The Yin and Yang of American Culture
On sale
1st June 2001
Price: £19.99
Based on over thirty years of conversations and interactions with Americans and Asians, Korean American Eun Kim presents American virtues and vices from an Asian perspective, using the ancient Asian concepts of yin and yang, which coexist in everything and complete each other to maintain cosmic harmony. In this way, Kim draws us to look at the yang (light) mirror of American vices and the yin (dark) mirror or American virtues. Examples of the virtues she discusses are generosity, competitive spirit, openness, and volunteerism. Some of the vices she explores are insistence on rights, refusal to grow up, arrogance, and tolerance of violence. In her fifty entries, the author describes and illustrates an American value and provides an Asian perspective on it as well as what she believes to be the dangers and opportunities inherent to each value. She uses personal experience, anecdotes and quotes from Asians and Americans both famous and unknown, historical background, general wisdom, and proverbs to enrich her writing. Eun Kim straddles two cultures, her Asian homeland and her adopted country, the United States. This is a highly personal and readable book, with insights that may make the American reader squirm uncomfortably in one paragraph and glow with pride in the next.
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Reviews
For those Americans who wish to follow the adage, 'Know thyself, this straightforward book can be a guide.
Since September 11, we've read a lot of articles that analyze 'Why They Hate Us. But, even though there's no denying many people around the world do hate America, a 'love-hate' attitude actually is more prevalent, argues Eun Y. Kim. There are plenty of practical reasons to read this book. Americans do business around the world and welcome millions of visitors and immigrants each year. But it's also just plain fun to see ourselves through the eyes of others.
A thoughtful and enlightening book based on a cross-cultural odyssey and enriched with social consciousness. Harnessing the concepts of yin and yang, the author has deciphered the fascinating kaleidoscope of American culture. The book will benefit cross-cultural trainers, diplomats, international business leaders, and the global reading public.