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DiederichAnnAs we look to connect our students in LA with South Korean students in my Global Citizenship Seminar, it would be interesting for members of our group to select a form of culture to learn about. First students, could journal about their own favorite cultural pursuits or activities in their school. After sharing with their classmates, they would read and research about a Korean version of that pursuit-- (ie. K-pop form of US music, a US reality show vs. a Korean one, a Tae Kwon Do or Archery Match, a Korean film that paralels an American film. It would be a cool exercise for students in both Korea and the US to do a short Pecha Kucha or flipgrid where students can share their takeways and perspetives. This exercise could also focus on a societal issue significant to the student, which would allow for students to write their points of view in the comment area.
DiederichAnnThese readings and lecture reinforced the fact that racism and stereotyping are not just American problems. It was disheartening to learn of advantage that light skinned and white-looking performers have. On the flip side, the fact that K-pop girl bands are performing through Coachella and bands like Black Swan are changing gender norms. I was fascinated at how these bands evolve together and even live together and wonder how the pressure of fame could make or break their relationship. As some of these band members begin their careers as solo performers, I wonder how that will affect the culture.
DiederichAnnMy name is Ann Diederich and I teach and lead a global education program at an independent school in Pasadena. I have a big interest in Asia and recently taught a course on Modern China. I also co-lead student travel programs to Asia and we made a stop in Korea on our way back from Cambodia, which peaked my interest. Part of my job is running a global speaker series and I would love to add more events about Korea, particularly about pop culture.
Looking forward to learning in this coming weeks.
DiederichAnnThe resources provided for our first session left me with much food for thought. I have read extensively on the One Child Policy and heard the author Mei Fong speak about the issue, but reading this article reminded me of the demographic challenges. I think that the most mind-boggling topic was on the hukou system. The lens through which the Chinese see the world differs so much from ours in the US.
DiederichAnnHow have LGBTQ+ issues, women's issue and other social dynamics changed? How has the film/TV industry fueled these changes? To what degree have Xi Jinping's policy's slowed down or halted social changes?
DiederichAnnMy name is Ann Diederich and I am a French, Spanish and History teacher at Polytechnic School in Pasadena, California. I also co-direct our global intiatives program, which involves curricular integration and travel programs. I was slated to take a group of 18 students to Beijing and Xi'an this March, but have needed to cancel this morning. I have had the opportunity to travel to China in the 80s as a high school student and then later as an educator/Sinophophile. I look forward to this course.
