The Confucian virtue of Chun Tzu Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

The Confucian virtue of Chun Tzu - Essay Example One aspect in American society that I feel Chun tzu would work especially well is in our current politics. One might assume that Te, or power, would be most closely associated with politics and politicians, but I do not think this is the case in America. We seem to be in a state of perpetual bickering and insults between individual politicians and political parties. I cannot help but notice that all of these individuals seem to be extremely insecure, regardless of how they present themselves to the media and the American people. Chun tzu practiced by the politicians of the United States would change the whole nature of political discourse. Discussion would be elevated above the sniping remarks and one-line zingers that seem to dominate the day. Instead, discourse would focus on ideas, not put-downs. Chun tzu would encourage the mature tolerance of opposing ideas while at the same time inspiring one to present an opposing view in a way that is influential but not confrontation or demeaning. Like the consummate host or hostess, politicians would find plenty to perhaps disagree with, but would refrain from being disagreeable. Another aspect of American culture that would greatly benefit from the virtue of Chun tzu is the writing that drives the interactions between people in our movies and our television shows. So much of what is available seems to focus on making other people uncomfortable as a means of getting a laugh or building drama. After watching shows that are written this way, Americans are a little less sensitive to one another. Coarse language is easier to use and the feelings of others are less important, especially if it makes someone laugh. Chun tzu allows plenty of room for the writing of great dramas and comedies. It does not indicate that there is never conflict between individuals and institutions. It does imply that if there is conflict, however, resolving the conflict is best so relations can be mended. Much of the entertainment in America seems determined to create strife and division between individuals. Especially troubling for Americans at this time is the fact that immature comme nts are not confined to entertainment through the media. Knowing how to behave as a fan at a baseball game or how to enjoy a play without annoying those around you seems to be an art that is being lost. In politics, entertainment and society, a large dose of Chun tzu is necessary so that mature individuals and actions are not looked upon as outside the norm, but are actually the norm for us all. Journal #10 The Taoist term wu wei or water is one that I think could be easily misunderstood in the West. The idea of water does not exactly lend itself to thinking about something powerful in to people in the West. We are full of ideas about water as a natural resource, as a means of transportation. In some ways, Westerners may view water in slightly pejorative terms. Water follows the path of least resistance. Not exactly a show of strength or vigor. Wu wei is a show of force for the Taoist. Not this â€Å"Hey everybody, look at me!† type of force. It is more like a silent, flowing river. There are no rapids to suggest the immense power of erosion the river is exerting on the surface of the Earth. There is no indication of sediment load or chemical interaction with the surrounding bedrock. Yet all of this is happening right before our eyes in a seemingly effortless display of force. Key to this idea of wu wei is the fact that each river finds its own course. It is true that rivers do follow the path of least resistance. Far from making them lazy, this path which the lay of the land and the power of