Welcome - Let's get acquainted!

[Anonymous]

Hi. My name is Darlene Torres and I procastinate! I waited until Winter Break to start posting. I was very intimidated at first by this process. But I think I will really enjoy this now after readiung some of the posts and understanding how the forum functions. I've NEVER had to post anything as part of my education. So here's to coming to the 21st century...I've been a teacher for 16 years, 13 of which I've been at the same school, Sierra Vista High School, in Baldwin Park. This year, I teach AP American Government and Economics, and US History. But I've taught every Social Studies course we offer (and for about 10 yrs I even taught them in Spanish, within a Bilingual setting). Most of my students have been Latino, up until the last 4 years. Once I started teaching AP I started receiving a large number of Asian students. I decided to take this seminar (although I missed the first session because I was ill) because I've always been curious about Asian culture and want to travel there. I've traveled extensively throughout the world. But besides Hong Kong (when it was until British control) and Thailand, I've not visited Asia. So here's to a great start! 😀

[Anonymous]

What a priviledge and an honor to be here incorporated with one of the best universities in the Western United States. I have been waiting for the time to access this incredible seminar, and learn about one of my favorite cultures. I have collected Chinese antiquities for some time now and have porcelains, jades, and cloisonne from a few of the dynasties, and hope to collect more and learn more as time goes on. My name is Rob Tanny, and I work for LAUSD at Curtiss Middle School in Carson as a Resource Specialist. I have been there for thirteen years, and I enjoy working with disabled students. I am a coteacher in Algebra, and English, and some of our reading in English Literature is based in a Chinese Cultural Setting. I think that introducing cultural information about China will enrich their lives, and stimulate interest in their overall education. As a teacher of disabled learners I think that it is important to broaden the horizons of all students, and not let them limit themselves as far as culture is concerned. China is the culture of the future, and soon it will be the leader of the world economically, and in so many other ways. It is important that my students get ready for this event, and have some knowledge to deal with it.

[Anonymous]

Robert Hitlin
Lockwood Avenue Elementary School
Los Angeles Unified School District

I am finally responding to all the threads. I have a M.A. in International Politics from Drew University in Madison, New Jersey, and have been interested in East Asia since my undergraduate studies in Political Science. I participated in the Fulbright Memorial Fund in October 2003 in which the Japanese government sponsored American educators to come to Japan to learn about Japan first-hand, and then return to their schools to educate their teaching peers, students, and communities about Japan, and to increase cultural understanding between citizens of the two nations. I have traveled several other times to Japan, and will be taking a trip there in March 2010 to explore Nara, Osaka, and Hiroshima. I am presently a Ph.D student in Educational Studies at Claremont, and part of my research involves looking at the Japanese educational system. I study Japanese language, although not always successfully, and enjoy watching Japanese films.

[Anonymous]

On Thursday, January 21, 2010, Deborah A. Brauxtigam,
Associate Professor in the School of International Service at the American University
in Washington DC, spoke about excerpts from her book entitled, "The Dragon's Gift:
China in Africa."

Although a lot of negative information is circulating
on the Internet and in newspaper articles regarding Africa and CHina's involvement in it,
few if any of these authors have conducted field research in Africa.

She debunked three myths regarding China's role in Africa:

Myth #1: China's involvement in Africa is new.

China has watched the mistakes of other countries who conducted business in Africa
and developed a new model. CHina based its business model for Africa
from its former aid from Japan.

Myth #2: China gave $44 billion to Africa since the 1950s and China granted
Latin America $100 billion.

In actuality, China's investment in Africa is $162 and $142 in Latin America.
China's Hu Jin Tau said that he wanted Chinese investment in Latin America
to reach $100 billion dollars.

Myth #3: 0% interest loans from China are political and
money has been given to every country in Africa except
Swaziland.

Nine billion dollars have been given to the Democratic Republic of Congo
and four and one-half billion dollars have been given to Angola in loans from CHina.

In addition, Mauritius will be able to repay China's concession loans.

China's economic cooperation with African countries has been profitable:
of the $142 billion dollars that have been invested via business agreements
with African countries has netted CHina a nice profit, while African companies
who participated in these agreements gained approximately $70 billion.

Although safety standards, labor conditions, and environmental issues continue to
be a problem for the Chinese government, Mozambique has decided to translate
its labor standards into CHinese. In turn, the CHinese honored these
practices and workers enjoy a better environment.
Thus, the language barrier can be overcome which may lead to cross cultural cooperation
which could eventually lead to improved work practices around Africa.

There were more points that were discussed:

China is not a colonial power in Africa, the local populartion
retains its cultural heritage.

China does not own most of the land in Africa, but it does own a 20% stake
in Standard Bank in South Africa.

The growing Chinese presence in Africa has caused some backlash
in places such as Mauritius. Mauritius' population was fearful that China
would take over its beaches.

Until people see the result of Cinese investments in African countries
there will be some xenophobic over reactions by the indigenous population.

The West, America, has told Africa what to do to grow their country.
Unfortunately, the West, particularly America, have constantly
changed their suggestions about Africa.
Consequently, the West has pulled many projects out of Africa, as have
European nations.

However, China's simplistic approach to Africa: focus on minerals, basic
manufacturing, and farming has netted China billions of dollars in profit.
Fortunately, some black Africans have benefitted from the Chinese model.

Now, America and Europe are taking another look at Africa - albeit
based on the Chinese model.

The local response of many young black Africans is to buy more
Chinese products, accept
scholarships to China and learn Chinese. The current generation
is looking towards the future, and for now, it seems to be China.

I asked a question regarding the workplace abuses in CHinese companies in Africa,
the speaker stated that the Chinese continue their workplace practices from
China and export them to companies in Africa.

She also stated that the Chinese treat their African workers the same
as the African companies treat them. The only exception were the American
companies who treat the African workers well.

I take exception to that response since the speaker did not differentiate between
the Chinese companies in Africa which are owned by White Africans as
opposed to those which are owned by Black Africans.

Furthermore, in my travels to Africa, I have spoken to highly educated
Black Africans who told me of their negative work experiences with
White American or White European owned companies who hired Black
African workers. Until field data is gathered or workers surveys are
conducted from Chinese companies doing business in Africa, we will
not know how widespread these problems are.

However, if more Chinese firms adopt the Mozambique
approach: translate their labor laws into Chinese - then communication
improves. Thus, if native African labor practices are translated into Chinese -
clearer communication may reduce abuses by employers in the workplace.

China does business with the DRC, Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe, and Angola -
they will do business with anyone until they lose patience with them (Mugabe).

Chinese enclaves are being built in African countries who do business in Africa
and the locals hope that it will not be a repeat of the enclosures from the
colonists, which means one hopes that these enclaves will be
more inclusive of the local population.

South Africa and Mozambique are benefitting from increased tourism
and mostly positive press regarding the World Cup 2010.
This prestigious honor has propelled Mozambique and South Africa to moderize
airports, build new hotels and stadiums, and update some of its security procedures.

Perhaps China's investment in Africa may be the "push" it needs to rebuild or expand their
infrastructure as so much of their land (excluding national parks, safari lodges, and the serengeti) remain underdeveloped.

[Edit by="cwatson on Jan 23, 10:13:09 PM"][/Edit]
[Edit by="cwatson on Feb 1, 9:41:06 PM"][/Edit]

[Anonymous]

To rhitlin:

I would be interested in finding out more information and your perspectives after having been a participant in the Fulbright program--I considered applying for it 2 years ago but ended up not doing it. I did have a colleague who applied and became an alternate for the program around the same time but did not make it to the final selection. I would appreciate your response regarding this and thanks in advance.

seun

[Anonymous]

As far as the Fulbright Memorial Fund to Japan, I participated in October 2003, and I highly recommend that all teachers interested in Japan, apply to be part of this experience. This experience changed the trajectory of my life and was truly unforgettable. I think it would be better to discuss in person so I can answer your specific questions.

[Anonymous]

Hello!

My name is Diana Munoz. I teach Spanish at Redondo Union High School. I am currently teaching three levels of Spanish for Spanish Speakers and one level of regular second year Spanish. I've been living in California since 2003. Before that I lived in New York City. There, I went to school with many East Asians. In particular Koreans and Chinese. I had a lot of Spanish speaking Korean friends (who were born and raised in Argentina) and Chinese (who were born and raised in Cuba). I'd always found that fascinating. At first, the two cultures seemed completely different and unconnectable, I found it extremely interesting and wanted to learn more about why they came and what they've added to the Hispanic culture, because I'm sure they've influenced it in more than one way.

Asia has always seemed so distant and foriegn to me. I've traveled throughout Central and South America and to a few countries in Europe, but never to Asia. It seems way too far, way too different. I've had many friends that have gone and I would love to finally see in person this place that up to now, has been unreachable.

[Anonymous]

I think that both the continent of Africa, and the country of China would benefit from each other in that what one has the other does not. I know that this is a very simplistic way of putting together this liason, but let's face it, Africa could use china's monetary resources and investment power,and technological advances, and china could use Africa's Natural Resources. In addition to this, Africa could use china's technological products at their lower prices, and in turn massive amounts of trade should be able to develop from all of this. This could pull Africa out of the hole so to speak , and allow them to industrialize and improve their economies. The countries of Africa are resource rich, many of them are oil rich, but they need developmental infusion to promote their industries. I think that China has the power to do that even in this world economy.

[Anonymous]

My impression from National Geographic and The Economist article on the Africa-China connection is that many Africans have no problem inviting China in, but are concerned that "economic imperialism" may follow. perhaps a good example is the Japanese in Peru: a large number of rich immigrants flow into a very poor country. Certainly, China knows first-hand the down side of foreign "investment" in a country and how it can get out of hand.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the post. This is exactly what I was looking for to clarify the relationship betweet Africa and China.
With a long road to go in the development of Africa, I see this as an ongoing relationship with benefits on both sides.
However, I have no illusions that China, like any other country, is doing anything out of the goodness of their heart.
This appears to be a business relationship pure and simple, which may be best for both sides as it will make each less likely to do anything to mess it up.

[Anonymous]

Forgive me with such a delayed introduction....It has been quit a journey for me this past year...
As always....it is a priveledge to be able to be part of Clay's seminar and gain the wealth of knowledge from the academia which one would not have the opportunity to learn from...
I am grateful that Clay has been willing to bring to educators, East Asia at it's best...
This is my 6th year living in California, 5th year teaching at San Pedro High School, which is a LAUSD District 8 school, the southernest LAUSD high school.
Prior to being in California, I taught in Salem, OR and Beverton, OR for a couple of years, after been raised on the beautiful, humble island of Hawaii...
As a child, I loved meeting people for different parts of the world and always felt a longing for living on the mainland...I know many ask me why? My mother only thought it was a dream...as life continued...and her daughter was still in Hawaii...
After having experienced teaching in Hawaii for a few years, it was time for me to take my daughter away from Hawaii, and experience "the real world"...So in 2000, my family not knowing I was actually interviewing for a job in Oregon...they thought I was just going on vacation...
Ironically I did not chose to be a Special Education teacher, I wanted to teach Culture...but being an Anthropology major, part of that Social Science group, after graduating with a certificate to teach secondary Social Studies, there was a shortage of teaching positions, so the second best thing was to be part of a program called RISE and get a SPED credential...the rest of history....Being a Special Education high school teacher, is a challenge, especially in LA, as we do not have only the ones with Learning Disabilities in the classroom, but the ones who are Emotionally Disturbed, with Probation Officers( which no one informs us about), and ADHD all in one classroom...
My best teaching experience is my student teaching, high school/middle school general education students, World History and American History...students who you could put in a cooperative learning groups, where the teacher was the facilitator, who wanted to learn, who took pride in their learning and actually were concerned about passing a test...would see you during lunch break to prepare for their tests. YES, that classroom does exist...but not in the world of Special Education...sadly...

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