Issue147 [Jet]小组第九次作业 第五篇I，欢迎拍砖

goldin2008UID: 2140085

TOPIC: ISSUE147 - "Tradition and modernization are incompatible. One must choose between them."
WORDS: 524          TIME: 00:45:00          DATE: 2008-2-25 23:13:33
In this era of rapid social and technological development leading to increasing life complexity, both positive and negative effects among persons in society call for a balance in which there are both tradition and modernization.

Admittedly, in certain cases tradition and modernization are mutually exclusive. We must choose between them. For example, although buildings of great historic value represent a valuable record of society in the past, modern development should be given precedence over the preservation of historic buildings so that contemporary needs can be served. Or perhaps, the old building is so unsafe that the only available method to solve the problem is to raze them in order to provide room for a modern one. For the most part, however, it is impossible to separate them clearly. This is especially true in festival. Christmas day means fashion and modern for young people in China while, in fact, it has been long time in western world. In other words, one thing, while it seems traditional in some people's views, might be modern in others' views.

As a threshold matter, tradition is still relevant and can inspire us to search for solutions to present problems. For example, every work of art, whether a novel, painting, statue, or building, is the product not only of its creator but of its place and time. Artists are also products of their place and time. Without tradition transmitting the culture in the past, how could critics analyze, evaluate, or describe works of art? The critics could be benefited through tradition, because they know what has gone before, which would provide some standards and help understand the nature and quality of the art being criticized.

In addition, modernization could enrich human culture and promote all people's living conditions. A striking marriage of modernization and tradition is architectural style in Beijing. Old buildings in Beijing such as temples, bridges, houses, and streets indicate the culture in the past while modern buildings provide comfortable and convenient living conditions. Combination of tradition and modernization is a unique feature which distinguishes Beijing from other modern cities. So, if you like modern architectural style, you could select New York. While if you like traditional architectural style, you might select Egypt. What is the best choice for both them? The answer is Beijing.

Finally, modernization is actually an extension or new iteration of tradition. When modernization is accepted and used widely, it would form new tradition. This is especially true in clothing. The modern dressing style, in spite of its features that are unique to modern culture, is derived from, and builds upon, a variety of traditions. Recently, many designers recognize that the best way to modernize a culture is to transform or reform the tradition rather than uproot it. So, traditional clothing recurs and people who follow fashion consider it as new modernization.

To sum up, without tradition, our society becomes isolated and eventually inefficient. Without a society that recognizes the importance of modernization, individuals cannot advance, let alone the society. Thus, while our form of society necessitates tradition, modernization is equally vital. Tradition can serve to transmit culture while modernization drives our society forward.