Session #1 - February 4

[Lynne Szczepanek]

Diana I have to agree the first video was quite informative. I think as we move on in our own little world, we forget about the sheer size of China and the different zones. Living in TX, I have learned first hand how the climate zones vary. We are in East TX, which is very humid and very green. Most people associate TX as being full of dust and tumbleweeds. I think that I will be showing this video at the beginning of World History next year when we first look at China.

~ Lynne

[Lynne Szczepanek]

The whole cover up of the CoVid-19 has been quite alarming to me. The suppression from medical doctors when they first began seeing this is mind-blowing. I remember when a student came into class in November and said there was a new virus in China. I still do not know where she got that information so early on.

~Lynne

[Alison Douglas]

I agree with with you on the cover up of Covid-19.  It absolutely crazy what is going on and to me it is obvious in the cover up by the Chinese government.  It doesn't seem that the Chinese government cares about the majority of its citizens and now the rest of the world is dealing with the fall out...just horrible!

[Kevin Bailey]

The change in the one child policy was a necessary move on the part of the Chinese government. I used the article in my class to help explain the rationale for the change in policy from the Chinese government. The documentary "One Child Nation" was helpful for me in understanding the impact of the policy, but the article did a great job in highlighting the crisis that China faces concerning their aging population (a crisis that the U.S. may also face). 

[Kevin Bailey]

It seems to always come back to Orwell in China and Russia. I did appreciate your distinctive use of Leninism, for I think that his philosophy is the one for which China best alligns, even though Mao and Stalin were homeboys. 

[Virgina Jackson]

Hello Aleida!

I agree with you on both points.  The Hokou System is very discriminatory, and unfortunately, the citizens have not been able to collectively stand up to such a system.   China is a major power base.  But as such, like you said, great responsibility is needed and adequately allowing resources, etc. to be shared would be idea.

[Virgina Jackson]

To a certain degree, there are parallels with the "cheap labor" aspect of the Hukou System and the migrant workers here in the U.S.   It amazes me how governments do not treat its foundational labor force with the respect that it deserve.  We are truly experiencing such a turnaround with essential workers in the here and now!

[Kelly McKee]

Your comments regarding the power of Xi Jinping resonate with many Americans.  China-US relations are more important now then ever with the current pandemic in addition to the future of our environment.  I think most Americans and Chinese are hopeful of progressive diplomatic reltions moving forward.

 

[Kelly McKee]

Lynn, Teaching the geogrpahy and demographics of China is an essential part of my currriculum.  Just as we teach students about the most densly popluated areas of the US it is important for kids to recognize the location of mega-cities in China today.  In some ways the US and China share similarities especially with high levels of population along the east coast and more open spaces in the middle of each country.

[Kelly McKee]

Thanks for recommending the film 'One Child Policy' as it looks like a great classroom resource.  My students are curious to learn more about this policy and typically ask many good questions regarding the parameters.  As restrictions are lifted in China it does make teaching this topic a bit more challenging.

[Kelly McKee]

Diana, are you familiar with the documentary titled Morning Sun?  it is a powerful film about Mao during the Cultural Revolution and hits on some of the topics you share in your post about self-sufficiency in the past and present.  I think your students would enjoy the 'artistic' parts of the film.

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