Early Music in China

Western music was introduced to China in 1601 by Matteo Ricci. Ricci introducted the music to Emperor Wanli during the Ming dynasty in return for allowing the Jesuits to open a mission. While this was the first introduction to wester music, the Chinese had been making music before this. Records show that music began in China around 2700 B.C. Recently, flutes that were made in 1100 out of the bones of birds were uncovered in the 1980s. Jazz music is liked in China but it is hard to find. In the early 1900 jazz was labeled as unhealthy and pornographic and became banned. Today in China it is estimated that between 30 to 100 million children study piano and violin. It is more likely that kids will be practicing piano than playing outside in most neightborhoods. Of these student musicians, the promising ones are admitted into top universities and are treated like promising athletes in the U.S.

http://factsanddetails.com/

Top Box Office Movies in China

Here are some of the most popular watched movies in China during the week of September 20-26.

1) Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen
Gross Profits of $12,230,591
2) Inception
Gross Profits of $9,993,288
3) The Love of the Hawthorne Tree
Gross Profits of $7,159,371
4) The Sorcerer's Apprentice
Gross Profits of $1,566,112
5) Hu Wang Gui Lai
Gross Profits of $313,222
6) Track Aduowan
Gross Profits of $238,646
7) Shrek Forever After
Gross Profits of $96,950
8) The Expendables
Gross Profits of $68,611
9) Taste of Spring
Gross Profits of $53,695


http://www.boxofficemojo.com/intl/china/?yr=2010&wk=39&p=.htm

Hofstede and Confucius

In the cultural dimensions of the United States we can see that individualism is incredibly high, with the power distance index considerably moderate, and long term orientation somewhat low.

In China, individualism is barely on the chart, showing that the Chinese place much more importance on collectivism. This fits in with the Confucian virtue of rén, which is the balance between individual interests and communal interests.

The long term orientation dimension in China is astronomically high, meaning that this is a society that is willing to wait out trials and obstacles.

The high power distance index shows a high level of inequality of power and wealth within the society. This condition is not necessarily forced upon the population, but rather accepted by the society as their cultural heritage. This would coincide with the importance placed on respect and duty to relationships in Confucianism. For example, an employee exhibiting xiào would have a strong sense of duty toward his boss, and therefore may be unconcerned if there is a considerable gap in power between himself and his employer.

http://www.geert-hofstede.com/hofstede_china.shtml

Atheist, but Influenced by Confucius

China’s religion is officially designated as Atheist by the State, although the concepts and teachings of the ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius (500BC) are woven into the society at large.

http://www.geert-hofstede.com/hofstede_china.shtml

Some Confucian Virtues

Rén (Chinese: 仁) - Although the precise meaning of rén is not easily explained, it can be described as a balance between individual interests and communal interests. It is sometimes translated as "benevolence" or "humanity." Rén can only be applied as a virtue within the context of relationships, and is sometimes compared to the "Golden Rule" of Western thought: Treat others the way you would like to be treated.

Lǐ (Chinese: 禮) - Lǐ is the concept of ritual, and was expressed in the form of proper ceremonies, music, etiquette and rites. This virtue of ritual in Confucianism serves mostly as an exterior gauge for measuring moral excellence.

Yi (Chinese: 義) - Yi is the virtue of righteousness or appropriateness, which can be understood as the act of following lǐ, or of following customs or norms.

Xiào (Chinese: 孝) - Xiào is the virtue of filial piety, meaning loyalty and duty to one's family. Xiào can also be duty or loyalty to any relationship. Confucius discusses five main relationships, ruler/subject, parent/child, husband/wife, elder sibling/younger sibling, and friend/friend.

This information was gathered from: http://faculty.plattsburgh.edu/kurtis.hagen/keyterms_yi.html and Striking a Balance by Michael C. Brannigan

Steve Jobs vs. Confucius

This video contrasts the Western ideal of individualism with the Chinese ideal of harmony.

Leisure and Recreation Activities

Chinese people are not very outdoors oriented. According to this survey only 39 percent of Chinese people spend some of their time in parks and other natural places. Among those who do like the outdoors enjoy walking or doing other forms of activity to pass the time. Many people also exercise in the mornings before work. Some other outdoor activities that they enjoy are golf, skateboarding, skiing, hiking, surfing, and horseback riding.

They also enjoy indoor activities such as bowling, billiards, snooker, pool, roller disco, pole dancing, and exercising at health clubs.

They also enjoy activities such as Chinese Yo-Yo which is a toy from China consisting of two equally-sized discs connected with a long axle. The Chinese yo-yo is kept spinning on a string tied to two sticks at its ends. Each stick is held in one hand. In modern times, it is used as a children's toy and as a performance tool in juggling and sometimes in Chinese ethnic dance. It is possible to perform a large variety of tricks with the Chinese yo-yo which can be as easy as throwing the yo-yo up into the air or tossing it around the user's back. It was founded during the Ming dynasty; roughly 1386-1644 A.D.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2470054064363278213#