At the invitation of People's Daily Online, Xia Xueluan, a sociology professor at Peking University, Edith Sizoo, president of the Paris Panos Institute, and Jean-Paul Delattre, commissioner for the Charles Leopold Meyer Foundation for the Progress of Humankind mainly in charge of collaboration with China, visited the Strong China Forum on June 28th, and briefed netizens on the subject of the change in the cultural values of the Chinese and Europeans, from their own unique perspectives.
Xia Xueluan (left), a sociology professor at Peking University, Edith Sizoo (middle), president of the Paris Panos Institute, and Jean-Paul Delattre, commissioner for the Charles Leopold Meyer Foundation for the Progress of Humankind mainly in charge of collaboration with China, briefed netizens on the subject of the change in the cultural values of the Chinese and Europeans on Strong China Forum on June 28, 2007.
Importance of cultural exchange between China and Europe
It is widely acknowledged that different places breed different cultures, and new thoughts and concepts will come into being thanks to the communication and collision of different cultures. Without a doubt, exchanges among different cultures will bring about changes.
At this point, Professor Xia noted that the process of cultural exchange between China and Europe would accelerate the advancement of Chinese culture that includes both traditional values of filial obedience and friendship, and modern ones of competition, fairness and honesty. It would also promote the development of European culture.
The key to cultural communication lies in the broadening of cultural vision. Different cultures undergo the challenge of recognizing one another. People with different cultural backgrounds feel the effects of cultural shock, and will be prompted to reflect on their own culture that they have taken for granted.
The collision and shock will effectively push forward cultural reform and progress, and cement the cultural exchange between China and Europe.
Mainstream culture in China and Europe
"I personally attest that mainstream culture at present is harmoniously developing," said professor Xia. A harmonious culture, to some extent, is a part of harmonious development, and the idea of building a harmonious culture has gone global. Peace and harmony is consequently regarded as the mainstream in Chinese culture.
Culture serves as a basis for the economy, and building a harmonious culture serves the purpose of building of a society that is well-off all around. Now, European culture shows a tendency towards integration: the European Parliament was established in accordance with the Europe integration process and global development.
However, the process never denies the existence of cultural variety within European countries, and is consistent with tendency to maintain the self-recognition of a national culture and development of a regional culture. The experience that European countries have in handling the relationship between globalization and regional issues offers China a lesson that merits attention.
Should French culture be blamed for France's backwardness in Europe?
Jean-Paul Delattre explained that France has a smaller population than any other European country, and has not been a colonial empire for fifty years. It is said that France��s economic growth, with an annual growth rate of two percent, is rather weak in comparison with China's, which stood at ten percent.
"However, on a different note, France deserves the title of a developed country in that the French people enjoy a free and high-quality medical care system, and high speed railway system (TGV). In addition, these facts are irrelevant to French culture," he added.
A national culture, in its initial stage, should be a mutual understanding among its people, and furthermore, between itself and other countries. When approached from a different angle, the minds of French people are more open, for instance, than those of Americans. French people have a broader global outlook. If these advantages can be put into full use, France will re-emerge on the international stage.
Do globalization and the Internet strangle regional culture?
"I firmly believe that globalization and the Internet will not strangle the cultural value of certain countries or regions, " said Edith Sizzo. Globalization is just a type of economic phenomenon, and it is closely associated with the free market's theory of advantage: liberalism or neo-liberalism.
The free exchange of products does not mean that the idea and values governing human interaction will change. The fact that France and the Netherlands opposed the adoption of the EU constitution can be regarded as a rejection of a Europe dominated by the values of a new liberalism which will weaken social security.
As for the Internet, it will continue to provide human beings with more information and help facilitate the exchange of thought and expertise. Although it does influence people��s personal ideas, it will, without a doubt, enrich one��s spirit.
However, there are many countries that continuously enrich their standards of living, carry forward traditions, and promote their domestic products. Why? It is because they are afraid of losing their own identity in the midst of globalization.
Where does the cultural disparity between China and Europe lie?
Jean-Paul Delattre held that the cultural disparity between Europe and China lay in the relevant conditions of mentality, of individual and social conduct, and of politics.
The biggest difference in cultures is the image that each one holds for the other: the Chinese people are afraid of losing face, especially losing face in front of their western counterparts. Although it is an advantage of Chinese culture; it also hinders mutual understanding among different cultures. Most westerners are more straightforward, and are not afraid of losing face. This can be regarded as an advantage, as long as it does not become extreme.
By People's Daily Online
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