.png)
 |
| Mary Rose Kennedy |
Tu Weiming wrote that “Anybody who is interested in China is a Chinese.” I would not have agreed with such a statement before this summer. I’ve always had an interest in Chinese history and politics, but I never appreciated the richness of Chinese culture until it enveloped me during my four week McConnell Scholars study abroad. My experiences in Shanghai, Xi’an, and Beijing not only challenged my perceptions of American society by exposing me to contrasting (and often better) ways of life, but they also cultivated in me a better understanding of the human experience by showing me that more unites Chinese and Americans than divides us.
For example, I appreciated the Chinese sense of collectivism. Ordering dishes collectively, and using a lazy Susan was my favorite aspect of sharing meals with fellow scholars, Chinese students, and our professors. I also appreciated the strong sense of cultural nationalism among the people. This nationalism was heavily influenced by Confucianism. Such virtues as humaneness (Rèn), justice (Yí), propriety (Lí), knowledge (Zhí), and integrity (Xín) provided a foundation for Chinese relationships as many of the Chinese I met derived their sense of humanity from their connection to others. As an American who grew up in an extremely individualistic society, I especially appreciated this characteristic of the Chinese. However, the quality I admired most in the Chinese was kindness. Our student guide Shirley once told me that Buddhism’s best value was good-heartedness, and I saw this quality in every person I met.
Mary Rose Kennedy, of Owenton, Ky., is a senior McConnell Scholar at the University of Louisville. She is pursuing majors in History and Political Science and a minor in Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies.