You may have heard of "TED Talks", which are given by noted speakers on a range of topics and uploaded to the Internet at some point. As we have the computer lab today, let's make use of it to listen to a speaker.
http://www.ted.com/talks/wade_davis_on_endangered_cultures.html
You will find it impossible to catch everything he says, but I think you will be able to understand his main point. The first 5 minutes or so are where the main idea is expressed (listen carefully to that), followed by lots of examples afterwards. Skip over some of the later part if you like, but listen to the final 3-4 minutes for the summary of his main idea.
Afterwards, compare (discuss) your impression with your classmates. What was the main idea? In case you find it too difficult, I will post a brief summary of the main idea soon. That post will contain the topic for your next post.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Fitting In
The theme of the most recent section of Mango Street concerns "fitting in" with the surrounding culture. Many of the characters in the book have trouble of this sort. It's something that occurs in all cultures, to some degree or other.
In Japan, the saying about "the nail that sticks up" is widely recognized. Therefore, you probably have some experience of seeing a child bullied during your school days. Why did that person not fit in? Please describe such a case, including details about the victim's character, and why he/she was bullied.
Also, as bullying is such a serious problem in Japan, please add your thoughts on why it is so widespread, and what can be done to reduce the number of incidents.
Also, as bullying is such a serious problem in Japan, please add your thoughts on why it is so widespread, and what can be done to reduce the number of incidents.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Equality in the Home
In the last class we looked at the trouble of balancing work and home life, especially the way existing tensions between men and women over dividing housework duties can be exacerbated.
As I said, Taiwan has already introduced a system whereby wives can be paid for doing housework. How do you feel about this? Do you think such an idea could work in Japan?
How do your parents divide the housework? Is that a successful system?
When you get married someday, how do you expect to deal with the issue of housework?
As I said, Taiwan has already introduced a system whereby wives can be paid for doing housework. How do you feel about this? Do you think such an idea could work in Japan?
How do your parents divide the housework? Is that a successful system?
When you get married someday, how do you expect to deal with the issue of housework?
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
J-Gender Issues
According to the textbook, until 40 years ago there was a lot of gender discrimination in the USA. Although the situation has improved, it still exists to some extent day.
No one who follows the news can possibly be in any doubt that there are serious gender discrimination issues (against women) in Japan still. To what extent, and in what ways is a subject you can think about.
For your next post, please write about either: a) your own experience of being treated differently because of your gender, at school or elsewhere, or b) what you've heard about the situation in Japan through news stories/ brief Internet research.
For your next post, please write about either: a) your own experience of being treated differently because of your gender, at school or elsewhere, or b) what you've heard about the situation in Japan through news stories/ brief Internet research.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
J-Subcultures
In our last reading from the main textbook, we encountered the term "subcultures", of which Japan has many. What subcultures spring to your mind when we talk about modern Japan? Otaku? Bosozoku?
Please write your next post about just one (any J-subculture), including information on things such as the clothing, attitudes, interests, behaviors, gathering places, and character of typical members etc. Also, what's your opinion of them? Would you enjoy spending time with them? Why?
Please write your next post about just one (any J-subculture), including information on things such as the clothing, attitudes, interests, behaviors, gathering places, and character of typical members etc. Also, what's your opinion of them? Would you enjoy spending time with them? Why?
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Mango Street: Part 2
Pages 12-25 show Esperanza's early days in her new neighborhood. She meets lots of interesting characters, and experiences or sees or couple of memorable incidents.
How about your neighborhood? Describe IT, and the people in it. Are /were there any memorable characters living near you? Try to tell an unusual or funny experience you had there while growing up.
How about your neighborhood? Describe IT, and the people in it. Are /were there any memorable characters living near you? Try to tell an unusual or funny experience you had there while growing up.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Socialization
The textbook mentions how we are socialized by our families, schools, and peer groups. For your next post, please give some examples of how you've been socialized by one (or all) of these social units.
How did your parents raise you? What values did they teach you (and how)? Can you remember any cases where you were disciplined by your teachers? Why? What happened? etc
As a foreigner, I was surprised to hear about how much responsibility schools have to take in the upbringing of children in Japan. In my culture, parents are the ones who take ultimate responsibility for the way their children behave. It seemed to me that parents in Japan expect too much of schools. The "monster parents" that Japanese teachers sometimes talk about are pretty scary. I also remember a case a few years ago when a Kansai University student died because he fell off a balcony in Osaka somewhere because he'd been taking drugs, and the university president had to appear on TV and apologize for Kandai's "mistake". Unbelievable! (for me).
How did your parents raise you? What values did they teach you (and how)? Can you remember any cases where you were disciplined by your teachers? Why? What happened? etc
As a foreigner, I was surprised to hear about how much responsibility schools have to take in the upbringing of children in Japan. In my culture, parents are the ones who take ultimate responsibility for the way their children behave. It seemed to me that parents in Japan expect too much of schools. The "monster parents" that Japanese teachers sometimes talk about are pretty scary. I also remember a case a few years ago when a Kansai University student died because he fell off a balcony in Osaka somewhere because he'd been taking drugs, and the university president had to appear on TV and apologize for Kandai's "mistake". Unbelievable! (for me).
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