Abstract This paper serves to be a coherent analysis of Musui's Story, The Autobiography of a Tokugawa Samurai. This paper will focus on the issues presented in the work and analyze the truths presented. This paper will also discuss life and culture in Japan.
Abstract Competing claims over Kashmir by India and Pakistan are the key sources of the conflicts. The claims and the consequences are the result of some historical events, but also of opposing ideologies of India and Pakistan. Responses associated with the claims from both sides have engendered political extremism in Kashmir. Past policies of the U.S. and China toward the region, on the other hand, have instigated armed conflicts and contributed to the extremism.
Abstract This paper examines the influence and importance of the Ramayana of Valmiki in Indian society. Initially, its origins and content are outlined. The emphasis is on its continuing influence, particularly as it relates to current events and Hindu/Muslim tensions in India.
From the Paper "As overpopulation in the 20th century has been threatening the survival and development of China, especially since the "baby boomers" born in the 1960s reaching child-bearing ages in the late 1970s, the Chinese government has tried to curb the exponential growth of its population in the fear of economic collapse and the arrival of famine by enforcing Family Planning programs such as mandatory sterilization, a one-child per family policy, and force abortion. The Chinese government hopes to control the overpopulation dilemma, which will hopefully stabilize the economy and ensure the citizens a better quality of life. But, in actuality, unlike what the Chinese government may expect, the result of Family Planning Policies causes human tragedy in the rural regions. By Human Tragedy, I mean that the Chinese Government disregards the horrendous human rights violation in the rural regions. The concept of Family Planning Policy is a good idea for declining the overpopulation, but on the other hand, the way people implement the policy may be against human rights. The Chinese government should now focus on the human tragedy which is caused by their policies and which can be solved by more open deliberations??. "
Abstract This is a research and critical review of China's one child population policy. It delves into the nature of the policy, the reasons for its implementation, the benefits and draw backs of the policy and whether it has been successful or not. The author looks at the problems with the policy with special reference to the way it effects society and proposes alternatives and solutions to the policy.
From the Paper "The Chinese population policy is approaching its silver anniversary and the contentious nature of the strategy remains. Without question the one child per family policy has changed China's demographic landscape, but many individuals still question the success and ethical nature of the implementation. These strategies have also caused new problems that the country must address. Numerous people wonder if the positive decline of population growth can offset the negative effects of the policy."
Abstract This paper examines the dynamics and underlying causes of the Japanese economic revival that has occurred since the end of World War II, looking both at its economic components (such as the shift from agricultural to high-tech sectors) as well as the demographic and cultural elements that are just as important for understanding the Japanese economy.
From the Paper "The Japanese economic miracle is complex and can only be explained by looking to political, cultural, and economic reasons. It rests on the government's taking responsibility for social welfare, vocational training, and education. It rests on the responsibility taken by both consumers and producers for economic prosperity. It rests on the government's decision to concentrate on high-quality and high-technology products designed for domestic and foreign consumption and on the government's building stable, economically advanced trading partners to replace the Asian markets to which inexpensive textiles had been
sent earlier. A number of factors have greatly aided Japan's economic resurgence that began in the 1950s and has continued since then, among them (ironically) the complete destruction of the nation's industrial base by the war. This meant that Japan's new factories, using the latest developments in technology, were often more efficient than those of their foreign competitors. With the addition of a youthful and well-educated workforce, a high domestic savings rate that provided ample capital, and an activist government and bureaucracy that provided guidance, support, and subsidies, the ingredients were in place for rapid and sustained economic growth."
Abstract The paper explains the difference between a Christian wedding and a Pakistani wedding, both in production and in approach. The paper describes the different rituals and customs that take place before and during the wedding, defining key terms and comparing the traditional symbolism of the institution of marriage.
From the Paper "Pakistani Weddings are an elaborate affair that starts weeks before the actual date. Many traditional customs have to be completed and these customs involve the whole family . Grandmothers, uncles, aunts, parents and a hoard of other relatives take part in the wedding from both sides and it is considered an insult if anyone is forgotten. Weddings are a time when past disputes are forgotten and new ones are made! They are a time of happiness and a time when people's nerves stretched to the extreme. The difference between a Catholic wedding and a Pakistani wedding is not only in its presentation but also in its whole way of thinking. The Catholic wedding is the decision of the bride and groom-essentially and the family helping. In the Pakistani wedding the bride and groom become the onlookers while the family takes all the decisions. While the Catholic wedding is relatively simple the Pakistani wedding is an all out affair that is exotic in presentation."
Abstract This paper is a detailed comparison of the Roman Empire and the Chinese Empire. The author shows how the imperial dynasties of Han and Qin along with the classical empire of Rome offered their people a combination of protection against external enemies and an infrastructure that was far more functional than individual cities or regions would have been able to provide for themselves. This paper describes the reign of all three of these dynasties and their effect on their people as well as world history.
From the Paper "While it is difficult to make any general statement that can cover the political and cultural complexities of the Roman Empire along with the Han and Qin dynasties in China because they were sufficiently different from each other as well as being possessed of substantial internal diversity. And yet, even given the range of institutions and ideals that the three cultures exemplified, there are some commonalties that strike the observer from the vantage point of the 21st century. The primary one of these is that neither the Chinese empire nor the Roman one could have extended its reach as far as it did in geographic terms, had as great a control over its subjects' personal lives as it did, nor ruled for such a long period of time had not the ruling house combined a high degree of bureaucratic efficiency with a depiction of the imperial family that was at least semi-divine."
Abstract This paper analyzes the novel "Donald Duk" by Frank Chin and discusses the lead character's trials and tribulations of growing up as a Chinese American. It illustrates Donald's inner struggles and eventual understanding of what his place is in society.
From the Paper "His father and his uncle, taking into their hands the matter of setting the young boys priorities and ideas straight, do their best to show him that his reactions in themselves are proof to the unfailing dominance that the white had over him. Finally, with the assistance of his own common sense, they succeed in explaining to him and bringing forth an appreciation of the values that are inherent to his actual Chinese lifestyle and cultural norms."
Abstract This paper analyzes filial piety,which has been one of the most important factors in defining Chinese culture and relationships, throughout Chinese history. The paper discusses the importance of this concept, the way that it is passed down between generations, and its influence on society. The writer claims that study of this concept and its applications allows for a greater understanding of Chinese culture and philosophy.
From the Paper "In Chinese popular folklore, there are numerous examples of ordinary citizens who have made great sacrifices in order to bring aid to their parents. Children are taught the story of the young boy who allowed mosquitoes to feast on his blood at night so that they would not disrupt his parents' sleep, or the story of the child who ran for over a hundred miles with loads of rice and provisions on his back to bring to his ailing parents. (Brians 172-174) Confucian philosophy holds these concepts of deference and obedience to one's parents in the highest regard. In fact, one popular Confucian proverb goes: "Of the hundred excellent things, filial piety is first." (Qt. in Jordan, pg. 267) This concept of filial piety has had much to do with the way in which the Chinese have traditionally followed their leaders with unquestioning obedience. From the day of Confucius up through modern Chinese times, filial piety has been one of the most important factors in defining Chinese culture and relationships. "
Abstract This paper discusses various issues concerning Chinese culture and its place in American society. The papers provides an insight as to why the Chinese immigrate to the U.S., illustrates the differences between the two cultures and explains the impact America has on the Chinese culture.
The writer also poses the question of whether the Chinese lose part of their own culture due to American influences.
From the Paper "Chinese immigrants came to America in the middle of the 19th century searching for a higher quality and economic life. They came to America because of advanced opportunities, not only economicaly, but educational, health, constitutional rights, right to privately own businesses, homes, automobiles, etc. Ambitious Chinese Immigrants saw a better quality life, in the United States that their own country did not provide. The primary reason for Chinese immigration to America is that they were enthusiastic, excited and very eager to capture the opportunities in America."
From the Paper " 1. Amy Tan's The Hundred Secret Senses shows that Olivia was shaped by American values, materialism, self-centeredness, rationality, skepticism, and rejection of the traditional ways of China. The major complicating factor is, of course, the influence of her sister Kwan. Their very names suggest this division, one American, the other Chinese. As much as Olivia wants to throw off forever her ethnic past, Kwan is always there as both sister and surrogate mother to remind her of the roots of which Olivia is ashamed.
Because of her Americanization, Olivia lives a life defined by externals--what other people think of her, how much money she and her husband make, material goods. Her childhood, however, is more contradictory: "For most of my childhood, I had to struggle not to see the world the way Kwan described it. Like her talk ..."
From the Paper "The Tale of Genji, by Murasaki Shikibu, reveals much about the power relations prevailing in the Heian period of Japan. Although the book deals primarily with the private and personal lives of those in the aristocratic class in that era, the stories inevitably shed light as well on their public and political lives, the prevalent institutions of the period, and the nature of power which shaped public and private relationships and identities of the time. Specifically, the study will argue that men wield the power at both the personal and political levels in eleventh century Japan, and that women are secondary figures who are kept in their place. Power is wielded according to standards and procedures understood and recognized by all, with rare exceptions. Because all of the characters belong to the aristocratic class--including princes and princesses, emperors..."
From the Paper "China made an intellectual journey from Confucianism to Communism in the century between the middle of the nineteenth century and the middle of the twentieth century. In the Taiping era, Confucianism prevailed, while by the middle of the next century Confucianism was rejected in favor of a new and foreign (though modified to the Chinese situation) ideology, that of Marxism. Confucianism was long the primary influence in Chinese thought, challenged by different strains of religious and philosophical thought at different times, but hardy enough to persist. It would be a major target for the Communist regime after 1949, being seen then as an unnecessary remnant from the past and as an ideology that conflicted with the Communist thought promoted by Mao and his followers."
Confucius introduced a strong and lasting philosophical syste
Abstract This paper argues that some of the actions of the United States were just as morally corrupt as those of the Axis powers during WWII. Similar to the Nazi's imprisonment of Jews in Europe, the U.S. government imprisoned Japanese Americans on the West Coast. The paper argues that the internment of Japanese was more of an act of racism than actual perceived threat. The author of the paper is of the opinion that the internment of Japanese in 1942 was a decision motivated by race rather than defensive strategy. It chronicles the events leading up to the internment, the presence of racism before and after the bombing of Pearl Harbor and concludes by comparing the imprisonment of Japanese in America with the current war on terrorism.
From the Paper "Racism against the Japanese people living in the U.S. was not a result of the bombing of Pearl Harbor, but rather something that had been built up over time. The media and government for decades before the onset of World War II targeted Japanese and Chinese. California, in particular, passed laws and approved regulations aimed at slowing Japanese immigration into the state (Daniels 10). As early as 1905, California politicians and media were denouncing the Japanese as ?undesirable,? and "transient" (Daniels 10)."
