Thesis book
Culture, Daily Life, And Empathy
My thesis "Culture, Daily Life, and Empathy" is composed of four sections, Abstract, Introduction, Research, and Case Studies.
In the Research section, I analysis definitions and structures of culture. Based on my culture research, I found that the culture of daily life is the best way to create empathy between people from different backgrounds. I specifically explore American culture and Chinese culture, including their values, their history of communication with each other and their current misunderstandings.
In the Case Studies section, my primary task is to discuss new ways to understand other cultures. I used dynamic media to express daily life in Chinese and American cultures to explore and understand cultural differences. The “American Impression” project reflects my initial life in the USA. In the posters I made, audiences can see my initial impression of American highway culture, food, and football enthusiasm. “Lingering Garden” and “Rainy Windows” both express the life of Chinese intellectuals to allow western audiences to understand Chinese architecture and Chinese lifestyles.
During five case studies, it is evident that using daily life to understand other cultures is more effective than stereotyped and symbolic cultural propaganda from the Chinese Confucius Institute or American Hollywood movie.
