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Stella CastroAileen, I also think that having the students make their own postcards would be a great idea it incorporate what they are leaning and in trying to convey a meaning of some sort to the related content. It would also be a form of artistic expression of sorts, not to mention creativity. You write that postcards are small and so therefore it would not take your students a lot of time in trying to perfect their art. I know time is precious for students as well as teachers and content is of the utmost importance. You are lucky to have students that are able to do for themselves; I am a special education teacher, teaching the severely disabled and I welcome the opportunity to allow them to make a postcard or a piece of art, on their own, if only they would be able to do so. However post cards are a good and fun way to help the students learn. After you have the students make postcards, you should have a gallery walk to display their work.
Stella Castrojennifer i too was shocked to see how these chidren behaved towards their parents and to the adults in general.they did not listen to them, which sometimes is typical of children. however, because of their ethnicity, it was kind of a shock, beacause as I recall most children in Asian, families have the utmost respect for their parents, and adults. In an Asian family the children,(usually the sons but I can be incorrect on this about the sons), practice Filial Piety, towards their parents, but again this is probably when the children get older. So to see the children acting this way seeemed kind of strange, especailly when the mother did nothing about the older child being disrespectful, she only brushed it side , with a wave of her hand. I would have sent the child to his room, as a form of punishment for being disrespectful.
Stella CastroMidori, in regards to the movie “Tokyo Story” I agree with you on the fact that to leave one parents not cared for in their older years is unfathomable. The behavior of the children in this movie was just sheer disrespectful, childish, and tantrum like. But the adults in the movie didn’t see it as this. The grandmother, said, “Oh, children”, or something like that, (I really don’t recall the exact verbiage”, but meaning that children are children, and they will always be like that. The mother did tell the older child about his behavior but did not actually do anything about the behavior. But like you mentioned, not taking care of their/ the parents in their older years is not acceptable, but that fact can be transferred to all ethnicities and not just pertaining to the Asian culture. Overall, I found this movie to be good and interesting.
Stella CastroTokyo Story- This movie was real entertaining for me as I saw an in depth look at an Asian family and their trial and tribulations. I did see the camera angle as Mr. Kerim Yasar had mentioned, that one can see it so that the viewer can see the whole angle, but this meaning that the cinematographer would have to be squatting or on their knees, the whole time while filming. Quite tiring I presume. However, the movie was excellent, and I really enjoyed and laughed at how the father, would agree to things by saying, “Huh’” or,”yeah” in a cute way and funny way. The movie was over two hours long, but it was entertaining that it did not seem as long as that. Professor Yasar, also mentioned about the trains in the background, and yes, I did notice them going by. The movie is about parents visiting their grown children in the city. The mother feels ill, goes back home, to the country. The mother gets sicker, dies. The children must now come to her funeral in the countryside .But before the mother passes away she tell her children that when and if she or her husband pass away that they, (The children), do not have to come to their funeral as it is too far for them, it would be a costly expense for them, and an inconvenience. Imagine one not attending their parent’s funerals. However, in the movie an ex daughter-in-law is so much nicer to them, than their own children, which does seem strange, as in Asian families the sons/daughters are supposed to have that Filial Piety towards their parents and engraved in their blood. So having the ex- daughter in –law, doing more for her ex-in-laws is not of the norm in Asian families. This seems as an odd fact, however, maybe the time frame makes a difference it is a movie that is done very well, kudos to Mr. Ozu, and I think I will look up more movies by this director. I like that the movie hints at the fact that Asian families and their culture/s are not as picture perfect as many people often think so, and as I continue to do so. To date this is my third Asian film, and I must say I am thoroughly enjoying watching them. From now on, I think that I will start watching films that are made by the directors of the many different cultures. I will get out of the box.
Stella CastroWhat I interpret from this poster is that the children are running for a cause, (what it is, is unknown, (to me), but they show determination in achieving their goal, by their facial expressions. While they are children, I can see and speculate that once grown, one is going to become a worker, one is going to be a soldier, and one is going to be a peasant, but I’m not too sure which one. However, all I not most of are wearing the arm bands and/or scarf’s, indicating, to one, that they are in training or abiding to be trained by the/their military and/or country/nation. Also, the color red is prevalent indicating Communism.
Stella CastroThis poster is a reminder to Asians to utilize birth control, as with the times changing more and younger Asians believe and are exercising the fact that premarital sex is okay. So this poster was used to remind them to use birth control. I assume the bottle the woman is holding in her hand represents the “Birth control pills”, I do not know what the package represents, but as I am writing this, it occurs to me that , the package must be a condom, (although quite big), or maybe it is not a condom package, but an IUD contraception package, as I read that it was once, (20 years ago), if one visited rural villages , one could see phrases such as, “If you have one IUD please, if you have two sterilization please”. * That is such a profound statement, but with so much truth stated in it, as The Chinese/Asian, countries are extremely populated, and at times the food is scarce for such an abundance of people. So to read this type of sayings in villages would make a lot of sense, so that is what this poster means. in the background one can see that it is depicting either a single person, (,male/female), being happy working or engaging in a favorite pastime with oneself, or being happy as a family with only one child, as there, “one child policy states”, and are abiding to and by it. But it is also informing the people that one can have and be a happy family with just one child.
*slogan taken from article read on the USC China Institute webpage
Stella CastroI’m sorry and ashamed to admit that I do not know much about the Asian culture much less propaganda posters, so to me I see an Idyllic family looking towards something admirable as their facial expressions look happy and in awe. It seems as if the family has its one child policy in effect, (the girl), as I cannot count the soldier being their son, as he looks older than the dad, or maybe the dad is actually the son, (I’m thinking), but hard to say. Anyhow in the background I can see worker maybe, Hard to tell and I o see the red star, (communist ideology), and the color of red throughout the poster, symbolizing luck, and good fortune. However, upon researching the meaning of the poster, I came to find out this poster, represents a firm support in the dealings of an illegal; organization, called Falun Gong, which is a Buddhist mediation doctrine that is banned, but belive in achieving spiritual enlightenment, maybe that is why the people in the poster all look so happy, and enlightened already.
Stella CastroIt was quite interesting to learn what the color representations mean in Asia, although sometimes some the colors can mean a different thing in a different society or towns/villages. For example Professor Dube, said that the color white represents cold, which makes sense, (e.g., snow), the color red meaning festive ,however sometimes the age of a person helps determine what color they can or cannot wear, for instance the color red. I never thought that colors could have much meaning to a person’s age; it is funny that if one wears a color that they are not supposed to, it is bad. To me wearing whatever color one wants should be acceptable. as it is here I the States. But it does remind me of the gang members here wearing red, “The Crips”, and “The Bloods” wear blue, and they are not supposed to wear the wrong color. I don’t know what happens if they wear the wrong color, but I assume they get in trouble. This then misrepresents my aforementioned statement about one wearing whatever color they want. But that is just for gang members. Anyhow, it was interesting to find out that in China white is the color of mourning, whereas here ut is black. So if one was to attend a funeral in China and not know the meaning of the color white for mourning and would wear black as we do here, then I think the Chinese would take insult upon that person, and probably not be very kind to that person, then or in the future may even hold a grudge towards that person. Mr. Dube also mentioned the fact that black arm bands are worn to remember lost ones, but I wonder when they would wear them, like if there is a certain day for mourning,(e.g., Day of the dead), or can someone just wear them, anytime they please. In my opinion, this part of the lecture was too short, as I would have loved to learn more about the certain colors, their meanings and representation of. Also seasons play an important role in artist’s paintings, drawings, and/or postcards. With orchids representing the season of spring, the lotus representing summer, for fall its chrysanthemums, and for winter it is the ever popular plum/cherry blossoms
Stella Castro: It was quite interesting to learn what the color representations mean in Asia, although sometimes some the colors can mean a different thing in a different society or towns/villages. For example Professor Dube, said that the color white represents cold, which makes sense, (e.g., snow), the color red meaning festive ,however sometimes the age of a person helps determine what color they can or cannot wear, for instance the color red. I never thought that colors could have much meaning to a person’s age; it is funny that if one wears a color that they are not supposed to, it is bad. To me wearing whatever color one wants should be acceptable. as it is here I the States. But it does remind me of the gang members here wearing red, “The Crips”, and “The Bloods” wear blue, and they are not supposed to wear the wrong color. I don’t know what happens if they wear the wrong color, but I assume they get in trouble. This then misrepresents my aforementioned statement about one wearing whatever color they want. But that is just for gang members. Anyhow, it was interesting to find out that in China white is the color of mourning, whereas here ut is black. So if one was to attend a funeral in China and not know the meaning of the color white for mourning and would wear black as we do here, then I think the Chinese would take insult upon that person, and probably not be very kind to that person, then or in the future may even hold a grudge towards that person. Mr. Dube also mentioned the fact that black arm bands are worn to remember lost ones, but I wonder when they would wear them, like if there is a certain day for mourning,(e.g., Day of the dead), or can someone just wear them, anytime they please. In my opinion, this part of the lecture was too short, as I would have loved to learn more about the certain colors, their meanings and representation of.
Stella CastroJacqueline, I have to agree with you on your post, In every sentence that you wrote you hit it right on the button with your observation/s of what is going on and happening in regards to the remembrance or Mao. Then with the president continuing to worship Mao Zedong, even though he is no longer a leader,(oralive0, the continuity of the Mao tradition will endure. As you mentioned Mao Zedong memory remains deeply rooted in the minds of the Chinese peoples. It is hard o imagined just how, just one man, one person, (Mao), was able to influence the people so much and how much control this man had over his nation/party. I find it bewilderingly that the Chinese currency would have the picture of Mao Zedong, on its paper bills. But then again, why not, we have our presidents on our currency; it’s just amazing what a stranglehold this person has/had on the/one nation. But it is up to the people of China to make changes, if they really want to abolish the remembrance of Mao’s’ leadership, or continue to commemorate his actuality.
Stella CastroI apologize, but I am posting this reading, (again), as I did not see it in the posts for Monday's a.m. session, but I did see it on my face page, so I am not too sure if it is posted in the right location. But just to be sure, that I meeet my required number of posts here it is,(again), sorry people.
I was impressed with Ms. Suk Young Kim, “Twinkle” article on K-POP; boy did she hit the nail right on its button. In her article, Ms. Kim mentioned all the resemblances of the world of K-Pop now to Broadway and/or Hollywood, with the extravagant frills and clothes, make-up, pageantry, coquettish moves and facial expressions, etc. The only difference being that the stars are now in their early teens, whereas in the old Broadway plays and/or movies, the stars were in their 20’s -30’s, (that being the younger stars). Now in the K-pop music videos, they are still in their ripe teens, (and as mentioned in the/or lecture), the stars are phased out in their late teens’ or early 20’s, even if the/their band/group, is successful and doing well. However, the similarities are many. Like how in the music video, “Twinkle”, the stars arrive and the paparazzi is eagerly awaiting them, and takes many photographs of these so called, ”Stars”, using the flash photography emphasizing the greatness of them. Also shown are the body and dance moves that are shown from atop a swirling staircase, (depicting other famous movies and/or plays, for example, “Dreamgirls”, or the,”Ziegfeld Follies”. While it is an interesting read, and as aforementioned, it emphasizes on the similarities, and the comparing and contrasting of the then and now in regards to entertainment. What I found the most interesting was the line from the article, stating, “Hence copying that scenes turns the music video into a copy of a copy”, when it compares “twinkle” to a, “Motown stage performance”. I love that line.*
*Line taken from Ms. Suk Young Kim’s article page 141, 3nd paragraph*
Stella CastroA Mr. Michael Berry was our guest speaker for the second part of today’s seminar. Interestingly enough, Mr. Berry is Mrs. Kim, (aforementioned), husband. I thought this to be really cool, as how often does one get to enjoy lectures from a husband/wife team. Mr. Berry spoke on the topic of Chinese Cinema. Mr. Berry also showed us a couple of movie clips, and/or movie trailers which were good to see. Mr. Berry went on to talk about famous writers/authors, and artists and the forms of art that they create. I found this topic and lecture quite interesting as some of the art forms Mr. Berry spoke about I had never heard of or imagined it could and would be done, much less here in the United States. For instance Mr. Berry spoke of “Performance art, where one artist and a either friend or colleague of Mr. Berry exercises, but that lasts the whole year, 365 days a year, (I forget if this type of Art form had a different name other than performance art.
Mr. Berry also spoke of comic books, and how comic nooks brought people together because in some of the small towns/ villages in Asia they all have or speak a different dialect. So if it there to be a traveling play, then many people would not understand it. But Art told in the comic book fashion, people would and may be able to understand and comprehend the concept/s of the drawings. Facial expressions of the characters could be read just by looking at the pictures on the books.
Mr. Berry also mentioned to us that the next time we go see a movie to see who is making and producing these films, and that nowadays there are many Asian companies that are doing this. Mr. Berry also explained about Invisible Hollywood and vice versa, invisible Asia, and hoe the similarities exists, as in the premise of the movie, the backdrops, the costumes, the titles, and so on.
What I can teach my students from this session is that ART is a good form of creative expression/s, and that one should not feel bad if they are criticized for a piece of artwork that they have created. That it is important to learn to accept constructive criticism, and learn from that experience. instead of dwelling on some ill words in regards to their artwork. That there are many different types of art and that it comes in many different forms, whether it is drawings. paintings, sculpting, building or playing, (music), it is all good and there are many ways shapes and forms to accept and acknowledge, the many types of Art that exists. I can also teach them how to make a comic book and the folding of the piece of paper into 8 pages will also help them in developing and enhancing their fine motor skills.
Stella CastroToday’s session was quite informative about the arts in Asia, in the first part of the day we had the pleasure of having Mrs. Suk Young Kim as our guest speaker, she was awesome Mrs. Kim spoke of two main topics; North Korea Life through Cinema, and K-Pop.
Mrs. Kim spoke about how and why film is important in North Korea; this includes the novelty of the medium as being an effective tool. The easy distribution of, and that it is a highly controlled art form, with all that is involved in the making of a film, like the editing, the shooting , the planning and the final outcome, that being the film. Mrs. Kim spoke about how watching films in North Korea were not meant to be a form of entertainment, but rather as a ritual. That film has many roles such as for education, propaganda, and political roles. We were shown a couple short clips of films, some of which were funny, sad, as well as entertaining. Mrs. Kim also spoke about ho in the past there were no credits rolling up on the screen after a movie/film was shown, but that a Mr. Kim Jung -il a movie producer, (I believe), said that everyone working on a film should get/receive their credit for working on a film to which I agree. Mrs. Kim had many interesting things to say.
Mrs. Kim then went on to talk about the popularity of K-Pop, to which I was not aware of until some of my students mentioned it earlier this school year. Mrs. Kim said that it is unknown how long it will last but that more than likely it will not fade so soon. Mrs. Kim explained why there are so many people in a K-Pop group and that is that everyone has a certain job that they must fulfill. She also went on to explain that the companies that employ these K-pop bands are not fair to the workers and they do not treat them very well in regards to amenities pertaining to their contracts, such as having to pay for their own uniforms, make-up and other things associated with costumes and or their contracts. I learned that the K in K-pop stands for kaleidoscopic instead of Korea, which that was what I originally had thought. It was interesting to learn that if one is in a K-pop band/ group that their careers will be over as soon as they age into the 20-25 age range. It is interesting to learn this as most bands /groups do not do the age thing. The older they get the more experienced they are.
What I can teach my students from what I learned in this section of today’s lecture is how to make a mini-movie, with the instructions of thinking of a plot , the writing of a story, the plot, the acting, the editing, etc, In other words I can teach them the writing process. I can also teach them about feelings and emotions, as this is what actors do. I can teach them about the right and wrongs and the rules we have to adhere to in our society to live, learn and be safe in our community.
Stella CastroJuana,I really enjoyed this field trip of visiting the Korean Culture Center. It had many wonderful exhibits on the Korean culture, especially as you mentioned, on the first floor. Here there were costumes displayed on the glass cases of traditional dress, where I know the/my students would be in awe to see. The first floor also had a board where one can change the pictures to display places of interest In Korea ,e.g., a marketplace, different cities and the surrounding hotels and restaurants, Then there was also a replica of a traditional home, where one could see, imagine, or fantasize what it would be like in the inside of a Korean dwelling. Of course, there was a timeline of factual events, and then there was a display of weapons, (if I recall correctly), e.g., swords, or something to that effect. Sadly to say the exhibits on the second floor were gone, as they were on emu first trip, which were mainly paintings of artist that were really nice to see. But in the building next door, there were artifacts of the Korean culture that many would enjoy like, the K-pop recording studio, the 3-D ride going down a mountain on skis, (which unfortunately was not working at the time, or of walking through a/the market place. There were replicas of toys/figurines that he students would enjoy looking at, and then there was a carton figure of PSY. (A Korean singer of the song “, Gangnam Style”, a song which my students adore. Overall, his is a good place to take students on a field trip.
Stella CastroCourtney,I also thought that the symbolic meaning to the Korean Alphabet/Letters had a deep and beautiful representation of life in regards to heaven, earth, and human nature. I too would like to incorporate teaching my students the letters if the Korean culture, not only for the meaning, but also because I think the letters look awesome. I think that my students would like to learn how to write their names in Korean, but I would have to get someone to help me, someone that knows Korean! Maybe just for them to learn the vowels should suffice. I still think that they would be jazzed to write the vowels and then put them next to the American letters as a compare/contrast of the vowels. On a couple of occasions, I have seen people with tattoos on their person, with Korean writing/s, and I thought it looked real nice, that I have at times thought of getting myself a tattoo with the Korean letters, but to date I still don’t know what message, I want to convey(if any). On another note I just want to say that I thought our docent to be very knowledgeable and through of all the Korean facts.
