What should I do with my Chinese host when his facts about America are inaccurate?

Answer 1

I think you should be really polite in handling this kinda problem. I'm from Hong Kong, though it's just a river apart from China, but we're really different. Chinese government tend to protect something by controlling the news and media. So if you find that the "news" in China was wrong, you better tell the Chinese in the way like providing another piece of information, like, "oh, it's quite different from what I knew, I've heard that it's .......... in America, it's really being a interesting case then" but please don't just shout out "wow that's Chinese News" or anything like this. They might think it's a kind of humiliation. So a very simple rule you gotta follow is NONDIRECTIVE. Hope it could help you

Answer 2

I often see this sort of question. Indeed, you asked a similar question in the Taiwan section. I find it all a bit disturbing.

Don't people learn elementary social skills these days?

Conversations that are more than inane chit chat on the "nice weather we're having" level always have the potential for either differences of opinion or the assertion of facts that you believe are inaccurate.

Your choices are either to let it go by or to politely disagree. How hard is that?

Being in a foreign country really doesn't change that. It is or ought to be immaterial. Whatever you would consider to be right in this situation at home is what you ought to do.

As an Asian American I can tell you that there is a cultural tendency in most Asian countries to avoid conflict but if you're not a native of that culture its not up to you to dramatically change yourself to accomodate it.

My understanding here is that you are some sort of exchange student. If that's so then part of the reason for such a program is that both guest AND host learn about the others culture. That won't happen if you try to pretend to be Chinese when you're not.

Answer 3

If it’s about politics like Taiwan, Japanese occupation of China in WW2, the use of the Atomic bomb on Japan (if you’re against it), and Tibet, then don’t discuss about politics with him if you two have differing opinions or if it’s that sensitive. I learned that people from different countries will always have different opinions on issues than yours. I've seen a lot of that in other international forums. I’m sure you don’t want to lose a friend. If it’s about customs and culture in America, then as others said politely correct him on what’s wrong. He doesn’t know squat about America only what he sees in his country’s media. So show him some sources that proves his inaccuracies.

Answer 4

How do you know that his facts about America are inaccurate?
You must have talked with him before,right?
So,just continue,in a gentle way to communicate with him.
P.S:Maybe your facts about America are wrong sometimes even if you are american

Answer 5

That's kinda hard when most ppl who haven't been in America really think that it is like the Hollywood movies. The best way would be for that person to experience living in America. I have to explain a lot of things patiently to friends who haven't been here...but they still don"t really grasp it.

Answer 6

Correct him in a polite way, and also make known that you want to learn more about China. Exchange of knowledge is quite a good thing.

Answer 7

Perhaps you should find a neutral third party from another country to show you how you both don't have the facts.

Facts and Propaganda. Only the disinterested can tell them apart.

Answer 8

correct him. give him a book of american facts like an almanac or 'america for dummies' as a host gift.

Answer 9

You should respectfully correct his views. He is entitled to his opinion, of course. If he continues to down the US, tell him it makes you uncomfortable when he disrespects your country and the country in which he is currently residing.

Answer 10

Have a lovely conversation and enlighten him in a very positive way.