Why should more Chinese and Americans make friends - Interview with Carla Canales
Aug 2, 2024
27:52
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Carla Canales, the first Senior Advisor and Envoy for Cultural Exchange at the U.S. President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, discusses the power of friendships between Chinese and Americans. She shares heartfelt stories from her 15-year relationship with China, emphasizing personal connections. Carla outlines a three-step approach to friendship across cultures and highlights music as a universal language that bridges emotional gaps. Her reflections on multicultural identity and the importance of mentorship paint a vivid picture of empathy through cultural exchange.
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Quick takeaways
Cultural exchange programs foster personal connections that can influence diplomatic relations and enhance mutual understanding between countries.
Music serves as a powerful tool for bridging cultural gaps by evoking emotions and inspiring deeper connections among individuals.
Deep dives
The Importance of Cultural Exchange
Cultural exchange programs, such as the Fulbright initiative between the United States and China, play a crucial role in fostering mutual understanding and empathy. These programs allow individuals to form personal connections and friendships, which can influence diplomatic relations and decision-making at higher levels. The recent resumption of the Fulbright opportunity highlights a renewed commitment to facilitating educational and cultural exchanges, especially following positive diplomatic meetings between leaders of both nations. Furthermore, initiatives like the State Department's Global Music Diplomacy represent a growing recognition of the significance of the arts in bridging cultural gaps.
Personal Journeys and Growth
Ms. Carla Canales shared insights about her deep connections and evolving relationships formed during her years of visiting China. Over 15 years, she has witnessed the growth of friendships and the cultural landscape, creating a sense of familiarity akin to returning home. Her experiences highlight the importance of continuous learning and understanding, emphasizing that returning to a place allows for a deeper appreciation of its culture and people. This perspective illustrates how personal relationships can enrich and inform one’s identity and artistic expression through shared experiences.
The Universal Power of Music
Music is described as a powerful tool for understanding the human condition and fostering connections across cultural boundaries. Ms. Canales articulates that while music is often referred to as a universal language, its true strength lies in its ability to evoke emotions and spark imagination. This capability allows individuals to explore shared human experiences and to connect with one another on a deeper emotional level. By promoting the beauty of storytelling through music, she aims to inspire others to appreciate the diverse narratives that shape cultures around the world.
Round Table invites Ms. Carla Canales to the show. As the first Senior Advisor and Envoy for Cultural Exchange at the U.S. President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, she shares some real person-to-person friendship stories and demonstrates how person-to-person exchanges between the two countries is the key to better understandings and smother cooperations. On the show: Steve Hatherly & Carla Canales.
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