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Home › Forums › Study Tours › 2015 NCTA Study Tour to China and Taiwan › reading - in manchuria ch. 1-3
Anonymous.
clay dubeA clip from Google Maps, showing the location of Huangdi, or Wasteland.
Here's the link to find it yourself (zooming in or out): https://www.google.com/maps/place/Huang+Di,+Shulan+Shi,+Jilin+Shi,+Jilin+Sheng,+China/@44.0454965,124.3242824,6z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x5e47cefa6216babf:0x462688767fe617ca
AnonymousIn the first section of the reading, chapters 1-3, we are introduced to Meyer’s trip to Wasteland and a flashback to his courtship with his wife, Frances. What I found the most intriguing and rather similar to American school traditions is the indoctrination of cultural beliefs through the school system.
On page 34 Meyer demonstrates this said indoctrination, “The first one she learned at school was “Socialism is Good.” Everyone nodded their heads when they shouted it. The bouncing beat was impossible to resist.
Socialism is good!
Socialism is good!
Downplay American Imperialism!
Downplay American Imperialism!
Socialism is good!”
The symbolic and similar use of song can be demonstrated in several traditional U.S. exemplars, including “America the Beautiful”. This song boasts “America. America. God shed this grace on thee.” And noteworthy as it is played during Nixon’s visit to China in 1972.
AnonymousAs I was reading chapter 1, I came across a number of topics that got me thinking about Manchuria. For starters, the concept of the name and how it has fallen in and out of favor. I'm not sure if we are supposed to call it Manchuria simply because it has gone through several changes over time. In addition, it was interesting that the Qing dynasty restricted Han migration to this region in an attempt to keep it as a pure Manchu region. They did not want Han culture affecting it. Beyond that, the community of Wasteland, the center topic of the book, is facing a number of challenges. The townspeople must decide between modernity and traditionalism. There is a lot of money to be made by signing contracts with the rice company, although many farmers still do not. There is also modern apartments available to those that agree to give up their home. Some refuse because giving up their home and moving to an apartment would mean that they could no longer keep chickens and a garden. For many, this is about self sufficiency and a second income. In addition this is related to the concept of "keeping in touch with the earth's energy" which encourages healthy living.
AnonymousSubject: Chapters 1-3
The first chapter of Meyer’s book creates a vivid picture of the village, Wasteland and Manchuria. I’m not sure if it’s because I’ve been to China, but I could imagine the train ride from Beijing, the compartments, and journey to Manchuria. Meyer’s geographical references are particularly useful to get a sense of the cultural differences, as well as location. His chalk explanation of location made me more area of close proximity of Russia, Mongolia, and North Korea. While in China in 2008, I recall passing through a few rural Chinese communities perhaps similar to Wasteland, but never had the opportunity to explore. Most of my time was spent at University of Nanjing and in Shanghai, with a few excursions to include Beijing, Xian, and Guilin. I found myself relating to what Meyer’s describes as “traditions slipping away, of old landscapes remade” (p.6). I could feel this in the short time I was there as I saw the transformation to get China ready for the Olympics. I also can envision Manchuria under Mongol rule and later Japan’s impact on the area. I recently finished a unit with my students on WWII atrocities, where I focused on Japan’s invasion into Manchuria and the Rape of Nanjing. I also included the Bataan Death March. In chapter two, the reader gets a foreign perspective on the U.S. I was particularly struck by Frances’s thoughts about the water fountains and how the water was being wasted. Given the current drought in San Diego, I tend to agree with her. France’s experiences when first arriving in the US reminded me of stories I’ve heard from Chinese visitor’s that everything was quieter and many felt alone and a bit isolated without all of the people. While at the Nanjing University, a student there who had visited the US mentioned it was difficult for her. She missed being already the crowds of people. Finally, chapter three helps the reader to separate Northeast China from other areas in China because there is a greater preservation of tradition, despite the development of the Eastern Fortune Rice’s company. Some of the countryside and village of Wasteland is protected from development, which is something Meyer is drawn to. He also is able to feel at home and not constantly referred to as Lawwai. I did find it sad that Meyer’s was unable to uncover more of the history of Wasteland and of the Northeast. Given the politics and experiences of the area, I do not find this surprising. Overall, Meyer’s book really gives a human face to the area and I think this is something missing from what I’ve taught students. I mostly focused on the occupation by Japan with my Modern World History students and the area under Mongol rule.
Meyer, Michael. In Manchuria: A Village Called Wasteland and the Transformation of Rural China. Bloomsbury Press, NY (2015).
AnonymousAs I read the first few chapters of Michael Meyer's book, I felt that he did a good job introducing the reader to the complex history of the region of Manchuria. I would like to highlight 3 things I found interesting. The first is the mix of cultures in the region, such as the blending of Manchu cultures with the Han Chinese cultures in addition to a huge influx of Han Chinese homesteaders to the region. A statistic that shocked me was that more Han Chinese immigrated to the Manchurian region than did European settlers to America. Second, on page 7, the first paragraph details the rich and diverse cultures that exist in Manchuria, highlighting the Russian, Buddhist, Japanese, and even American influences that have shaped the region. Third, is the theme of industrialization that came up in the first few chapters. Instead of farmers ditching the country for the big cities, the developers are moving in to the farming regions in order to hyper-develop there. For example, on page 12 it says "Eastern Fortune is offering apartments in exchange for farmer's homes, which will be razed and the land converted to paddies." This phenomenon I have seen happen in many parts of China, whether they are trying to revitalize cities or make more money. A lot of these changes come at the expense of the elderly or people that have relied on tradition and culture and aren't ready for change. I thought it was interesting that these changes are not only happening in the big cities, but also in places like Wasteland.
AnonymousChapters 1-3
In high school I read Inn of the Sixth Happiness and the descriptive detail in that book still lives in my my mind. When Meyer trudges up the frozen lane and enters his friend's house for their weekly dinner and goes to warm himself on the kang I knew immediately what a kang was, how it looks and feels. It was like finding something comforting and familiar. Country people in both China and the United states are dawn to the bright lights and opportunities of the big cities. Big cities let you recreate yourself and leave your past behind. In both countries small towns know all your family's secrets. You are forever someones daughter, granddaughter, a forever child. In Chinese areas other than rural Manchuria you are asked where (Which geographic region)you are from. However in rural Manchuria you are asked what family do you belong to? In the US it is usually what do you do for a living? Meyer did not have a large multi-generational family growing up and he really valued Frances's family and village. He appreciates every little nuance that she takes for granted. She is annoyed with local preoccupation with traditional roles for women. No one in Wasteland finds value in her high powered career. A huge difference between China and the US is the state imposed restrictions that prevent farmers from selling their homes and relocating to a place of their choosing. Another big difference is China's one child policy and its enforcement. Reading between the lines, there was a serious reason for the family to send Frances to be raised in Wasteland.
AnonymousPrior to beginning the book, "In Manchuria", I watched the Meyer interview regarding his book. I found the fact that the English title has no meaning in Chinese culture. The Chinese title translates to "Journey to the Northeast". According to Meyer, Chinese people have a distinct sense of regionalism which comes across in the title. However, once the title is translated to English it loses its romanticism. Another fact that caught my attention was the fact that people in Manchuria greet people by asking, "whose family do you belong to?" to see where you fit in their neighborhood's structure. Meyer also discusses rice cultivation, urbanization push, and influences brought from other countries such as agriculture tool and the railway network.
The radio program This American Life was informative as well. As someone who has never been to China, all I know is what I have seen on tv or read about in books. While i'm aware that all countries have rich communities and poor communities, when I think of traveling, I romanticize the grand sites, landscapes and/or historical architecture. China is definitely one of the countries that seems grand to me. One of the speakers on the radio program mentioned that "People in China see themselves as weak. It is outsiders, foreigners that see it as powerful...Less than 1/4 of the population see themselves as powerful." He also mentioned that 1 in 3 homes don't have a kitchen or a bathroom. While this seems like an interesting fact, I do not know how accurate it is because I don't recall hearing the population surveyed or the region. Information like this does help us appreciate what we have a little (or a lot) more. It raises awareness and can become a learning moment for our students.
edited by malvarenga on 6/10/2015
AnonymousThe maps provided in the beginning of the book made it easier to create a picture in my head of the location Meyer described. As I begin reading Winter Soltice, I can imagine the frozen rice paddies, the land covered by snow, and freezing weather. As a Southern California native, cold, snowy winters scare me. My only cold winter experience occurred in Toronto. The night before my departure light snow began to cover the ground. I happily returned to L.A in the morning. While we have four seasons in the United States, in Southern California we seem to have less. I found it interesting that China has “twenty-four fortnight-long periods describing the seasons based on the sun’s longitude” (p.1). This fact made me think of some of the students I’ve had since I began working in education. While some may have difficulty learning, others are simply lazy. I tried to picture those students in a Chinese educational system. They not only would have to learn all 24 seasonal periods, thousands of characters, but have extra hours of school. A slight change in bell schedule causes chaos between teachers, students and/or parents. All heck might break lose if cram schools were mandated for students in the states. Sorry, I digressed.
As I’m thinking of working on a curriculum project that focuses on comparing customs between cultures, I found the fact that “San Jiu fills two rice bowls with Snow brand beer (often the only cups in a farmer’s home are for tea)” (p. 9) interesting. This reminded me of a tea preparing presentation that we had in class a couple months ago (during my seminar). Even the form in which tea is poured is significant.
Meyer mentions that in many “Chinese families, Dad[s] did the cooking, and [] enjoyed going to the market each day” (p. 22). This reminded me of my childhood and growing up. My mom and all the moms I knew did the cooking. It was rare to see men in the kitchen cooking. However this changed as I got older and expanded my horizons and group of people I associate with. Some of the greatest chefs are men. The process of grocery shopping and preparing a dish can be relaxing to many. While for some it can be a simple act needed for survival, for others it can be an act of love or ritual.
Meyer, Michael. In Manchuria: A Village Called Wasteland and the Transformation of Rural China. Bloomsbury Press, NY (2015).
edited by malvarenga on 6/11/2015
AnonymousLike Tara, I was also interested in the song "Socialism is Good" song. Most countries have their nationalistic songs, but our patriotic songs don't identify one country as being the worst possible as this song does with "Downplay American imperialism!" It's also interesting that Manchuria and China wasn't imperialized (at least, politically) by the America's at all, so why take the time to call us out? However, the song set the stage for the rest of the book and the themes presented.
I also hope I can remember the phrases "Ga ha ya?" and "de le ba!" I feel like those will help on the trip. 
Anonymouschapters 1-3
Meyer does a great description of the town. When I was reading I was out side. It's summer here, but I could imagine how cold it was there, even though I'm from So Cal, and have not experienced the day to day dealings with snow- I felt like I was walking in the winter time in Wasteland. A quaint little town, the typical how everybody know's everyone & their business. Meyer describes how you have to choose your words carefully in the countryside, other wise there can be "resentments steeped like tealeaves." As he said a famous Chinese sociologist wrote "People in rural society do not fear forgetfulness. People in cities need to keep address books and photo id's, but in the countryside all is known."
It seems like just with any small town- they are set in their ways & many don't want a big change. Especially with a big company coming in and trying to take over. "Locals wonder if it's their way of life that will be made obsolete. There's even talk of changing the village's name." I am sure this goes along with the feelings of how our traditions seem to be slipping away. Technology is taking over more and more & families need to bring back the quality time of eating, playing and talking together, with out cell phones! Everyone is in such a rush, and many don't simply take the time to look around and "see" their environment or the beauty in the land.
"China is a patchwork of places as diverse as America's, each with its own local language, cuisine, & character." Meyer describes the Northeast as sort of a melting pot, where there are many different cultures from people who have left their mark here.
Frances- the one who led Meyer to Manchuria, is quick, smart & funny. She wanted him to meet her parents, if she was going to go to America with him. Her Mother said to them: "You're happy together!" But I loved the game that they played with the fortune cookies- how Frances would translate what they really meant in Chinese. My favorite one was - English: "Everything will now come your way." Chinese: "The key to happiness is to expect little from life."
Anonymouschapters 1-3
Meyer does a great description of the town. When I was reading I was out side. It's summer here, but I could imagine how cold it was there, even though I'm from So Cal, and have not experienced the day to day dealings with snow- I felt like I was walking in the winter time in Wasteland. A quaint little town, the typical how everybody know's everyone & their business. Meyer describes how you have to choose your words carefully in the countryside, other wise there can be "resentments steeped like tealeaves." As he said a famous Chinese sociologist wrote "People in rural society do not fear forgetfulness. People in cities need to keep address books and photo id's, but in the countryside all is known."
It seems like just with any small town- they are set in their ways & many don't want a big change. Especially with a big company coming in and trying to take over. "Locals wonder if it's their way of life that will be made obsolete. There's even talk of changing the village's name." I am sure this goes along with the feelings of how our traditions seem to be slipping away. Technology is taking over more and more & families need to bring back the quality time of eating, playing and talking together, with out cell phones! Everyone is in such a rush, and many don't simply take the time to look around and "see" their environment or the beauty in the land.
"China is a patchwork of places as diverse as America's, each with its own local language, cuisine, & character." Meyer describes the Northeast as sort of a melting pot, where there are many different cultures from people who have left their mark here.
Frances- the one who led Meyer to Manchuria, is quick, smart & funny. She wanted him to meet her parents, if she was going to go to America with him. Her Mother said to them: "You're happy together!" But I loved the game that they played with the fortune cookies- how Frances would translate what they really meant in Chinese. My favorite one was - English: "Everything will now come your way." Chinese: "The key to happiness is to expect little from life."
AnonymousOOPS, not sure what happened as to why it say's guest?
AnonymousMeyer has a very interesting way of combining personal memoir with history. Most of the time I have been more engaged by the history sections, but I really enjoyed the section in the end of chapter 2 when Frances offers her alternatives to the platitudes contained in the American fortune cookies they receive. There's a darkly ironic sense of humor there that seems to be part of what Meyer understands as the peculiarly Northeastern Chinese sensibility.
AnonymousI thought the first three chapters were very interesting and gave a good description of the landscape and attitude of northeasterns. I find a lot of similarity with our own northeasterners-New Englander's and their stoic hardiness. What really caught my attention was his conversation with Ms. Guan on pg. 44, " My father killed himself at our house. He was a teacher and threw himself down our well during the Cultural Revolution." This made me think of two things: first, the Cultural Revolutions depiction in "Farewell My Concubine" one of my most favorite Chinese movies and the threat that the Cultural Revolution was to intellectuals. Two, the role that suicide plays in Chinese culture. Students are often fascinated when I teach about ritual suicide in Japanese culture and it would be interesting to compare/contrast the social acceptability of this type of act in China.
AnonymousMeyer does a good job setting the stage, putting a western reader into an eastern context. We learn that in the early 7th century people in the northeast begin keeping written records, which he frames for his audience as being around the same time that Shakespeare wrote his plays (P.6). Meyer also shares that there were more Chinese settlers migrating into the northeast than European immigrants into the US during the peak of their influx (P.4). I began to think that the area would be densely populated with people fighting over the land, but Wasteland is not crowded. The people seem content with their agricultural lifestyle, with the one exception of dealing with the cold. I really liked how Frances’ father despised the cold, stating that it was “a mortal enemy” (P.31). I have been fortunate enough not to live in the snow so I can only imagine how tough it must be to stay warm throughout the winter.
I also came back to this line later. Meyer wrote, “The Japanese, the Soviets? They were expelled. The cold returned every year (P.31). While amusing, I wondered why the father didn’t have a comment about Eastern Fortune (EF) invading the region in a similar manner. Perhaps because this invasion is not a militaristic one, rather an economic one. I am curious to see what Frances’ family and the other families think of EF and the impact it will have on the region. I also wonder how EF can buy up all the land when only rural residents can buy land, thereby preventing real estate speculation (P.37).