Chinese vs. Western (U.S.) Culture Allissa Pheng Florida State College at Jacksonville The Differences China is an extremely large country, and the customs and traditions of its people vary by geography and ethnicity (Zimmerman, 2015). Religion between China and the United States is the same being that both allow freedom of religion; however, China’s constitution states that people are allowed freedom of religion, but any religion other than Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Catholicism, and Protestantism are illegal (Zimmerman, 2015). The United States does not make freedom of religion illegal like China does. Food etiquette is another difference between China and the United States. Unlike the United States, slurping and reaching for food is unacceptable as it is removing food from one’s mouth and putting it on the table (“Cultural Diff”, 2013). A major difference is that playing with chopsticks and making faces at the food is not acceptable (“Cultural Diff”, 2013). The United States doesn’t use chopsticks on a daily basis like the Chinese do. Another thing to note is that if one offers to pay for everyone’s meal it will …show more content…
“Excuse me” is also not used as often in China, so don’t expect to be heard. People are expected to give way naturally to one another on the street or when walking around, without anything being said (Hinsbergh, 2016). Speaking directly is another don’t because it is seen as being rude. The Chinese prefer to gently approach an important point, especially a point of tension (what might be seen as “beating about the bush”), or not to address it at all if it can be avoided (Hinsbergh, 2016). Don’t bend or write on a business card after one gives you it. Do not stand your chopsticks upright in your rice bowl because it is an impolite gesture, instead place them together across the plate or bowl (Hinsbergh,