Friday, September 26, 2014

Blog #27 - Confucian Values in America

We've read about Chinese philosopher, Confucius, and his five relationships.  These relationships emphasized both governmental and personal morality, and proper relationships between the governed and the ruler.  His teachings gained dominance over Legalism, Daoism and Buddhism during the Han Dynasty (200 B.C.E. - 200 C.E.), and most of his writings are known in the book, The Analects of Confucius

We looked at the five relationships that he felt built the foundation of a moral society:
1. Ruler to ruled
2. Father to son
3. Older brother to younger brother
4. Husband and wife
5. Friend to friend

In each relationship, there is an obligation to one another - the one in the superior relationship has to be an example of proper behavior while the person in the lower relationship must provide obedience.  Much of this is based upon an emphasis on the family or filial piety.  And, unlike American individualism, Confucius believed that family and the good of society should come before the interests of society. 

In his teachings, he emphasized setting a moral example for others.  He felt that this was key above all else, especially for rulers: to lead by example instead of imposing a set of rules.  So, if you'd want your people to save money, the rulers should also do the same thing and be careful how they spend their tax money. 

So, in America, my question for you is:
1. Where do you see Confucian values?  Elaborate w/ specifics. 
or do the opposite - Which parts of American life could use some Confucian values?  Why? 

Your comment should be a minimum of 200 words and is due by Thursday, Oct. 2 by the beginning of class. 

27 comments:

Sean Sullivan said...

Confucian values are represented in many ways here in America. Confucian values are all about mutual respect and how relationships affect the people they come in contact with. With this mutual respect, people learn how to act in society from their elders or public leaders. Leaders are expected to behave when in public, and if they mess up, we scrutinize and disrespect them because of it.

Parents teach their children to respect their elders and be nice to their siblings. These two things that most parents tell their children originally come from the ancient Confucian values of Zao and Shu. These represent the Five Principal Relationships of Confucianism. Children are told to respect their elders because children still need to learn how to behave in public and the ways to treat other people who they may not know. Parents want to teach this principal to their children so they do not grow up rude and disrespectful.

Another example of Confucius values in America is the amendment that allows every American a fair and speedy trial when accused of a crime. This is based on the mutual respect and the Confucian value of Ren. This is the value in the good of mankind. Because of this, Americans are innocent until proven guilty in a fair trial.

America shows many types of Confucian values. Because of it, we have become more respectful to our elders and we have improved our behavior in public.
America has become a more respectful and more structured society.

Nathaniel Abbott said...

There is evidence of Confucius principles in America. One example is ruler to rule in school as principle to student. The principle is supposed to direct the students and show them a good example, and the students are to respect and listen to the principle. The principle is in control of the school like the ruler would be in charge of a state and they direct the students like they would people living in the state. There is also evidence of friend to friend in television shows depicting the people and their communications showing how they should respect each other. There is evidence of father to son depicted in movies that show how the father should guide the son and teach him, and how the son should respect the father. They also show how the father and son should help each other if needed. There is also depiction of husband to wife in shoes that depict a family, their relationships with each other. The husband and wife should care for each other, help each other and raise their children. Examples of older brother to younger brother can be seen in books and movies. The older brother should teach the younger brother stuff he learned before him and help him when he needs it. The younger brother should also respect the older brother because he knows more than him.

Anonymous said...

Jay Griffin 3rd Hr

A Confucian value I see a lot in today culture that needs to be improved upon is the father to son relationship. For example in the television show family matters the father is portrayed as a loving father who will do anything to take care of his family. In the show the father would always support the son no matter his decision and he would always be behind his sons decisions. But in today’s society fathers don’t do as much for their sons as family matters would portray. In today society a lot of fathers don’t want to have the stress of having a child and will just have a child and not want anything to do with the child or mother. Fathers today the ones that actually will stay with the father may be lazy and just sit on the couch and watch television they depend on the mother for everything to cook, clean, and feed him. But what fathers don’t know is that he worlds changing and that they will need to do more for their child because they’re breaking Confucianism by not dealing with moral conduct and ethical living. Because messing with your children isn’t allowed in Confucianism.

Autumn Childress 3rd Hour said...

Today in America there is Confucianism in ruler to ruled. This is an example because in America we have a president that rules over us and makes the big decisions (with our stay) like new laws and deals with the military. Another example of ruler to ruled is the game show Jeopardy because the game show host is the ruler and the contestants are under his control.

Friend to friend is not seen in America today because although people are friends and respect each other, one is not in charge of another one simply because they’re older.

Older brother to younger brother is sometimes seen in America because older brothers sometimes might like to boss the younger brothers around and vice versa. However, older brothers do not completely dominate younger brothers. On the TV show, Drake and Josh, Drake is the older brother and typically pushes Josh around but doesn’t completely control him.

Father to son is typically seen in America because most fathers watch over their sons and the sons listen to them. That is how most people are raised; by listening to their parents.

The Confucianism belief of husband to wife isn’t seen much in America because the relationship between the two are equal in the relationship. Some husbands may dominate the wife but it is very rare.

There are a few Confucianism beliefs in America today but most faded away as civilizations developed.

Erinn Costello said...




Confusion in America

Confucianism has spread throughout the world over time since it was created by Confucian long ago. American society has experienced it even if the people don’t realize, the simple laws of Confucianism have always been around them.
Ruler to ruler is shown greatly throughout America. Our ruler is the President. The so called ruled people are us the citizens of the United States. Our government is a democracy meaning we vote, and our ruler sometimes makes larger decisions. Confucianism says the ruler must protect his people, in America the president has to make correct choices to protect his people from war or destruction. On the other hand the citizens need to respect their ruler. Even thought sometime the different parties dislike the president they have to respect that he is making the decisions, and he has to respect that he needs to make the right decisions to the people will be safe.
Confusions other teachings were wife to husband. Now days in America the husband and wife have equal positions, mostly. In most households both the wife and husband work and take care of the family. They need to show great respect for each other to make this happen. Though times get stressful they need to be able to work together to support their family. If they don’t have a family they need to work hard to continue to love each other and support themselves.
Confusions teachings have shaped many civilizations even if the people don’t know the exact teaching, everyone one is taught to respect others.

Unknown said...

Cristion Williams 3rd period 9/28/14
Confucian value is all around America I notice and I`m around it everyday. The one Confucian value relationship I honor is Mother to Son.

Mother to Son is in America because married couples divorce and the child is most likely to live with their mother. In that scenario the mother is the ruler and the son is the subject. For example I live with my mother and she`s the ruler and I`m the subject. She`s the ruler because when she tells me to do something I do such as take out the trash that’s what makes me the subject. One Confucian value that’s not in America a lot is Friend to Friend. The reason why because friends don’t really listen to each other because they are to the same value. Another reason friends don’t listen to each other because they are not related family wise. The Confucian value that all of America follows in Ruler to Ruled. For example Obama is the ruler and all of America is the subject. We are the subjects because when Obama changes a law we follow the law. Obama is the ruler because if we do not follow the law there will the consequences

Claire Cassar said...

Confucianism in America
Confucianism is an idea of teaching based on moral order in society. Features of Confucianism have lasted through years of history in many parts of the world. In America, bringing some aspects of Confucian teachings to our tradition would benefit society
A relationship between the governed and the ruler is present in our country, but not as much as it should be. According to Confucius, the superior rule the citizens. In return, the citizens should obey the superiors. This rule should be enforced more deeply to bring order. If more citizens were to follow their superiors' laws, then America would be structured the way Confucius encourages. Along with the idea that the people follow the government, the government should be strong leaders. Confucianism also says that people should practice their own teachings. Government officials especially need to be role models so that the whole country can be better. In order for the country to be uniform, everyone, rulers and citizens included, need to follow the law.
Another Confucius value is that before the desires of society, family and the good of society should come first. Some Americans tend to value objects more than the people who mean the most to them and the well being. This should change so America can value the people needed to help society thrive rather than objects that can easily be lived without.
Confucianism is present in America, but not as greatly as it would be to be a stronger country. If Americans were to all follow the rules and be good role models, as well as valuing the good of society and family, then our country would be even stronger.

Anonymous said...

James Shelton 3rd hour


I see the Confucius values ruler to ruled in America because Obama is the ruler and we are the ruled. Obama is the president and he rules over us the people he makes the decisions that will make America and us happy. But, we do have the power to over rule the president if we don’t like a law that was passed. An example would be Obama care he said that it would help the people that don’t have enough money for health insurance but , lately people have been complaining about the more you use it the more money you have to pay. Obama care was one of things that didn’t help the people.I also see the Confucius rule husband and wife, this rule is very crucial because now a days you see the husbands abusing their wife and its horrible. The Confucius said that “husband and wife shall be like ying and yang” because they come togther to make one and the parents also have to set and example for the rule older brother to younger because if they see them fighting then they will think its ok to do it to each other.

Michael Homer said...

One place I see Confucius values is the US government. In the government I see the Confucius value that is the rulers and ruled must have a good relationship to build a foundation or moral society. The relationship must be good between the rulers and the ruled because the ruler gets voted by the ruled and makes laws to help the ruled feel safe. Therefore the ruler must have a good foundation is made from a good relationship between the ruler and the ruled.
The second place I see Confucius values is in an everyday household. There are three important relationships in a household one is between a father and son, the second is between an older and younger brother, and the last is between a husband and wife.
As I said the first relationship is between a father and son. A father raises the son and is there for him all the time most kids and their fathers do fun activities together for fun and enjoy being in the others company. A father and son bond is very important in a family.
A sibling bond is something that both brothers will need growing up. Having a older or younger sibling bond will be beneficial later on in life, you and your siblings will need to depend on each other in time of need and if there is no bond or a bad relationship than you might not feel welcome asking for help.
A relationship between a husband and wife must be good especially if they have children. The marriage bond is a special bond and should not be broken because it is a foundation for the marriage.

Dahvi Lupovitch said...

Confucius was the founder of Confucianism. Confucius thought of five principles that were to be used in Confucianism to maintain order throughout the people who followed him. Confucius’ five relationships are everywhere in the United States. For example, a ruler and a subject can be found in a classroom, the ruler being the teacher and the subject being the student. Also, the “Father to Son” relationship can obviously be found in most homes. The five relationships are needed in the United States because without them the world would be completely chaotic. In each of these relationships, the superior of the two is more experienced and carries more wisdom than the other which is why the latter is told what to do by the superior. The inferior must be obedient to the other not just because they are likely to be younger, but because they are inexperienced. Although Confucius’s principle relationship between a husband and wife is not used today, during the time of Confucius, women were considered to be inferior to men. Therefore, a woman being obedient to a man was one of the five principles. Because of this it is important to maintain these relationships throughout the United States.

Kennedy Brown said...

Kennedy Brown 3rd Hour
Confucian Values
I see Confucian Values in older sibling to younger sibling. I see this because the older sibling usually looks after/protects the younger sibling. The younger sister and/or brother are supposed to trust their sibling. If they don’t then there really isn’t a relationship between the two.
The Confucian Values between the parents to children could be used more. This could be used more because; when the child is told to something they disobey the adult. This is a poor relationship. If the relationship is bad, then when the child grows up the parent and son and/or daughter won’t have anyone to go to for advice. It’s the same thing with the sibling to sibling. You want to have a great relationship with your siblings, because when your parents are gone you want close family members to be with you.
The parts of American life that could use more Confucian Values are friend to friend. Friends should support your decisions even if they make mistakes. Sometimes they can’t help their wrongful mistakes. Friends should be happy for the other friend. In today’s society friends get mad at the slightest things and turn it into this huge argument and sometimes/most of the times never get over it. They have the worst reactions. So eventually what’s don’t is done. Back then when friends got into fight mostly they would get over it. Friends should always stick together, because without friends your life would be so much harder. You would have nobody to share everything with. So all in all, the Confucian Value that could be used in America today is friend to friend.

Rachel Berg said...

There are many Confusion Values that we see in our society and some that we should see more. The five values are ruler to ruled, father to son, older brother to younger brother, husband and wife, friend to friend. All of these Confusion values are shown in different ways throughout the world.

The fist value is the relationship between a ruler to the ruled. We see this in America because we have a president, who makes the final decision for our country. Another example of the Value could also be a governor of a state or even a mayor to a town. A great example of this that we experience first hand is a parent to a child. The parents “rule” the house and their children have to follow what they say otherwise there are consequences. Ruler to ruled is practiced all over our country weather it’s the president to his people or parents in a home.

The second value is father between son or mother to daughter. This can be shown in many ways good or bad. The way where it can be shown in a good way is when a mother or father asks their child to do chores for them. An example of this Confusions Value displayed incorrectly would be when a child disrespects their parents or does not follow their rules. These are examples of this value being practiced correctly and incorrectly.

The fourth relationship is connected by husband and wife. This is a very important value because you need to be honest with you wife/husband. If you are not honest in our relationship it will end very badly. A situation where this bond is being performed incorrectly is when a husband or wife cheats on the other. These are both very realistic examples of when this relationship is being done appropriately and improperly.

These are the first, seconded, and fourth Confucius values. These are important to our everyday lives how we live them.

Heather Flannery said...

In America, there are some Confucian values still present. I see Confucian values within Americans and their everyday life with ruler to subject, but with more modern day examples such as the relationship between principles and students. Principles are also known as the “rulers” of the school and students can be thought of as the “subjects”. The principles are thought of, and should be respected by all of the students and even the other teachers in the school. I also believe that the majority of Confucian principles are related to the principle of ruler to subject. Most principles involve an elder and a youth that is required to respect their elders. Such principles include parent to child, older brother to younger brother, and older friend to younger friend. With the relationship of parent to child, it shows that the youth should respect their elders. Other Confucian principles that are still currently present is American life is Shu. Shu consists of “do not unto others what you would not want others to do unto you”. This is similar to the phrase “treat others how you want to be treated”. Everyone wants to be respected and treated in a good way, so treating others the way you want to be treated is a prime way to receive this respect. There are also Confucian organizing principles that include status, age, and gender. Presently, gender is not as big of a factor in determining organizing principles between men and women. Being a certain age also has an effect on many rules and regulations such as the age to apply for a job, they age to enter a contest, or certain laws that have a minimum age level to participate such as the drinking age. Confucian principles are still present in American time and I believe that they will continue to be in effect for years to come.

Anonymous said...


I see Confucianism in America by doing ruler to ruled, father to son, older sibling to younger sibling, husband to wife and friend to friend. In my household there is older sibling to younger sibling shown. My sister and I have a good relationship and I follow my sister and I do what she asks of me. My sister also is a good role model and shows good behavior towards me, which is what they do in Confucianism. The superior person in the relationship has good behavior and the inferior person in the relationship has to obey the superior person in the relationship. In Confucianism the ruler set examples for the ruled and that is exactly what my sister and I do. Confucius believed in setting moral examples, usually the superior people in the relationship would do that duty. My sister represents this duty by setting examples for me and being a role model. She shows good behavior and proper manners when in public. She also sets an academic example by getting all A’s and getting into a great college and I want to follow in her path. She also sets a good social example, as in she has a good personality and doesn’t associate with bad people. This makes me want to act like her and do all the thing she does and be just as successful.
McKenna Moosekian

Jackie Sullivan said...

I see Confucian values in American in father to son, older brother to younger brother, husband to wife, and friend to friend relationships. In some of these cases Confucius values are shown and other relationships need Confucius values. As time has changed and different relationships form, changes with how people treat one another have happened.
In a Confucius father son relationship, a father has to act like a father by protecting and taking care for his son. The son provides obedience and looks up to his father. Instead of the son respecting his father and the father respecting his son, this is sometimes violated. In today’s society, a lot father to son relationships need Confucius values. Some sons do not even have fathers because they left the family or passed away. Also some fathers abuse their sons or the son constantly disrespects their father. This is also the case with mother to daughter relationships.
These values are similar in an older brother to younger brother Confucius relationship. In the relationship, the older brother is supposed to watch out for his younger brother. The older brother not looking out for his younger brother can violate this value.
In a Confucius husband to wife relationship, the wife has resbonsibilty to represent the family. Also, the husband has to honor his wife. The husband also has to make a living and provide for his family. Today, sometimes these values are violated. In some cases, the wife is abused by her husband. Women are also becoming more independent and can provide for themselves. The wife can also work and make a living for her family.
In a Confucius friend to friend relationship, friends are supposed to be trustworthy and do the best for each other. Today, friend’s sill do that for each other. And I truly believe that will never change. Sometimes this relationship is violated when “friends” tell each other’s secrets, lie or make something up about each other, or bully one another. True friends that follow all the friend-to-friend relationship values are hard to find, and that shouldn’t be so rare.
Confucius relationships like father to son, older brother to younger brother, husband to wife, and friend to friend values should be followed. With time and the different relationships, the ways people treat one another have gotten worse. We should all follow the Confucius values to have better relationships with one another.

Alexis Arbaugh said...


Confucius Five Relationship that he felt built the foundation of moral society are seen today in the American society. The first relationship of Confucius is ruler to ruled can be compared to the president and the people today. This relationship means that the ruler, rather it be king, queen, president, etc, rules over the people and the people have loyalty and respect for the ruler. Just like today, the president rules over the people and the people have loyalty and respect towards him. The second relationship is father to son can be compared to my life with my mother and I. Father to son means the father has the power over the son. For example he can regulate where he goes, what he does, who he hangs out with, and what he can do. I can relate to this because my mom does all of this to me, because she kind of runs my life because I am not old enough to do so. I do what she says because I have the upmost respect for her as she does me.
The third relationship of Confucius is older brother to younger brother can be related to my life in the sense that my older brother is kind of the boss of my younger brother. This relationship means that the younger brother kind of bows down to the older brother because he is older and has more life experience and therefore knows more. This is the same situation at my house because my younger brother followers my older brother around like since he is older he knows more about life than my younger brother does. The fourth Confucius value is husband to wife and in some households it is true but in others it might be the opposite or an equal partnership. In some American households the husband runs the house; tells the wife what to do, where to go, etc. In other houses the wife runs things. But I think that in most households in America the relationship is an equal partnership. The fifth and last Confucius relationship is friend to friend. I believe that this is the only relationship is mostly equal. Friends that are in the same grade usually treat each other the same, like they each had equal power in the relationship. But there are some acceptations to the rule, sometimes when it’s an older and a younger friend the relationship is not equal. The older friend believes that since they are older they have the power over the younger friend. Even though Confucius created the Five Relationship a very long time ago, they are still seen today in the same concept that they were created. These relationships lasted for so long because they are the important foundation for any kind of relationship.

Natalia B. said...

Where do you see Confucian values?
In America, most of the Confucian values are exposed everywhere. The first relationship, Ruler to Ruled, is still in action today, with President Barack Obama and the 300 million U.S residents. We show respect towards him as in return, he protects our country from danger. America also still uses Father to Son relationships. A father needs to display a proper example for the son to see so he can be a successful person. In addition, this relationship also includes Mother to Daughter. Another rule that America still embraces is with siblings, (Older brother to Younger brother). Their job is to show a good example so families can run smoothly and organized. Husband to Wife is another relationship with Confucian values. Both people show patience an understanding to one another and are life partners until the very end. Lastly, a popular Confucian value in America is Friend to Friend. A possibility to why Friend to Friend is most popular is because all activities are more fun when someone is there to enjoy it with you. In addition, say you had a serious problem and were too embarrassed or shy to share with family, a friend is always there to support no matter how bad it is. All Confucian values are important and its excellent that America supports all five.

Iyana Robinson said...

I see Confucian Values; Ruler to ruled, Father to son, Older brother to younger brother, Husband and wife, Friend to friend in America. These values are shown with President Obama to us as in the Confucian value, Ruler to ruled.
Now in America we can choose our ruler, or President, and in the ancient Chinese culture they could not choose theirs. The President approves laws that we have to follow, just like in Confucian values; the ruled should obey the ruler.
Father to son or mother to daughter is also showed in America today. The mother takes care of her daughter and looks over her. The daughter shows obedience by listening to the mother rules. The daughter also looks up to the mother and watches the way the mother lives and handles life so when the daughter grows up will know and understand what to do when she gets to be the mothers age.
Older friend to younger friend isn’t showed in America very much because now it doesn’t really matter, the older friend doesn’t particularly have to the wiser one and the younger friend doesn’t have to obey the older. Now in America both friends should look up to each other and help each other in life.

Anonymous said...

Dominik Headlee 3rd hour,
I see Confucian values in the U.S. government because, as Confucius believed, the well educated have a responsibility to keep us everyday citizens in check. We attempt to maintain social order as well as keep our government strong and uncorrupt. We also stress that the president and associates must follow the wants and needs of the American people, as Confucius taught there was a relationship between ruler and subject. The relationship of parent to child is almost always enforced in family households across the country. Husband to wife is the same as parent to child, where it is an important relationship. From eldest to youngest sibling is not as important, at least not between the kids. The parents of said children, however, usually frown upon sibling rivalry. With the friend to friend relationship, it’s different. Some people are loyal to their friends, while others tend to destroy bonds easily. We also place parents pretty high on the list of respected people, as the philosopher declared. We definitely follow the principle that states that it is the rulers’ responsibility to provide a food government and set a good example for the people. I think that all American people need to follow Confucius’s words of wisdom “The superior man understands righteousness. The inferior man understands profit.”

Anonymous said...

In America, Confucian values are shown for ruler to subject. President Barack Obama is well respected. The only people who disrespect him are his critics. He is known as "Mr. President" or "Mr. Obama".
Father to son wise depending on the person and whether or not they know their father depends on how strong and great the relationship is. Father to son relationships is pretty good though. Especially if both the father and son share the same love for a sport or sports. Older brother to younger brother should be a pretty good relationship so they can protect and lookout for each other. In modern society they play sports and video games together. Maybe even homework. Husband to wife nowadays do have pretty good relationships most of the time. In modern society though, these relationships don’t always last. Because now there are such things as people stop loving one another. Sometimes they argue but for the most part anything they do is out of love. Friend to friend relationships DON’T ALWAYS LAST! There may be times in life when you meet some people and become friends with them. Doesn’t mean you’ll always be friends. One day you could be and next day you’re not. But eventually you’ll find friends and you guys can be friends forever. In modern society to some people that is very important. Nowadays you can do something someone doesn’t like or agree with and your fake. Which is where certain sayings from social media and sayings from celebrities come from. These friendships that last are very important. We need these people in our lives and we start to think of them as family.

Dawn C.

Anonymous said...

In America, I think a strong display of Confucian values include ruler to ruled and husband to wife. I think America could use Confucian values with older brother to younger brother.
An example of the Ruler to Ruled Confucian value is in a school with the principal to student. The students at a school are expected to follow the rules that the principal lays down. If these rules are not followed, the students can get a consequence, including a detention, restrictions from extracurricular activities, suspension, and in extreme cases, expulsion. The principal is also expected to follow the rules that he preaches, so if a dress code is in place where no hats are allowed, the principal is not expected to wear hats.
I think American life is lacking in the older brother to younger brother Confucian value. Siblings of different ages tend to disagree and argue a lot during their childhood.When the older and younger brothers are both in adulthood, the older brother won’t give a lot of insights to the younger brother because their parents will preach that they need to be independent and learn things on their own. I think they could use more Confucian values here in order to build better relationships between siblings that tend to get lost because of this way of life.
I see husband to wife Confucian values. Often times a wife will a press a problem that pertains directly to the husband, for example, their weight, their laziness with work, or their commitment to their family. Once the wife presents these issues, the husband will normally ask her to not criticize him, and after angrily asking her to be quiet, she will generally stay quiet. This is showing Confucian values as the wife is listening to her husband’s command and being quiet.

Stephanie G.

Anonymous said...

I see very little Confucian values In America, we have a very harsh society and an even more harsh way of controlling the society. There is a small portion of society that actually has Confucian values, but in American society this would be considered being a good person. These "good people" are usually told by the rest of society that they are boring and need to live more (personal experience). If the rest if society was "boring" then it would be a respectful society, and there wouldn't be racism like there is today. People will reach social harmony and it'll be a happy place to be. It's because we have very little people that has reached it, why we have bullying. There will be compassion of people and animals people would learn that animals have feelings too, also that they grieve too, and as soon as we learn that we well stop killing animals, then well stop eating them, and sooner or later animals wouldn't be going extinct so often. If America was honest and righteous there would be less crime and war. If America was sincere then everyone would be happy and there would be more happiness and America would also be more loving . As far as wisdom and knowledge goes...don't get me started. If we used graphine to make battery's we would save electricity charging them if we had hemp power plants we could produce more energy that doesn't harm the earth. We could also use hemp to create more paper and cut down on deforestation(no pun intended). Not just America but the world itself would be a better place if Confucianism was around there would be more respect in the world and stuff. It's not that America would be perfect with Confucianism, it's that it would be better than what it is now. -Jamil Lee

Anonymous said...
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Anonymous said...

Confucian values can be found on a daily basis in America but there are still many places that could use Confucians values. These values include the major confusion values, Organizing principals, the five (5) principal relationships, and the Analects. In America we have some confusion values but most are very well hidden.
Through the years of my life I have seen many different things and now learning these Confucian values I have found that our wellbeing in America runs on many of these values. For example the major Confucian values are shown every day, one of these values included ruler to their subject. This scenario can be found in our very school, in this case the principal would be the ruler and the students would be the subjects because we are technically under their status. So this could be considered an important value of the 5 principal relationships. Another big value that can be found in everyday life includes organizing principals. The organizing principals are found in our everyday social status. For example if you are older you have more job opportunities than a 16 year old. This goes for the other organizing principals as well. Another one of these principals is gender this value is also important. In today’s environment gender is a huge factor. Gender determines some types of jobs you can get like being a priest, though gender roles aren’t as big as they used to be there is still plenty of gender biased. These are just a few examples of how Confucius values are found every day in America.
In conclusion the confusions values can be found on a daily basis if hidden they still exist. I only pointed out minor examples but in the big picture these values can be found anywhere in America!

Larkin O

Anonymous said...


Confucius had five different relationships that he felt built the foundation of a moral Confucian society. Some of those relationships are still used today in modern America. In each relationship there is an obligation to one another. The higher power must provide an example for the lower power and the lower power has to be obedient. Most of the relationships are based on Filial Piety (Respect your elders). The five types of relationships are (in order of importance) 1. Rule to subject, father to son, husband to wife, older brother to younger brother, and older friend to younger friend. For example as ruler is to ruled, Barack Obama is to citizens. Out of respect the citizens call him “Mr. President.” In a father to son relationship the father (higher power) must raise the son to be a good righteous man and the son (lower power) should listen and obey his father. In a husband to wife relationship the husband is the head of the household and the wife shall listen to her husband and honor him. In an older brother to younger brother relationship the younger brother should be able to go the older brother for anything (advice, help, etc.). In an older friend to younger friend relationship the older friend and the younger friend are acquaintances. The older friend to younger friend relationship is the least important of the five different relationships. Many people see the first foru relationships the most important.

Kalaya A

Anonymous said...

We Americans have built upon the foundation that confusion had set. Like Ruler to subject, that almost applies to everything its stating that the people that people that have more power than you are allowed to tell you what to do, just like in a school the principle tells the teachers what to do but then the teachers tell the students what to do because they have more power. But the Teachers cannot tell the principle what to do because they don’t have that power and also it’s out of respect, just like another moral confusion started but we had expanded upon. You should always respect your elders you wouldn’t go say something disrespectful to them because you would get punished. That’s how I think that ruler to subject and respect your elders are applied in today’s society.

Alena

Anonymous said...

You can see Confucianism values all over in America. You can see it in almost every house hold, with siblings, parents, and spouses. There are five relationships that they like to follow, which are: ruler and ruled, father to son, older sibling to younger sibling, husband and wife, and friend and friend. The main relationship to me is older sibling to a younger sibling, because your siblings always have your back.

A brother should always be able to back a brother up. They always have their backs, no matter what it’s about. The younger brother should always listen to the older one. They are wiser, smarter, and how things work better in the world. The older should know more, even though mine acts a little younger, I still listen to him for most advice though. The older sibling is the best person to look up to. I look up to all my siblings. My oldest sister is in the same profession that I want to be in when I get older, so I’m always asking her about it. My other sister is more fun so I’m always asking her about how fun college is. My brother is near the same age as me, so I’m always do stuff with him like video games. Being the youngest gives me lots of people to look up to.

-George