By Meng Wang/Chad Lampe
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkms/local-wkms-951799.mp3
Murray – One of the most famous characters in Shakespeare's plays, Romeo would do anything for Juliet. A Goddess well known in a famous Chinese myth might very well be a Chinese counterpart to the love struck young man. As the story goes a goddess, Zhi Nv came down from the clouds fell in love and married a boy named Niu Lang whose name literally translates to cowherd. Zhi Nv's mother a prominent goddess in her own right told her never to see her husband again. Zhi Nv was devastated for quite some time. At last, her mother changed her mind and allowed Zhi Nv to see Niu Lang on July 7th every year, which is now Chinese Valentines' Day. Now, imagine, what would happen if Romeo falls in love with Zhi Nv?
Perhaps we've found a modern Romeo and Zhi Nv cross cultural relationship at Murray State
Ruodan Li and Matthew Cox sat close to each other in Ruodan's room. They look like they belong together. Matthew is a little taller with curly brown hair and a beard. Ruodan has shoulder length dark hair and glasses. They both have smiles on their faces, obviously happy to be with each other. They've been dating for more than a year.
Ruodan and Matthew started their friendship when Ruodan was looking for help on a test. "We just need somebody to help us study for the midterm exam. And we want to find somebody to help us. We just find he is nice," Ruodan said.
Ruodan studies mass communications. She and Matthew are graduate students in the same program. .
Matthew recalls his first interaction with Ruodan. "I thought she is cute in class. I did not really get into that much because she did not talk much. And then she asked me to help her study in library. That is how we met each other," said Matthew.
So, they both study the same major and they have other interests too. They enjoy the same movies and...a plus for Matthew they both like computer games.
But learning those things about each other was a bit of a challenge. "I got translator in my phone," Matthew said. He continues "That helps. Of course she cannot hear every word in English. But I always think you just need to be patient. I always tell her if I were in China, I would lose my mind. I do not know any Chinese."
Communicating is vital to a good relationship, and while the people in the relationship are happy, sometimes family members can cause some disagreement, but not for these two.
"My mother was just curious about her. That was pretty much until they met her. Because my parents usually do not make judgment until they meet somebody. Now they like her. She is quite when she were there. Because we all speak English fast so maybe it is harder for her to keep up with that. But I mean, they liked her," said Matthew. Ruodan's mother was less forthcoming with her feelings toward the relationship. "My mum just says you guys have cultural difference. Think about that," said Ruodan
The parents don't seem to hinder our Romeo and Zhi Nv And just how common is it for these types of relationships to spur in college? Well, those statistics aren't readily available. But, if you look one generation in, according to the Asian American research website Asian Nation-dot-org, nearly forty percent of unmarried Asian American females are living with Caucasian men. That number is much lower for unmarried Asian American men.
Now, how do these relationships start?
A charity date auction held by the international student organization is one way to meet someone for an evening out. This date auction at Murray State last semester was packed with both international and U.S. students. Chinese girl Isabella Niu who would be up for auction was excited about an opportunity for a cross-culture date.
"I've never dated an American guy so I am not sure about it. Just I think it will be funnier, interesting. America as a freedom country and we can try a lot of things that not allowed in China," said Isabella.
Cherrise Sun came to the date auction to support her friend.
"At first, I find people they dance on the stage and they even show their ass. I think it is crazy. But it is just a game," said Cherrise.
While it might be perceived as just a game, international affairs major Anna Carlson thinks otherwise.
"I think it can be helpful in lots of ways, culturally," Carlson said. She continued, "You broaden your horizon. You learn a lot more about somebody else's culture. That can help you in many aspects. Maybe admire other cultures as well. Just be much more open-minded to everything else you see. And on top of that, I think that it would, spread cultural knowledge."
Whether it's a charitable date auction or a study date, our Romeo and Zhi Nv are proof that a romantic connection can exist with a few common interests and an digital translator.