By Adam Borowski
As you're acutely aware, Confucian societies and social status are fundamentally linked. Social status is determined by your profession and education. Who sits at the top of the status hierarchy? A doctor that graduated from an Ivy League medical school is a likely candidate. While I understand the Ivy League is the most coveted status symbol, I also find it deeply perplexing that doctors are held in such high regard.
Status and money are inextricably linked, and by that logic, the highest-paying occupations should be the most respected ones. With the exception of surgeons and cardiologists, the vast majority of doctors are grossly underpaid. I have enormous respect for health professionals, particularly in the midst of the pandemic. Clearly, another factor is responsible for the high social status of doctors, namely ― the culture.
In my mind's eye, I see a "tiger mother'' who tells her daughter to study diligently. Many other people may consider stereotypical Asian parenting somewhat overbearing. Love it or hate it, it helps children climb the social ladder more effectively. On a personal note, I had two piano teachers when I was younger. My first teacher was excellent, but he had other obligations and couldn't continue our lessons. I didn't respect the second teacher. She made me hate the piano. I probably would have been a virtuoso by now if my second piano teacher had been a stereotypical Asian disciplinarian. Who knows, maybe I am a piano virtuoso in some parallel universe...
Then again, don't you think that rigidity hampers progress? I didn't grow up in a Confucian culture so I don't presume to understand its intricacies. I understand the universal principle, namely that cultures evolve. Ignoring people who are young or didn't graduate from an elite university is an impractical approach which harms social progress. There are extremely intelligent individuals who can't adjust to the modern education system. It's a fact society doesn't want to understand. A rigid social structure won't collapse just because the seniority rule isn't always respected. Take South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha as an example. She needs to have an open mind by virtue of her position while taking orders from the President at the same time. Clearly, original thinking and respecting the hierarchy aren't mutually exclusive. Every system of government needs original thinkers as much as garbage collectors. Even merciless regimes need original thinkers, maybe even more so than mature democracies.
We are constantly signaling our status to those around us. This is why it's crucial to speak excellent English ― you instantly make a good impression. Then again, if you see someone wearing a tiara and high heels, it can be a source of reverence or derision, depending on the social context. Having a friend in high places who can put you in touch with the right contacts is of strategic significance. At some point, you'll be the one helping others climb the social ladder. This is how societies have worked from time immemorial, no matter how much we want to pretend everyone has access to equal opportunities.
Adam Borowski (adam.borowski1985@gmail.com) is a technical Polish-English translator and an international relations aficionado. He is the author of an alternate reality novel titled: ''Planetary Entrapment Syndrome.''
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Status and money are inextricably linked, and by that logic, the highest-paying occupations should be the most respected ones. With the exception of surgeons and cardiologists, the vast majority of doctors are grossly underpaid. I have enormous respect for health professionals, particularly in the midst of the pandemic. Clearly, another factor is responsible for the high social status of doctors, namely ― the culture.
In my mind's eye, I see a "tiger mother'' who tells her daughter to study diligently. Many other people may consider stereotypical Asian parenting somewhat overbearing. Love it or hate it, it helps children climb the social ladder more effectively. On a personal note, I had two piano teachers when I was younger. My first teacher was excellent, but he had other obligations and couldn't continue our lessons. I didn't respect the second teacher. She made me hate the piano. I probably would have been a virtuoso by now if my second piano teacher had been a stereotypical Asian disciplinarian. Who knows, maybe I am a piano virtuoso in some parallel universe...
Then again, don't you think that rigidity hampers progress? I didn't grow up in a Confucian culture so I don't presume to understand its intricacies. I understand the universal principle, namely that cultures evolve. Ignoring people who are young or didn't graduate from an elite university is an impractical approach which harms social progress. There are extremely intelligent individuals who can't adjust to the modern education system. It's a fact society doesn't want to understand. A rigid social structure won't collapse just because the seniority rule isn't always respected. Take South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha as an example. She needs to have an open mind by virtue of her position while taking orders from the President at the same time. Clearly, original thinking and respecting the hierarchy aren't mutually exclusive. Every system of government needs original thinkers as much as garbage collectors. Even merciless regimes need original thinkers, maybe even more so than mature democracies.
We are constantly signaling our status to those around us. This is why it's crucial to speak excellent English ― you instantly make a good impression. Then again, if you see someone wearing a tiara and high heels, it can be a source of reverence or derision, depending on the social context. Having a friend in high places who can put you in touch with the right contacts is of strategic significance. At some point, you'll be the one helping others climb the social ladder. This is how societies have worked from time immemorial, no matter how much we want to pretend everyone has access to equal opportunities.
Adam Borowski (adam.borowski1985@gmail.com) is a technical Polish-English translator and an international relations aficionado. He is the author of an alternate reality novel titled: ''Planetary Entrapment Syndrome.''
