Reading Notes W3, The Song Of Ch`un Hyang, Part B


The Song of Ch`un-Hyang (page 74-89) 
Confucianism is described as tradition, a philosophy, a religion, a humanistic or rationalistic religion, a way of governing, or simply a way of life.
It developed from what was later called the Hundred Schools of Thought from the teachings of the Chinese philosopher Confucius.  Confucianism, like many other traditions and religions are inherited values. The issue is that individuals are not given the opportunity to develop their own values and ways of thinking. Yet, traditions and religion, for many leaders in the 18th century was a practical and effective way to rule a society.
Another argument against tradition and religion it creates a hierarchical framework, making another human being inferior to another in some way. It takes a way man’s free will. The problem
·       The magistrate is determined to bend Ch`un -Hyang will by jailing and torturing her.
·       The magistrate is supposed to be a man of honor, but he has no honor for anyone else.
The song of Ch`un Hyang was a peaceful and astute method of opposing Confucian values.
Confucianism did not respect women, they were looked at as an object. The treasurer referred to Ch`un Hyang as a piece of property to be owned – “She is a pretty little piece. Very well formed.”  Objects with no prominence “What have loyalty and faithfulness to do with people of your sort?”  Ch`un replies with irrefutable wisdom “A woman’s virtue is the same for high ranks and low (82).
What type of religion or simple way of life involves the execution of a noble woman who refuses to go against the very values set by her executioner.  Proves that religion in the heart of some men are about power not love.
The executioner, is a man of compassion, but no authority.” Then he stood still and said to her quietly: Just stand a couple of blows. I can’t avoid it, but thrash your legs about wildly, as though it were hurting more than it does” (84).
If Confucianism was their philosophy of life, why did none of the spectators, officers included, stand for what was right. To fight for the values their country was built on. Why was there no one higher than the governor that could intervene?
Confucianism was not about love, ethics, or a simple way of living, however of social class and power.  It is the same today, money and societal position rule the world; they develop principles that is befitting for their way of living. Their conduct is exempt from the standards they expect of others.

 
“Confucianism.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 5 Feb. 2018, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confucianism.


          

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