I see you're trying to provoke controversey(smile), so here goes!

The United States is probably one of the few countries in the world, if not the only country where the general populas speaks only one language, and thinks that it is a good thing. People in other countries not only usually speak two or three languages, but understand the cultures.

The world is getting smaller. Jobs and businesses transcend national boundaries. The internet gives instant access to the world. Basically the U.S. can not afford to continue to have an ill-informed and/or poorly informed populas, if the nation hopes to hold its own in the world market in this century and the next.

Take for example, China. The very size of its population means it is going to be a major force in this century and the one to come. To avoid catatrophic misunderstandings, the U.S. must have a thorough understanding of the people, their culture and history. And the interest in other nations and cultures starts with stimulation in the classroom.

Knowledge of other cultures builds respect, especially when we understand that many of these cultures have evolved over thousands of years, and many of the things we take for granted - paper, ink, kites, bronze, aspects of building design, a variety of philosophical ideas, etc. - did not start with the U.S. or even the West!!

If we remember to teach across the curriculum and to team teach, it is amazing just how much we can include.

Hi,
Since we are preparing children for either higher education or life, they need to be aware of our fourth biggest trading partner. This is only going to increase since more and more product is manufactured overseas particular in East Asia. Also, China has taken the position that if manufactured in China the VAT is reduced versus imported products. This and financial considerations encourages growth in East Asia. As a consumer or business person, it is hard to ignore! As a business person, we could be doing business in East Asia and learning about the people, culture and history can only enhance us.

Larry

I saw Peter this Sunday at the chamber music concert. He continues to be very busy writing and lecturing around the world. I thought some of you may be interested in Peter’s work. His work inspires me to study Asia. Among other activities he sponsors a yearly (consistently superb) lecture (Japanese topics), "Michele Berton Memorial Lecture" at LACMA. For information check LACMA web.

Peter Berton
Berton is Distinguished Professor Emeritus of International Relations at the University of Southern California. He was Coordinator for the Asia/Pacific Regional Studies Program for 30 years. He also taught at Stanford and UCLA, as well as in Japan, England, and Germany. He held research positions at Harvard, Columbia and Tokyo universities, and the Kyoto Research Center. He is the author of over 100 publications on Asian and Soviet/Russian affairs, including International Negotiation; The Japanese-Russian Territorial Dilemma, "The Psychology of Japan's Foreign Relations," and "New Stability and Security in the Asia-Pacific Region."
Some of his lecture topics:
• impact of nuclear proliferation in South Asia
• the escalation of tension in the Taiwan straits
• the potential development of nuclear weapons
• delivery systems by North Korea, on Japan
• characteristics of Japan's foreign policy as forged by politics, economics, technology, and psychology
Other issues posed by Berton include whether we expect a revision of Japan's peace constitution and a new assertive Japanese nationalism; should Japan become a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (with or without veto power); and what role Japan might play in the evolving security architecture in the Asia-Pacific region in the 21st century? -magda ferl

Los Angeles is an incredibly diverse city, yet the population I teach is surprisingly homogeneous - 90% Latino and 7% Asian. I find that many of my students live in very segregated neighborhoods with little understanding of other cultures, beliefs, and customs. Ignorance of others may lead to misunderstandings. Yes, China and East Asia are rising superpowers and all Americans should know more about these cultures. Students should also know more about the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, etc. Americans, isolated geographically, tend to be lacking in knowledge of other cultures and world events. This is disturbing in light of our position of dominance on the planet. I hope that integrating East Asia in to the curriculum will be one small step toward fostering greater understanding and appreciation of different cultures, perspectives, and current events.

While watching a small portion of the hearings put on by the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence last week, I found the attitude of Newt Gingrich quite surprising. He spoke eloquently about how little America is aware of the world outside it's borders. Gingrich then criticized the lack of 9/11 foresight, lamenting how few Americans were trained as Arabic speakers.
Then, in the same breath, he went on to bemoan the paltry amount of Americans training to be Chinese speakers . Gingrich emphasized some of the points we've discussed in class, (China as an emerging economic and military super giant) and how important it was for us to begin the process of understanding the Chinese point of view.
While his own thoughts may be based on pragmatic fear, I thought it wonderful that he brought it up.
Unfortunately, however I heard not one iota reference to this topic later that night when scanning the news stations

While I was trying to figure out a lesson plan, I took a look at the California State Content Standards. Under United States History 11th Grade there are only two standards pertaining to East Asia. The standards deal with Pearl Harbor and Japanese Relocation. There are no contents standard for the Korean War or the Vietnamese War. There is nothing on the Asian Immigration or the contributions that Asians brought to this country. However, we are required to teach European immigration and the contributions that Europenans brought to this country - talk about Eurocentrism!

By the way, I heard that KCET ran something on Angel Island last week. Did anyone see it?

The curriculum emphasis is off balance for the global political and cultural realities, reflecting prejudices and assumptions of who is a "Player" from times gone by. Updating any curriculum from outdated sources keeps the currriculum relevant. This happens in Science and Health, arenas in which it is impossible to keep the books up to date. Perhaps the irony is that the world stage is changing so rapidly that this could also be true in History class!
Also... opening up students eyes and extend the borders of their minds... challenge assumptions...has always been a teachers vocation