Sun Tzu is another excellent topic to use to cover ancient China. Here are some concepts from The Art of War • The supreme act of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting • No country has ever benefited from a protracted war
Sydney, Australia has a beautiful Chinese Gardens at Darling Harbour. The modern part of it was actually funny; they have a hut with costumes from the Imperial Period and you can pay a few dollars, wear the costumes and take your picture among the pagodas, ponds and tea area. If you go to Sydney, take an hour to visit the Chinese Gardens. Cathy
According to the BBC, the number of people killed has risen to 16 in the recent typhoon that came ashore in SE China. Over 1m people were forced to evacuate. That number is astounding as the number to flee New Orleans last August was less than half of that, 485,000.
Japan's warrior class the Samaurai and information from the British museum on the art of sword making
Cutting Edge: Japanese Swords in the British Museum
30 September 2004 – 27 February 2005 Japanese Galleries ( 92-94) Admission free
The Japanese sword is probably the most deadly cutting weapon ever developed by man, razor-sharp and almost unbreakable. But apart from its efficacy as a weapon, in Japan, the sword has always been imbued with a spiritual essence according to both Shint? and Buddhist thought. Kend? (‘the way of the sword’) is the spiritual study of sword-fencing which aims beyond victory in combat, towards the ultimate understanding of Buddhism. The sword is thus considered as an implement of enlightenment, and as such it sometimes has Buddhist invocations or depictions of deities carved on the blade. Appreciation of the beauty of the blade is an ancient and important aspect of Japanese aesthetics.
This exhibition features one hundred blades and mountings from the Museum’s extensive collection. All of the swords on display have been recently polished and conserved by a team of thirty-three specialists in Japan, with guidance from the Government of Japan and the Society for the Preservation of Japan Art Swords. The project has been generously supported by the Peter Moores Foundation. Polishing a samurai sword is an art in itself – each sword takes at least 2 – 3 months to polish - and requires a long apprenticeship. This exhibition will provide the first opportunity to see these swords restored to their original glory, displayed alongside prints and screen paintings which depict samurai and their weapons.
The curved sword of the samurai was perfected sometime during the Heian period (794-1185). It remained the major weapon in almost constant civil warfare between samurai clans vying for governmental control until the end of the 16th century. However slight changes in shape, length and appearance, affected by both fashion and technology have led to the recognition of three distinct types of sword: ‘kot?’ (old swords); ‘shint?’ (new swords); and ‘shinshint?’ (new new swords). Kot? blades are generally slender and of a deeper curve than later swords, and was the name given to all swords made up to the late 16th century. The establishment in 1600 of a relatively stable regime under the Tokugawa clan (the Edo period) led to a new style of sword, ‘shint?’. The peaceful isolation engendered by the Tokugawa meant that the sword gradually became more a symbol of samurai authority and a fashion accessory, rather than a weapon. The emphasis was now on luxurious mountings, scabbards coated with gold or coloured lacquer, patinated metal fittings and minutely sculpted decorative motifs. Larger swords known as shinshint? appeared in the late 18th century as increased western naval activity roused the samurai from the complacency of Japan’s isolation. In the late 19th century, with imperial rule restored, Japan rapidly modernised and samurai were prohibited from wearing swords in public. All kinds of antiquities, including the now obsolete swords, began to be avidly collected by foreign visitors and exported. The Museum’s own collection arose as a result of bequests from this first generation of enthusiasts. However, by the time these swords reached the Museum, many had rusted or were broken as a result of neglect or mistreatment. The kind support of the Peter Moores Foundation has meant that the Museum has finally been able to restore these swords to their former glory.
For further information please contact Hannah Boulton on 020 7323 8522 or email hboulton@thebritishmuseum.ac.uk
How a sword is made: Japanese swords are manufactured by heating the blade and folding a steel billet several times, then hammering to form a laminate, which is then beaten out into the final shape. It is hardened by a unique method of heat treatment. The blade is first coated with a slurry of clay which is then partially removed along the cutting edge. When dried the whole is heated red and quenched in cold water. This produces a resilient body able to withstand the shock of violent combat and a cutting edge of hard steel which can be polished razor sharp. When a blade is polished a grain formed by the folding process becomes visible. The crystalline structure of the hardened edge appears as a whitish line, the hamon (‘badge’ of the blade). The various hues and patterns within the hamon are described using terms derived from nature.
The polishing process: The polishing process is no less important than the original manufacturing process. This often involves the use of more than twenty grades of stone, from the coarsest down to the finest. It is the unique nature of the Japanese polish that it reveals all the varied textures in the blade. Above all the polisher ensures that the lines of the curved blade are smooth and continuous and that the angles of the planes are clearly defined. The polisher produces a completely even surface, which not only renders the textures of the blade clearly visible but also helps preserve it against corrosion. The final stages of polishing involve the use of various powders, including stone dust and iron oxides. These processes are intended to produce a surface that reveals microscopic variations in both grain contour and crystalline formations.
If you find yourself in Seattle looking for Asia, here are some of the places to look. In the International District (known as the ID), you will find China, Japan, the Philippines and Vietnam. There are shops, bakeries, restaurants, churches and culture centers representing these countries within the district. The Wing Luke Asian Museum, displaying local Asian American history is also in this District.
The Seattle Asian Art Museum in Volunteer Park features buddhist art from Korea, Japan, China and South East Asia, spanning 2000 years of history. When near Volunteer park, visit Bruce and Brandon Lee’s grave at the Lake View Cemetery. Also near by is a Japanese Tea Garden. Depending on the time of the month, you can participate in Japanese tea ceremony or view live kabuki performance in the garden.
In Downtown Seattle, visit the tea shop called vital t-Leaf at the corner of 1st Ave. and Union, where you can enjoy tea tasting for FREE! Their website is www.vitalTleaf.com . They have a sister store in San Francisco. The famous Pike Market Place offers many options for Asian eating, including a tiny hole in the wall Chinese bakery specializing in fried and steamed han-bow buns.
Now that I am making power point presentations for my high school world history and world geography classes (thanks to Clay), I will most definately access the british museum for pictures........China and anything else they offer! Thanks for reminding me of this site. Cathy, Chapparal, Temecula
Let's all meet each other and create a governement where transportation is based on solar energy, instead of gasoline.........I wonder which empire will bully the rest of the world and take control of our shared sun. It's frustrating to me that we learn about the peaceful ways of Buddhism and Daoism when studying E Asia and then have to wonder if man's real nature is just greediness for power and being puffed up? In my lifetime I have been affected by the results of WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War (Not to mention the civil rights issues here at home), all the conflicts in the Middle East and I would just like to see all the various governments and peoples come together to celebrate our marvelous earth, learn how to take care of it, and respect each other as fellow inhabitants. One day at a time, I guess. Let's teach Peace in our Schools. Cathy from Chaparral High in Temecula
Looking for articles on China for my world history and world geography classes, I came across 7 national Geographic issues on my bookshelf in my home office. I can't wait to count how many I will find in the at 100, probably more, NG magazines in my classroom cupboards! National Geo march 1980: Pges 292-331 Western China tour highlights 1. Uygur dwellers are Muslims, speaking Turkish language 2. relay runners follow the route of the 1934-35 Long March of Mao 3. silk Road, China's minorities 4. Cutural Revolution being replaced with PDAs and the Mao clothing is being replaced with color and differnet styles 5.Inner Mongolia, Yellow River, Gobi Desert 6. Science and research are back in/proletariate ideology is not so severe Labzgiyr;s oetricgenucak factirues oiyr iyt a tgucj veuk if kybg-threatening fumes, making the Westerners sick 7. 2,000 yr old irrigation systems 8. 1980: 4/5 of Chinese are farmers, yet only 11% of China is arable 9. Great Wall at Jiayuguan, 14th c. 10. Turpan Depression, one of the lwoest spots on land, 505 feet below sea level and HOT 11. The shift from Han (94%) trying to eliminate minorities to celbrating their cultures 12. Kazaks, nomads 13. Religious freedoms revived 14.Authors feel a sense of optimism in the People and their scholars, scientists Cathy, Temecula
national geographic, March, 2004: pages68-95 China's Growing Pains: More money, more stuff, more problems. Any Solutions? This article is about pollution and consumerism, lack of clean water, death toll from bad air quality (2 million in 10 year period) and some of the efforts the PRC is making to clean up. "The Hope of many Chinese is to copy the lifestyles of affluent city people all over the world." Noting that China is becoming a world player in the buying power arena, the journalists highlight: "More than 25 million workers are in regular contact with toxic dust and poisonous material. What good is money if you can't breathe the air?" Cathy, Temeula
Now that I am hoping to visit East Asia 07 (first choice is China!), I find myself fretting over the pollution and articles on the Amnesty International pressuring the IOC about human rights issues in preparation for the Olympics (today's news). So, I go back to old issues of National Geographic to get a sequential look at the changes in China over the last 5 decades. Nat Geo, Feb 04 HAN The first picture is of a bronze horse and reminds me of the painting in my living room. I have a Chinese horse above my bed, as well (which I bought in China 30 years ago) What I did not know is that there was a belief that the horse could carry the Emperor to Heaven. HMMMM The next picture is of a modern Daoist fortune-teller. Reminds me of the shaman in Kenya who gave me such good news 20 years ago......it was so funny when the Beijing educational group had lunch with us in August in Chinatown and asked what the fortune cookies were. The article compares the Han Dynasty to the Roman Empire; this could be a great lesson in world history and geography. It notes that these time periods overlap and the policies were similar. Goes on to mention Confucianism. Hans made paper and many technological advances which were ahead of the Romans. A wool weaving from Xinjiang is evidence of trade between the West and Central Asian traders in 200 AD. Other relics from tombs show various beliefs. The juxtaposition of the rich and peasants 2,000 years ago is relived in a modern photo of a farmer with a hand tool in a field near the burial of Emperor Jing's favorite concubine, Li. Accupuncture, caligraphy and politics.......the article shows the ancient and gives the historical background then provides wonderful pictures of Chinese today; acrobats, models, artists, doctors, to illustrate that the Han traditions are still taught and alive today. Science: the Han Dynasty's Zhang Heng invented an earthquake weaterhcock, the precurser to a seismograph. The final picture is of Mao poster (bigger than life) with Confucius statuettes in the foreground with this caption: "Two Giants who changed the course of China, Confusius and Mao Zedong, share space at a street stall in Zufu, near Mount Tai. While Mao preached revolution, the Han rulers sought order and stability, promoting Confucian principles that still resonate in today's China." The closing paragraph quotes Liu Qingzhu, director of the Institute of Archaelology in Beijing: " The West inherits its traditions from the Romans and Greeks, while China inherits from the Han."
National Geographic, Nov 2005 Longevity Article There were 3 locales for longevity featured in this article: Okinawa, Loma Linda, CA (the 7th Day Adventist, who are vegetarian) and Sardinia, Italy. Want to live beyond 100? organic, vegetarian diet, never retire, volunteer, have a social network, exercise and know your ikigai: your purpose that makes your life worth living. Have a moai, a mutual support network that provides financial, emotiona, and social help throughout life. Live by the Confucian-inspired adage "hara hachi bu"-eat until your stomach is 80 percent full. Elder Okinawan women are respected spiritual leaders in many villages, a role that gives them a greater sense of purpose. All three locales were villages, so I think it might be beneficial to live in smaller context. Loma Linda is surrounded by urban sprawl, freeways and smog, but the Adventists have their own hospitals, living complexes and social tightness. Smoking and drinking are taboo. Guess I better study the book I bought in 1982: The Dao of Longevity..........seems I never give myself the time to do yoga and tai chi. But, today, I taught my geography class the Mao 4 minute Exercise routine!
National Geographic, Nov 05 Inside Nepal's Revolution Article is about the Maoists insurgency and the king declared a state of emergency, outlawing dissent. Tourism down, poverty up. In today's news it was the Maoists who were repressing dissidents in Beijing, the worst since the Tienamen Incident. I always think of Nepal as the gateway to Mt. Everest, with the Sherpi guides and the Dali Lama promoting Peace on Earth. This article made me more aware of the death toll, the poverty and the fact that many civilian and children have died in the last 6 years while neither the government nor the Maoists offer any real promise for stability.
National Geo, Dec 05 Buddha Rising, out of the monastery, into the living room Buddhism is gaining Western followers drawn by its ideals of pacifism, selflessness, and social action. 2,500 yr old teachings of Siddhartha Gautama Great article of how Buddhism is being infused into coporate workers' practices, into hospitals and sports teams. The Four Nobel Truths are related, with a bio sketch of Siddhartha Gautama, examples of meditation and a very interesting page on prisioners in India who use vipassana to use their term for self realization. Buddhism is resurfacing in China and India, but not Japan. "With our thougths we make the world", well written and inspiring article.
Wow, I found a national geographic that predates my trip to PRC in 1976. The Dec 1974 magazine has a 9 page (open to big size photos) article entitled: "China Unveils Her Newest Treasures", about an exhibition world tour of artifacts which spanned from 400,000 years old tool to 14th century porcelains. In 1968 the two multi-chambered tombs at Manch'eng were excavated, providing 2,800 Han Dynasty artifacts. Peking spelling!! "Politically attuned archeologists cataloging the exhibits in Peking explain that such lavish objects expose the extravagance and decadence of the feudal ruling class. Also, they give credit to the working class for many technical advances of ancient times: making paper, improvig methods fro manufacturing iron tools, brocading silk, and using acupuncture needles of gold and silver-all skills reflected in the exhibition." Flying horse: symbol of Heaven. "He who knows does not speak. He who speaks does not know" Lao-tzu, legendary founder of Taoism. Journalist was referring to a pottrey figure found in 1964, dated at 2,000 years old. I recall seeing King Tut's Tomb on exhibit in the 80's, I think. It all seemed surreal in the museum, but the minute I stepped outside, I was overcome with awe; that I just saw jewels and gold, art and labor of thousands of years ago; that it was real. That's how I felt when I visited China. Even the pictures and articles in National Geographic bring me back to the belief that we are all related, that over the centuries and continents there is a goodness in Mankind (I like to see it as kindman); and even though emperors and armies have been and are malevolent, the truth is: we are all connected and Peace will One Day Be Visible.
For anyone interested in Korea and especially life in North Korea these days, the play "Yoduk Story" will be performed in LA on October 19-22 at the Scottish Rite Auditorium. The play, written by a N. Korean refugee has been a smash hit in S. Korea and tells the story of two lovers in N. Korea's most notoriuos prison camp. The play's unflinching portrayal of Pyongyang's gulag's-including floggings and amputations, is viewed by activitists as a crucial tool in pressuring governments to take a more aggressive approach toward confronting North Korea over religious persection and human-rights abuses. Tickets are available at www.yodukprison.com
This is a good source of reporting on contemporary Chinese events, with a particular focus on economic and financial news.
Looking at the number of stories datelined 'Xinhua', suggests that this is an official state news outlet. Having said that, the state news isn't always damagingly propagandist - I was in Beijing iat the time of the March 2003 invasion of Iraq, and the state-run China Central English language TV did an excellent job of discussing the history of colonialism in the region (Britain's using poison gas on the Iraqis in the 1920s, for example) and nationalist responses (by some very learned professors of history and politics). This was a much more in-depth than the snapshot being offered at the time by the US media - you know, the kind of coverage that treats last week as ancient history and lacks anything approaching even the most rudimentary historic perspective.
(On the other hand, the state media's coverage of the emerging SARS outbreak at the time was much less than transparent - talking with a military doctor on the train to Beijing, it transpired that several patients had died in regional hospitals, which brought the official version into question.)
Ray [Edit by="rrobinson on Mar 6, 3:02:32 PM"][/Edit]
A website linked from China Today's page - www.travelchinaguide.com - that gives a great potted history of each of China's provinces plus a guide to historic/cultural sites of interest around the country (and not just the Forbidden City or Xian's terracotta warriors). It's a great addition to the ol' bag of tricks we need to keep to hand in order to be the most effectivve teachers
Enjoy
Ray[Edit by="rrobinson on Mar 6, 3:21:14 PM"][/Edit]
In the LA Times today (Mar 17, 2007), there's an interesting article titled "China's demoratic path outlined." It mostly talks about Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and his thoughts for the future of China economically and politically. What I found most interesting is that even though the article makes Wen sound almost like a capitalist and supportive of democratic ideals, he states that democracy in China will "take a long historical period...to develop into a ...developed system." What is inferred is that he plans to keep control of the country while he's in power and leave the democratic process to happen after he's gone. However, atleast it's an indication of China moving, even slowly, towards more freedoms for the Chinese people. Or, am I just being too hopeful, or maybe cynical? Any thoughts on this?? John
Just to respond to the Chinese premiere's comment that democracy will take a long period for China to adopt a more democratic form of government...
It seems to me that, as Americans, we expect other countries to follow our own model of government, one which a reasonably long and well-intentioned pedigree, but which has aparent flaws (not least the amount of money required simply to declare a candidacy for higher office - fundraising by political frontrunners for the 2008 presidential campaign is already being figured to pull in four or five times the dollar amount of the last go-around - and we're still twenty months out from Novemebr 08). Looking to Japan's democracy - in reality a simple evolution from the zaibatsu system of rule by noble families - and South Korea's thirty years or so of dictatorship, it looks like democracy in China, when it comes, will grow in its own way and have its own unique characteristics.
It's also worth bearing in mind that the government of China - whether by emperor, the Great Helmsman, or Communist party functionary - faces problems of scale almost unknown to the Western democracies. China must feed 1,300,000,000 people, and maintain control of a country of many and various ethnic and language groups - that is, it must provide its vast population with enough of the basics to keep them from rebellion. It also has to cope (so far unsuccesfully) with the migration of millions of laborers from the countryside - where a good 85% of the population still live - to the towns. As a statistic, China still has so many people on the land that, of the overall global population, one in nine is a Chinese peasant.
I am in no way apologizing for the actions - and inactions - of the Chinese Communist Party (for an example of government heavyhandedness, go to http://www.guardian.co.uk/china/story/0,,2049176,00.html) but, as in studying any situation, it is required that we look at the wider context.
China faces obstacles to becoming a democracy, not least its culture of administrative corruption, and a long, long history without democratic or republican traditions. China must also solve the problems which will hamper its ascent to world economic superpower - pollution and piracy, as well as systemic corruption. However, as the country becomes more and more a workshop to the world, and the standard of living of its population rises, it would seem that democratization must follow, a cart behind the world-trade horse.
But it would be shortsighted - and somwehat patronizing - to imagine that China will feel bound to follow the Western model, much less that of the U.S. The Chinese feel themselves to have at least two thousand years of success, and can rightly claim to have led the world until the rapid industrialization of the West. And, of course, the inner circle of the CCP will be reluctant to let slip the reins of power, unless it's to metamorphosize into a free market elite (something, perhaps, like the oil men and lobbyists who seem to shape the workings of our democratic system). It's telling, I think, that at the last national convention of the CCP, delegates voted, for the first time, to allow entrepreneurs Party membership.
It seems a little presumptious of us, a country a little over two centuries old (four, I guess , if we take Jamestown into account) and a mere 300 million strong, to be directing China - at least, I'm sure that's how many Chinese feel.[Edit by="rrobinson on Apr 3, 9:47:51 AM"][/Edit] [Edit by="rrobinson on Apr 4, 6:38:29 AM"][/Edit]
Regarding my comment that democratization will follow as China looks to begin evolving into a free market economy, maybe this Washington Post op-ed piece by Harold meyerson proves me wrong. What's your take?
Ray
In Fear Of Chinese Democracy
Listen to the apostles of free trade, and you'll learn that once consumer choice comes to authoritarian regimes, democracy is sure to follow. Call it the Starbucks rule: Situate enough Starbucks around Shanghai, and the Communist Party's control will crumble like dunked biscotti.
As a theory of revolution, the Starbucks rule leaves a lot to be desired.
Shanghai is swimming in Starbucks, yet, as James Mann notes in "The China Fantasy," his new book on the non-democratization of China, the regime soldiers on. Conversely, the American farmers who made our revolution didn't have much in the way of consumer choice, yet they managed to free themselves from the British. In New England, however, they did have town meetings, which may be a surer guide to the coming of democratic change. It's a growing civil society -- a sphere where people can deliberate and decide on more than their coffee -- that more characteristically sounds the death knell of dictatorships.
Which is why the conduct of America's corporate titans in China is so disquieting. There, since March of last year, the government has been considering a labor law that promises a smidgen of increase in workers' rights. And since March of last year, the American businesses so mightily invested in China have mightily fought it.
Beyond the Starbucks of Shanghai, the China of workers and peasants is a sea of unrest, roiled by thousands of strikes and protests that the regime routinely represses. Cognizant that they need to do something to quell the causes of unrest, some of China's rulers have entertained modest changes to the country's labor law. The legislation wouldn't allow workers to form independent trade unions or grant them the right to strike -- this is, after all, a communist regime. It would, however, require employers to provide employees, either individually or collectively, with written contracts. It would allow employees to change jobs within their industries or get jobs in related industries in other regions; employers have hitherto been able to thwart this by invoking statutes on proprietary information. It would also require that companies bargain with worker representatives over health and safety conditions.
It's not as if Chinese unions would use these laws to run roughshod over employers. Chinese unions are not, strictly speaking, unions at all. They remain controlled by the Communist Party. Their locals can be and frequently are headed by plant managers, whether the workers want them or not. And yet, these changes proved too radical for America's leading corporations.
As documented by Global Labor Strategies, a U.S.-based nonprofit organization headed by longtime labor activists, the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai and the U.S.-China Business Council embarked on a major campaign to kill these tepid reforms. Last April, one month after the legislation was first floated, the chamber sent a 42-page document to the Chinese government on behalf of its 1,300 members -- including General Electric, Microsoft, Dell, Ford and dozens of other household brand names -- objecting to these minimal increases in worker power. In its public comments on the proposed law, GE declared that it strongly preferred "consultation" with workers to "securing worker representative approval" on a range of its labor practices.
Based on a second draft of the law, completed in December, it looks like American businesses have substantially prevailed. Key provisions were weakened; if an employer elects not to issue written contracts, workers are guaranteed only the wages of similar employees -- with the employer apparently free to define who, exactly, is similar. Business is relieved: Facing "increased pressure to allow the establishment of unions in companies," Andreas Lauff, a Hong Kong-based corporate attorney, wrote in the Jan. 30 Financial Times, "comments from the business community appear to have had an impact." The new draft "scaled back protections for employees and sharply curtailed the role of unions.
Phew!
Admittedly, a few nettlesome issues remain. First, about one-fourth of the global labor force is in China. Opposing steps toward the formation of unions there suppresses the wages of so many workers that its effect is felt worldwide. Second, since authoritarian China remains an adversary of the United States and a backer of some genuinely dangerous authoritarian regimes, blocking even the most modest steps toward the development of a civil society and democratic rights there poses a threat to U.S. security interests. Third, since the Bush administration champions the spread of democracy globally, why hasn't it taken America's leading corporations to task for retarding democracy's growth in China? And fourth, since preserving our national security should require executives at companies such as GE to answer for their conduct, where's the House Un-American Activities Committee now that we really need it?
This article is fascinating! The 2008 Olympics are a crucial factor in China's bid to solidify itself as an emerging powerhouse nation. The article maintains that no politically unsavory skirmishes or wars will be allowed to mar the 2008 Olympics in Bejiing. Clearly, the region is not as stable as the powers that be would have us believe. It reinforces my belief that what you see on the outside cover is often not a realistic indication of what is really going on. It will be very interesting to watch the Olympics in 2008 and see how the Chinese pull off their turn on the world stage.
What are the international implications of a major military in China? What are the implications for us in the US? Is the build-up about an international concern or is about domestic issues in China such as relations with Taiwan? Any comments?
This Associated Press article (published by Newsweek, Feb. 24, 2008) details a "feng shui-influenced" McDonald's effort in a Los Angeles suburb (would it have killed them to be more specific?). http://www.newsweek.com/id/114918/output/print
I'm not sold - but McDonald's has a record of success in this regard. Check out Golden Arches East (which includes a chapter on China written by Yunxiang Yan, an anthropologist who sometimes participates in our teacher training seminars) for the story of McDonald's plunge into East Asia and its embrace by people there.
McDonald's was already yellow and red when I first came to know about this fast food chain. In high school and college I tried to monitor (via Time and Newsweek) how many burgers it sold annually. I even remember a Time cover article showing a burger chained around the planet Earth. I thought yellow and red are Chinese primary colors already. I'll not be surprised if I see the Number 8 inscripted on its glass windows or other typical Chinese wall decors inside one of these days. All that in the name of business. And like you said, McDonald's has been quite successful on such Eastern-influenced ideas to spice its burgers.
I saw this report on ABC news. I agree that people will go to McDonalds whether it's decorated with the correct Feng Shui or not. Although, maybe I'm a skeptic. According to the report, the McDonalds has increased profits by 25% since. Of course any place that is designed to look well, I'd pay McDonald's prices just to see it. It did look nice, I'd admit. For a $4.29 meal #1 regular sized and a diet coke in a cool looking environment is worth it to me.
This is an LA Times Article that I was reading through today. It seems that a young man got life in prison for taking advantage of an ATM glitch and withdrawing thousands of dollars. It has caused an outrage towards the judicial system and the banking system because of the inequalities in the system. There are comments on the judicial system and criticisms that if you know the right people and have the right amount of money you can get away with anything, especially the increased umber of corrupt government officials. They also discuss the booming financial sector and the increased use of ATM's in China. As well as the distrust of the Chinese state run banking system. I did enjoy the article because this is stuff I didn't know too much about.
I must admit that I only really became interested in China and its current happenings last summer. However, I think that it's fascinating as it opens up to the world on so many different fronts. I suppose it was already open, but I guess it's becoming more capitalist. It seems as if it is a country in transition and it is taking and doing things in really remarkable ways. I apologize if i can't be more critical in my comments, but I think that i am still just learning.
I've read a story a few years back of a the same thing happening to a woman I can't remember where. She instead of takeing the money she wnet inside the bank and gave it back. The bank in return gave her a reward for being honest.
That's nice. Here in CA, if the bank makes a mistake and accidentally pays you too much money out of its ATM, it will just get back its money out of your account when it realizes it's mistake. No free money here.
After reading your post about using primary source pictures to teach how china and world one coincide, I have came up with an idea that might work as a lesson in my Early U.S. History class. It will be a 3 day project using pictures of discrimination within china due to the current class system that exists between city and rural dwellers. I will compare the current changes to China's system to the change in America starting with Jim Crow Laws and ending with today. Is there any good resources out there, all i have is my lecture notes from class. Any help would be appreciated.
I like what you plan to do, but I see a problem in your lesson plan. Jim Crow laws were against black americans (and other racial groups). There are ethnic minorities in China, but comparing rural and urban Chinese is not racial discrimination but rather social-economic discrimination.
I went to a wonderful symposium on the Taiwan elections at the Davidson Center. It is refreshing that democaracy or a republican form of government is working somewhere in the world. Their turnout was about 70% to 75%. That percentage could only be a dream here. Tens of thounsands of Taiwanese from overseas returned to vote. Of course, there are a few glitches but overall it was good to hear , especially for a such young government flying the flag of democracy.
There was some good advice for those politicians who desire to win an election,whether Taiwanese or other,such as KMT Party member MA. Listen up Obama and Clinton. First, learn the language in this case, Taiwanese. Ma knew Madarin but of course that would not endear him to his native country. Second, conduct overnight stays in dormitories in regions away from home. Third,criticize your perceived enemy, in this case the People's Republic. Fourth , promote Taiwan as an international player. Fifth, view Taiwan --a priori-- as a sovereign nation. Sixth, emphasize there will be no unification with the mainland. Lastly, endear yourself to the United States as a military ally and partner.
I was surprised that the KMT has been viewed with a rightward tilt. I tend to agree with the speakers that it has a Lennist influence . Ma appears to be an internationalist although the new President will not domestically publicize it. The challenge now is to reform a very parochial party with cobwebs in its party house.[Edit by="jcsmyth on Mar 26, 9:52:02 PM"][/Edit]
It was an excellent forum and I hope the power points are available online. I would like to use them in my discussion of the election in my International Relations Class next week. I particularly enjoy the student presentations. A first class seminar and well worth the trip from Orange County.
I visited this exhibition at the Getty Research Center in Feb. 2008 and was amazed. It's over now, but the website offers several examples that could be readily used by teachers to show different ideas.
One image, for example, is a battle scene from the successful Manchu Qing dynasty effort to extend the empire into the West. It was part of a commissioned series where the Qianlong emperor's preference for Western-style engravings was executed by Western artists. The website allows the viewer to zoom in and pan across the painting to see remarkable details. In fact, you're able to get closer and see more clearly than those who visited the actual exhibition!
The exhibition was entitled "China On Paper: European and Chinese Works from the Late Sixteenth to the Nineteenth Century."
The first image in the web collection is a title page of a book which has four of the Jesuits who worked hardest to reach China and Japan during this period: Francis Xavier, Ignatius de Loyola, Adam Schall von Bell, and Matteo Ricci.
This isn't really about using "Asia and the World" in the classroom. It's more of an observation and a reflection. I am much more aware of everything Asian these days. I just got home from work and on NPR they were doing a piece on soldiers going to Iraq and as I turned the radio on out came "...... who was born in Shanghai is a Captain in the U.S. Marine Corps. Not very intersting in an of itself but on the way to work this morning the last thing I heard on the radio was a reference to Asia. It was KUSC, the classical station. They were highlighting Chinese musicians. In the inroduction they gave a synopsis of classical music in China. They tossed out some statistic (which are always dicey with me, after all it was Mark Twain who said the three worst untruths were "lies....damn lies...and statistics". I tend to agree with him but they are always fun to hear.) Anyway one of the stats was that there are more people currently studying to play classical piano in China than there are people who attend classical music concerts in the U.S. I don't know exactly what it means but it sounds cool. Another statistic was that China makes most of the world's musical instruments. They then went on to mention several prominent Chinese classical musicians and then music performed by some of them.
Some information to use to compare religions is attached
Sun Tzu is another excellent topic to use to cover ancient China.
Here are some concepts from The Art of War
• The supreme act of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting
• No country has ever benefited from a protracted war
Starting off to familiarize myself with Japan, I defined terms. Affixed is my list:
For those intersted in Japan, I found a good web site
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2133.html
It has a lot of facts- complete with more links to get a better perspective on Japanes culture.
China and HIV/AIDS
China AIDs infection rate is low but with its high population any change in the infection rate is really alarming.
Some sites
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4772130 an NPR story on one man's personal efforts in China
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/1481542.stm
a BBC report on China and its problem with AIDs
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/aids/view/
Part 2 episode Six deals with AIDS in China. A video which can be watched in the classroom
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/teachers/lessonplans/health/aids/
A PBS lesson plan on teaching about AIDS. Not focused on China
http://www.who.int/hiv/HIVCP_CHN.pdf
WHO report on China and the 3x5 program
http://www.prb.org/Content/NavigationMenu/PRB/Educators/LessonPlans/HIV_AIDS_and_Contemporary_Population_Dynamics/HIV_AIDS—A_Scourge_of_the_Land.htm
The Population Reference Bureau's lesson plan on AIDS. Lots of practical application and can be focused on China and Asia
Sydney, Australia has a beautiful Chinese Gardens at Darling Harbour. The modern part of it was actually funny; they have a hut with costumes from the Imperial Period and you can pay a few dollars, wear the costumes and take your picture among the pagodas, ponds and tea area.
If you go to Sydney, take an hour to visit the Chinese Gardens.
Cathy
According to the BBC, the number of people killed has risen to 16 in the recent typhoon that came ashore in SE China. Over 1m people were forced to evacuate. That number is astounding as the number to flee New Orleans last August was less than half of that, 485,000.
Japan's warrior class the Samaurai and information from the British museum on the art of sword making
Cutting Edge:
Japanese Swords in the British Museum
30 September 2004 – 27 February 2005 Japanese Galleries ( 92-94) Admission free
The Japanese sword is probably the most deadly cutting weapon ever developed by man, razor-sharp and almost unbreakable. But apart from its efficacy as a weapon, in Japan, the sword has always been imbued with a spiritual essence according to both Shint? and Buddhist thought. Kend? (‘the way of the sword’) is the spiritual study of sword-fencing which aims beyond victory in combat, towards the ultimate understanding of Buddhism. The sword is thus considered as an implement of enlightenment, and as such it sometimes has Buddhist invocations or depictions of deities carved on the blade. Appreciation of the beauty of the blade is an ancient and important aspect of Japanese aesthetics.
This exhibition features one hundred blades and mountings from the Museum’s extensive collection. All of the swords on display have been recently polished and conserved by a team of thirty-three specialists in Japan, with guidance from the Government of Japan and the Society for the Preservation of Japan Art Swords. The project has been generously supported by the Peter Moores Foundation. Polishing a samurai sword is an art in itself – each sword takes at least 2 – 3 months to polish - and requires a long apprenticeship. This exhibition will provide the first opportunity to see these swords restored to their original glory, displayed alongside prints and screen paintings which depict samurai and their weapons.
The curved sword of the samurai was perfected sometime during the Heian period (794-1185). It remained the major weapon in almost constant civil warfare between samurai clans vying for governmental control until the end of the 16th century. However slight changes in shape, length and appearance, affected by both fashion and technology have led to the recognition of three distinct types of sword: ‘kot?’ (old swords); ‘shint?’ (new swords); and ‘shinshint?’ (new new swords). Kot? blades are generally slender and of a deeper curve than later swords, and was the name given to all swords made up to the late 16th century. The establishment in 1600 of a relatively stable regime under the Tokugawa clan (the Edo period) led to a new style of sword, ‘shint?’. The peaceful isolation engendered by the Tokugawa meant that the sword gradually became more a symbol of samurai authority and a fashion accessory, rather than a weapon. The emphasis was now on luxurious mountings, scabbards coated with gold or coloured lacquer, patinated metal fittings and minutely sculpted decorative motifs. Larger swords known as shinshint? appeared in the late 18th century as increased western naval activity roused the samurai from the complacency of Japan’s isolation. In the late 19th century, with imperial rule restored, Japan rapidly modernised and samurai were prohibited from wearing swords in public. All kinds of antiquities, including the now obsolete swords, began to be avidly collected by foreign visitors and exported. The Museum’s own collection arose as a result of bequests from this first generation of enthusiasts. However, by the time these swords reached the Museum, many had rusted or were broken as a result of neglect or mistreatment. The kind support of the Peter Moores Foundation has meant that the Museum has finally been able to restore these swords to their former glory.
For further information please contact Hannah Boulton on 020 7323 8522 or email hboulton@thebritishmuseum.ac.uk
How a sword is made:
Japanese swords are manufactured by heating the blade and folding a steel billet several times, then hammering to form a laminate, which is then beaten out into the final shape. It is hardened by a unique method of heat treatment. The blade is first coated with a slurry of clay which is then partially removed along the cutting edge. When dried the whole is heated red and quenched in cold water. This produces a resilient body able to withstand the shock of violent combat and a cutting edge of hard steel which can be polished razor sharp. When a blade is polished a grain formed by the folding process becomes visible. The crystalline structure of the hardened edge appears as a whitish line, the hamon (‘badge’ of the blade). The various hues and patterns within the hamon are described using terms derived from nature.
The polishing process:
The polishing process is no less important than the original manufacturing process. This often involves the use of more than twenty grades of stone, from the coarsest down to the finest. It is the unique nature of the Japanese polish that it reveals all the varied textures in the blade. Above all the polisher ensures that the lines of the curved blade are smooth and continuous and that the angles of the planes are clearly defined. The polisher produces a completely even surface, which not only renders the textures of the blade clearly visible but also helps preserve it against corrosion. The final stages of polishing involve the use of various powders, including stone dust and iron oxides. These processes are intended to produce a surface that reveals microscopic variations in both grain contour and crystalline formations.
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Clayton introduced us to a great source of Chinese art- the British Museum
Here is the web site and use their search engine with "China" as the key word. Great examples of Chinese art
http://www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk/compass/
Looking for Asia in Seattle
If you find yourself in Seattle looking for Asia, here are some of the places to look. In the International District (known as the ID), you will find China, Japan, the Philippines and Vietnam. There are shops, bakeries, restaurants, churches and culture centers representing these countries within the district. The Wing Luke Asian Museum, displaying local Asian American history is also in this District.
The Seattle Asian Art Museum in Volunteer Park features buddhist art from Korea, Japan, China and South East Asia, spanning 2000 years of history. When near Volunteer park, visit Bruce and Brandon Lee’s grave at the Lake View Cemetery. Also near by is a Japanese Tea Garden. Depending on the time of the month, you can participate in Japanese tea ceremony or view live kabuki performance in the garden.
In Downtown Seattle, visit the tea shop called vital t-Leaf at the corner of 1st Ave. and Union, where you can enjoy tea tasting for FREE! Their website is www.vitalTleaf.com . They have a sister store in San Francisco. The famous Pike Market Place offers many options for Asian eating, including a tiny hole in the wall Chinese bakery specializing in fried and steamed han-bow buns.
Now that I am making power point presentations for my high school world history and world geography classes (thanks to Clay), I will most definately access the british museum for pictures........China and anything else they offer! Thanks for reminding me of this site.
Cathy, Chapparal, Temecula
Let's all meet each other and create a governement where transportation is based on solar energy, instead of gasoline.........I wonder which empire will bully the rest of the world and take control of our shared sun. It's frustrating to me that we learn about the peaceful ways of Buddhism and Daoism when studying E Asia and then have to wonder if man's real nature is just greediness for power and being puffed up? In my lifetime I have been affected by the results of WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War (Not to mention the civil rights issues here at home), all the conflicts in the Middle East and I would just like to see all the various governments and peoples come together to celebrate our marvelous earth, learn how to take care of it, and respect each other as fellow inhabitants. One day at a time, I guess.
Let's teach Peace in our Schools.
Cathy from Chaparral High in Temecula
Looking for articles on China for my world history and world geography classes, I came across 7 national Geographic issues on my bookshelf in my home office. I can't wait to count how many I will find in the at 100, probably more, NG magazines in my classroom cupboards!
National Geo march 1980: Pges 292-331
Western China tour highlights
1. Uygur dwellers are Muslims, speaking Turkish language
2. relay runners follow the route of the 1934-35 Long March of Mao
3. silk Road, China's minorities
4. Cutural Revolution being replaced with PDAs and the Mao clothing is being replaced with color and differnet styles
5.Inner Mongolia, Yellow River, Gobi Desert
6. Science and research are back in/proletariate ideology is not so severe
Labzgiyr;s oetricgenucak factirues oiyr iyt a tgucj veuk if kybg-threatening fumes, making the Westerners sick
7. 2,000 yr old irrigation systems
8. 1980: 4/5 of Chinese are farmers, yet only 11% of China is arable
9. Great Wall at Jiayuguan, 14th c.
10. Turpan Depression, one of the lwoest spots on land, 505 feet below sea level and HOT
11. The shift from Han (94%) trying to eliminate minorities to celbrating their cultures
12. Kazaks, nomads
13. Religious freedoms revived
14.Authors feel a sense of optimism in the People and their scholars, scientists
Cathy, Temecula
national geographic, March, 2004: pages68-95
China's Growing Pains: More money, more stuff, more problems. Any Solutions?
This article is about pollution and consumerism, lack of clean water, death toll from bad air quality (2 million in 10 year period) and some of the efforts the PRC is making to clean up. "The Hope of many Chinese is to copy the lifestyles of affluent city people all over the world."
Noting that China is becoming a world player in the buying power arena, the journalists highlight: "More than 25 million workers are in regular contact with toxic dust and poisonous material. What good is money if you can't breathe the air?"
Cathy, Temeula
Now that I am hoping to visit East Asia 07 (first choice is China!), I find myself fretting over the pollution and articles on the Amnesty International pressuring the IOC about human rights issues in preparation for the Olympics (today's news). So, I go back to old issues of National Geographic to get a sequential look at the changes in China over the last 5 decades.
Nat Geo, Feb 04 HAN
The first picture is of a bronze horse and reminds me of the painting in my living room. I have a Chinese horse above my bed, as well (which I bought in China 30 years ago)
What I did not know is that there was a belief that the horse could carry the Emperor to Heaven. HMMMM
The next picture is of a modern Daoist fortune-teller. Reminds me of the shaman in Kenya who gave me such good news 20 years ago......it was so funny when the Beijing educational group had lunch with us in August in Chinatown and asked what the fortune cookies were.
The article compares the Han Dynasty to the Roman Empire; this could be a great lesson in world history and geography. It notes that these time periods overlap and the policies were similar. Goes on to mention Confucianism.
Hans made paper and many technological advances which were ahead of the Romans. A wool weaving from Xinjiang is evidence of trade between the West and Central Asian traders in 200 AD. Other relics from tombs show various beliefs. The juxtaposition of the rich and peasants 2,000 years ago is relived in a modern photo of a farmer with a hand tool in a field near the burial of Emperor Jing's favorite concubine, Li.
Accupuncture, caligraphy and politics.......the article shows the ancient and gives the historical background then provides wonderful pictures of Chinese today; acrobats, models, artists, doctors, to illustrate that the Han traditions are still taught and alive today.
Science: the Han Dynasty's Zhang Heng invented an earthquake weaterhcock, the precurser to a seismograph.
The final picture is of Mao poster (bigger than life) with Confucius statuettes in the foreground with this caption:
"Two Giants who changed the course of China, Confusius and Mao Zedong, share space at a street stall in Zufu, near Mount Tai. While Mao preached revolution, the Han rulers sought order and stability, promoting Confucian principles that still resonate in today's China."
The closing paragraph quotes Liu Qingzhu, director of the Institute of Archaelology in Beijing: " The West inherits its traditions from the Romans and Greeks, while China inherits from the Han."
National Geographic, Nov 2005 Longevity Article
There were 3 locales for longevity featured in this article: Okinawa, Loma Linda, CA (the 7th Day Adventist, who are vegetarian) and Sardinia, Italy. Want to live beyond 100?
organic, vegetarian diet, never retire, volunteer, have a social network, exercise and know your ikigai: your purpose that makes your life worth living. Have a moai, a mutual support network that provides financial, emotiona, and social help throughout life. Live by the Confucian-inspired adage "hara hachi bu"-eat until your stomach is 80 percent full.
Elder Okinawan women are respected spiritual leaders in many villages, a role that gives them a greater sense of purpose.
All three locales were villages, so I think it might be beneficial to live in smaller context. Loma Linda is surrounded by urban sprawl, freeways and smog, but the Adventists have their own hospitals, living complexes and social tightness. Smoking and drinking are taboo.
Guess I better study the book I bought in 1982: The Dao of Longevity..........seems I never give myself the time to do yoga and tai chi. But, today, I taught my geography class the Mao 4 minute Exercise routine!
National Geographic, Nov 05 Inside Nepal's Revolution
Article is about the Maoists insurgency and the king declared a state of emergency, outlawing dissent. Tourism down, poverty up.
In today's news it was the Maoists who were repressing dissidents in Beijing, the worst since the Tienamen Incident.
I always think of Nepal as the gateway to Mt. Everest, with the Sherpi guides and the Dali Lama promoting Peace on Earth. This article made me more aware of the death toll, the poverty and the fact that many civilian and children have died in the last 6 years while neither the government nor the Maoists offer any real promise for stability.
National Geo, Dec 05 Buddha Rising, out of the monastery, into the living room
Buddhism is gaining Western followers drawn by its ideals of pacifism, selflessness, and social action. 2,500 yr old teachings of Siddhartha Gautama
Great article of how Buddhism is being infused into coporate workers' practices, into hospitals and sports teams. The Four Nobel Truths are related, with a bio sketch of Siddhartha Gautama, examples of meditation and a very interesting page on prisioners in India who use vipassana to use their term for self realization.
Buddhism is resurfacing in China and India, but not Japan.
"With our thougths we make the world", well written and inspiring article.
Wow, I found a national geographic that predates my trip to PRC in 1976.
The Dec 1974 magazine has a 9 page (open to big size photos) article entitled:
"China Unveils Her Newest Treasures", about an exhibition world tour of artifacts which spanned from 400,000 years old tool to 14th century porcelains. In 1968 the two multi-chambered tombs at Manch'eng were excavated, providing 2,800 Han Dynasty artifacts.
Peking spelling!! "Politically attuned archeologists cataloging the exhibits in Peking explain that such lavish objects expose the extravagance and decadence of the feudal ruling class. Also, they give credit to the working class for many technical advances of ancient times: making paper, improvig methods fro manufacturing iron tools, brocading silk, and using acupuncture needles of gold and silver-all skills reflected in the exhibition."
Flying horse: symbol of Heaven.
"He who knows does not speak. He who speaks does not know" Lao-tzu, legendary founder of Taoism. Journalist was referring to a pottrey figure found in 1964, dated at 2,000 years old.
I recall seeing King Tut's Tomb on exhibit in the 80's, I think. It all seemed surreal in the museum, but the minute I stepped outside, I was overcome with awe; that I just saw jewels and gold, art and labor of thousands of years ago; that it was real. That's how I felt when I visited China. Even the pictures and articles in National Geographic bring me back to the belief that we are all related, that over the centuries and continents there is a goodness in Mankind (I like to see it as kindman); and even though emperors and armies have been and are malevolent, the truth is: we are all connected and Peace will One Day Be Visible.
For anyone interested in Korea and especially life in North Korea these days, the play "Yoduk Story" will be performed in LA on October 19-22 at the Scottish Rite Auditorium. The play, written by a N. Korean refugee has been a smash hit in S. Korea and tells the story of two lovers in N. Korea's most notoriuos prison camp. The play's unflinching portrayal of Pyongyang's gulag's-including floggings and amputations, is viewed by activitists as a crucial tool in pressuring governments to take a more aggressive approach toward confronting North Korea over religious persection and human-rights abuses. Tickets are available at www.yodukprison.com
This is a good source of reporting on contemporary Chinese events, with a particular focus on economic and financial news.
Looking at the number of stories datelined 'Xinhua', suggests that this is an official state news outlet. Having said that, the state news isn't always damagingly propagandist - I was in Beijing iat the time of the March 2003 invasion of Iraq, and the state-run China Central English language TV did an excellent job of discussing the history of colonialism in the region (Britain's using poison gas on the Iraqis in the 1920s, for example) and nationalist responses (by some very learned professors of history and politics). This was a much more in-depth than the snapshot being offered at the time by the US media - you know, the kind of coverage that treats last week as ancient history and lacks anything approaching even the most rudimentary historic perspective.
(On the other hand, the state media's coverage of the emerging SARS outbreak at the time was much less than transparent - talking with a military doctor on the train to Beijing, it transpired that several patients had died in regional hospitals, which brought the official version into question.)
Ray
[Edit by="rrobinson on Mar 6, 3:02:32 PM"][/Edit]
That's http://www.chinatoday.com[Edit by="rrobinson on Mar 6, 3:05:11 PM"][/Edit]
A website linked from China Today's page - www.travelchinaguide.com - that gives a great potted history of each of China's provinces plus a guide to historic/cultural sites of interest around the country (and not just the Forbidden City or Xian's terracotta warriors). It's a great addition to the ol' bag of tricks we need to keep to hand in order to be the most effectivve teachers
Enjoy
Ray[Edit by="rrobinson on Mar 6, 3:21:14 PM"][/Edit]
In the LA Times today (Mar 17, 2007), there's an interesting article titled "China's demoratic path outlined." It mostly talks about Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and his thoughts for the future of China economically and politically. What I found most interesting is that even though the article makes Wen sound almost like a capitalist and supportive of democratic ideals, he states that democracy in China will "take a long historical period...to develop into a ...developed system." What is inferred is that he plans to keep control of the country while he's in power and leave the democratic process to happen after he's gone. However, atleast it's an indication of China moving, even slowly, towards more freedoms for the Chinese people. Or, am I just being too hopeful, or maybe cynical? Any thoughts on this??
John
Just to respond to the Chinese premiere's comment that democracy will take a long period for China to adopt a more democratic form of government...
It seems to me that, as Americans, we expect other countries to follow our own model of government, one which a reasonably long and well-intentioned pedigree, but which has aparent flaws (not least the amount of money required simply to declare a candidacy for higher office - fundraising by political frontrunners for the 2008 presidential campaign is already being figured to pull in four or five times the dollar amount of the last go-around - and we're still twenty months out from Novemebr 08). Looking to Japan's democracy - in reality a simple evolution from the zaibatsu system of rule by noble families - and South Korea's thirty years or so of dictatorship, it looks like democracy in China, when it comes, will grow in its own way and have its own unique characteristics.
It's also worth bearing in mind that the government of China - whether by emperor, the Great Helmsman, or Communist party functionary - faces problems of scale almost unknown to the Western democracies. China must feed 1,300,000,000 people, and maintain control of a country of many and various ethnic and language groups - that is, it must provide its vast population with enough of the basics to keep them from rebellion. It also has to cope (so far unsuccesfully) with the migration of millions of laborers from the countryside - where a good 85% of the population still live - to the towns. As a statistic, China still has so many people on the land that, of the overall global population, one in nine is a Chinese peasant.
I am in no way apologizing for the actions - and inactions - of the Chinese Communist Party (for an example of government heavyhandedness, go to http://www.guardian.co.uk/china/story/0,,2049176,00.html) but, as in studying any situation, it is required that we look at the wider context.
China faces obstacles to becoming a democracy, not least its culture of administrative corruption, and a long, long history without democratic or republican traditions. China must also solve the problems which will hamper its ascent to world economic superpower - pollution and piracy, as well as systemic corruption. However, as the country becomes more and more a workshop to the world, and the standard of living of its population rises, it would seem that democratization must follow, a cart behind the world-trade horse.
But it would be shortsighted - and somwehat patronizing - to imagine that China will feel bound to follow the Western model, much less that of the U.S. The Chinese feel themselves to have at least two thousand years of success, and can rightly claim to have led the world until the rapid industrialization of the West. And, of course, the inner circle of the CCP will be reluctant to let slip the reins of power, unless it's to metamorphosize into a free market elite (something, perhaps, like the oil men and lobbyists who seem to shape the workings of our democratic system). It's telling, I think, that at the last national convention of the CCP, delegates voted, for the first time, to allow entrepreneurs Party membership.
It seems a little presumptious of us, a country a little over two centuries old (four, I guess , if we take Jamestown into account) and a mere 300 million strong, to be directing China - at least, I'm sure that's how many Chinese feel.[Edit by="rrobinson on Apr 3, 9:47:51 AM"][/Edit]
[Edit by="rrobinson on Apr 4, 6:38:29 AM"][/Edit]
Regarding my comment that democratization will follow as China looks to begin evolving into a free market economy, maybe this Washington Post op-ed piece by Harold meyerson proves me wrong. What's your take?
Ray
In Fear Of Chinese Democracy
Listen to the apostles of free trade, and you'll learn that once consumer choice comes to authoritarian regimes, democracy is sure to follow. Call it the Starbucks rule: Situate enough Starbucks around Shanghai, and the Communist Party's control will crumble like dunked biscotti.
As a theory of revolution, the Starbucks rule leaves a lot to be desired.
Shanghai is swimming in Starbucks, yet, as James Mann notes in "The China Fantasy," his new book on the non-democratization of China, the regime soldiers on. Conversely, the American farmers who made our revolution didn't have much in the way of consumer choice, yet they managed to free themselves from the British. In New England, however, they did have town meetings, which may be a surer guide to the coming of democratic change. It's a growing civil society -- a sphere where people can deliberate and decide on more than their coffee -- that more characteristically sounds the death knell of dictatorships.
Which is why the conduct of America's corporate titans in China is so disquieting. There, since March of last year, the government has been considering a labor law that promises a smidgen of increase in workers' rights. And since March of last year, the American businesses so mightily invested in China have mightily fought it.
Beyond the Starbucks of Shanghai, the China of workers and peasants is a sea of unrest, roiled by thousands of strikes and protests that the regime routinely represses. Cognizant that they need to do something to quell the causes of unrest, some of China's rulers have entertained modest changes to the country's labor law. The legislation wouldn't allow workers to form independent trade unions or grant them the right to strike -- this is, after all, a communist regime. It would, however, require employers to provide employees, either individually or collectively, with written contracts. It would allow employees to change jobs within their industries or get jobs in related industries in other regions; employers have hitherto been able to thwart this by invoking statutes on proprietary information. It would also require that companies bargain with worker representatives over health and safety conditions.
It's not as if Chinese unions would use these laws to run roughshod over employers. Chinese unions are not, strictly speaking, unions at all. They remain controlled by the Communist Party. Their locals can be and frequently are headed by plant managers, whether the workers want them or not. And yet, these changes proved too radical for America's leading corporations.
As documented by Global Labor Strategies, a U.S.-based nonprofit organization headed by longtime labor activists, the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai and the U.S.-China Business Council embarked on a major campaign to kill these tepid reforms. Last April, one month after the legislation was first floated, the chamber sent a 42-page document to the Chinese government on behalf of its 1,300 members -- including General Electric, Microsoft, Dell, Ford and dozens of other household brand names -- objecting to these minimal increases in worker power. In its public comments on the proposed law, GE declared that it strongly preferred "consultation" with workers to "securing worker representative approval" on a range of its labor practices.
Based on a second draft of the law, completed in December, it looks like American businesses have substantially prevailed. Key provisions were weakened; if an employer elects not to issue written contracts, workers are guaranteed only the wages of similar employees -- with the employer apparently free to define who, exactly, is similar. Business is relieved: Facing "increased pressure to allow the establishment of unions in companies," Andreas Lauff, a Hong Kong-based corporate attorney, wrote in the Jan. 30 Financial Times, "comments from the business community appear to have had an impact." The new draft "scaled back protections for employees and sharply curtailed the role of unions.
Phew!
Admittedly, a few nettlesome issues remain. First, about one-fourth of the global labor force is in China. Opposing steps toward the formation of unions there suppresses the wages of so many workers that its effect is felt worldwide. Second, since authoritarian China remains an adversary of the United States and a backer of some genuinely dangerous authoritarian regimes, blocking even the most modest steps toward the development of a civil society and democratic rights there poses a threat to U.S. security interests. Third, since the Bush administration champions the spread of democracy globally, why hasn't it taken America's leading corporations to task for retarding democracy's growth in China? And fourth, since preserving our national security should require executives at companies such as GE to answer for their conduct, where's the House Un-American Activities Committee now that we really need it?
This article is fascinating! The 2008 Olympics are a crucial factor in China's bid to solidify itself as an emerging powerhouse nation. The article maintains that no politically unsavory skirmishes or wars will be allowed to mar the 2008 Olympics in Bejiing. Clearly, the region is not as stable as the powers that be would have us believe. It reinforces my belief that what you see on the outside cover is often not a realistic indication of what is really going on. It will be very interesting to watch the Olympics in 2008 and see how the Chinese pull off their turn on the world stage.
What are the international implications of a major military in China? What are the implications for us in the US? Is the build-up about an international concern or is about domestic issues in China such as relations with Taiwan? Any comments?
This Associated Press article (published by Newsweek, Feb. 24, 2008) details a "feng shui-influenced" McDonald's effort in a Los Angeles suburb (would it have killed them to be more specific?).
http://www.newsweek.com/id/114918/output/print
I'm not sold - but McDonald's has a record of success in this regard. Check out Golden Arches East (which includes a chapter on China written by Yunxiang Yan, an anthropologist who sometimes participates in our teacher training seminars) for the story of McDonald's plunge into East Asia and its embrace by people there.
McDonald's was already yellow and red when I first came to know about this fast food chain. In high school and college I tried to monitor (via Time and Newsweek) how many burgers it sold annually. I even remember a Time cover article showing a burger chained around the planet Earth. I thought yellow and red are Chinese primary colors already. I'll not be surprised if I see the Number 8 inscripted on its glass windows or other typical Chinese wall decors inside one of these days. All that in the name of business. And like you said, McDonald's has been quite successful on such Eastern-influenced ideas to spice its burgers.
I saw this report on ABC news. I agree that people will go to McDonalds whether it's decorated with the correct Feng Shui or not. Although, maybe I'm a skeptic. According to the report, the McDonalds has increased profits by 25% since. Of course any place that is designed to look well, I'd pay McDonald's prices just to see it. It did look nice, I'd admit. For a $4.29 meal #1 regular sized and a diet coke in a cool looking environment is worth it to me.
ttp://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-atm28feb28,1,3709386.story?ctrack=1&cset=true
This is an LA Times Article that I was reading through today. It seems that a young man got life in prison for taking advantage of an ATM glitch and withdrawing thousands of dollars. It has caused an outrage towards the judicial system and the banking system because of the inequalities in the system. There are comments on the judicial system and criticisms that if you know the right people and have the right amount of money you can get away with anything, especially the increased umber of corrupt government officials. They also discuss the booming financial sector and the increased use of ATM's in China. As well as the distrust of the Chinese state run banking system. I did enjoy the article because this is stuff I didn't know too much about.
I must admit that I only really became interested in China and its current happenings last summer. However, I think that it's fascinating as it opens up to the world on so many different fronts. I suppose it was already open, but I guess it's becoming more capitalist. It seems as if it is a country in transition and it is taking and doing things in really remarkable ways. I apologize if i can't be more critical in my comments, but I think that i am still just learning.
The tricky thing is figuring out his agenda, right?
We often have all the things that we want to deny other countries.
I've read a story a few years back of a the same thing happening to a woman I can't remember where. She instead of takeing the money she wnet inside the bank and gave it back. The bank in return gave her a reward for being honest.
That's nice. Here in CA, if the bank makes a mistake and accidentally pays you too much money out of its ATM, it will just get back its money out of your account when it realizes it's mistake. No free money here.
After reading your post about using primary source pictures to teach how china and world one coincide, I have came up with an idea that might work as a lesson in my Early U.S. History class. It will be a 3 day project using pictures of discrimination within china due to the current class system that exists between city and rural dwellers. I will compare the current changes to China's system to the change in America starting with Jim Crow Laws and ending with today. Is there any good resources out there, all i have is my lecture notes from class.
Any help would be appreciated.
I like what you plan to do, but I see a problem in your lesson plan. Jim Crow laws were against black americans (and other racial groups). There are ethnic minorities in China, but comparing rural and urban Chinese is not racial discrimination but rather social-economic discrimination.
I went to a wonderful symposium on the Taiwan elections at the Davidson Center. It is refreshing that democaracy or a republican form of government is working somewhere in the world. Their turnout was about 70% to 75%. That percentage could only be a dream here. Tens of thounsands of Taiwanese from overseas returned to vote. Of course, there are a few glitches but overall it was good to hear , especially for a such young government flying the flag of democracy.
There was some good advice for those politicians who desire to win an election,whether Taiwanese or other,such as KMT Party member MA. Listen up Obama and Clinton. First, learn the language in this case, Taiwanese. Ma knew Madarin but of course that would not endear him to his native country. Second, conduct overnight stays in dormitories in regions away from home. Third,criticize your perceived enemy, in this case the People's Republic. Fourth , promote Taiwan as an international player. Fifth, view Taiwan --a priori-- as a sovereign nation. Sixth, emphasize there will be no unification with the mainland. Lastly, endear yourself to the United States as a military ally and partner.
I was surprised that the KMT has been viewed with a rightward tilt. I tend to agree with the speakers that it has a Lennist influence . Ma appears to be an internationalist although the new President will not domestically publicize it. The challenge now is to reform a very parochial party with cobwebs in its party house.[Edit by="jcsmyth on Mar 26, 9:52:02 PM"][/Edit]
It was an excellent forum and I hope the power points are available online. I would like to use them in my discussion of the election in my International Relations Class next week. I particularly enjoy the student presentations. A first class seminar and well worth the trip from Orange County.
I visited this exhibition at the Getty Research Center in Feb. 2008 and was amazed. It's over now, but the website offers several examples that could be readily used by teachers to show different ideas.
One image, for example, is a battle scene from the successful Manchu Qing dynasty effort to extend the empire into the West. It was part of a commissioned series where the Qianlong emperor's preference for Western-style engravings was executed by Western artists. The website allows the viewer to zoom in and pan across the painting to see remarkable details. In fact, you're able to get closer and see more clearly than those who visited the actual exhibition!
The exhibition was entitled "China On Paper: European and Chinese Works from the Late Sixteenth to the Nineteenth Century."
http://www.getty.edu/art/exhibitions/china_paper/
The first image in the web collection is a title page of a book which has four of the Jesuits who worked hardest to reach China and Japan during this period: Francis Xavier, Ignatius de Loyola, Adam Schall von Bell, and Matteo Ricci.
This isn't really about using "Asia and the World" in the classroom. It's more of an observation and a reflection. I am much more aware of everything Asian these days. I just got home from work and on NPR they were doing a piece on soldiers going to Iraq and as I turned the radio on out came "...... who was born in Shanghai is a Captain in the U.S. Marine Corps. Not very intersting in an of itself but on the way to work this morning the last thing I heard on the radio was a reference to Asia. It was KUSC, the classical station. They were highlighting Chinese musicians. In the inroduction they gave a synopsis of classical music in China. They tossed out some statistic (which are always dicey with me, after all it was Mark Twain who said the three worst untruths were "lies....damn lies...and statistics". I tend to agree with him but they are always fun to hear.) Anyway one of the stats was that there are more people currently studying to play classical piano in China than there are people who attend classical music concerts in the U.S. I don't know exactly what it means but it sounds cool. Another statistic was that China makes most of the world's musical instruments. They then went on to mention several prominent Chinese classical musicians and then music performed by some of them.
GG
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