Cultural contrast abroad

During my study abroad excursion in China (Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong) this past summer, I noticed many things that distinguished the people and society of Beijing.

I spent six weeks in this overpopulated, bustling city, where I attempted to live the way an average Beijing citizen does, and discover as much about the culture and its people as I could.

There is a very different standard of living in Mainland China than there is in U.S. For one, China is light-years behind us in diversity. When a white, blond male can't walk on the sidewalk without getting looks from everyone, you know you are certainly not in the U.S. anymore.

There is a lack of knowledge about the outside world and what exists beyond the borders of China. This can be blamed on its government, which blocks its own citizens from having free access to information, most specifically on the Internet.

What is enrapturing about the U.S. is that it is so diverse and has so many different ideas, passions and cultures. When these all blend together the potential for success and innovation is beyond words. The voice of the Chinese people seems to be one that is monotone, with no one vocalizing their dreams.

This however, is not their fault. With a struggling education system and Communist government, it is very difficult for a Chinese citizen to create his or her own wealth.

From my experience through conversations with locals during my visit, I learned from talking to locals that many young Chinese adults have a difficult time leaving the nest.

They get set in a certain way of life based on where they live or how their parents are employed. There is no desire for more, or drive for success. They are forced into this way of conformity by the government, and an overflowing population, which limits opportunities. Individualism is almost nonexistent, unless it is established through a career.

Beijing's housing prices are growing at exponential rates, and a home smaller than a University Forest Apartment can be worth millions in U.S. dollars. Thus, families who own these houses will live in them for generations because they cannot afford to buy or find housing elsewhere.

The education system in China is not only lacking, but it also restricts students from learning about the outside world. The lack of passion shown by citizens is somewhat depressing.

The streets scream of routine and conformity. For example, there are a lot of markets in Beijing where the vendors can speak Chinese, English, Spanish, French and many other languages.

Can you imagine how much potential there is for these people? Speaking three or four languages could, at the very least, work at a foreign embassy.

The energy in Beijing is lacking, and as much as I love it, I am so proud to be from New York. Walking through the streets of New York City I feel fire, energy, success and a sense of potential. When I walked in Beijing I noticed an acceptance of the status quo. This is why China is 50 years ahead of the U.S.

The Chinese culture promotes the idea of being happy with what you have, while everything in the U.S. tells us we need more. Chinese people are not proud and will work any job necessary in order to make a living. They are content, lighthearted and very honest people.

In the U.S., we tend to be too proud to work a certain job, or drive a certain car or live in a certain house. We let this consume our general essence. China will always have someone to fill every employment position, and who will work hard regardless of what the job is.

This is where they have an advantage. They aren't lazy, that's for sure. Laziness may prove to be an increasingly problematic issue for the U.S., but we certainly have drive and passion, and we strive for individualism.

The diversity and the acceptance of different cultures, races, ideas, business plans, personalities and much more are what make a country successful. As important as China is becoming economically, it will take a long time for it to catch up with the U.S. After all, China's main export is manufactured goods, and for its customer base they depend on us.