The Concept of 'Asian' Values
An extract from a internet discussion:I've asked this question scores of times but I have never got an answer....WHAT EXACTLY ARE ASIAN VALUES and which society practises them?
I'm not referring to the PAP bastardized version of Asian values. I'm referring to the term being used in an apolitical generic manner.
The most common example given is "respect for the elderly" but it's hardly an Asian trait. Western society places great emphasis on honoring and assisting it's senior citizens. In OZ, the old receive many benefits and the less mobile are assisted in numerous ways so they can maintain their mobility and dignity. This is in stark contrast to Asian cities where senior citizens are left to fend for themselves on the streets and in squalid old folks homes.
Yesterday was Anzac day and I personally witnessed thousands of youngsters attending dawn ceremonies honoring the elderly who fought in the wars in defence of the Nation.
I ask again? what exactly is "Asian Values"?....
At one time, it was fashionable for our practitioners of politics to every now and then drum into our heads the virtues of 'Asian' values, as though they hold a patent over those values or that they are exclusively 'Asian'. Where it serves their interest, 'Asian' values of subserviency and compliancy are applause while undesirable 'Western' values of social consciousness and human rights are weeded out.
Consider what Asian values we can do without or less with:-
The stress on money and prosperity - This is typical of Chinese society. The stereotype of the money-minded Chinese businessman is known worldwide. Most Chinese customs and festivals centre on the concept of prosperity being the chief goal in life. I do not question the value of money for the things if can afford you in life but many do lose sight of the things that money cannot buy. Any wonder than that the Beatles should sing "Money can't buy me love".
Blind subservience to authority – while respect for elders and authority is laudable, unquestioning and unthinking subservience is not. It leads to an environment of sycophancy where servile self-seekers attempt to win favour by flattering influential people. Our society seems to be plagued by the attitude that to say and do things that please the boss is the right and honorable way to be in his good books.
Suppression of the individual – while it is good to work as a team and put the goal of the group before one ‘s own interests, there is the danger that, put to the extreme, insistence on conformity and frowning on individual initiative would be detrimental to society in stifling the individual’s contribution.
Neglecting the worth of the individual and social consciousness - In the west, the handicapped are well looked after because of greater worth placed on each human being. Here, we tend to be more patronizing than helpful and Asian autocracies have no qualms about leaving an unfortunate few on the wayside so long as the majority does not object.
posted by Victor Lai @ 9:21 AM
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