thoughts about session 5 on 7/25 w/Dr. Dube

I really enjoyed the movie we watched last night. It was interesting to me to see how dedicated the Chinese were to Mao. In truth, I am not a history major nor do I teach history, so I was confused about the level of dedication I saw. It seemed to me that although Mao and communism seemed to have done great good for the Chinese people (communal kitchens), he also appeared to have oppressed the people also. It seemed contradictory to me to serve a leader who was so brutal. Mr. Dube told a story about taxi drivers in China (today) who hang pictures of Mao from their rear view mirrors for good luck. It almost seems that no one is aware of the suffering that came out of Mao's time period. In this case how are Americans suppose to view Chinese history and cultural practices? When in fact, it's hard for us to understand why they feel the way they feel about certain thing (ie., Mao).

I found the quick bit on the Great Game to be very interesting as I had never heard of it before in any class, including middle eastern history (though there was a bit of a scan of the nineteenth century). I think that this is very interesting in making connections between the western world and the eastern world in history. The world can seem so much smaller (as mentioned in discussion) when those connections are made. I found an article going into more depth on the topic. I find that the middle east has even less of an interest in the modern world, but this connection to China seems so fascinating, especially with the contest between Britain and Russia. http://eastwestreview.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=46:the-great-game-imperial-rivalry-between-britain-and-russia-in-the-19th-century&catid=50:winter-2007&Itemid=56

OMG! I did not know how important global relationship where, or how important it is to have a positive global reputation. For instance, Nixon did not want to be seen as a red batter because he desired to build a relationship. This has really helped me understand why America might oftentimes move with such precision when dealing with other countries. It may be an interesting series of lesson to have students explore how interconnectedness is important and must be handled with care.

I agree, students must understand why the world, not just the one within immediate proximity is important. Although I am an English teacher, it is important to show kids how there are patterns in the history. I think this understanding may help students with universal themes. I may have to explore this a bit more to make a closer connection.

I liked the comment that innacuracies are better than apathy (or something like that). I think I will introduce each of my units with students brainstorming what they already know about a place then discuss how accurate it is. I am always so worried about stereotypes and being accurate that I don't always address what students already know or think they know.

I found the information on how the Manchu accomodated the Chinese refreshing. It seems to me that many people in many countries think this is a weakness instead of a strength, though we are constantly teaching in class that working together and sharing ideas can produce even greater results. For example, the emphasis put on not bowing to others or submitting to others rituals. When I was in Thailand last year, I learned that bowing to the Buddha statues are a sign of respect, not of worship. I think many Westerners are not aware that bowing in many cultures is just a sign of respect. I don't see the accomodation of the Chinese by the Manchu as leading to their downfall.

Thanks for the book reference. There's a lot happening between the south and China today. Chinese oil companies are linking up with Texas firms. Haier is making appliances in South Carolina for a number of years.

http://www.businessweek.com/globalbiz/blog/eyeonasia/archives/2006/04/haier_invests_i.html

http://www.haieramerica.com/camdenfactory

But what China connections can you find for the area where you teach? Palm Springs, for example, has an international film festival. A couple of years ago, there was a China-related controversy associated with it: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/09/movies/09film.html. I wrote something about that as well: http://china.usc.edu/ShowArticle.aspx?articleID=1944.

A Chinese band, New Pants, performed at a Coachella festival: http://www.thecreatorsproject.com/videos/new-pants-at-coachella or http://www.chinamusicradar.com/?p=2784. Game creator Feng Mengbo was there too: http://www.thecreatorsproject.com/creators/feng-mengbo .

Can you come up with some links between your community and China, Japan, or Korea? What are your sister cities?