Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Chinese Traditional Culture’s Forum


The other day, me and mum were watching a dvd showing a forum and real- life video in China on how the people are neglecting their traditional Chinese cultures and humanity in modern days. In recent years, there has been a cultural shift from the society in China ranging from outrage over parenting to shocking revelation of consumer products. This cultural shift is deviating from well-known features of traditional Chinese culture, such as filial piety and honesty. There’s one particular episode that captures my attention which is also our main concern these days.

Consumers’ spending has grown over the years due to compelling marketing gimmicks and materialistic society. As a matter of fact, overspending or spending more than earning, has caused catastrophic failure in the society. This is contrary to the basis of Chinese traditional cultures which advocates living in modesty or living beyond your means. To illustrate this further, a Chinese woman in the forum shared her own plague which was caused by her spendthrift behavior. She recalled her desire for materialism by borrowing money from friends and relatives to buy luxury items and condos which leads her to a miserable life and costs her to sell off her inherited house to pay off all the debts. This is a rather mild case compare to another young man who was sentenced to imprisonment after failing to clear off his 7 credit card debts. These stories have taught us an invaluable lesson on the importance of being prudent before our spending habit grows out of control which leads to a critical crossroad in the future.

I once heard that human being cannot survive unless they create provision for future. We shall all start to save again and live in modesty in these difficult times before it’s too late for us to regret our own action. 

XOXO
Thrifty Cat