Unfolding Cultures (Written 12/12/08)

I had a significant encounter last weekend that emulates the difference between the American individualistic culture and China’s collectivist culture. Last Saturday, I had students who were doing impromptu speeches. One student drew the question, “If I were in charge of the country, what would I do?” As Americans, I am sure most of us can list at least one, if not more thing we would change if any one of us suddenly was in charge.

This student’s speech was unexpected in many ways. She focused on her speech on how one person should not be the only one in charge, but that together people should work towards improving society. Without knowing she was doing this, the student was speaking from her worldview! It was almost amazing to see the collective worldview in action, unfolding before my eyes like a flower I have only read about, but am encountering for the first time. This is the “stuff” of my communication theory books, the classes I have taken, and the classes I have taught.

It’s almost amazing to see this concept in reality, knowing it exists! Oh, the joy of culture. The newness of discovering difference. I’m an American on foreign soil, experiencing something vastly different. There’s something deeply rich about experiencing these cultural differences AND knowing the theories behind them at the same time.

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