Misconceptions About Chinese People Essay Examples

China is an enormous country with a diverse population of more than one billion people. Not only is China an industrial powerhouse, it is now one of the world's richest countries. There is a tremendous influx of people from China to the United States. Thus, it is important that Americans understand more about Chinese immigrants. Many Americans have misconceptions about China. While based on some truth, these misconceptions -- and over-generalizations -- are harmful to Chinese-American relations. Three of these misconceptions are that all Chinese are subservient and docile, that all Chinese students excel in math and science, and that all Chinese people must sacrifice their individual pursuits in order to take care of their extended family.
Although many Americans perceive that the Chinese are a very subservient and docile people, this is a misconception that is, in fact, very untrue. While it is true that Chinese people have a long tradition of stressing respect and humility, this is not an accurate generalization of Chinese people. For example, China has fought many wars with other countries, including the Opium Wars against Great Britain in the 1800s. In the mid-20th century, Mao led a Chinese revolution based on the economic theories of communism. Culturally, many people follow the philosophy of Confucianism, which emphasizes humility and a sense of docility. However, Chinese people are fighters. Even the Tiananmen Square revolt shows that Chinese people stand up for themselves when they feel they have been treated unjustly.
Another generalization based on a misconception about Chinese people is that all Chinese excel in math and science. While it is true that many Chinese students are excellent in these disciplines, this over-generalization is simply untrue for all Chinese students. For example, I perform well in math and science, as I enjoy these subjects. However, I have many Chinese friends and acquaintances who neither excel in these areas nor enjoy subjects related to math and science. In fact, I feel that such a stereotype pigeonholes Chinese students into studying subjects that do not uniquely interest them. For example, many of my Chinese friends are very talented artists and writers, but many of my non-Chinese friends take it for granted that they excel in math and science.
Lastly, it is true that China has a long history that stresses traditional family roles. One of those traditions is the role of children. Many families expect their children to do well, marry well, and later take care of their aging parents. However, this scenario is not as much the case in modern China. Nowadays, for example, young people have much more freedom, and are not expected (as much) to be a part of the extended family unit. Thus, modern Chinese youth are freer than ever to explore their passions as people and as students, as well as enjoy their education without being pressured into thinking about taking care of their aging parents in the future. This is an example of how China's traditional culture is changing rapidly, which is largely a result of Western influence, and China's current economic well-being.
Thus, there are many common misconceptions about China -- especially among Westerners -- that persist into the 21st century. It is the responsibility of Chinese people to inform and educate our American friends and neighbors that China is a diverse, changing country, and its people should not be stereotyped. Chinese people are respectful and humble, in general, yet we are not docile or submissive. In addition, not all Chinese people excel or have a passion for math and science, and finally, Chinese family dynamics are changing quickly in the 21st century, meaning that family expectations of youth are changing as well. Indeed, China -- and Chinese people -- are much different than they are commonly perceived by most Americans.