Activity 16, An Outsider's View of Us: Misperception
or Ethnocentricity?
The Chinese
Visitor's Travelogue |
Handout 16A |
The following excerpts were written in 1899 by a Chinese visitor, describing
his experience in America (Hwuy-yung, A Chinaman's Opinion of Us and of
His Own Country, London: Chatto and Windus, 1927). He was
writing for Chinese readers who were eager to know what Americans were really
like.
- Americans all look alike: though differing in
height, some are very tall.
- Their arms and ears do not reach to the ground, as
we depict them.
- Their garments are tight-fitting and very
uncomfortable in hot weather, as it is now; and in the dignity
and grace of our flowing drapery they are wanting . . . .
Perhaps these cramping clothes are a necessary check to their
fury, instituted by their sages . . . .
- All vehicles moved by oil machines are supplied
with noisy trumpets to warn people to keep out of the way, for
they have no right on the road unless the street-surety waves
his hand for them to pass.
- The demeanor of many youths in this country shows
want of respect for their parents and elders. They
stare boldly and openly laugh at them; sit when they stand; do
not wait to be addressed before speaking; their voices are
loud, they interrupt others and lead the conversation.
Here the writer describes a football game:
I went a moon before with my instructor to see the game they call Foo-pon
(football). (It) is played in winter heaven for it requires top
endurance and activity. Within edge were three times ten thousand
men and women. They came from what place? Sitting body we
look see (watched) the game. It was same as a battle; two groups of
men in struggling contention. These young, strong, quick men,
what (do they) do? Men (on) one side try to kick goose-egg pattern
ball between two poles that represent a gate or entrance. They run
like hares, charge each other like bulls, knock down one the other rushing in
pursuit of the ball to send it through the enemy's poles. When ball
is kicked good and caught with quickness, then voices of the people burst forth
like sound of mountain wave dashing against a cliff. Men and women
mad with excitement yell and scream at the players.
Questions for Discussion
- How would you explain the events at the game to
this writer?
- What things seem to surprise or impress him most?
- How would you explain the difference between a
"battle" and a competitive sport?
- If someone had explained the rules of the game to
this person, would his confusion cease?
- What else would he need to know?
- Do you think watching lots of football games
without anyone to explain them would help this man understand
better? Why or why not?
