Reflection #5

Write on one of the following three topics. Write just your first name (not anonymous) in your comment. This reflection is due on Thursday by 10 p.m.:

Current event — Provide a link to an article related to something going on in Asia. Then, write a brief summary of the article and discuss its relevance to topics covered recently in this course.

The Cultural Revolution — While the Cultural Revolution is considered to be one of China’s “most embarrassing moments in its long history,” there are some things about it that make sense. Play devil’s advocate and write about how the Cultural Revolution (doing away with Confucian principles and destroying old traditions and artifacts) actually made sense for the Chinese. If you were poor and underprivileged, why would you fight for such a cause?

Communism vs. Capitalism — The China film last week, “Up the Yangtze,” tells an interesting joke that contrasts Communism with Capitalism:

An American and a Chinese are riding in a car together. They come to a sign that says, “Turn right for Capitalism or turn left for Communism.” The American passenger decides to turn right. The Chinese passenger agrees that they should turn right, but ought to signal left.

This joke suggests that emerging Asian countries such as China and Vietnam are founded on Communist principles but ultimately follow a Capitalist scheme. What are the challenges facing Communist nations with regard to political, social, and economic growth? Also, what advantages do you see them having?

Reflection #4

After viewing Wednesday's film, consider this list of films that China has banned. China (as well as Myanmar) has a long history of censoring any film that would taint its people's view of society or the world. Considering the fact that this film ends on a hopeful note (it's not wholly depressing, is it?), what did you find controversial about this film that would justify it being banned?

This reflection should be just one paragraph long (worth only 5 points) and is due this Wednesday at 10 p.m.


The following information comes from Wikipedia

Because only 20 imported films are granted permission to screen each year in China, only blockbuster or widely known films are listed. It may be noted that some films which do not arrive in theatres nonetheless become available as pirated DVD editions.

• 1960: Ben-Hur, for containing "propaganda of superstitious beliefs, namely Christianity." (Never given permission to screen)
• 1994: To Live, for its satirical portrayal of various policies and campaigns of the Communist government. (Never given permission to screen)
• 1997: Kundun - regarded as Tibetan nationalism (Banned outright along with director Martin Scorsese)
• 1997: Seven Years in Tibet, for its view on a free Tibet. (Banned outright along with actors Brad Pitt and David Thewlis for life)
• 2000: Devils on the Doorstep, for its controversial portrayal of the Japanese Occupation of China during the Second Sino-Japanese War despite being a Chinese-made film (Never given permission to screen)
• 2005: Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life, for its unflattering depictions of Chinese society (Never given permission to screen)
• 2006: Memoirs of a Geisha, over concerns it could rouse anti-Japanese sentiment. (Banned outright)
• 2006: Brokeback Mountain, for its depictions of homosexuality. (Never given permission to screen)
• 2006: Scorsese's The Departed, for suggesting that the government intends to use nuclear weapons on Taiwan, which is a very sensitive political issue. (Never given permission to screen)
• 2006: Over the Hedge was banned due to a difficulty with the DVD copy and some killing scenes to the animals. (Never given permission to screen)
• 2006: Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan, for its depiction of incest. (Never given permission to screen)