“Some” American Values

Family

Friendships

Media

THE WORLD AROUND USFAMILY VALUES

Scott FinchSummer Camp 2013

University of Science and Technology, Beijing

WHAT IS A VALUE? • You have been given ¥6000 RMB to do whatever you

like with it. What would you do with it?

• Share with someone around you what you would do with it.

Conclusion:

• What you spend the money on represents some of the things you value.

WHAT IS A VALUE? • What things did you do during the past week?

• How did you spend your time?

• With whom did you spend your time?

Conclusion:

• What you choose to do with your time also demonstrates or shows your values.

DEFINING VALUES• Qualities, characteristics, or ideas about

which we feel strongly.

• A belief or feeling that someone or something is worthwhile.

• Values are standards to guide your action, judgments, and attitudes.

VALUE AND LIFE

Our values affect how we interact with

The World Around Us.

AMERICAN VALUESBelonging

Flexibility

Respect

Honesty

Forgiveness

Generosity

Curiosity

Communication

Responsibility/ Independence

Traditions

TYPES OF VALUES: Moral

Material

Aesthetic

Intrinsic

Extrinsic

American / Universal

Group specific values

WHAT IS BEAUTY?

WHAT ARE YOUR VALUES?

1. ?

2. ?

3. ?

4. ?

5. ?

FAMILY

VALUES: GROWING UP

As a child growing up: traditions, generosity

Holidays: family gets together to celebrate special days, usually centered around a meal.

Thanksgiving Christmas

Easter

As a Parent:• Responsibility

• Communication

• Belonging

• Forgiveness

• Respect

MY FAMILY’S VALUES

American Family Traditions: Holidays• Christmas (Christian holiday, but also

celebrated by non-Christians) • Biggest holiday for many Americans• Different traditions for different

families.

• Thanksgiving: family get together for a special dinner• Easter: Christian families celebrate

OUR TRADITIONS

HOLIDAYS ON CAMPUS

Campuses Empty: Most Students Go Home for Holidays

Mostly graduate students remain as they are working on research projects.

Some professors have traditionally invited international students to their home for dinner.

FAMILY EXPECTATIONSExpectations: Family values determine expectations in many areas of your life.

Think of these areas and what does your family expect you to do?

FAMILY EXPECTATIONSDating: At what age? With what type of person?

Education & Career: Personal interest or what parents say to do?

Parents: At what age do you move out? Who will care for them when they are elderly?

Friends: Are they welcome to visit the family?

Religion: Expected to have same as parents?

FAMILY EXPECTATIONSParenting Differences: Family values may determine expectations placed on students.

Tiger Mom

FAMILY EXPECTATIONS“Wolf D

ad”

FRIENDSHIPS AND RELATIONSHIPS

VALUES: INFLUENCES AT DIFFERENT AGES

Ages 1-7 --- parents

Ages 8-13 --- parents, teachers, heroes(sports, music, TV)

Ages 14-20 --- peers – “FRIENDS” (values because of peers or peers because of values?)

Ages 21+ your values are established, but you may test your values from time to time.

FRIENDSHIPSAs an international student make friends with local people.

Look for opportunities People in the same subject/majorIn classes outside of your majors

Others activities outside of class add opportunities. Intramural sports, Interest clubs, and Social mixers.

AMERICAN AND CHINA ONLINE

Social Networking

How do you feel about online dating?

AMERICAN AND CHINA ONLINE

MEDIA VALUES

MEDIA VALUES

View of Dating

MEDIA VALUES

View of Marriage

What are your questions?Family Values

Traditions

College Experience

THE WORLD AROUND USFAMILY VALUES

KNOW YOUR VALUES

Identify your values1. Brainstorm a list of the activities that you value

Examples spending time with children, work, exercise, spirituality/religion, quiet time for yourself, education, time with spouse, computer games, being with friends, etc.

2. Arrange the list in order of priority

3. Arrange the activities in order of how you actually spend your time each week and list the approximate hours you spend doing this activity.

KNOW YOUR VALUES

All activities I valuePrioritized List of Valued Activities Actual Time Spent

Family time 1. Time with family Education: 45 hours

Education 2. Education

Exercise/Health 3.

Etc.

“Some” American Values

Family

Friendships

Media

THE WORLD AROUND USFAMILY VALUES