Chinese Culture & Belief System
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In traditional Chinese society, great emphasis is placed on the incorporation of philosophical principles in everyday life. One of the greatest Chinese philosophers was Confucius. Since Confucius advocated respect for family and parents, filial piety has become a central feature of Chinese culture. Children are expected to put the interests of the family above their own aspirations. Thus, various aspects of Chinese culture are preserved in the home, particularly in households which contain older, extended-family members or first-generation immigrants. Chinese American families often celebrate traditional Chinese holidays such as Chinese New Year and the moon festival. Custom dictates the celebration of such holidays with firecrackers, although in some communities the purchase of such fireworks is illegal. Another Chinese New Year custom is to send money to each relative in China, even to those whom the sender has never met. During holidays, and at other times, traditional Chinese dances are performed, which also helps preserve culture (Liu 64). Holidays are one of the most important forms of maintaining the cultural perspective of any community, and the Chinese American community is no exception. Many elderly Chinese have a strong belief in Chinese medicine. In these homes, Chinese herbs are kept and used as a first defense against illness. Elderly Chinese also have a preference for acupuncture over traditional Western medical methods.
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ican notes, "There are innumerable instances of former doctors, teachers, accountants, and engineers who took jobs as janitors and waiters when they first arrived" (Takaki 429). Difficulties with English create barriers for college-educated Chinese immigrants to free themselves from manual labor. Many have to work long hours, even hold two full time jobs, to make ends meet, which leaves little time for adequate instruction in English.
Among Chinese Americans, a distinct educational and employment achievement gap exists. Part of this distinction is based on place of residence and immigrant status: "there is more than one Chinese America. Chinese Americans often speak of the differences between ABCs and FOBs, that is, between American-born Chinese, and the Fresh-off-the-boat (or plane) immigrant Chinese" (Kitano and Daniels 52). The first major type, recent Chinese immigrants, is referred to as "downtown" or "ghetto" families. These families live in Chinatowns in major metropolitan areas of the United States. Both husband and wife work, many for long hours. Their place of employment is the secondary labor market such as the tourist industry, restaurants, or garment sweatshops. The recent immigrants tend to be poorly educa
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Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 2823
Approximate Pages = 11 (250 words per page)
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