Eun Y. Kim - Yin and Yang of American Culture: A Paradox

Dedicated to my son, Lincoln Gates Valdez, and his generation that will seek to understand their own culture and other cultures as citizens of the world and to transform their culture into world class to be respected and saluted by the people all over the world.

Contents

IntroductionAmerica in the Twenty-First Century ............ 1

Closing of the American Mind ...................................... 6
Opening of the American Mind .................................... 9
Vision of a World-Class Culture .................................. 12

Dreaming the Impossible............................................ 18
Frontier Spirit.............................................................. 22

vii

Seeing Everybody as Equal ......................................... 26
Daring to Be Yourself .................................................. 29
Individual Merit .......................................................... 33
Separation of Personal and Professional ..................... 36
Competitive Spirit ....................................................... 40
Systematic Planning and Organization ....................... 43
Flexible Systems, Flexible Roles ................................. 46
Empowerment of Women ........................................... 49
Releasing Human Potential ........................................ 53
Openness and Friendliness......................................... 57
Pursuit of Fun ............................................................. 60
Turning Scars into Stars .............................................. 64
Being Practical ............................................................ 68
Sharing Romantic Feelings .......................................... 71
Remaining Active throughout Life .............................. 75
Respect for Children's Voices ...................................... 78
Exposing Children to the Work Ethic.......................... 82
Volunteerism ............................................................... 85
Generosity ....................................................................91
Embracing World Service ............................................ 94
Preservation and Conservation ................................... 98

Expectation of an Easy Life .......................................104
Insistence on Rights ................................................... 108
Refusal to Grow Up .................................................... 112
Never Slowing Down ................................................. 115
Obsession with Control .............................................. 119
Too Many Choices ..................................................... 122
Wastefulness .............................................................. 126
Too Much Ownership, Too Little Enjoyment............ 129
Obsession with Big .................................................... 132
Unhealthy and Overindulgent Eating ....................... 136
Lack of Loyalty.......................................................... 139
Impersonal Relationships ......................................... 143
Overemphasis on Independence .............................. 147
Suing Anybody, Anytime, and Anywhere ................ 150
Overuse of Warnings and Tips .................................. 154
Families at Risk ......................................................... 157
Insufficient Emphasis on Filial Piety ....................... 162
Poor Basic Education ................................................ 166
Inability to Speak Foreign Languages ........................170
Lack of Character Education..................................... 173
Disrespect for Teachers ............................................. 177
Talking Too Much ....................................................... 181
Exaggeration and Overconfidence ............................ 185
Prejudice ................................................................... 188
Tolerance of Violence ............................................... 192
Contentiousness about Religion ............................... 196
Arrogance .................................................................. 199
Part ThreeInvitation to Global Virtues ........................... 203
Top Ten Global Virtues ............................................. 205
Know Your Own Culture ............................................207
Seek to Understand Others ....................................... 209
Do Not Judge.............................................................. 212
Respect the Divine ..................................................... 214
Practice Kindness and Politeness .............................. 216
Remember Your Responsibilities ............................... 219
Honor Your Family .................................................... 221
Invest in Human Relationships ................................ 223
Use Moderation ......................................................... 226
Learn and Teach ........................................................ 228

Preface