We never "understood"

Rubye 2022-03-23 09:02:34

Anthropology often uses culture to explain social phenomena, as if using culture or situation can explain all the contradictions and disputes in human society. In contrast, there is an excessive worship of "understanding", which is often the only way to face cultural shock, whether for academic purposes or in daily life. However, "understanding" is like a paradox. "Understanding" emphasizes the coexistence of "multiculturalism". However, our practical experience tells us that "understanding" means acceptance to a certain extent, and acceptance is often "compromise". Can we really "understand" transnational cultures, even the unique cultures of each individual? Just as Bili can never understand why patients don't have the right to know their real condition, nor can they understand why a group of middle-aged uncles should be shirtless and smoking cigarettes. As a result, we are often unable to understand the culture of the other, and we are faced with only "compromise" (for example, Bili imitating grandma's roar in the streets of New York, although it may mean a kind of missing) or "resistance". In fact, in our daily life, we are more "suspended", which is to avoid talking about differences. However, this is only an expedient strategy, and there are still only two choices waiting for us in the end.

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Extended Reading
  • Stephon 2021-12-28 08:02:14

    There are so many in the short comment that they can vilify the Chinese, and the stereotypes were taken. Did you all grow up in the magic fairy castle? As a northerner, I don't think there is any piece that makes me feel weird. When talking about other people's stereotype, can you get to know your country first? If this is insulting to China, then does the Joy Luck Club want to jump up and scold his mother?

  • Garfield 2022-03-26 09:01:09

    Quite disappointed. The emotional catharsis about the concept of life and death that stays on the sentimental level, and the daily spectacle from a Western perspective. The two just happen to have nothing to do with telling a good story.

The Farewell quotes

  • Jian: I don''t like, you know, put all my emotion on display. Like I''m in the zoo. But in here, if you don''t cry, you don''t put a show, they think that you don''t love your family. You know, in here, they even hire some professional criers. Just to show how sad they are. It''s just so ridiculous. I hate that.

  • Nai Nai: I walked the path of life and I have to say, you will face with difficulties. But you have to have an open mind. Don't be like a bull hitting his horns all over the walls of the room. Life isn't just about what you do, it's more about how you do it.