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governmental repudiation of religions and traditions during the Cultural R evolution, hectic and
mindless pursuit of materials in the post Maoist era has created a largely atheistic society.
Commercial advertisements, product packaging and structural styles of modern residence are often
modeled after foreign designs. Besides this, values and lifestyles of many, especially those living along
the coastal cities, have become more westernized. Improvements in transportation and
communications due to the building of highways and railroads have also aided the insurgence of
modern values and entertainment into the rural areas.
However, social modernization after 1978 has led to the revival of Chinese identities and heritages
much of which are those that have been destroyed previously by prior Maoist campaigns. Incidentally,
strong nationalistic pride as a China's rising global status has renewed Chinese interest in their
historical and cultural roots. The Chinese New Year, ancestor-worship, Qing Ming festival and Moon
cake festivals are now practiced under official encouragement. Bestsellers in China are books on
Chinese culture, philosophies and history. Chinese culture, philosophies and history are telecasted to
record viewership each week. Confucianism has been revived with the symbolic placement of
Confucius' statue near Tiananmen in 2010. Historical Daoist and Buddhist temples are repaired and
designated as treasured national heritage sites. Traditional festivals are officially public holidays. The
Chinese government also sponsored the purchase lost Chinese artifacts from oversea auctions. Wellto-do parents are eager to send their children to schools offering enrichment programs on Chinese
Classics.
Strong national interest has also saved traditional Chinese identities and heritages from being
overwhelmed by foreign influences. As a common inheritance for Chinese all over the world, traditional
identities and heritages are useful in pursuing national interest of the country such as reunification with
Taiwan. Emphasis on harmony over confrontation and unity over division by tradition is also helpful
in creating a "Harmonious Society''. Age old Chinese traditions could spearhead China's projection on
its soft power. Traditional ideology like Confucianism justifies CCPs rule by paternalistic
authoritarianism. Traditional values could also provide the moral compass for the many who are
intoxicated by the lure of materialist gains. Reservation of traditional Chinese heritages is essential
for the promotion of a common Chinese identity that is based on nationalism. Pride in Chinese
identity that is founded upon traditional culture also gives rise to greater national prestige.
Even as many become westernized in habits and lifestyles, their self-perception and values remain
grounded in Chinese traditions. Despite the emergence of many cosmopolitan coastal cities and the
success of its market reforms, Chinese society is steeped in its traditional thinking. Many things in
China, including official matters and business, are achieved by knowing the right people and through
"Guanxi" instead of contractual relationship. The notion of "Mianzi" is an important social
preoccupation. Hierarchy and hence authority continues to be a hallmark of modern Chinese cultures.
Chinese families remain paternalistic. Most individuals are committed to familial obligations and the
upholding of the family's reputation. Discrimination of the feminine gender and the emphasis on
perpetuating one's family surname are commonplace, especially in the countryside. Working
children are expected to support their aged parents and younger members of the family would wait
for their elders to begin a meal. Chinese parents consider the upbringing of the child incomplete
until he becomes a university graduate.
In conclusion, the statement is only partially true as modernization is a two way process.
While it is true that old traditions and cultures have to go to make way for the new, there
are entrenched remnants of Chinese identities and heritages. On the other hand, social
modernization has also led to a cultural identity crisis for the Chinese, prompting many to
seek the revival of their traditions. Therefore, it can be seen that despite the influx of
foreign influences, modernization has the reverse impact of heightening the awareness
of the traditional roots of the Chinese. With the growth of this awareness in tandem
with the forces of modernization, the quest for modernization will never be at the
expense
of
old
Chinese
identities
and
heritages.
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