Abstract This paper takes a look at Rae Yang's "The Spider Eaters - a Memoir", a book addressing the Cultural Revolution from the perspective of a person who was caught up in a frightening time in the early People's Republic of China (PRC).The paper considers the book a disturbing reflection on the youth of the Red Guard and the vicious sort of fascism created by Chairman Mao. It concludes that the book is well written and informative.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Maoism and Youth
Divisions
Conclusion
From the Paper "Yang writes in a way that is immediate and also indicating that her days in the Red Guard were far away, a dream somehow, and as much of the volume moves back and forth between the present and the past and with anecdotes to do with her childhood and family adding to a surreal and very personal explanation of a frightening time and different people's reactions to it. A chapter "A Strange Gift from the Pig Farm" refers to her habit of waking at 3 a.m. that remained after she was placed in the Manchurian countryside just as millions of other young people to finish high school were sent for menial labour away from the cities. She had had to waken at 3 a.m. to perform part of her assigned work and the habit remained, years later. (pp. 1-2) So much forgetting a disturbing time, or the person she had become, as 3 a.m. waking in America showed that some things could not be washed away. The inability to reconcile what Maoism preached, what happened, and came into view as very wrong with the CCP movement produced despair later and a wish to die which took time to overcome. Rae Yang embarked on graduate studies at the University of Massachusetts. She graduated from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in 1981 and in the U.S., completed her M.A. in 1985 and her Ph.D. in 1991, obtaining a post at Dickinson College where she specializes in pre-modern and modern Chinese literature."
Tags: China cultural revolution communism Chinese, red army, red guard mao maoism
Abstract This paper discusses Rae Yang's memoir - "The Spider Eaters". The paper explains that the books is the story of a classless person who came of age during the Cultural Revolution and who obviously worked hard to present her experiences in a direct and emotional manner. The paper explains that Yang's volume covers the decades between 1950 and 1980 and clearly illustrates the cruelty that Yang came to see all around her though a committed communist and Red Guard. The paper also shows how Yang's memoir points to Mao as a very aware person, a megalomaniac in Communist clothing who had no care as to the degree of cruelty that was inflicted through an entire society, or how this experience might shape future Chinese society and politics. In conclusion, the paper shows that Mao and the Chinese Cultural Revolution destroyed the Chinese who might have had much to offer the socialist experiment, drove great wedges between people and accustomed the Chinese once again to conditions of great fear.
From the Paper "Mao's regime could be, just as the Red Guard she came to recognize as brutal, a movement quickly dissolving into anarchy, a kind of gang warfare, till the Red Army intervened. This is an interesting revelation given that one is so often instructed that Mao was not aware of the abuses inflicted on many Chinese during the Cultural Revolution, that the Red Army had somehow taken over or carried out what he had not intended. Yang's memoir points to Mao as a very aware person, a megalomaniac in Communist clothing who had no care as to the degree of cruelty that was inflicted through an entire society, or how this experience might shape future Chinese society and politics. Yang's volume covers the decades between 1950 and her 1980. Shortly after, Yang left for the United States where she made her career."
This paper discusses two poems about women from the Tang dynasty, "To My Daughter on Her Marriage into the Yang Family", by author Wei Yingwu (737-731), and "Endless Yearning II", by Li Bai (701-762).
Abstract This paper examines poems about women, which reflect the culture of humankind and its history from the Tang dynasty, and yet, also reflect life today. The author points out that, in the five-character verse poem, "To My Daughter on Her Marriage into the Yang Family", by author Wei Yingwu, the girl in the poem may have left for her new marriage by boat instead of by limousine, but the love that the father feels for his daughter shares the same bittersweet emotions of any parent when the wedding couple says their vows in 2004.The paper relates that the poem, "Endless Yearning II", by Li Bai (701-762), with its folk-song-stylized verses could be a love song put to music by one of the present musical artists and understood by audiences of all ages.
Table of Contents
To My Daughter on Her Marriage into the Yang Family
Endless Yearning II
From the Paper "The author expresses the realities of life on earth with its pain and burdens. However, he also waits for his turn to be on the other side or paradise with his love, in the mountain wind and blue skies so far above. He hopes that his love can reach up to her, and his tears convince her of the aching of his heart. However, when reflecting on these clear yet complex words, one understands that there is much more beyond the simple telling of a love song?hints and innuendos and insights into other depths of meaning. On a deeper level, like many poets during the Tang period, the storyteller yearns for a distant and boundless heaven that appears in another dimension and awaits an individual's death."
Tags: father, realities, complex, storyteller, song
Abstract This paper provides an overview of Rae Yang's "Spider Eaters," a political and social memoir of the life of a young Chinese woman during the Chinese cultural revolution. The paper shows that Yang's memoir is of her youth torn between two worlds, that of her loyalty to the Communist Party, and that of her parents and friends.
From the Paper "The narrative technique utilized in the book is that of first person. Continuously moving from past to present and from dream to reality this technique helps to convey the vast complexity of life in China, as well as the richness, confusion, and struggle of Yang's inner-self. For example, her dreams act as a soliloquy as they illustrate to the reader Yang's conflicted feelings as it shows her naive and tormented side."
Abstract The paper offers a brief background and history of Taoist philosophy and outlines the Taoist concept of yin-yang that emphasizes the respect for the harmony and balance evident in the natural world. The paper also discusses the concept of wu wei that refers to the notion that interacting "naturally" in the world is a key to internal psychological peace and external harmony within society. In addition, the paper explains the foundational moral rule of Taoism as well as looks at the Taoist belief on the appropriate neighborly perspective, on the correct intellectual perspective and, finally, on the concept of change.
Outline:
Background and History of Taoist Philosophy
Taoism, Nature, and Yin-Yang The Natural Law of Wu Wei
The Moral Golden Rule of Taoism
Empathy and Social Concern
Intellectual Perspective
The Concept of Change
From the Paper "Taoism (or Daoism) is not a specific religion, but rather, it refers to a large class of religious philosophies dating back to the third or fourth century, BC. The most remote origins of Taoism go back even further, perhaps one or two thousand years, to the shamans and cults associated with ancient China before recorded history (Bowker 1997).
"Unlike many Western religious traditions, Taoism emphasizes principles and fundamental teachings that are equally applicable to secular life as to a specific religious orientation. In many respects, Taoist teachings are conducive to personal growth and development that completely transcend any formal religious beliefs or cultural perspective."
Abstract The paper states that symbolism can be a reason to criticize the film or a reason to recognize it as a masterpiece. The authors demonstrates that the major events of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" are symbolic and believes that this is effective in creating a film with beauty, depth and meaning. The author continues that, because of the extent of the symbolism in the film, the viewers do not have a clear meaning handed to them but instead are challenged to determine their own meaning.
From the Paper "The symbolism as inherent to the film can be a reason to criticize the film or a reason to recognize it as a masterpiece. The film's very nature is symbolic, with the meaning attached not to the events, but to a greater meaning the events represent. The events and the plot of the movie are a surface feature, below this surface the film operates on many levels. This can be a reason to criticize the film, with the audience sometimes being lost to the meaning and confused at what is happening. In some ways, this can make the film seem poorly plotted and the characters poorly defined. However, on another level, it is these same characteristics that make it so powerful. The film is an epic and everything is on a grand, yet unrealistic scale."
Abstract This paper examines the history of Taoism, one of the most influential and unique religions of Eastern culture, founded by Lao Tzu around the year 604 B.C.E. It discusses how in many ways Taoists do not even consider it a religion but more of a way of life. It looks at its main creed and beliefs such as self-regard and survival as the core of human nature and direction and Yin and Yang the two forces of nature. It also discusses Socrates general philosophy on life such as his virtue equals knowledge theory. It shows how although the ideas of Taoism and Socrates are different in many ways, they also have many themes in common. Wisdom for both Taoists and followers of Socrates means goodness, good human relations, friendship, justice, self-control and propriety. However, Socrates? philosophy seems to demonstrate more of an ability than Taoism does in uniting the human with the divine.
From the Paper "Yin is considered the feminine principle, representing darkness, coolness, and dampness. Yang is seen as the masculine principle, representing brightness, warmth, and dryness. According to Taoism, neither Yin nor Yang is good or bad. In fact, they are not even considered opposites. Both Yin and Yang are considered necessary forces to maintain stability in the universe. The theory of Yin and Yang asserts that everything is defined through opposition (Bettencourt). Consequently, the virtues of balance and understanding are extremely valuable. Taoism asserts that for every void there is something to fill that void, even if it is simply empty space. Good and evil are complementary, but complements need not be good or bad, black or white. Red and green are complementary colors, just as belief in god and atheism are complementary."
Abstract This paper explains that both Ou-yang Hsiu and Shao Yung saw the real ideal of Confucianism as legitimating creativity. The author points out that they also believed that people had to see themselves as connected and responding to the world.
Abstract This paper examines these four words in relation to each other in the context of their own beliefs and compares them to the beliefs of another religion. Just as Ying cannot be understood, or exist without Yang, so too the omnipotence and otherness of Allah cannot be understood without closeness to Him because of Tashbih.
Abstract This paper discusses the traditional Chinese philosophy of Legalism and how Legalist thought and governmental practices have had extraordinary influence on China and other East Asian states throughout the ages. It explores the shapers of Legalist thought, including Shang Yang, Han Fei Tzu, Li Si and Qin Shihuangdi, and its initial appearance in China under the Qin. It also examines post-Qin, Legalist-influenced governments like the Northern Wei and the Tang Dynasty. Finally, it points out Legalist influences on Japan and Vietnam.
From the Paper "Legalism, although it had a clearly established world-view and set of ideals, was not a conventional philosophy with either a traditional school of instruction or a single founder credited with its inception; the four people responsible for forming, developing, and implementing Legalism were Shang Yang, Han Fei Tzu, Li Si, and Qin Shihuangdi. First, Shang Yang (died 338 B.C.), also known as Lord Shang, was the prime minister of the Qin Kingdom during the Warring States period prior to the first unification of China (Schirokauer 48). Largely responsible for the initial wide-ranging application of Legalism in the Kingdom of Qin, Shang Yang oversaw rapid economic recovery and growth and unmatched military success in what had been one of the weakest kingdoms of the Warring States period."
Abstract Traditional Chinese medicine is considered alternative medicine in the west, but in China it is an important part of health care, available in 75% of the country and regulated under the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine. This paper discusses the how the Chinese use herbal and alternative medicines to heal.
Paper Outline:
A. History
1. Yellow Emperor
2. Han Dynasty
3. Tang Dynasty
B. Theory
1. Qi
2. Meridians
3. Yin and Yang II. Treatments
A. Acupuncture
1. Types of Needles
2. Types of Acupuncture
B. Cupping Therapy
1. History
2. Benefits
3. Types of Cups
C. Qi Gong
1. Benefits
2. Exercises
D. Herbal Remedies
1. Combining Herbs and their Levels
2. Uses and Side Effects of Herbs
From the Paper "Acupuncture is a way of restoring the balance of yin and yang to treat many things such as back pain, headaches, arthritis, allergies and muscle spasms. It is conducted by inserting five needles onto the surface of the body, producing a sensation (not pain) called deqi. In acupuncture there are nine types of needles, six of which are commonly used, that very in length, width and shape. Depending on the ailment there is different techniques of using the needles: raising and thrusting, twirling, and scraping."
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses aspects of Taoism. The writer explains religious Taoism and contrasts it to Philosophic Taoism. The paper discusses how both these types of Taoism emphasize the importance of the balance between Yin and Yang. The writer provides examples from current events where balance led to harmony and imbalance to disharmony.
From the Paper "The main precept of Taoism is the belief in Tao which can be translated as being the path that one must follow in life. Tao is a code of behavior. The Tao is considered the natural order of all things and it is based on the principles of Yin and Yang. Taoists believe that Tao is the universal life force, the fundamental nature of all things that exist in the world. Michael Strada explains in 'USA Today Magazine' that the founder of Taoism is believed to be ... "
Tags: Taoism, religious Taoism, Philosophic Taoism, balance Yin and Yang, harmony, imbalance to disharmony, Confucianism, orderly society
Abstract This paper outlines the history and origins of Daoism and its main priciples of Yin, Yang, and wu. The paper explains the many beliefs and concepts associated with Daoism as well as its disciplines, scriptures and rituals. The paper also talks about the influence of Daoism on medicine, the design of classical Chinese gardens, culture and art.
From the Paper "Daoism is one of China's two philosophical schools (Confucianism is the other), but Daoism transcends philosophy and also incorporates religion. Daoists believe that in the beginning was the Dao, empty and still. Gradually, primal energy was spontaneously generated out of the Dao, which swirled in cosmic chaos. Eventually, the Dao generated yin and yang (see below), which directed the primal energy into patterns of movement. For Daoists, matter and energy are interchangeable. (Lewis 13) Within this vision of universal order, Daoists advocate living a simple, honest life and not interfering with the course of natural events. Daoists seek immortality (here on earth), an understanding of reality, to behave morally and regulate both their thoughts and their diet (they don't eat grains). Daoists seek effortless action, artlessness, wisdom and Dao (the Way). Daoists regulate their internal energy with breathing, dance and sexual practices."
Abstract In 1999 a new star was born in the world of electronic entertainment. This star was a new start-up named ?Cybiko Inc.?, founded by the mysterious David Yang. The paper examines the events of April 2001 when Cybiko introduced what now is believed to be one of the most successful e-toys in the world ? "Cybiko - Wireless Inter-Tainment Computer". The toy's success was beyond all expectations ? worldwide sales of Cybiko, which retails in the U.S. for $129, already surpassed $50 million in the same year. The paper shows that the key for Cybiko's success was the combination of many useful features in one hand-held computer, which created great value for teenagers who now had a toy, a mobile phone and a teen personal digital assistant all in one. This case study reviews the techniques David Yang and his collective used to create this success.
From the Paper "By this point I had the value, the price, so to complete the equation I needed the cost. Unfortunately, my sincere efforts to acquire any valuable information through the company failed totally. Although my request was not ignored, and I received a lot of interesting (more or less) mainly advertising information about the toy, they rejected my application for inner information about company's matters such as the details of assembly processes and other, as well as the financial terms of AOL's investment. Internet wasn?t much revealing too, although I managed to get an obscure number of units sold worldwide up to now and it was ?more than 600,000?. Combining with even more obscure profit of "over $50 million" we get an approximate $80 profit from a single unit, thus having a $50 dollar cost."
Abstract This paper explains that one of the greatest factors, involved in the changes or manipulations of an environment, lies in the geographic distribution religion and the way each specific religion spreads and interacts with the surrounding divergent cultures and religions. The author points out that the famous Chinese characters Yin and Yang signify both the shadowy and sunny sides of the same mountain: Yang represents the sunshine, and Yin the darkness. The paper relates that another critical geographic feature of Asian culture especially Chinese is the Yangtze River; the stones from its riverbed are called "Fengshui" or "Geomancy" and are believed to have special powers.
From the Paper "Another example of how the physical landscape of Asia affected Asian religion and culture is apparent in Taiwan. Located in the Shangdong province, Mt. Tai, referred to as "Taishan", is the Sacred Mountain of the East. "Chinese people believe that Mt. Tai is itself a deity or 'Buddha', a powerful deity as well." Mt. Tai illustrates the impact and importance physical geography can have on a culture. Buddhism has incorporated the physical landmark, Mt. Tai, as an integral part of their spiritual belief system."
