Profiting from the Anti-Profit Sage

     The China Confucius Foundation is, I think (I don't know much about them), the organization that runs the temple at Qufu, Shandong province, the birth place of the ancient sage himself.  They have taken it upon themselves to come up with a "standard image" of Confucius (I wrote about these efforts here).  Yesterday they unveiled a statue of the new "standard image:"

 

 

   

     They seem quite happy with their work:

The amended portrait highlights the ancient philosopher's kindness in appearance as well as his cultured and gentle characteristics, said professor Hu Xijia, a member of the sculpture design group.

"We want to show a Confucius that exists in people's minds, who is a kind, sagacious and respectful person," said Hu, who started the work in January.

 But not everyone agrees that we need a "standard image;" some even question the motives behind the effort by the China Confucius Foundation:

"Statue of Confucius sparks trademark dispute in China
(AFP) Updated: 2006-09-25 15:46

"BEIJING - The unveiling of a statue of Confucius, China's patron philosopher, in his hometown has ignited a debate over whether anyone can claim the rights to the sage's image, state press has said.

The statue was put up on Sunday in Qufu, eastern Shandong province, by the China Confucius Foundation, which hailed it as the "standard" image to be used at home and abroad, the Beijing Youth Daily reported

But academics have been angered with the concept, saying the foundation is seeking to develop a "Confucius" trademark to cash in on growing tourism and publishing markets surrounding the philosopher.

    Some marvelous ironies here: the foundation that claims to be protecting the ancient image and ideals of Confucius is positioning itself to profit from a copyrighted "standard image."   It's a branding strategy!  Maybe they can make a jingle out of these Analects passages:

The Master said: "If profit guides your actions, there will be no end of resentment." (4.12)

The Master said: "The noble-minded are clear about Duty.  Little people are clear about profit." (4.16)

    They could sing it all the way to the bank.

Comments

[Du Yisa]

Yes.

You are the only person I will annoy with this:

http://fanfusuzi.mindsay.com/a_portrait.mws

Cheers

yisa