I read something in the "I Ching: Book of Changes" today that reminded me of the cross-cultural misunderstandings that arise around the issue of "equality".

On Page 10 of the "I Ching", the following extract explains the difference between "Receptive" & "Creative":

"It is the perfect complement of THE CREATIVE - the complement, not the opposite, for the Receptive does not combat the Creative but completes it"

Page 11 provides further clarification about the difference between Creative & Receptive):

"But strictly speaking there is no real dualism here, because there is a clearly defined hierarchic relationship between the two principles. In itself of course the Receptive is just as important as the Creative, but the attribute of devotion defines the place occupied by this primal power in relation to the Creative. For the Receptive must be activated and led by the Creative; then it is productive of good. Only when it abandons this position and tries to stand as an equal side by side with the Creative, does it become evil. The result then is opposition to and struggle against the Creative, which is productive of evil to both".

In Chinese philosophy, there is emphasis on the yin/yan balance between feminine/masculine energies and I loosely translated the above extract about "Receptive/Creative" as an interesting insight into gender issues.

I read something similar about Chinese Confucianism in "The Reflecting Glass" by Lucy West & Mike Milan page 134:

"....Confucianism, a source of values and beliefs for many Chinese, teaches that people are not equal. To this day, people in China are defined by their role in society and their contribution to it. Status is influenced by relationship, which is in turn attached to implicit duties and obligations. People are viewed as relational beings, regulated by pivotal relationships that dictate an individual's obligations ('renqing') towards other people. Observance of proper relationships is essential for the smooth functioning of society. Thus, the concept of development coaching, based upon a partnership of equals, may not be compatible with Confucian values, in which a relationship between a 'wise elder' and an 'apprentice' is more common."

end of extract.

I read the above passage in the context of perception of coaching across cultures. However, as with the extract from the I Ching, there are obviously subtle differences in what is meant by "equality" compared with the European view.

What is YOUR understanding of "equality" in terms of race & gender, and how would you explain your perceptions about this? In what way do you think we are equal?