As cultural exchanges deepen between Chinese and American netizens on the Chinese social media platform RedNote, discussions surrounding differences in housing, work, education, and healthcare have captured public attention. An American user of RedNote recently shared her experiences, highlighting the challenges many in the United States face in truly understanding China.
Through increased interactions with Chinese users on the platform, she has obtained a direct window into the daily lives of Chinese residents, an experience that has profoundly surprised her. She observes that in the Chinese mainland, a significant portion of tax revenue directly benefits the populace. In contrast, she notes that road construction projects in her hometown in the United States often take years to complete and sometimes remain unfinished despite taxpayers' contributions. This discrepancy has led to a sentiment among Americans that paying taxes does not always guarantee access to basic living necessities, thereby casting doubt on the effectiveness of the capitalist system.
Engaging with Chinese social media has also allowed her to witness the happiness and vibrancy of the Chinese people firsthand. She remarks on their enthusiasm for music and art, their openness in sharing personal lives, and the overall sense of tranquility and happiness that permeates Chinese society. This exposure has provided her with unprecedented hope for humanity.
Inspired by these observations, she is now actively learning Chinese and eagerly anticipates deepening her understanding of the real China. Her journey underscores the potential of social media platforms like RedNote to bridge cultural gaps and foster mutual understanding between diverse populations.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com