novelinnhs Chapter 100 Learning from the Damn!
Chapter 100 Learning from the Damn!
"Before we delve into the discussion, let's look at some data," Lin Wan said, pressing the remote control. Charts appeared on the large screen. "This is a recent survey report on young people's cultural identity. The data shows that over 60% of young people think Western culture is cooler, and over 50% think traditional Chinese culture is outdated. Yet, the main force behind the 'Guochao' (national trend) consumption is precisely this group of young people—this seems to be a contradictory phenomenon."
She turned to the guests: "Today, we will discuss three core questions. The first question: Is traditional Chinese culture no longer suitable for modern society?"
The camera cuts to Professor Chen.
Professor Chen adjusted his glasses, his tone serious: "I believe the answer to this question is very clear—yes, traditional Chinese culture is no longer suitable for modern society. Having studied culture for decades, I've come to the conclusion that the most prominent characteristic of Chinese culture is 'preservation,' while modern society needs 'innovation.' Look at our education system; it still emphasizes 'respect for teachers and the order of seniority,' which is essentially a hierarchical concept that suppresses the critical spirit and creativity of young people."
He looked at Wang Bo: "Wang Bo is a young man, and a creative artist, so he should have a deep understanding of this, right? When you're creating, do you ever feel that traditional culture is a constraint?"
This question was tricky, putting Wang Bo in a very difficult position.
If Wang Bo says "yes," it means he agrees with Professor Chen's point of view; if he says "no," Professor Chen can retort, "What do you, a trendsetter, know about traditional culture?"
The audience all looked at Wang Bo.
Su Xiaoxiao clenched her fists nervously.
Wang Bo picked up the microphone and calmly said, "Professor Chen's question is very interesting. First, I want to clarify one point—traditional culture is not monolithic; it has many layers. The 'respect for teachers and the way of the Way' you just mentioned is only one aspect of ethics. Traditional culture also contains the enterprising spirit of 'As heaven maintains vigor through movement, a gentleman should constantly strive for self-improvement,' the innovative consciousness of 'renewing oneself daily, and constantly renewing oneself,' and the inclusive mindset of 'harmony in diversity'—aren't these also suitable for modern society?"
Professor Chen was taken aback, not expecting Wang Bo to directly refute him, even citing classical texts.
Wang Bo continued: "As for whether my creations are bound by traditional culture... I'm quite the opposite. Many of my creative inspirations come from traditional culture. For example, the image of 'the free world in my heart' in 'Blue Lotus' is derived from the Buddhist concept of 'Pure Land'; the image of 'green mountains hidden among white clouds' in 'Travel' is adapted from the artistic conception of Chinese landscape painting. Traditional culture is not a constraint for me, but a source."
A low murmur arose from the audience, and many nodded in agreement.
Dr. Li interjected: "What Wang Bo said sounds good, but this is a reference point at the level of artistic creation. From a sociological perspective, the collectivism in traditional Chinese culture does indeed inhibit individual development. When I was doing research in the United States, I found that individualistic societies encourage risk-taking, innovation, and critical thinking—and these are precisely the core competitiveness of modern society."
Wang Bo turned to Dr. Li: "Dr. Li, you said that individualism encourages innovation, so I would like to ask—were the Four Great Inventions of ancient China born in an individualistic society? Was Zheng He's voyages to the Western Ocean the result of individual heroism? Were the achievements in poetry, painting, and science and technology during the Tang and Song dynasties all due to 'individual struggle'?"
Dr. Li opened his mouth, but was speechless for a moment.
Wang Bo pressed his advantage: "Furthermore, your understanding of 'collectivism' may be somewhat one-sided. The 'collective' in Chinese culture is not a collective that suppresses individuality, but a collective that 'remains harmonious despite differences.' Like a symphony, each instrument has its own sound, but together they form a symphony. What modern society needs is precisely this spirit of maintaining individuality while cooperating—and this is one of the essences of traditional Chinese culture."
Applause erupted, this time even more enthusiastic than before.
Seeing this, Editor-in-Chief Zhang elegantly spoke up: "Wang Bo's words are very inspiring. However, let's return to reality—is the 'Guochao' (national trend) that young people are currently chasing really out of love for traditional culture, as you say? I've interviewed many Guochao consumers, and they frankly admit that they buy domestic products because they are 'cheap', 'newly designed,' or simply because they think 'Chinese style is cool.' Isn't this kind of superficial symbolic consumption a manifestation of cultural inferiority? Because of a lack of genuine cultural confidence, they need external symbols to prove themselves."
This question is even more incisive, directly questioning the motives behind the rise of Chinese fashion trends.
Wang Bo laughed: "Editor-in-Chief Zhang, let me give you an example—if an American eats Chinese food, is it out of 'inferiority complex about Chinese culture,' or simply because he thinks it tastes good?"
Editor-in-Chief Zhang frowned: "This is different..."
“It’s the same,” Wang Bo interrupted her. “Cultural consumption and material consumption are essentially no different. Young people buy Chinese-style fashion products primarily because they are attractive, functional, and affordable. In this process, they come into contact with Chinese elements, develop an interest, and may then learn more about traditional culture—isn’t that a good thing? Why label this natural cultural dissemination as ‘inferiority complex’?”
He looked at the audience: "Even if some young people just think 'Chinese style is cool,' so what? At least they're starting to pay attention to their own culture. Cultural revival has always been a process from niche to mainstream, from the surface to the depths. If we deny young people's enthusiasm just because they don't 'understand' it enough, that's true cultural arrogance."
These words resonated deeply, and the audience erupted in enthusiastic applause.
Su Xiaoxiao watched in stunned silence from below the stage, nudging Su Yiyi: "Sis, Wang Bo... he's too amazing!"
Su Yiyi's eyes lit up, and she whispered, "What he said makes so much sense."
On stage, Professor Chen's expression was already quite unpleasant.
They even said they came to learn from us, learn your mother's ass.
He cleared his throat, trying to regain control of the conversation: "Wang Bo, you've said so much, but you've avoided a fundamental issue—traditional Chinese culture does indeed contain dross. For example, feudal ethics, male chauvinism, superstitious beliefs… Should we inherit these too? Western culture, after the Renaissance and the Enlightenment, has eliminated these dross and formed a more rational and egalitarian modern civilization. That's what we should learn."
Wang Bo nodded: "Professor Chen is right, traditional culture does have its dross, and it should be critically inherited. But I want to ask—doesn't Western culture have any dross? Colonialism, racial discrimination, alienation through consumerism…aren't these also the essence of modern civilization?"
His tone grew serious: "More importantly, your narrative that 'Western culture was baptized by the Renaissance and the Enlightenment' is itself debatable. What did the Renaissance revive? It revived ancient Greek and Roman culture. Many Enlightenment thinkers, such as Voltaire and Leibniz, were deeply influenced by Chinese culture."
"The formation of Western modern civilization has never been an isolated process, but rather it has absorbed the nourishment of various civilizations, including Chinese civilization."