Lies That Bind

Chinese Truth, Other Truths

Nonfiction, History, Asian, China, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Ethics & Moral Philosophy, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Anthropology
Cover of the book Lies That Bind by Susan D. Blum, Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Susan D. Blum ISBN: 9781461638858
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers Publication: January 10, 2007
Imprint: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers Language: English
Author: Susan D. Blum
ISBN: 9781461638858
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Publication: January 10, 2007
Imprint: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Language: English

This provocative book explores the ideology of truth and deception in China, offering a nuanced perspective on social interaction in different cultural settings. Drawing on decades of fieldwork in China, Susan D. Blum offers an authoritative examination of rules, expectations, and beliefs regarding lying and honesty in society. Blum points to a propensity for deception in Chinese public interactions in situations where people in the United States would expect truthfulness, yet argues that lying is evaluated within Chinese society by moral standards different from those of Americans. Chinese, for example, might emphasize the consequences of speech, Americans the absolute truthfulness. Blum considers the longstanding values that led to this style of interaction, as well as more recent factors, such as the government's control over expression. But Chinese society is not alone in the practice of such customs. The author observes that many Americans also excel in manipulation of language, yet find a simultaneous moral absolutism opposed to lying in any form. She also considers other traditions, including Japanese and Jewish, that struggle to control the boundaries of lying, balancing human needs with moral values in contrasting ways. Deception and lying, the book concludes, are distinctively cultural yet universal—inseparable from what it is to be a human being equipped with language in all its subtlety.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This provocative book explores the ideology of truth and deception in China, offering a nuanced perspective on social interaction in different cultural settings. Drawing on decades of fieldwork in China, Susan D. Blum offers an authoritative examination of rules, expectations, and beliefs regarding lying and honesty in society. Blum points to a propensity for deception in Chinese public interactions in situations where people in the United States would expect truthfulness, yet argues that lying is evaluated within Chinese society by moral standards different from those of Americans. Chinese, for example, might emphasize the consequences of speech, Americans the absolute truthfulness. Blum considers the longstanding values that led to this style of interaction, as well as more recent factors, such as the government's control over expression. But Chinese society is not alone in the practice of such customs. The author observes that many Americans also excel in manipulation of language, yet find a simultaneous moral absolutism opposed to lying in any form. She also considers other traditions, including Japanese and Jewish, that struggle to control the boundaries of lying, balancing human needs with moral values in contrasting ways. Deception and lying, the book concludes, are distinctively cultural yet universal—inseparable from what it is to be a human being equipped with language in all its subtlety.

More books from Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

Cover of the book Innovative LibGuides Applications by Susan D. Blum
Cover of the book The Essential Films of Ingrid Bergman by Susan D. Blum
Cover of the book The Children Left Behind by Susan D. Blum
Cover of the book At Mama's Knee by Susan D. Blum
Cover of the book Archaeology, Sexism, and Scandal by Susan D. Blum
Cover of the book The Promise of Cultural Institutions by Susan D. Blum
Cover of the book The Gospels and Homer by Susan D. Blum
Cover of the book Redefining Teacher Preparation by Susan D. Blum
Cover of the book Entertaining Politics by Susan D. Blum
Cover of the book The Geography of Religion by Susan D. Blum
Cover of the book Museum Operations by Susan D. Blum
Cover of the book Counting Down Southern Rock by Susan D. Blum
Cover of the book American Soul by Susan D. Blum
Cover of the book Jewish Responses to Persecution, 1933–1946 by Susan D. Blum
Cover of the book Nonbinary Gender Identities by Susan D. Blum
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy