July 28 - Reading Assignments - Discussion

[Anonymous]

Re. Articles 11, 18, and 21: With what we usually learn about Japan and the role of women, it is interesting to see articles specifically addressing the rights of women and ownership of land. An honorable woman can still keep land, despite a divorce (if not her fault), or her parents' whims to take it back. As regards to property, Japanese women had more rights and power than women in most of the European nations, or our own states at in the nineteenth century. As teachers it reminds us not to generalize too much about other cultures. We can learn mor by reading further.[Edit by="mmoore on Jul 28, 5:51:34 PM"][/Edit]

[Anonymous]

The Kenmu Code

Although this was written in 1336 and it addresses the city of Kyoto, with a few minor adjustments it is relevant today! Meaning it addresses issues that were a problem then is still a problem today, for example Article #6 …reviving mutual financing associations and moneylenders…sound familiar?

I find it amusing that the Code dictated etiquette and behavior in 1336, yet as we progress in history, we find similar codes of conduct in other societies. Even today, we have codes of conduct that dictate behavior, not necessarily from our government but from organizations we may belong or from jobs people may have.

[Anonymous]

I just had enough time to finish the readings; I am slow and all of this was new so it took a lot of time to reflect and digest it all.

On philosophers: I thought about searching Forum website for webquest activities about Chinese philosophy. Perhaps I could use these as openers that show the world from an Eastern perspective.

Questions: Did Pol Pot base his idealized vision of Cambodia on Daoism?
To add to what Taylor said - I kept finding concepts that reminded me of the Enlightenment. I googled but couldn't find any evidence that Enlightenment thinkers read Eastern Philosophers. Do you know?

On 19th c.: Having just come back for Scotland I was amazed to find that the British were tormenting the Highlanders and the Hans simultaneously. How ever did they find the time? While the writings villanize the British and the foreigners, with good reason, many of them also concede that China shares some of the blame. They all say they should modernize, but have different interpretations of what the future should look like.

I thought about the book Guns, Germs and Steel as I read last night. [Edit by="lhuff on Jul 28, 9:05:26 AM"][/Edit]

[Anonymous]

I think this piece is a great primary source document and will be very interesting to my students. I plan on using the section on lynching in conjunction with a unit on slavery and Frederick Douglas. It is particularly noteworthy how Liang defined the lynchings as an "unofficial form of punishment" and that this "phenomenon is unimaginable in civilized countries," but also cites examples to support his opinion that blacks definitely exhibit despicable behavior. Nevertheless Liang champions the humanitarian stance and promotes the recognition of blacks as people and the use of the judicial system.

[Anonymous]

I thought the most powerful document was the "Liang Qichao On His Trip to America." I enjoyed his description of Central Park, and how Chinese would consider developing a park in the middle of Manhattan as wasting money; in contrast, he said that he came to view it as essential: "one day without going to the park leaves me muddled in mind and spirit." His comments on our work week, and specifically, taking off Sundays, were also interesting. We always hear about America's Puritan work ethic, particularly in contrast to the European's more leisurely pace of life and value of vacations. But compared to the Chinese at this time, we Americans apparently are much more inclined to "rest"; in turn, he says this makes us efficient.

Finally, his description of our lynchings and the irony of a "civilized" country performing such inhuman acts was extremely poignant. When he wonders how "such cruel and inhuman acts could be performed in broad daylight in the twentieth century?" it really emphasizes the disparity between our lofty ideals and our barbarous treatment of blacks.

[Anonymous]

OUCH!!!!!
Seems one sided, is opium the so called cause of the war even mentioned?

[Anonymous]

Liang Qichao comes to America in search of a model government for China and writes about what he sees. To start I find it interesting that Liang Qichao writes about this “unofficial form of punishment ‘lynching’” believing that lynching was so terrible, actually “such a cruel and inhuman act”. Yet, today we saw a photo of men in a cage hanging by their neck, is it not the same thing a form of strangulation? Was this not “unimaginable among civilized countries?” now I got that off my chest!

I did find this article very interesting and easy reading, he is able to paints pictures with his words, “ pigeon coops, spider webs, and centipedes” truly does lead one to visualize houses, electric wires and trolley cars.
His comparison of Westerners and Chinese is harsh;he is extremely critical of the Chinese from lack of cleanliness to being extremely loud.

What I did interpret from his writng is that China is not ready to to adopt the ways of America, his reference of Chinese as ducks and America as geese I see as very revealing.
[Edit by="kheukrodt on Jul 29, 8:47:54 PM"][/Edit]

[Anonymous]

I agree w/kheukrodt, Mohism is rarely heard about, and little is known or taught in our schools. Legalism is a very interesting concept, almost a blend of confucianism and communism...at times, I see overlaps in some of the ideas and philosophies in all-respect, code of behavior, etc. I think confucianism growth in china was great for the leaders, because they could allow people to "accept" their roles (and the emperor's); with a rich history of dynasties, it may be wise to train the people to know where they stand...

[Anonymous]

I think there is a big difference between the American lynching and their caged/hanged prisoners. Lynchings were done by vigilant groups- outside the law, but they were to some degree an accepted form of punishment by some elements of American society. Remember too that most states used hangings as a means of execution too. The caged prisoners definitely match American cruelities, but I think that was state sanctioned executions- a bit different from our vigilant mobs.

[Anonymous]

I think tenets of Daoism are similar to mindfulness efforts today. Daoists want to be spontaneous, appreciate nature and do nothing but get everything done- b/c they really want to follow the Dao or nature's course- so that involves just 'being' and not 'doing'.

To get to your question- if you want to really be mindful of the moment- they you need to fill yourself with the moment. You can't fill your mind/heart with the moment if you already have things on your mind. If you are "full of yourself" then you won't learn anything (b/c you think you know it all already).

The best way to learn/teach Daoism is to read sections of the Dao of Pooh. I make my honors kids read and they love it.

To learn about mindfulness- read "Whereever you go there you are"- great book

[Anonymous]

Its so interesting to hear the intellectuals talk about steering the direction of a country by shaping the country's education model. Should the Chinese stick to the traditional Confucian model to uphold the "spirit of the nation" rather then follow the barbarians in their practical mathematic skills? Should the Chinese study abroad? Should the examination system be altered to allow for western knowledge? This all makes me wonder who is pulling the puppet strings of the American education system. Maybe its the textbook companies along with the Texas and California school boards (these states make the biggest textbook market- so they dictate the content often) which get to decide how the Iraq war will be taught or maybe its think tanks in Washington.

Liang Quichao's comments on his trip to USA really highlights the impact of cultural differences. Different religions impact the work week and work energy, health, etc. Different traditions either create 'clansmen' or 'citizens'. It makes me wonder if the Chinese today are actually unified by their autocratic state or just appear to be unified. Are the Chinese always destined to be loose sand? Or did the revolution legitimately change that? To be honest- I think every nation is full of loose sand- only 50% of Americans generally turn out for an election- do Americans really have a true sense of citizenship?

[Anonymous]

The articles on Korea (#4-7) were really interesting. The "Odd Couple" and "Contested Ground" really showed the challenges Koreans face. I had not thought about how complex reunification would look like. The article referenced "The Crossing" which seems like an interesting movie to check out. The "Odd Couple" and "Korea's Planned Parenthood promoting births?" were especially interesting. I had no idea how low the birth rate was getting in Korea. Both these articles were very easy to read. I can easily incorporate them in my class.

[Anonymous]

I am fascinated by the pictures of Chinese and Japanese men and the way the west deciphered who was Chinese and who was Chinese. It was so stereotypical and so racist. Incredible!

It was enlightening reading the quotes from different newspapers, and prominent people from early America who talked about the importance of Asia and particularly China in the coming years.

John Adams and Teddy Roosevelt were ahead of their time when speaking about the importance of trade and economic ties with Asia, and this was in the 1700 and 1800's.

"US future growth is tied directly to Dynamism in Asia." Nancy Adams put the nail on the head.

America needs Asia. We need heir cheap factory labor for our companies to sell goods in the US. We need their communist history from 1949 to present to remind ourselves how lucky we are to live in a free sociey. We need their hard working students to help lead us academically in many fields and push our American students to become more competetive. We need taoism, confucious and other philosophies to guide us. We need their eastern medicine to help heal us. We need their technology goods to transport and entertain us.

I feel fortunate to live in a time where I can visit Asia and see hese many cultures first hand!

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