The Yin and Yang of American Culture : A Paradox

According to the principles of yin and yang, life is governed by the coexistence of two opposites that complete each other in order to create harmony. In many ways, this concept can help us understand the advantages and drawbacks of American customs and values as perceived by Asians. Dr. Eun Kim's The Yin and Yang of American Culture: A Paradox takes an Eastern view of America and discusses various facets of its culture by exploring the yang (virtue) and yin (vice) of these various traits.Drawing upon decades of history, general wisdom, proverbs, personal experiences, anecdotes and quotes from Asians and Americans, Kim presents a highly personal and readable book that candidly addresses American traits when compared to Asian customs and values. Intended for both American and Asian audiences, The Yin and Yang of American Culture will dispel any misconceptions with its grounded analysis of American culture, helping to build mutual understanding among Asians and Americans alike.In her book The Yin and Yang of American Culture: A Paradox, Dr. Eun Young Kim has presented a crisp composite picture of American cultural traits and values. For people who think it is not possible to make cultural generalizations about Americans, this book will be an eye-opener. Dr. Kim has demonstrated the value of stepping outside of one's own culture in order to view it from the perspective of another cultural group. By seeing themselves as many Asians see them, Americans can begin to understand both the positive and more problematic aspects of their image globally. Rich with examples, personal stories and cross-cultural insight, this book is a significant contribution to the cross-cultural field at a time when global cross-cultural understanding is no longer a luxury. For those Americans who wish to follow the adage, 'Know thyself, this straightforward book can be a guide. —Deena Levine & Associates. Since September 11, we've read a lot of articles that analyze 'Why They Hate Us. But, even though there's no denying many people around the world do hate America, a 'love-hate' attitude actually is more prevalent, argues Eun Y. Kim. There are plenty of practical reasons to read this book. Americans do business around the world and welcome millions of visitors and immigrants each year. But it's also just plain fun to see ourselves through the eyes of others. —Mike Revzin, Journal Constitution. Contents Preface Introduction Part 1 The Yang of American Culture: Celebration of American Virtues Part 2 The Yin of American Culture: Liberation of American Vices Part 3 Invitation to Global Virtues You can't not have a reaction to this book! Based on over thirty years of conversations and interactions with Americans and Asians, Korean American Eun Kim presents American virtues and vices from an Asian perspective, using the ancient Asian concepts of yin and yang, which coexist in everything and complete each other to maintain cosmic harmony. In this way, Kim draws us to look at the yang (light) mirror of American vices and the yin (dark) mirror or American virtues. Examples of the virtues she discusses are generosity, competitive spirit, openness, and volunteerism. Some of the vices she explores are insistence on rights, refusal to grow up, arrogance, and tolerance of violence. In her fifty entries, the author describes and illustrates an American value and provides an Asian perspective on it as well as what she believes to be the dangers and opportunities inherent to each value. She uses personal experience, anecdotes and quotes from Asians and Americans both famous and unknown, historical background, general wisdom, and proverbs to enrich her writing. Eun Kim straddles two cultures, her Asian homeland and her adopted country, the United States. This is a highly personal and readable book, with insights that may make the American reader squirm uncomfortably in one paragraph and glow with pride in the next. This title uses the Asian concept of yin and yang to explain how American virtues and vices are opposite sides of the same coin. Unlike the dualism characteristic of the West, in much of Asia the forces of yin and yang are seen to co-exist in everything, and complete each other in cosmic harmony.