Issue147 【0710G-小猪快跑小组】第2次作业 by xexxex

jojogaotianUID: 2189450

题目：ISSUE147 - "Tradition and modernization are incompatible. One must choose between them."
字数：476          用时：00:42:18          日期：2007-7-21 下午 10:29:11

Are tradition and modernization incompatible so that one has to choose between them, as the speaker asserts? In my view, I tend to disagree with the statement. There are rarely watershed distinctions and boundaries between tradition and modernization. More often than not, they can embrace each other rather than shun.

Admittedly, the confliction between tradition and modernization is ineludible and undoubtedly existent. After all, there are many unavoidable differences and disagreements, which stem from the foundations of conventional and modern societal systems. A good case in point is the distinction of personal values and attitudes of China. In the past, Chinese placed a higher value on working than on relaxation and valued saving over spending traditionally. With the development of economy and rising of general population's living standards, individuals' personal value systems are gradually changed towards the direction-- that of similar to the one of western culture. There is no denying the fact that due to economic development, the conflicts of individuals' value system between modernization and tradition have sparked a new debate in society. It is difficult to judge which one is better because of the ever-changing societal customs and mores, as well as personal attitudes and values.

Then, in other aspects, we may see that tradition and modernization are compatible well. Consider, for instance, the China's Spring Festival which combines both traditional customs and modern things. Now people are still used to pay a New Year call on their families and friends in the New Year's Eve. However, thanks to the advanced technology of intercommunication, there is no need for individuals to go to others' residences to do it. Instead, what they need is just sending an e-mail or an e-postcard through internet to make their best wishes- which is such a wonderful approach that not only accords with traditional customs but also utilizes modern ways. In my family, we are all pleased to send our New Year wishes by this way because of its convenience and with fewer costs. In short, the tradition and modernization can embrace each other well in certain fields.

Moreover, in respect to areas of architecture, modernization and tradition can even combine to bring more benefit to each other. For instance, the preservation of the Forbidden City and many other ancient architectures, to great extent , makes Beijing- the capital of China- a more attracting city, which integrates the beauty of  traditional Chinese architecture and modern buildings successfully. Not only can tourists feel Chinese traditions with a history of 5000 thousand year, but also they may appreciate this beautiful modern metropolis.

To sum up, without only few exceptions, modernization and traditions can associate comfortably in many aspects. I would be hard pressed to find a thing which is purely traditional or modern. After all, in contemporary society, nearly every traditional thing has been colored with the pigment of modernization.