This essay is based on the rise and appeal of Buddhism in China while Confucianism and Daoism already existed during the Period of Division (220 - 589 A.D).
Abstract This paper examines the appeal of Buddhism in the historical context of the Period of Division. It explains that Buddhism's rise was answering the needs and desires of both the people and the rulers, especially foreign rulers, in a period of instability and in competition with the past dominated by Confucianism and organized Daoism. There is also the dialectic between its new content as a foreign religion and its sinicization, as both can account for its success in China.
From the Paper "The Period of Division in Chinese history spreads between 220 and 589 A.D. The period is marked by wars, successions of small kingdoms, and great political instability and misery for the people. It is also the period of nomadic invasions. Buddhism exerted a great appeal to the Chinese during this period, became dominant at least in the north, and firmly established itself alongside Confucianism and Daoism as the main religions or schools of thought in China. What are the reasons behind its popularity during this period?"
Abstract This paper examines how China's communist history has been marked by turmoil, resistance to change, and outside influences. It looks at how, nevertheless, the country has realized that it must cooperate economically with other countries and tolerate some private business among its citizens if it is to survive. It looks at the development of Communism over the 20th century, including the Long March and the Cultural Revolution, and analyzes how its ideology needs to change with the need for a wider economy.
From the Paper "The Long March was where the communists were able to finally establish a strong footing in China. They fought many heroic battles and showed great determination. They suffered considerable hardship and took many winding routes through the countryside (Allan, 2001), which allowed Mao to continue what he had done best before: continue to organize the peasants. Mao wanted a classless society, and this position was something that could only help the Chinese peasants, who had lived in virtual slavery under the warlords. This broadened his base of power and eventually allowed him to take the country over."
Abstract This paper outlines a case study regarding the ethical issues surrounding Pepsi India, which conducted an aggressive marketing campaign that defaced the environment in India. It includes a description of the moral dilemma, those affected, Pepsi's past conduct in India, and other relevant factors. Suggestions for a resolution to the conflict are also provided.
From the Paper "The case study is regarding the ethical issues surrounding Pepsi India which conducted an aggressive marketing campaign which defaced the environment in India. Pepsi sells upwards of 160 million cases annually through 750,000 retail outlets across India. The principal moral agents involved are Pepsi marketing personnel, presumably in India, and those they hired to paint rocks with colorful Pepsi advertising in the Himalayans."
Abstract This paper reviews the novel, "The Joy Luck Club" by Amy Tan, the story of four Chinese women in San Francisco who come together to play mah-jong and invest in stocks. It looks at how the story in the novel is not linear, since it involves memory, recollections, and anecdotes told by the women who meet each week and how one generation speaks to another and is able to do so across the gulf that usually separates the generations. It also discusses how the film version is a fair and expressive representation of the novel that makes changes in narrative flow in order to match the different methods of filmmaking.
From the Paper "The theme of the novel is clearly indicated in the opening passage as the old woman remembers a swan she bought in Shanghai and remembers her arrival in America, which was not as liberating as she had hoped: "And then she had to fill out so many forms she forgot why she had come and what she had left behind" (Tan 17). This was in the past, and now the woman faces her memories and the reality of her daughter and seeks to bring the two into juxtaposition and understanding. Now that she is old, she thinks about her daughter "who grew up speaking only English and swallowing more Coca-Cola than sorrow" (Tan 17)."
This paper provides a scholarly review of the relevant literature and the summarized results of a series of interviews with yogic practitioners to determine the efficacy of this alternative medicine approach to the alleviation of depression.
Abstract This study examines the relationship between Jungian psychotherapy, yoga, and alleviation of depression. Specific questions addressed include: 1. What is the overall incidence of depression in the United States today? 2. What are the factors that contribute to the onset of depressive episodes, and what can be done to mitigate or avoid such onset? 3. Are there cultural and gender considerations that serve to exacerbate depressive episodes? 4. What are the mainstream medical approaches to the treatment of depressive episodes?
From the Paper "Depression is a serious condition which affects millions of people in the United States today. Further, the majority of people in America will experience some form of depression at some point in their lives. People who experience major depressive disorder episodes are more likely to experience future episodes as well. This aspect of depression management is important because the incidence of relapse has been clearly linked to the number of episodes of depression that have been already been experienced (Klerman, Weissmann, Rounsaville, & Chevron, 1999). Clinicians may be overlooking the importance of yoga as both an alternative as well as an adjunct to existing treatment modalities. It is the predicted outcome of this research project that yoga techniques will prove to be an efficacious treatment modality for patients either by themselves in or combination with various psychotherapeutic and pharmacotherapeutic approaches."
Abstract This paper looks at Arthur P. Wolf's article, "Gods, Ghosts and Ancestor's", which discusses the complexities of Chinese religious beliefs and practices, and explains the main thesis of the article. The paper highlights Wolf's thesis, which asserts that the supernatural categories that the Chinese believe in, namely, gods, ghosts, and ancestors, are determined by the social structure of Chinese society. The paper shows how Wolf proves his point through case studies, personal anecdotes, interviews, and observations of ritual, custom, and lifestyle.
From the Paper "Ancestors, the second class of supernatural beings that Wolf discusses in his article, are in many ways equally revered. The spirits of the deceased watch over and protect the living members of that family line. Wolf shows that there are strict rules regarding which family members can or must be worshipped. The rank of ancestor spirits closely mirrors the rank of family members. For example, the head patriarch of a family line will be given the most prominent spot on the family altar. Those family members who are not respected as much will also not be revered as diligently during times of worship."
Abstract Discusses the difficult role of women in China during the 20th century and presents the narratives of the women of the stories. Focuses on three generations of women. Presents the stories of the grandmother, mother, and author. Discusses the practice of foot binding.
From the Paper "Comparison of Two Incidents from "Wild Swans" by Jang Chung
Introduction
This paper will make compare and contrast the stories of two of the daughters of China as found in the book Wild Swans and use those comparisons and contrastings to make critical ..."
Abstract This paper discusses how the shortcomings of the Ming Dynasty cannot be blamed on the slave system of eunuchs, but rather on the dynasty itself. It explains how the eunuchs were the slaves of the emperor who carried out his designs and thus were victims in themselves. Though some rose to high power and wealth, most did not. It further discusses how more attention should be paid to the important role eunuchs played in keeping the dynasty alive for nearly three centuries, rather than why they brought the dynasty down.
From the Paper "Throughout ancient Greece, Rome, North Africa, the Middle East, and Asia eunuchs have served a wide range of functions, from palace menials to imperial spies. The dynasties in China, in particular, have used eunuchs to perform various duties throughout their more than one thousand years of rule. The use of these castrati was so engrained in their cultural system that even after disloyal and ambitious eunuchs brought ends to the Han and Tang dynasties, the Chinese never abolished the practice. The Chinese emperors preferred eunuchs for several reasons. Men, especially after the dawn of Confucianism on Chinese society, expected from women their utmost purity and devotion. To adhere to these Confucian principles, Emperors originally employed eunuchs to oversee and manage the hundreds of imperial concubines, making certain no other men, even relatives, come in contact with them, assuring a pure lineage. Emperors also favored eunuchs because they, unable to have children, supposedly would not covet political power or wealth, which in turn they would pass on to their sons. Having no motive for wealth and no ambition for position, eunuchs would have no desire selling palace secrets or conniving with potential usurpers. Ideally the castrati would thus demonstrate absolute loyalty to his employer, the emperor."
Abstract This paper discusses the crises on the Korean Peninsula, focusing on the tension caused by North Korea as a result of its conducting a nuclear weapons program. The paper also illustrates the conditions that led to the critical condition on the Korean peninsula. This paper also highlights the reaction of countries, such as the United States, China, Japan, and South Korea towards North Korea's nuclear weapons development.
From the Paper "While the United States worries about the deadly nuclear weapons created by North Korea, South Korea on the other hand is perturbed about North Korea's economic conditions and the possibility of troop demobilization on both sides of the Demilitarized Zone. North Korea posses the following problems to the international communities, namely its determination to follow its own path to development renders the society nearly impervious to foreign advice and assistance. The array of institutions and processes which have been available to most other developing countries has been largely rejected by Pyongyang."
Abstract This paper explains that many of the themes Li Yu wrote and the way he narrated stories were very unusual at the time; he narrated his story, "A Tower for the Summer Heat", in the third person and, at the end of each chapter, he would break off from the storyline to start a small conversation with the reader. The author points out that, besides the story being comically funny, one important aspect to understand is that Li Yu was using the story to break social taboos on sex and marriages. The paper relates that, at the time Li Yu wrote, most marriages were arranged by parents, and people did not have a choice of marrying someone they found sexually attractive.
From the Paper "Jiren also broke traditional conformity by creating adultery. Traditionally, you could only have sex with your wife but Jiren had sex with all the maids without being married to them. By making this character break many social norms, Li Yu is able to make his readers reflect on those norms and decide whether or not Jiren should be admired or detested for breaking them. In fact, it seems that Li Yu is actually encouraging his readers to engage in discussion about this topic and express their opinions. This is evident by his use of narration."
Abstract This paper examines the causes of the Chinese Cultural Revolution, including the Great Leap Forward and Mao's subsequent loss of absolute power. Through the fanaticism of his youthful followers, known as the Red Guards, Mao was launched back into power and unleashed a reign of terror across China. In this research paper, there is special emphasis on the destruction caused by the Red Guards, including, but not limited to, book burning, vandalism, torture, and even murder. This paper essentially discusses the nature of fanatical Maoist ideology. It supports its thesis through the use of primary sources, such as biographies of those who survived the cultural revolution and documents from the period including movies, music, posters, and government documents. A full biography and footnotes in Chicago Manual/Turabian style are included.
From the Paper "During the 20th century, China experienced unprecedented turmoil and instability. In 1911, the Imperial Ch?ing dynasty was overthrown only to be replaced by two decades of constant civil war and anarchy. Although Chiang Kaishek managed to unify the country in 1928, his rule saw further trouble including the Japanese invasion of Manchuria and a communist insurrection led by Mao Zedong. Following Japan's defeat in the Second World War, Chiang Kaishek, despite some initial successes was defeated at the hands of the communists and was forced to flee to Taiwan. Mao Zedong announced the birth of the People's Republic of China in 1949. Throughout his reign, China suffered from several disasters including the Great Leap Forward, the Hundred Flowers Campaign, but especially the Cultural Revolution. Lasting from roughly 1966-1976, the Cultural Revolution has been considered the most violent and chaotic period in China's modern history. During this era, China experienced the triumph of ideological fanaticism over pragmatism, the mass execution of millions of people, and the near destruction of ancient Chinese culture."
A discussion on the benefits of China's accession to the World Trade Organization for China and its trading partners with a focus on the United States.
Abstract This paper discusses the benefits of China's entry to the World Trade Organization. It examines how findings indicate that China will benefit from new export markets and increased foreign investment and how the main efficiency gains from WTO membership for China will be in the protected and non-traded sectors, which will feel the impact of import competition or the arrival of new foreign-backed competitors. It looks at how China's market access commitments will provide U.S. businesses the opportunity for significantly greater market access to a broad range of goods and services in sectors that are of key importance to U.S. businesses. It also shows how East Asian economies could also benefit significantly from China's membership, since Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Taiwan (China) all provide intermediate goods and quality consumer durables that could gain market share in China.
Outline
Introduction
Expected Benefits
Stability in External Economic Relationships
Access to China's Market
China Revitalized
Conclusion
From the Paper "There are seven types of trade regime commitments in China's WTO accession agreement that have a wide variety of positive implications for China's operation as a free market economy (World Trade Organization: analysis of China's commitments to other members, 2002). Some commitments require a specific action from China, such as reporting information about China's import-licensing requirements to the World Trade Organization. Other commitments are less specific in nature, such as those that confirm China's general obligations to adhere to WTO principles of nondiscrimination in the treatment of foreign and domestic enterprises. China's market access commitments will provide U.S. businesses the opportunity for significantly greater market access to a broad range of goods and services in sectors that are of key importance to U.S. businesses."
Abstract This paper examines the history of Hong Kong through the modern era and its place among the economic powerhouses of the world. Its focus is placed primarily on trade export and labor statistics, along with the new governmental reforms imposed after the nation's return to Chinese rule. It looks at how the the overall outlook for the economy of Hong Kong, China, looks good and how, of all the Asian economies, its is by far the most resilient.
From the Paper "Hong Kong was established as a separate territorial unit in 1842, as part of settlement between Britain and China following the First Opium War (1841-42). The original reason for the occupation of Hong Kong was the need for a base for trade with China. Under the Treaty of Nanjing (1842), China ceded the Hong Kong Island to Britain ?in perpetuity,? opened up its ports to foreign trade, and conceded the right of extraterritoriality to British consuls. In 1860, following the Second Opium War (1858-60), China ceded the Kowloon peninsula to Britain. Finally, following the Japan-China war of 1894-95, Britain demanded the lease of the area north of Kowloon in order to secure control of the northern shore of the harbor and a wide area of land beyond for defense purposes. China leased this territory to Britain for 99 years under the Convention of Peking beginning July 1, 1898 (Dodsworth/Mihajek, 1997)."
Abstract This paper presents a detailed discussion about the internment camps for the Japanese that were set up and implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The internment of Japanese-Americans was drastic and shocking, but it was supported by the majority of non-Japanese Americans. It was a decision that left a bruise on the psyche of the nation, however. The writer explores the history leading up to the decision and the decision itself. The paper includes photographs and a timeline of events leading up to and including the internment camps.
From the Paper "He was considered one of the top military police officers in the nation at the time. He was largely responsible for making sure there was peace and order in the military areas of the nation, which included the military camps that the Japanese were being brought to. Gullion was considered an expert in legal affairs as well when it came to the actions of the military. He had serious concerns about the legal ability to lock up civilians who had done nothing wrong. He argued that the military could not get away with interfering in civilian lives."
Abstract This paper answers several specific questions regarding the construction of big dams in India. The paper explains that the big dam projects in India are especially contentious to the author, and as she writes about her opposition to the projects, it becomes quite clear she is passionate about her country and what happens to it in the future.
From the Paper "As with any controversial large project, there are people who oppose the building of Big Dams in India, and people who support the construction and both have a variety of reasons for their opinions. Those who support the building of the Big Dams include power companies, who hope to generate more power from turbines in the dams, and of course, the construction companies who are going to build the dam. Anyone who stands to reap profits from the dams sees them as progress India vitally needs, especially since they can harness the power for their own uses, such as the trash-incineration company who wants to build one of the Big Dams, with no prior dam building experience. Those opposed to the building of the Big Dams cite most often the environmental costs to India as millions of acres of viable lands are flooded by the backup behind the dams, and the human cost."
