Make-up Assignments

[cgao]

Please post your make-up assignments here. 

You should attend and actively participate in all seminar sessions. If you need to miss a session (no more than three in the duration of the seminar), please let us know. You will need to make up the session by completing a homework assignment. Attached is a list of resources to help give you an idea of events/places to visit around Los Angeles. 

• Attend an event (lecture/meeting/discussion panel, etc.) that focuses on issues related to East Asia or visit a museum exhibition or performance relating to East Asia. The U.S.-China Institute offers at least one public event each month. 
• Submit a 150-200 word summary of what you learned, and post it as a new thread on the seminar web discussion forum.
• Please note that the three Saturdays count as two sessions each. If you miss a Saturday, you will need to submit two make-up assignments. 

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[Aja Koester]

I visited the Go For Broke National Education Center, which is a small museum focused on propaganda and the Japanese-American experience during WWII. I had never heard of this museum before, and was very impressed with how interactive it was. It would make for a great field trip with students to not only teach about WWII but how propaganda is used during war in general.

 

The first exhibit includes a video projected onto a set of furniture and items that represent the move of Japanese-Americans who were put into internments. There are people speaking about their experience including one man who explained that as a young man he said to his mom, “This is against the constitution, they didn’t give us a trial,” to which his mom replied, “Oh shut up and pack.” He goes on to say how, “[he] was always American…and now he was nothing.” To hear the voices of real people speaking about what happened to them and their families brought life to the history, which is something students would benefit from.

 

Another exhibit that stuck out to me was one on propaganda. It defined and broke down concepts alongside the examples of American war propaganda, which seemed as if it was aimed at young students. There was a table with pictures that were partially covered in order to show how a cropped picture had the ability to tell only part of a story. You could then lift the cover to see the rest of the picture and understand the full story. These pictures had all been cropped at one point in history. One that stuck out at me was a beautiful picture of a man carrying his daughter, but when you lifted the cover, the full picture was him and his daughter standing on one side of a chain link fence with barbed wire and the mom standing on the other side saying goodbye. This could be an engaging way to explain censorship.

[Aja Koester]

I visited the Japanese American Museum located in Little Tokyo in downtown. There was a combination of both art and history with a focus on the Japanese-American experience (as the name of the museum suggests). However, the current art exhibit was titled Transpacific Borderlands and included a broader range of experiences including Japanese artists in Latin American countries and neighborhoods (i.e. Lima, Sao Paulo, Mexico City). The art seemed to convey how mixtures in culture, ethnicity, and race influence artists’ lives. Many of the works included pop culture references such as band names (i.e. Siouxsie and the Banshees) often alongside traditional Japanese tradition/art to show hybridity.

The museum also included a large exhibit dedicated to the history of Japanese Americans from WWII to the present. One of the installations built by “The Remembrance Project” was a replica of an internment barrack with quotes from Japanese-American children whose parents were internment survivors. The project works to bring remembrance of what was done to Japanese Americans during WWII. This exhibit brought to life very real accounts of Nisei, children who grew up in America with Japanese immigrant parents, who did not fully understanding their parents past. Many Nisei learned that their parents were traumatized. One quote that stuck out at me stated, “…[the project] helped me to better understand my parents’ own silence about the internment and broadened my respect for the dignity and grace of my parents’ resolve during such a difficult and troubling time”(Kevin Tokunaga). Many of the quotes were similar in that it took looking back at this history to bring understanding between Issei and Nisei.

[Michelle Levy]

I visited the Fowler Museum at UCLA for my make-up assignment. Aside from exhibits from other countries, there is an exhibit called How To Make the Universe Right: The Art of Priests and Shamans from Vietnam and Southern China. It was really interesting to see the clothing that was on presentation, especially. There were robes and fancy gowns, but also ceremonial clothing. I noticed intricate patterns and bright colors laced with browns and blacks. What also was great was the headdresses worn by priests. The entire exhibit was completely fascinating because it showcased how these priests were essentially the mediator between two worlds: physical and spiritual. Most of the artwork and relics dated from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

It was a fun visit and I think that my students would benefit from this experience. Students could learn about the systems present in China and Vietnam, and I think they would enjoy seeing all the different types of clothing. Seeing differences in what they wear, their religious leaders wear, and Asian religious deities wore, could really open their eyes to the world as a bigger picture. Since visiting this museum, I have actually scheduled a field trip for my students and we are going in May! I'm excited to really hear and listen to the impact this exhibit will have on them! 

[Amir Osterweil]

I went to the the documentary titled, Above the Drowning Sea, at USC last week. It was a very informative and moving documentary about Jews escaping Austria during the late 1930's and fleeing to Shanghai China. I was very interested in seeing it when I received the e-mail since it is an event I knew nothing about. The film focuses on Kieth Eisner, the son of a Jewish refugee as he goes back to Shanghai to retrace his father's steps. It also features various stories from other Jewish refugees that lived in Shanghai during the period.

The aspect of the film that I found both moving and facinating is how war brought two unlikely people's together. As pointed out by William Chiang in the film, Jews fleeing Europe lived and interacted with Chinese refugees that were fleeing the Japanese invasion in Nanking and Manchuria. "They were refugees in their own country" states Chiang. Both these displaced peoples managed to make a life for themselves in Shanghi, a city that had been ravaged by civil war, and was beginning to be bombarded by the Japanese. Another heartbreaking element is added when we learn that when the Japanese took the city, Jews were forced into a ghetto. 

The relationships between Jews and Chinese is highlighted by focusing Vera and Zhou, two women who were children at the time. Both women bonded in the neighborhood and Zhou learned of Jewish customs, while Vera reminisces on the kindness of Zhou's father. Once again we are reminded that just as world forces and history brought them together, the two girls are taken apart. Vera's family left Shanghai in 1949, presumably because the Communists took power, and Zhou asks, "why did I never hear from you". It is likely as Professor Dube pointed out in the discussion after the film, that it was too difficult and could present some danger to communicate with outsiders during the Cultural Revolution in China from the 1950's to the mid-1970's.

[Amir Osterweil]

Yesterday I visited the Fowler Museum at UCLA, to view the exhibit titled How to Make the Universe Right: The Art of Priests and Shamans from Vietnam to Southern China. This was an interesting exhibit of artifacts which featured shrines, alters, masks, daggers, and other paraphanelia from the Shamanistic tradition. I found it interesting since it focused on the Taoist religion which I know little about. The highlight of the exhibit for me was the tapestries various deities from Taoist mythology. One diety was the god of thunder which  is looked as a postive figure. I found this interesting because it's form looked like a demon and was foboding. I connected this to some of the figures I have seen in Buddhist temples in Japan that look like demons but are actually there so ward off evil. Another interesting thing I learned is the Taoist have 10 judges which "try" you after you die to decide where one goes in the afterlife. I wonder if these are the same judges I viewed in the Ennoji Temple in Kamakura, Japan. I am definintely seeing some similarities between the two religions. On a sad note, I learned that many tapestries and artifacts from Shamanistic rituals in Loas have been sold since they are intricate and valued as artistic objects in their own right. I also learned that in Loas, the cermeony to become ordained in Taoism takes 4 days, it is not completed by all males due to the financial burden.

[Gerlinde Goschi]

Screening: Above the Drowning Sea

I had the privilege to attend the screening of this important historical film.  While I was aware of the escape of Jews from Nazi Europe to China, I did not realize the story behind it.  This is a very inspiring story celebrating cultural diversity, bravery, and humanity in the face of atrocity and tragedy.  Ho Feng Shan, the very cultured and bilingual Chinese Council in Vienna, defies his own government by issuing visas to Jews to go to Shangai, ultimately saving the lives of an estimated 18,000 Jews.  His heroism did not become really known until about twenty years ago.  The filmmakers explore friendships formed during the WWII period when Jewish and Chinese people lived side by side in Shangai.  I enjoyed the great discussion that followed the movie very much. Mr. Rene Balcer, the executive producer,  made a great point when he mentioned that what was so unique about the situation, was that usually when two poor people are put together in such dreary circumstances, competing for resources and survival, a story like this would not happen.  He also indicated that his intention was to tell a contemporary story (the influx of refugees two years ago into Europe) through a historical lense.  I think he did a phenomenal job and I hope the public will have access to this treasure soon.

 

 

I would bring elements addressed in this film to my classroom, particularly, the friendship between Vera and Zhou.  I would show the photographs of the two while they were little girls and neighbors in Shangai and talk about their deep connections even though they were of two cultural and religious backgrounds.  Then, I would show and talk about their reunion, and show how important and precious this was to both of them.  I would assign students to talk to their grandparents or parents at  home about their childhoods and share the stories with the class.

[Gerlinde Goschi]

Little Soldiers: An American Boy, A Chinese School, and the Global Race to Achieve

Lenora Chu, the author of this book, shared a lot of enlightening information about the educational system in China.  I always had a personal interest in an opportunity to “peek” into a Chinese school. This presentation and discussion allowed me just that.  My first grade class consists of 26 % East Asian students. A number of them arrived into the US recently and they possess very little knowledge of the English language.  I am surprised how quickly these students learn the English and German Language (I teach at an IB/ dual language immersion school) simultaneously.  I mentioned this to Prof. Dube in a previous conversation.  He reminded me that failure is not an option in the East Asian culture.  Leonara Chu presented a parent’s and researcher’s perspective of the Chinese schools.  She answers the following questions about a Chinese education  in her book:  

What it means to the student?

What it means for the Chinese society?  

What we can learn?

I was surprised to learn that the Chinese Education System knows it needs reform, it is working on it, and it is looking to other countries including the U.S. to evaluate other teaching models.  During the Q & A, I learned from Chinese university students preparing to be teachers that although the education system is “rigid,” they had a great experience in school and they had very caring and loving teachers.  I would welcome the opportunity to learn more from these students about their own experiences and perspectives.

 

[Michelle Levy]

I went to the screening of Above the Drowning Sea, a documentary about Jewish refugees that vacated Austria (and later other areas) to Shanghai. The story documented several families and what Shanghai did for them. It was enlightening because as a Jew, I had no idea that China was a place that the Holocaust affected. The reason that Jews were able to go there was actually a fluke. Shanghai was in such civil turmoil, it was considered an open country. There was no one even checking passports when the refugees arrived. So by the end of the war, almost 20,000 Jewish people had survived by living in the Shanghai Jewish ghetto. I was fascinated that the film included testimonies of survivors and their families.

 

So what can I bring to my students? I was questioning this for a while until I thought about the last part of the film, where a lady was reunited with a friend she hadn't seen since they were both little girls. They speak different languages, live in different countries, have completely separate lives, yet they managed to find each other (with the help of the film’s publicity) and found a common interest, their past. Students in my class could easily have a pen pal with someone in a distant place and learn, through writing, what their lives are like. The farther the place the better, so I'm hoping to find a school in another country that would be willing to participate. The kids in my class are just too young to learn about the hatred and racism that the history of World War 2 brings, although I share stories of my experience whenever it seems to fit.

 

I highly recommend watching this documentary, especially for high school teachers that teach this subject!

[Rick Steil]

How to Make the Universe Right: The Art of Priests and Shamans from Vietnam To Southern China.

 

The Fowler museum currently has an exhibit that presents a large selection of scrolls, ritual objects and ceremonial clothing related to the different religious traditions from Vietnam to Southern China. Most of the pieces date from the late 19^th century to the early 20^th century. The robes and headdresses are brightly colored and contain intricate embroidery that shows the attention to detail paid by these cultures toward their religious ceremonies. This exhibit highlighted the importance that these priests had as they were the mediator between the physical world and the spiritual world. The tapestries from the various cultures showed scenes from these societies beliefs that told stories and engaged the viewer and their beliefs. This exhibit was well presented and visually stunning as we see the emphasis of ceremonial items when it came to religion and its beliefs. I love that this museum is free and I believe there should be more access to these museums for those that cannot afford them.

[Jane Shen]

Movie Acreening on Ocr 5th: "Above The Drowning Sea"

It is my honor to have a chance to watch the movie “ Above The Drowning Sea” at the USC U.S.-China Institute followed by a panel conversation.

This movie is a documentary about Jewish refugees from Nazi Europe who, at a time when all doors were closed to them, found sanctuary in Shanghai, thanks to the intervention of Chinese diplomat Ho Feng Shan who as Chinese consul in Vienna defied the Nazis and his own government by issuing more than 3,000 travel visas to the desperate refugees. The film tells the story from the point of view of the refugees and the Chinese people who sheltered them. In light of today's refugee crisis, an inspiring poetic tale about two peoples who found common cause and dignity in a world in chaos.

After watching this movie, I just cannot stop exclaim over the warm story between Vera and her Chinese friends. Vera as one of the Jewish refugee who traveled to Shanghai to find escape from the Nazi, was embraced by a Chinese business man and his daughter who is a little younger than Vera. The Chinese man sent litter every day after school to pick up Vera from school, tried to manage to welcome her at home, fed her dinner before sent her to her own house. The Chinese father’s sympathy and warm love had influenced the friendship between his daughter and the Jewish girl. So then after more than 60 years of separation, at reunion in Shanghai, they were still be able to share the love across the language barrier. “ Vera, Vera, my little big sister…I cannot dream that one day we could meet…” By just the voice the Chinese lady calling her Jewish friend, and by looking at the photos from long time ago, they could deliver the love not only between themselves, but also touched the audience into tears.

This movie did not reveal what the Chinese lady had experienced in China because of her relationship with a Jews. Born in China during the Culture revolution, I can imagine that behind the scene, the Chinese lady might suffered much more . However, in the screen her face looked so bright, so peaceful and filled with so much love, it again proofed that love embraced and comforted more than rejection.

[Stella Castro]

For my make-up assignment I attended the viewing of the movie “Above the Drowning Sea”. This movie was spectacular because of the trials and tribulations the Jewish people had to endure in order to escape Nazi controlled Europe and find refuge and sanctuary in Shanghai.  I commend the director, (Rene Balcer), and the producer, (Keith Eisner, who is the son of a Jewish refugee to China) for making this movie, as the tale has to be told.

I really liked and felt so much emotion as the movie began it stated a saying from Primo Levi, and at the moment I was immobilized by the meaning if his words that I was unable to write his saying, but it contained the words, “the real ones are dead’. I wish I could have written his entire quote at the time, I was just penetrated by how real his words were a and the truth and reality of those words. I tried looking that quote up, but was unsuccessful due in part to my lack of having a Net flick account, the History Channel, or access to documentary channels, or going to a red box to rent the video if available.  However, Primo Levis words were deeply profound.

This movie was quite emotional for me as I felt the anger and hatred for Hitler, as the movie stated that in the schools they would make the Chinese children sing ”For Hitler we live, for Hitler we die”, and put in their heads  what a great man Hitler was. Then there was also a depiction of Jewish people kneeling on the floor, and kissing the ground as the Nazi’s passed by and kicked them for no apparent reason. Just to think of what Hitler did in the Holocaust is nauseating, and I can’t imagine being one of his followers. What were they thinking?

The good part of this movie is how some of the Jewish people were helped out by the Chinese people who saw them for what they were, just people, and tried to help them offering their homes as sanctuaries and refuge, all the while still hiding them out, for I they were it be caught they would face serious harm or injury by the Germans.

The movie goes on to follow several different people and their stories. The stories were all heartwarming and astonishing as well. One man said that all he remembered as a child was FEAR, and fear is not a healthy way for a child to be growing up in.

I recall a statement in the movie of how women would throw flowers at Hitler. The thought of this act makes me wonder what was going through these women’s heads at the time. Certainly they must not have known what an awful, evil and horrendous man Hitler was and is.

Another sad and disgusting thing this movie mentioned was that the kids would be put out in the streets on collection mats to be picked up as garbage. Who in their right minds would do this to children?

Finally a Mr. Ho Feng Shen , a Chinese consul decided to help the Jewish people and opened his doors to Shanghai, and once there if the Jewish people could make it there, the Chinese people allowed the Jewish people to live among them, even though they did not have anything, that they were poor. However if the Jewish people were caught trying to escape Vienna, they would be executed or tortured. It is a good thought that the Chinese people accepted the Jewish people to live among them.

This movie fits as an educational movie and should be shown throughout the different cities, in schools, and colleges, to teach students the reality of the horror the Jewish people had to brave in order to remain alive.

The photography in this movie was good, and the narration by Julienne Margulies, (an American actress) was excellent in her tone of voice. I give a standing ovation to the producer of this movie as; this story is a reality of what the Jewish people had to go through, in trying to escape Austria

[Rick Steil]

 

 

The Korean Freedom Bell sits atop a beautiful knoll surrounded by green grass lawns that lead to an infinity like view over the Pacific Ocean with its views of Catalina and the ships coming into the San Pedro port. This bell was donated to the people of Los Angeles in 1976 to commemorate the United States bicentennial of its independence. It also was to honor veterans of the Korean War and to consolidate the friendship between the 2 countries. The pavilion surrounding the bell is supported by 12 columns and represents the 12 designs of the oriental zodiac. This

Korean monument was constructed by 30 craftsmen from Korea and took 10 months to complete. The bell is rung only 3 times a year; 4^th of July, August 15 (Korean Independence Day) and New Year’s Eve. The Bell and Pavillion is a great reminder the partnership that South Korea and America have and is a sign that these 2 very different cultures and co-exist as partners in the 21^st century. I really enjoyed seeing this structure with its Korean design and colors sitting prominently atop this open expanse with its cultural symbol of an inclusive society.

[Eric Hoh]

Korean Cultural Center Visit

            I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the Korean Cultural Center. They offered a brief, ten- minute presentation on some Korean customs, traditions, and foods. The presenter was very knowledgeable and prepared to answer any questions about Korean culture in response to the video/presentation. There were beautiful displays of Korean instruments, artifacts, and traditional Korean-styled rooms. I learned that the Korean Cultural Center encourages LAUSD educators to bring students on free field trips to their center. In addition to this, they offer to pay up to $200 for bus transportation.

            This visit to the Korean Cultural Center reminded me of the reality that East Asian Americans are often perceived in a very stereo-typical way. I noticed that the presenter seemed to be painfully aware of the perception of East Asians as quiet, submissive, and stoic. She countered this caricature with an emphasis on the love for arts (music and entertainment), technology (cutting-edge), and food (unique and delicious). I think that this would be an excellent field-trip or experience for both students and educators. Although it does not go into depth of the Korean history that we learned from Professor Jung-Kim, it does enough to spark curiosity and cultural bridge-building interest for all people. Plus, the end of the tour includes the opportunity to interact with technology and a karaoke room. 

[Eric Hoh]

Japanese American National Museum

            This museum is such a gem for anyone interested in deepening and enriching their understanding of Japanese culture and history! It is located near many delicious restaurants and cute stores in the Little Tokyo district of Los Angeles. I already have a few students in mind who I would certainly recommend this museum to because of the rich and abundant opportunities for a glimpse of Japan in our own city. They currently have an exhibition on the diaspora of Japanese people in Lima, Los Angeles, Mexico City, and Sao Paulo. This exhibition is extremely intriguing in and of itself, and it naturally incites a curiosity as to how and why Japanese people are scattered throughout the American continents. I would definitely recommend a visit to this museum to any and all students or people who are interested in Japanese culture, regardless of how much (or little) Japanese history they know. I would also recommend stopping by Daikokuya for lunch or dinner. This would be a wonderful field trip experience, or simply a fun and engaging weekend stop. 

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