英文版中西父母与子女的关系

Difference on parent-child relationship

英语本科舒成元

There are many differences on parent-child relationship between China and America .And the biggest difference is that Chinese filial piety plays the decisive role in parent-child relationship while in America it is fraternity that matters most.

In China, culture of filial piety has a lot of meaning .Firstly we should respect our ancestor, do as they asked and gain some achievements to bring honor to our family name. Besides we should regard our parents as our only gods. We must obey their words without conditions, do what they expect, be what they want. They are always the seasoned ones and we are always treated as little children who should know nothing. Most importantly, we should take good care of our parents when they get old. In order to make them satisfied, we must pretend to be their most obedient children. At home we are obedient sons and daughters of course, and outside we are polite and well-bred children in the eyes of everybody who have met us. All in all, filial piety is the foundation of the parent-child relationship.

While in America love and friendship tie the family. Parents and children are equal. Parents respect their children’s freedom and independence. Children are allowed to develop themselves by their own willingness. Parents are their friends rather than their gods. They

call each other’s name directly, which is unacceptable in the view of Chinese parents. Parents do whatever they can to guide their children in a most polite and civilized way. They don’t offer their help if their children don’t ask for. They say that they respect their children’s self-esteem. Both of the parents and the children have their own circle of activity. No one will disturb another. They respect each other’s privacy. They feel good and are satisfied with their fraternity.

In my opinion, three reasons below can account for the difference. Firstly, China is based on family so individuals should serve the family at any expense. China is a Patriarchal society and filial piety is the key of it. The country will get peace if the families are well administered. So filial piety is praised highly in China to connect family members. However, America is based on individual. Parents and children emphasize on their own values. They need freedom and respect to do their own things. Secondly, the difference between intergenerational integration and intergenerational fracture makes Chinese parents and children stay tightly together on the foundation of filial piety instead of separation which the American parents and children think is the essential way to get more freedom and respect to maintain their love and friendship. Thirdly, the difference between first supremacy of the elder and the young decides that in China parents play a more important role in the family. Children should be obedient.