I was thinking about the difference between Amaericans and Koreans. There are lots of differences like appearance, food, fashion, etc. However, the biggest difference or the root of every differnce is the difference of thought.
I, the most normal Korean....whatever, think that Koreans have prefered the good relationship among neighbors and family. We have been learning the importance of the harmony with others and we are thying to work together. Of course, Americans are also trying to have good harmony with others, especially we can find this value in John Winthrop's speech easily, loving your neghbors as yourself. However, these days Americans prefer Self-reliance more than good community. What made Americans change their thoughts?
In my opinion, the most important reason is the impact of their environment. In Korea, our land of living is too limited. Unfortunately, Korea is smaller than NY state. Therefore, the only way to survive in Korea, a small land, is harmony. We can't have our own big enough living space. If we hadn't prefered harmony, we would always fought eachother to get more things for surviving. However, in America, they had to live in huge frotiers. Each person had enough land and they didn't need to share their things. They might only think how to protect their lives by themselves from native Americans, dangerous animals, also their neighbors. In these reasons made them prefer self-reliance.
I think Americans values are very different from Koreans' as much as the difference of appearance. I'm still curious about the differences and I still want to learn about American culture more.
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I found your post to be quite thought-provoking. I have long had an interest in how the environment of an individual influences one's behavior; this post extrapolates that idea to include an entire culture's values.
ReplyDeleteSelf-reliance and rugged individuality have long been very important values in American society. I think they've been entwined in the minds of American people since the very beginning of the nation. There were many debates and at least one significant war fought over the idea of individual rights versus the overall desires of a society.
Thank you for your writing and your thoughts, Jong Young Lee.
Thank you for your blog post. I agree with Lucas that it was quite thought-provoking. If only the rest of the country (U.S.A) could read your blog and see your perspective, perhaps it would start a new way of thinking. Not all Americans are selfish, however I truly believe that our society pushes the "consumer" persona on us, which is why we are selfish, because we want things, rather than companionship and family.
ReplyDeleteKeep it up! Can't wait to read your next blog!