Chinese Culture Essay example

In ancient China, many different rulers tried to unify and rule the country using a variety of methods – Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism to name a few. Each philosophy had its own set of rules of how people should act both in public and privately. The overall goal of each philosophy was to set a standard of acceptable living that would ensure harmony and success for the society. However, each was different and thus had different results. The best way for the people of China to succeed in a harmonious, respectable society occurred when both Confucianism and Legalism were combined.

Elements of Chinese culture include obedience and the idea of marriage. Because the mothers grew up in China and were raised upon tradition, they base their views on obedience and

As we have learned throughout this course, the Chinese people have various ways in which they determine their traditions, leadership and customs. Laozi,

Change is always happening in the world, old things go and new things come. In traditional Chinese culture the changes are very apparent and passed down from generation to generation. The world looks or the “next thing,” making new traditions that challenge the old. This is shown as Yu-I was set free from everything she was held back by. Being set free in a China is a big deal because women and men were not treated equally, men were to be served by the women. Yu-I explained how she wanted to have filial piety, “[…]We married whoever our parents chose for us.” (68) Men in China have power, and for a woman to feel equal she had to feel as if she had the amount of power as the man and that she will be able to liv her life on her own without having

China is home to many religions and cultures, however, there are three that dominate the country these being Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. Though China is a large and beautiful country it does stick to these philosophies slash religions.

Legalism and Confucianism form the fundamental basis of traditional Chinese culture and has exercised extensive influence over Chinese domestic laws for a period of almost 1,400 years. The Tang dynasty of 619 to 907 especially marked a period of efficient government, strong economic growth and effective administration in all forms of social and legal affairs. The amalgamation of two prominent Chinese philosophies amounted to immense success by creating a framework of domestic laws that was a partnership between the Confucian orthodox ideology and a structurally Legalist state. Such a system of legal code which eventually shaped contemporary social, ethical and political aspects of Chinese culture, allowed for Confucianism’s emphasis on

Within Confucianism there are two sets of regulations for a Confucian’s interactions with others in their sphere of influence. One of these codes is more aimed toward the governmental structure of a Confucianist country. This categorization for dominance in the everyday functioning of society is called the Three Bonds and goes as follows: Ruler over Minister, Father over Son, and Husband over wife. This structure can still be seen, glaringly so, in Chinese society. The men take precedence over the women, age gives benefits outweighing those that can be attributed to most other qualities, and a quality called the “Mandate of Heaven” gives you authority over everything. The “Mandate of Heaven” is the Confucian justification for an emperor, the implication that the ruler rules because the gods wish them to and not just by

During the Eastern Zhou era, ideas were furnished to “promote harmony and stability” (Judge, Langdon 80). This allowed the ethical philosophy in China, especially Confucianism, to be produced. It was absorbed into Buddhism and Daoism, and helped sustain the culture in times of political trouble. Confucianism stresses “humane conduct, civility, and relationships” (Judge, Langdon 81). Human conduct meaning sympathy, civility meaning courtesy, and the relationships that Judge and Langdon talk about are mainly to one’s parents, leaders, and ancestors (81). Confucius stresses in Analects that this is the Moral Way and that it could “return Chinese society to a state of harmony and justice” (Andrea & Overfield 93). Although Confucianism was not written down during its founder’s life, the immediate followers were able to write down his teachings and produce them to their emperors. This held their rulers and officials to “high moral standardards, promoting good governance and discouraged

China has about five thousand years history which is a very long period of time. Also, the Chinese civilization was growing with these periods of time and it will continues greater than ever. Many wars and unhappinesses were happening during this period. Although, the time has passed, the histories and the civilizations have not passed. These family virtues, serious, working attitudes, sense of justice and the great Confucian tradition have been deeply assimilated into the Chinese people. Some Chinese traditions are different from North American’s. The Chinese culture has many special characteristics which are very interesting for people to learn.

The 1991 Chinese film Raise the Red Lantern, directed by Zhang Yimou, demonstrates power relations within the household in 1920’s upper class Chinese society and uses them to challenge the dominant patriarchal ideologies through a critique of Chinese social culture while also reinforcing the idea that tradition is ultimately the most powerful and thus the relations of power in the household. By culture I am referring to Raymond William’s definition of culture as lived cultures and signifying practices. Lived cultures being the particular way of life held by a particular group of people that can be seen in literature and holiday practices. And signifying practices as meaning-making practices such as music, poetry and T.V. dramas (Williams R, 1983). The particular definition of ‘ideologies’ I’ll be using is the masking, distortion or concealment of particular ideas and images of reality, giving a ‘false consciousness’ or a blind acceptance of notions (Storey J, 2015). The underlying theme of the movie Raise the Red Lantern and this essay is politics. Specifically the social politics within the household and how tradition dominates these relations. In 20th century China, Sun Yat-sen tried to change Chinese government to become more westernised, however eventually failed. Because of, this feudalism was introduced to China, both landholding and tax liability was increased in every area, (Deng K, 2013). Meaning the poor were even poorer and that families would have to sell or

China, a country with such a rich history, has long been identified by its significantly large population. When one thinks of China some of the first images that come to mind are the unique architecture, the traditional dress, splendid dynasties, internationally acclaimed philosophies, and high educational standards. It was noted by Wasserstrom (2013) that the most emphasized moralities from the Analects are education, ritual, and hierarchal relationships. These three important factors are such values that, to this day, they have a significant influence on Chinese culture.

China’s rich culture and flourishing economy is home to more than 1.35 billion people and only continues to increase. Since ancient time’s Chinese culture has been influenced by Confucianism and Buddhism which both have a strong emphasis on the mind, body, emotions as well as environment. With education being a top priority they are able to blend older influenced traditions with modern western technology proving them to be a prosperous industrialized country. China has become of one the world fastest growing economy and continues to

The importance of a tradition for any member of society, varies according to the values of the home they lived or how they were raised. Traditions are seen as one of the most valuable things a human can posses, and in many cases, it describes important characteristics of an individual, love, religion, respect, and even goals. Today's society is plagued with traditions such as birthdays, national and religious celebrations, and commemorations that people follow in order to conform with society needs, and more are being added to the list continuously. There are some other traditions of importance that are observed by individuals, personal and family traditions. How much significant damage can be created by breaking traditions? Can life keep moving on, or should it be not allowed? For some of these traditions is not such a big deal to break them, the world is not going to end.

The part of Chinas main beliefs that held true even to this day is that of family. Traditionally you find more families in China

China has very different gender roles compared to other countries. In China being a man usually means that you are the head of the house, but in other countries women are typically considered to be the ones who are the head of the house. The women are obedient to the men due to the fact that they are the ones who are the head of the house. Ever since the beginning women were taught to always follow the lead of men. The role for men is to provide to their families and continue their family bloodline. In China if the man were to die the women would have to take over, but only until the eldest son is at age to take over. China has its own gender role descriptions as well just like Mexico and they are YIN and Yang. YIN or “women” are described as soft, passive, and weak. YANG or “man” is described as hard, dominating and assertive. Both these descriptions have had a strong impact on gender roles in China