ISSUE147 传统和现代不相容【求拍，有拍必回】

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TOPIC: ISSUE147: Tradition and modernization are incompatible. One must choose between them.

The two words, "tradition" and "modernization", seem to be conflicting with each other. However, there is no uniform answer whether the two are incompatible since different realms appear to hold different extent to tolerate the two. We had better apply a case-to-case study to this issue.

In the fields of science and technology, there is a irreversible trend that the tradition must be replaced by the modernization. Consider the communication methods. The latest communication form is through internet, using emails, MSN, or Skyper, to keep in touch with our friends and relatives. In contrast, the traditional methods are no doubt more trouble some and time-consuming. In fact, we will never return to the days when people use pigeons to deliver a love letter that received about 3 months later. Science and technology aim at facilitate our daily life, making it easier, faster, and more efficient. Therefore, in the sense of developing trend in science and technology, tradition and modernization are undoubtedly incompatible while the natural choice is the latter.

The similar trend will be seen in the social ideology. Human beings have experience several social reforms, each of which propels the development of ideology, providing the member of society with safer and better living environment. The abolition of slavery aptly illustrates this point. Owning slaves, once viewed as a symbol of honor and noble, is in fact based on unfair ideology--someone born noble while someone not. This ideology is eventually replaced by the idea that "everyone born equal", which protects the basic human rights of every one. This change is also irreversible. Anyone who expects the renaissance of slavery will deserve nothing but condemn from all over the world.

However, in the realm of arts, tradition and modernization usually co-exist and even interact with each other. Two illustrations would reveal the two are compatible. Classical music and pop music, which seem quite opposite at first glance, both are accepted by different generations. Some even mix the two and successfully win a large amount of audience. They choose to use classical instruments like violin to play pop or even rock melody. Or in the field of fashion, some designers frequently search for inspirations from the traditional designs. They put tradition factors into the modern designing or reverse. Such designs are also welcomed by critics and fashion-lovers. In short, we are not required to choose between tradition and modernization in the realm of arts. Instead, their concurrent bring us inspirations and beauty.

Moreover, from the perspective of culture, the ideal attitude toward tradition and modernization is not to abandon either but develop the later on the base of the former. For example, good manners as part of traditional culture, should be inherited. When the social environment changes, an adjustment of good manners is needed to fit the modern rules, rather than a complete abolition. Traditional culture is the spiritual wealth of a nation which help the people identify who they are.

In sum, the attitude towards tradition and modernization varies in different realms. Fields like science and technology, or social ideology, naturally replace the tradition with the modern. While arts sometimes call for a mix of the two, culture even require a good succession from the tradition to enable a self-identification.