[Ricardo Reyes]

The thick reading Chinese Philosophy is chock full of so many pearl drops. In reviewing this reading I came across my flourescent highlighting from Xun Zi (298-235 B.C.E.) on page 27. His section categorized, On Human Nature, contains a timeless observation (10) (On education) "Not having heard it is not as good as having heard it; having heard it is not as good as having seen it: having seen it is not as good as understanding it: understanding it is not as good as doing it. The ultimate objective of learning is to put in actual practice the lessons one has learned."  Is this profound or what? Nuts and bolts education, is what I learned in business school. Applied knowledge seems to leave lasting impressions even when mistakes occur and form learning stages when overcome. This reading will be purposeful in postings for the upcoming year. His (7) is lengthy and should be given another solid look. What would this world be without teachers? According to Xun Zi, the world would be full of thieves, murderers, the disorderly, and the eccentrics. For my economics class, I will post and rely on (3) "While people's likes and dislikes are the same, there are not sufficient goods to satisfy everybody, and hence there will inevitably be strife."  Economics is the study of resources, scarcity, and decision-making, plus much more. Strife is fundamental to international political economics with the struggles over sufficient goods and resources, likes/dislikes, and trade wars. 

 

[Ricardo Reyes]

Also located in Little Tokyo is the Go For Broke National Education Center. I had seen many times the outdoor granite Memorial monument to the Japanese American Nisei soldiers who had fought overseas during World War II. This outdoor Memorial is adjacent to the entrance of the original MOCA museum. It was established in 1999, after a ten year effort by a group of these veterans who sought to bring recognition to the Nisei men who had served with them in the 100th/442nd/MIS. I had always seen two or three elderly Japanese-American men seated around the Memorial but never thought of speaking with them. Now, I am hoping they are still there so I can find out more about themselves. Today, the Foundation, has been renamed the Go For Broke National Education Center. The old auditorium theater on First Street has been converted into the permanent Defining Courage  exhibition, traveling exhibitions, public programs, oral history and archival collections, lesson plans, and school tours. They encourage school tours of the Defining Courage exhibition for grades 5-12, paired with a workshop on oral histories using clips from their Hanashi collection. So, go visit http://www.goforbroke.org/school groups for their current offerings and educational programing. The visuals are stunning with large scale video images of Pearl Harbor and actual Medals of Honor with vital statistics and graphic images of the soldiers along with their heroic accomplishments which have earned them the distinction of being the most valiant and awarded soldiers. They were sent to the European theater and principally to the Italian campaign. In their own words, they were eager to leave the concentration camps or the Hawaiian islands to put everything on the line, or "go for broke," to win the war against the Germans in Curope and the war against racial prejudice at home. This is a most impressive exhibition and is a valid counter point to the reasoning behind the incarceration. By the way, I found out about the recent premier on May 20, 2019 on PBS on Norman Mineta and His Legacy: An American Story. This can be explored at http://www.MinetaLegacyProject.com. 

 

[Ricardo Reyes]

While in the Japanese American National Museum in Little Tokyo, I concentrated my visit in the Japanese incarceration sections. The last room is the Visual Communication Room. On display were a wide range of visual images, mostly photos and copies of documents and personal letters. As explained, "Many designers and graphic artists over the years have been inspired by the thousands of photographs made by its four founders and core staff members." Also, included is Alan Takemoto's 1978 video docu-dramaTRACKS. Many periods and subjects were covered and notably THE 1970s: Three Perspectives on Redress. Adjacent was a description of the former Atomic Cafe which was located across the Museum on the corner of Alameda and First Street. In fact, the overhead entrance Neon Light was included in the exhibit. The story of its founders and premise for naming and opening the cafe was depicted. A timeline of Asian events and Pan Asian developments, events, and growth were displayed. By no means, was this section compressed. The VC exhibition was ample and contained so many takeaways. It would be superb for any grade level and highly educational. My suggestion is to do a preview and prepare the students for the tour so they are not overwhelmed by the immensity of the historical panorama. The WWII Japanese American incarceration is featured prominently upon entering the entire second floor exhibition. As much as I thought I knew about this action, I learned that Japanese Americans were not incarcerated in Hawaii, except for a few. The reasoning being that Hawaii's economy would have been crippled with 40% of the population being Japanese-American. Also, I had been aware from a friend's personal family story, that Japanese-Peruvians had been brought to the U.S. for incarceration and many of them were in the Crystal City, Texas, Department of Justice Camp (Prison). Also, detained here were well known German-American Nazi organizers and agents. The exhibition posted that the Japanese-Peruvians were foreceably emigrated to the U.S. so that the Peruvian government could take over their businesses and properties. From what I know, they were not eligible for the reparations program. 
 

[Ricardo Reyes]

Kim, your take on this sweet short piece prompted me to give it a close look. Somehow, I had overlooked it and was curious to read it. Your suggestion to have students come up with their own version of a utopia is a great suggestion. How would you conjure up an utopia, what would it look like, and how would you ensure that peace reigned rather than war and conflict? Yao Yuanming's description is very enchanting and lyrical. The image of a young woman gathering sunflowers in the next field is so reminiscent of Van Gogh and Kurosawa's cinematic version in his latter movie Dreams. While there were no sunflowers in Kurosawa's rendition, the golden wheat fields and scores of black crows interspersed with other of Van Gogh's masterpieces left lasting impressions. This is a utopian image for me and reminds me of a wildlife refuge where a sanctuary for wildlife and migrating birds exist along the meandering Rio Grande River in New Mexico where the harsh and vast semi-desert surrounds the luscious oasis full of marshes.  

 

[Ricardo Reyes]

The very expansive lectures, readings, and themes yielded a plethora of possibilities for inclusion in my U.S. Government, economics, and World History courses. The series of course topics connected the dots of my existing lodes of knowledge on East Asia, especially from early history to the early 19th century. In other words, I am grateful to have had this learning opportunity which provided so much knowledge which I realized were my weak points in geographical, historical, and East Asian nations and peoples. Many issues across the spectrum were addressed and examined. A number of queries were raised which I will pursue wholeheartedly. For example, I will look into the exensive Golden Age of China and how a powerful civilization fell into disfavor as the onslaught of European economic and political colonialism proved very disruptive with the two Opium Wars, Boxer Rebellion, and recurring Japanese invasions. I am most intrigued by the Zheng He voyages and how these precursed the European voyagers who were seeking fame, fortune, and favor from their respective monarchs. 

My economics students will be called upon to compare and contrast the role of wealth building, mercantilism, and trade relative to classical works by Adam Smith, David Ricardo, etc. The clash of political economic interests and national trade, tariffs, and competing international powers will be examined from the earliest to contemporary developments. 

I will find a way to include the study of Confucianism as one of the masters of early philosophical, social and political philosophy and thought. His words, as documented by his students and researchers, certainly exist as corresponding to the Age of Enlightenment thinkers who are credited with concepts such as Natural Law and  Rights. Ven diagrams of overlapping and complementary thoughts and quotes would make for an interesting diagram of other great thinkers like Socrates, Plato, Rousseau, de Tocqueville, Montesquieu, etc. 

I was most intrigued by Marco Polo's travels and controversy over his authenticity. Either way, the Mongol period in China serves as a construct for why nations seek to expand through conquer and colonial aggression. Mongolian invasions of Japan will be compared and contrasted with the Spanish Armada's attempt to invade England. These exercises will examine challenges to a nation's sovereignty and how nationalism emerged or was strengthened. 

These examples are the most evident ones on my future agenda starting in the summer with extensive research and preparation for the upcoming school year. No doubt, my economics class will focus on current conditions relative to U.S. and Asian economic cooperation and conflict. As well, the inter connectedness of global powerhouses will be examined and subject to critical analysis and discussion. 

Thank you Mr. Dube, Catherine, and fellow cohorts in creating a most fascinating learning experience. I am enthused with many more challenges to enhancing my knowledge base and teacher's arsenal. 

[Ricardo Reyes]

Examining and questioning the origination and meaning of the name Japan is very bewildering. Japan is seen as a land or island(s) with one of the longest histories, legacies, and traditions, yet there is no certain source as to how the name Japan came to represent the nation and what it means. The article pointed out that even with the longstanding imperial family's ruling, controversy arose with the funeral rituals and procedures upon the death of the Showa Emperor Hirohito on January 7, 1989 and his burial more than six weeks later on February 24. This succession procession involved much discussion after which it was decided that the construction of a Shinto-style toru (tomb) and a huge tumulus (mound). This was decided upon as the correct "traditional" method to be employed. Hirohito was the longest ruling monarch of Japan. Moving forward to the present, the succession of Hirohito's son, Akihito, upon his abdication created a real sensation. Akihito's son, Naruhito, was ushered in as the new emperor of the Reiwa era. A traditional ceremony established the new Emperor and a controversial aspect was continued with the intentional absence of royal female members, Naruhito's wife and daughter. It had been over 200 years since a Japanese Emperor last abdicated and no recollection of an earlier case is known. So, it is indeed puzzling, that with a nation with such a longstanding royal family, there are still questions over rule change and the unquestionable exclusion of women in the ceremony and to assume an empress rule which is prohibited by royal household law. As well, the appearance and meaning of the word Japan is a matter of quiet dispute and mystery. The reading by Yoshihiko bears this out amply.      

[Ricardo Reyes]

Brenda-Jean, your submission on the Japanese aristocracy between the 9th and 12th centuries prompted me to go over the Japan before Perry articles. Your summary piqued my curiosity and hopes to further understand the extensive time span and many dynastys covered in the articles. I have come across the term referring to China's Golden Age a number of times and pursued the question of how to comprehend what this term constitutes. The Tang (618-906) and Song (920-1279) dynasties are considered a specific time where peace, happiness, and prosperity flourished within China. There were significant developments in culture, art, literature, particularly poetry and technology, as you pointed out. Thus the years of 600 to 1600 C.E. were a period of stunning development and the Song dynasty is widely considered to be the high point of classical Chinese civilization. The roles of samurai, bushi, and buddhism are instrumental into the political economic development and fluidity. Thus, China became the largest empire with the largest population and biggest city which caused Europe to enter into commercial and economic trade and relations. China did cringe and imposed barriers to foreign contact and intervention. I am interested in these developments and especially how Japan invaded China repeatedly. I am curious as to how these violent contacts and incursions unfolded with certain patterns and premises. 

 

 

[Ricardo Reyes]

I have wondered whether a series has been considered or produced regarding China's Boxer Rebellion or Opium Wars. A search of Netflix and Amazon Prime yielded nothing. There are individual movies, mostly Chinese produced, over the years with a clear choice, The Opium War  (1997). My own recollection of a related movie is The Sand Pebbles. This 1966 release starred a stellar cast led by Steve McQueen, however it is dated in China in 1926 well after the Opium Wars and the Boxer Rebellion. Nonetheless, this superb movie conveys the strong and complex relationships between foreign powers (U.S.) and the Chinese nationalism. The subservient views of Chinese laborers and bar maids interacting with sailors is well laid out with McQueen a rebellious mechanic who defies his superiors once too often only to die trying to save his love interest, Candice Bergen portraying a Christian missionary's daughter. The Christians are targeted and yet they are reluctant to escape. An even more factual accounting is in the book published last year, Imperial Twilight, by Stephen R. Platt. His work was well received and covers the end of China's last golden age before the onset of the first Opium War 1839-1842. I was reminded that I purchased it and now it moves up my list of books to read this summer. 

[Ricardo Reyes]

Your summary of Yuanzhang's proclamations also struck me as being very sensible and speak equally today. Many comparisons can be made and our students should be challenged to look throughout current events and historical situations which illustrate similar trends or tendencies. No doubt the controversial Mueller Report's findings, even with redactions, can be insightful in the debate over corruption and political influence. The numbers of indicted and convicted individuals speaks volumes in this regard. 

[Ricardo Reyes]

This reassment by Geoff Wade (2005) is highly significant and as noted, merit greater attention which as Wade states would inevitably mean a more diverse range of views of the Zheng He voyages in the early fifteenth century considered as an "ambassador of friendship." Wade's reassessment considers the eight "voyages to the Western Ocean" as more than mere friendship ventures but rather should lead to a discussion of the characteristics of colonialism and imperialism which suggests that the voyages constituted a maritime proto-colonialism. Zheng is considered a great maritime voyager of the Ming dynasty, who led voyages to more than 30 distant lands in Asia and Africa, hence making outstanding contributions to global navigation and the relations between China and other countries. These voyages were much more than exploratory as a fleet of hundreds of massive wooden ships were amassed as an armada of tens of thousands of crack troops. The purpose of the voyages were a combination of Gunboat diplomacy, trade, and exploration. The control of ports and shipping lanes were part of the political  and economic control across space. Zheng's maritime missions were seen as the precursor to the Portugese voyages of their sixteenth-century empire building. Certainly, the question has been proffered as to whether the early Chinese maritime voyagers had sailed eastward and possibly to the New World. Undoubtedly, there are research studies which have conjectured as to this possibility.   

[Ricardo Reyes]

Seemingly mundane at first glimpse, however very enlightening for reforming government based on principles and policies regarding the use of the correct type of tools as necessary for an ideal society. This being the 14th century and Wang Zhen's "Book of Agriculture" was part and parcel of the northern Song reforms in the Yuan Dynasty. In Zhen's Book of Agriculture was considered an important scientific achievement consolidating and expanding research on contemporaneous agricultural technology. The inclusion of an extensive number of woodblock prints were integral to the text. Beyond the pictorial narrative encyclopedia, has been considered by academics, prior and present, to be truly a reform movement and a treatise with extensive references to non-technological matters. Moreover, a modern study depicts it as "a milestone in the history of the world treatises on agriculture..." The book has been elevated to be considered a significant role in providing for the economic welfare of both the people and the court. In today's tecnological vernacular, this book would be considered an innovation which promoted agricultural uniformity leading to a ubiquitous dispersal in due time. What parallel's could be drawn today in our digital society and rapidly evolving progress of inventions leading to innovations which must require some uniform procedures and product compatibility?  

[Ricardo Reyes]

The overlooked second case of Lan Dingyuan merits a reading for understanding. Dingyuan (1680-1733) made observations on the people of Chaoyang county (Guangdong) who were deceived and formed a depraved regious sect. Their great Buddhist master, Da Dian, deceived the gentry and their ladies who joined together to go to the temples to worship the Buddha. From this gathering the heretical and depraved teachings developed of the so-called Latter Heaven popular sect. Dingyan's observations of the "Miraculous Divine Lady" and her activities as leader of the sect and her paramour assistant included casting spells and using magic charms to cure illness and help widows visit their deceased  husbands at night. Hundreds of men and women worshipped them as their masters. Naturally, gifts of money, animals, wine and flowers wre offered in worship which helped construct a large building. Dingyan typecast them as charlatans who had no special powers whatsoever. He ascribed the people as being foolish who trembled on justs  hearing the names of gods and spirts and impressed that the Divine Lady had no fear of gods and goddesses. It was inevitable that their ruse ended and the sect's building was converted into a literary academy dedicated instead to the worship of the five greatneo-Confucian teachers. Thus, the filthy was swept away and the clean restored. In conclusion, as formal study developed, heretical beliefs ceased to exist. The morality and customs of the people also changed for the better. The sect's followers were forgiven otherwise they might have been put in jail or committed suicide by night. 

How might this historical accounting compare with religious sects in the modern era? There have been well known religious sects who ordained mass suicide. How do we distinguish a cult or sect? These would be interesting academic challenges for high school children who are studying the separation of church and state and how proofound religious freedom in the U.S. allows similar cult sects as that of the Latter Heaven sect. 

[Ricardo Reyes]

The seven blank contracts taken from a late Ming reference book were given a cursory scan during my first reading. Within time, they beckoned for closer examination and the details were very revealing and in the case of selling or mortgaging a house, very standard. The two revealing sample contracts were for The Purchase of a Concubine and The Selling of a Son for Adoption. The stark differences in the treatment between the purchase or sale of a daughter or son is readily apparent. The daughter is agreed to be given either in marriage or as a concubine. In either case, the payment of a betrothal amount is required. Daughters are transferred principally for mating or sexual purposes in either regard. The sons who are sold after the parents acknowledge their inability to care for their own son. The roles of the son are as a marriage prospect and to be obedient as a servant. It is stated that the contract is signed out of the free will of both parties. Apparently, the son's approval is out of the question and is required to be obedient. The son, upon his death, will not be buried in the graveyard of his original family. Very limited liability is assumed by the buyer. These harsh conditions reveal how extreme were the unwanted sons condition upon being sold. No mention is made of when the son's age removes him from the contract. In the case of the daughter, it can be assumed that a concubine's duty is for life. The question is raised whether a concubine could ever be liberated from the contract. Escaping is not a solution.  

[Ricardo Reyes]

I had to see this Netflix listing as it was recommended by what to see tonight. Then, came along your review Gerlinde and I was sold. So, I saw it without interruption and couldn't believe how well done the pacing and sequential storyline completely captivated me. This story based on fact, more or less, revealed how much we need to find out about in how the international community faces difficulty and risk and not just the U.S. I have gained profound respect for how the actual circumstances played out even though the Middle Eastern revels are portrayed as mostly evil terrorists when the situation is far more complex and multi-sided. 

[Ricardo Reyes]

I am surprised that the discussion did not consider the current push to construct a much more impenetrable wall along the U.S. and Mexico border. The Ming dynasty's giant wall stretched 5,000 miles to keep invaders from the Steppes out of China. The article raised a fundamental question of how effective was it against the enemy. The immediate response is how effective it was in preventing the Mongolian invaders. Apparently, not very effective as the Mongolian emperor Genghis Khan prevailed and his grandson, Kublain Khan, conquered all of China and beyond. Then again, there were probably many smaller-scale military threats which could not muster the critical mass necessary to conduct their raids and such. The article points out that contact between northern nomads and the people of China was based on as much on trade as war. The Mongols were unable to grow crops, making agricultural trade with the Chinese essential. Whereas, the Chinese coveted the nomads' small horses for war. Nonetheless, the trade imbalance was due to the Chinese able to manage without horses, but the Mongols could not forgo food or clothing. It took over a thousand years, until the 13th century A.D. before the Mongols were unified and a massive invasion could be mounted and sustained. Within time, the Chinese rulers changed their policies and established trading posts along the border. The number of Mongol attacks fell, and China could wind down its expensive military campaigns. During the 16th and 17th centuries, the Ming dynasty built the Great Wall as a massive barrier made from a stone base covered with brick unlike the earlier earthworks. For students of economics, it would be informative to study NAFTA and its pending replacement. Additionally, the discussion of wall versus trade and immigration initiatives with Mexico and Central America should be studied as a living lab. 

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