There are a lot of differences between the American and Chinese culture and values.
Aspects such as philosophy, family values, time management, individuality, and religion
are just some modern examples of the many differences between these two major
industrial countries. However, one does not have to come from China to experience just
how different and influential these cultures are. Throughout most of my childhood, I have
been predominantly exposed to nothing but the Chinese culture. When my parents first
immigrated to the United States from Canton, China, they rented a small apartment
located right in the heart of Chinatown. Chinatown was my home, the place where I met
all my friends, and the place where I'd thought I'd never leave. I spoke only Cantonese,
both to my friends and to my parents. I was pretty much secluded from the outside world
because I never left Chinatown, for I felt this was my home. However, my parents felt
differently. They wanted me to adapt the "American" culture. By being more
"Americanized", they felt that life would be better and that my sister and I would be more
accepted. For that reason, my family and I made the big move to the Sunset District ten
years ago. A big move my parents hoped would be a quick assimilation into the
mainstream – the "American" culture- an assimilation that would ultimately change my
values and my perceptions of my cultural background.
When I moved from Chinatown to the Sunset District, I was completely amazed
at how different it was compared to Chinatown. There was considerably less
traffic and noise on the streets than in Chinatown. I remember, I would have to push my
way to get through streets when I was in Chinatown. Another difference that I noticed
was that all the children on my block were Caucasian, whereas in Ch
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