Islam in China - USC US-China Institute

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May 14, 2005 at 4:21 pm #5530

Rob_Hugo@PortNW
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Can't help but think that today's experience at UCLA was quite a thrill. Having the opportunity to learn more about the cultural, political, and social characteristics of Muslims in China makes me think that I knew, and I still know so little about 90% of the people in this planet. I was particularly impressed by the dedication and passion shown in the excellent presentations by Dr. Bovingdon and Dr. Pillsbury. Their approach reflected a deeper understanding of how human beings interact with each other. Dr. Pillsbury's story about having to change the dishes in her own home to be accepted as part of the community sure brings the experience to a first-person level. I thought that her bringing all the "realia" to the workshop lent it a very personal touch.

Dr. Bovingdon's knowledge floored me. He surely captivated his audience, and I wished he would have been able to speak for a longer period of time. I am very interested in reading more about his findings, studies, and his perspectives in cultural issues. I thought he was a brilliant educator and a very sensitive human being.

Once again, thanks Clayton for this superb experience.

May 15, 2005 at 3:12 pm #33339

Anonymous
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The workshop was AWESOME- I was so impressed with the vast array of knowledge that the speakers possessed. It was particularly fascinating to learn about the issues surrounding pork- It would have been cool to have the speakers around longer to ask questions- maybe next spring more time can be allotted. Thanks for the great day!!

May 16, 2005 at 9:22 am #33340

Anonymous
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I agree that the Islam in China seminar was incredible. I’d also like to echo many thanks to Clayton for putting it together. The four speakers each were so different and each delivered such enriching information. I continue to mull over which pieces I can use in my classes before the semester ends. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to attend.

What I found most interesting was the fact that China has a type of “affirmative action” program with regard to its Muslim minority groups as well as the advertisements or public service announcements that state, “girls can do what boys can do.” Perhaps things that are similar as opposed to differences are what tend to stick out and make an impression. I finished labor in economics and I just covered both of these topics. I plan to do an addendum to the information on Monday. I look forward to incorporating this information into my unit next year.

Be well,
Stacy

May 28, 2005 at 1:41 pm #33341

Anonymous
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Indeed, the seminar was phenomenal (sp?).

I was particularly intrigued by the discussion of how the Chinese so strongly desciminate against the Hui. That they are identified as being rude and beligerent trouble makers. My personal experience shoed them to be some of the nicest and most friendly people I have encountered anywhere in the world, this includes 26 countires and 4 continents!

I also found the Han "migrations" into the various minority dominated regions quite facinating. I see this as an ingeious way to further extend and exert control over outlying regions while not directly suppressing the populations in those regions, thus avoiding violent resistance and international critisism.

Or maybe I'm just cynical...

David D

June 3, 2005 at 6:08 am #33342

Anonymous
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It was surprising how much we talked about pork. I was thinking there must be more doctrine to Islam than avoid pork at all costs. I was amused when the Prof. mentioned that many parishioners of the belief tended to overlook the creed where you pay tithe. Also, that Dr. B's new dishes made her half Muslim. It was a great day of study.

Frank[Edit by="fwiley on Jun 3, 1:12:44 PM"][/Edit]

July 23, 2005 at 4:41 pm #33343

Anonymous
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I am in the midst of a unit on comparative relgions (AP World History) The ability to introduce Chines Muslims in to the mix has been incredibly valuable. We got to shatter some preconceived notions of both Chinese and Islam.

The students wanted tp identify the Chinese as Buddhists. "Some Chinese are Muslims, whoa." This has opend the doors for the future discussions of China as well as of stereotypes. Then there was "Muslims in China, I thought only arabs were Muslims. Who else are Muslims?' Now they want to know who and where Islam is, as well as looking more intently at this religion that appeals to so many cultures and ethnicities.

The Islam in China day really helped me to introduce this material and make some wonderful breakthourghs with my students.

Thanks to all of the presenters and participants.

David Dandridge
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