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Confucius was a philosopher who was born more than 2500 years ago in China, and his ideas have become central to China’s identity. His ideas became Chinese imperial philosophy and they were especially popular during the pivotal Han and Tang and Song Dynasties. Today, China is working to broaden not only its economic and diplomatic power, but also its cultural influence, and is looking back to Confucianism for help. China hopes that extending their soft power will lead to an increase in its ability to export Chinese values as well. But this story finds that Chinese values may not be applicable across all cultures. Listen to hear more about this soft-power powerhouse and how a centuries-old philosopher still leads a nation.
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Story Length: 6:53
© 2008 National Public Radio, Inc. Used with the permission of NPR. All rights reserved.
04/02/2008
https://app.listenwise.com/students/lessons/351-confucius-and-chinese-culture
Why is China a soft-power powerhouse? What are some examples of its soft power?
Why is exporting values more difficult than exporting culture?
Is China’s rapid economic growth worth emulating? What are the two sides to this argument?
If you were an advisor in China’s current government, how would you advise they use the soft power of Confucianism? How would you address the concerns with China’s rapid economic growth?
Why does it matter if the so-called “Beijing Consensus” is suited only for China?
The Positive and Negative Images of China
What in this story creates a positive image of China? What in this story creates a negative image of China? Complete the chart by finding evidence from the story for each column. Use specifics and quote details.
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