In , heroes and Horatio Alger-type stories are also popular.
Chinese novels, stories, operas, movies and legends are filled with rags-to-riches stories, ranging from the poor but diligent scholar who makes good on his imperial exams to beautiful concubines who dedicate their lives to their country.
Americans, in contrast, belong to a that espouses equality for all. Culturally, Americans have great emotional needs to succeed and be better than others, so they project their hopes and fantasies upon their heroes and celebrities. They want to be like their heroes, and they perceive their heroes as individuals, rather than as representatives of privileged stations in life.