The Growing Influence of Chinese Culture on Western Society:

What is Chinese Culture?

Chinese culture is considered as one of the oldest and most complex cultures in the world. Spatially, Chinese culture dominates a large geographical region in the east of Asia with customs and traditions varying between towns, cities and provinces. Chinese culture is historically diverse and widely associated with areas of architecture, manufacture, literature, the arts and cuisine. The culture of China can be further recognised and interpreted on the basis of the ancient China, and up and until the end of the pre-industrialised China; in comparison to the modern (post-industrialised), communist China; containing emerging capitalist ideologies. The focus of this blog is to show how modern China relays culture, and impacts Western society; with implications for the future relationship between the East and West on varying scales being considered and discussed. I will also be discussing the influence of Chinese celebrities on Western societies by using the case studies of Vera Wang and Jeremy Lin. After doing this I will also be observing the power shift from the West to China, using reverse colonization to quantify whether the process of reverse colonisation is negative or positive for the west.

The Ancient China-The Great Wall of China

The Modern China-The Beijing Olympics, 2008

The differences between Western and Chinese Culture at a glance:
http://www.chinahistoryforum.com/index.php?/topic/2680-difference-between-chinese-and-western-culture/page__st__15

The above link is a general contrast between the two cultures as seen by Westerners. It can be summarised that there are a range of major differences in the history, culture and identity of China and the West. The perceived value of the individual is the main factor that separates the core principles of either culture and therefore the larger extent of both society's level of freedom. Western society employs a more free and democratic level of culture; where as China retains a much more ideological restraint on it's citizens. However, one of the contributing factors I find hard not to take account of, in this culture comparison, is understanding the mindset within China's elite; in terms of not controlling, but managing and regulating over a billion people, which is difficult, especially when trying to maintain prosperity.

Ways in which Chinese Culture influences the West:

There are a variety of ways in which Chinese culture is evermore so affecting the West. Economically China as a country, and in certain areas of its society has experienced significant growth in wealth over the last two decades. This wealth has been largely derived from manufacture, but as China has become more open to trade and capitalism some Chinese people have been able to diversify business activities, and hence become more significant on the world stage. The potential future economic dominance of China is also recognised by a number of countries. Reverse colonisation is taking place. Intellectual manifestations of this  are present in countries such as the UK, where Mandarin is now taught in many Secondary schools. In addition China is buying ever larger sums of Western debt, purchasing vast international natural resources and creating a potent young and large competitive workforce. The size of China's economy, population and culture; of striving for success, are recognised as the catalysts for China influencing Western society.

The dependence of the West on Chinese manufacturing in the modern day is at such significant levels that the relationship between China and the West is integral to global manufacturing and therefore economically and politically both regions are connected. This opens the door to greater cooperation and cultural exchange. The recent acquisitions of a number of major Western companies, such as Volvo and Saab, purchased by Chinese car manufacturers Geely and, Pang Da and Youngman, respectively, demonstrates this.

This can have an impact on Western culture, because when we are dependent and constantly buying into Chinese products and services, we're buying into Chinese hegemony and principles, whilst at the same time dispelling our own Westernised politically dominant ideologies, culture and values for the sake of trade. This has a momentous impact on our political allegiances and our Western identities are becoming altered by Chinese culture,trade and propaganda. 

The most direct and social form of Chinese culture influencing the West is through Chinese people moving to and living in the West. As the world becomes a 'global village' Chinese people will distribute Chinese culture further afield (as they have done so in the past) through the places they live, the occupations they follow and through the educational institutions they attend.

Chinatown, London, UK

Taking the previously mentioned point, the consequent result regarding Chinese culture integrating via immigration into Western culture, is the concept of Chinese districts in major cities (i.e. China town, London). Such areas are formed by early or new Chinese immigrants, consisting of culturally distinctive restaurants, shops, practitioners (i.e. Traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture) and museums. These entire districts have been designated and dressed in the traditional Chinese manner and have become prominent areas; acting as a cultural haven or base for new immigrants to identify with or, alternatively for correspondence; be it either personal or business.

I live in London and see a lot of the benefits Chinese culture and people bring to the amazing diversity of the society I am proud to be part of. On the more superficial level in terms of cuisine, Chinese restaurants in Britain offer, traditional Chinese food and people enjoy and experience this in a culturally dynamic manner, which is great for promoting multiculturalism. However Britain has also been affected in terms of it's political stance. Taking the example of art, the prominent Chinese artist Ai Weiwei is known for his politically motivated modern art that engages the social problems in Chinese culture. The power of this work influences Western understanding at a mass social scale, communicating how Chinese individuals feel about their society. Additionally at an art level Chinese artists have also set art trends and inspire the wider Western art community. Compare this to how Western culture is seen as infiltrating China through various commercial means, such as through media content and designer brands; contrasted to what I perceive as the more noble fight for the right of democracy, made by some Chinese people.   

Chinese people making a difference in the West:

Fashion Designer-Vera Wang

There are established, and up-and-coming Chinese people in mainstream and non-conventional fields in the West. Vera Wang the popular and renowned Chinese bridal dress designer has had an impact on Western fashion culture. Her fashion line is an example of incorporating traditional Chinese principles of design with her appreciation of  Western materials and her trademark ribbon.She has also influenced other designers and became a fashion celebrity in her own right and regularly takes part in TV shows,such as Ugly Betty playing herself or in reality TV shows.She has expanded into other fashion fields from her original bridal boutique. She has been inspirational in breaking down barriers for people of Chinese origin.

NBA star, Jeremy Lin on the
cover of Time Magazine

Jeremy Lin, the American-Chinese Harvard graduate playing in the NBA, has garnered worldwide praise for his recent performances for the New York Knicks. He has used his achievements to change Western perceptions of Asian athletes and proved that perseverance in academia and sport is jointly possible. Lin has inspired a whole new generation of Asian and American-Asian children to pursue sport and academics, together. Lin has broken the stereotype of Asian people only being regarded as academics and opened the door for change in attitudes towards Chinese and Asian sportsmen and woman.









What are the effects of Chinese culture on Western society?

When Western countries take on parts of Chinese culture, some people would argue that although we are benefiting from our fusion with Chinese culture, we are not only adapting our ideologies and modern beliefs, but we are actually manufacturing a society that is more diverse, but not necessarily tolerant or understanding. I have witnessed that Chinese culture can have a positive effect on the West, because through the introduction of aspects of Chinese culture in Western countries, people have been able to understand China's complex political views, traditions and ideals; which are likely to become more prominent in future times. However I would also say that it represents China's journey to becoming a global power and the altering of Western identities will occur, to become consistent with China's political beliefs; whether it be for political or trade reasons .

Modern and traditional representations of  Chinese culture:

The Geely GT Concept Car

Traditional Chinese Food

I have chosen these two pictures because I want to demonstrate how even though the Chinese see Western culture as infiltrating Chinese society on a large scale, Chinese culture can also be seen as infiltrating Western culture. The Geely car has been used to demonstrate the difference between Western and Chinese culture in terms of how the Chinese have taken on identities which relates to Western principles of individualism, both also harbour dominant Chinese ideologies such as collectivism and humanism. Whereas the Chinese cuisine has been used to connote how Westerner's are embracing traditional Chinese culture into their own identities. I also wanted to demonstrate, through the consumption of these commodities, people actually don't realise that when consuming these products they are not only just buying into Chinese culture but it is affecting their national identities, to a degree.

The future of the West; culturally and socially. Is the effects of Chinese culture on Western societies positive or negative?

This flag implies how China is taking over from America
as the dominant world voice

Some scholars would argue Western countries are experiencing a decline of influence on the world stage. Huntington's controversial theory signifies a sense of worry and frustration towards the rise of Asia (particularly China), which reflects an uncertainty and lack of confidence in the future of Western ideology. On the other hand some scholars believe we need to not only inherit and develop the fine heritages of the Chinese people but we need to study and absorb other cultures to make us stronger.

When China is discussed, emphasis should be placed on the growing reality of the 'global village'. As  language barriers are overcome and communicative technologies improve, and as Chinese people take up  increasing positions of influence and residence across the world this should result in a better understanding by the West of Chinese culture. This can be viewed as a positive influence on western society as diversity and tolerance adds to its strength. 

The Future of China:

Whether China continues to focus solely on economic progress, or undertakes some measure of political reform to accommodate its growing middle class and the growing influence of social media is the great unknown. As recently as, 14th March 2012, the Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao called for urgent political reform to advert disaster. What form if any this will take remains open to debate. It is unlikely, to take the form of western representative democracy, but the influence of social media and cultural interaction should never be underestimated.