Message from skroop

[Anonymous]

The presentation by Yunxiang Yan on Individualism in China was new to me as I am more likely to think of Western society when considering individualism. In teaching AP European History one of the important aspects of the course themes includes “Individualism and Prosperity.” Following this lecture, I think there are some very clear contrasts between the “individual” of Western society in comparison to the individual of traditional China. Even in comparing Maoist China 1949-1976, I think I personally picture the “individual” in relation to society and their obligation to others in society. One particular phrase shared by Mr. Yan that stood out to me was looking at the “The Chinese Individual as a process of becoming (rather than as a structure of being) and the central notion of making oneself a person.”

This is very different from an Americanized view of believing that we were born with a particular set of rights. The traditional Chinese views of abortion and marriage are also affected by the views of the individual. The idea that abortion is not viewed the same way as it is in other countries as a result of the fetus or newborn not being a “full person.” That everything is earned and there is no right to privilege. Also in that marriage, having a child, and having your child have a child, all are aspects that make someone more “full” as a person. On the other hand, if your child does not marry, when they should, it is viewed as a failure on the parent.

Question:
I know that much of this concept of the individual changed during the Maoist Era, but how much of these traditional views on marriage and abortion still exist to some extent today?