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AnonymousThe value of art as a representation of a people in my opinion makes another culture a little easier access. Mao states, “There is in fact no art for art sake.” I have to agree. The question that must be answered is why. An artist has a point of view, something to say a reason for which to communicate with the world. Any form of art from film to paintings, if there is no point its like having a conversation with someone who is rambling and just wasting your time. You should have a reason, a motivation, that is somehow expressed through the art. Art creates dialogue. An audience needs a reason to listen, to interpret and to question whatever points are raised by the work.
Creating a revolutionary culture to lay the groundwork for a revolution, Mao exerts, is a necessary conditioner for the action. This is the rationale for why he felt that literature and art should be “created for” the peasants and soldiers in order to create the culture needed for revolution. This is completely antithetical to how a revolution from a people actually manifests. Art and literature can only predicate a movement of the people if the people express the revolutionary spirit in their own art and literature. Revolutionary thought is not prescribe to but inspired by the people seeking change in the government; not the government seeking to change the people.
In short, Mao forced change onto the people by attempting to not only dictate thought and expression with art, but also who were “qualified” to speak only to express the government’s view.
edited by rcharles on 11/27/2016
AnonymousRebecca Chan tells of her experiences when she was six years old in 1942 when the CCP and GMD where fighting in Tianjin. She describes the impact on her family how they had to bomb/bullet proof the glass in their homes to decrease the shatter/possible harm. How they had to sleep in an unfinished damp cold basement with dirt floors in the dark without the use of light. “It was like playing a game…” She describes the violence from a child’s perspective, hearing the fighting and gunshots after 9p or climbing on top of the roof to watch the CCP airplanes drop bombs on the city. The impact on her specifically, is very clear … “when I try to remember those years I have a hard time figuring out if I just don’t remember because…” indicates she blocked those memories. Her community was very disrupted, they are not soldiers or politicians and they are everyday people being held hostage in their communities.
Vivian Kwan was about 8 or 9 living in Tianjin. She describes three events: the occupation by the Japanese, surviving the bombing/her house not getting damaged and the liberation by U.S. soldiers. First and foremost what is evident is the confusion of a child. She did not understand why the Japanese were so mean. She states, “You must understand that during these times, the Japanese required that all Chinese must bow to the Japanese, even when walking by on the sidewalk. Not doing so often resulted in severe beatings or death.” [Immediate correlation to the Jim Crow lows of the South.] Then she recounts a nursery rhyme she learned that was very insulting to the Japanese that was recited by a little Chinese girl to the Japanese soldier who was playing with her. Her parents were terrified but fortunately the soldier did not understand Japanese.
Both of these journals would be excellent entry points for students to learn to understand the power of Testimony and the importance as well as the context of Memory. What is relevant? What considerations should be made when evaluating these experiences and in what context? When were these accounts made; at the time of or has time past? What influence does time have on the ability to recount experiences? What is the value of testimony and memory? Is it providing an actual account or is it to provide the context and the impact experiences have on individuals and possibly how these experiences shape their lives and worldviews. As student explore the elements of documentary storytelling discussions should motivate students to not only question, but understand the source.
AnonymousGreat film, I enjoyed watching this movie because it gives a glimpse of the Mao’s revolution, and did help me to have an idea of what happened in china during the Cultural Revolution. Watching it gave a clear understanding of the article about it. It was sad to see the poverty and death toll of such a revolution. After watching this movie, it is clear to me why it is said that the Revolution was a major setback for China. It also helps me see why it is considered a disaster to the people and to the county.
AnonymousMid-Autumn Festival
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays so it was interesting to me to learn about Mid-Autumn Festival. Our celebration is centered on food, and if you ask most families what they are serving, it is typically the same. Turkey, ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, rolls, pumpkin pie, and the list goes on. Family and friends get together to eat and are thankful for what they have and who they have in their lives. There have also become new traditions with this holiday including Black Friday shopping sprees and left over parties.
My brother and his wife lived in Korea and every year they talked about their “Thanksgiving”. Learning about the Mid-Autumn Festival helps me understand what is taking place in Asia. In Korea, there is a three day holiday to commemorate this event. Businesses close during this time (except big malls) and people meet with their families. The eldest son worships their deceased ancestors and then the family dances together and appreciates the moon. Young girls dress in colorful festive outfits and play springboard games. There are other events that take place including; ancestor worshiping ceremonies and tomb sweeping.
In China, there is definitely a difference in the amount of turkey that is consumed, but I did not realize that this meat has become something that is eaten in China. Mooncakes are not something that we have for our Thanksgiving feast, so it was interesting to learn about them and the different types and styles that are made. I am glad to know that no matter where you live in the world, there is a fascination with making giant food and China has not disappointed with their enormous mooncake!
AnonymousAfter discussing art and how Mao controlled it, I was fortunate to go to a museum and see art by a Chinese artist, Hung Liu. One piece in particular embodied the idea of Mao's control. The painting shows two women in ballet poses, yet they are dressed as Chinese army soldiers. One holding a club and one aiming a rifle. The juxtaposition of ballet being something graceful and soldiers being militant made a big impact on me. The feeling that the contrast evokes is disconcerting. Hung Liu painted this in 1995--the piece is entitled S-Wan Quan Lake: Red Detachment of Women. According to the placard indicated that it, "represents one of the most famous ballets in Maoist China. Though classically trained, the ballerinas learned to express patriotic stories with military precision."
I felt like Hung Liu was commenting on Mao's ruination of the arts. Art, such as dance, is something that is felt. It is emotional. "Military precision" is the opposite emotional. Military is precise, disciplined and organized. By putting together these two opposing ideas, I feel like she is showing the lie that was art under Mao. The artists, dancers, and writers, were not allowed to perform what they felt. They had to precisely perform whatever Mao wanted to express. Of course, what he wanted was complete control--so he controlled the people by controlling the art. This then helped him control the thoughts and perspectives of the people.
AnonymousThe "jig-saw" exercise we did during class on the 19th was very effective. I enjoyed learning from the personal stories/experiences and felt that they had a bigger impact than just names and dates. My person, Chinnie Kwan, related her experience over a long period of time. She shared a childhood memory of her father having to escape Japan through the aid of the Chinese underworld. Then she shared what it was like to live under Japanese occupation in fourth and fifth grade. It was funny to see that she and her parents took it as a matter of pride to get a bad grade in Japanese classes.
She also spoke of the lack of food. The rice was full of chaff, sand and bugs--because there was so little to eat. She told of people standing in lines body to body, so that no one could cut in line. Once the food was gone, it was gone. It didn't have anything to do with status, family, etc. When they were out of food, that was it. Everyone had to go home.
Lastly, she talked of the fear she had of the Japanese soldiers--whether the Garrison soldiers that they had to bow in front of, or the soldiers marching down the street
She and her brother would walk the long way to school just because they didn't want to bow to the soldier at the Garrison. She also spoke of hearing the stomp of their boots and the singing as the soldiers marched down the streets.
Reading the first person experiences made a big impression on me. I appreciated hearing the stories of the other students in my group.
AnonymousI did when I taught elementary school, but no time in Highschool English. I meintion them.
AnonymousThis weeks morning session discussed moon cakes and traditions in China. I thought those types of traditions would translate well to a classroom. I could see using this material to carry a literature based story into my world geography class and include it in a discussion on traditions throughout the world.
AnonymousThe afternoon portion focused on wartime stories of Chinese civilians during the Japanese occupation and later when the Americans and communists arrived. These stories were interesting and could be easily brought to a classroom setting. I enjoyed using different accounts for different people and allowing the groups to share out. I could see myself using the exact same activity in the classroom.
AnonymousIn a very small, beautiful town on the Central coast called Morro Bay there is a sweet coffee shop called The Coffee Pot. Most people don’t know it is here or it’s gem hidden inside. The owner Lu Chi Fa has an amazing story to tell and has written a book to chronicle his life. The book is titled Double Luck: Memoirs of a Chinese orphan. The book has won the Parent’s choice gold award and been read by classrooms everywhere. It is even on reading lists at Cal Poly (located only 15 minutes away) He donates all his proceeds to colleges and universities for scholarships as well as local libraries. I first discovered his wonderful story many years ago when I lived over in the area. While walking through Morro Bay my kids began telling me all about him and his story. He had gone to their school for an assembly. He donates much time to also going to elementary schools in the area and telling his story. Lu Chi FA was born in 1942 in the Jiangsu Province of China. He grew up there and in Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Lu Chi Fa was orphaned at the age of three. He grows up with very difficult hardships. He is shunned among his relatives, sold to strangers, and eventually rescued by sister. He is beaten, starved and forced to beg. At 12 he escapes to Hong Kong. An elderly man he meets gives him the dream of going to America where, “In America they eat three times a day. In America they are too full to swallow sorrow.” He finally realizes this dream at the age of 20. When you go into the restaurant, if he is there, he will sit down and chat with you and sign his book for you. He is now 74 and is still actively involved in the community. I featured his website double_luck.org for the website review if you are interested in more information.
AnonymousOn a perfect Saturday in the Fall I travelled to San Francisco to visit the Asian Art Museum. The museum is celebrating 50 years this year and located in the Civic Center. This museum encompasses many different types of art forms from furniture , paintings, material pieces,tapestries,sculptures,pottery,puppets, and much more. I loved how the museum was sectioned by country. When you were in a particular area all the art was that countries and it spanned many dynasties and time. They had an area for China, Korea, and Japan on the second floor. On the third floor it covered South Asia, Persian World, West Asia, Southeast Asia, The Himalayas and Tibetan Buddhist World, and more China. On the second floor in the Japan sections there were several pieces that I was amazed to see up close. They had a whole wall with a water color screen painting. Wow, beautiful. A warrior's suit of armor from the Edo period 1615-1868 was also on display. There was also a helmet,face mask, that was very colorful and interesting. It looked like it had a mustache. They also had a large case full of Netsuke: Playful Miniature Sculptures. These at one time would be attached to medicine boxes that would hang from the kimonos since the ladies had no pockets. They were made from many different things. Ivory, stone, and wood. There were also a large collection of large statues and sculptures of the buddhas and Brahma and Indra that populated Japan during the Nara Period 710-794. My favorite pieces were Haniwa. There were ones in the forms of female shamas during the Kofun Period 300-552. These were made of pottery and very interesting since I had learned a bit about them in our last session. Korea was also represented on the second floor. Their main pieces were found in the beautiful mother of pearl lacquerware. A whole room filled with gorgeous old furniture pieces and tables. They also had the patchwork left over scraps that the traditional Korean garments were made. I actually have one of these pieces I bought on the streets in South Korea when I visited. I framed it and have it hanging in my house. The Chinese had a large section. They had a beautiful chrysanthemum ink and colors on paper hanging scroll. It was painted in 1974 by Fang Zhaoling. I think that was my favorite piece in the whole museum. It was beautiful. They had many sculptures and interesting finds from the Ming dynasty 1368-1644. They had a ritual bell that was amazing and dated to the Zhou Dynasty. Pretty amazing. The third floor had more art including tons of statues of Buddha. The most fascinating thing on this floor was the stick puppets from Indonesia. I got a personal back story because my daughter's boyfriend is from Indonesia and only moved to the states when he was 15. He told me all about shadow puppets and then these stick puppets. They were quite scary and evil looking. Very amazing art work and skill went into the making of them. Overall, an amazing museum filled with unique and historical pieces. I highly recommend the trip. If you would ;like to see pictures of some of the things I wrote about I got several good ones.
AnonymousI think this piece could be usable in my geography class when we talk about China opening its doors. I think the small town story of how the neighborhood was run would translate well in the classroom. I think we would read it together and then discuss not only the cultural differences but also the similarities, like why we always present the best front to company.
AnonymousGreat reading to teach students about famine and about these terrible times in China, at school, I see many students wasting a lot food. Sadly, they are clueless about how many people in the world would like to have some of that food available at their homes.
Anonymous[font="Times New Roman", serif]Grace Divine Liu: primary sources 1—21[/font]
I enjoyed this activity which I plan to use in my class. Heart breaking stories that need to be shared in the classroom, hoping they will never be repeated again. Growing up with great fear and having enemy’s troops supervising and/or depriving them of their basic human rights must have been horrible.
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AnonymousWhen Mao’s cultural revolution was happening the world felt the cold war policies begin to settle in. The United States did not step foot in China. In 1971 however that all changes. Something called the ping pong policy comes into play. For the first time China allows the US to send their ping pong team over to play and explore China. It was a thawing of the cold war policies that had been present and really helped to set up the visit for the president which took place the following year. No one from the US had been in China for 20 years. The team spent 10 days there behind the “bamboo curtain” playing exhibition matches and exploring the sights. The players realized that they were not just there to play but were also ambassadors for the US. This trip opened talks between the US and China and opened the door for more trips and diplomacy. It is amazing what a light hearted sport can do to bring two nations together.