Reflections on 12/06/2011 Class

[Anonymous]

On my way to school, I always see a billboard on the 710 fwy about the the 'Shen Yun' performances on stage. It has been making its round since last year. This year again there are multiple ads in the L A Times - one was a full page ad the previous week. It is presented as a cultural reflection of 5000 yrs of Chinese history in dance form.....I guess this is quite a forceful example of "soft power".
The shows are going to be shown starting this month. (ShenYun2012.com)

[Rob_Hugo@PortNW]

While reviewing my notes from the 12/06/2011 class, I was intrigued by the notion of "soft power" and how China uses it today. Soft power refers to the power of attraction, where a nation uses persuasion and appeal to win influence abroad. It's easier to see how Japan, for example, uses soft power with its use of cultural icons like Hello Kitty. Of course there are many Chinese films, like Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, that have impacted American audiences, but how does China actively utilize soft power to make an impact abroad? Today China participates in many cultural exchange programs with U.S. high schools and universities. China also finances Chinese-language teaching in many American universities. Chinese doctors also travel around the world and spread humanitarian medical relief. China also released many African nations from paying over a billion dollars in loans while building roads, hospitals, and schools. I think it would be interesting to have my students research Chinese-language speaking programs in the U.S. that are funded by the Chinese government. Perhaps they will consider applying to one of these programs.

[Anonymous]

I read the article in today's LA Times (12/8) about expensive cars given to Chinese officials (example $560,000 Bentley). Later in the afternoon I was reviewing my Dec 6 notes and re read that the Communist party is all encompassing in the class structure and the idea of Marx that all history is the economic struggle of the people. One man in China was quoted that it's "corruption on wheels". I guess no matter what the government, there is an elite. But at this point the Chinese people are fed up and are posting photos of these expensive perks. Apparently, students are going without school buses. An interesting article. Perhaps our students can compare the "occupy" movement and bank bail out with this "autos to officials" practice. Pat Lamkie

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