Does China breed a culture of corruption?

[Dan R]

Not only dialects but food, shopping and work are seperated by region in L.A. area. When I am out with friends from different regions they don't take me to the same places. In fact if I mention a restaurant that I liked with one the other either doesn't know it or says it isn't good.

 

There are so many people now in L.A. from China that they come with recommendations for jobs or call old friends as soon as they get here.

 

You may be lucky that she doesn't want to have contact. It has pulled some people apart as they see how successful others have been the Chinese way here and don't acclimate. Perception of honesty and following laws is definitely cultural. Large communities and protected civil rights makes a big difference for today's immigrants compared to those from the 50's and before. Many of the jobs are 10 to 12 hour shifts paid cash or even tips only. What worked in China seems to work even better here. Competition with American business is no longer an issue because the community is larger than most U.S. towns and small cities that it is almost self contained. Immigration has been so fast that most are first generation.

 

This is not unusual. It is the way of the immigration waves in America. It takes second and third generations (or grow up from childhood here) to be aculterated. Those who come as adults and live mostly as they did back home have little reason to adapt. In fact it is often regarded as a disadvantage to adapt when American law makes it easy to skirt and being caught carries almost no punishments. Work hard the first 5 years doing things you would not do at home then buy your way up is a common story.

 

For those that marry Americans they must decide how to balance two societies. I am referring to the L.A. area and other very large Chinese areas. To immerse one's self in the spouses culture is a good way to try and adapt as well as learn language. Those living where there are few Chinese do not need to make this hard decision, it is just there.

 

I think you may be lucky with her choice.