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Rethink on classics needed

(China Daily)
Updated: 2011-01-06 13:44

The education department of Shandong province has ordered authorities of junior middle and primary schools to select materials for reading classics carefully, especially when it comes books such as the Three Character Classic, says an article in Shenyang Daily. Excerpts:

At first, people may be surprised to know that the classics considered helpful to children for more than a decade may bring help and harm at the same time. A proper analysis of some of these books will make them change their idea.

Though classics such as the Three Character Classic advocate the basics of Chinese traditional culture such as industry and filial piety, some opinions expressed in these books are unseasonable in the present times.

To begin with, the Three Character Classic is not one of the traditional six Confucian classics but an embodiment of Confucianism considered suitable for teaching children. But since young children cannot understand the true meaning of society, culture and social obligations, they could take some feudal ideas expressed in such classics as the real teachings of life. That's why the decision made by the Shandong education department is timely. As the cradle of Confucian culture as well as the birthplace of Confucius, it can bravely say no to such classics.

It is important to expose what some of these classics teach and protect children from blindly believing in the harmful messages that some of the classics convey.