My training and my experiences here have afforded me with a solid understanding of Chinese society, but these same experiences make me overconfident. I sometimes attempt to apply my knowledge of Chinese culture, only to find that my understanding of the society doesn't account for individualist variations. The assumption that homogeneous culture implies a lack of individuality has been a big part of this problem. This notion, combined with a language barrier and the Chinese propensity to be guarded about their ideas, prevents me from seeing more cases of true individuals in my classes. Indirect communication is an aspect of Chinese culture designed to reduce tensions between people. I have become more proficient at picking up on indirect communication to the extent that I read into some situations too much. Maybe I think the student is trying to say he doesn't like my class, when he is just telling me that he is tired. It's easy to start over analyzing. I over-think many situations and, in turn, miss the point completely. There are times when I am jealous of those who are just arriving to China; it's like they see with eyes uncluttered by the apparent contradictions that constantly surface. They may not understand as much, but they are not hindered by the confidence that leads me to make quick assumptions or hasty conclusions. My overconfidence has blinded me to certain realities. I feel more justified in making certain arguments, but I've lost the caution that kept me modest and clear-headed at the beginning of my Peace Corps service.
China Peace Corps Volunteer Dustin Ooley writes: Just when I think I have found a way to describe certain behaviors in Chinese society, a contradiction will surface to challenge my assertions
Generally Speaking
I often fail to properly analyze what's going on here. Just when I think I have found a way to describe certain behaviors in Chinese society, a contradiction will surface to challenge my assertions. It's not like these instances disprove what I have said, but they remind me that I can't be so quick to make generalizations.
My training and my experiences here have afforded me with a solid understanding of Chinese society, but these same experiences make me overconfident. I sometimes attempt to apply my knowledge of Chinese culture, only to find that my understanding of the society doesn't account for individualist variations.
The assumption that homogeneous culture implies a lack of individuality has been a big part of this problem. This notion, combined with a language barrier and the Chinese propensity to be guarded about their ideas, prevents me from seeing more cases of true individuals in my classes.
Indirect communication is an aspect of Chinese culture designed to reduce tensions between people. I have become more proficient at picking up on indirect communication to the extent that I read into some situations too much. Maybe I think the student is trying to say he doesn't like my class, when he is just telling me that he is tired. It's easy to start over analyzing.
I over-think many situations and, in turn, miss the point completely. There are times when I am jealous of those who are just arriving to China; it's like they see with eyes uncluttered by the apparent contradictions that constantly surface. They may not understand as much, but they are not hindered by the confidence that leads me to make quick assumptions or hasty conclusions.
My overconfidence has blinded me to certain realities. I feel more justified in making certain arguments, but I've lost the caution that kept me modest and clear-headed at the beginning of my Peace Corps service.
Understanding China is profoundly difficult. Labeling a westerner 'China expert' is an oxymoron. Many of these 'experts' have probably experienced the same things as I have: continued study of language and culture that results in a diminished understanding of broader trends, a failure to feel comfortable with knowledge gained.
Other volunteers have been encouraging, reminding me not to be so quick to generalize � that's the easy road that keeps me from seeing individuals in this collectivist society. When I talk with these volunteers about things that I write, we piece together our experiences in China, arguing about the way things really are. We cite readings, explain our own experiences, and try to piece together our thoughts about China. The goal of these conversations is better understanding, but occasionally we find our examples leading to more divergence. At the end of some discussions, I throw up my hands in frustration, abandoning my previous ideas.
In the future, when I try to answer the question, "What was China like," I hope to have a semi-clear answer for everyone. If my response is an unintelligible string of words, however, please don't hold it against me.
Posted by at February 20, 2009 9:29 a.m.
