Abstract This paper is on the Peter Brook production of the "Mahabharata", the Indian epic. The author contends that the process of de-contextualization of characters, plot elements and pieces of narration out of the Mahabharata's original context and into a Western mode of performance, plot construction and interpretation exhibits the latent Orientalism of the Brook production, and represents the profound and perverse commodification of the India classic. The author further explains how it was Brook's perspective and alteration of this epic that reached a broader Western audience.
From the Paper "As a world defined by over 200 nations, and thousands of cultures, an incredibly rich history and set of traditions exists. The last century has marked a turning point in our planet's history. As never before, the distance and separation of cultures is becoming ever smaller, due to better transportation and communications infrastructures, and a desire to conduct business on a global scale. There is also an interesting and concerning adoption and synthesis of cultural practices and traditions. One could debate rather academically the merits of cultural encounter and interaction, and to say that perhaps with a synthesis of different cultural practices, a new culture is born. That may be, however the focus of this essay is to critically investigate and discuss the adoption or representation of other cultural traditions, without comprehending their meaning or significance. This is demonstrated through the Western commodification of cultures, the notion of Orientalism, and specifically focusing on the Brooks/ Carri?re production of the Mahabharata."
Abstract This paper is a summary of how industry, transportation, and gender and development are impacting the development of the Southeast Asian region. The paper includes a special look at how tourism is impacting the region.
From the Paper "Southeast Asia is a very diverse region, and its countries are among the most dynamic in the developing world. By looking at industry, transportation, tourism, and gender and development in the Southeast Asian region, one can see that these areas are all related to one another and contribute both individually and collaboratively to the development of Southeast Asia."
Abstract An examination of Western impact on Japanese film making. The author focuses specifically on Akira Kurosawa's film "Seven Samurai". The author describes the film makers use of native cinematic styles and techniques and how these go about breaking away from Japanese traditional style and adding more flavor and richer meaning to the film.
From the Paper "Referring to his film Seven Samurai director Akira Kurosawa once remarked, "Japanese films tend to be rather bland in flavor, like green tea over rice. I think we ought to have richer foods and richer films. So I thought I would make this kind of film entertaining enough to eat" (Criterion Collection, 2). This statement was a thinly veiled criticism of Kurosawa's contemporary and rival, Yasujiro Ozu (who actually made a film entitled The Flavor of Green Tea over Rice). Ozu adhered dutifully to the traditional Japanese cinematic style, an art heavily influenced by native culture and customs. His films (including the 1953 masterpiece, Tokyo Story) can be characterized by long takes with little or no lateral camera movement (both of which demonstrate the influence of the traditional Japanese "Kabuki Play"). Ozu also uses many extreme low angle shots that often hug the bottom surface of any set. By showing the audience this point of view Ozu reflects the Japanese custom of remaining seated on the floor of a room. While this style is certainly effective and distinct, it is as Kurosawa describes, ?rather bland in flavor.? In an era when post-war occupation was rapidly opening Japan to western industry and influence, Kurosawa made a bold decision to break from tradition and borrow some key points from Hollywood including slow motion, multiple cameras and camera angles and continuity editing. By embracing these conventions of Western cinema and combining these techniques with the traditions of his native industry, Kurosawa was able to create a unique and powerful portrait of Japan in the waning days of the samurai. Furthermore, the director employs this hybrid style effectively in order to develop his characters, build tension in the audience and drive the plot of his film forward. "
Abstract This paper follows the story of Ichiro in "The No-No Boy" who struggles to come to terms with himself and resolve the crisis of feeling like he does not belong in the environment in which he lives. The writer defines what an identity crisis is according to Erikson. This essay concludes that Ichiro's identity crises is bought on by circumstance and environment.
From the paper:
?This passage shows us just how badly Ichiro feels about himself and what he has done. The last sentence is particularly powerful and shows us the hopelessness that Ichiro is feeling. It shows us that while he is free physically, he does not feel free. He is trapped by his own struggle. Ichiro's self-hatred is a result of him questioning who he is and what his place in the world is. He has been in prison for deciding to honour the Japanese, but in the reality of his environment he is American.?
Abstract This paper examines the development of nationalism in modern China, from the Han response to the Qing government to anti-imperialist agitation and republicanism under the guidance of Sun Yatsen. It looks briefly at the New Culture Movement and the role of secret societies such as the Tongmeng hui.
From the paper:
"Nationalism has been a defining ideology in the creation of Modern China, promoted at first by a series of secret societies, and later by both the Guomingdang and the Chinese Communist Party to achieve different ends. It was central to the early student movements, and the May Fourth Movement, and nationalism was the first of Sun Yatsen's Three Principles of the People. In its early stages, Chinese nationalism was based on ethnic and racial identity, and centered on Han identity, however over time the significance of ethnic identity has decreased. Foreign influence in the conceptualization of Chinese nationalism has been problematic to developing a clear understanding of the movement; despite this, nationalism developed in a particularly Chinese manner."
Abstract This paper reviews the strengths and weaknesses of Japan's economy as shown in the Michael Porter book, "Can Japan Compete?" It focuses on the downturn in the economy since 1998 and how it came about and ideas on how it can turn around. It points to the involvement of Japan's government industry leaders in the mistakes they made in focusing too much on efficiency and market share rather than profitability and clear strategies for the future.
Table of Contents
1. Preface
2. Summary
3. Critique
4. Valuable Side
5. Weakness
6. Conclusion
From the Paper "This book is written by a leading authority on competitive strategy and international competitiveness, Michael Porter, and his colleagues, Hirotaka Takeuchi and Mariko Sakakibara, who have in-depth understanding of Japanese economic development. The authors try to uncover the magic behind this country. It outlines the steps that will be necessary to restore Japanese's economy and uplift the competitiveness of those uncompetitive sectors. And to provide a solution that challenges the conventional wisdom. The ultimate goal is to develop a new national economic strategy."
This paper summarizes the various views taken by the World Bank on Asian economic development before the crisis, and how the effects of the Asian crisis threw the Bank's judgement.into doubt.
Abstract This paper examines reasons for the East Asian economic crisis during 1997 and 1998. The World Bank report of 1993 praises many of the practices that ultimately led to the crisis. Currencies, stock markets, 'crony capitalism' and financiers are examined. The paper argues that both economic and cultural reasons are ultimately to blame for the economic crisis.
From the Paper "In recent decades international financial institutions, most notably the World Bank, have held up East Asia as a capitalist miracle, a role model for the rest of the world to follow. The Newly Industrialising Countries (NIC's) took off during the 1970's and included countries from around the world. But is was almost exclusively the NIC's of Asia who maintained their high growth rates through the 1980's and 1990's. While the South American NIC's were left behind in the debt crisis of the early 1980's, the Asian 'Tigers' continued to surge ahead. South Korea, for example, maintained a manufacturing growth rate of nearly 9% a year during the 1980's, while exports grew by 10% a year (Hadjor: 1992). Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore also enjoyed such success, and they were soon joined by other Asian countries such as Malaysia and Thailand. By 1987 the combined manufacturing exports of South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore totalled about half of all third world exports compared with 6% for Mexico and Brazil combined (ibid). The World Bank firmly believed that the experience of the Asian tigers constituted a viable model for other Third World countries. In 1993, the Bank published its seminal work 'The East Asian Miracle' as a guide to how the Tigers had been so successful. But disaster hit the East Asian region in 1997/98 when the economies in that part of the world took a massive beating from what became the 'Asian Crisis'. Suddenly the World Bank report and hopes for the region looked decidedly inaccurate. Here we will summarise the various views taken by the World Bank on Asian economic development before the crisis hit, together with how the effects of the Asian Crisis threw into doubt the Banks judgement."
Tags: asian, crisis, capitalism, crisis, crony, globalisation, world, bank, asia
Abstract This paper deals with the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre in China and its resulting effects on Chinese policy making and politics. The author speculates that perhaps as a result of the events of 1989, the People's Republic of China is fundamentally politically and economically unstable.
From the Paper "In 1989, government corruption and rising inflation caused much of China's population to respond to a student revolt for democracy. This ignited an historically significant confrontation with Chinese Communist Party authorities."
Abstract The paper is an in-depth examination of the history of the Ninjas. Ninjitsu, the Ninja form of martial arts and the different spiritual influences are discussed in detail.The author looks at the history of the Ninjas, answering such questions as where did they come from, what are their characteristics, what type of role do they play in history of the area in which they live. Their different weapons and tactics are also explored.
From the Paper "By the 17th century, the ninjas had become a thorn in the side of many Japanese Shoguns, and a great war began to eradicate the ninjas. Thousands of lives were lost during the war, and ninja activity did not continue on very much longer. They only officially operated until the 17th century in Japan, but the myth and legend of the ninja has always been an important part of Japanese history and the arts. They still tell ninja stories on the Kabuki theater stage. Ninjas also operated schools throughout the country, and wrote books about their weapons, tactics, and even recipes. "And so...the ninja moved from the battlefield into the imagination, and have remained there ever since" (Nepstad, 2001)."
Abstract This paper examines the terrible disease of tuberculosis and its spread in the 18th and 19th century In Europe. It details the disease's symptoms and their treatment as well as the discovery of anti-tuberculous drugs. Furthermore, it gives a valid comparison of the prevalence of tuberculosis amongst the populations of the United States and South Korea and studies the statistical data of these two very different countries. It concludes that better living conditions can bring down the amount of people sick with TB.
From the Paper "Tuberculosis is a communicable disease that usually affects the respiratory system but can infect any other system of the body. It is transmitted by droplet infection in the air from a person with the active disease. The pathogens are bacteria known commonly as Mycobacterium Tuberculi. Tuberculosis was a fatal disease in the 18th and 19th centuries, prominent all over Europe even in the well off classes. With the discovery of Streptomycin and other anti-tuberculous drugs, along with strict health regimens and isolation procedures the more developed nations managed to control this epidemic by the 20th century. Underdeveloped countries however were still a source of the infection and it was endemic in many third world nations."
Tags: Tuberculosis, United, States, South, Korea, HIV, disease, air, living, conditions, underdeveloped, countries
Abstract This paper examines the recent relations between the People's Republic of China and Taiwan. Taiwan seems to have given up on reunification towards a separate identity and China has continuously threatened and attempted to intimidate Taiwan with ultimatums and display of military and international political force. On the other hand, the trade collaboration between these two countries is growing. This paper studies the relations between these countries in the last decade from a political and economical point of view. It concludes that the relationship is still intrinsically a volatile one, for both states still remain resolute on the most fundamental issue of sovereignty.
From the Paper "When Mao and the communists defeated the Nationalist government in 1949, Chiang and his two million supporters fled China and sought refuge in the small island of Taiwan, with a promise to one day reclaim the mainland. At the time, Taiwan was considered a province of China. Demands for independence began in the 1960s as a small voice, for the Nationalist Party in power still hoped for eventual reunification with China, and has grown stronger ever since. All the while, China has not wavered for even a moment from her position that Taiwan is not its own sovereign nation but only a province of the mainland country."
Tags: Taiwan, China, political, economical, commercial, sovereignty, country, ties, international
Abstract McDonald's is the largest food service retailer in the world with more than 30,000 restaurants in 121 countries. This paper explores the economic impact of McDonald's entering the Chinese market. The two main economic impacts discussed are employment and the encouraging of greater foreign trade and investment. It also briefly describes the economic collaboration between America and China, the restaurant industry in China, and the goals that McDonald's has for the Chinese Market.
From the Paper "Every new McDonald's Restaurant creates at least 100 new job opportunities depending on the size of the store. So by 2013 McDonalds would have created at least 100,000 more jobs for China's economy. In addition, McDonald's provides its employees with an opportunity to advance in the organization, McDonald's Restaurants offers comprehensive training programs to all staff levels and is committed to promoting from within. (http://www.sjross.com/mcdonalds.html) This commitment provides workers with increased pay and training. "
Abstract This essay examines Jen Gish's short story, "Chin" which focuses on the interaction between the traditional Chinese community, and the larger American culture. Gish, an influential 20th-century American writer, effectively uses a variety of narrative techniques in "Chin". First, a brief biography of Jen Gish is given, and her importance and specific contributions to 20th century American literature is outlined. The use of narration in literature is briefly discussed, and then the specific narrative techniques used by Gish is examined in detail.
From the Paper "In Chin, the point of view is in the third person. Gish uses words like "he" and "they" to tell the story. This interesting, third person, use of the narrator's perspective has important limitations, as well as distinct and interesting advantages. By using the next-door neighbour as the narrator, Gish limits the detail that we receive about Chin. We can only infer what Chin feels, based on what the narrator tell us about Chin's reactions. We do not have access to Chin's feelings. Chin scales walls, and passively suffers his father's abuse, but we cannot tell if his calm exterior truly reflects his feelings, or it masks a tortured and upset soul. "
Abstract The following paper examines Japanese actions during World War II, focusing specifically on the Nanking Massacre, an attempt to dominate China quickly by demoralizing and destroying the population of China's capitol. The writer discusses the economic and political goals of this action and he also examines how not all of Japanese society has been comfortable with acknowledging this part of their history.
From the Paper "After World War II, Japan's economic needs still required raw materials only available from other countries, and they continued to look to China as the source. This economic reality was complicated by the post World War II politics regarding China, which was now split into two countries: the Republic of China, now in exile on the island of Taiwan, and the Communist People's Republic of China on the mainland. While Japan needed good relations with The People's Republic of China because of the need to trade with them, the post World War II sentiment among most of the dominant powers was that the Communist government was not legitimate, should not be recognized, and should not be encouraged in any way."
Abstract This essay examines the content of Pre-Qin Chinese religious thinking, namely the religions of the Shang and Zhou dynasty. It explores the forces, which according to the religious beliefs of the Shang and Zhou people, controlled the human and non-human world. It shows that, according to these beliefs, the two worlds mentioned above co-existed and affected one another. Subsequently, the essay reveals that the ancient Chinese ideas about cosmic order and disorder were very closely related to the political domain.
From the Paper "However, at the same time, it can be argued that the human world also controlled, or at least affected, the non-human world. The term "non-human" can be defined very broadly. It simply means "anything that is not human". The people of the Shang Dynasty believed that natural happenings such as storms, droughts, comets or eclipses were affected by human conduct. They were seen as warnings sent by the heavens, so that ?human beings especially rulers might reform their personal conduct as well as their conduct of government.? It is clear that there was a belief that the behavior of the human world would affect the happenings of the non-human world- bad behavior would cause natural disasters."
