外國人都是... Foreigners Are Like That...
I think one of reasons why western countries seem to be more advanced in most things is because they encourage their children to explore and try different things.
Take the typical Chinese parents for example. After a long day of hard work, when they come home and see their children playing in the living room, their first words are usually “ Look, you have messed up the whole living room again!” In school, Chinese students have to work extremely hard to become perfect students in their teacher’s eyes. They are constantly in fear of being reprimanded or punished for the mistakes they have made on their test papers or in their homework. This kind of education environment often leaves the children and the students timid and fearful of trying new things or asking questions for more information.
Compared with the Chinese, westerners tend to be more encouraging and they make it a habit to say nice things to people. Teachers would say to the students who have made mistakes: “It’s ok. You can do it again” or “ Your idea is good, but it would be better if you…”. Unlike Chinese who believe there is only one right answer to a question, westerners allow students the freedom of thought and also encourage the development of different interests. On social occasions, westerners offer compliments before issuing their opinions. Upon entering a house for a party or visiting friend’s home, they always say immediately, “Wow, what a beautiful party/house!” When they listen to others’ opinions, they often reply by saying things such as “ I like your idea” or “It sounds great,” before offering their own ideas. The Chinese are not so expressive or willing to admit that others have better ideas than they do.
In short, westerners have a very different expressive style from us. That style not only makes it easier for children to learn to have their own ideas but also helps people get along better with one another.
I think one of reasons why western countries seem to be more advanced in most things is because they encourage their children to explore and try different things.
Take the typical Chinese parents for example. After a long day of hard work, when they come home and see their children playing in the living room, their first words are usually “ Look, you have messed up the whole living room again!” In school, Chinese students have to work extremely hard to become perfect students in their teacher’s eyes. They are constantly in fear of being reprimanded or punished for the mistakes they have made on their test papers or in their homework. This kind of education environment often leaves the children and the students timid and fearful of trying new things or asking questions for more information.
Compared with the Chinese, westerners tend to be more encouraging and they make it a habit to say nice things to people. Teachers would say to the students who have made mistakes: “It’s ok. You can do it again” or “ Your idea is good, but it would be better if you…”. Unlike Chinese who believe there is only one right answer to a question, westerners allow students the freedom of thought and also encourage the development of different interests. On social occasions, westerners offer compliments before issuing their opinions. Upon entering a house for a party or visiting friend’s home, they always say immediately, “Wow, what a beautiful party/house!” When they listen to others’ opinions, they often reply by saying things such as “ I like your idea” or “It sounds great,” before offering their own ideas. The Chinese are not so expressive or willing to admit that others have better ideas than they do.
In short, westerners have a very different expressive style from us. That style not only makes it easier for children to learn to have their own ideas but also helps people get along better with one another.