Rethinking ‘Abandon Chinese Culture‘: The Dynamic Evolution of a Civilization62

作为一名中国通，我理解“抛弃中国文化”这一标题的挑衅性与引人深思之处。它触及了文化认同、现代化进程以及传统与全球化冲击之间复杂而深刻的张力。以下是我以此为标题，用英文撰写的文章，并为其配上一个更符合搜索习惯的新标题。
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The phrase "Abandon Chinese Culture" rings with a provocative, almost revolutionary zeal. It conjures images of radical societal shifts, of a deliberate, wholesale rejection of millennia of tradition in favor of something entirely new. For some, it might be a frustrated cry, born from a perceived need for rapid modernization or a deep-seated critique of historical burdens. For others, it might be an alarming proposition, threatening the very core of identity and heritage. As a seasoned observer of China’s intricate cultural tapestry, I find this phrase less a realistic prescription and more a potent conceptual catalyst – an invitation to delve into the enduring, dynamic, and often paradoxical relationship China holds with its own cultural legacy.

To entertain the notion of "abandoning Chinese culture," we must first ask: what precisely are we abandoning? Chinese culture is not a monolithic, static entity preserved in amber; it is a living, breathing, constantly evolving organism. Its history is replete with periods of radical transformation, syncretism, and reinvention. From the assimilation of Buddhism during the Han and Tang dynasties to the profound intellectual ferment of the May Fourth Movement in the early 20th century, Chinese culture has consistently demonstrated an astonishing capacity for adaptation. It absorbs, integrates, discards, and reinvents. Therefore, the idea of a complete abandonment is not only practically impossible but conceptually flawed, as culture is intrinsically woven into language, thought patterns, social interactions, and aesthetic sensibilities – it is the very air a civilization breathes.

The impulse to "abandon" often stems from a historical critique. Throughout the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic, many intellectuals, facing national humiliation and the perceived stagnation of traditional institutions, saw traditional culture as an impediment to progress. Figures like Lu Xun vehemently criticized what they perceived as the feudal, stifling aspects of Chinese society, advocating for a radical break with the past to "save" China. The May Fourth Movement, for instance, championed "science and democracy" against what it considered the superstitions and authoritarianism inherent in Confucianism. Later, the Cultural Revolution, in its misguided and destructive fervor, attempted a systematic dismantling of "the four olds" – old ideas, old culture, old customs, and old habits – a tragic experiment demonstrating the futility and immense human cost of trying to erase a civilization's cultural memory by decree.

Yet, even during these periods of intense introspection and critique, what transpired was rarely outright abandonment but rather a complex process of selective rejection, reinterpretation, and hybridization. Foot-binding, for example, a deeply entrenched, harmful custom, was indeed abandoned through concerted social and political efforts. Yet, the underlying value of "filial piety" (孝, xiào), though perhaps reinterpreted from rigid obedience to respectful care and familial cohesion, persisted and continues to define intergenerational relationships. The very language used to articulate these critiques – classical Chinese, then vernacular Chinese – remained the foundational carrier of cultural thought. You cannot abandon a language without abandoning the very vehicle of expression for that culture.

Consider the enduring philosophical traditions. Confucianism, once demonized as the root of China's backwardness, has seen a remarkable resurgence. No longer viewed solely as a hierarchical, authoritarian ideology, its emphasis on self-cultivation (修身), social harmony (和谐), ethical governance, and the pursuit of knowledge is now re-evaluated for its contemporary relevance. Daoism, with its focus on balance (阴阳, yin-yang), harmony with nature, and spiritual introspection, offers profound insights into environmentalism and mental well-being in an increasingly fast-paced world. These aren't remnants to be discarded; they are reservoirs of wisdom that are being actively re-engaged with, reshaped, and integrated into modern Chinese identity and even global discourse.

Moreover, culture is not just about ancient texts or historical figures; it's about daily life. It’s in the way families celebrate Spring Festival, the nuances of social etiquette, the distinct flavors of regional cuisines, the aesthetic principles guiding architecture and art, the rhythm of spoken Mandarin, and even the unique humor. To "abandon" these is to ask people to abandon their very mode of existence, their memories, their sense of belonging. It is an impossible ask because these elements form the bedrock of individual and collective identity.

In the age of globalization, the question shifts from "abandonment" to "adaptation" and "contribution." China is now a major player on the global stage, and its culture is experiencing an unprecedented level of interaction with other cultures. This has led to both challenges and opportunities. On one hand, there are concerns about the erosion of traditional values in the face of Western consumerism and popular culture. On the other, it presents a chance for Chinese culture to showcase its unique richness and contribute to the global cultural mosaic. Chinese cinema, literature, art, and even tech innovation (e.g., WeChat's ecosystem, Huawei's advancements) demonstrate a powerful blend of global influences with a distinctly Chinese character. This is not abandonment; it is cultural confidence and dynamic cross-pollination.

What China is experiencing, and has always experienced, is a continuous process of critical inheritance and creative transformation. This process involves:

Discarding harmful or outdated practices: Like foot-binding or certain rigid class distinctions. This is not abandoning culture but refining it, making it more humane and relevant.
Reinterpreting core values: Finding modern resonance in ancient wisdom. Filial piety becomes respect and care; harmony extends to ecological balance; meritocracy fuels educational aspiration.
Integrating foreign influences: China has always been open to external ideas, from Buddhism to Marxism to modern science. The key is to make these influences Chinese, to synthesize them into the existing cultural framework rather than being passively subsumed.
Innovating from within: Developing new forms of art, literature, and technology that draw inspiration from traditional aesthetics and philosophies while being forward-looking.

The "Chinese expert" perspective recognizes that the strength of Chinese civilization lies precisely in its unparalleled continuity and adaptability. It has survived empires, revolutions, foreign invasions, and internal strife not by rigid adherence to every custom of the past, but by an organic, often tumultuous, process of self-renewal. The Great Wall did not protect China from all external influences; its cultural resilience did.

Therefore, the provocative call to "abandon Chinese culture" ultimately misses the point. You cannot abandon what is fundamentally a part of who you are, what has shaped your language, your thought, your very being. Instead, the task for contemporary China, and indeed for any vibrant civilization, is to engage critically with its heritage – to identify what truly serves, what needs re-evaluation, and what new forms of cultural expression are emerging. It is a continuous journey of self-discovery, adaptation, and contribution to the global human story. Far from being abandoned, Chinese culture is evolving, expanding, and asserting its unique character on the world stage, demonstrating a profound resilience and an endless capacity for reinvention that is a testament to its enduring vitality.

2025-10-09

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