[Ingrid Herskind]

I really enjoyed Professor Yamashita's explanation of Contextualism and how he uses this approach to analyze historical moments. Thinking about the contextualism in historical as well as philosophical terms helps to describe a collection of views which emphasize the context in which an action, utterance, or expression occurs, and argues that, in some important respect, the action, utterance, or expression can only be understood relative to that context. I loved the use of Commodore Perry's arrival in Japan in 1853 as a major "drop in the pond" to create a series of ripples that would impact Japan's future in economics, foreign policy, development, and culture. I plan to use some of Dr. Yamashita's ideas from lecture in my AP United States History discussions about the impact of American foreign policy (Perry's arrival via steamship) on Japan's future. I also like that this ties in nicely to explaining the impact of the U.S.'s Market Revolution on their own destiny. 

I was also struck by Dr. Yamashita's Histoire Proleme #3: the economic foundations for Japan's emergence as a great power. On one of his handouts, Dr. Yamashita gives examples of Japan's cotton production capacities 1877-1890 showing the massive increase in the number of spindles produced. This reminded me of the U.S.'s increase in cotton production from 1800-1860--where cotton accounted for over 50% of America's exports. This is such an interesting product to use as an example of economic might.  A great source to read on this topic is "Empire of Cotton," by Sven Beckert, 2014.   

Here is an interesting article about the Empire of Cotton from the Atlantic titled, "Empire of Cotton: Cotton is so ubiquitous as to be almost invisible, yet understanding its history is key to understanding the origins of modern capitalism," by Sven Beckert.

https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2014/12/empire-of-cotton/383660/

[Ingrid Herskind]

This article in "Education about Asia" magazine gives some great examples and discussion questions for teachers to use in a "Constructing Communism: Teaching about Revolutionary Societies through Chinese Poster Art" lesson. I found this the other day and immediately thought about our project from a few weeks ago that brought the images from the Cultural Revolution into the discussion.

This article gives historical context to the images and also uses historiography to explain the use of propaganda in teaching other revolutionary societies. The author states: "The vast difference between the attractive images shown in the posters and the grim reality of China from 1949-1980s is an important lesson. Both textbooks and lectures are needed to remind students that the reality of Maoist China was much different from the images, and the posters hide horrors on a scale that Westerners cannot grasp.

The author also states that these images can be used across the curriculum on many levels. One historian stated that he uses the posters in an upper-level graduate course on Eastern Asian politics, whereas another uses them in a 9th grade world literature class. The author also says that the beauty of these images can be critiqued in an art history class that discusses the symbolism and style of dress. Questions like the following were used as examples for discussion:

1. Do the posters imply anything about generational issues, the relations of old and young?

2. Pay attention to the sense of change, both within single posters and between multiple posters from different time in Maoist and post-Maoist China.

I really liked this project and hope that this article might be helpful to others who want to use these types of images in the classroom.

http://aas2.asian-studies.org/EAA/EAA-Archives/23/1/1526.pdf?fbclid=IwAR11aAWrvBWYAfT3hPdRah9rmW_kUgZmMMw7MxR00g8LgzLF47DA3FgMGG4

[Ingrid Herskind]

Thank you for posting this ppt. I enjoyed the map comparisons- especially the "map battles" in the naming of the waters from both the Japanese, Korean, and Chinese perspectives.The debate over the Sea of Japan has even been taken up by Korean American activists in the United States. These activists have pushed legislation in three states that would require new school textbooks to note that the Sea of Japan is also called the East Sea, the Korean name for the hotly disputed body of water. I also find it interesting that both South Korea and Japan have conducted surveys of antiquarian maps to demonstrate their preferred name has historical precedent. Of course, the surveys have come to very different conclusions.

I found this map as depicted within Kunyu Wanguo Quantu by Matteo Ricci in 1602. This is an example of the type of map that both the South Koreans and the Japanese are using to support their arguments.

[Ingrid Herskind]

The Chinese Cultural Revolution propaganda cards made me think about how I could tie these posters to moments in United States history.The first thing that came to mind was the movement during the New Deal, led by the Works Progress Administration, to motivate Americans to support the government.

This first image promotes the ideas of the WPA by mobilizing farmers to continue to work for America. I like this image as it shows that agriculture as well as industry is important for the New Deal. It would be fun to use some of the Chinese posters that reflect the cultivation of crops in the countryside as a comparison.

This second image promotes the humanities--art, literature, and music. This part of the WPA is one of my favorite parts because it represents the thoughts that supporting the arts was just as important as support agriculture and industry. I've always loved these posters and am thinking about ways that we could compare the propaganda from the New Deal of the 1930s and 1940s with the propaganda of the Cultural Revolution in China. I wonder if we could find Chinese posters reflecting the goals to support the arts. I think my students would really like doing a comparison project with these images. Moreover, we could also tie in some of the images from WWII (troop mobilization and rationing).

[Ingrid Herskind]

I found this interesting article about Chabuduo in China: https://aeon.co/essays/what-chinese-corner-cutting-reveals-about-modernity

After reading Mr. Chabuduo, I wanted to know more about the concept of Chabuduo---which means "almost" or "near enough" or "good enough."  The article from Aeon Magazine talks about what Chinese "corner cutting" reveals about modernity. The author of the article, a British writer and editor who has lived in China for many years, said "my time in China has taught me the pleasure and value of craftsmanship, simply because it’s so rare. To see somebody doing a job well, not just for its own reward, but for the satisfaction of good work."  Chabuduo is the corrosive opposite of the impulse towards craftmanship--it's all about just getting the job done quickly and done "well enough." I wonder if this is a reflection of the massive development projects and competitive surge in growth in China over the past 20 years. 

Chabuduo is also a result of the innovation and inventiveness that was needed during the lean Maoist years. Many of the older generations still adhere to the ideas of Chabuduo by stating "chabuduo is also the casual dismissal of problems. Oh, your door doesn’t fit the frame? Chabuduo, you’ll get used to kicking it open. We sent you a shirt two sizes too big? Chabuduo, what are you complaining about?" There's a part of me that loves this notion even though it is problematic and wouldn't really work in the U.S. Moreover, using this mentality can lead to serious problems if the lackluster cutting corners care in a construction project leads to the collapse of a high rise structure. 

[Ingrid Herskind]

I was concerned by the recent report by the UN Governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), that stated that the planet will reach the crucial threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels by as early as 2030, precipitating the risk of extreme drought, wildfires, floods and food shortages for hundreds of millions of people. Because of China's economic growth and their recent stimulus packeage, the air pollution crisis will only continue to worsen. I also wonder if the tariff wars with the United States will also put pressure on the Chinese government to pump up production of steel and other heavy industries.

I found a chart on "The Economic Times" that shows the pollution rates and fatalities in both China and India. A United States study has estimated that India and China together account for more than half of global deaths due to air pollution. The US-based Health Effects Institute’s State of Global Air study has also found that increasing exposure to air pollution combined with an ageing population has led to India rivalling China in health burden from bad air. 

It seems that the world needs to push harder for Green Energy sources like solar, wind, geo-thermal, and hydro-electric. It will be interesting to see who takes the lead in this transformation in areas like the United States, China, and India. 

[Ingrid Herskind]

The Two of Spades card represents the youth of the Cultural Revolution biking into the countryside to bring medical supplies and literature. As in the other image of the laborer, the young couple also carry the Little Red Book in the front basket of the young man's bicycle. The young man's bike basket is also filled with newspapers and pamplets. The young woman has slung a medical bag over her front handlebar. They are young and seem to be happy to be on this journey to the countryside to share the Maoist ideas and supplies.

Even though the decade was marked by purges and power struggles at the upper echelons of government, many young people were mobilized to enforce Maoist thought. These types of vivid posters were created to inspire citizens to put forth their labor towards agriculture, industry and national defense, as well as concerns such as hygiene and family planning. It would be interesting to know what kind of medical supplies were in the bag.

More than a billion copies of the LIttle Red Book have been published, making the book, often wrapped in its distinctive vinyl cover, one of the most widely produced of all time. During the Cultural Revolution,  it became virtually mandatory to own and carry one. 

I have always been intrigued by the quote by Mao that states: "A revolution is not a dinner party, or writing an essay, or painting a picture, or doing embroidery... A revolution is an insurrection, an act of violence by which one class overthrows another." This image does not necessarily seem to project violence, but it does propagandize the goals of the Revolution.

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[Ingrid Herskind]

I selected this Jack of Spades card with the image of a 'larger than life' Chinese laborer holding the Little Red Book in his left hand and squashing the European, capitalist businessmen with his right. With the PRC flag in the background, the laborer defiantly looks into the future stating "Our Chinese people are uneasy to be challenged." I think this isn't exactlly the right translation because he looks much more powerful and sure of himself than the expression "uneasy to be challenged." 

I've seen posters like this in other Cold War propaganda supporting Polish or Hungarian solidarity movements. He is drawn in a blocky style common during this time period and earlier in the United States during the New Deal. His right hand is striking the European capitalists as if Chinese labor can beat down any capitalist challenge or threat. After looking at the other cards in the deck, this card is a great representation of how the patriotism and mobilization efforts of the Cultural Revolution emanated throughout the era. And of course, the worker is holding Mao's Little Red Book!

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[Ingrid Herskind]

I have been interested in the conversations and readings about China's aging population, the problems of gender inequity due to the one-child policy, and the issues surrounding marriage and divorce in the rural and urban areas of China. The Economist article on Divorce: a love story was enlightening and showed the similar yet different problems facing Chinese couples.  I read further on the topic of divorce in China and found one very interesting article in Forbes magazine that discussed the property issues surrounding divorce. Home purchasing rules in China treat married couples as a single unit. At present, a first-time buyer and resident of Shanghai can buy one property with a 30% deposit and 10% discounted interest rate. A married couple can buy up to two properties. The deposit for the second property has to be between 50% and 70%. By getting a divorce, even if it's just on paper, couples can once again get the more favourable deposit rates enjoyed by individuals.

This playing of the system has apparently been happening at a steady rate. It's been partially driven by the booming property market in Shanghai, where the purchase of a first home, let alone a second, is beyond the reach of many on average incomes. But the sudden spike in divorce filings was apparently caused by a rumour that Chinese housing authorities were wise to this loophole and keen to shut it down.

I wonder if this trend, albeit started by a rumour about the Chinese housing authorities, could be contributing to the rising divorce rates in some ways, or if this is just an anamoly. In spite of this, China seems to be facing the same crises that other countries around the world have been facing--maybe chopsticks don't always stay in pairs. 

[Ingrid Herskind]

Last week, Japan's Osaka city ended its "sister city" ties with San Francisco over the display of a 'comfort women' monument. The Osaka mayor stated that the monument "destroyed the two sides' relationship of trust." The Mayor of Osaka stated that part of the problem was the monument's inscription, which he said "presents uncertain and one-sided historical facts." 

After our discussion about "comfort facilities" and "comfort women" with Dr. Jung Kim, I was struck by the mayor's comment about "one-sided historical facts." The mayor further stated that "there is disagreement among historians when regarding the historical facts such as the number of 'comfort women', the degree to which the former Japanese army was involved, and the extent of the wartime harm." These comments made me think about how we discuss history and how different cultures embrace past successes and failures. 

Historian Jill Lepore states that "the study of history requires investigation, imagination, empathy, and respect. Reverence just doesn't enter into it."  I was struck by our discussions in class about the 'comfort women' and Japan's response to the accusations and often wonder if the international controversy will ever be addressed. How can a nation properly investigate its own past from a position of empathy and respect?

[Ingrid Herskind]

For centuries Korea has been struggling to find itself a rightful place in the shadow of foreign powers -- Russia, China, Japan, and after the Second World War, the United States. Postwar Korean literature often revolves around the country's search for its own identity despite wars and partitioning. I was thinking about how the story "Cranes" portrays the Koreans in a divided nation?

In my International Relations class, we discussed the idea of Partitioning as a solution to foreign policy conflict. After talking about WWII and the division of Korea, we analyzed the problems with partitioning an area into two or more segments as a solution to international conflict. I had them read the short story "Cranes" and then discussed how its themes portray Korea as a divided nation. 

One student stated that the story "Cranes" is heart-warming as it depicts a war-torn country where people have to choose sides and even best friends could hate each other. When Songsam recalls his happy childhood with Tokchae, he realizes what a divided Korea has done to its people. Peace has to happen some time, and if not in the country, at least between friends.  Another student suggested that Songsam's release of Tokchae expresses his yearning for their innocent childhood. When Songsam remembers the crane they once raised and set free, he realizes the importance of allowing his friend to escape. They reconcile and renew their bond of affection despite their political differences. And another stated that the inevitable conflict between the two friends illustrates the kind of tension and affection in a divided Korea. The two governments are divided by political rivalry yet attached by a common bond between families and friends on the other side of the thirty-eighth Parallel. Childhood memories cherished by Songsam and Tokchae signify hope for unification.

I really enjoyed this story and loved bringing literature into a foreign policy discussion.  I think I will read more from this collection of short stories.  

[Ingrid Herskind]

I found our discussion the other night on the population issues in China to be fascinating and wanted to learn more about the impact that the One Child policy has had on Chinese demographics. I found this article from the New York Times Sinosphere dispatches to be interesting as it discusses that by 2020, China will have 30 million bachelors--bare branches. One Chinese economist suggests polyandry, allowing 1 woman to marry, in this case, 2 men. This economist suggests that this would be a good solution to the guanggun issue, but many Chinese think this idea is morally and traditionally outrageous. Many feminist and gay-rights advocates are also against this proposal.

It would be interesting to discuss this topic as it connects to the One Child policy that used to impact Chinese households. I could see this working in a statistics class or even in a World History or Human Geography class.

Pew Research stats on impact of the end of the One Child Policy:  http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/11/20/will-the-end-of-chinas-one-child-policy-shift-its-boy-girl-ratio/

 

 

[Ingrid Herskind]

After reading the Revolutionary Proclamation of 1907, I was struck by the concept of "China for Chinese" as it compares to the immigration debate that has been pushing the idea of populist nationalism in nations like Austria, Bulgaria, France, and Germany. Understanding the Chinese sentiment as they struggled to regain their rule from Manchuism. After our role-playing exercise, it seemed that all examples of "protest" i.e. self-strengtheners, reformers, and rebels, looked to created a nation for the Chinese without the imposition of power from outsiders. In the Chinese case, the outsiders were able to gain control and impose their laws and ideals on the people. Comparing this to the refugee crisis in Europe, the outsiders are not in positions of power, but are struggling for survival and rights. The populism in each case is unique, but also connects to the larger picture of nationalistic impulses.

[Ingrid Herskind]

The discussion during last night's lecture on China's changing population struck me as we see a slow down in growth, a reduction in births, fewer younger people, as well as an increase in the elderly population. For one, the greying of China’s citizenry is expected to push costs for elderly care — including operations of retirement homes and medical services — up from some 7% of the country’s gross domestic product to more than 25% by 2050. This is an interesting thing to consider as the United States and many other developed nations are going through similar situations. 

I was thinking this might be an interesting topic to consider in an international relations class or even in a statistics class. Using the stats, a class could show the change over time and then make more predictions about the "greying of China". 

Here's a great set of statistics projecting the changing demographics of China's population: https://www.caixinglobal.com/2018-07-20/chart-chinas-aging-population-101306922.html

Here are some Pew Statistics comparing the aging trends in a number of nations: http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2015/05/21/family-support-in-graying-societies/

[Ingrid Herskind]

I was struck by the importance of the Burlingame treaty in the immigration discussion. The US promised the Chinese the right to free immigration and travel within the United States. This promise would be completely upended in the 1882 Chinese Exclusion act (less than 20 years later). The act also allowed for the protection of Chinese citizens in the United States in accordance with the most-favored-nation principle. Another article gave the citizens of the two nations reciprocal access to education and schooling when living in the other country. All of these articles served to reinforce the principle of equality between the two nations.

In AP United States History, I think I will use the Burlingame Treaty and the Chinese Exclusion Act primary sources together to show the changing attitudes toward Chinese immigration. We could look into the census data to see the population changes and look at other newspapers and primary sources to investigate attitudes toward the new immigrants from China.

There are a number of political cartoons on Chinese Exclusion and the Burlingame Treaty by Thomas Nast.  Here is a website: https://thomasnastcartoons.com/resources/the-burlingame-treaty-of-1868/

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