[Beverly Nettles]

During Lao He speach to the people of China he made a big deal of President Nixon visit to China,  ordering them cleaning up the streets, and telling the people to stay inside…  What was he trying to hide?  When Lao Dia got up to speak he was more defensive – being careful not be too distance, nor to humble..., thus to be invincible.  It’s interesting that one family, the woman, decided to protest the taking down of the drying rack, and responded what could happen if they didn’t.  Sometimes we do things just because someone say we are suppose to and never question, WHY.  I enjoyed reading this article, hearing the debate between the dormitory lady and the family who refused to take down the drying rack for Nixon visit.    

[Beverly Nettles]

I agree with you that we cannot change what has already happen, yet some things can be revised.  However, when you are talking about revision and other Nations and their interest revising may cause additional unnecessary conflict.  My thoughts, as Dube said is to Change the Sea of Japan to an American name, but how easy would that be, rather, how hard would that be (?).  Thus, I might purpose to my students, "Should we meddle in other Nations problems, or seek a solution that is suitable for our interest as well as the interest of others?"  Does New data, New people, and New Questions really cause revitalization to History, or should it; personally, I don't think so. However, I do think we should learn from History and not repeat the same mistakes as others, as we look forward to New Ideas, New questions, and New mind sets. 

[Beverly Nettles]

Xu Zhengkeng, 1918-1921

As I read this article I found that Xu views of America were similar to mine, and quite accurate.  I think he is correct in saying that America’s focus and views are on money.  America is a Nation driven by money, as stated in the article, money is worshiped – those who have lots of it are idolized…, thus, the motive of most American’s is to obtain money.  He states the standard of living is high, American are superstitious, and not totally civilized.  I guess from a foreigner point of view, and one who have studied in America he is correct.

[Beverly Nettles]

I would love to teach my Kindergartens about change, and how American takes for granted our everyday luxuries; however, I know many of the topics are to mature for them.  My thoughts are to perhaps build up various scenarios were they can role play, and think about how the people of Asian descent may have felt; Any suggestions?

[Beverly Nettles]

Unfortunately, slavery still exists today, and the U.S. was built on slavery, thus, Professor Kurashinge's lecture on racism against Asians I trust is accurate.  In the 1940's established Japanese business owners were forced into concentration camps.  It's also true that mankind can have a change of heart; however, to change racism it's going to take the majority of mankind to have a change of heart.  Obviously, most don't like hearing the truth, thus, advert attention onto other issues..., rather than deal with their own prejudice.  

[Beverly Nettles]

I enjoyed reading about Contemporary Japan (1965-Present).  I was born during this errand, which made the reading relevant.   The late 60’s- 70’s were times of growth, scandals, war, disease, and women rights.  By the 80’s Japan had become the second largest economy, due to the import of foreign product, the automobile industry, and technology growth.  The 90’s is marked by economic deflation, yet a calm, peaceful, and happy people.   By the twenty first century the economy had plummet due to rise in unemployment and social issues, and accusation of foreigners’ injustice.   At present Japan functions as a democracy, and is considered one of the cleanest and safest places to abide. 

[Beverly Nettles]

The principles of a warrior were interesting; I can identify with the ordinary warrior of a knight,  they seem  to be the educated, astute one, who are well versed and polished  according to social views.   The principles of weaponry are one who trains for war, riding, shooting etc.  Both warriors are ready for an emergency at all times; they sacrifice family and personal responsibility to engage in military combat.   They have to learn combat principles.  The goal is to become a top class knight.  Act eleven is the actual war of the warriors’ victory.  

[Beverly Nettles]

As I read the article “Marriage in Japan - I don’t”  it reminded me of the current trend in America: people are marring later, partners expect more than just an ‘I love you,’ higher education, more income, and education…  In Japan similar expectation for marriage is on the rise, but with greater detrimental effect, due to lower birth rates.  People are marrying later, or not at all. Statistic in Japan indicates that, “since 1970 the average age of first marriage has risen by 4.2 and 5.2 years for men and women respectively, to 31.1 and 29.4. The proportion of Japanese who had never married by the age of 50 rose from 5% in 1970 to 16% in 2010,” a definite decline to the economic growth of this country.   Young eligible single Japanese prerequisites to marriage are the “three averages”: average income, average looks, average education; a striking similarity to an American single prerequisite, yet without an average, but a rather ‘must have…’

[Beverly Nettles]

I am curious to know how a Country, that controls birth rate, takes care of its aging population.  Would they become dependent upon foreigner to help with productivity, or do they just decrease productivity, and hope for an increase in birth rate from 1.2 to perhaps 2 children per family (?).   In the next few decades Asia is on track to become one of the most aged populations in the world, the region's elderly population is estimated to reach nearly 923 million by the middle of this century.  Now What?

As I study the history of Asia, I have learned that a communist nation, one that set out to control economics, social, and political behavior become the subject of doom over time.  This is what I think is happening with birth-control - initially over population, than controlled population, and now not enough younger population to take care of the aging population.  The solution, work the older population until they are ready for the grave, and hope for population growth once again.

[Beverly Nettles]

American has a habit of selective citizenship, which is faulty.  During the Holocuast American denied hundreds of fleeting Jews access, and in more recent years they have sent ships with African/blacks back to their homeland i which many died at sea; not to say that all is injust, but rather cruel, when lives are at steak.  Why were the Japanese granted citizenship, but not China - as mentioned the U.S. needed them, or used them against China... Which brings me to my point of how other's view the U.S.; are we a Christian Nation, or like many other Nations build on supremcy and greed (?).  

[Beverly Nettles]

It is amazing how growth create greed and poverty in developing cities: Jonathan expanded on China economics – China held 25 % of the world’s economy during industry revolution 1500’s -1938; urbanization changes productivity.  During the late 20th century 65% of the doubling effect occurred – population growth…  Several problems occur with growth, such as transportation, supply and demand for service – access, to sustainability.  With reform initially everything is better, however, things began to flatten by how city manage population, education, medical, urban density, and resources.  Mass transit, is the single biggest improvement on the life of people in China.  Beijing is currently building a high-speed rail way, which will change the lives of millions in China and surrounding cities. 

[Beverly Nettles]

Topic number Five struck my attetion the most, I guest because earlier, I had wrote about a socialist rule, and opposed its effectiveness.  Topic finve states "YOU CAN STILL SEE CONFUCIANISM IN ACTION ON THE KOREAN PENINSULA ... important philosophy in guiding the lives of the Korean people."   It's been an awakening for me , as I study about China, Japan, Korea, and other Asia countries,  I've learned so much about their politics, social, and military authority, and I am grateful to have had this privilege.  Rules and order are necessary for the human survival, and someone or some type of system most be implement to avoid chaos.  As the Korean nation states "the importance of human relations and reciprocal ties among people, Confucianism helped bring social stability and authority to Korea’s rulers;" thus, rules are a necessity.   However, I still whole true to my belief system, that all men have the right to state their opinion or views; unlike many South Koreans who continue to adhere to traditional principles, and a communist rule. 

[Beverly Nettles]

Yes, I agree with you that the Great Famine is a tragedy, that could have been avoided; death of 15+ millions persons is unpresendented, and should not have ever occurred.  However, as you stated it's a very complicated process, or as I would say, it was an organized system whereas many prospered at the expense of the innocence.  I don't think people idley stood by and said whoo is me, but rather were summisive to the rule, which unfortunately cuased them their life, when the land of plenty was literally across the road.   Yet, to oppose the system was a mystery in itself (how many acuately died by the sword is unknown).  

[Beverly Nettles]

As I listened to Lenora's story about schools in China, and some of her exerts from her book, I thought about how different schools are in the U.S. verses China.  Some things I agreed with, such as parental involvement in the school, but not necessarily to the extent requested by Chinense school (daily participation in "we chat").  I also liked that teachers are highly respected, almost revered as gods - a little much.  I guest what I really liked is that they are respected; whereas in the school I'm at there is very little teacher respect -  from either, students, parents, or adminstors.  What I disagreed with is how parents are choosen, and have to compete with others parents to by into the system; yet, I understand that with over 18 million babies born per year there is competeition.  Thus, the pool of intellent is high, and very few are choosen to continue their education.  I am not surprised that Chinese students have the highest piza (test-scores) Nationwide.  

[Beverly Nettles]

I enjoyed going through the dicationary post/reading (Ideology-in -the-dicatinary).  I'm excited that this was a listing for our reading; I intend to use this listing to teach my students how to print words in Chinese.  Having the English and Chinese tranlation together, alone with the definition is perfect for expanding my students vocabulary, and to teach them how to print Chinese words.  My lesson is on Chinese Art, and I will teach my Kindergarten and TK to write, read, and make Chinese words into an Art, while expanding their vocabulary and knowledge of China.  Thanks for this awesome resource.    

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