跨文化视角下中国侠士精神和美国牛仔精神的对比研究(2)
Chivalrymanhood and cowboy culture have been deeply rooted into people’s minds. We can have a better understanding of the inner cultural roots by comparing the similarities and differences between chivalrymanhood and cowboy. Therefore, people in China and western countries could avoid misunderstanding and conflicts, and finally promote the intercultural communication. With the development of the global economy, studying the cultural differences would be useful to make people communicate with each other better.
Up to now, the study on Chinese chivalrymanhood and American cowboy spirit has drawn some scholars’ attention. Researchers are conducted from different aspects. But many studies merely focus on Chinese chivalrymanhood or only the cowboy spirit. So it still needs further studying and exploring. As a result, it is very meaningful to make a comparison between the two different spirits.
This paper consists of five parts. Part one is the brief introduction. Part two is the analysis of similarities and differences between chivalrymanhood and cowboy. Part three focuses on the cultural origin of chivalrymanhood and cowboy. Part four talks about their influence of chivalrymanhood and cowboy on the modern societies. Part five is the conclusion. It includes the implications of this comparative study.
II. Similarities and Differences Between Chivalrymanhood and Cowboy Spirit
2.1 Similarities Between Chivalrymandhood and Cowboy
Chivalrymanhood and cowboy spirit have several similarities: bravery, defence for the weak and generosity.
2.1.1 Bravery
Bravery is the first basic quality of the two spirits, without it a man could not be a cowboy or chivalryman.
Bravery is the most important part of chivalymanhood, which refers to a chivalryman without considering himself when he fights for justice or helps others. Wang claimed that “bravery provides a strong energy for ancient Chinese, and just for it Chinese chivalryman is very popular among Chinese” (Wang 53). Chinese chivalrymen are brave, they can help others even those strangers to defend justice. We can find a great number of examples in Historian Record: Zhu Jia, Ju Meng and Guo Jie. The emperor of Han wanted to kill Ji Bu and anyone who helped him, but Zhu Jia still helped him get out of trouble. It needs bravery for Zhu Jia to help Ji Bu out of danger without fearing the menace from the emperor.
Bravery is the essential part of cowboy spirit, which is significantly reflected in battles and competitions. Being brave can draw people's attention and win respect from others. In the novel The virginian, the virginian defeated Trampas at last in a competition and subdued a crazy horse. During the process of West Movement, cowboys would encounter a lot of sufferings. Only fighting bravely can help them protect their vested interest or they would lose their lives or properties in a battle. Their strong will and strength can be proved through fighting bravely.
2.1.2 Defence for the Weak
Chivalrymanhood comes from the lower class, which stands opposite to the noble culture. They come from the folk and know the sufferings of common people. Chivaryman defended the interests of the small producer. The majority of chivalrymen in Water Margin can prove this.
Cowboys are also rooted in the lower class. The first ones to explore the wilderness are hunters and miners who are difficult to maintain human life. They come from common people and understand how common people live, so they have strong will to protect the weak without asking reward from others. Helping the weak is one of the basic principles of two different spirits. No dogmas to force chivalryman to help others, they do it just from their hearts. Westerners are affected by the Christian doctrines. So are cowboys. Those Christian doctrines instruct people to assist others who need the assistance.
From the above, we learn that although defence for the weak is the similarity of the two spirits, their inner incentive is totally different. For chivalryman, doing it is initiative while cowboy is being taught.
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