Research on Shared Cultural Values:A Case Study of 20th?Century U.S.?China Relations
Shared cultural values differ from common and individual values,referring to specific values that individuals,nations,cultures,ethnicities,systems,ideologies,and political parties—now and in the future—can share,appreciate,and mutually benefit from.These values are characterized by five main attributes:seeking common ground while respecting differences,equal propriety,evolutionary adaptability,positive pragmatism,and sustained expansion.By briefly reviewing the literature on the contrasts and collaborations between Chinese and Western cultures,and comparing classic texts such as The Analects and the Bible,as well as the main ideas of Eastern and Western thinkers(including Aristotle,Cicero,Mencius,Laozi,Zhu Xi,and Adam Smith),we can identify three core shared cultural values between East and West:balance,peace,and love.Further,an analysis of three pivotal U.S.-China exchanges—John Dewey's visit to China(1919-1921),Mei Lanfang's visit to the U.S.(1930),and Zhuang Zedong's visit to Japan(1971)—in the fields of academia,drama,and sports,respectively,demonstrates the historical role of balance,peace,and friendship in the development of U.S.-China relations.Despite the challenging objective environments,ideological barriers,and political systems that complicated exchange and cooperation between China and the U.S.at the time,these events ultimately succeeded due to the wisdom of decision-makers,support from propriety cultural values,grassroots initiatives,and the courage and dedication of the participants,leaving a lasting mark on the history of U.S.-China relations.The findings show that the three shared cultural values—balance,peace,and love—are interconnected and mutually reinforcing,with balance leading to peace and harmony,and peace fostering love.Taking a propriety approach is fundamental for U.S.-China cooperation and is essential for compromise,effective negotiation,and democratic processes.As long as both sides are willing to seek common ground while respecting differences,cooperation becomes possible,laying the foundation for harmony,peace,reconciliation,and collaboration.Once collaboration is achievable,both sides can cultivate mutual understanding,compassion,and a spirit of tolerance and kindness,which can effectively deconstruct and dissolve entrenched,non-cultural tangible and intangible barriers.
shared cultural valuesEastern and Western culturesU.S.-China relationsproprietyharmonylove
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