It's cool that you're learning English from shows like What Would You Do and Wife Swap. Personally, I recommend the Simpsons if you want a satirical look at American culture. There's also a lot of pop culture references which you might find interesting!
One thing to keep in mind about shows like Wife Swap is that the two families are both part of pretty extreme American subcultures, and don't necessarily represent the norm. What kind of 'out there' ('out there' means extreme/strange) subcultures are there in China? However, there are some more common problems in American culture highlighted in this show. Many children here are heavily pressured to be perfect, being punished for having normal grades and treated with indifference for having great grades.
Also, as was found in the 'redneck' family, there is a problem with the over idealization of violence and individualism. A lot of movies and video games focus on a single person solving problems with violence instead of nonviolent group discussion and action. Individualism in our culture is complicated, and comes with benefits and drawbacks. The main problem, though, is when it is used as an excuse to look down on those who need help from others to survive.
That said, there are things I like about American culture as well - I am an American, after all! There's an emphasis on being friendly to others and standing up for what you believe to be right. We also come up with all sorts of unhealthy but delicious food! What kind of snacks do you have in China? I'd love to exchange recipes at some point, on an unrelated note.
America, despite what some in my country like to say, is a multicultural country. We have Spanish, French, Mandarin, Korean, Thai and many more languages spoken in this country besides English (even if it is the most common). I prefer it that way, personally. It is lovely to meet people with all sorts of backgrounds.
Overall, how is China similar and different to what I described?
All the best, Victoria.
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