American vs. Chinese Business

Yesterday I witnessed firsthand some differences between American and Chinese businesses. I went to the cinema to watch Kung Fu Panda 2 and the movie ticket system was different than in America. They had assigned seating in which you could see the screen of open seats and select one. I thought this idea was pretty neat, because you didn't have to worry about rushing into the theater when they open the doors to get the perfect spot to see the movie; instead you were assured to get the specific seat you selected.

Later in the afternoon, we went to karaoke, and it was an awesome experience. The 4 hours we were there flew by; I wish we could have stayed longer. In China I found that karaoke is more of an entertainment and socializing activity. Whereas, in America it usually only occurs at the bars only after having multiple drinks. In China they also book rooms in which groups of people can enjoy each other's company and sing their favorite songs. I thought this idea was interesting, because it allowed me to see what style of music the Chinese students liked and they got to experience some American songs. Had this been a bar scene like in America we wouldn't have even sang until late in the evening when the whole bar was drunk. In China the atmosphere is so much different and I don't feel that people are judging my lack of singing talent; rather they just enjoy my company and my willingness to try. I'm not sure the karaoke system in China would work in America, because we don't like to be embarrassed by lack of singing ability so we participate in the activity at the bar. We like to view ourselves in a positive image, but in China people view themselves according to the groups they are in so having friends who like to sing karaoke allows the business to operate how it does here.