Lack of mutual cultural understanding_其他_趣味英语-查字典英语网

Lack of mutual cultural understanding

However, incongruous is not the same as ugly. Can you imagine erecting a statue of David in a Chinese city a century ago? Or 50 years ago? I bet if Ningbo had put the matter to a vote by all its citizens, it may well have been vetoed and the end result would be to remove it from public sight, most probably inside a museum where visitors are more prepared to come face-to-face with a bigger-than-life sculpture of a naked young man.

In other words, not every Chinese can appreciate the beauty of David without some rudimentary education, at least background information about its status in art history. Public nudity, even in art, runs counter to Chinese morality and sensibility. I remember the early years of China's reform - that is, a generation ago - when artistic expressions featuring nudity often met with public outrage.

A statue on a bridge in a big city had to "wear a thick layer of clothing" after it was completed. The mural in the Capital Airport, which had one of the female figures slightly exposing her upper body, caused a big controversy.

The Ningbo officials deserve plaudits for their courage to highlight a piece of artistic work that may more readily spark sneers than cheers in the local community. They have either studied the history of civilization or have consulted experts. And they probably believe the shock value may subside and residents, even those ignorant of European culture, may cast away their doubts and admire it for what it is.