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hierarchy is not as strong as it is in China. There are occupations that are widely
accepted as commonplace among the upper class, for example those who practice law.
However, it does not mean that some people would lose their rights to deserve other
people‟s respect because of their occupations. For example, in China, the prostitute is a
sex slave and should not be treated with any respect as it applies for other occupations.
As shown in Friends, Monica tries to remain courteous when greeting the prostitute.
This is unlikely to happen in China.
The next scene I will present is found in Season 2, episode 11, scene 13.
a) Description of Scene:
In this scene, Ross‟ ex-wife, Carol, is to get married with her lesbian partner, Susan.
However, Carol is upset because her parents did not attend the wedding. Ross is
trying to appease Carol and cheer her up.
b) Line:
Carol: “And then Susan and I got in this big fight because I said maybe we should
call off the wedding and she said we weren‟t doing it for them, we were
doing it for us, and if I couldn‟t see that, then maybe we should call off
the wedding. I don‟t know what to do.”
Ross: “I uh cannot believe I‟m gonna say this, but I think Susan‟s right.”
Carol: “You do?”
Ross: “Look, do you love her? And you don‟t have to be too emphatic about this.”
Carol: “Of course I do.”
Ross: “Well then that‟s it. And you don‟t have to be too emphatic about this.”
Carol: “Of course I do.”
Ross: “Well then that‟s it. And if George and Adelaide cannot accept that, then
the hell with them. Look, if my parents didn‟t want me to marry you, no
way that would have stopped me. Look, this is your wedding. Do it.”
c) Possible clues for cultural differences.
Ross‟s statement maybe surprising to many Chinese viewers. In a collectivistic
society, one‟s marriage is not simply one‟s own decision or benefit and should be
taken as an honour or decision of the whole family. There are some exceptions,
but in general, parents plan and give their opinions about their child‟s marriage.
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