中国网友罗马半夏提问:
Hello, I was wondering, does the president have to be a Christian? And I've noticed that in President's speeches there are many ' God bless us, God bless American people' and the like. Thanks for taking your time and attention!
美国网友William Puddy回复：
There is no requirement for the president to be of any particular religion, or even have religion. Presidents use the phrase "God bless America" because all presidents have been Christian and most Americans are, despite what the media and Hollywood would have you believe. America was founded by 98.9 percent Protestant population who read the 1599 Geneva Bible, the main Bible of 16th century Protestantism.
中国网友借锅提问:
What do Americans think about Japan and Japanese? How does your history book describe Japan’s role during the WWII? Do you think Japanese government's behavior is like denying the history？
美国网友R Fahey Sean回复：
The answer to the question is yes. In school, I learned some details about what the Japanese did during WWII. I don't think the history books went far enough into the atrocities that were committed. Recently, I learned about the Rape of Nanking and the genocide that was done in Harbin. I only learned about them because I was looking into the history of provinces my daughters came from before going to adopt them. It was a real eye opener. The government should acknowledge the past.
中国网友Peggy提问 :
Hi there. I started my career in an American company and the culture is typically American: Friendly, open, flexible. I do like it. But after several years, I found Americans are too nice. Whatever you do, they will always say, “good job”, “excellent" unless it is really terrible. But sometimes I found my job was not that good but I was praised. Are Americans just being friendly or over cheering? How should I treat those comments properly?
美国网友Charles Denison IV回复：
I think your coworkers want you to feel welcomed and comfortable, especially since you are new to the job and new to the US. You should thank them when they praise you. Once you are at the job longer, they will likely expect more of you. It's good that you have high standards for your work. Not everyone in the US does, but the most successful people definitely tend to.
中国网友小张提问:
A lot of Chinese think that all the Europeans look alike, and we can hardly tell Tom from Jake in some American movies! What should we do? And, do all Chinese looks alike to you, too? Can you differentiate and remember Chinese faces?
美国网友Mary Braxton回复：
I know many Chinese people and can differentiate. Skin tones, birth marks, hair styles, face of shape, body language and speech all help to differentiate. The more you get to know someone the easier it is! Some people can look very similar at first, but even identical twins are distinguishable to those who know them.
中国网友番茄炒蛋提问:
Are there any specific characteristics in different states or regions in America? For example, the stereotype about south of China is that southern people are mild and reserved, while the north people are forthright and generous…
美国网友Meredith Christenberry Kuester回复：
The west coast -California- is thought to be very liberal, the north-loud, fast-paced, outspoken, intelligent, south- congenial, religious, conservative, not well educated (not true), slower paced.
美国网友的提问：
With the rising middle class in China, I am wondering how these people feel their own culture is changing? I know how important family is traditionally, do you see less, more, or the same level of interest now as say, your parents had when they were your age?
中国网友__灰原回复:
As a college student from a typical middle class family, what I see is that the importance of family is reducing. Most of our parents led a family-centered life, but younger generations are seeking for more independence from family relationships and freedom to act on their own. It is no doubt that family still is a most important value in the Chinese society, but people tend to treat it with less seriousness and restraint, both parents and their children. Their change is obvious.
美国网友提问：
I visited the Nanjing Massacre Museum (Memorial Hall of the Nanjing Massacre) during my last visit. Are you taught in school this event in history and do you know who Minnie Vautrin is? Most Westerners are not aware of what happened.
中国网友几妹.avi回复:
Yes, this period of history is written in school books and taught in junior high. Teachers play documentaries and movies on this subject during class. Every year on July 7, memorial events are held across the country. I’ve searched the name you mentioned and I’m impressed by her daring deeds. She was a great warrior just like other brave people such as John Rabe and Iris Chang.
In addition, I think it’s quite common that most westerns aren’t’t aware of this, just as most Chinese don’t know much about history of western countries. People are not interested in events that happened in other lands long ago, they won’t bother searching if they don’t hear it from media. Anyway, this event should be remembered as it was not only the most brutal and inhuman maleficence the Nazis ever done to our nation but also a shame for all human being.
And as an ancient Chinese saying goes,“One can see if his attire and headgear are in proper place by looking into a copper mirror; avoid mistakes by learning from others' experiences, and find out what makes an empire rise or fall by examining its history.”
美国网友提问：
At what age can someone drive in China? Is there an age for drinking alcohol? And what age must one be to vote? Here in the US, it’s my opinion that putting age limits too high encourages immature behavior in adults.
中国网友汤圆andy回复:
We are not allowed to drive cars until we become 18 years old in China，which is，compared to America，a rule across the whole country. Prior to taking the wheel， we need to pass all the tests. The same principle applies to voting rights. We need to wait until we are 18 to have a say in community elections.
However, we do not have a strict law in regard to alcohol purchase. We don't need to present our ID to the owner of grocery to prove that we are mature enough to buy alcohol and most of the time a minor purchases alcohol for their parents. It is quite common to see a minor drinking alcohol in a family union and at friends gathering.
It may seem that lax laws encourage bad behavior or alcohol abuse, but that’s not the case. Compared to the US, we don’t have that many drink problems because alcohol is not the first thing that comes into our mind whenever we face a problem.
美国网友提问：
Do a lot of Chinese women want to marry a foreigner?
中国网友Lychee回复:
I think some people who are able to communicate with the foreigners may consider marrying them. But what matters is not just the foreigner himself, but his personality and qualities. I've been taught by a British teacher. He is wise and critical and has read many novels and works about philosophy. He never teaches us something. Instead, he guides us to think and to express ourselves. And all these qualities he possesses make us adore him and even want to marry someone of his type. In fact, he is married to a Chinese teacher and enjoys a happy life. I think only when people have a better understanding of the western culture, will they consider marrying a foreigner. That can explain why many English majors prefer to marry foreigners.
中国网友Athena回复:
I think it's just a small part of Chinese girls' thoughts. Most of us would consider the potential spouse's appearance and personality. There're some girls who like foreign culture or lifestyle and would love to marry foreign man. PS: I believe most of Chinese girls like western guy at the first sight because of their handsome look and there are some who want to marry a foreigner because they like to have a mix-blood child who seems to be so cute and gorgeous. Hope this would help.
（编辑：祝兴媛）