[Iris Marin]

Andrew, I too enjoyed this article. The Chinese's emphasis on one correct answer to a question also caught my eye in addition to the fact that most of the debate participants were female.  The first caught my eyes because I feel there can be parallel's in some of our student's cultures. For example, in some latino families, you do what dad says and you can't question it hence when you start interacting with others you already have a set way of thinking (conciously or subconciously....men are right, don't question, etc., learn to be lady like) which makes it a little difficult in the beginning to employ these critical thinking skills. There are many dynamics that come into play such as gender roles, upbringing, religious beliefs, class,etc. It is interesting to note that being argumentative has rare appeal especially for females in Chinese society.

These youngsters are realistic about the issues going on in America, hence they are not necessarily star struck, I would agree with the contributer in the following: "The young Chinese assert—perhaps a little optimistically—that American college students are diverse, free and informed about the world." It may be true in comparison to their point of view, but I believe we have more to learn, diversify, and free ourselves from set ways of thinking. Although, I do believe this is true of college educated vs. non- college educated. I believe it also depends on course choices in college, whether you repertoire of knowledge is diverse enough.

[Iris Marin]

Hello participants, 

After participating in the week long Korean Seminar this past summer I became very interested in learning more about Asian history. I teach Kindergarten in a two way Spanish immersion school in Gardena (135th Street Elem). I am excited to learn more on cultures other than my own and how the Asian thumbprint is integrated in our daily lives.

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