A forum tonight aims to promote relations with Columbia’s Chinese sister city.
Many people might feel confused when talking about Confucianism, an ethical and philosophical system that emerged in China about 2,500 years ago. Even fewer people are familiar with “li,” “xin,” “jen,” “hsiao,” “yi” and “chung,” the most basic values of Confucianism. They represent rituals, honesty, benevolence, family duty, righteousness and loyalty, respectively.
But George Frissell, a teacher in the language arts department at Hickman High School, thinks this traditional Oriental philosophy can still have its influence today not just in China, but also in modern American society.
“Values (in Confucianism) are universal,” Frissell said. “For example, he (Confucius) values honesty and goodness over material success.”
This is important in all societies, especially in a materialist society such as America’s, Frissell added.
Frissell will be the main speaker at tonight’s Confucius Forum, which is being organized by the Columbia Friends of China and will be held just one day before Confucius’ 2,557th birthday. The forum is intended to promote a friendly relationship between Columbia and its sister city Laoshan in the Qingdao province of China.
“The essence of Confucianism is fairness, equality and respectfulness,” said Frissell, who received the Columbia Values Diversity Award in 2004 for his efforts to integrate culture, history and the contribution of all groups into the Hickman curriculum. The award is given out by the city’s Office of Community Services.
He said those Confucian values can be maintained and adapted to a modern society.
By teaching Confucianism and participating in activities such as the Confucius Forum, Frissell hopes to promote a more diverse community in Columbia.
This is the same wish of Hsiao-Mei Wiedmeyer, president of the Columbia Friends of China, who set up the first Chinese language school in Columbia 25 years ago.
Though many Americans know the name “Confucius,” Wiedmeyer said most of them have little idea about the principles of Confucianism. She said tonight’s forum will be a good way to begin introducing more Chinese culture to mid-Missouri.
Kong Xiangping, a 75th-generation descendant of Confucius who came to MU as a visiting scholar this year, conceded there is a large difference between the collective thinking of Confucianism and the individual mentality of Western philosophy but said the two converge in many ways.
For example, she said, both philosophies stress helping, loving and respecting each other.
Wiedmeyer also sees these similarities. “American families that have adopted Chinese children are practicing Confucius’ idea of taking care of young and old people even though they are not your relatives or families,” she said.
Jim Lowary’s family is a case in point. He adopted Melissa, a Chinese girl, nine years ago in Wuxi, China. As a member of the Mid-Missouri Chinese Association, he hopes Melissa can learn more about Chinese culture, including Confucianism, in the future.
Paul Fox, a pastor in the International Community Church at MU, holds the influence of Confucianism on Chinese culture in high regard. One good example of Confucius’ legacy, Paul said, is reflected in the Chinese philosophy of education. While American students think quickly and talk vividly in the classroom to challenge their teachers’ ideas, most Chinese students are more accustomed to keeping quiet as a way of respecting and honoring their teachers.
Paul also attributes the success of many Asian-Americans, who have been regarded as a model minority, to the combination of American individuality and the educational ideals of Confucius.
“Chinese families in America can learn both kinds of education to help them prepare their children’s future,” he said. “Americans cannot understand China without understanding Confucianism.”