Korean syncretism

By Bernard Rowan

I'd argue that a central bane of civilization is an obsession with purity. Captivating the human imagination, purity grounds folly, death and misery. How much money have empires, kingdoms, kings, queens and nations spent? And how much invidious hatred has purity spawned? National, racial, religious and cultural purity drives prejudice, scapegoating and inhumane relations throughout our world and throughout history. Hitler built his monstrous state on delusions of purity, as did and do other fascist, totalitarian, religious and political fantasists. Still too many purists hawk their quackery today.

Happily, and as an example for the world, present-day Korean society, and I mean South Korean society, reflects the healthy, humane and virtuous practice of a different tendency. I choose to call it syncretism. I'll also use the more popular word "mixing." Merriam-Webster defines the term as "combining different forms of belief or practice." Syncretism or mixing includes the intellectual openness to and behavior of putting together opposites to make them better. If pushed, I'd say the amalgams must be of contraries, not contradictories, but this isn't a logic puzzle.

Beginning with the Taegeuk in the Korean flag, a symbol of the mixing between the yin and yang, we have a wonderful statement of the foundation for Korean culture. Combining what appears opposed in our world finds balance and harmony. If we examine Korean society, this property surrounds many contexts for action. It continues as a basis for motivation and intent in human action. If we analyze philosophies, syncretism crops up as a philosophical puzzle and problem.

Take for example a recent article in The Korea Times (May 22, 2015) headlined "5 nations seek ways to raise presence." The article discussed the organization MIKTA. MIKTA stands for "Mexico, Indonesia, Korea, Turkey and Australia." This group of what today people call "middle powers" cooperates to address international issues and meet common interests. A motley group indeed! But Korea works to put together different countries to create new cooperation and communities that serve positive purposes. Syncretism stands out when an institution, group or person is "in the middle" or values this relative position.

Today, the Korean economy and social organization serve as models for many rising powers, would-be middle powers and advanced nations as well. Indeed, South Korea took from Germany, the United States and from other Asian countries in developing her models of industry and organization. South Korea cultivates positive relations with nations in the Middle East. She also aims for productive relations with former Soviet republics in Central Asia and with other ASEAN countries. Trade, diplomacy, and cooperation by MIKT countries typifies mixing. The example should spawn similar efforts of progress and peace.

Throughout her history, Korea has survived and thrived better by working between China, Japan, the United States and other nations to forge alliances, to bridge divisions, and to create and preserve peace. While mixing doesn't create a moral command, it implies at least this saying: "Avoid favoring one country or countries; balance any affinity by mixing with others."

Mixing also implies a contrary rule. Be wary of pushing non-vital conflicts against an ally too far. They sow the seeds of unnecessary conflict. Mixing suggests against fixating on comfort woman or other historical issues with Japan, or against taking rigid positions on island and islet conflicts. Korean national security today needs positive relations with all Asian partners.

On a personal level, syncretism helps us to live by the Golden Rule. I found mixing in my analysis of Korean Confucianism and the ajumma. I identified three qualities as critical for human relations: Koreans should avoid scapegoating. They should encourage harmony between all in social relations. They should invest in personal development. These attitudes and dispositions form contemporary Confucianism. They also form an ethical and moral face of mixing in Korean society.

Syncretism isn't a romantic idea or ideal. It includes a basis for social and political criticism. Social agreement and advancement need elimination of prejudice and discrimination against foreigners, women and people from other regions. Perhaps a sober look at the history of Korean civilization shows that this idea hasn't always prevailed, and never fully describes Korean society.

I think that Korean Buddhism, Korean development last century and the modern Korean military include syncretism. Each topic deserves its own study: how did they survive and contribute to Korea today through mixing? I also think we could find parallels in other societies as well. I think Korean syncretism offers insight on the forward march of your society. It's a key attitude and idea for global civilization and advancement too! Mix on!

Bernard Rowan is assistant provost for curriculum and assessment, professor of political science and faculty athletics representative at Chicago State University, where he has served for 21 years. Reach him at browan10@yahoo.com.