In recent years, due to the anti-American education promoted by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), the United States has been depicted in China as a country full of gun violence, homelessness, and racial discrimination. However, a Chinese student studying in the U.S. recently shared a video on social media, revealing the “three misconceptions overturned by going abroad” to help people understand the real America.
Firstly, she emphasized that life is not limited to one path, and everyone has unlimited possibilities. She shared stories about a mother attending classes with her child, a blind classmate taking exams after listening to lectures, and an engineer who switched to studying environmental science at the age of thirty. She highlighted that not setting limitations on oneself is key to restarting life.
Secondly, she pointed out the importance of broadening one’s perspective before forming opinions. Before coming to the U.S., she expected encounters with gun violence, homelessness, and racial discrimination. However, she was welcomed by a kind elderly couple who acted as her host family, and she never felt lonely in America. She realized that people should not let stereotypes slow them down from experiencing the world.
Thirdly, she emphasized that life is like a game. The grandfather in her host family had experienced over twenty different jobs before deciding to become a police officer for a lifetime. Similarly, she had a farming background in China but was accepted by a top university in the U.S., which opened up new opportunities for her. She highlighted that life is full of experiences and opportunities.
Her insights resonated with many Chinese immigrants who have experienced life in mainland China. From professionals who have lived in the U.S. for years to recent Chinese immigrants, they have witnessed a different side of America through their own experiences.
In the CCP’s narrative, mentions of the U.S. are often associated with gun violence, homelessness, and racial discrimination, creating a biased perception among mainland Chinese people against America.
“I have never experienced a shooting incident since coming to the U.S.,” said Wang Xiang, a Chinese student in America, debunking the myth of gun violence. He also mentioned that homelessness in the U.S. is often a personal choice and not a threatening presence. This reflects America’s tolerance for individual diversity.
Having lived in the U.S. for three to four years, Wang Xiang shared his thoughts on racial discrimination, stating, “Based on my experience, there is minimal racial discrimination, and if any, it stems from individual issues rather than the majority. Perhaps there are very few individuals who express hate speech, but this is illegal, and in America, one can use legal means to protect oneself.”
Another high school student, Zhang Lufan, who recently arrived in the U.S., remarked, “I haven’t encountered any shooting incidents in reality, and while there are some homeless individuals, they’re not as prevalent. I feel safe in America; in China, I always felt unsafe, especially with recent disasters like the Dongting Lake flooding.”
In mainland China, discrimination is prevalent across various social aspects due to the existence of privileged classes within the CCP.
Wang Xiang noted, “In America, I have never seen disrespect towards manual laborers or low-skilled workers grown up here. It’s quite common in China.”
Geng Lutao, a former mainland Chinese music teacher who migrated to the U.S., explained how societal discrimination in China affects various professions like cleaning and construction, where individuals are often looked down upon. In contrast, in America, these professions are embraced without prejudice.
For years, human nature in China has been criticized under the CCP system, with kindness viewed as a weakness rather than a positive value. In contrast, in America, kindness, tolerance, and responsibility are prominent values.
Wang Xiang mentioned, “The majority of Americans are very kind. I had my cat neutered, and a non-profit organization provided free services due to my low income. Many people who cannot care for animals properly donate food and supplies to shelters. This mutual care and respect are evident throughout America.”
Zhang Lufan noted that in America, people are friendly and express themselves openly, with positive comments prevalent on social platforms compared to the negativity often found on Chinese platforms like Douyin.
“There are numerous community and volunteer activities in America; I never encountered such initiatives in China. Those willing to volunteer for disaster relief are often restricted by the CCP from helping; only state-sanctioned efforts are allowed.”
“The emphasis on environmental conservation in America is remarkable. Parks are teeming with ducks unafraid of humans, reflecting harmonious coexistence between people and nature. Thrift stores are abundant, where one can purchase used items at low prices, promoting resource sustainability.”
“The America I have witnessed and experienced is vastly different from the portrayal by domestic media and governments,” said Zhang Jishun, a recent immigrant to America, highlighting the clash between closed, party-driven culture in China and the freedom-oriented culture in the U.S. He emphasized the importance of embracing openness, sincerity, and kindness to explore the vast freedoms available.
At the University of South Carolina, Professor Xie Tian expressed that American mindset is straightforward, sincere, and kind, and Americans excel globally due to these attributes.
“The American way of thinking is direct, with people treating newcomers genuinely and trusting them. It’s a misconception that Americans are easy to deceive; once trust is broken, it’s challenging to regain.”
Zhang Lufan praised the robust legal system in America, protecting the rights of every citizen and fostering respect and trust for the law. In contrast, the CCP’s claims of political rights for everyone often fall short in reality.
“Freedom of speech is fundamental in America; people openly discuss politics and social issues, a freedom not enjoyed in China where information is heavily censored.”
According to Wang Xiang, the strength of America lies in safeguarding individual freedoms through the Constitution, emphasizing that America, built on ideals, operates differently from autocratic countries like China that manipulate their constitutions at will.
Xie Tian stressed the appeal of America’s freedom, highlighting the encouragement of diversity, innovation, invention, and entrepreneurship.
Geng Lutao expressed deep gratitude for the kindness and assistance in America, citing the government’s substantial support for the homeless and the sense of community that fosters goodwill and generosity.
“In China, such generosity is absent; the CCP serves the party rather than the people. It promotes materialism to deceive the masses, stripping away human values. Only by following humanistic principles can one develop independent character.”
He added, “American culture is inclusive; during an Indian festival he witnessed in the U.S., the community came together for celebrations, barbecue, dance, and color-throwing rituals. The acceptance and celebration of diverse cultures in America deeply moved him.”
“In China, exposure to foreign cultures is limited, often portrayed negatively to fuel tensions and promote ideological divides between nations like Japan, the U.S., and others.”
Overall, the accounts of these individuals from different walks of life underscore the misconceptions perpetuated by CCP propaganda about the U.S. and the transformative experiences they encountered in America, emphasizing the values of freedom, kindness, and opportunity that are deeply ingrained in American society.