[Jeanine Alexander]

On my last post I confess my utter confusion with webtoons and K-esports. I love sports, baseball in particular, and have never been able to play any sort of esports! I realize I am very off the mark with what is popular right now and plan on trying to use some sort of webtoon or K-esport adaptation into my curriculum as a project. I think students would really enjoy completing a project in this format.

For Korean culture and the curriculum as a whole I plan to teach more about culture in my California History class, especially upon its impct within California. For US History, the interest in Korea and its impact, especially after the Korean war, will be a topic covered in class this year.

[Jeanine Alexander]

This week's topic I focused on K-beauty because I am fascinated and quite disturbed about the trends in beauty throughout the world. I read the Gangham style plastic surgery article and now understand the disturbing trends in beauty by calling it a scientific problem. The trend has moved from nose and cheek surgery to chin surgery in order to achieve perfection. Like I said a couple of weeks ago, this idea perfection is disturbing because there is no such thing as perfection.

The idea in westernizing what are already beautiful faces is frankly depressing and I feel cpntributing to the problems young people have today with depression (unfortunately, us adult do too). Adults have a responsibility to teach youngsters they are all uniquely beautiful, but I feel we may be too late.

[Jeanine Alexander]

Hello Emily! Thank you for the comment about parenting (not 'babysitting'), you are right about the bumbling of parenting for the men lacking a clear message. I think it may just be about the humor? However, I think what you mentioned is a problem throughout many societies and cultures? "Traditionally" the view is women do most of the parenting while the men stumble along with it- prepetuating this stereotype at least.

[Jeanine Alexander]

Hello everyone! So....I started watching Squid Game this past spring and got through two episodes...couldn't handle the brutality and the inner message- at least how I see it- as class conflict, desperation, and greed. I wanted to keep watching since the visuals and acting are so superb (maybe I will try again) but honestly I think it makes us all, deep down inside, wonder if we would participate if we were so desperate. Article 1 touches on how good Squid Game is for all these reasons I mentioned.

K-dramas overall and Korean Reality TV: Familial relationships and love are such an important theme in many of the K-dramas, I feel they are doing this better than American dramas. Reality TV is so completely overdone now...I have a really hard time watching any American Reality TV, except the Masked Singer- a dumb guilty pleasure! However, when you showed us Infinite Challenge, Running Man, and Superman I became curious and will definitely check these out. They look much better than American Reality TV!

[Jeanine Alexander]

Hi Roger, definitely Gangnam Style!

[Jeanine Alexander]

It was interesting to read about the history of Korean popular music and culture with the influences of the Colonial period (Japan) and Cold War (United States). I did not truly understand the influence of these periods on Korean culture until reading the artcles. The transnational influence of K-pop is a fascinating phenomenom, almost akin to the British invasion of the 1960s. BTS dressing up early on in a Beatles inspired poster shows just how influencial the British invasion was, only time will tell if BTS will do the same (though their performance at the Grammys was pretty great). In all honesty, can K-pop reach the level of cultural influence of early American Jazz, Blues, Rock-n-Roll, and Hip-Hop? I am not sure- while early American musicians initially did not have the corporate sponsorship the K-pop bands have, and thus sell A LOT of records, K-pop doesn't seem t have the individuality and diversity that has made American music so unique.

While I do love groups like BTS (especially their UN Video) I am worried about the influence of the K-pop bands on youth culture. Not because they are not caring about people and I know they are trying to positively influencing young people, but because of how 'perfect' these groups look. Afterall, perfection is an illusion. Could someone as powerful and talented as Lizzo -but a Koren version- even be considered? (Though aparently they are friends #VINZZO) I hope this all makes sense!

[Jeanine Alexander]

I was amazed at the number of remakes especially since the original is so terrific. I may just have to check them out to compare the quality.

[Jeanine Alexander]

Reading the second title I have decided to watch Train to Busan, despite not being a big fan of zombie movies. I am most interested in the term glocalization from the reading and I am fascinated with how Korean film has used this to expand their film base. I was able to watch Miss Granny and it is a fantastic movie. Prior to today I had only seen Parasite and now I may be hooked. I think Bong Joon-ho is correct is saying "Once you overcome the one-inch-tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films!"

[Jeanine Alexander]

Hello everyone! My name is Jeanine Alexander and I teach AP US History, California History, and Adapted PE in Moorpark, California where I am in my 30th year teaching. I am very interested in Korean culture and excited to participate in the seminar. I appreciate being part of this group.

One last note- I volunteer as the Sparkle Advisor at Moorpark HS and last year we did a dance to Butter by BTS! I was fantastic!

[Jeanine Alexander]

I was struck by the comments from Chinese people about America in the 2014 WSJ article. I felt they were very knowledgeable and had great insight. Then watching the portion of The Office is honestly terrifying because I feel it is close to what American’s actually think and feel: simple and uneducated…

Economically, the United States and China are dependent upon one another. There is no way of changing that. However, the change in who is the leading economic power is startling but NOT surprising. The Bader article discusses the goals and changing policies of China to becoming one of the largest economies in the world. I wonder when or even if it will come crashing down. This seemingly unlimited growth has led to this mass materialism, but how long will it really last? Even American materialism is vastly different then it was just 30 years ago. Xi’s commitment to making China an international power must be troubling to the ‘old’ world order. Not sure if it can be stopped, and should anyone attempt to? This interconnected economic system is not going to end, it seems as if it will continue to get more complicated with time. This point was emphasized in the China Reckoning Article which emphasized how the United States has underestimated its own influence over China.

We previously learned that China has been making more quality technological products than 30+ years ago. This is good news. However, we need to push China and other economic leaders to clean up their acts. Our consumption is so much and mother earth is struggling. If China can clean up their smog during the Olympics, they can do so daily. Think of Los Angeles and the smog of 30+ years ago compared to today. I feel like it is almost a parent-child relationship. The US knows its environmental problems it has created and somewhat tried to fix -depending upon who is in the White House, of course.

State media in China is smart to use social media to advertise the country. Propaganda tools that appear benign or fun encourage the strong belief in China by its population. However, the ‘re-education’ of people for religious reasons is troubling. Even more worrisome is the support for this by a large portion of the Chinese people. But then again, social media has been used by various outlets throughout the world to ‘re-educate’ in its own way. How long will misinformation reign in the world?

[Jeanine Alexander]

It will be interesting to see the progression of China’s demographics over the next 20 years. I was surprised by the amount of materialism in China. It reminds me of the United States in the 1980s (though Americans are very materialistic too) with the increase of the YUPPIE culture. It appears the youth of China are falling into that trap too. The relationships with the family are also unexpected with the changes due to the changes in movement to urban areas and the rise of materialism. I was surprised at how the mother/daughter relationship has been affected by this movement and increase in materialism.

I honestly feel the environmental crisis in China became more apparent to Americans and the rest of the world during the 2008 Beijing Olympics. However, I had no idea of the amount of people dying from environmental causes- it is devastating. Unfortunately, once the games were over people went on with their lives and tended to forget. The increase in devasting weather due to climate change may wake up the world (we can only hope).

 Right now, China (and other environmentally ‘poor’ nations) reminds me of the United States in the late 19^th-early 20^th century and the fact it took the US until the 1970s to try to make corrections makes me fearful of the world right now. We cannot wait for China and others to clean up the way they do things…but then again, the US needs to continue to work towards clean living (unfortunately the pandemic is making this harder). It was a good surprise to see that China has adopted solar power and other clean fuel. With China being a water ‘poor’ country, I would expect an increase in technological innovation such as desalination plants with the coastal areas? It will be interesting to see how the canal system will affect the overall environment of China.

Thank you for ending your lecture on a positive note, the information was getting really depressing…

[Jeanine Alexander]

This weeks topics of expanding choices in China shows the limits of communism in such a large nation. I was suprised to see there are more Christians in China than members of the CCP. I am also impressed by freedom of religion being part of the constitution and that five religions are formally recognized by the government. This gives Chinese people more freedom and choices.

 

It appears China is going through a dramatic culture change and attempting to decide what is most important within the culture. The destruction of villages to reorganize their living arrangements has taken it's toll on ancient practices. Let's hope people will continue to pass down the traditional aspects of their culture. The push of peoples to maintain multiple jobs since farming is no longer looked upon as a highly regardrd occupation is both surprising and disappointing. However, the communal arrangements of the past under Mao over time has taken it's toll on the family unit and seeing the neglect of some Chinese children is heartbreaking.

 

The choices the people of China have since the reforms of 1978 is having a great influence on the push for more freedom in the nation as a whole. Musicians, social influencers, and public even dancing has pushed the government to attempt more controls- this in turn has invited young people to push the government for more democratic freedom since 1989. The rise of materialism along with the rise of our one 'world' on the internet will continue to influence the CCP and it's attempts to keep people in check (though Jingjing and Chacha will continue to try...) It will be interesting to see how this continues to play out.

[Jeanine Alexander]

I appreciate the link- very useful and  agreat idea. It may take China some time to get past the 'quality' question, but on a personal note, I have seen better quality in my lifetime! 

[Jeanine Alexander]

China changed economically because it was failing to support its people. Food sortages and famine could undermine the success of its communist revolution. The opening up of China enabled foreign investment and a movement away from a purely agricultural economy.

 

 

By allowing the people to move away from farming and into the factory setting enabled the standard of living to increase. Allowing some 'side' work also enabled people to earn more, save more, and live at a higher standard. Foreign investment, entry into the WTO, and government control enabled China to rise to become the second largest economy in the world and may push it to number 1. The photos of farmers, to factories from 25 years ago to more recent factories are fascinating. 

 

 

State owned enterprises have enabled China's economy to grow, as well as the overall standard of living. However, the wealth gap is increasing, which is a problem to a communist nation. They are also a nation of consumers, which may backfire in the future. While important to the economy, SOEs may not be common knowledge to average Americans. While I recognize many of the names I do not think my students would, except for maybe ByteDance, the maker of the app TikToc. This may change though, as China has opened up trade wih numerous nations throughout the world, expecially since joining the WTO.

 

 

Also fascinating is the purposeful slowing down of the economy and the push for higher product production. While China's economic development has helped hundreds of millions of people escape poverty, many remain poor and inequality has increased in recent years. This is a regional problem with the East and coastal regions earning more. The 13th 5 year plan is attempting to addess this as China continues to grow as a munufactuer and consumer. The Belt and Road Initiative is attempting to improve conditions in China, both to the community and individual. I look forward to learning more about it.

[Jeanine Alexander]

The lectures and readings were excellent this week. I was surprised at the geography and population density locations in the southern and eastern regions. While I have always known the continental US and China are about the same size, seeing the outlines of the maps made this even more apparent and real. I was also surprised that the communist party is in the minority in China and look forward to learning more about the government control of people despite their party being in the minority.

I look forward to using these examples when teaching about the complicated relationship between the United States and China, it will be useful for students to compare and contrast regions and governments of the two.

I hope to learn more about the economic relationship between the United States and China to help my students and myself understand this complicated relationship. Lastly, I am looking forward to learning more about the Hukou system and how China uses technology to keep this system as a controlling entity of the party.

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