defined in the U.S. and China.
"Both Chinese and Americans value freedom, but both have their own definition of what it means. We cannot, in the guise of 'universal values,' judge something against our own standards, regardless of others' intrinsic features."
What are those differences?
"Freedom or liberty in America originated from struggles and battles against colonialism and slavery.” As an example, she interpreted the U.S. protests against face mask-wearing as a protest against interference in individual freedom by the government.
“Americans put individual freedom and rights first.” Xu granted that Americans do help each other, they do work hard; but individuals come first. By comparison, she said it's not possible to talk about freedom in China without considering the group a person belongs to. "If I choose not to wear a face mask during the pandemic, I will alarm the people around me, and if I get infected, I may infect others and add to the medical burden," she said. "In this case, I would rather sacrifice some of my own freedom to protect the greater freedom of others."
“Americans believe humans are born sinners; Chinese believe in natural kindness,” Xu says. “As a result, Americans are skeptical of the intentions and motives of others, whereas Chinese are more likely to believe that their leadership is acting in their best interests.” To illustrate, she says, “When there is a requirement for face masks, an American will probably question first whether it represents an intrusion of his or her freedom, while the first thing that comes to a Chinese mind is more likely to be: This must be a scientific way to protect me.”
Sources: People’s Daily Online, PRNewswire.com,