Is the Western Influence Damaging the Chinese Tradition - Assignment Example

Is the western influence damaging the Chinese tradition? Introduction Over the years, the traditional Chinese culture has evidently developed. Since realization of the civilization, the Chinese have always developed new perspectives that dictate their society. The traditional Chinese culture was characterized by the ancient linguistics and stern religious and cultural affiliations. In the modern Chinese society, only a handful of people embrace the traditional Chinese setting. As generations develop, the traditional culture erodes. This is caused by the influence from global trends and requirements. Although, traditionalist are keen to ensure that the Chinese culture remains an important aspect of their society[A]. However, the efforts have not been successful as globalization has significantly the approach of the Chinese to culture and tradition. Globalization can be defined as an influence towards modernity and more comfortable civilizations. Across the globe, numerous cultures and traditions have been eroded as a cause of globalization. This is based on that the new generation is inclined to embrace change that would make the society more human friendly. This change has increased the similarity levels of different civilizations. Muller asserts that in the 20th century, there were significant industrial similarities between America, Japan, United Kingdom and Germany (205). The argument depicts the level at which civilizations are integrated. However, the creation of a new culture is based on the changes made in the western nations. Muller is of the assumption that the United States is a leading civilization in creating global change (205). Regardless of the change in cultures, the world has developed positively as a result of westernization. For instance, the China has developed its industrial field as per the provisions of westernization. This change has eroded the traditional culture but has increased the level of competiveness of the country. For this reason, one may point out that the western influence is not damaging Chinese tradition because it is creating a more vibrant culture in china. Changes in the social environment In the traditional cultural setting, the Chinese perceived socialization as a way that would surpass any other factor or activity. This created a way that would hinder economic development in the quest to create a vibrant socialization culture. The social environment also dictated the superiority of men over women significantly. The traditional Chinese woman did not have the freedom to speak or question a decision. This maintains a culture whereby men were embraced as heads and decision makers regardless of the nature of the situation presented. From a modern perception, such a perception may be regarded as insensitive. In addition, one may of the assumption that the traditional approaches to religion hindered greatly the ability of a civilization to merge in the society. Since stern religious provisions hindered any approaches to a modernized way of thinking or perception, it was a hindrance to social development and civilization. [A] However, the Chinese culture may be regarded as vibrant. Muller defines a vibrant culture as one that embraces change and borrows heavily from other cultures (206). The Chinese culture has developed significantly since its realization. For instance, the modern Chinese society has embraced more advanced role of women. Women are now provided with more roles that would influence the society positively. Moreover, the modern Chinese woman has the freedom to perform any task. This has significantly increased the society competitiveness. In addition, one may assert that the modern Chinese society is more human friendly and cautious as the traditional approaches to ender have been eliminated. From the argument, the assumption of positive change of the western culture on the Chinese culture may be justified. The modern society is more vibrant and inclined to development. Changes in the political environment Similar to numerous civilizations, the Chinese traditional governance was dictatorship. The nature of the leadership style is questionable. The leader had the authority to create laws that would favor them at the expense of the society. Moreover, issues such as capital punishment were embraced at a level that adversely violated human rights. In addition, the political system did not provide means and resources that would enable creation of a transition or regime change. The traditional political setting also eliminated any form of external influence as it was perceived as provocation. This would justify the numerous violent confrontations by nations. This lack of understanding hindered the development of nations. This is based on that the political institutions of a country have a mandate of ensuring a nation embraces development and positive change. However, this quest has been realized. The modern day political institutions in China have embraced the required influences of westernization. For instance, Muller is of the assumption that the traditional policies to capital punishment are regarded as violations to human rights and all nations are required to not apply them by the international community (206). The author, an English professor asserts that westernization has enabled China create a stable political institutions and regimes [C]. To evidence this argument, one may asserts that through western influence the creation of international bodies to deal with political crimes is enabled. The provisions embraced by the bodies are purely from western nations. However, their relativity to the society has increased the positive level that they are accepted in the political environments. The success of the Chinese political regime can also be attributed to the changes created upon western influence. This argument justifies the argument that the realization of the western influence as positive change the Chinese political environment has become more vibrant and productive. Changes in the economic environment The traditional Chinese economic state was influenced by the ability of the people to create internal ways of income. For instance, barter trade was adversely practiced. Trade was limited within the confines of the nation thus limiting the growth capability of the nation. The nation had access to numerous natural resources; these were important in growing its economic culture[B]. However, it is an obvious assumption that with exposure to foreign markets the economic state of the country would be further improved. Similar to many nations, a similar global mode of trade and economic activity would enhance the economic state of both the world ad independent nations. China developed trading relations with its neighbors with a quest to improve their economic competitiveness. However, nations in the same region shared the same economic culture; this hindered further growth of its economic system[B]. Westernization influence provided the required solution. Muller points out that western influence created economic development such as factories, mass communication and large cities (205). This important aspect created a culture of competitiveness. In addition, nations were enabled to develop into standards that would effectively promote their economic activities. For instance, the number of western corporations has increased significantly. These companies provided great income to the nation as well create business opportunities for both the employees and other local companies. However, China traditionalists have questioned the advantages created by the western corporations. Muller is of the assumption that openness to global trends does not require a nation to erode its cultural identity (205). The participation and acceptance the Chinese society towards this change depict its success. Consequently, it would accurate to generate the assumption that the western influence in the Chinese economic environment has made it vibrant and successful. Conclusion From the changes experienced in the political, social and economic paradigms in China it would be justified to support the influence of the western culture. The modern day China is characterized by numerous changes created by the western influence. Even though numerous critics have been created towards the influence, it is an obvious assumption that China has benefited vastly [A]. In addition, China has fully embraced western influence as a modernized way towards development. From these arguments one may point out that, western influence is not damaging Chinese tradition because it is creating a more vibrant culture in china. Work cited Muller, Gilbert. New World Reader: Thinking and Writing about the Global Community. New York: WADSWORTH Incorporated. 2012. Print. Read More