May 30, 2006 12:00
You get that when you combine Christian morality with Confucian filial piety: such is the case of tennis player Michael Chang 張德培 (well, he's actually only 34). As a good Christian, he sought to save sex till marriage. As a traditinal Confucian Chinese, he seeks approval of his parents for marriage. Apparently they're extremely picky with his GF. Hey, mama Chang, cut Mike some lax!
Mencius said: "there're three ways of being unfilial, the gravest of them all is not leaving descendants". I wonder how long the poor bloke will remain "viable". Obedience to parents ranks 2nd. If Michael is to remain a filial son, then an act of rebellion is called for.
Confucian ethics: welcome to my world.