Session 1 (8/25) readings

[Anonymous]

I found the statistic about KFC very interesting. The fact that KFC makes 40% of their profit from China alone even though they only have 2000 stores in China shows how much they depend on China. I would like to know how many other companies are this dependent on the Chinese market. As a government or econ. teacher, we can show this info to our kids and ask them if this would have any negative impact towards the American economy. Would a company be more of an American company or Chinese if they depended more on China? Would this create any issues? This could create a nice debate.

[Anonymous]

In the pre-reading significant attention was paid to environmental changes due to the growth of the Chinese economy. According to “Building U.S.-China Trust” the pie charts on page 2 illustrate the level of environmental impact from the U.S. and China. The U.S. and China contributed 44% of the world’s CO2 emissions in 2012. This is an alarming number. As each economy continues to grow, speculation shows the continued growth in emissions. The first seminar illustrated the dependence we (The U.S. and the World) have on China’s economy being successful. Furthermore, the media has also highlighted the instability of a fast-expanding economy, specifically in China. With this evidence one is left to ponder the following issues:

1. What can the U.S. and China do to become more environmental friendly (“green”)?

2. What are the implications of this rapid economic growth, both politically and environmentally?

3. What legacy are we leaving our students, one of economic stability and energy independence, or one of economic downfall and environmental degradation?

[Anonymous]

The first session was very interesting and provided me with useful information that I was not aware of in regards to East Asia. I'm looking forward to the upcoming sessions and learning from all of you!! I'm sure we all will share great resources to further help incorporating East Asia into our classrooms. Since I teach kindergarten, I am grasping ways to simplify all the information being learned so I can then teach my young students. During our first session, the professor briefly discussed Japanese paintings and the use of woodblock prints. This is something I'm definitely going to look into as I see it might be a topic of interest for my students.

[Anonymous]

I'm reply to the post created by Ivallandares regarding the KFC statistics...I also found the facts about KFC very interesting. It's a great example of how the U.S greatly depends on China for their economy. I'm wondering why China is making more of a profit at KFC? Are they marketing different than the U.S? Are there less fast food selections being offered in China?

[Anonymous]

From my understanding, KFC is marketed in Asia, particularly China and Japan, as a slightly family/slightly upscale restaurant. I recall in college I had a friend who was a foreign exchange student from Japan, and every time we passed by a KFC or ate KFC she would feel the need to mention how her and her family used to go to KFC for birthday dinners in Japan when she was a child. The idea of KFC being an everyday fast food chain in the U.S. seemed as hard to grasp for her as it is to most Americans to grasp the idea of KFC being a nicer sit down restaurant elsewhere. In addition, places like 7-11 in Japan are youth 'hang-out' spots from my understanding. Several years ago when I visited South Korea, Bennigans was indeed the hot spot for young adults. It seems many things branded by the U.S. seem to have just a small level of appeal to it overseas in Asia.

I particularly thought the photo of the PC internet cafe was amusing during the first session. When I visited South Korea years ago PC Cafes were definitely the place for many college students and professionals to go after class/work or during class/work. During the session I was reminded of an article I had read about a South Korean man who had spent a continuous 86 hours at a PC Cafe playing a computer game and had failed to nourish himself with food and water; he had later collapsed and died in the restroom. Asia does seem to have an obsession with computer gaming, evident with their 24/7 tv channels that feature top computer gaming 'athletes' competing against each other in popular games.

Currently my students are reading Harrison Bergeron, a great satirical short story which criticizes society in terms of leadership, technology, ideals of beauty, abuse and interpretations of laws, etc. I can definitely see my students doing a comparison of the society in the story to countries in Asia, particularly the totalitarian state of North Korea.

[Anonymous]

I wonder if a huge part of the popularity of KFC and other American fast food chains has to do with novelty. When people go out, they want to eat something different from what they would have at home.

We have a lot of fast food options in the US, but then, so do the Chinese. I remember seeing KFC and Baskin Robbins on every other street corner (kind of like Starbucks).

[Anonymous]

I wonder what is considered profit in China. Businesses in America incur costs beyond rent, wages, and materials, such as workmen's compensation insurance, unemployment insurance, business licensing, city taxes, county taxes, state and federal taxes. Perhaps KFC sells more chicken in China, but I am curious about the business operating expenses that will affect the profit.

[Anonymous]

I loved our first day...... so much information to digest but I enjoyed every bite. I particularly liked when my previous knowledge of East Asia was skewed or incorrect. I have much to learn in order to "smuggle" into the class. I have one link to share with the teacher from Orange County. I remember when I was attending CSU Fullerton, they were slowly creating a Vietnamese curriculum. I am not trying to send teachers to CSUF, but it could be a resource for her and us East Asian learners.
http://ed.fullerton.edu/vietnamese/more-information/vienamese-american-education-advisory-council/

[Anonymous]

Our first seminar was definitely eye-opening. Among many, if not all of you, I feel to be at a disadvantage. I'm not as worldly knowledgable; however, that is an even better reason for me to become involved. I want to learn. With respect to KFC's invasion of the East, I was reminded of the 2008 Olympics held in Beijing. I recall readings about US fast food industries gaining influence in China, and I wondered about China's current obesity rates and whether or not they would be impacted. My guess: without a doubt. KFC, in my opinion, would in part be to blame. As in the US--and especially during the "burger wars" of the 80's--obesity rates have continued to rise as fast food companies, under the guise of being "healthy" and "family-oriented," have also grown in number. Waistlines expand in direct correlation to fast food expansion. It saddens me to see this type of exploitation.

[Anonymous]

Interesting to not the proposed--and improved--three-year training programs for foreign workers migrating to Japan. What has sometimes been the norm are demands for longer work hours and less pay (even lower than the required minimum wage.) Exploitation of these immigrant workers--a practice not uncommon to the US--seems counter-productive when a country is looking to create a "punch" within the world's economy by stimulating growth. However, it is also interesting to note that Japan, in order to increase its immigration population, is willing to not only admit entire families into the country at once, but also that reverence to the imperial family is optional. In the meantime--and this sounds very familiar--Japanese residents are worried that the influx of foreign workers will drive the pay scales down for native workers.

[Anonymous]

The first session was very informative. The connections between past and present China are always interesting. To connect the ancient Silk Road and the "modern" Silk Road of China is one that could really engage students It's easy with today's technology to track where items come from and to see what items are travelling to China.

And as for Netflix movies on Asia, there are many, including streaming ones that are of interest. The easiest way to find them is to BROWSE the FOREIGN section then scroll down on the SUB GENRE section and look for Korean, Chinese, Japanese, etc.. There are a lot to choose from.
edited by dcolato on 9/5/2014

[Anonymous]

I found the article titled "Don't Bring me your Huddled Masses" very interesting. I had no idea that Japan's population is decreasing so significantly. According to the article, the working-age population is falling at a fast rate, leaving fewer workers to support a growing proportion of elderly people. Some believe the solution is to allow more immigrants into the country, including people from Korea, Brazil and Peru. Yet, the government makes it difficult for these people to become citizens. I don't think that makes sense.
Since the article was written in 2008, I searched on-line for more recent information. In 2013, "The Diplomat" magazine published a related article. Apparently, if the current trend continues the population of Japan will decline from its current 127.5 million to 116.6 million in 2030 and 97 million in 2050.

[Anonymous]

Craig, what an insightful post. I, too, am now curious about Chinese obesity rates. Though, I do believe that food in Chinese culture has always had significance to most of the population. For example in their food preparation and eating specific food at certain times. In fact, I wonder if the more populated coastal ares have always had an array food (both street and home cooked to choose from), but it is really portion control that helps the Chinese stay slim. I wonder this because there are many fast food options in Japan and I know that their waistlines have grown, though I can't say that I've heard that their obesity rates have skyrocketed. I also know that in Japan there are companies that measure their worker's waistlines every week or so. If they become overweight, their insurance goes up. If they stay in a healthy and slim range, their insurance premium stays the same. I'm not sure if this is still the case, but that might help the Japanese stay slim. Anywho, when I first heard of this I thought this was insane, but served as a good incentive to stay healthy. When interviewed, many workers felt pressured but, at the same time, saw themselves choosing healthier food options and walking more. Can you imagine if America did this?

[Anonymous]

After our first session, I watched the movie Journey to the West on Netflix. It's a Chinese comedic love story about two demon hunters who are chasing down a formidable opponent. Interlaced within the movie were scenes of Chinese lore and myth and I was curious to what each animal, scene, theory, saying, adage pointed back to Chinese religion. The Chinese religion sheet gave me a focal point to ponder on so that I can try to make the connections because I know that much of present points back to the past. What I'm also interested in is learning more about how Chinese religion is seen in the Western world. I know that because my mother's Buddhist beliefs were instilled in me, I carry those morals and ideals within myself. If this is happening to me, what about the larger populace? I wonder how America will change because of Asia's influence.

[Anonymous]

I also think the first session was interesting and enlightening. Our discussion about 19th century Asia and what events affected it the most is what I think I learned from the most. I really wanted to participate in the discussion, but I also benefited from the responses from the other participants as well as Professor Dube. At first I felt unsure about the subject, but I now look forward to coming back for more. East Asia has always fascinated me. I am very interested in Japan and now that China is emerging as an economic giant, I am more curious about it too. I recently went on a trip to China and had an eight hour layover in South Korea. Just spending the limited time there has made me want to go back and study it more. Our discussion about the geography of the region has rekindled that in me. I really look forward to future classes and what I might be able to learn.

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