In this day and age, there has been a long debate considering topic of so called Asian values. Are they better than Western values? Do pure Asian values still exist? The author of this essay believes that in XXI century, there is no such a thing as pure Asian or Western values. Our environment changes, therefore values do change as well. At the same time the author would like to show how influential they are on the societies. This essay will examine the Asian values concept in context of globalization and cultural infiltration. It will also compare them with so called Western values and show its’ implications. What were Asian values before and what are they now. How they evolve, and most importantly how they influence people’s behavior, society, and the whole economy.
The Mystery of Asian Values
In this day and age there has been a long debate considering topic of so called Asian Values. Are they better than Western values? Do pure Asian values still exist? I believe that in XXI century there is no such a thing as pure Asian or Western values. Our environment changes, therefore values do change as well. At the same time I would like to show how influential they are on the societies. I will examine the Asian values concept in context of globalization and cultural infiltration. I would like to compare them with so called Western Values and show its' implications. What were Asian values before and what are they now. How they evolve, and most importantly how they influence people's behavior, society, and the whole economy.
As an example it is of vital importance to take into consideration the following concept Kausikan (1997) which maintains that “every culture enlolves over time and no traditional cuture (Wastern or Asian) exists any longer in its pure form. A variety of views and beliefs are peresent in every society” (p.24-25 ). It presents us the idea that nowadays there is not such a a thing as pure Asian Values or Western Values. Due to globalisation and comminication,all the values mix with each other and infuse. There are genereal discrepancies in values of Asian and Western societies. Thats why for example those societies might have different conceptions of democracy (Visione, 2017) or differentiated understanding of human rights and its' execution (Sen, 2003). It is of crucial importance to take into consideration view of David Hitchcook. Basing on his work (Hitchcook 1994)
I have preapared the table presenting the vital part of it.
Table 1
Comparison of Asian Values and American Values
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While debating about Asian values we should mailny consider responsibilities of individuals to the society as whole, the role of the family, the integrity of public institutions, maintenance of law and order. On the other side while thinking of values which have western roots we should outline: extreme individualism, liberal democracy, western-style education, administration of justice, media and its role.
They might also be perceived as the primary source of conflict between different societies (Huntington 1997). At the same time we need to notice few basic values which are the same in both cultures such as hard work and self-reliance. It is vital to notice that foloowing values are just a base. There are not a values of every single teenager or even a grown person. At this day and age they are just a base, a base which in some parts is the same for the whole world. It stems from it that although people have different values, they are all somehow interconnected.
In conclusion, balance between different values is vital.The particular mix and variation that work best for the society will necessarily change over time. Adaptation is crucial no avoid so called economic pain. I would like to quote words which mention the importance of change. According to Kausikan (1997) ,,change is superior and necessary way of life, an instrument for improvement and advancement'' (p.26). No matter which values we perceive as more familiar, with which we identify, it is crucial to noticet the fact that even though we identify with them now, not necessarily our perception and exposure of them will be the same 10 years later . We should look at the values concept as at a plant. Although the base of values, the roots will remain the same, nevertheless, while the plant is growing it is evolving in different stages of its life. It changes. The same happens to our values and beliefs.
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- Quote paper
- Julia Krasnicka (Author), 2017, A Comparison of Asian Values and American Values, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1127860
