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[Cynthia Stults]

Kurt, it was amazing that this idea came up in a social studies discussion in my 4th grade class. We were discussing early explorers in North America and California specifically. We were talking of Francis Drake, and how the description the book gave reminded students of what pirates did. A student asked if Francis Drake was a bad guy. This led to a great discussion about perspective. (the book failed to mention that England and Spain were enemies at this time) As Drake was raiding Spanish ships and settlements, students determined that Spain likely considered Drake to be a villain, but since he was making England rich and having victories against their enemies, that he would be a hero in England, as evidenced by the Queen giving him a knighthood. Seeing as even the "latest and greatest" textbook can fail to provide multiple perspectives, it becomes even more important for us as educators to facilitate understanding and discussions about how particular events and figures are viewed by all participants/cultures involved. 

[Cynthia Stults]

Angela, when I read this (several weeks later), it hit me that Dr. Yi had a very similar mindset to that of the Japanese government in regards to its relationship with U.S. presidents. Both do not care who is in power, they adapt and work with them. This ensures survival. The majority of us as humans want to survive and adapt to get along. This is where it truly takes incredible incidents and people to create revolution. What does it take for people and/or governments to decide that they cannot adapt and "work with" whomever is in power? We can see some residents of Hong Kong have hit that point in their protests. It's almost frightening wondering how their revolt will end.

[Cynthia Stults]

Angela, reading your post made me think back to when the US government was looking at bailing out companies during the economic crises of 2008-2010. The idea that they would bail out banks and auto manufacturers was an incredibly hot button political topic, and even if the government provided loans instead of TARP funds, people were furious. Yet in Japan, this seems to be business as usual, seemingly without anyone opposing it. I do share concerns about Japan going the way of Greece, yet Japan has significantly stronger exports than does Greece.  

[Cynthia Stults]

Kurt, I completely understand the shock that a 1940s mindset still exists in regards to women's roles in Japan. That exists here as well. I grew up in a religious/societal culture in which women are/were expected to be at home caring for the children (better designed for caretaking) while men were to provide for all temporal needs. My mother bucked that tradition in the 1970s by going to medical school and becoming a doctor (she was considered an old maid when she married my dad at 27, and he was from a different religion), but a well-intentioned friend once expressed concern at my older sister pursuing a PhD because she would "scare off all the boys".  While this culture has softened its stance, and has encouraged women to get all the education they can and have marketable skills, this is so that they can be better mothers and pass this knowledge onto their children, and be able to support their family just in case their husband dies young, loses his job, or becomes disabled and cannot work. I have many friends who do this (granted they have 4-7 kids), but there are many who feel guilt over having kids and choosing to work, even if they "don't have to". When you have grown up with cultural expectations it can be incredibly hard to leave them behind. 

[Cynthia Stults]

Matthew, I totally understand the issues regarding time to teach everything. Within elementary school, they talk about spiral curriculum where every grade level is expected to revisit similar topics, but with greater depth and detail. I know that I always still worry (especially in social studies) that if I am not careful, I will not provide my students with necessary perspectives. I had a very US-centric education regarding WWII and it made the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor seem almost entirely out of the blue. With this course, learning about all that went on in the decades before and even in the months prior to the attack, you do gain perspective as to all that led up to the attack, and it made me compare it to the U.S. decision to use the atomic bomb as a means of ending that conflict. I really wish we had TONS more time to provide enough context so that students can view all historical events from multiple perspectives.

[Cynthia Stults]

Dennis, I am with you in wanting to incorporate this into my 4th grade classroom, but like you, I do have concerns and considerations in how to teach it. There are definitely some pretty heavy themes within this topic, but I think that focusing on the Olympics and presenting that with the big question about the importance of your name could really be impactful. I might even start by beginning the day with calling students by different names and see how they react and then talk about their feelings and give some basic history, without going into detail about violence or atrocities. I explain it as all countries and cultures have made mistakes in how they treat people, just like most of us will make mistakes and not always treat every person kindly.  

[Cynthia Stults]

I think that many Westerners assume that all, or at least the majority of Chinese are members of the Communist Party. I will not lie, but fully admit my ignorance. I was shocked when Clay told us that only 7% of the Chinese population are members. Granted, that's still close to 80 million people, but it is far from the majority. Realizing this, I was amazed that the Party is still in power. However, they do control the military, and still exert control over their population, even while giving them the illusion of freedom. An excellent example of this is in their "elections": the Chinese people can cast ballots, but the contenders have been chosen for them from good party members. They also manipulate the media to promote their agenda. A perfect example of this was that of the Gang of Four, including Mao's wife, who were vilified in the press and then tried and convicted, and then basically erased from history. It seems like they are still utilizing these same means of control, as we hear of people (often times foreigners like the Uighurs and other ethnic minorities) going to "training" camps and not allowed to leave until they speak Mandarin, follow lots of strict rules, and basically subscribe to governmental views before they can be considered for release. In the last two years, I have had 2 Chinese students, and hearing all of this, I have been amazed that their parents have been allowed to come and train here in the US (one's mother is here as an Ob/Gyn), but it makes sense that the government has been more willing to have them get training, but then return and use their skills to benefit the country. I do wonder what would happen if they decided they did not wish to return to China with the knowledge and training they have gained. 

[Cynthia Stults]

While much of Professor Peck's presentation was extremely interesting (especially the changing demographic of the Japanese work force), the portion that I felt I could most benefit from were the etiquette rules that business negotiations must follow. This is a scenario where if you fail to do your homework and learn their etiquette, you can kiss any successful business dealings goodbye. In addition to knowing what to do and what not to do, if you do not understand the meanings behind particular behaviors, you are likely to misinterpret and possibly take offense when none was meant. As a teacher who has students from several different Asian countries, it is important to understand these cultural norms, as they can explain student behavior, help me know how to better help them, and what to expect when I meet with their parents for parent/teacher conferences. I am one who gets terrified of extended silence in conversations, but knowing that is how the Japanese conduct business, it lets me know that I need to let the silence be, and not feel the compulsion to fill it. I am incredibly hopeful that by learning these norms, as well as etiquette and norms of the other home countries of my students, I can make better connections with international students and their parents. 

[Cynthia Stults]

Angela, I do agree that the Japanese seem to have cornered the market on the ability to rebuild and transform. Seeing how many times Tokyo and other cities have been destroyed onscreen only adds to that mystique. I do wonder with the planned rebuilding of significant structures if that is partially designed to remind everyone of their importance and meaning. When structures have been around for extended periods of time, they can either be taken for granted, forgotten, or fall into disrepair. Everytime they rebuild these structures, the community is reminded of them and their importance, and they never get so bad that they aren't pleasant or unsalvageable. 

[Cynthia Stults]

Professor Bharnes had incredible pictures and insight into Japanese architecture, and I actually could see simple ways to incorporate this into my 4th grade classroom. One area I did not expect to be able to utilize was that of Professor Bharnes himself. I think often times, kids feel that they need to fit in and like things that all the other kids like and I thought that it was a wonderful example of following your own passions. He was a child raised in India, but discovered and developed this passion for Japanese architecture that eventually went on to shape his entire life. I'm fairly sure that not many of his friends developed similar interests, but that did not deter him from continuing to pursue his interests. I will definitely hold him up as an example to my students.

I LOVED seeing all of the variations of the Zen gardens. In my ignorance, I had assumed that all Zen gardens were the same, with the stones/sand raked into particular patterns. NOPE! Zen gardens were designed based on where the monastery was located and worked with the surrounding environment. We are working on students developing mindfulness in my school and I think it would be a fantastic lesson to show students all of the different types of Zen gardens and explain their origins, and then have them design their own Zen garden, either drawing inspiration from the Japanese examples, or of their own creation. I might even have students save these and bring them out before tests, to help them find their Zen and feel better prepared for the coming stress. 

[Cynthia Stults]

Angela, I'm sure my husband wishes that I viewed vacuuming with the same appreciation that you do! For me, it's running out in nature on the trails. You are fairly isolated, and after awhile, you get into the running groove, but at the same time, you need to remain engaged so that you can avoid rocks, logs, and other pitfalls that can show up on the trail. I'm impressed that you lasted that long in the factory, as I think I might be lucky to make it a week! I have found that traditional meditation is incredibly hard to me to sit there, close my eyes, and do nothing! My mind can't quiet down, and instead, I keep thinking of all the things I should be doing.  I guess I am just like one of the novice monks who NEEDED the tea ceremony to keep their mind occupied. 

[Cynthia Stults]

Professor Nakayama was an incredibly engaging speaker and I truly appreciated his candor and transparency. I think students of all ages benefit from us as teachers being up front and honest with them. Form the beginning of his presentation he admitted that he was sponsored by the Japanese government, but that his opinions and words were his own. One of the major ideas he presented that resonated with me that day, and I still mention when telling other people about his presentation is that of the Japanese stance on our president(s):

  You (U.S. people) choose them. It's our job to work with them and adapt to them. 

As I thought of this, I did realize that Abe has seemed to have positive relationships with both Obama and Trump. This is likely to be a bit of a controversial opinion, but I completely agree with their diplomatic stance. The Japanese/US trade and military relationship is of such importance, that it doesn't make sense to make any sort of a personal opinion of the president known, but to basically aim to have the same quality of relationship with each, and adapt as necessary to continue to promote positive relations between the two countries.

I view this as similar to how I view my relationship with administrators. There are some administrators that flat out, I haven't liked nor respected. I could allow those opinions to affect my relationship and I could openly show disdain for them, but when I have an issue with a parent or it comes time for evaluation, will that admin have my back if I've not treated them the way I treat admins that I do admire and respect? The district chose this admin, it's my job to adapt and work with them the best that I can so that there can be a good working relationship (and I can keep my job). 

I also teach this to my students when they have to work with partners or groups of students they may not like. They can let their personal feelings interfere with the work, or they can put them aside and learn to adapt and work with their partner(s) to accomplish their goal.

[Cynthia Stults]

This article is very recent, but it struck me as important when we compare the response of the military to the current protests in Hong Kong, versus their response during the protests at Tiananmen Square in 1989. I think that this is beneficial to look at as a classrom why the government and military have changed tactics so drastically within the last 30 years. They realized they're wrong and want to be kinder? They worry about the opinion of the world with the internet and all the media coverage? Or is it financially motivated- are they worried that too heavy a military presence will "kill the goose that laid the golden egg"?

Found in The Daily Mail https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7692433/Chinese-Peoples-Liberation-Army-Hong-Kong-Soldiers-clean-streets-latest-protests.html?ito=social-twitter_mailonline

 

Police fire tear gas as protesters launch petrol bombs and arrows in violent clashes outside Hong Kong university hours after Chinese soldiers made a rare appearance to help clean up the city's streets

By JAMES GANT FOR MAILONLINE

PUBLISHED: 

 

05:42 EST, 16 November 2019 

| UPDATED: 

 

15:07 EST, 16 November 2019

Police fired tear gas while protesters threw petrol bombs and fired arrows in clashes outside Hong Kong's Polytechnic University on Saturday, just hours after Chinese soldiers made a rare appearance to help clean up the city's streets.

China's People's Liberation Army soldiers in shorts and t-shirts made a surprising appearance on the streets of Hong Kong today, helping residents clean up debris and barricades after anti-government protests blocked roads.

The presence of PLA troops on the streets, even to help clean up, could stoke further controversy over the Chinese-ruled territory's autonomous status.

A city spokesman said the Hong Kong government did not request assistance from the PLA but the military initiated the operation as a 'voluntary community activity'.

 

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Fire fighters try to extinguish a fire on the barricades in the main road next to the Polytechnic University of Hong Kong in Hung Hom district of Hong Kong

 

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Debris left by protesters litters a road leading to the out-of-use Cross Harbour Tunnel, near the Hong Kong Polytechnic University

 

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 Anti-government protesters clash with police. A protester wearing a mask can be seen in front of a cloud of smoke as bricks litter the street

 

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A pro-democracy protester stands on barricades outside the Polytechnic University, in Hong Kong. Hong Kong is in its sixth month of mass protests

 

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Arrows and an archery target are seen in the water of a swimming pool. The pool has a layer of oil caused by protesters throwing molotov cocktail fire bombs into it as practice

 

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A protester wielding a bow and arrow walks along a footbridge roof. Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule under a 'one country, two systems' formula guaranteeing its colonial-era freedoms. Protesters' demands include full democracy and an independent investigation into perceived police brutality

 

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Riot police brandishing shields face protesters head-on in Hong Kong. President Xi Jinping has repeatedly said he has confidence in the Hong Kong government restoring order

 

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Protesters stand by ahead of a clash with police. A sign for the Hong Kong Poytechnic University is clearly visible behind rows of umbrellas

 

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Fires can be seen in the road. Protesters stand against a wall as the chaos ensues. One holds a sign reading: 'Disperse or we fire'

 

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A pro-democracy protester rests at the university. He wears a hard hat and a gas mask to protect himself in the clashes

 

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Protesters in gas masks wearing all black are seen during today's clashes. Fires rage in the background during the confrontation

Up to 12,000 soldiers are now believed to be based across Hong Kong - more than double the usual garrison number, foreign envoys and security analysts estimate.

Hong Kong has been rocked by more than five months of demonstrations by protesters angry at perceived Communist Party meddling in the former British colony, which was guaranteed its freedoms when it returned to Chinese rule in 1997.

Beijing denies interfering and has blamed the unrest on foreign influences.

In October, Chinese soldiers issued a warning to Hong Kong protesters who shone lasers at their barracks in the city, in the first direct interaction between mainland military forces and protesters. 

 

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Protesters wearing black hoodies with their faces covered carry bows and arrows along a bridge. One appears to have a walkie-talkie in his hand 

 

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Protesters walk along a road near Cross Harbour Tunnel. They appear to be wearing protective body armour and shin pads

 

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The soldiers could be seen helping to clear the roads near their barracks in Hong Kong, carrying brooms in this picture as they jogged

 

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China's People's Liberation Army soldiers (pictured) in shorts and t-shirts made the surprising appearance on the streets on Saturday

 

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They were there to help residents clean up debris and barricades after anti-government protests blocked roads. Pictured: One of the soldiers with the National Flag of the People's Republic of China on his left arm

 

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It is feared the soldiers being on the streets, despite the reason, could worsen the situation with protesters. Pictured: A soldier carrying bricks on Saturday 

Soldiers help clean Hong Kong after anti-government protests

 

 

 

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A protester wearing a gas mask with a make-shift shield and baton faces police. Hong Kong has already had more than five months of demonstrations

Clashes between protesters and police have become increasingly violent. China has said any attempt at independence for Hong Kong will be crushed, but troops have remained inside their base.

Chinese state media repeatedly broadcast comments made on Thursday by President Xi Jinping, in which he denounced the unrest and said 'stopping violence and controlling chaos while restoring order is currently Hong Kong's most urgent task'.

Saturday's clean-up followed some of the worst violence seen this year, after a police operation against protesters at the Chinese University of Hong Kong on Tuesday.

The authorities have since largely stayed away from at least five university campuses that had been barricaded by thousands of students and activists who stockpiled petrol bombs, catapults, bows and arrows and other weapons.

Many protesters appeared to have left the campuses by late Saturday but Hong Kong's Cross-Harbour Tunnel was still blocked by protesters occupying Polytechnic University, where violence flared again on Saturday night.

Chan, a 20-year-old Polytechnic student said: 'We don't want to attack the police, we just want to safeguard our campus. 

 

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Protesters used what appears to be plastic doors to protect themselves during clashes outside a university

 

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An anti-government protesters stands at a blocked outlet of the Cross Harbour Tunnel near the Polytechnic University

 

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Hundreds of residents moved in to help clear barricaded roads (pictured on Pok Fu Road on Saturday) near several universities that were occupied and fortified by protesters this week

 

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The presence of PLA troops (pictured inside their barrack on Saturday) on the streets, even to help clean up roads near their base, could enrage protesters and stoke further controversy over the Chinese-ruled territory's autonomous status

 

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A member of China's People's Liberation Army stands guard inside Osborn Barracks in Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong on Saturday

 

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Up to 12,000 troops are now believed to be based across Hong Kong (pictured, Osborn Barracks in Kowloon Tong district) - more than double the usual garrison number, foreign envoys and security analysts estimate

'The reason why we want safeguard our campus is we want citizens to join the mass strike and protect Hong Kong.'

Earlier, hundreds of pro-China demonstrators gathered by the city's legislature and police headquarters, waving Chinese and Hong Kong flags. Some held up posters reading 'Police we stand with you', while others chanted 'Support the police'.

Pro-China protests have so far attracted much smaller numbers than those angry at Beijing. 

By late afternoon, the PLA soldiers had left the streets outside Baptist University beside their barracks in Kowloon Tong.

 

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Police in riot gear try to separate students and local residents near the University of Hong Kong after the latest batch of protests on Saturday

 

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The former British colony has been rocked by more than five months of demonstrations (pictured, residents pull down a barricade outside the University of Hong Kong), with pro-democracy protesters angry at perceived Communist Party meddling in a city guaranteed its freedoms when it returned to Chinese rule in 1997

 

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An anti-government protester cleans up after demonstrations at the Polytechnic University in Hong Kong on Saturday

 

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Local residents remove a barricade as anti-government protesters sit in the road outside the University of Hong Kong on Saturday

 

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Clashes between protesters and police have become increasingly violent (pictured, a smashed window at the Polytechnic University), and China has warned that any attempt at independence for Hong Kong will be crushed, but the military have remained inside their base

Chinese troops have appeared on streets only once since the 1997 handover to help clear up after a typhoon in 2018. It was not clear how many were involved on Saturday.

The PLA garrison in Hong Kong said that when some residents began cleaning, some troops 'helped clear the road in front of the garrison gate'.

Demosista, a pro-democracy organisation, said Saturday's clean-up operation could set a 'grave precedent' if the city's government invites the military to deal with internal problems.

 

 

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By late afternoon, the soldiers had left the streets outside Baptist University, which neighbours their barracks in the leafy district of Kowloon Tong. Pictured: A pro-democracy protester sits on Pok Fu Lam Road on Saturday

 

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Chinese troops have appeared on local streets only once since the 1997 handover, to help with cleanup operations after a typhoon in late 2018. It was not immediately clear how many were involved on Saturday. Pictured: The clean up operation at the Polytechnic University

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In August, Beijing moved thousands of troops across the border into Hong Kong in what state news agency Xinhua described as a routine rotation. Foreign envoys and security analysts estimate up to 12,000 troops are now based across Hong Kong - more than double the usual garrison number.

Standing beside a black flag with the slogan 'Liberate Hong Kong, Revolution of our Times,' James Wong, 23, was among protesters manning a bridge at Baptist University.

'We didn't want to confront the people and the PLA troops directly,' he said. 

'We are not directly against the PLA, but rather the government. But the PLA should not leave their base because this is Hong Kong territory.'

 

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In some cases the two sides clashed, before the dwindling number of anti-government protesters at the campuses retreated. Pictured: Protesters on Saturday near the University of Hong Kong

 

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Pedestrians walk past debris left by protesters on a road leading to the out-of-use Cross Harbour Tunnel near the Hong Kong Polytechnic University

 

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Anti-China students and activists have barricaded at least five campuses in the last week, stockpiling petrol bombs, catapults, bows and arrows and other weapons. Pictured: The clean up on Pok Fu Lam Road at the University of Hong Kong

Hundreds of residents moved in to help clear barricaded roads near several universities.

Earlier clashes on Saturday saw at least one petrol bomb thrown before anti-government protesters at the campuses retreated. No soldiers appeared to have been involved in the confrontations. 'We just want our lives to continue,' said one resident who was helping clear streets near Hong Kong University. 'There are many elderly who need to go the hospital and children who need to go to school. I am very sad to see what is happening in my community.' 

Saturday's rally to denounce the anti-government violence drew a mix of young and elderly.

'A lot of people keep silent, afraid of the rioters. It's time for all the people who are silent to step up and say that's enough,' said a 49-year-old housewife surnamed Kong.

 

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Pedestrians walk next to a brick wall built by protesters. Rows of colourful umbrellas cover the railings overhead 

 

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In October, Chinese soldiers issued a warning to Hong Kong protesters who shone lasers at their barracks in the city, in the first direct interaction between mainland military forces and protesters. Pictured: A barricade near Pok Fu Lam Road

 

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In August, Beijing moved thousands of troops across the border into Hong Kong in an operation state news agency Xinhua described at the time as a routine. Pictured: Pro-democracy protesters block a road in Hong Kong on Saturday

A 70-year-old street cleaner died on Thursday after being hit on the head a brick police said had been thrown by rioters. On Monday, police blamed a rioter for dousing a man in petrol and setting him on fire. The victim is in critical condition.

On the same day, police shot a protester in the abdomen. He was in a stable condition.

Pro-police protesters laid white flowers outside the government office to pay their respects to the cleaner. Others applauded and cheered the police, some bowing and giving thumbs up as they walked past riot police on duty.

Train services suspended earlier in the week were gradually resuming, metro operator MTR Corp said. 

 

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China denies interfering in Hong Kong's affairs and has blamed Western countries for stirring up trouble. Pictured: A road block being torn down near the University of Hong Kong on Saturday

 

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Pictured: Residents form a human chain to remove debris from concrete barricades built by protesters on Pok Fu Lam Road at the University of Hong Kong on Saturday

 

Police fire tear gas as protesters launch petrol bombs and arrows in violent clashes outside Hong Kong university hours after Chinese soldiers made a rare appearance to help clean up the city's streets

 

[Cynthia Stults]

I really find Dr. Jung Kim very engaging as a presenter and I always learn new ideas. Her use of the Choco-Pie reward for extended comments is something that I may use on a slightly smaller scale (maybe like Hershey kisses or individual Starbursts) in order to better engage students in class-wide discussions. I was totally shocked that the Soviets were not as heavy handed with the Koreans in the North as the United States was in the South, because they were so afraid of communism and couldn't discern the capitalist Koreans from the communist Koreans, and this helps to explain why North Korea was very anti-U.S., and communism/socialism was able to flourish. Her use of maps and images was also very telling. The image that showed how the Korean Peninsula was occupied almost entirely by North Korea at first, and then almost entirely by UN forces. With such huge changes, one has to wonder at the extent of chaos that ensued. Even after the Korean War, South Korea went through many leaders and more than 6 constitutions. While it could be assumed that with one-term presidents and frequent constitutional changes, South Korea would be weaker than North Korea who had a more "stable" government. However, South Korea's openness to other economic and industrial ideas led to their country being more technologically advanced, with a better quality of life for its citizens.

[Cynthia Stults]

The dichotomy in Japanese pop culture is incredibly stark when one stops to really think about it. This is the country that has been destroyed thousands of times in stories and movies, (and has also suffered man-made and natural disasters in real life) but produced Hello Kitty, Sailor Moon, Pokemon, Mario Brothers, Harujku style and even maid cafes, where young women and men cosplay as servants or anime characters and serve patrons. Were these pop culture depictions of Japan's (or in some instances, the world's) distruction and consequential rebuilding a means of coping with the trauma inflicted by the atomic bomb and natural disasters, or were they simply a means to capitalize on fear? I did appreciate that Dr. Tsutsui presented many different perspectives on how scholars view the destruction themes in culture. I had never known that Godzilla was meant to be anti-nuclear weapons testing, and pro-science and pro-Japanese government and military. I also found it interesting that one perspective is that all of these depictions of Japan's destruction led to its population reacting and responding incredibly well when 3/11/11 or other, more modern disasters have happened. 

Are the opposing themes of cuteness and innocence prevalent in Japanese popular culture (many of which have made their way across the Pacific) a means of escaping the horrors of the destruction? This culture of cute started and flourished with more recent generations of Japanese, but the obsession continues into adulthood. It's not just kids who are collecting Hello Kitty, playing Nintendo video games, dressing in costumes, or reading/watching anime. This reminds me of the countless adults I know with Disneyland annual passes who don't have children, or all of the people who flock to ComiCon and dress as their favorite characters. For some, escaping reality and returning to a more innocent time is more desirable than confronting the struggles of reality. 

One culture, two very different means of coping.

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