A Broken Flower
For most Chinese and throughout most of history the family has been the center of their social, psychological and ideological lives (Blunden, 215). China is a country with a deep seeded cultural history and citizens have many traditions, beliefs and values that shape most every aspect of their lives today. Much of China's cultural heritage has been lost or destroyed through invasion from abroad, civil war, neglect and globalization (Encyclopedia of Modern Asia, 507). The extremely important elements of Chinese traditional culture that survived these tragedies are near universal marriage, close family life, patrilineal family structure, a preference for sons, traditional cuisine, and traditional medicine (Encyclopedia of Modern Asia, 507). All of these values in some way are connected to the family because in China, the family and the elders that lead each family are held in the highest regard.
Many of the most important Chinese virtues were defined with respect to the family (Blunden, 217). Strong interpersonal relationships characterize Chinese society; it is an extremely group oriented society and family is more important than the individual (Culture, 39). Loyalty to the family is the hallmark of society, as is respecting and caring for your elders. The system of family responsibility makes each member responsible for the conduct of other family members (Ferrante, 234). Children are expected to uphold the family's name and reputation. In urban areas this means the child must be well dressed and educated, have a steady income, and be loyal and kind. In rural areas this means the child must put the needs of the family or community ahead of his or her own. They must also bring honor to the family while being humble about their own accomplishments (Culture, 39). From a young age kids are also assigned jobs in the family and community. Rural children perform farm chores and urban children sweep streets and do house work. Failure to perform duties brings shame...
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