november 1 session discussion

[Anonymous]

2. As a Moist, the difference I see between this Chinese philosophy and "American" traditions and values is that Moist adhere to their beliefs. American Christian values have been very hypocritical throughout most of this nations history. The attempt to treat others as they would like to be treated has not been practiced by a majority of this country's population. We can look at race relations and the treatment of foreigners to get a glimpse of these so-called American values.

[Anonymous]

#1.
From Confucius way: what should Clay do now that hw knows that his dad purposefully or knowingly broke the law
Clay’ dad broke a law. What should Clay do about it?
If there are consequences to his acts, I would believe he acted knowing the risks.
If a person breaks a law as a teenager that is one thing, if he is older I would think is more aware of what he is doing.
Seeing who Clay grow up to be, knowing that there is a nice relationship and hearing that Clay was able to talk about it, all those things make me believe that the crime is not going to make it to the TV, so I’m pretty sure is not a crime that brings shame to the family.
I believe Clay should do nothing.
#2.
The American tradition includes testing (may be too much)
But As I look at our calendar and see the days we observe and the institutions we create… I think we are really Confucians:
We remember history, Veterans Day, 4th of July, 5 de Mayo…

We honor tradition: Christmas, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah…
We take time to recognize and honor our parents: Mother’s and Father’s Days
We also take time to celebrate friendship and find events to have a reason to mingle with them: Super Bowl, Oscars, Grammies,
We try to help others: Welfare system, Red Cross, FEMA
And keeping in mind our LAUSD newest Superintendent and his goals for 100% of the students to go to college, it reminds me that being a teacher is a very “Confucianistic” activity.

[Anonymous]

1. As a Moist, I agree with my brother straylor. Under our philosophy Clay's father would need to be turned over to the authorities. We emphasize discipline and authority as the answer to chaos. Our emperor who is virtuous and wise would deal with Clay's father as he saw fit. Since the emperor is a benevolent ruler his decision on the matter would be beneficial for the entire society. Unlike Legalist, as subjects of our emperor we know under Moist beliefs,"...that that those above will diligently attend to matters of government, and those below will diligently carry out their tasks." Having said this, as a Moist, love is the driving force behind all matters and so everyone has a role in society and they accept their position because it brings harmony to society. We do not live under a state of fear and intimidation.

[Anonymous]

I think that the activity that Dr. Dube did in class was fun and I will definitely do it in class. Have the kids be in groups and have them debate four scenarios or maybe issues in the news.

I think Confucius' ideas have an anti-democratic element to them. Aside from civil service testing, in which you can arise as far as your intelligence will take you, I find Confucius' teachings to be unappealing. This whole idea of hierarchy goes against true democracy, where everybody should be equal. I mean think about women should obey men and men should obey the government. The government should obey us, the mass of people that for better or worse should have a say in laws that are made for them to obey. I understand rituals are important, but their existence creates these contrived situations in which people perform them, not out of sincerity, but because they are expected. Should I shake your hand to be polite and because it is expected of me or because I really am glad to meet you?

[Rob_Hugo@PortNW]

two topics (plus whatever you wish to add)
1. what should Clay do about his father?
2. what similarities or differences can you identify between Chinese philosophies we've explored and whatever you identify as American traditions or values

[Author]

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