Resilience Unites: The Shared Strengths of Asian and American Cultures

Resilience is a fundamental human quality that enables us to face challenges, adapt to difficult circumstances, and overcome obstacles. From a psychological standpoint, resilience is a process that leads to an outcome, and that can be learned and strengthened like a mental muscle.

Both Asian and American cultures have a long history of resilience, and despite their apparent differences, there are many similarities in the way they approach resilience. Today, we will explore these similarities and shed light on how Asian and American cultures can learn from each other in terms of building resilience.

1. Strong work ethic: Both Asian and American cultures place a high value on hard work and perseverance. In Asia, the concept of "gambaru" in Japanese, "jia you" in Mandarin, or "pagsisikap" in Tagalog, emphasizes the importance of putting in effort and not giving up in the face of adversity. Those phrases are used as motivation between co-workers and said to each other daily. Similarly, in American culture, the "American Dream" is built on the idea that anyone can achieve success through hard work and determination. Today, approximately 15% of the U.S. population are people that were born in another country. This shared work ethic is a key factor in the resilience of both cultures.

2. Family values: Family is an essential part of both Asian and American cultures. In Asian cultures, respect for elders and filial piety are deeply ingrained values that promote family unity and solidarity. In American culture, the concept of "family" is broad and inclusive, encompassing not only blood relatives but also close friends and community members. These strong family ties provide a support system that can help individuals overcome challenges and bounce back from adversity.

3. Cultural diversity: Both Asian and American cultures are incredibly diverse, with a wide range of ethnicities, languages, and traditions. In China, there are 56 official ethnic groups, such as the Han, Uyghurs, Tibetans, and Mongols. While the U.S. Census categorizes the nation’s population into five main categories (White, African American, Asian American, Hispanic and Latino, and Native American), there are 26 segments in the Asian American alone. Most notably, there are 9 million people in America are self-identify as multiracial. This diversity fosters a sense of resilience by encouraging individuals to have different perspectives and ways of thinking. It also encourages adaptability and the ability to navigate complex social situations, which are essential skills for building resilience.

4. Coping mechanisms: Asian and American cultures have developed coping mechanisms to deal with stress and adversity. In Asia, practices such as meditation, yoga, and martial arts are common ways to cultivate inner strength and resilience. In America, therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) are popular ways to manage stress and build resilience. These coping mechanisms provide individuals with the tools they need to manage their emotions and navigate difficult situations.

5. Innovation: Both Asian and American cultures have a long history of innovation and creativity. From Silicon Valley in California to the tech hubs of Japan and South Korea, both cultures have embraced technology and entrepreneurship as a way to overcome challenges and create new opportunities. This spirit of innovation and risk-taking is an essential element of resilience, as it encourages individuals to adapt to change and think outside the box.

Finally, as we notice cultural differences between the Asian and American societies, it is also important to recognize that both share a strong sense of resilience that has been shaped by their unique histories and experiences. By recognizing and embracing these similarities, we can learn from each other and build stronger, more resilient communities. By valuing hard work, family ties, cultural diversity, coping mechanisms, and innovation, we can cultivate the resilience we need to overcome any obstacle.