Message from edelafuente

[Anonymous]

Professor Hershatter,
I am very grateful that I could participate in this workshop and learn about the stories of those rural women who endured the hardships of the revolution and its aftermath in China. Memories that according to Hersahtter, were collected during her research trips which otherwise would be unknown to the world. It is very inspiring to see how some women were able to survive the misfortune of double marginalization: by the place they lived and by having the bad luck of born females. Learning about the “Great Leap Forward” and the negative effects on the Chinese people was very interesting; as well as the “new “marriage law, which seem to be like a baby step toward empowering women. At least on paper, things have begun to change for women. Though the oppression persist, at least the world will continue to learn about it and hopefully sometime in the near future it will only be history.

Margaret Kuo,
Women in Republican China
The political events that afflicted the Chinese government seem to have a horrible effect on Chinese women more than they had on men. Despite that, China ended its dynastic system; the oppression to women did not. On the contrary, it seems like the violence of the revolution and the Japanese invasion only made matters worse for them. The readings assigned were all very touching. The bound feet practice, though it may seem estrange, it remind me of what the Mayan’s did to their children to make them crossed eyed. It might seem a horrific practice for people outside their culture, even difficult to comprehend it; but a symbol of beauty and indicator that the person belongs to an upper class, for those within the culture.
Midwives: These readings made me realized how blessed are those of us who have the fortune to live in a city and have access to medical care. Having midwifes assisting women giving birth is a common practice in many Latin American countries, even in modern days. Sadly, many women are still dying in rural areas all over the world due to the lack of medical care. Inequalities, and marginalization, of women persist in many parts of the world. It is our duty to create awareness and help to bring equality to the world.

Mei Fong, many years ago, I learned in school about the one child policy in China. Then, I did not comprehend how a government could create a policy like that. I did not know all the details of it until I heard all the background and detailed information about it provided by Ms. Fong. I am horrified to learn the means utilized to force sterilization on women. It certainly it is the most radical mean to reduce population without taking into account the gender and age imbalance that such a measure could create. Now China has to face the consequences of such a devastator experiment.
edited by edelafuente on 5/1/2016