[Alison Douglas]

It has been interesting to learn how China plans to expand throughout Asia and Africa.  After I watched the lecture and read the articles, I get the impression that they almost want to do it in a subtle way.  By opening up businesses and pouring billions of dollars into Africa as a way to monopolize the trade of goods.  I read in one article that the U.S. and European countries are adopting more isolationist policies while China is becoming more global.  Even by setting up their military in certain regions of Africa, this is sort of alarming.  I always had the impression that China was more about isolation.  It has become more clear to me why the U.S. would want to rethink how we trade with China with the tariff discussion that has been going on.  This seems to be extremely important how thing move forward.

[Alison Douglas]

Thanks Billie,

I watched your link, and was also very shocked by it.  It amazing to see what advances they have made, and will be interesting to see how things advance.  They put a lot much focus in technology and wonder when the US will start doing this too.

 

[Alison Douglas]

I agree with you, it does seem like there really isn't anything being done to stop the Chinese government.  It seems like whatever idea they have really about anything that they're able to move foward.  Until the citizens are safetly able to resist, it will continue.  It doesn't seem like anytime soon that this will happen.  As soon as the Chinese governent notices large groups of any kind, then that is put to an end quickly.

[Alison Douglas]

This reminds me of the Great Fog in London, and how scary that was.  It is an ongoing problem in China and is getting worse not better.  I'm curious to see if they'll be able to start to control it.

[Alison Douglas]

Generation-  I found it interesting how they focus on taking care of the elders, but I wonder how that will change with the new Millenials becoming more and more materialistic.  The lecture talked about how there is a loss of humanity, and the story about the young girl that was ran over.  It is sad to see people so consumed with themselves.  I feel like that is exactly how people are here in CA, always the busy hustle.  People focused on the need to make money.  It will be interesting to see what happens as the younger people age and how their society changes.  Especially when they come over here for education and realize how they want freedom.  For example, when Shuping Yang talked about, "Freedom in Oxygen."  I could imagine that this idea will spread amongst the Millenials.  

Environmental crisis-  It is scary the problem China has with pollution!  It is such a drastic increase and unbelievable that 4,000 premature deaths each day due to pollution.  It seems like they are trying to take care of the problem with other sources of energy, but seems to be happening more slowly than it should.  Also, what will happen with all of the recyclables?  Where will we send them and what will happen as a result.  I found it interesting that we export so much cardboard out and it's a business worth 5 billion.  Finally, how will they handle the water shortage?  You don't hear a lot about these issues and how other countries really impact what we do here.

[Alison Douglas]

I didn't know this either, and thought it was intesting that we send our trash over there.  Now that they don't want to take it, I wonder what will happen over here in?  Also, I was blown away by the company that is worth 5 Billion to send over paper and such.

[Alison Douglas]

I agree, It seems that as soon as a religion starts to become too big the government has a way of minimizing it.  The government gives the appearance of giving people a choice, but not much of one.  They very much want to control every aspect of life.

[Alison Douglas]

It's interesting how the government put certain practices in place to allow for such impressive economic growth.  For example, how farmers were allowed work hard to meet their quota then go and work someplace else to earn more money. That led to other problems which I find very sad.  The children that are left behind to take care of themselves is devasting.  Especially those poor kids that lost their lives in the dumpster to stay warm.  

It seems the government just gives an inch to keep people from retailiating, but gradually the people want more.  I'm curious to see what happens as a result.  So many changes happen within such a short period of time.  It's interesting how the government allows certain religions and practices until too many people are involved. Will the people always want more of social media and freedoms?  The governement tries hard to keep the people in line with their cyber reminders (Jingjing/Chacha), but will it be enough?  I like that you say Wham!  I"ve always been a fan of George Michael. 🙂

 

 

[Alison Douglas]

I wonder how China will change as their economic growth rises?  It seems like it has been very drastic over a short periop of time. Will the people tolerate the inequality that exsists(with people moving to the cities for work)?  I'm more curious about the Belt and Road initiative and will they most likely in time control that entire area because of it.  I find it fascinating that it follows the same silk road idea.  The government of China seems to know exactly how to grow and control the trade, but will it be able to keep their citizens content? 

[Alison Douglas]

That's interesting! I didn't realize that they were American companies that are mostly affected by this.  It does make sense that we will eventually be paying more for goods from China.  In the long run, is this a good thing for the U.S.?  

[Alison Douglas]

I wonder too if President Trump's policy will have an impact on their economy or not.  Also, if the US will benefit from it.

[Alison Douglas]

The readings and the videos gave me a great insight on what China is like, and I look forward to learning more about the specific topics.  I found it interesting that the second hand citizens don't have access to the same benifits as other citizens.  Also, how the Hukou system is set up, and how people are denied basic needs if they don't register or even if they do.  The picture at the end of the video said a lot about society and how not everyone was able to go to school beyond elementary level.  It's intriging how the communist party has 90 million members and is the largest political party and how 1.2 billion are not part of the party.  I can see why it will be very difficult to make any changes or how slowly those changes may take effect.  The first video on the geography would be great for me to show to my middle school class.  A lot of great information about the population and it's distribution of it. 

[Alison Douglas]

Yes, I agree with you about showing the first video to my middle school class.  It is very interesting and insightful to learn about the geography, population, and size.  

[Alison Douglas]

Hi Everyone! My name is Alison from Southern Ca.  I've been teaching for about 15 years, and I currently teach middle school world history.  Looking forward to learning about China and passing it along to my students.

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