중국의 문화아이콘, 공자(孔子)와 판다(Panda)

Abstract

This paper examines the representations of Confucius and pandas as Chinese cultural icons from the perspective of Chinese foreign cultural policy. With the agenda of developing a globalized cultural industry in the 21st century, China has taken systematic steps to carry out cultural policies. Confucius and pandas are two characteristic Chinese cultural icons that have spread around the world via globalization. In spite of the importance of Confucius in mainstream traditional Chinese culture, Confucius has been criticized as an apparition of the past that prevents China from modernization following the infiltration of Western influences. This trend continued in communized China and received especially harsh criticism as the cause of all feudal ills during the period of the Cultural Revolution. Nevertheless, Confucius restores his glory as a spirit of the Chinese culture; moreover, he symbolizes Chinese culture to the world. In addition, pandas became a popular animal for representing China among foreigners, although pandas used to be belittled by the Chinese. Pandas have become symbolic of a sort of Orientalism and have stirred controversy in regard to the symbolism behind their meaning and associated peoples. This research investigates the characteristics of Chinese foreign cultural policy, considering Confucius and Panda as the major cultural icons of China.