ore fortunately situated are very likely to oppose the self-elevating efforts of those below.
In Chinese society, there is less tension between the classes because there is less desire to change one's assigned position that depends more on the kinship group as a whole rather than on the individual. American class differences are less evident in speech and behavior, but class barriers create strong feelings because each level is directly threatened by the level above and below it.
In Chinese society, the question is whether something is fitting, suitable, or proper. The corresponding American concern is whether it is honest, correct and accurate (Nathan & Shi, 1996). Paralleling the Chinese pattern of controlled, restrained emotional expression is a corresponding concern with the appropriateness of a wide range of conduct -- from body movements to clothing styles. No other culture in the world shares the Chinese' concerns with the way things "look" instead of the way things are.
...