After interviewing my grandmother and my uncle, I found that our three generations share something in common toward America. However, our perspective differ greatly. While my grandparents' generation just recovered from the trauma of Cultural Revolution and has witnessed many misfortunes in life, all they expect to want is a simple and satisfying as they see in America. My uncle's generation, however, experience the initial developmental stage of China and sees western countries as a way to bring back knowledge and fortune. When it comes to my age, Chinese teenagers today mostly want to study in America because of its free environment, a place where we can find our true interest through exploration.
The difference between our three generations reflect upon Maslow's hierarchy of needs. At the basic level, food an simple life insurance represent my grandmother's generation. Built upon the base, my uncle's generation, hopes for higher life quality and extra fortunes. Beyond all this, I come to America mostly for idealistic reasons. Our different pursuit and expectation for America also imply about China's development over the past decades. As China's economics flourish and make more connections with the world, we also develop our need from basic living standards to pursuing of free living style. Western countries serve as a great model for economical and social structure. Personally I have found my meaning of freedom and life as through my study here and cherish my experience in America.
The difference between our three generations reflect upon Maslow's hierarchy of needs. At the basic level, food an simple life insurance represent my grandmother's generation. Built upon the base, my uncle's generation, hopes for higher life quality and extra fortunes. Beyond all this, I come to America mostly for idealistic reasons. Our different pursuit and expectation for America also imply about China's development over the past decades. As China's economics flourish and make more connections with the world, we also develop our need from basic living standards to pursuing of free living style. Western countries serve as a great model for economical and social structure. Personally I have found my meaning of freedom and life as through my study here and cherish my experience in America.