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Margaret SiryjAfter going to the Bowers Museam this past weekend to view Gao Pei's exhibit, I have come to the conclusion, that indeed, Chinese culture is alive and well. This overwhelmingly stunning art and Chinese couture fashion display was a display of Chinese culture on steroids. The article mentioned the traditional farming aspect and the concerning shift from an agricultural emphasis to a more urban environmental population burst. Gao Pei was born in the late 1960s in China, and payed homage to her Chinese roots. She mentioned that her grandmother was inspirational with her love of fabric and fashion that Gao so supurbly demonstrated in her life long career. From a cultural standpoint, Gao was inspired by the dragon, a pivotal character in Chinese history and one of her lines was solely focused on this mythical creature. She utilized European history and payed tribute to Napoleonic themes and military uniforms.
I hope to weave the museam and Gao Pei's extradinary work to my Economic students to focus on the economics of China vis a vis United States. Totally recommend this awesome exhibit at Bowers Museam 2200 Main St, Santa Ana. It is conveniently located off the 5 fwy in Santa Ana.
Margaret SiryjMargaret SiryjThis Chinese newspaper infographic had some interesting graphs depicted. These payed ads were focused on the eradication of poverty, and the first graph was surprising. Commencing in 1978, there was roughly three-quarters million Chinese living in poverty and the graph was divided into five year increments with 2017 being the most recent statistic. That year, an astounding decline to 30 million (not that this is a small amount of people by any means ), but China has become a model for the world for drastically reduci.ng poverty.
Another interesting infographic featured several regions. The first to be highlighted and applauded for its gigantic poverty reduction was Eastern China, and from 2012 to 2017, poverty percentages were down 78%. This area in comparison to the other two regions: Central and Western had much less population, but still did an amazing job to drastically reduce poverty. Overall, China Daily did a great job on the graphics, and this newspaper edition could be a valuable resource to my students. I notice more and more high school students are more apt to pay attention with visuals and graphics as compared to plain text or content. Our society as a whole seems to have changed preferred platforms and visuals grab the attention more effectively than regular text. My World History students in general and my Economic students in particular are used to processing graphs and the informational evidence they provide.
Margaret SiryjIn the article titled, "In China, 'Once the Villages are Gone, the Culture is Gone', Johnson points out that it is an insult to refer to a Chinese person as a "farmer". It is interesting to note that in the United States, a common idea prevails in certain regions. However, the author suggests that Chinese citizens are tradtionally rural-based. The traditional culture that has gone back multiple decades is being threatened because the roots of agriculture also bring out "practices like landscape painting, calligraphy, and court music".
The article mentions that not only are the number of villages is declining, but the cultural scene is in jeopardy. Since the Communists came to power in 1949, pilgrimages to cultural events were discouraged, but in more recent times, a cultural revolution is happening. I teach American Government and it is stressed that governments matter. I encourage my seniors to vote and not be complacent with who is in power, or who is running for a particular office. I have explained that Communism is all for the people, but unfortunately, the people do not have much say in their government and how it is run. Johnson suggests that the Chinese have deep roots in rural living and strong cultural ties to the land. It is great to read that foundations such as the Ford Foundation underwrites programs for Chinese children to keep their culture alive.
Margaret SiryjDr. Dube's video lecture regarding China's reform and opening was highlighted by Mao's Land Reform 1n 1950. The overarching theme and problem is that China has little arable land compared to the size of the country, but has many mouths to feed. The cooperatives were a possible solution to the problem as some families used shared resources, their plot of land to economically have a piece of the overage of crops grown. However, many families found themselves not economically benefitting, and therefore, found themselves moving and relocating to the city to find work. This reminds me of the Mexican maquildores who live in farming and rural areas where it is difficult to sustain enough work to support their families. As in China, these workers, usually women move up North from Central and South Mexico to gain employment. My World History students can compare and contrast these two countries and the similar financial struggles that families experience.
Just as Chinese rural workers sought economic advantages by moving to the city, so did Mexican workers who moved northward to seek employment, and thus a better life. Mao's Great Leap Forward movement in 1958 demostrated the labor power, human power that China experienced. Women were able to go to work in industrial pursuits like never before. My students who are about to graduate from high school Economics, have just completed a project that helps them understand how expensive it is to rent an apartment and pay the bills. I think students have a much better understanding of human struggle and what it takes to survive when an educator can open their eyes to what awaits them post high school.
Margaret SiryjThe video clip from "60 minutes" newsbroadcast aired this past Sunday. China is aiming for 1 million electric cars this year and this nation is on track to reach its target. China is quickly pacing itself against the United States and hopes to have 50% of all vehicles on their roads to be measured in torque which is how electric is quoted versus horsepower like gasoline engines are calibrated. Take into consideration that Trump has threatened to decrease subsidizing electric cars. Dr. Dube brought up a great point, China has a tremendous air pollution problem that it is fiercely attempting to quell. I took my seniors to Rio Hondo Community College to show them Tesla, who by the way is the one of two community colleges in the US to have a deal with the car company. Tesla's motto is "Blue Sky Coming" and they currently, along with the government give $10,000 rebate when you purchase one of their cars. Looks like China may be a bit more serious about the electric future than the US.
Margaret SiryjOne of Chan's arguments in this article suggests that "Spring Movement" that recently occurred is traditional Chinese family values vis a vis the dislocation of many of its rural citizens. The fifty year old system, Hukou, the institution that had its origins in human migration and a sort of census. This census, a measurement or counting has grown to be quite problematic in recent years. Migration is such that many families, the head of household, or as the article mentioned, "working breadwinner" becomes split up from the family to seek out better employment opportunities. Fifty years of the codified Chinese law that makes it mandetory for "household registration" to take place. Chan points out that this movement may be the very essence of success which Chinese may negotiate up the economic ladder and therefore, secure a better future for their family.
My students face a similarity with their Chinese counterparts. The idea of migrant labor and rural-urban dichotomy hits home with my students as many of them were born outside the United States. Some of them were sent to America with a family member other than their parents because they stay home and raise the smaller children or grandparents who continue to live together with the remaining family members. I plan to share parts of this article and ask my students, "How does the Chinese system of Hukou relate or does it not relate to the migration to the United States that many of my sophomores and seniors went through"? Chan mentioned the idea of the Trinity.
The Trinity is divided into three segments and includes: institutions, rural collectives, and hukou controlled population. Similar to Mexico and Central America, some of my high school students were born in rural areas, but prior to coming to America, their family migrated to the city because there was more economic opportunities available. As an educator, I value an article such as Kam Wing Chan discusses because it is more important to point out to students the commonalities we share as individuals rather than differences. Through this positive relationship building exercise with my students, they hopefully, come to realize how similar they are to Chinese teenagers and their struggles. The concept of leaving one's rural village to seek a better life in the urban city can be understood by my high school studdents. Economics in particular studies the idea of "choosing limited resources" and how to best allocate them.
Along with registration or hukou comes benefits for Chinese citizens. It was surprising to read that about 85% of the population was rural at one point. Many of these benefits are economic and families reap such "bennies" as eligibility for certain services based on their registration meaning city, town and village location. The article mentions that Mao has tightened up the ability for mobility, but families are still positioning for best economic outcomes. From 1949 to 2007, the shift of GDP, gross domestic product increased to almost 90% in 2007. Finally, my students can relate to the idea of "guest worker". Some of their families may have been part of the north migration to work in Central California and the fields. As in Mexico and Central America, many citizens are doing their best to secure a better life just like the Chinese. The article mentions that it was not long ago that 250 million peasants lived in poverty. How can you blame these Chinese people for wanting to have a new direction in life. My question remains. "If people are starving, how does innovation help them if the government is preventing urban growth or placing tough barriers for entry"?
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Margaret SiryjIn the 2015 Clarke article, "How the one child policy changed China", the author suggests that the long term effect of severly limiting one's family to the number of children a married couple may have throughout their marriage is problematic. Clarke goes on to say that by the year, 2050, one quarter of Chinese citizens will be over 65 years old. There are tremendous ramifications that will occur with 25% of the adult population being 65. For starters, labor is taxed and China who is industrializing and growing at a feverous pace cannot count on these citizens to be part of the work force. Another heavy casulty of a quarter for the Chinese is healthcare. China is a Communist government and citizens have health care needs provided by the government. As a person matures. healthcare costs for individuals rises not declines.
As an Economics teacher, we study different governments. I plan to have my seniors research United States healthcare and Chinese healthcare policies for a comparision and contrast evaluation. My 12th graders are getting ready to graduate, and this type of research will hopefully, open their eyes to the importance of taking care of yourself as much as possible. I am hopeful that this research will educate my students to push back chronic disease and promote a healthy lifestyle. China has healthcare that is provided, but what happens to a person who is over 65 years old with a chronic condition and 25% of the population is the same age?
Philosophically, I would like to pose to my students the question, "How would you like to be told that you could only have one child"? The article does not address this issue, but Clarke did mention that famine was a real problem because of overpopulation. The author pointed out that the Great Chinese Famine ranging from 1959 to 61 killed about 15 to 30 million people. As a result of a student survey, the overwhelming majority of my students come from families that have at least two children with many having more than one sibling. My question to China government is, "What is the plan for economic growth when 25% of your population is over 65"?
Margaret SiryjI am excited to be a part of this online course, Contemporary China!
I previously enrolled in East Asia Since 1800 and gleaned information that I had the pleasure to share with my students. I teach World History/Geography and Economics to 10th and 12th graders at Downey High School.
Margaret SiryjThe 1978 Economic Reform brought about some interesting changes to China. A bullet train was developed and now used in the country. This train was built in response to the vast number of Chinese that need daily transportation back and forth to work. Many Chinese workers had employment and much technology was developed for the success of this massive transportation project. Additionally, AI, artificial intelligence was an off-shoot from the Economic Reform. Artificial intelligence uses millions of objects to capture a given idea for sampling or research projects. The power and draw from the Economic Reform to "speed pass" and get through costly research that many companies are not prepared to give up for a given technology or new product. Having artificial intelligence allows, in some cases, ordinary users, to provide valuable input that can speed up the process and get the product to market quicker. Compared to old school methods, artificial intelligence or crowd sourcing is a faster and more cost-efficient way of doing business.
Margaret SiryjDr. Dube, this is such a great resource that you have shared with us!
At the beginning of the school year, a student survey is given to all my students so I might get to know them a bit better. I feel that each of my class periods are unique, and given this special makeup of different students, the classroom can become a powerful learning community. This being said, once I read and compile all of the student survey questions and answers, a pie graph is made and is shown to each of my six periods of students. This way, not only me, but my students are able to get to know each other on a more individual basis, and hey you in the grey hoodie! This connection is truly powerful and I totally get to know my students in a more extended and personal way.
This year was fun and with this cool opportunity, I plan to use this free resource with my Economics students, who are seniors. Since they are on their way to college, university, and ultimately, jobs knowing more about finances is a powerful idea. One of the questions that is asked on the student survey is: How much time do you spend daily talking (with minimal interruptions) to your parent, grandparent, or older sibling? I was pleasantly surprised this year because the majority of my seniors spend between five and fifteen minutes each day speaking with a family adult member. Now, I plan to introduce more financial information to these graduating high school students who are reaching the age of majority soon, and enlighten them with additional critical content. Thanks so much for sharing this valuable link, and I am looking forward to share this with my students.
Margaret SiryjDr. Dube, this is an interesting and curious article regarding the miniaturized terracota warriors. I viewed the PBS Nova documentary that focused on the Terracota Warriors and found it fascinating. What really stood out to me was the fact that each of the warriors had a different and unique face and body-type. Even though the researchers had to piece this mammoth sized archeological find together, it was truly amazing to know that the artisans may have worked from actual images of the Emperor's Army. The documentary stated that there was over 600 warriors that were recreated and honored by the Chinese. In my classroom, it would be interesting and eye-opening to show the documentary and to have my students imagine what the size of the burial site would be considering that all of the 600 warriors, resplendid in their regalia, and their horses were housed and entombed.
How interesting that the Prince would be enshrowed in a buriel site that is considerably smaller in scale vis a vis China's first Emperor. An interesting critical thinking question might be posed to my students: Why would China build a smaller tomb for one of the important Princes of China? The article that you shared pointed out that in the 1960s while a railroad was under construction, the site was revealed. I am happy to know that the Wenwu journal featured the English translation recently.
Dr. Dube, I must tell you how much information has been shared with all of my students regarding this awesome course! Each session, I would be excited to share my experience and let my students know some of the highlights that were gleaned during the session. As a teacher and lifelong learner, I always tell my students the power an individual has to continue learning and be committed to life-long learning. You and your team did an amazing job preparing lessons and bringing fantastic guest speakers and lecturers! I am looking forward to continue my passion for expanding my knowledge of the East Region, and share my new content knowledge with my students.
Margaret SiryjThe book that was given to our class at the end of the session has proved to be quite interesting! "The History of Japan-US Relations", edited by Makoto Iokibe looks at the repercussions of the 1970s Embargo. The book states that Nixon placed an embargo on the import of American soybeans to Japan. Meanwhile, a few short months later, the Americans were embrolied in the Oil Embargo with OPEC and US citizens were waiting in line to pump gasoline into their automobiles. Japan had it own problems with OPEC because this island nation "needed to secure a solution to the crisis". Japan was able to be excluded from the embargo, which was considered special treatment and Japanese citizens were able to obtain all the gasoline they wanted. President Ford visited Japan in 1974 and the Emperor of Japan visited America the next year. These two trips between the President and Emperor assisted with a "defense cooperation scheme" between the two countries. When Carter came to the Oval Office, it was clear that he had little experience with foreign affairs and politics, but he was determined to continue building the alliance between the United States and Japan.
In my classroom, this book is a valuable resource for both my 10th grade World History/Geography and Economics students. These two groups of high school students learn about US-Japan relations prior to WWII throughout modern times. Makoto Iokibe has edited a fine book that educates on the history of US-Japan that includes information from Commander Perry to the present. This book has content that can be used in research where students learn about the valuable alliance that both countries share.
Margaret SiryjI was entralled by Dr. Schaede and her knowledge of Japan. How interesting that Ulrike would be brought up in Japan and was able to see first-hand how the Japanese embrace their work ethic philosophy. I purchased her book because I wanted more information than she had time to deliver. Her book mentions that even though it seems that Japan was considered "stagnate" during the late 1990s through the early 2000s, it maintains that the island nation was about to transform and change how it did business. Ulrike suggests that this period was considered a "strategic inflection point" because of the ways that business was conducted via family connections. Interestingly enough, Japan has become the template for Taiwan, Korea, and China to follow. Previously, families were at the helm of major corporate entities and conducted business on "their own terms". Her book's title refers to the way that Japan chose to operate through corporate culture. Old Japan was the familial structure of companies and the New Japan is modeled more similarly to American companies. This change of organization was difficult because of generational structured corporations and familial charts of organization, but New Japan was inevitable if this country wanted to maintain its dominance for technology and automobiles. Prospective employees who have no family ties are much better situated to become part of a given enterprise in the New Japan. I am half way through her text, and it has been a real eye opening experience. I am looking forward to see what else Schaede has to say about Japanese business.
In my Economics classes, students research American and Japanese companies and follow the stock market. They are given an opportunity to research Japan and its business culture. This learning activity is done in teams of three students and at the end of my learning segment, a presentation is given to the rest of the class. This past semester I was able to add content from Ulrike Schaede's powerful book to help enrich the content of Japanes Economics.
Margaret SiryjMario, I remember in the late 1980s that Japan was the "happening place" where each sizable company and corporation had their executives earining Masters degrees in Business Administration. Japanese citizens were purchasing real estate in the United States at a tremendous rate and Americans were concerned that Japan was going to eventually own America. Like Professor Schaede taught us the "industrial powerhouse" was the envy of most of the world in the 1970s and 80s. Japanese automobiles and electronics were seen everywhere and their citizens truly adopted the philosophy of superior products. It is truly amazing to think that the small in size island produces so much in exports. Dr. Schaede provided a simple, yet very effective graphic demonstrating import, manufacture, export and money. Unfortunately, their population is on the decline, and many citizens of child-bearing age are choosing not to have children or one at most. This is problematic because their population is aging, and this brings new issues to the forefront.
