But，do Western styles and values threaten our identity? History makes it easy for us to think so—perhaps too easy.Some people seem to think that adopting Western customs，such as a bride wearing white which has long been a color of mourning in China，instead of the traditional Chinese red for her wedding，is another submission to foreign intervention，a betrayal of our heritage，they say.They fear that as we become globalized，we will no longer be Chinese.I do not agree.History，teaches that a strong and confident nation is at ease in learning from the outside world.

The wedding of Eastern and Western cultures，whether in white gowns or red，brings us variety.It is a rich banquet of special foods from all over the world.As an amateur gourmet of Chinese cuisine，our superb flavors delight me.But my Chinese taste appreciates good food from any land.I even allow the convenience of McDonald s a place in my life without giving up my good taste.My grandfather taught me to hum tunes of Beijing opera from the time I was very young；they are deep in my spirit，part of my soul.I love Beijing opera，because it always reminds me of who I am.But I am also a fan of modern pop music.The NO.1 fan of Spice Girls on campus.

Of course, it goes far beyond food，music and dance.It goes into values and ways of thinking about the world.Once upon a time，or so my teacher told me，a Chinese boy and all American girl had a squabble.Both wanted to keep a bunny rabbit they had found in the garden.Surely you ve seen a rabbit sunning himself in the grass.Nothing is more lovable，nothing more natural.No wonder they wanted him.The Chinese boy played his er-hu.Happiness and joy，longing and passion，filled the air.The little rabbit swayed gently and began to move his ears in the direction of the music. He liked what he heard. The girl then took out her violin and played it to produce beautiful melodies of her own. The rabbit began to bounce in her direction. So intent were the children on their own music that neither paid the other any attention. The competing melodies confused the little rabbit and he did not know which way to turn. Unable to attract the little creature, both children gave up; they walked away, in different directions, leaving the rabbit, alone.

But，what if they listened，what if they really heard each other s music，instead of always playing their own tunes? When I hear the music of a violin，rich with the joys of men and women who came together and sang and danced...I hear echoes of the music of the grasslands，of the hills，of the rivers…of my own native land.

Is music mine and yours or is it ours? What I want to hear is the er-hu and the violin played together, in rhythm and in tune.Together, we can produce new and beautiful music, rich with textures and sounds that can only be made in harmony.

The rabbit sits in the grass in the ever-warming sun. Waiting for us to play, waiting for the symphony to begin. Will he have to wait forever?