Most Chinese think of Confucianism as a philosophy rather than a religion. Confucius, who lived around 2,500 years ago, laid the foundation for Chinese culture and tradition through his teachings. For thousands of years, his doctrine deeply shaped societal values.
After the Communist Party came to power, though, Confucianism fell out of favor. During the Chinese Cultural Revolution, Confucius’s teachings were distorted and criticized as symbols of outdated feudalism.
Today, modern Chinese culture reflects less of Confucius’s influence than the Taiwanese culture. In Taiwan, values such as kindness, honesty, loyalty, and respect for parents and elders remain more deeply rooted, preserving the essence of Confucian thought.
“Kong Lao Er” – A Derogatory Nickname Mandated by Mao
My introduction to Confucius began in elementary school during the 1970s. At the time, schools and media commonly referred to him by the nickname “Kong Lao Er,” a term coined by Mao Zedong—the Communist leader who initiated the Cultural Revolution.
The literal translation of Kong Lao Er is “the second child of the Confucius family.” However, in Chinese culture, this nickname carries a derogatory tone, used to belittle and disrespect an esteemed elder or figure of significance.
This was precisely the intended effect. As a child, I didn’t know Confucius by his real name or understand his works. Instead, we were taught to ridicule him, and Kong Lao Er became a term we used to mock one another, unwittingly perpetuating this disrespect.
To promote Marxism and Maoism, the Communist Party launched a campaign to combat capitalism and Confucianism, aiming to mobilize young people. As part of this effort, the regime burned classical texts written by Confucius and his followers. Mao Zedong portrayed Confucianism as a symbol of feudalism, outdated values, and a decaying culture.
This propaganda radicalized children and youth, encouraging them to rebel against their parents and other respected elders, dismantling traditional values of respect and reverence.
Mocking My Grandma’s Bound Feet
My grandmother was born into an affluent family, but her life took a harsh turn when her father arranged her marriage to a peasant. Despite enduring domestic abuse, she remained a devoted wife. After the Communist Party came to power, she was forced to work in the fields alongside male laborers, even though she had bound feet. She passed away at the age of 66.
In my childhood, she helped my mother to take care of my brother and me. At the time, I was unaware of the history and suffering behind foot binding. In school, teachers taught us that foot binding symbolized feudalism. They blamed Confucianism, or Kong Lao Er, for creating a toxic culture where women lacked the courage to resist oppressive traditions.
Although my grandmother was the kindest person I ever knew, I mocked her bound feet, not realizing the pain and sacrifice behind them.
From Confucius to Columbus: A Perspective with a Twist
My calendar still marks Columbus Day, but the current U.S. administration has rebranded it as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. A prominent Democratic presidential candidate has called Columbus Day a part of the nation’s “shameful past,” accusing it of ushering in devastation through violence, land theft, and the spread of disease.
Curious about this shift, I recently asked an American high school student if he knew who Christopher Columbus was. His reply stunned me: “Never heard of him.”
While it’s important to confront historical truths, this does not mean erasing facts or rewriting history. Such practices are hallmarks of Communist regimes, where controlling media, indoctrinating youth, and rewriting history are tools for reshaping society and consolidating power. Just ask George Orwell.
The United States, a constitutional republic, must tread carefully. Ignoring or distorting history risks undermining the very freedoms the country was founded upon. As President Reagan wisely said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.” Teaching and preserving real history is essential to safeguarding that freedom.