A description of some elements of Chines culture that have found their way into American culture.
CHINESE MINDSET IN AMERICAN CULTURE
Today's world is slowly developing one global culture. Countries share elements of their cultures with one another, and groups of people grow to understand one another better. The United States of America is a great example of a country whose culture is comprised of bits and pieces of many other cultures. One culture in particular that has had an effect on many Americans is the Chinese culture. The simplicity and peaceful tranquility offered by Chinese meditation, religion, acupuncture, and herbal remedies are appealing to Americans and their hectic lives.
Many Americans have converted to Buddhism and other Asian religions. However, conversion is not the only way these religions affect the United States. Many US citizens adopt certain aspects of Chinese religions, especially meditation. Chinese religions are more ways of life than religions; many Americans chose to adopt the way of life without adopting the religion. Especially in large cities, different types of meditation are very popular. Various forms of Chinese meditation are practiced, including Taoist Meditation. Chinese meditation's focus on inner peace has had a great effect on the way many Americans live their lives. Those who meditate are encouraged to focus on harmony with themselves and with the universe around them.
Chinese religions and ideologies affect us all more than we know. The sayings of the great Chinese philosopher Confucius are often quoted as examples for how to live life. Confucius' teachings are studied at all the best universities in the United States. Most people associate the name Confucius with great wisdom. Associations are very powerful. Companies certainly realize how adding "Zen" or "Buddha" to a product name can be quite beneficial. There is a certain aura of peacefulness that surrounds these words. Marketing green tea as "Zen Tea" or a skin cream as "Hydra-Zen" helps to attract customers who value what these mentalities represent.
Green tea, which seems to be one of the newest food fads, is also taken from Chinese culture. Ginseng and other herbs are taken by many Americans because Chinese traditions claim that they grant people who eat them long, happy lives. America's obsession with herbal remedies and herbal supplements can, in part, be credited to the Chinese way of life.
Chinese culture has also contributed to the health field in America. Many people are now interested in alternative therapies and medicines which are based on Chinese traditions. Acupuncture, which originated in China at least as early as 500-300 BC, is a great example of a tradition which is now commonly accepted in the United States. Many patients undergo this form of treatment involving the insertion of needles into various parts of the patient's body. The popularity of acupuncture has caused many Americans to rethink the way they live and to grow to focus more on harmony and balance in their lives.
Many Americans have altered their mindsets and their ways of life as a result of Chinese culture. Americans take the Chinese values that they can identify with--peace, harmony, simplicity, and naturalness--and they make an effort to include parts of Chinese culture in their lives that exemplify these values. Chinese meditation, religion, acupuncture, and herbal remedies are all becoming everyday parts of American life.
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