In the last ten years, American brands and ideas have exploded in China.
From clothes to coffee, to food and movies, Western culture is big and getting bigger in China. For example, KFC is the country's most popular restaurant chain and Buick is the top-selling car.
However, the Chinese government is now pushing back on this influence. President Hu Jintao said China's culture is being infiltrated by hostile Western forces.
The Chinese government has set new limits on Chinese media. First, they issued orders to put an end to several racy and wildly popular TV shows and pushed others out of prime time viewing slots.
But not everyone agrees with the Chinese government on this issue.
Wang Tingting, who works for an insurance company in Beijing, is certain that Western culture isn't taking over China.
"I feel both cultures are very good. They should be mutually beneficial, and not replacing each other," he said.
Quotes
"The West influences us a great deal ... We watch how their professional skateboarders practice, and imitate their methods. The way they dress influences how we dress," - Hou Xiazhou, skateboarder (through translator).
"I feel both cultures are very good. They should be mutually beneficial, and not replacing each other," Wang TingTing, office worker (through translator).
Warm Up Questions
1. What does the word 'influence' mean?
2. What are some things that might influence what you eat, watch on TV, or how you dress?
Discussion Questions
1. In your opinion, why are people around the world influenced by Western culture?
2. Do you think young people in America are influenced by other cultures? If yes, how so?
Additional Resources
'OMG!' Exports American Slang to China
