I have always been interested in Eastern religions, such as Zen Buddhism. My father did two tours of duty in Korea, where he organized, funded and helped to build an orphanage! In fact, after he and my mother married, had I not been born, they were prepared to adopt a Korean girl there.
Now that I am married into a Chinese culture,I see both things I like and dislike. This would be true of ANY culture and is, in fact, as true of my mom's German culture as well.
I like the big gatherings, the numerous Aunties and Uncles and Cousins who are not, in fact , Aunties, Uncles OR cousins lol..
I love the food, I love the way old traditions are maintained and preserved and passed on.
What I have had a bit more problem with is the family matriarch attitude I come up against a lot. A little bit of sexism towards the women. An emphasis on money that goes against my values of Voluntary Simplicity.
So much is generational though, and it depends on if the person is 1st, 2nd , 3rd generation - and if they are Chinese or Japanese or Korean etc. There are big differences between the different types of Asian culture. There is no " Asian culture" per se really..
I think the time frame during which people came to America also has a bearing. My mother-in-law has been here over 60 years now. Her reality is very different from people who have only arrived in the States in the last decade. Obviously, the difference in age is a factor as well.
I like the basic philosophy of Chinese culture and we try to teach our son about Chinese history, art, and music. Since we have relatives in both China and Taiwan, we hope he can see both places firsthand.
My husband lived in Taiwan for 4 years, and said he was an American to the Taiwanese, and is an Asian to the Americans. He said he often wonders where he exactly belongs!
It is interesting to be a white woman married within a Chinese family. I used to discuss this at length on the Gold Sea forums when they were more active.
