Having Controversial Opposing View Conversations With Friends in the US

[@cpa314]

Less hate and more love and understanding to and from all the people of the world.

[@cpa314]

@@killmozzies ok, you have a good day John

[@JordanLOL]

The problem with live free or die mentality is that it requires personal responsibility and has consequences. The US through it's 50 states has been a great experiment on what's the best method is for handling this pandemic. The data proves out that government controls vs free for all do what you want, leads roughly to the same outcome. People are smart and will make informed risk/reward decisions if they're provided with good honest information. I believe that people were too slow to take this seriously and I think the information provided to people has been poor. The virus is endemic at this point, and is not going away. So you're going to have to learn to live with it. While I think America handled covid poorly due to politicization of the data, I'm happy so see they've gone through the worst of it and are on the other side ready to move on with life. You should not give up any more freedoms for what little if any security the government could possibly provide.

[@cpa314]

@@JordanLOL unfortunately, the US has and continues to handle the epidemic terribly though. I think some level of government control is beneficial during a national emergency such as the epidemic. mandating masks in public spaces for one I think is not a problem. Masks aren't nearly as effective if not everyone is on board

[@jsdklfjdskdfsdf2891]

@@killmozzies yep John smith most typical American name lol

[@jsdklfjdskdfsdf2891]

@@killmozzies hello troll

[@Nilguiri]

The US's arrogance, ignorance and selfishness is going to get us all killed. I am sick of it, to be honest.

[@jaydee6268]

I tend to agree, but it takes two to tango and in this respect the PRC and the US both seem eager to dance.

[@bohan9957]

@@jaydee6268 The only difference is China doesn't surround the U.S. with military bases near her border and go bomb other nations around the world.

[@charlestjochsrlest6355]

@@bohan9957 well said 👍🏻

[@LLLLLLEON216]

@@jaydee6268 oh boy the US is wayyyyy more aggressive. China doesn’t senselessly accuse the US of anything without any solid evidence (aka slander). China doesn’t push its allies to team up against the US. China doesn’t have countless military bases around the world. China doesn’t (and can’t) endlessly print money and have the rest of the world share the consequences.

[@Uns46]

The longer it drags out, the more mutations

[@raymond2704]

Not just China but in Asia we all are very concerned over the real threat of the Covid19 virus. We view this problem very seriously. It's nice to hear your thoughts of your American friends who couldn't be bothered about masking and taking preventive actions against the virus. Just look at the results and you'll agree that Asia is doing much better in tackling the virus. Please continue to give us more views as you begin to interview more people in US

[@-Zevin-]

Yes, here in Michigan in the USA my grandma is dead from Covid-19, a co-worker died of Covid-19, my good friend a army vet in great health who exercise everyday and who is only 31 years old got Covid and was sick for 2 months, lost 30lbs and has trouble breathing. Yet almost no-one I know wears a mask in public. It's like living in a mental asylum.

[@crookim]

US is full of Karen's, so that's why they're dropping like flies....

[@sshong1553]

@@-Zevin- No mercy for those that died that didn't believe in covid vaccination, mask wearing etc. It is ok for more of these people to die as long as they do not spread the covid to others!

[@xueueux]

@@-Zevin- that is crazy...even in June July this year, people finally scare of covid in my country...and the semi "lockdown" seems working...because like you say a lot of people I know experience same thing like I did, our whastapp groups are full of news "my friend's father, sisters, brothers, or colleagues pass away of Covid-19" Even my dad's labor who weren't graduate from middle school, finally tell my mom and dad, "Mam, I was so scare that I told my wife not to interact with anyone. My house is near to graveyards, it was a constant rally of morgue cars bringing victims to graveyards..even the cars got traffic jam in the area of graveyards..June July is the scariest months ever during the pandemic.." And they are thankful to my dad to require them to be vaccinated before June-July...

[@leopoldbourne8444]

I am Australian, living in north Thailand for 13 years. Am in regular touch with Australia, NZ, and other friends in Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore. I can assure you that whatever governments in all those countries say or don't say, the public are adamant that, whatever the origin of the virus, it was the governmental system in China that turned it into a worldwide pandemic. Thailand is in a particularly odd situation, because although everyone here including the authorities, believe the above to be correct, the country desperately needs the support of China to recover. The Thais are accomplished diplomats, so you will not see one word of criticism of China from the government. However as regards the Thai public, it is a different story entirely.

[@ericliume]

The society is so divided. Those, who say they don't like everything goes political, go political immediately when they argue with people from the other side. As of now, it is a waste of time to argue with them, and don't even think about persuading them. All you need to do is to get vaccinated as soon as possible before your meeting with other people. Stay safe.

[@willengel2458]

the day Newt Gingrich fast-tracked Rupert Murdoch's application for US citizenship was the day the Divided States of America began, he bought Faux News. he does that to his homeland Australia too.

[@alexoolau]

Illinois man killed half-brother after COVID vaccine dispute, police say. Be careful. This faith in either way can turn violence against each other. "You don't want to get married with the idea of changing the other party. I hope they don't want to change you. It is much better that you find the people you are compatible with." - Warren Buffett.

[@3373just]

@@willengel2458 and his most successful gaslighting project... England!!!

[@jxmai7687]

@@willengel2458 lucky most migrant don't watch those news, so we are not that divided in Australia.

[@kanorive]

I understand you, man. Here in Puerto Rico, we have the same issues as USA. I follow few youtubers who live in China, and I just admire that culture.

[@thatamericangamer7230]

Shouldn’t it’s all propaganda

[@fjculver4413]

I drove by Fort Detrick this week and actually spent about an hour right next to it for a job related function. I gotta admit I had some creepy vibes. As for the 'Mericun experience, give it a month and you will be mask free inhaling delta with the rest of us lol. Stay safe.

[@akli3481]

shown on YT titled 6 satellite images disclose untold stories about suspension of Fort Detrick. Quite telling

[@wewave23]

@@fhrjrfbffhjdbffkekdkfnn Show the WHO your 'superior virology work'? LOL, what a laugh. Show the world that Fort Detrick is the culprit in gain of function research that produced the coronavirus!!! America is a big liar.

[@len2063]

Quite interesting with the argument "China is ruled by fear", many would say the same about the United States. Fear of crime and terrorism causes Americans to buy weapons and invade other countries. There are always interesting opinions depending on who you ask. At the end, the things we all should fear the most is our ability to make bad decisions.

[@ppagenc]

American’s buy weapons because it is a constitutional right of the second Amendment.

[@csren8328]

@@ppagenc what's is the reason??? The reason is out of fear his/her life is in danger, because there's too many gun shooting cases in America. It has nothing to do with the 2nd amendment.

[@ppagenc]

@@csren8328We have a farm and sport shoot, targets and clays. Some people deer, duck, and turkey hunt.

[@csren8328]

@@ppagenc sorry mate... I'm not talking about hunting rifle, what I meant is personal protection gun 9mm.

[@-Zevin-]

@@ppagenc Also you need to understand as a American that the second amendment has nothing to do with your "right" to sport shoot or hunt. The founders of the United States didn't care about your right to play with toys or hunt. The entire second amendment primary intention was about self defense and the ability of Americans to form a armed militia to fight their own government if need be. All of the reasoning and deliberation on the second amendment never included hunting or sport.

[@wanalan9958]

Asian can live and let live. You hv yr values we hv ours. But then US want the world to follow them. Too bad.

[@petermanuel5043]

You're story, especially with the perception of people "living in fear" is very familiar to my interactions of people who have never been to Asia. I think the constant use of the phrase "authoritarian" leads this thought process. I never felt that way when I was there. The stuff I see on reddit about the US makes it look more "authoritarian" to be honest. (I know most of reddit is the exception and not the rule)

[@jaydee6268]

Especially when you look at what is going on in Texas. It is currently one of the more “authoritarian” regimes in the US.

[@柠檬-u5k]

I thought “living in fear” was an American thing given the high crime rate and mass shooting, maybe Americans are used to it now.

[@armandomontillero8379]

My family and I moved to Philippines From USA about six years ago. We take this pandemic seriously over here in PI as well. I am very sad that America is not together on how to handle the pandemic.

[@Presso99]

My only advice is, never trust the politicians. Use your own judgement and make sensible decision.

[@emmajk7433]

Hi! I can relate to this (I am British) and it is hard finding common ground when some have such a strong view on China

[@richardwong2950]

The pandemic is a real test of governance and systems in many ways, ranging from political, scientific, medical, economic and societal. We are all different but it is fair for me to say that the East is united on their approach in tackling it whereas the West is divided at all levels. Evidence suggests that the West in general has failed to tackle the pandemic. More to the point, India is in the East but it is in a British way of democracy, so political failure has led to uncontrolled number of cases and deaths, which have been under-reported. We all have limitations. Donald Trump is not a scientist and he was acting like one.

[@billngo7197]

Trump had misleading to American people the problem seam unstoppable in America

[@rubyd6413]

Weird, it's Trump's vaccine.

[@rap3208]

@@rubyd6413 Yeah, that was when he finally realized the gravity of the civid virus, that's when he ordered the WARP SPEED program. For several months at the start, he was really minimizing and phoo-phooing the pandemic, he was in a lot of videos where he said "the problem will just go away, vanish in the air just like that", or "it's a hoax", etc.. He didn't feel it worthwhile to spend time on it, he thought the economy is where the problem is at. Well, the economy of the entire world went dead because of the pandemic.

[@rubyd6413]

@@rap3208 I think he handled it well.

[@rap3208]

@@rubyd6413 600,000 dead and will probably g to a million before covid will be gone. Yeah, he handled it very well.

[@cmonman4858]

You should have known well that your fellow ‘muricans know China a lot better than you do…😂😂😂 and if you don’t agree, they have a very typical response for you: “omg poor Matt, you are brainwashed!”🤣🤣🤣

[@bohan9957]

Sad but true. I guess when people gets enough brainwashing, they don't realize who is really being brainwashed.

[@alexoolau]

Illinois man killed half-brother after COVID vaccine dispute, police say. Be careful. This faith in either way can turn violence against each other.

[@alexoolau]

I also have a friend who thinks like those Fox News people. I do not talk about politics with people. When this friend kept bringing up politics, I had to say I feel very uncomfortable. There used to be such a joke on the Internet: What do boys with different salaries think before going to bed? Monthly salary of 50,000: The team needs to integrate again; Monthly salary of 30,000: That plan needs to be changed; Monthly salary of 20,000: what does that customer like; Monthly salary of 5,000: P40 pixels will definitely hang Apple; Monthly salary of 3,000: Bentley Tim more is definitely not as good as Maybach s600; Monthly salary of 2,000: The influence of Russia's attitude towards NATO's eastward expansion on the US global strategy. My friend is definitely in low income, and concerned about wrong thing.

[@lipincheng]

@Alive son of Awake He's just being sarcastic.

[@anniechao8930]

c’mon man : I am curious how much you know Chinese culture? People?

[@kimleongthen7555]

Stay safe Matt. The Delta variant which is raging in the US now is no joke especially for one who is not being fully vaccinated.

[@jonathandewberry289]

It's 'raging' is it?

[@AustinSunshineChinese]

I grew up in China, came to US in 1998, I’ve lived in two countries long enough to love both countries and tell the differences between two cultures. This quote is so true: “China is a close country with open mind, America is an open country with close mind.” Very sad to see the way America is heading to. You’ll understand why normal Americans think of China the way they do after you spend more time back home, Matt. The media plays a big role. I’m sometimes shocked to hear some of the news reported about China, I know it’s not true or totally true because I’ve been there, but normal American don’t know, and they have no interest in China either, they just believe what they hear, very sad.

[@s001w7]

The way she thinks is the result of where she got her information.

[@sourdurian2839]

I like how you keep an open mind. I'm not from China or the US, but it's interesting to see both perspectives. Thanks for the videos!

[@bjbumblebee5324]

Wish I could have been here live. I love the Chinese people and was raised to love them. I wish I was able to visit there.

[@littlepear898]

I am a Montrealer and very appreciate your time to share with us your thoughts. Be well and be be blessed!

[@sleepywatcher]

This is why I left NYC back to Malaysia,

[@DetectiveBlackCat]

That's gonna be interesting. I've been thinking a lot about the conflicts on our planet recently. US, China and problems within their own borders. I start to realise all our problems might just because we see the world from different perspectives. In the west, the answer goes back to sokrates "I know nothing". In the east, Lao Zi said exact same phrase. And the story every kids learn when they barely able to read "blind men and an elephant". we just don't recognise that everyone is actually blind.

[@JaYoeNation]

Right Henry. So many people with different input and life experiences all living together.

[@FuZhixiang]

There are too many similarities if we source back history to axial ages. Mozi who advocated univasial values which should be much agreed by protestants suggested an outlook against Kongzi (Confucius) who advocated hierarchical values. But Mozi also confused with his theory in that he couldn't solve a problem that how to unite people when everyone appealed to his own value against the universial values. We know that ancient Chinese finally decided not to choose Mozi's theory basing on the agricultural economy, avoiding giving Mozi's problem an exact answer. But such confusion still potentially exists in modern individualistic societies, especially in the USA as religious belief is nonestoppingly fading out, although western people have contract-based cultures. That's my thought.

[@jacklengfavor]

I was once a optimistic and naive guy, and believed everyone is equally smart but just in different way. Nobody can manipulate the public…But after years observation, the new cold wars or pandemic particularly , I start to think this is just a stupid world full filled blind ppl. Only a few talented ppl has a clue of the truths, most are just pathetic "zombies" walking around.

[@joyjoyoo]

@@fattyacid1901 oh no.. Elaine did ? Sigh...

[@fdjw88]

@@FuZhixiang so Mozi was a communist, that's bad.

[@762p]

Here in Canada we had hundreds of those peoples demonstrating in front of hospital and school, unbelievable….

[@oxvendivil442]

The way things are going in America 🐘🤼‍♂️🦄 , America will tear itself apart before China and/or Russia gets the chance to tear it apart.😩

[@lipincheng]

The only reason China/Russia would want to tear America apart is because America had been trying very hard to tear China/Russia apart.

[@oxvendivil442]

@@lipincheng so true, at this point because of all that US is doing to China, Russia, Iran, Venezuela, N Korea, Cuba, Syria; the US has become an annoyance and headache for all

[@harukrentz435]

I used to envy US' political system, how effective their bipartisan parties was in governing a nation. HOW WRONG WAS I.

[@JaYoeNation]

How do we come together in this country to understand each other, even if we vehemently disagree?

[@louisep5178]

Calmly communicating and understanding both sides and opinions imo

[@skullsleeson]

TOLD them the story about "bald and bankrupt" and his shrinking ball~!~! lol

[@proudeuropean2]

Maybe one of the most important questions in all western democracies. I have no answer but very big concerns. Personally I would like to share thoughts and maybe influence the one or other for good. But I hardly meet them in my community.

[@yangyangxi4481]

Haha. Cyrus Jensen may have something to say about this as well.

[@linusmayden8465]

As an American who loves China, you don't, let them rip each other apart. The best outcome for the world especially developing countries and China is for America to Balkanize. Let the Covid deniers be so that Darwinism can come to them.

[@lilypang7590]

Well said!!!! The sad and dangerous part is people do not know they do not know.

[@YoonJintae98]

I respect u and ur friend, being able to discuss the matter in a open minded way. Would be nice to actually have it on video. Wow

[@Andy-P]

Must be great now to be in a discussion publicly where you or your friends can criticise the Government or any Government.

[@Iamkayaky]

This is really the crux.

[@lazybones5390]

Matt, your reaction to their hugs is completely correct during this Covid time. We do the same in Vancouver Canada here.

[@bx1608]

Thanks Mat for sharing your recent experience and thoughts about views of China/Asian life styles from some U.S perspectives. It’s also something that I relate to very often when interacting with my friends. Hopefully we can embrace each other with kindness and openness for a better world of friendship. Mother Nature is lashing her wrath on the world and hopefully together we can avoid pointing fingers at one another to blame.

[@crazyjohnhoward]

Great discussion. It doesn't really matter if you have different in opinion as long as there are understanding and respect. Unfortunately, understanding and respect are lacking in this polarised world atm

[@triproad386]

the US itself is the most polarised place...

[@sherwoodt3972]

Welcome to the club. I live in California and For the last 2 years most of my neighbors never wear a single mask. They stare at me and said don't Talk to me because I don't want to spread that to you. I am a stranger because I ware masks even I live there for 4 years.

[@KHLim-tr6cg]

Collective responsibility is strong in China & other Asian countries. That is why it is not unusual to see people wearimg masks, social distamcing and taking every preventive measure to stay alive. It is not because our governments are authoritarian or they rule using fear. We are not doing it for the government or for politics but for the wellbeing of ourselves. We think ahead about our kids and families and neighborhoods instead of any current gratification we enjoy here & now. Actually I would hate to live in places where people are always thinking about themselves & endanger others for whatever selfish reasons they have. Individualism is useless if it is harmful. That is the difference.

[@donga2000]

Matt, welcome back to the real America where shit happens everywhere. Be safe and go back to China where great things happens every day.

[@fannyalbi9040]

once u left china, going back to china is hassle and costly

[@donga2000]

@@kalenal1841 Not true, stop spreading disinformation. They do have tight Covid test requirements and forced quarantine period. As long as you follow the rules, any foreigner with a valid visa can go there. My American friend just went there for business and he is in 2nd week of quarantine.

[@wsgoodtamir]

@@donga2000 this is not true at all

[@alanfriesen9837]

Half the country doesn't trust the government and the other half doesn't trust authority. It's a big part of the reason we can't get anyhthing done. I had a conversation with my brother with whom I have serious disagreements about regarding the whole COVID situation. As my words grew heated about people who were behaving in ways that I felt put us all in jeopardy he said that it sounded like I had a lot of hate. That stopped me cold. I thought for a moment and then I told him that I don't hate these people. They're Americans; they're family. But I inserted an analogy that if my son burned down my house I wouldn't hate him. I would be very angry and I probably would beat the crap out of him, but I would still love him. I feel like those fellow countrymen that disagree with me are burning down our house, and what's worse is that they continue to play with matches even as it burns. I don't hate them, but sometimes I struggle to check my anger.

[@xiaoxiaochen8346]

“I want to understand, otherwise there is no way to get through. We are all human. We don’t want to judge people unjustifiably. Be open minded and respect someone who have opposing viewpoints. The sooner we can come together, and understand each other, the better.;)” thanks Matt, it does sparks my day🥲. --Quote from JaYoe nation. 做人要谦虚 而且应是双向的。 不随意评价他人，尊重那些不一样的声音，愿世界充满爱，我爱这个世界。

[@Han-vd4zz]

Thank for sharing Matt. Stay safe and healthy!

[@s.vortex]

I'm pretty sure the friends you're talking about are all Republicans and Trump supporters... 😅

[@Chinese080808]

Honestly, I'm equally sure stupidity comes from all backgrounds and/or political beliefs.

[@s.vortex]

@@Chinese080808 True, you can always find exceptions (however small the number is) in any case.

[@jstravelers4094]

Ironically, it's the employers who are finding this virus to be expensive, that are beginning to require their employees to become vaccinated. "Ironically" because most huge corporations in America are run by repubs.

[@pandabearoceanpark]

People in the US lives in an alternative universe, and there is absolutely NO WAY to have them see your way - they firmly believe that they are in the know. So be careful not to offend those people - they are intolerant even if you are open minded - you could get yourself in trouble with them.

[@mtiqbal63]

Matt: Instead of sitting and talking, show us the crime ridden industrial wasteland known as Detroit.

[@regularperson4106]

But we already know that.

[@calisthenicsnoob9990]

I am a healthcare worker in Canada. My aunts family is adamant on not getting vaccinated. My cousin did research, read papers, but when get called out about his conclusion, refused to listen...we dont bring up the subject anymore

[@choegyal100]

We beg USA politicians to save young America from the blight of racial prejudice. Do not bind the children within the narrow circles of your own lives. Thank you Matt, you are an opening eye of many American.

[@Loyee2000]

So they don't freaking care how many died. That's pathetic. Period.

[@mettiusmaximinus18]

"Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect." - Mark Twain

[@yaziwo2477]

exactly,talk and respect and understanding...rather than attacking or blaming

[@Dovid2000]

This conversation about the lax in the American society concerning the corona virus reminds me of a teaching in the Book of Proverbs [13,13] = בז לדבר יחבל לו = "He that despises a [certain] matter," [in this case, the COVID pandemic], "it will [eventually] rebound unto his own hurt." (This English translation is based upon the Hebrew).

[@huiqinjinxi4514]

I live in Melbourne Australia. I had a talk with one of my long time friends couple of days ago and found out she was against vaccines at this stage because she doesn’t like to be forced and believes it is her right to choose to get or not get vaccinated. She said she will choose to get it voluntarily when the vaccines are perfected. People from different backgrounds have different way of thinking and I guess I should not be as shocked as I was.

[@shanr3338]

My in-laws of most their relatives are in the Detroit area, and some of them are health workers. All of them take COVID seriously and got fully vaccinated. My husband and I are in a small city in the South, and most of the people we interact with are in the same way. If you restrict your social activity and wear a mask, you will be ok, especially after getting vaccinated.

[@jamielecloux6731]

Most of the interaction I deal with on a dailey, in regard to vax hesitancy are due to lack of education, or vetting of reliable sources. Politicizeing by the news / political figures have been the number one issue. Any information longer than a tweet gets overlooked and overwhelming to most.

[@hwwong2881]

Your experience is good for people who have never stepped outside their country. You will make a great ambassador for America.

[@yiluis1316]

Ah yeah, I have had some confrontations with some of my history colleague classmates in Spain about things in China. After giving some unpopular ideas and narratives about certain things, they would jokingly ask me if I was brainwashed by the CPC, but after a longer conversation they would seriously ask: "Why are you white washing the CCP?".

[@jacklengfavor]

Polulism comes from laziness, simple minded ppl always want simple solution, one solution for all? Black or White? Then you can see simple solution always leads to disaster, because the world is much much more complicated than most people think.

[@liyadai5539]

Hi Matt: I have a colleague team teaching at school. She has been in Australia for 2 decades. I wouldn’t call her racist but she has the same views like your friend toward Muslim and China. We were having a discussion about HK, Taiwan and China. Oh boy, I have another way of knowing what they were thinking. The last sentence I told her was China has been at least 3500 years history with written language and US really in comparison is a young country. Oh BTY the aboriginal natives here in Australia doesn’t cross her mind at all. She is thinking about doing things so righteously for the country.

[@foodparadise5792]

I strongly recommend Michael Parenti's talk on US society and politic. He's like George Carlin with a PhD. All the divisions are designed.

[@devensilvers6256]

Welcome to America, my friend.. Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, do your best to maintain a positive relationship with your family and move on. I deal with similar situations myself on a regular basis living in a rural area in Appalachia. (Western NC)

[@jonhone1]

Sometimes democratic freedom is such a big big headache. It’s almost like a lawless country sometimes. Even the Doctor, scientists and the leaderships are all have different ideas of managing the pandemic which it only creates chaos.

[@generalx5220]

Pretty tough interaction I’d say. Being in the known, and then have the other reciprocate on the other spectrum against you but you know their in the dark about it. And knowing they believe you are wrong is quite unnerving. Yeah, lots of times like that, I have had this with my close friends, it isn’t easy….but we choose to move on, and not let it hang up between us.

[@maricle100]

I listened to what you said and understand what you mean perfectly. Let me start by saying that this pandemic period, not over, except for the very sad things happening, has been a wake up call in every possible way. It was and still is a way to know who everyone really is. It has stripped everyone of whatever they "wore" and left them "naked" ! It is indeed a time where temper, guts, dreams, compassion, empathy, beliefs, differences in thoughts and ways of living were put on trial! Nothing, absolutely nothing was left aside! The culture, phylosophy, state of mind, resistance on dealing with pressure, dissapointments, fall backs and every possible thought in everyone's mind was put to test! Nothing will ever be the way it was! What lays ahead has nothing to do with our past, since it requires of flexibility of thought and courage, placing the emphasis on our adjustment on dealing with what might lay ahead.I honestly think most people don't read history, do not make efforts to understand cultures that differ from the West but hold wisdom of centuries! They rather belief whatever the media says, forgetting most of what we hear is under control. Whenever you travel, it's most gratifying to listen to locals, try to insert in their everyday life and learn things that no travel agency can or will tell you! I hope, Matt, that your stay will be a very nice one and enrich your knowledge as to why people react the way they do and how far will they be willing to open their minds, realizing the seriousness of this worlwide situation!

[@wenkeadam362]

Please be compassionate to your friends. They are not crazy, just reacting normally after a lifetime of Merican indoctrination. Humans have an astonishing capacity to adapt to the circumstances that they live in. If the norm is "zero tolerance" that's how you will behave; if the norm is "shit happens" you will act more relaxed. Think about all the people who have extremely dangerous jobs. They accept willingly that the statistics are against them, but they still love their job.

[@wanghaoyu886]

wise

[@totifernandez9532]

You have lasting friendship if you can express opposite ideologies and not agree at all, but still be happy to see each other and remain friends.

[@lotusgreen3761]

My experience within my family, my work place and my cycle of friends is that there is no way we can discuss virus, China, American politics (Biden vs. Trump) etc., without erupting into heated emotional conflict. So I resigned to not talking about these touchy issues with people of a different political persuasion (and that includes some of my own family members). If I persist, I could get fired from my job, divorced from my spouse, or estranged from my own kids. It's a very interesting time of bifurcation of reality, and my experience is by no means an exception. Rather, I would say it's pretty universal in here. A lot of families no longer have Thanksgiving gatherings or if they do, they'd avoid sensitive topics. A lot of couples divorced, a lot kids rebelled and refuse to return to parents houses. A lot of friends become opponents, etc., etc. The world we are used to is no longer. It is no longer in a steady state. Rather, it's an interregnum between two paradigms. I have been mulling over this for the last 5-6 years, ever since some famous reality show personality named Trump decided to run for president. I have experienced a tremendous internal turmoil matching the external turmoil that I ever had in my whole life (and I have lived years). Now I figured whatever happens externally is not important for me. At the end of the day, the essence of life is to live everyday, savor every moment, and learn lessons from life. All the ideologies, religious beliefs, political views, fads and fashions are extraneous and impermanent. Only love endures. Enjoy your life back home with friends and family!

[@tyn6211]

The reason so many Americans feel like your friend is because for most of their lives, they've only seen a downward trend in their material conditions. So they've lost faith in most of our institutions: churches, governments, corporations, even science. It's the inverse of the way Chinese view the CPC; the CPC has so much support because all that the Chinese people have seen is progress.

[@andrewpandis]

Married to someone from.China,. I agree with where you are coming from. We need to take this virus more seriously. Thank you for this video.

[@lltechview]

Finally discussing and not two extremes shouting at thin air to provoke the opposite site to react instead of talking to each other.

[@shiwang8989]

Forget about you Matt we all want more of Eva vlog, LOL! BTW she really has your big smile, so sweet. No country nor system is perfect. It's all depending on your preference. Be kind and civilize when doing comparison that is what we most want to see and hear right?

[@davidrink1291]

So you want Matt to spoon feed you just what you want to see and hear?

[@yangfelix7021]

Matt, get your vaccine done ASAP, please !!

[@anniechao8930]

Thank you Matt. I am not able to visit China for two years because of the COVID-19

[@amiliarome4175]

Hi. I love your channel because it shares some of the most neutral thoughts on topics like this ( topics on different perceptions on things between countries with various regimes, and it shows something about the whole world, not only the U.S. or China). I appreciate these true talks. And being someone who lived in the U.S. while the pandemic just started, I witnessed how people are kinda divided with understanding about it. Some truly believe it is just a flu even when the local cases arose to almost 1.5k in the community, and they believe in this in the bottom of their heart, not due to lacking of science knowledge or anything like that. I knew many people holding that belief who are super well-educated. I guess it’s just because of their different backgrounds, life experience, and communities that set our different mindsets. It would be fascinating to figure out the reasons behind this. (I haven’t though.）

[@JanghoTango]

It is most interesting to hear from you ~ from a unique perspective of an American who spent years in China, who has witnessed and experienced the conflict of eastern and western culture, and try to be objective about it.

[@weiskl887]

A person's values are shaped by how they are brought up, experience growing up, perception of reality are shaped by information you get manipulated or not. Trust is earned while doubtful of experts due to past record politicization yes even scientists can lie due to political pressure or sometimes lie for good intentions of not causing panic to an emotional public.

[@pycpenn]

To make democracy work, it takes wisdom, not votes, to reach consensus on common good. Information on the Internet makes it almost impossible.

[@johnss449]

I so agree with your last statements!!!!! Makes me so sad and ashamed of us Americans 😫

[@charleswomack2166]

It's like people have freedom here in the US.

[@ecarpo3479]

I honestly believe if I wasn't in China I would be having similar opinions as many people in the west. Even my parents don't really believe me when I say life has basically been back to normal in China for the past 16 months. They just say that people aren't willing to do what the Chinese did, but in my opinion its just a real lack of good leadership by government. The initial lockdown had to be done super strict and then effective border controls put in place, when people see that the measures work they will follow them, but if they don't work people will lose confidence very quickly. That's what happened in the UK, the public health measures were not good enough, they didn't work and the public lost all confidence.

[@LissaKasey]

Sadly not without getting angry anymore. You're new to having to face it everyday. Those of us here in the USA have been dealing with this madness for over a year. And the vaccine is now FDA approved (no idea when this was recorded) but it was approved like two weeks ago?

[@ling-cai1824]

hey Matt, just noticed that the date at the start of the video shows Aug 03 2021, wondering if that's a typo or..?

[@hermyt]

Long time viewers know who your friend is. It's these business owners who think their business is more important than a life. We get that they started something and was pretty successful. However, most businesses fail within 18 months but "successful" people or entrepreneurs create many businesses (they don't give up).

[@bradlkt]

Yr mine must be going thru so much confusion. Each country you went to give you different impression. i went to school and live in usa for 10 years. Then i moved back to se asia. Its more then 20 years now in se asia, i still feel the difference in my mind and heart.

[@hipolitopenaquintero8700]

And my last comment: Politicians don't care about being impeached, but I'm sure they would about being guillotined...

[@Pen2paw]

I have a long time friend from HK who immigrated to Canada long time ago. The amount of hate he had toward China made me speechless. I brought up some facts but he was completely shutoff of reasoning. So eventually I stay on the courtesy side of talking about anything else except HK political issue with him.

[@mrFalconlem]

I have the J&J because a friend of mine fit and in shape around 45 was brought to the floor for 3 weeks at Fort Knox, guy works on helicopters every day, so he said he wished he had got the vaccine. So I went next week and got it. Really don’t want massive lung damage, dude. I’m overweight and not in shape so if I get this I would be hurting….still I want to get the US Army vaccine which will be ten times better than the current ones. Human trials are going on now.

[@hipolitopenaquintero8700]

Welcome to the land of the free, and the home of the brave. Most certainly with the 600k plus deaths from covid you are very free to die. This type of freedom has been taken away from 1.4 billion people whose oppressive regime does not allow them to die "freely". The whole world but Asia is completely unable to deal with covid given what has happened in the past 18 months or so.

[@johnli6782]

Thank you for the video. I experience similar dissonance with many of my friends, colleagues, etc. when it comes to the subject of China (much of Asia) and the US (by and large, the de facto representative of the West). I have come to accept the fact that there are two types of people, whether they'll admit it or not, which can be discerned based on their immediate attitude when confronted with external circumstances that might pose danger to the community. In the simplest terms: those who react with self concern (i.e., what about me, what's going to happen to me) and those whose concerns are about the issues and/or others (i.e., what's happening and what can I do to help). You strike me as the later. Those who are of the former disposition by default will require your patience and hopefully will react more frequently with open inquiry and concern of others.

[@sui-yu-er-an]

all in one word, selfish or unselfish

[@johnli6782]

@@sui-yu-er-an 👍

[@xiaoxiaochen8346]

thanks Jayou nation, this talk has sparked my day, " be open minded, and respect people who have oppsite thoughts with you." thanks Matt, Jayoe!

[@looichris127]

Way to go Matt. We should not impose onto others. We are here to understand and assist if possible. Nobody likes to be told that they are wrong, no matter how close we are with them.

[@leongkenn]

Stay safe Matt. Keep us updated.

[@yankong8290]

I only had one brief and shallow conversation with a coworker on the pandemic issue just to set the boundaries. We stated our opposite views and reasons and agreed to respect them , not to discuss the issue anymore during our business trip. I know I get personal and emotional on this topic, so I avoid people from the opposite side. These exchange of views rarely change anyone's mind, why waste my time and risk a spike of blood pressure.

[@柠檬-u5k]

Wise

[@arnoldjones]

We've all been duped in the west for years thinking that everything our governments do is for the greater good rather than to entrench the status quo, and channels like yours let us see a different perspective.

[@wenyushang8140]

Matt, you have a big heart, and I respect you a lot because of that. It is not easy at all to reason with people of opposite opinions without introducing too many emotions.

[@jeremyolson2596]

I was in Washington D.C for Labor Day weekend and I thought this would be ground 0 for everybody wearing masks, I was wrong bearly anybody was wearing masks. I felt like this is the most normal city in all of America!

[@vkc1617]

Pride is what kills ourselves and prejudice is what kills our relationship towards others!

[@kimchan382]

Living in Finland, just got my second jab (Pfizer) two weeks ago. I am personally not a friend of mRNA. mRNA is something different and totally new. If the Mainstream media of the West are pushing very hard to saying everyone from (0 to 100) need to be vaccinated, than something is going on. In my opinion, the vaccination is very political now. China will learn, that they have to live with the Virus too. Like in Afrika.

[@RobertSmith-uc4ek]

Been in Ireland, China, and now the US for many years. I think I understand why Americans don't trust US government. I wouldn't trust US government, either.

[@ferrytrailershipper]

My opinion is that, whether you are vaccinated or not, you still need to be masked up when you are outside. Being vaccinated just means that you are 70-90% protected depending on which vaccine you chose, but not 100%; if you are not vaccinated, you definitely need to be masked up.

[@quanzhou4608]

Open their mind and willing to have a fair discussion is already a big step.

[@chuenyeelau]

Freedom is just another word for nothing left to lose!

[@KK-gb5mj]

More often, that kind of conversation will become an argument

[@KLLH0407]

Thank you Matt for telling us your thinking, we have the different density of population, whatever the virus is, the covid or flu, the consequences are different in China and in the US, and if the US people feel good about no vaccins no prevention rules, we don’t care, but tell them don’t juge others in there situation, there is lots of countries in this world, not just America, every country has a different situation, and America isn’t the centre of the universe. Take care.

[@keithh8661]

Hey Matt ,you've always been so honest,and willing to look at both sides ,so it really helps hearing you speak you mind as you see it. So those of us that think having a vaccine,to keep us alive is a good thing. And we're not going insane,,when we hear the things other people are putting out their! Unbelievable . ,So thanks

[@abcabc2680]

Given that you are in Michigan. I think it would appropriate to quote from Mary T. Lathrap poem titled “Judge Softly” “Walk a Mile in His Moccasins.”

[@shiowhuang5128]

I appreciated your efforts trying to explore this very issue! I have been in similar situation juggling among the groups of Chinese, Taiwanese, and Americans :)