[Virgina Jackson]

When the opportunity was presented to be part of the Institute, I was a little intimidated.  Although I love the academia world, I had never really solely studied China.  Yes, I knew some information about China, but I didn't really realize how much more I needed to learn until I was part of this seminar.  I am glad that I was able to participate this semester.

From the Orientation until this evening, I am very thankful that I was accepted into the seminar and that Dr. Dube was such a knowledgeable and passionate person.  His intellect and energy were a part of my motivation to learn more.  Each week was very insightful, and I was always left asking more questions than I previously had.  The structure of the seminar was wonderful, and every single week led to the next week.  Everything was extremely organized, and no stone was left unturned.  

As I move forward after the seminar, I am excited to be able to pass on such great knowledge to my students on both the high school and college levels.  No, I am not deeming myself as an expert, but I feel much more knowledgeable in being able to bring forth our discussed topics to my students.   My students and I will continue to learn and explore together.   I will also continue my own research, for I am able to incorporate so much of what I have gained in my Arts, etc. endeavors.

Thank you, Dr. Dube and Mrs. Gao, for such a wonderful program.  It was an honor and a pleasure to work with you, and I am looking forward to staying connected with both of you!  Continued blessings and again, thank you!

[Virgina Jackson]

To a certain degree, there are parallels with the "cheap labor" aspect of the Hukou System and the migrant workers here in the U.S.   It amazes me how governments do not treat its foundational labor force with the respect that it deserve.  We are truly experiencing such a turnaround with essential workers in the here and now!

[Virgina Jackson]

I, too, am intrigued by the relationship between China and Africa.   Both China and the overall African continent are strong economic forces, and it is very interesting to see how China has developed such a relationship.  Further research will take place for me as well.  We have to really start teaching our students from a global perspective!

 

[Virgina Jackson]

You brought up some very good points.  It would be interesting to read research about American students, on all college levels, who go abroad and study.   I have colleagues who have taught in China, but it would be really interesting to read about the impact of American exchange students who study in China, their experiences, and how they have/are implementing their learned knowledge in the U.S. (if they returned).  What is the common area of study of such students, how are they welcomed in the environment(s), etc.  

[Virgina Jackson]

I agree - I, too, was taken aback by the numerous pollution ills in China.  What we consider problems here in the U.S. do not compare to China when it comes to pollution.  The water pollution in China is very revealing.  The effects of it on the diverse usage of land is very concerning as well.  What illnesses have developed because of the pollution problems?  What is the government's longterm plan(s) to rectify these problems?  

[Virgina Jackson]

This graph is bothersome, to say the least.  However, as Educators, we have to tell our students all aspects of history.  Yes, your question is rhetoric, but we know that history (the documentation of it) is sometimes watered down so such truths are not revealed.  Once we take on the responsibilty of performing our own research through such documentation, etc., we can collectively begin to devise better worldly solutions.  A large task, yes, but it can be done!  

[Virgina Jackson]

I agree with your analysis!  There is no denying that China has been very strategic in positioning itself as a worldly powerhouse.  Our study of China has been a true eye opener, and we definitely have to be more strategic and longterm thinking across the board.  The Year 2020 is in a concerning state at the moment, but it will be interesting to see how the country economically overcomes its current state.  

[Virgina Jackson]

Thank you for sharing your insight and additional information.  As a Christian, it was very interesting in our study to see the role of Christianity in China.  Further research, from my perspective, will take place on this topic.  The structure of religion in China is also interesting.  Is it really free choice, and what happens if you go against the structure?

[Virgina Jackson]

I truly appreciate your insight as well as how you are incorporating the Urban vs. Rural divide in your AP class.  This, alone, is a major concern around the world, and the equity in distributed resources is the evidence.  China definitely has a very interesting journey in its worldy economic development.  

[Virgina Jackson]

Hello Aleida!

I agree with you on both points.  The Hokou System is very discriminatory, and unfortunately, the citizens have not been able to collectively stand up to such a system.   China is a major power base.  But as such, like you said, great responsibility is needed and adequately allowing resources, etc. to be shared would be idea.

[Virgina Jackson]

Originally posted on 2/25/20 in the "Museum Resources" section

The San Diego Chinese Historical Museum, established in 1996, is one of America’s foremost institutions dedicated to sharing the Chinese American experience, and to promoting Chinese art and culture. Centrally located in Downtown San Diego, the museum is a cultural force in San Diego and very true to its purpose and mission.  The mission of the museum is the following:

SDCHM's mission is to educate and inspire by preserving and celebrating the richness of Chinese history, art, culture, and the contributions of Chinese Americans.

SDCHM is extremely culturally rich, and its authenticity is reflective from its Executive Director to its Board, Staff and Volunteers.  The museum is very welcoming, and it makes you feel comfortable with all of its rich history and culture.  The exhibits, programming and ongoing educational opportunities are accessible to all in the San Diego region and beyond.  From its permanent exhibit about San Diego's historical Chinatown to its current exhibit about the history of San Diego's Chinese Laundries, the museum assures that it will keep the presence of China and its contributions in the forefront of the city.

SDCHM is a cultural breath of fresh air.  From presentations at the Arts Commissioners' meetings to the intertwining of historical and modern-day Chinese culture, the museum's impact is felt as soon as you walk through the doors.  So much so that on this particular visit, a high school senior was volunteering who, of Chinese descent, serves in such a role to learn more about his history.

San Diego is fortunate to have The San Diego Chinese Historical Museum - all stories need to be authentically shared.    

[Virgina Jackson]

China is a true powerhouse, and this session enlightened me even more about the country's relationship with the U.S.  Economics is a major foundation in any society, and both the U.S. and China are constantly working at consistently being the world's number one power base.  Being where we are in the world at this stage, it will be interesting to see how the relationship between the two countries will continue as well as each country's perceptions (citizens) of one another.  I am also very interested in learning more about China's role in Africa.

[Virgina Jackson]

The presentations in this session were very intriguing.  There is always more to learn!

It appears that China is very passionate about the well-being of its elderly population.  "Protecting the Rights of the Elderly" is a great law, and it is imperative that other countries follow suit if such a law doesn't exist.  However, there appears to be inequity in the country's retirement system.  No matter the industry, all retirees should have the same opportunities for longterm retirement/plans. 

The parallels of Millennials in China and the U.S. are interesting.  What do Chinese millennials, in general, think about their elderly population?  Do they, in this era, treasure their wisdom and prior paths?

Marvin Gaye's classic "What's Going On" album (1971) poetically brought forth the ills of society during that era.  Are any artists in China brining forth such Environmental ills today?  I was amazed by China's extensive pollution problems!

[Virgina Jackson]

The rise of Popular Culture in China is fascinating.  The voices of some through that specific medium is very enlightening.

Prior to that recent phenomenon, what were the key arts outlets for China?   How did the government look upon the artistic aspect(s) of its country and citizens?  Also, how influential was Western pop culture allowed to be in China during the 1980's and 1990's?

The government's involvement in the religious structure is also interesting.   How do the various "religions" get along in China?  Do American Christians go to China for any type of mission work?

 

 

[Virgina Jackson]

The economic development of China over the decades has been nothing less than amazing.  Development definitely is a contributing factor to the growth of any city/country.  The Five Year Plan(s) and the Belt and Road Iniative are very uniformed.  

Based upon my personal and professional background(s), I was wondering how China's population has embraced the overall development within the country over the years.  In the United States, gentrification (as an example) has been a major ongoing discussion as it relates to the development and economic growth of certain areas.  How have China's citizens embraced such growth?  Is the voice of the citizens heard in any decision making?  Development has been a key focus of the Communist party's priorities, but has the inequality aspect of development changed since the late 1970's?   What are the demographics of foreign investors/developers in China?

The compare/contrast of development in China and the United States is very interesting.  Has the global economic aspect of China overriden the historical preservation of its land and territory?  

 

 

 

 

 

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