Translate the following words to Chinese:

Title: Worshiping Foreign Culture and Flattery in Early 20th Century China (1912-1949): Occurrence, Manifestation, Impact, Reflection, and Re-thinking

Abstract:

This article examines the occurrence, manifestation, and impact of worshiping foreign culture and flattery in China during the historical period of 1912 to 1949, commonly referred to as the Republican era. The paper delves into the complex dynamics of Chinese encounters with foreign cultures, and the subsequent reflection and rethinking that took place in intellectual circles. Furthermore, the discussion places this phenomenon within the broader context of China’s modernization, nationalism, and the search for national identity.

Introduction:

The Republican era (1912-1949) in China was characterized by a drastic transformation in all aspects of life, brought about by a series of social, political, and cultural revolutions. During this period, Chinese intellectuals and political leaders were caught between the desire to maintain their ancient cultural heritage and the urgency to modernize and emulate the West, which was deemed necessary to face the challenges posed by imperialism and global competition. In this process, the worship of foreign culture and flattery became a prominent feature in the discourse and practice of intellectuals, politicians, and the public alike. This paper explores the origins, manifestations, and impact of this phenomenon on Chinese society, as well as the critical reflections and rethinking that ensued as a reaction to this worship of foreign cultures.

Origins and Occurrence of the Worship of Foreign Culture:

The worship of foreign culture in Republican China has roots in the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Faced with unequal treaties, military defeats, and national humiliation, the Chinese elite began to question the efficacy of their traditional culture in coping with modern challenges. The failure of the Self-Strengthening Movement (1861-1895) and the Boxer Protocol that followed further dampened the national spirit. In the wake of these events, radical intellectual icons such as Kang Youwei, Liang Qichao, and Yan Fu introduced Western literature, translated works of prominent Western authors, and promoted Western models to enhance their modernization efforts.

Manifestations of Worshiping Foreign Culture and Flattery:

Several manifestations of foreign worship were observed during this period, including:

1. Intellectual: The works of Western philosophers, writers, and scientists, such as Darwin, Spencer, Huxley, Goethe, Schopenhauer, Montesquieu, Rousseau, and Locke, were translated and used to justify or critique social, political, and cultural ideas, leading to a significant impact on the Chinese intellectual landscape.

2. Education: Western-style education was seen as a way to transform Chinese society. Numerous schools and institutions were established to promote modern sciences and technologies, often at the expense of traditional teachings.

3. Political: Political institutions such as the Republic, a constitutional monarchy, and other forms of governance were emulated, at times inconsistently, as the ideal solutions to China’s political issues.

4. Culture: The spread of Western ideas such as democracy, liberty, and individualism incited the New Culture Movement (1915-1921), which called for the abandonment of Confucianism and traditional customs in favor of more “progressive” Western thoughts.

Impact of Worshiping Foreign Culture:

The impact of worshiping foreign culture and flattery on China was multifaceted:

1. It fostered a great enthusiasm and commitment to modernization across various sectors.

2. It stimulated an awareness of nationalism and a desire to regain national dignity through self-strengthening.

3. In its overzealousness, it resulted in the rejection and vilification of traditional Chinese culture and values.

4. It provided a platform for political conflicts, as different factions competed to showcase their allegiance to certain foreign powers.

Reflection and Rethinking:

The excessive worshiping of foreign culture soon invited criticisms and reflections from intellectuals, who recognized the inherent danger and loss of cultural identity. Among those who called for reevaluating this approach were Lu Xun, Chen Duxiu, Hu Shi, and Liang Shuming, who argued in favor of embracing both modern Western thought and traditional Chinese values. This critical rethinking eventually led to a more mature and balanced approach to modernization and the search for a true Chinese cultural identity and national spirit.

Conclusion:

Worshiping foreign culture and flattery was a significant phenomenon experienced in Republican China as the country sought solutions to social, political, and economic dilemmas. While it resulted in accelerated modernization efforts and played a role in fostering a new sense of nationalism, the overemphasis on foreign culture also led to the needless denigration of valuable traditions. The intellectual debates, reflections, and critical rethinking that emerged during this period helped shape a more nuanced and balanced approach to engaging with foreign ideas, aligning modernization efforts with a reaffirmation of Chinese cultural identity.