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(LI SHIGONG) |
For centuries, the saying "of all kindness, filial piety comes first," has long been a guide for moral behavior in China. Filial piety means to be obedient and respectful to one's parents. It holds a significant position in the Chinese moral framework. Children who exercise filial piety are generally called xiaozi in Chinese. Filial piety is seen as the prerequisite for many ethical concepts and the basis for moral standards in Chinese traditional culture.
Furthermore, the traditional moral standards also stress the connection between filial piety and care for the overall society. Gradually, this kind of love within a family was developed into the common moral code for the whole Chinese society.
The special committee of filial piety under the China Association of Ethics announced on October 30 that it aims to help 1 million children between the ages of 4 and 6 learn about filial piety within five years.
The initiative triggered heated debate. Supporters say that the golden period to nurture filial piety is between age 4 and 6, and the committee's plan to start such a program is a great innovation and is necessary. But opponents say this kind of program won't result in the expected results because people who have filial piety cannot be cultivated through any short-time programs.
Zhu Haitao (www.qianlong.com): Having filial piety will add to family harmony and happiness. Children who respect parents, show filial piety and feel grateful to their parents are more likely to develop good personalities. Children aged from 4 to 6 are most likely to accept education related to filial piety, and this thinking will get deep-rooted in their hearts once the seeds of filial piety are imbedded.
Filial piety is the basis of morality. A child's filial piety to his or her parents is an indication of their overall moral quality, and also the prerequisite for the sound development of all other moral factors. Children should first be kind to their parents before they can be good citizens. This project is necessary and should cover more children.
Yuan Guangkuo (www.xinhuanet.com): The biggest realistic significance of the xiaozi project is not how many "standard" xiaozi are nurtured, but to impart the concept of filial piety to the young people. Their respect and love to their parents and the senior people will set a good example to the rest of society. Filial piety is not easy to measure, but it can be nurtured and spread.
It's great to encourage the people to be kind and respectful to their parents, but I think it's ridiculous to train millions of young xiaozi through a certain project. A person's moral standard is mostly an acquired thing through training and education. First of all, their parents will offer them the first class about filial piety. If the parents do not respect their parents or senior people, in most cases, the children will follow suit. Secondly, school education is also very important. Teachers need to guide the students by confirming good deeds with praise and curbing bad habits with criticism. Finally, the influence of the social environment on the young is also critical. If justice always wins over injustice and good over evil, and every social member acts with credibility and self-discipline, then the children will naturally become respectful to others.
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