Comparison of American and Vietnamese Culture

For this paper I will examine Vietnamese culture according to the five essential questions all cultures must answer (according to Kluckhohn and Strodtbeck). I will then take those answers and compare then to out culture here in America. I realize that some might argue that using North American culture as a starting point is an attempt to simplify this writing, but I believe that any initial examination of something new is most effectively done in comparison to what one already knows. The first essential question Kluckhohn and Strodtbeck ask is “how do they view human nature?” (Obilade 2008). The predominant view of human nature in Vietnam is deeply rooted in Buddhist thought. Buddhism teaches that humans are born to suffer through successive lives, that such misery is the direct result of hedonistic pursuits, and that true peace cannot be achieved without being released from the bondage one places himself or herself in by following said pursuits. To break this down then, it can be said that Vietnamese culture believes that there is great potential within all humans for good. The problem however, is that all humans are born with an intense drive to satisfy the desires of the senses
(Wubker 2008). To be sure, American culture is comprised of a multitude of religious thought, but it I believe it reasonable to say Christianity is still the most predominant religion.
I would also go as far to say that Christian thought processes have had the greatest impact on how North Americans think about human nature. The Bible states that all human beings are made in God’s image (Gen.1.27). It also states that, although born in His image, we are corrupted by nature of having been born into this world (Rev. 2.5). Salvation is available however by acknowledging this “fallen state” and asking for God’s grace to purification through the name of His son Jesus (Acts 2.38). It is safe to say then, that both cultures believe that human beings exist in a corrupted

Cited: Obilade. Anthony. Communications 254: Intercultural Communications. Owensboro Community and Technical College. 8 Sept. 2008. The Holy Bible, New International Version. Grand Rapids: Zondervan. 2002. Wubker Rita. Personal and telephone interview. 3 Oct. 2008.