A part of a guideline issued by China's State Council in January which says that Di Zi Gui, a book from the Qing Dynasty, should be included in the curriculum of elementary schools has resulted in different opinions from the public.
The Book and Its Confucian Origin
Di Zi Gui, or Standards for Being a Good Pupil and Child, is an ancient text for children that talks about moral values and etiquette. It was written by Li Yuxiu in the Qing Dynasty during the reign of the Kangxi Emperor.
The book was based on the teachings of the famous Chinese philosopher Confucius, particularly from his Analects which says: "A young man should be a good son at home and an obedient young man abroad, sparing of speech but trustworthy in what he says, and should love the multitude at large but cultivate the friendship of his fellow men. If he has any energy to spare from such action, let him devote it to making himself cultivated."
On Opposing Opinions
A Global Times report said that opposing opinions from the public arose from the plan of introducing this book to the school curriculum.
One side has been saying that it will promote "mindless obedience" of children to parents or other authorities.
The more receptive-to-the-plan side has been pointing to the "essence of culture" that it can promote.
Expert Xu Fanchi from the Nanshe Traditional Culture Research Institute in Jiangsu Province considered Di Zi Gui as an exaggeration to obedience with its promotion of unquestioning submission to parents and teachers, the Global Times reported.
Xu even said that this book has been used in pyramiding schemes to condition the minds of the members to unreservedly follow the people at higher positions.
Furthermore, Xu said, "Familial devotion cannot be taught in a single activity; it develops through the years with the parents setting themselves as examples."
On the other hand, Zhang Jian of China's Ministry of Education said that people, including experts, have misinterpreted the book leading them to think the book is wrong.
Ren Dengdi, an expert from the Chinese Culture Department of the Beijing Mingyuan University, also told the Global Times that the teaching of Di Zi Gui, although it may go against the critical thinking of the Western culture, is the essence of the Chinese culture.
The book can help preserve the Chinese society by instilling in children the respect for parents and authorities, thereby maintaining the power of rulers and social order, according to Ren.