Confucianism: The 2008 Beijing Olympic Opening Ceremony

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The concept of Asian history, specifically Chinese culture, has fascinated mankind for centuries. Its extensive and intricate past envelops an abundance of notions and ideas concerning religion, government, and ideology that contribute to the foundation of modern day China. Consequentially, the complexity of Chinese civilization evokes a rapidly growing desire in people to try and bring awareness to their culture by representing it in a simple but wholistic manner. The ability to approach an idea such as this one has intrigued many, yet they fail to account for the immense sophistication of Chinese history. Despite any opposition, the 2008 Beijing Olympic Opening Ceremony produced one of the most thrilling and diverse representations of east …show more content…

The teachings of Confucius not only greatly influenced Asian society, but established the foundation of many beliefs still upheld today. His historical significance led to his prominence in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Opening Ceremony. The most apparent example of Confucianism emerged towards the middle of the performance when thousands of people marched across the field holding scrolls. Their travels represent Confucius’s journey across eastern Asia as he desired to spread his wisdom to a multitude of naïve and corruptive rulers (Ebrey/Walthall). Unfortunately, this portion of the production merely highlighted the humanity aspect of Confucianism and failed to represent his other ideologies including propriety and government benevolence. Confucius heavily advocated for filial piety and overall rectitude, insinuating that “superiors looked after those dependent of them [and] inferiors devoted themselves to the service of their superiors.” (Ebrey/Walthall 26) In accordance, Confucius had a greater respect for those who fulfilled and honored their position in a moral hierarchy than those of noble birth. His perspective on government officials followed a similar protocol, stating that “if the people have no faith in their rulers, there is no standing for the state.” (Legge 12.7) Confucius promoted his philosophies of propriety and government benevolence just as much as he vindicated humanity; however, the 2008 Beijing Olympic Opening Ceremony failed to portray these

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