Block+B+Journal+Lauren+Lee

__**2/19**__
 * 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?**

The most primary thing that stood out from the reading just the fact about how Confucianism was strongly supported by so many new rulers. The new rulers considered Confucianism as something necessary for a successful country. They viewed Confucianism as the key to ruling the country in an efficient way. Confucianism and the new rulers both disregarded woman's right and they agreed with all of Confucianism's theories and ideas. They believed that the Buddhism was a too easy and was an open way to corruption within the country, which caused Yi to change the official philosophy of the nation into Confucianism. The great influence of Confucianism was most standing out for me. I do believe that the information was a bit exaggerated, but it's okay because the whole point of the reading was to show the reader the impact Confucianism left on people and how significant it was.

If Rabbit is too smart for his own good, Owl is the Brain, and Piglet... Pooh...?**
 * __2/23__

In the __Tao of Pooh__, he is portrayed as the Taoist, who is simple-minded ("Uncarved Block": things in their original simplicity contain their own natural power, power that is easily spoiled and lost when that simplicity is changed, which doesn't take place upon imprinted characteristics. It is merely something too simple, that no one can really put it into words). Being simple-minded does not mean being stupid. If one is simple-minded in the Taoist view, they are merely calm and still. They are definitely not the type who have fire-like personalities, where one gets easily angered or changes one's emotions extremely quickly. Piglet represents a person who ponders and is the question maker, who wonders about many things about philosophy. The questions that the readers tend to ask while they read the book, piglets asks, so that the reader can realize that he or she is on the right track with the book. Piglet is also curious about whatever he discovers, similar to Pooh. Piglet does have a simple mind like Pooh, but not the simple mind that that the Taoist has, he is more like the follower, who is too afraid to take action and Pooh is the leader, who is not afraid of anything.


 * 2/26-2/27 The Tao says that the ruler should "rule by inaction" How do you make sense of this? Is it at all possible?**

The Tao's saying that the ruler should "rule by inaction" is somewhat similar to the concept of //Wu Wei//. Wu Wei has the idea that things can be done through nature's order. "Ruling by inaction" doesn't necessarily mean that the ruler slacks off and rule, but it means that they must rely on the Inner Nature and believe in thing being done naturally. In the modern world and the real world, it would be more close to being impossible in our world because ruling without action might lead to misunderstandings that the rulers "don't care enough".


 * 3/11 Explain right mindfulness and right concentration. Do you see how you could apply this to your daily life? Why or why not?**

According to the Eightfold Path, right mindfulness is being aware of oneself and focused on what is going on at each particular moment. It is the 7th step that involves precision and clarity. It is saying that we should be mindful of even the very small details of life. We can apply this to our daily life. By being mindful when we talk, perform our jobs, posture, attitude towards people, etc can all be examples of applying right mindfulness to our world. The Eightfold Path states that right concentration is focusing on objects or concepts as part of meditation to develop further personally. Right concentration can be also called absorption in the Eightfold path. It is the last point of the path. In Buddhism, now one should be absorbed in absentmindedness. The mind should be completely captivated by the entertainment and speculations. Being absorbed in nowness or the things in which they ARE is also a definition of right concentration. They can only happen if we have some sort of discipline, or also known as meditation.


 * 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.**

When the British Professor in 1873 thought that by the end of the century, he felt like it was 400 years old, that meant that Japan has been through so much change during the century. The Meiji Reformation, modernization, westernization, industrialization all took place at the same time and caused Japan to reach so much change by the end of the Restoration. The changes that Japan has been through culturally, educationally, and in their government has been massive, which probably gave a stronger sense in which the British Professor thought that he felt 400 years has passed by the end of the century. Before the Westernization came into Japan, Japan was a very conservative country, but after they decided to become more open to Western influences, they flourished as one of the most powerful country. British most likely noticed that Japan developed much faster than Britain, which gave him a much more strong impression on the development of Japan in 1873.


 * 4/12 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?**

While reading __The Rape of Nanking__, written by Iris Chang, I was very disturbed and I felt disgusted while I was reading the detailed events that happened during the typical time period. It was cruel how Japanese educated their children ever since they were young. They brainwashed their children that they carried on the duty of killing many Chinese people when they grow up. Also, it was very harsh how the Japanese soldiers showed no sympathy at all even after they killed thousands of people and raped so many women. The many superstitions that the Japanese soldiers believed were also very cruel, ridiculous, and grotesque. For example, there were some supersittions such as raping women would make you stronger and younger. Also, at times, the soldiers would have games about who killed more people. I thought that some parts of it could be really exaggerated, but a primary source would most likely contain the most truthful facts in it and the reader can definitely get the basic idea about the run to Nanking.

 **4/28 Do you think it was safer to be a communist or anti-communist during the Korean War? B and C only**
I thought it didn’t really matter if you were a communist or not. It was dangerous for both parties during the Korean War. During a war, both parties are killed and it is a matter of getting killed or surviving the war. Through the many readings that we did during class, we learned that many people tried to blame innocent civillians to blame them for crimes that they didn't make. Also, in some cases, you could be forced to choose sides. If a person faces these types of problems, it doesn’t really matter which side you are in, because either way you are forced to go against the opposing side even if you agree with the opposing sides.

 **4/30 Do countries have an obligation to compensate each other for injustices done in time of war?**

The countries that harmed other countries have a definite obligation to compensate each other for the injustices that they have done to the other countries. Also, it shows a better image of their countries if they compensate for what they have done to the other countries. For example, Germany paid a compensation for the Jews. This at least shows that they are admitting their crimes and that they are actually caring enough to pay them back the losses that they have made. However, take for example Japan. Japan during the Rape of Nanking, they didn't state a clear apology like the Germans did. Even when they attacked Korea, through one of the homework assignments that we had to do, I learned that most Koreans don't recognize or remember the apology that the Japanese had made. This give a doubled bad-impression on Japan. First, they caused harm on so many pepole, then they don't even pay the respect back to the people who were harmed during the war, which is very lacking in courtesy.

__**Chinese Entry into the War**__ The American intelligence agencies strongly believed that China wasn't going intervene with the Korean War as long as the United States didn't attack China.The Americans believe that China was merely afraid of invasion that might occur on Manchuria. The CIA stated that China wouldn't get involved because if they did get involved, then they would caused a world-wide war or a global issue throughout the world. During the crossing of the 38th parallel, China said that they were joined in the war because they had the obligation to help North Korea because the Koreans helped them in the Chinese revolutions and the anti-Japanese resistance. They attacked the UN lines and the ROK had to retreat a
 * 5/7 **
 * What did the U.S. have to consider in regards to China and the Yalu River?**
 * According to the reading, what was the reason China entered the war?**
 * What effect did Chinese intervention have on the US, ROK, and UN troops?

5/27 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?**

Lin Biao believes that the reason for revolution comes from the simple idea of striking the counterrevolutionary groups before they launch a coup towards the Communist party. These reactionaries, also known as people who are counterrevolutionary, are trying to attack the Communist party through a coup, and Lin says that to keep the Communist Parties safe, they must hit the reactionaries before they take action.

Through the last few paragraphs, Lin Biao argues that having faith in the mass will bring success. The most essential thing that a person can do is to believe in the masses. Lin Biao also mentions that once the people fail to believe in the mass, then humans will start to make political errors. The people who don’t believe in the mass are people who think Mao’s ideologies are wrong and that they won’t work out. By mentioning people who do not agree with Mao, Lin mentions the Liu-Deng line. He states that the correct way for a country to function correctly is to believe in the mass, which will also mean that the people will believe in Mao, therefore they will be successful in joining the Communist party.

My opinions about Lin Biao’s argument makes sense in a way, but simultaneously it doesn’t make much sense at all. It makes sense in a way where believing in the mass could lead to a more organized system of government because a mass can create a united group within the country. However, I cannot agree with his argument about following the Communist Party is the only way to success in the country. In the last few paragraphs, Lin Biao states that once a person is successfully in the Communist party, they will be able to function in a correctly way.


 * 6/2 Notes from the Group Document Discussions

//Handout #7b Changes During the Summer of 1966//**

Not sure who wrote the document, but written during the summer of 1966.
 * Who wrote the doc and when:**

To inform the current situation of China and domination of the Red Guards and Mao
 * For what purpose:**

Contains the events about the uproar of the revolution Emphasis on the nationalism. Shows much more radical movements and very revolutionary movements.
 * Main Points:**

-The people were influenced by the Red Army -It only talks about the first few weeks, and during the first few weeks many people agree to follow the Red Army. -Shows the influence Mao had over the people -Shows the power of propaganda. -Expresses the cult of personality.
 * Effects:**

//**Handout #8 Burning Books**//

Written by a daughter of the member of the Black gang. Written in August during the chaotic stage in the late 1960s.
 * Who wrote the doc and when:**

-Written to show the true colors of the Red Guard -The Books that did not have Mao’s face were removed by the Red Guard -The Black Gang was a society of rich people, who supported intellectualism -The Black Gangs were the enemies of the Red Guard -The daughter saw the Red Guards burning the books and burning the members of the Black Gang -Outrage of China’s communist party
 * Main Point:**

-Several important documents and books that were burned -The true side of the Red Guard was shown to the society.
 * Effect/ Purpose:**

//**Handout #**// //**Reflections on Mao**//

Bei Kwon Chung
 * Who wrote the doc and when:**

1st Document: -Portray the importance of Mao to the people -Cult of Personality 2nd Document: -Show Mao that not everyone praises him like before. Main Point: 1st Document: -This one person, or the first author, was so proud to see Mao and he wrote about how significant and amazing Mao was. -He was a devoted believer in Mao 2nd Document: -Shows that not many people are praising Mao after the Cultural Revolution -The Red Guard became the bad guys -Talks about how the 2nd author was an "outcast"
 * Purpose:**

//**Handout**//
 * //Smashing the Four Olds//

Who wrote the doc and when: Written by Red Guards during the beginning of the cultural revolution**

-Shows how radical the students were -Shows how much a younger generation can bring up such radical thoughts -Shows how the people were passionate about the issue and how radical the younger generations were.
 * Significance:**

-Reinforce the having of revolutionary spirit. -Plan to reinforce Mao's ideas -Many points were mentioned how Mao wanted to go against the bourgeoisie. -Pictures and quotations of Mao were at every households -China was a major global power, which educates the manner
 * Main Points:**


 * 6/2 Responding to Images

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 Central Committee, and was written on June 27, 1981. Lin Biao, Jiang Qing, and others who were placed in important positions by Comrade Mao Zedong were the ones who were largely to blame for the excesses and mistakes of the Cultural Revolution. They brought up two counterrevolutionary cliques, so that they could seize supreme power and take advantage of Comrade Mao Zedong’s errors, and they were setting all these crimes behind Mao’s back, which brought up disaster for the country. The CCP believes that one of Mao’s mistakes is that he negated the Cultural Revolution’s many correct principles, policies, and achievements of the seventeen year after the founding of the People’s Republic. Mao even conflicted his own ideas and his own contributions. According to the document, it seems like Lin Biao and Jiang Qing were the most responsible. Although, in reality, it was Mao who was in charge of the entire Cultural Revolution, he was never blamed for the harms that the revolutions has caused. Because of the cult of personality, Mao was never criticized, but he was still known as the strong and successful leader of China. Since the blame was supposed to be set upon someone, Lin Biao and Jian Qing were the ones who took the blame. Anything that were denounced as revisionists or capitalists during the Cultural Revolution were actually Marxist and socialist principles that Mao Zedong applied. Many things that the Cultural Revolution negated such as the correct principles, policies, and achievements of the seventeen years were mostly Mao Zedong’s own contributions. Basically, by confusing the right and wrong eventually led people to confuse who are the enemies or victims. The cultural revolution brought disorder to the distinction between the people and the enemy. For example, The "capitalist roaders" were leading cadres of the Party and organizations, who formed the fore of the socialist cause. The so called bourgeois inside the party bu Liu Shaoqi and Deng Xiaoping simply never existed. Facts that were impossible to disprove proved that Liu Shaoqqui, was nothing but a frame-up by Lin Biao., Jian Qing, and their fellow followers. This failure of distinction led to cause accomplished intellectuals to be attacked. The cultural revolution before relied on the masses, but after the movement begins, the masses the party relied on are rejected. This is because their is a standstill in these parties due to attacks from the movement. For example, cadres were subjected to criticism and struggle. The cultural revolution did not constitue neither a revolution or brought social progress. Under the socialist ideas, it could not have brought any progress of any sort, and it was inetivable that it could only bring dmamage and retrogression. However, China did make some progress in agriculutre, industry and capital contruction. Although China had to face the counterrevolutionaries created by Lin Biao and Jiang Qing, the Chinese people proved to be great by winning over the hardships. The document most likely mentions the achievements made by China during the Cultural Revolution because the author wanted to show how when China gathers up to achieve something, they can have a great impact on it. For example, although the author states that the Cultural Revolution was impossible in the first place anyways, the author still believes that the “Chinese people are a great people and that their Party and the socialist system have enormous vitality”. The tone of the document in the end was a rather positive view towards the Chinese people themselves. Although the author still believes that the Cultural Revolution failed and wasn’t efficient, the author still believes that the Chinese people in general have great potential and that they are very “vital”.
 * 2) According to the document, who was largely to blame for the excesses and mistakes of the Cultural Revolution?**
 * 3) What errors does the CCP believe Mao was responsible for?**
 * 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?**
 * 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**
 * 1:**
 * 2:**
 * 3:**
 * 4:**
 * 6) Why do you think the document mentions achievements made by China during the Cultural Revolution?**
 * 7) Describe the tone at the end of the document. Why do you think it ends this way?**