Reflection #8

Choose one of the following topics to write about. This reflection is due Sunday @ 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.

Modernization: Japan vs. China —
Both Japan (after WWII) and China (after the Cultural Revolution) needed to rise from the ashes after complete political, social, economic, and cultural disaster. In your opinion, why has Japan been more successful in embracing change and modernization than China? Consider just one aspect (political, social, economic, cultural) that contributes to Japan’s faster advancement.

Reflection #7

I was browsing the summer’s latest installment of shows and came across this crazy game show called “I Survived a Japanese Gameshow,” which is essentially a corny West meets East cultural experiment. Watch a few of the clips on the site (scroll by clicking the small arrow on both ends of the line) or tune in on Tuesday 7/14 @ 8 p.m. Then, write a brief paragraph response about what you think this show is saying about American vs. Japanese culture.

Because of its very turbulent history, Japan’s culture is often misunderstood and stereotyped into something it is not. In one other paragraph, tell me something that you find very unique to Japanese culture that you love (i.e.: sushi, karaoke?) or that you don’t quite understand (i.e.: punky-dressed kids, Sanrio accessories?). What makes Japan such an interesting contrast to our American way of life?

This reflection is due on Wednesday @ 10 p.m.