Abstract This paper deals with the various reasons that Buddhism entered China. It talks about the help the religion received from the government and the hindrances it had to overcome to become the major force it is today in China.
From the Paper "For most of history, China has been described as an extremely unified country, in both culture and political aspects. This was furthered by the fact that China was isolated and insulated from "alien" thoughts and beliefs, even though there was minimal contact by way of the Silk Road and from India. When Buddhism made its appearance in China, it brought with it a view of the outside world that was foreign, inviting, and challenging. While bringing new ideas, it at the same time brought up cultural, social, political, and religious challenges that had to be addressed and changed to fit Chinese life in order to be accepted."
Tags: buddhism, china, religion, culture, tradition, population, society
This is a paper that looks at the many different female images in Taoism. It looks at what they are and the importance they have to the religion as a whole.
Abstract This paper discusses the religion Taoism, and the connection females have to the religion. Taoism is not necessarily a feminine religion, but females feel a close connection to the religion due to its female imagery, females goddesses and methods of enlightenment for females.
From the Paper "The presence of feminine elements in Taoism is sweeping, and these elements have influenced the participation of women in this particular religious movement. The use of this female imagery gives women, and the qualities associated with them, a favored status in this religion. However, just because Taoism does value such qualities as softness and fluidity, usually associated with the feminine, does not mean that it favors a feminine model or can be seen a stronghold of feminism. Rather, it allows for a greater acceptance of women into the religion, and an easier relation between the woman and her religion."
Abstract The paper looks at the history of Japan after WWI. The events described are the conquering and occupation of Manchuria in China, the Panay Incident, the actions taken by the US towards Japan and the actions taken by Japan after WWI. The paper also looks at the Japanese government's instability during that period. The paper concludes that the actions taken by the Japanese in World War II were a direct result of the relationship that had developed between the United States and Japan between World War I and World War II.
From the Paper "The period between World War I and World War II was a tumultuous time for the world. From the focus of most of the civilized world, the majority of the trouble was arising from Europe. There were two countries that were threatening the free world with their oppressive ideals, and hand banded together for their mutual benefit. With Hitler heading the Nazis in Germany, and Mussolini heading the Fascists in Italy, the future of Europe was hanging in the balance. These dilemmas, however, were not the only ones the world would have to deal with. In the Pacific, an alien and seemingly remote country, that until just under a century ago had been totally un-industrialized, was threatening its neighboring Asian countries. Using their powers of adaptation and an indomitable spirit, they had forced themselves into being one of the most powerful nations in the world. The Japanese had seen what the world had to offer, and had immersed themselves into becoming a force in the world instead of becoming a province of another world power. The nation they would become, in accordance to their method of borrowing outside concepts and re-conceiving them with a distinct Japanese identity attached, was heavily dependent on the interactions that they would experience with other nations. The actions taken by the Japanese in World War II were a direct result of the relationship that had developed between the United States and Japan between World War I and World War II. The major events the shaped this relationship were the incidents occurring in China, instabilities within the Japanese government, and the actions taken by the United States towards Japan."
Abstract This paper examines the iconography of the gods and goddesses within traditional Indonesian art, looking at the ways in which they are dressed reflect larger stylistic concerns within the culture as well as illuminating the relationship between the gods and their worshippers.
From the Paper "Before examining this particular issue in greater detail it is important that we provide an overview of the country's religious mix and heritage. The majority of the current population is Muslim, but it is an Islam strongly influenced by Hinduism and Buddhism as well as the islands" older, indigenous pagan and animistic beliefs. The island of Bali is home to most Indonesians of Hindu descent, while in the current day there are small Christian population scattered throughout the country. There are also followers of Confucianism.?
Abstract This paper investigates human rights issues and violations in China and Korea during the last half of the twentieth century. Some of the topics covered include, Tiananmen Square and the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This investigation includes human rights violations, as well as recent attempts by both countries to show that they are trying to change their policies and move forward alongside the world community. The paper also looks at the United Nation's role in setting policy and in the establishment of various worldwide bodies to monitor human rights.
From the Paper "Much of the credit for the progress in human rights must go to the United Nations, its allied agencies, and such regional organizations as the Council of Europe, the Organization of American States, and the Organization of African Unity. Also visibly helpful, however, particularly since the early 1970s, have been three other factors: the public advocacy of human rights as a key aspect of national foreign policies, made initially legitimate by the example of U.S. Pres. Jimmy Carter; the emergence and proliferation of activist nongovernmental human rights organizations such as Amnesty International (winner of the Nobel Prize for Peace for 1977), the International Commission of Jurists, and diverse church-affiliated groups; and a worldwide profusion of courses and materials devoted to the study of human rights both in formal and informal educational settings. Indeed, in light of the weaknesses that are clearly present and even endemic at the intergovernmental level of global and regional organization, it is likely that each of these factors will play an increasingly important role in the future (Bauer 24)."
This paper discusses the foreign policy of Japan and traces the history of policymaking in this country, emphasizing U.S.-Japanese relations and the reasons behind the changing faces of international relations.
Abstract This paper discusses the key features of Japan's foreign policy and also studies the reasons that exist behind its peace-oriented strategies.
The author looks at how Japan brought significant changes to its centuries-old foreign policy at two occasions during the 20th century. The paper focuses on the importance of world events which prompted Japan to abandon its policy of isolation and passive diplomacy and urged it to adopt a more positive, active and independent foreign policy.
From the Paper "In order to understand the key features of Japan's foreign policy, it is important to take a look at the history of Japan's foreign policymaking. Since the Edo period, the country was interested more in protecting its borders from foreign attacks and threats and less in developing healthy positive relations with other countries of the world. Japanese policymakers were of the view that increase in power and might would help the country secure its borders against foreign aggression, but the problem was that, in doing so, the country completely forgot about development of healthy diplomatic relations."
Tags: asia, east, international, isolation, relations, us, policymakers, edo, 20th, century, war, world, united, nations, diplomacy, economy, commerce, china, korea
Abstract This paper investigates the ideals of superiority and inferiority and how they have factored into racism and racist behavior throughout history. The author looks at how natural order, power, influence and position factor into a person's behavior and how they look at someone of a different race. The author also examines issues surrounding African-Americans and Asian-Americans and how these two different communities continue to be plagued by racism, and prejudice.
From the Paper "Padilla also asserts that stereotypes are ever changing and a new one is developed every time a major immigration into America occurs. Italians, Germans, Chinese, Irish and Jews have all experienced stereotyping (Padilla 1998). A study conducted by the National Opinion Research Center (NORC) at the University of Chicago has shown that beliefs held by many Americans about racial and ethnic minorities are based on stereotypes. The study consisted of a survey administered to a cross-section of Americans. The survey asked participants to evaluate the characteristics of whites, Jews, African-Americans, Asian-Americans, Hispanics and southern whites on a scale of one to seven. The results showed that minority groups were evaluated more negatively than whites, with the exception of Jews, who were rated more favorably than whites in all characteristics except patriotism. Hispanics and African-Americans were ranked last or next to last on nearly all characteristics measured (How Do Americans View One Another? The Persistence of Racial/Ethnic Stereotypes)."
Abstract This paper is an in-depth examination of how the American government treated Japanese-Americans during World War II, after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The paper looks at the the relocation camps where the Japanese-Americans were sent, their treatment there and some of the long-term implications of this policy. Relations between Japan and the United States prior to Pearl Harbor are also examined in detail.
From the Paper "Many people criticized the U.S. government for acting the way it did toward Japanese-Americans. Some of these critics have said that the United States acted as if martial law had been called out (Inada 187). Although of course the United States remained under civilian rule for the war, in some ways its actions were like those that are taken by martial law authorities. Martial law is put into effect when civil authority alone is deemed not to be strong or severe enough to keep life functioning in a basically normal and safe way. Usually governments that declare martial law allow normal civil rights to be taken away from people. This could mean, for example, that if martial law were called out in America then Americans would no longer be able to be tried by a jury if they were accused of a crime (Inada 149). This is almost what happened to Japanese-Americans."
This paper traces Japanese trade, European influence on this trade, and the internal power struggles resulting from European influence from the early 17th century to the late 19th century.
Abstract This paper studies the European influence on Japanese trade and political power structure. It specifically reports on Japanese policies towards foreigners from the early 17th century to late 19th century, Commodore Perry and the effects of his visit, the Shimonoseki incident, the treaties Japan signed with foreign nations, and how the politics of Japan were influenced by foreign contact are all discussed. This paper outlines Japan's trade with Western civilizations from its beginning, marked by Francis Xavier's landing in Kyushu, through Nobunaga and his influence, Hideyoshi, and Ieyasu.
From the Paper "In 1551, a 19 year old lord of a small territory began his conquests in Japan, with the support of both European military technology and the missionaries. His name was Nobunaga. Nobunaga's main fear was that of the great power of the Buddhist monasteries, and, because of this, he welcomed the Jesuits to his captured territories, which included the capital, Kyoto. Nobunaga was assassinated in 1582, and his most trusted and successful general, Hideyoshi, came into power. Hideyoshi was a man who feared change, and his reforms showed this. He reinstated old laws, forcing samurai to stay with their lords, peasants to stay with their farms, and artists and artisans to stay with their villages. Hideyoshi, who, like his lord, feared the Buddhists, but unlike his lord did not trust the Jesuits, began to ban Christian missionaries, although the Christian church continued to operate underground in Japan."
Abstract This paper compares the Korean school system to the American school system. It discusses issues such as-- curriculum, foreign language studies, uniforms and learning hours. It also examines parent involvement in their children's education in both countries. It concludes that American children have a lot to learn from Korean children and it starts with their schooling.
From the Paper "It's hard to believe that just a year ago, the American economy was growing at an exponential rate with unlimited job opportunities available in almost every industry. With the stock market breaking record highs, new upstart "dot.com" companies making millions in their first year and doubling of jobs in the service sector, a bright and stable future seemed almost a guarantee for many high school students who would soon be entering the job markets. This growth, however short lived, is now in a downhill progression with the plummeting stock market, many computer companies in bankruptcy, and American companies laying people off in record numbers and downsizing nationally. Combine this recession with globalization and American high school students are now facing fierce competition nationally and internationally for jobs. The question is whether or not your average American high school graduate is scholastically prepared to compete for these sought-after jobs? Unfortunately, I don?t think so and I hope to provide valid evidence that will support my thoughts. In comparing the Korean school systems with those of the Americans, I feel that the difference is clear."
Abstract This paper is an in-depth analysis of the affects of September 11th on the Japanese economy. Several different factors contributing to the deepening recession in Japan are examined in detail, including unemployment statistics, the findings of the Bank of Japan's Tanken survey, suicide figures and corporate restructuring. The changes in people's behavior, including expense accounts, dress and spending habits as a result of this recession and the change in Japan's credit rating and its affect on how government policy is affected by this change are also discussed in detail. The author also presents some of the government's policy attempts at dealing with this problem including new economic policies, tax reform, privatization schemes and the restructuring of the banking system. The effects that this has had on Japan's relations with China, especially in its trade relations are also discussed in detail.
Extensive bibliography but no footnotes, or endnotes.
From the Paper "According to a recent article in Bloomberg News entitled "Think Japan's Economy is Bad Now" Just Wait,? the situation will only get worse.' ? ?It's here where things get ugly,? ? the article states. ? ?As unemployment rises beyond today's record 5 percent, consumers may spend less. If already frugal households buy less, corporate profits fall further and so do asset values. Banks, then, may be forced to let more companies fail, boosting unemployment and reducing corporate profits. And so on and so on.? ? This is the very cycle Japan's policy makers have been dreading for years. To date, Tokyo has held things together with ultra-low interest rates and aggressive fiscal spending. Now that borrowing costs are at zero percent and Tokyo has papered markets with more bonds than investors can use, that's no longer possible. Credit rating agencies are sniffing around Japan's finances, wondering if it's time for another downgrade."
Abstract The following paper discusses the Japanese economic trends from the era of the rising sun ? from the postwar recovery of the 1950s to the mid 1970s and finally to the 90's. The author discusses what factors caused the era of the rising sun, namely international, cultural, political, and examines how this trend was based on an economic structure that was influenced but fundamentally different from American capitalism. In addition this paper retraces Japan's fall from glory to find many of the same factors of growth that lead it to its earlier success.
From the Paper " When the Asian Crisis struck, many economists dismissed the earlier vision of the Japanese miracle as a stroke of luck, and rejected the same factors they had extolled during its growth, denouncing the Japanese economic system as fundamentally dysfunctional and declaring victory of the superior American capitalism. Studying the Japanese system provides many lessons that the American system can emulate or remember to avoid as well. Japan's group collectivism and state-assisted, relationship-based capitalism helped Japan expand rapidly, and has much to offer. However, it also made the system very inflexible, unable to adjust itself to the constantly changing economic circumstances; in the long term, after the growth stopped, the economy suffered because of the system's harmful consequences."
Abstract This paper gives an historical overview of foreign intervention in Vietnam starting with the colonial occupation of Vietnam by the French. It details the Vietnamese revolution as a result of French rule (including the rise of Ho Chi Minh). It concentrates on the causes of the Vietnamese civil war and the later American Involvement in Vietnam.
From the Paper "Vietnam, bordered by China to the north, Laos to the west and northwest, and Cambodia (now Kampuchea) to the southwest, is an S-shaped country no bigger than the state of Florida. Vietnam occupies the eastern coast of the Indochinese Peninsula. For thousands of years the people of Vietnam have lived with constant foreign intervention and colonization (by the French)."
Tags: America, Vietnam, history, United, States, vietnam, war, French, civil
Abstract The paper explores how the further opening up of the Chinese economy will better the condition of the people of China and will improve the lot of the worker. It shows how the relaxation of 1979 has lead to an improvement of the overall economy and surmises that if China adopts a truly open economy the overall economic situation of the citizens will improve.
From the Paper "In 1958, Mao Zedong promised that China would overtake the UK and the US in growth and development within 15 years. Even after tens of millions of farmers died in the Great Leap Forward, Mao still believed the false crop harvest reports. Now the falsification has broadened to include economic growth figures. Thomas Rawski, a professor of economics at the University of Pittsburgh, has presented statistical evidence from the China Statistical Yearbook implying that China's GDP grew by 24 percent between 1997 and 2000. Energy consumption declined by 12.8 percent over the same period. The job opportunities that were created during this time period, as well as rises in commodity prices, were either negative or normal."
Abstract This paper discusses various elements of Asian religions and how it is intertwined in Crane's novel "Bones of the Master". These elements include pilgrimage, master/disciple relationship and the importance of meditation. The book is a true story of a man on a spiritual quest for the truth.
From the Paper "The concept of the teacher and the student is prevalent in Bones of the Master. When beginning a religious path, it is most widely agreed that the best place to start is by finding a teacher, or a master. It is this teacher, that can guide the student towards proper meditation techniques and passing their wisdom down to the student. In his younger days, Tsung Tsai found his master in Shiuh Deng. One of the key teachings of a Buddhist master is the art of meditation. For one who is seeking a religious path, the most important aspect to learn is meditation."
