Block+B+Journal+Lydia+Ahn

__**2/19**__ The parts that stood out for me was how big of an effect Confucianism had on Korea. I knew that it did change Korean systems like more emphasis on the upper-underclassmen, but I didn't know it changed Korea's entire future. I don't think it's exaggerated immensly; if it is, it's only a bit, because the author, Hildi Kang provides textual evidence and personal experiences that others had. I didn't even know that women power was that big of a difference; for example, they couldn't even step out of the house.
 * Please take a couple of minutes to respond to the reading. What stood out for you? What do you think of it, is it exaggerated?**

__**2/23**__ Piglet is Pooh's best friend that agrees with everything he says but sometimes hesitates. Piglet is like a follower and just agrees to what everyone else believes. Pooh is represented as the Taoist in the story, for he just is. He believes that everything in life doesn't have to be analyzed and looks at life in the simple way. By doing this, a positive outcome will come out and he will be happy, the main goal in life. Pooh represents the Uncarved Block, as everything he says is simplistic and is mirror minded.
 * If Rabbit is too smart for his own good, Owl is the Brain, and Piglet...Pooh...?**

The Tao says that the ruler should "rule by inaction" How do you make sense of this? Is it at all possible? This means that the Taoist ruler should rule but they shouldn't take any harsh actions, meaning being the typical tyrannical leader that rules over the society. They should offer security to the world, but the oppressive rulers must be aware that if they overdo it, they will cancel out the one thing that keeps them in power, oppression. They should have a balance between and the least intereference could upset the balance, leading to disorder. The leader should strive to avoid conflict in society by not making decisions and overanalyzing everything, causing problems. They shouldn't value rare goods that will keep people from theft and they shouldn't display what is desirable tto keep subjects from disturbed minds. I think this isn't possible, because if the ruler doesn't do anything, then people will disobey the ruler.
 * __2/26/08__**

What is the Youthful Immortal? The Bisy Backson contrasts the Taoism ideals because Taoists respects a figure known as the Youthful Immoral. The tradition for Taoism is filled with fiction interesting stories and accounts of those who discovered secrets of life (that are young). When the discoveries were made, a long life of youthful appearance, outlook, and energy. These youthful (young) immortals are known for their attitudes, appearance, and energy. They are results from Taoist practices. In China during that time period, many couldn't live more than forty years or even younger. However, many Taoists lived into their eighties and older because of these practices.

What makes us happy in life the goals or the process we go through to reach the goals? Why? ) Once the goal is reached, it doesn't mean as much; it is the process we go through that makes us happy. The reward isn't as rewarding once we receive the reward. The process and the spaces between receiving those awards give us more--they give us everything: the every minute of the time that we spent. For example, when we open Christmas presents, it's not so much receiving the present that is fun, but when we examine it, shaking our present and thinking about opening it, wondering what it may be. When the goal is reached, it's not as fun since we're trying to reach the next one anyway. It's the process that makes us happy and wise. The goal has to be beneficial and right for us, but moreover, it must have a beneficial process. The process and going through the fun of it: this is the secret that erases myths of great reward and saving time.

3/11 Explain right mindfulness and right concentration. Do you see how you could apply this to your daily life? Why or why not? Right mindfulness is awareness of what's around us. .We usually make our own impressions and thoughts immediately, while interpreting them with our experiences. This goes beyond the original impression. Right concentration is not being absorbed in absent-mindedness but should absorb in accepting how things the way they are. We should get RID of absent-mindness and being aware. You shouldn't realize everything that's going around you. Meditation is like an escape or cuts through absent-mindedness. I believe that we can apply this to our daily life because we can be mindful of what we're doing (i.e. our posture, what we say, and how we act). It's valuable because Buddhism is all about improving yourself and being mindful about everything you do--you're improving yourself. You'll diminsh pain for you and others because you're more aware of others. They believe that ignorance is bad and the mistakes stay with us--khama.

4/1 In describing Japanese development, a British Professor in 1873 declared that he felt 400 years old by the end of the century. Explain the historical context behind this quote. This is before the change in the constitution by the Meiji reformers. He stated this because before the revolution, Japan was under unfair treaties. It would take 400 years to develop. Japan had developed extremely rapidly. It grew at a rapid speed because of the Meiji reformers. They decided Japan needed to undergo rapid changes in order to be their independent country.

4/3 and 4/6 Block C Japan had to westernize or be destroyed. A and B respond to creating a new system on page 67. Block A and B **The Question is not unfrequently asked..., is not Japan going ahead too fast? In some respects we fear she is." What is the context of this quote, and do you agree with this quote?** This means that Japan is modernizing too quickly, because it was at a rapid pace. I don't agree with this quote, because since they modernized quickly, it made Japan into one of the world leading powers. If it hadn't quickly modernized and westernized, then Japan would be in a state of economical and political crisis, because before the Meiji Restoration, the feudal system wasn't working. Economic issues splurged throughout; thus, they needed to modernize and westernize quickly.

 **4/10, 4/13 What do you find most shocking about what you have read so far? How do make sense of such cruelty?** Although the book title is called The Rape of Nanking, the most shocking incident was how the men raped and molested the women. Not only did the rape the women numerous times, they either killed them or paid them not to tell anybody. This makes sense that they did this, because men wanted to torture women. They wanted to take the women's virginity away, showing how much the Japanese liked to manipulate women. They mistreat these women just because they are women and Chinese. They believed that raping a virgin would make them stronger, since it shows their power over the women. The soldiers were trained to kill people since they were young. They brainwashed the children to make them train for becoming soldiers later, such as dissecting a frog. It was also disturbing how the soldiers made the sons rape their mothers and their daughter rape their fathers. Other family members had to watch at that time.

 **4/28 Do you think it was safer to be a communist or anti-communist during the Korean War? B and C only**
I think both were not safe during that time period. Since the dividing line between North and South kept changing, either way, it was easy to be killed for either reason. When the North took over all of Korea except Pyongyang, it was safer to be a Communist, but vice versa, when South Korea took over most of Korea, it was safer to be an anti-Communist. Even people who didn't take a stance were shot just because the soldiers assumed they were either Communist or Anti-Communist. Both were dangerous (for example, the Han River and the Jeju Island).


 **4/30 Do countries have an obligation to compensate each other for injustices done in time of war?** Yes, I do believe countries have an obligation to compensate each other for injustices during the time of war. However, because war is so hectic and everyone attacks each other, killing numerous amounts of people, it's difficult to compensate for all the things that they have done. Although it is hectic, countries should at least apologize to each other for their numerous killings and massacre attacks, especially if it's for no reason and a major incident that affected the country severely, such as the Holocaust. If countries do not compensate each other for injustices, countries will have grudges on each other, and it will be difficult for countries to get along with each other. By building this up, this can cause another war or at least the countries won't get along until one country actually compensates.

5/7: 1. What did the U.S. have to consider in regards to China and the Yalu River? The U.S. had to consider that the media in America was based on the march to Yalu and couldn't judge Chinese intentions. It states that "it was incredible for China to feel threatened by a 'free and united Korea'". An Indian ambassador warned that the Chinese wouldn't tolerate a march to the Yalu, and that the Chinese had no option but to resist if the Americans provoked them. 2. According to the reading, what was the reason China entered the war? China enters the war because North Korea needed aid. If the Koreans needed help, China would help them because during the Chinese revolution and the anti-Japanese resistance, many Koreans were sacrificed. Thus, more than maintaining their border, it was more about helping each other out. 3. What effect did Chinese intervention have on the US, ROK, and UN troops? The Chinese had "fresh, newly equipped North Korean troops" with tanks and air support. Thus, it pushed back the UN lines. Without China, the North Koreans didn't have an organized army, but China aided them by providing them with more equipment. This affected the US, ROK, and UN troops, for the KPA became much stronger than before; they were actually able to help North Korea and push down the other armies.

5/8 Explain the meaning of "Shattered Faith" how does it relate to the story? Shattered faith actually summarizes the major theme of the whole story. Because of the Korean War, it was difficult for Lee and her children to eat or find shelter, and even to the point where it was difficult living. Yongwoon, her oldest son had to leave their family and try to escape to the South or else he would be forced to work in the military. However, Lee, the main character and his mother, lost hope and faith to actually find her son. She loses her eldest son, and her courage and faith just decreased immensely. Her faith towards her family to live, herself, and even God had shattered, and she was about to give up on everything.

5/...) Explain what the main ideas of the last few paragraphs are, evaluate Biao's reasons for the revolution. Does his argument sense? Is it reasonable

This is stating how Biao understands and realizes that there are counterrevolutionaries in China. If the leaders of the Cultural Revolution had just left them alone, then the counterrevolutionaries would have most likely attacked them. There are many rumors and notes going about, going against the new ideaologies, some handbills and signs even stating to restore the ruling class.However, it is certain that one day, when the time is ready, these people will come and attack. Thus, the ruling class must go and attack them first before they attack the ruling class.

Lin Bao believes that the reason for the revolution is a change in the economic base of the Chinese society under social consciousness. He states how the social consciousness of people must change in order to catch up with the economic and political bases in their society. He states that since the proletarioat was always in power, they turned over to peasants and collectivized the land that had once belonged to the landlords.

I think that although it is necessary for change in order to catch up with the economic and political bases, but I do not believe that it must be done by the Cultural Revolution. His argument does have a point, that we must change the minds and thinking of society in order for their economy to flourish. However, I think there could have been more efficient ways in doing so. Through the Cultural Revolution, there are still leaders at the top, and I believe that Mao and Bao should have thought about the long-term effects: what would happen after Bao and Lin die, since after the economy began to decline. They shouldn't of forced people to move down to the country and should have let ideas flourish.

6/2 Changes during the summer of 1966 -1966 -writing for the Fareastern economic review -variety of people participated in acquiring the thoughts of Mao -students, company workers, red guards -criticized anti-Communists and Chinese capitalists -propaganda used -posters in order to notify their thoughts and change their names -significance: variety of people were able to unify and express their view towards propaganda, cult of personality, people were brainwashed and only viewed Mao's good and honest side

16 points -written by Chinese government -1966 -purpose was to launch intellectual and imperialistic purges -manipulated all parts of society: education, literature, and art -criticized the capitalistic and old force of habits in society -also used posters and debates to acknowledge politics awareness -states that the city and countryside should work together -Mao's will was to bring the workers, peasants, soldiers, and intellectuals all together under the name of the Cultural Revolution -propaganda -significant b/c it shows how the government is controlling every part of side

"Reactions to Mao" First letter -1966 by Chinese middle school teacher -basically about his first time seeing Mao -he was saying how he was so great and was now going to start a new life (and the day he saw Mao was his birthday) -important b/c it shows the peoples' emotions and devotions towards Mao -was mislabeled as a counterrevolutionary b/c he got into a fight with a Red Guard -wants to commit suicide -simple label Second Letter -student in 1966 -sending a letter to Mao to tell him Mao's faults -this shows that not all people in China were for the revolution -sentenced to prison for life for publicly opposing Mao

Red Guards Smash the "Four Olds" -red guards wrote this during the revolution or right before -is about how the revolution should be carried out -destroy old ideologies and proliferate Mao's thoughts -"To rebel is justified" -focus on peasants and workers -give no service to the bourgeoisie -burn old books -emphasis on quotations in the little red book -put images of Mao -shows that the Red Guards were extremely radical and revolutionary and had extreme faith in Mao -shows Red Guards' visions for new china -manipulated young students to form new china

//Responding to Images// These pictures exemplify what actually went on during the Cultural Revolution and what the Red Guards did/punished to people who were enemies or counterrevolutionaries. One thing that I noticed that was similar in all the pictures what that they all had to carry diazabous, and were forced to actually go for the revolution. There was even a man who was forced to cut his hair and Red Guards tortured and stepped on people too. They looked down on anyone who wasn't under Mao's beliefs. There was also a picture of Buddha were they ransacked all the religions. They placed diazabous on it, defaced it, and tried to do anything in order to torture it. They also did the same thing to Confucius too. They placed dunce hats on people too. They could've been tortured and punished for not having a book with them, intellectuals (teachers, professors, etc.), nuns, etc. This shows how during the revolution, it was critical to go against the four olds, and being for the revolution.

__Questions on Reflections on the Cultural Revolution pages 82-84__ 1) When was this document written and by whom? This document was written by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) Central Comittee on June 27, 1981. 2) According to the document, who was largely to blame for the excesses and mistakes of the Cultural Revolution? Although many put Mao to blame for the Cultural Revolution, the CCP believes that it was Mao's acquaintances that made most of the mistakes of the revolution. These include Lin Bio, Jiang Qing, and the Gang of Four the others who were placed in important positions. According to the document, they made counterrevolutionary cliques in order for personal gains so that they could recieve supreme power. They were taking advantage of Mao Zedong's errors and committed various crimes that he didn't know about. They were the ones that brought disaster to the country and should be blamed for. 3) What errors does the CCP believe Mao was responsible for? They believe that Mao didn't initate the revolution with Marxism-Leninism nor what was happening in China. Also, he was responsible for putting the Gang of Four into power, which were the people who led diaster to China. Mao made the mistake in picking the wrong people to lead on the revolution after him. He denounced Marxist principles. 4) Who seems most responsible according to the document? How does this play into the memory of Mao as a leader and his Cult of Personality? According to the document, Lin Biao and Jiang Qing were the ones that were most responsible for the revolution. This shows that even though Mao may be the one that actually brought chaos to the country, he wasn't the one to be blamed although he was the one that initated and decided to start this whole chaotic revolution. However, Lin Biao and Jiang Qing were the ones that had to be blamed, especially because they didn't want to criticize Mao for his actions, since he is/was known as a great leader. It shows that the Party percieves him as a wonderful, great leader and thus the Gang of Four were blamed. 5) What does the CCP believe the consequences of the Cultural Revolution are? (4 of them) each person in your group read one, and explain it to others The Cultural Revolution was known as a struggle against the Capitalist road, but it was actually not this definition. They noticed that the Cultural revolution proved many false principles of the People's Republic. It negated the hard struggles the people had to conduct in the socialist construction. Basically, it caused much confusion between what was right and wrong with important theories and policies. The second paragraph explains how the boundary between people were vague. A lot of people were considered to be class enemies. The Capitalists formed cadrez of the party's government organization in all aspects: that group formed the core four of the socialist cause. The bourgesie headcourters didn't exist. Lin Nao and Shaoqi were basically used by Lin Biao. It constantly mentions the ambiguity or right and wrong. This caused the intellecutuals to struggle. The Chinese Communist party that the consequences was that the party organizations were attacked and disorganized. After the movement started, party organizations were attacked and became paralyzed. The cadrez recieved a lot of criticism and went through struggles. The basic masses that the party relied on were separated from the revolution. It's saying that the Cultural Revolution wasn't a cultural revolution because under the socialist conditions there aren't economic or political basis; thus, the Cultural revolution was a political revolution but in a socialistic society, there wouldn't be any politics or society anyway. This just brought on disorder and retrogression. 6) Why do you think the document mentions achievements made by China during the Cultural Revolution? I think that the document mentions achievements made by China during the Cultural Revolution to glorify the Cultural Revolution. It shows the good sides of the revolution. I believe that he mentions achievements in order to advocate nationalism. 7) Describe the tone at the end of the document. Why do you think it ends this way? The nationalistic tone that the document restores at the end is because the necessity of restoration of nationalism. It wanted to restore the nationalism because the Cultural Revolution had much loss.