Customer Reviews

Americans and Chinese: Passages to Differences

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Professor Hsu knows well--and understands well--the cultural characteristics of contemporary Americans and Chinese. This is not a history text, but rather an in-depth look at the differences between peoples which are the result of history. I would consider it "must" reading for both societies. The 1981 publication date does not make it outdated. Professor Hsu writes intelligently, humorously,and very seriously about a "meeting of minds." He doesn't pull punches, and at the same time he is fair. Chinese and Americans have a lot to learn about each other. Begin here--and keep it on hand.

Professor Hsu knows well--and understands well--the cultural characteristics of contemporary Americans and Chinese. This is not a history text, but rather an in-depth look at the differences between peoples which is the result of history. I would consider it "must" reading for both societies. The 1981 publication date does not make it outdated. In fact, at the present, the insights it offers are more pertinent than ever. Professor Hsu writes intelligently, humorously, and very seriously about a "meeting of minds." He doesn't pull punches, and at the same time he is fair. Chinese and Americans have a lot to learn about--and from--each other. Begin here--and keep this unique "teacher's manual" on hand.

I came across Dr. Hsu's work during my doctoral research and found his observations of the similarities and differences between American and Chinese thinking insightful--at times profoundly so. Here is an academic who writes with clarity and common sense, yet bases his conclusions on years of firsthand experience and ongoing research. Although its last reprint was nearly a quarter century ago, most of what he describes and explains remains pertinent today. Those conducting cross-cultural studies, or otherwise engaged in international exchanges between these two nations, would do well to read and heed this book. Nothing since approaches this even more timely topic with the same sense of philosophical distance and objectivity.