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Martha PaoThe Mongol Empire lasted about two centuries and stretched from the Sea of Japan to parts of central Europe. During these times, there must have been much cultural exchange, assimilation and intermarriage. I wonder how much of the Mongol culture remains as part of the Chinese and Korean cultures? What traditions are alive today that were imported originally from the Mongols? I imagine that somewhere in Mongolia in a classroom the teacher is going over just these questions and teaching a much different story: their story.
Martha PaoIt was interesting to learn that building infrastructure, particularly outside of one’s own country, is considered to be a high risk proposition. Especially because a strong infrastructure has often been listed as a key reason that improves a country’s economy. In the case of BRI, China has devised some ways to recoup their investment quickly, such as high interest rates on loans or preferential use of ports, buildings, etc. But beyond that, it would be interesting to know how is risk calculated by China as they approve BRI projects. Might this be the best resource allocation for the country? Does it bring social stability in China and to those countries in partnership with China? Or perhaps it is a slightly haphazard process, as suggested by Professor Liao?
Martha PaoI really liked learning about Sijo poetry. The poem is long enough to give space for expression, but constrained enough to be able to finish it in a limited amount of time. I suspect the students will like the plot twist and the wide selection of topics. It definitely is something that sounds easy to do and can be added to be a filler if there is time. I would add that students can present it as a song or as rap.
Martha PaoThe new topic on Korea brings up so many questions… like any good lecture would!
One thing that jumped out is that Korea had closer ties to Japan than to China. Why would that be? Geographically it seems that the land route would produce more contacts between Korean people and their neighbors. Unless Koreans were excellent seafaring people? Maybe culturally Koreans and Japanese were closer and thus relations flourished?
Martha PaoIt is so true that much of the current curriculum is (perhaps inadvertedly so) very Eurocentric. There have been so many great civilizations, amazing empires in the history of humankind, and to learn how they rise and fall, for they all do rise and fall, would be very instructive for students. The challenge is how to go into sufficient depth with the limited amount of time that we have and also how to make it interesting and relatable.
In terms of inventions that come from Asia, we can add to the printing press: paper, pasta/noodles, saddle and stirups, gelato, gunpowder, the compass... to name a few.
Martha PaoIn “Gender Relations in the Age of Violence” one could substitute “age of violence” for “age of increasing poverty”. So, in times of diminishing resources, be it because of war, natural disasters or population shifts, among others, one group will attempt to repress another, in the misguided hope that more jobs will be available if fewer people are competing. Since this happens repeatedly throughout history, it would be easy to compare two such events in different cultures/historic times and explore consequences over time.
The one thing that I found surprising in this reading was that adoption and having blood heirs was an equally acceptable way to continue one’s family line. I wonder if this attitude might still be reflected to this day in the way Japanese people see the family name and I wonder what implications it might have.
Martha PaoWar is always ugly. But the accounts we have from Japan during the Warring Period paint a heroic picture, filled with stories of honor, benevolence and courage and an oracle to boot! The Heike monogatari and others, disseminated largely by traveling storytellers, presumably in the oral tradition and embellished over many recountings, is reminiscent of epic tales of the west. Think of the poetry of the moment with your opponent declaring: ‘Though I think you are an unworthy enemy, for the charm of your words I will give you an arrow; have it! And make it an honor in this life or a remembrance in the next!’ And then you die…
As of right now, I don’t have any good way to incorporate it to a lesson, but it’s beautiful.
Martha PaoThis week’s readings and videos have been informative and fun. I particularly enjoyed the Sarashima Diary, as the voice of the author, in her youth and optimism, reminded me of Jane Austen (possibly with less of the social critique).
Something that stood out in this introduction to Japan is the focus on literature and art. It contrasts starkly with the unit on China, where the emphasis was on conquest and war. I do wonder if this is a reflection of the culture of Japan vs China? Or perhaps it just happened that the material was more readily accessible? Might there be an unconscious bias in how the two countries are seen? In any case, it is a welcome change to move away from war, repression and political maneuvering and into poetry!
Martha PaoSaturday’s seminar was informative and entertaining. One of the presenters touched upon the idea of cultural genocide (as opposed to general genocide) when talking about Uyghurs in Xinjiang. The parallels with the situation in Hong Kong might indicate a general approach of the Chinese central government.
In both cases dissidents are fiercely silenced and there is an attempt to control the media, especially within their own borders, with the effect that a great majority of China is not fully aware of the situation. What does the Chinese central government fear? Is it loss of control? After all, 1.5 billion people are hard to govern. Is it loss of territory? Independence movements broke down the Soviet Union. Could this happen in China? Might it be just the grand vision for China of President Xi and necessary steps are being taken?
I dont' know
Martha PaoJohnny, great post! I agree with you that it would be interesting to explore the current US push on infrastructure improvement and compare and contrast with the BRI efforts from China. I am starting to formulate a lesson plan in my mind.
In general terms, infrastructure brings stability, increased economic power and commerce development. China has been vigorously developing infrastructure in countries where the international community has little incentive for these kinds of projects. And although some of the practices might be questionable (see the readings for examples), in many cases China is building up both the infrastructure and the good will of the people of poor countries, generating an incredible amount of soft power.
You are right that it might feel intimidating or threatening to have a new country rise to power. It is disruptive to the world order (although one might question if the current world order is in need of change). It could feel particularly unsettling if the new superpower has a political and cultural system that appears so dissimilar to our own. But as China learned from its own history as well as from the efforts of the European Union, it is best to export growth to neighboring countries, because it will result in an increase of stability in the whole region.
Martha PaoThank you, Todd, for sharing these videos with all.
The term “propaganda” brings up visions of manipulation and devious intent. The videos, on the other hand, are lighthearted and fun. And they bring, albeit superficially, they bring the Chinese people in to participate in the BRI as part of a good project for China and the world at large.
A few questions for younger students:
Martha PaoHello Melina,
Your post made me think of this story of a friend who loves Chinese culture and decided to get a tatoo. As she did not do much research, she just went to the tatoo parlor and asked for a Chinese tatoo. Her main concern was that the tatoo artist should be familiar with the characters and thus do a good job- she did not wish to bring her own characters since she was concerned this might prove to be too challenging to the tatoo artist. The tatoo artist obliged and promptly inked 2 characters and told my friend that it was for good luck. Years later my friend found out that the tatoo meant "western prostitute". Talk about a monstrosity!
Martha PaoThe article “All Roads Lead to China” (2019) describes how China is extending its scientific reach by partnering with other countries and supporting the development of science initiatives as well as young scientists. There is nothing new in this idea: time and again a country that was at the forefront of scientific development also has, over time, developed an outsize effect on the development of political and economic policies of the world. It stands to reason that China’s future goals are well aligned with developing scientific roots in as many countries at they can.
There is some concern about the unequal nature of the partnerships, especially since many of the countries that China is investing in are less wealthy. There is also concern about the environmental impact these fast developing projects will have- although China has shown signs of being increasingly more mindful about environmental impact and its consequences.
As China trains new scientists it will be interesting to see to what extent these new scientists develop deep ties and affinity for the Chinese way of thinking. Opening doors to higher education is a good way to develop future thought leaders and to create and share in common goals.
The question now is, how do we feel about the direction this is leading us to, and would we be happy in a world where China is the scientific superpower, as opposed to the USA?
Martha PaoMy father committed a terrible crime. What should I do?
I am living in a Legalist state. The basic belief is that people are inherently selfish and that untoward behavior can be curbed with harsh punishment. This is for the overall betterment and stability of society, and particularly for the advantage of the ruler. The laws apply equally to all. So, if my father is found guilty, he will be punished- heavy fines (hey, we are a family, that might hurt me! Yes, Legalism is right: I am selfish!), or he could be conscripted to the army, he might even face death. But, I love my father, and yes, Legalist thought does not concern itself much with morality, but that might be a weakness of Legalism. (Are my Confucianism roots showing in the form of respect/love toward my elder?)
So then, the next question is: do I HAVE to report my father? If there is no law about reporting someone who has committed a terrible crime, then the obvious choice is to keep quiet. “What you don’t know, won’t hurt you”, I tell the state.
And what if there is a law that requires me to report any knowledge of a terrible crime? Well, I could pretend not to know anything about this terrible crime. Yes, welcome to plausible deniability! What is the punishment for me if the state finds out that I knew and did not report my father? Here is the selfishness again….
At the end of the day, blood is thicker than water. And so long as the damage to myself is not too great (yes, that’s selfishness or rather self preservation) I could choose to not report my father.
Caveat: this is a thought exercise in a vacuum. My deep assumption as a person living in a Legalist state is that the crime is not all that terrible, but it is considered terrible by the ruling class. (There’s a touch of Daoism here). However, if morally I should believe that the crime is terrible indeed, my whole reaction might be a different one.
In conclusion: no matter which school of thought one lives in, we find influences from other philosophical traditions. These philosophies are children of the times and are interwoven in the fabric of society. Finding the balance between the schools of thought will bring stability to society.
Martha PaoThis was quite an interesting and challenging session. I always was under the impression that China and Confucianism went hand in hand. However, after what I have learned this week, it seems that in China several different schools of thought coexist. The Confucian ideal is definitely present, especially at the level of family life. But elements of Legalism, Daoism and Mohism appear to be very prominent in the political system of the Chinese government.
