Discusses the position of the author of "Discovering History in China" that American historians need to take a more China-centered approach to studying Chinese history.
1,400 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 1 source, 2002, $ 53.95
Abstract The author of this book emphasizes that a China-centered history is necessary to get a better and more accurate portrayal of Chinese history. Indeed, in his perspective, this will counter-act the ethnocentric approach taken by American historians on the subject. One of the main theses of the book is that a China-centered approach is needed to counter-balance the American distortion of Chinese history.
Abstract The central question in Indian economic history is why a nation that has achieved so much remains, despite its early promise, a secondary economic power in the world today? This paper addresses this question in a tripartite fashion.
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Abstract The first, and perhaps most important, observation that can be made about the novel "The Journey to the West", attributed usually to Wu Cheng'en (c. 1500s), is that it is fun to read. Any discussion of the treatment of mythology in this novel must confront the fact of its irreverence for religion, be it Buddhism or Taoism. This essay will argue that it is this irreverence - personified in the very human character of Monkey (Monkey King/Great Sage) - that renders this comic novel a classic of Chinese literature. Monkey is a "human" character with human drives and flaws attempting to find a place for himself in a world of immortals and magic. The mythology of the comic novel is thus simply a "backdrop" for this theme of man struggling to find meaning in the world.
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Abstract The political concept of "Orientalism" is discussed in this essay, and is examined in connection to historical contexts of 19th century Europe. This essay considers how "Orientalism" enables white Europeans to perceive themselves racially and culturally superior, and to render Asian and Middle-Eastern cultures as exotic, and as a commodity that can be consumed. The ideal of exotic Asians persists today in the form of the Asian sex-trades, and in this essay the role of sex, sexuality, and difference is critically analysed in relation to theory-work by Edward Said, and other cultural critics.
Abstract The spread of Buddhism to East Asia and it's division into discrete sects (ten principle schools, separated into: Being and Non-being), which had its origin in the tendency to concentrate on studying one particular scripture or group of scriptures as holding the most essential truths. The sects were essentially different systems of thought rather than contending denominations of religious practice.
Abstract The statement that "Fukuzawa Yukichi was Eurocentric" may seem self-evident to some readers of his works, given his strong emphasis in favor of Japan acquiring aspects of Western civilization and rejecting many aspects of Asian civilization. In fact, as will be demonstrated in the second half of this paper, depending upon the definition of Eurocentrism that one uses, a strong case can be made for interpreting Fukuzawa Yukichi's work being Eurocentric.
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Abstract This paper discusses China-Taiwan relations. The relations between the two have been a source of major concern for both the countries. The Taiwanese demand for an independent land has triggered many problems including the fear of a military uprising.
