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New Year in Japan and China, 2007.
This paper compares and contrasts the New Year holiday in Japan and China.
972 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 9 sources, MLA, £ 19.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that Japan and China are similar in a sense because they share some traditions, beliefs and cultures; yet they are dissimilar for the same reasons. The writer notes that if one looks at the present day celebration of the New Year in China and Japan, one may think that it is overly commercialized like the western traditions of Christmas and Easter. The writer maintains that if one examines it deeply, one sees that the religious facade is still there and most Japanese and Chinese will relate to a lot of religious traditions embedded in these festivities. The writer concludes that after all, most celebrations celebrated worldwide whether Christmas, Easter or the New Year would not have been in existence today without any real religious roots or traditions that signify their deep and true meanings.
From the Paper
"The New Year's festivities for one are one of the most important celebrations of the country embedded in deep traditions and rich culture. China follows both the Western New Year and the Lunar New Year but the latter is more important. Japan considers the Western New Year more important and holds big celebrations. Although religion is not a big part of the two countries New Year celebrations, some of the activities and beliefs have its roots on religious flavors."
"The earliest known history about the Chinese New Year had something to do with the legendary Nia."
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Japanese Art, 2007.
This paper studies the form and function of Japanese art.
921 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 5 sources, MLA, £ 18.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer looks at one of the most famous Japanese woodblock prints ever created, "The Great Wave at Kanagawa" . The writer notes that woodblock prints were a common form of Japanese two-dimensional art, involving the creation of a raised surface that was intended to either replicate a picture or create a new picture on the surface of a beautiful piece of paper. The writer then studies the three-dimensional "Ewer for Use in Tea Ceremony," which functioned as a wine server for the meal that takes place after the tea ceremony. The writer notes that today, it is considered an art form that observes the harmony between food and nature, and takes the diner on an odyssey of flavors, textures and colors. The writer concludes that the works of art considered, reflect the idea that artistic form and sacred function should be united in Japanese art and that the difficulty of artistic creation should not call attention to itself.
From the Paper
"How the food appears within the serving ware is just as important as the tastes of the food itself, and the harmony of the flavors of the meal are reflected in the harmony and balance of colors on the vessel. Unlike the woodblock, the images upon the vessel are not dramatic, although the vessel is crafted in an innovative fashion, in terms of its use of kiln technique and introduction of unexpected colors. The striking nature of the color reflects its function as a wine vessel, one of the stronger flavors of the kaiseki meal. The heavier, brighter flavors of the wine are intended as a balance to the flavors of Japanese rice wine, known as saki."
"Thus, within the woodblock composition there is balance, and the apparent ease with which the mountain withstands the terrible typhoon parallels the ease with which the woodblock artist creates, with great difficulty, the deceptively simple raised etching that creates a print."
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"Farewell to Manzanar", 2007.
An analysis of the themes presented in "Farewell to Manzanar," by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston and James D. Houston.
2,021 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, £ 36.95
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Abstract
This paper introduces, discusses and analyzes the book "Farewell to Manzanar," written by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston and James D. Houston. Specifically, it discusses several themes in the novel and analyzes the experience of living in the Japanese relocation camps in the US during World War II. It describes this experience according to that of the Wakatsuki family who lived in a relocation camp.
From the Paper
"In conclusion, The Wakatsuki's experience in Manzanar changed the family forever. A once close-knit group of fishermen turned into a loosely knit broken family. It broke Jeanne's father, and gave her memories that it would take her a lifetime to remember and acknowledge. Her father was never the same man after the war ended and the family returned to Los Angeles. It was as if a different family returned home after the war. Jeanne becomes even more distanced from her family as she searches for herself as a teenager. She never respects or understands her father again, and the family never again gains the close relationship they had before the war. The camp tore them apart, put distance between all of them, and changed all of their lives forever."
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Media in China, 2007.
A description of the slow rate of change regarding media freedom in China.
1,123 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 4 sources, APA, £ 21.95
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Abstract
This paper argues that, although modern China may be adopting a more market-oriented economy, a full transition to a free market system of the press as a Westerner might understand freedom is unlikely. This is examined as a sociological phenomena, known as the frame theory of communication. This frame is also used to consider capitalism and its relationship with a free press. The paper discusses changes in China's attitude toward the media, yet concludes that the state still reserves the right to intervene and limit the media's functions by means of legal censorship, subsidies and direct media control.
From the Paper
"True, with greater media commercialization, the media, Party and government organs did become business entities, "similar to a western capitalist system with advertising, subscription dependence and capital investment (Winfield & Peng, 2005: 260). But while the Chinese media has become decentralized in terms of who disseminates the information, official censorship still remains. While the press is no longer a mouthpiece for Marxism and Maoism, "China's uniqueness," such as the longstanding respect for Confucianism and hierarchy "has been largely ignored," by scholars who argue that capitalism inevitably and invariably sows the seed of freedom (Winfield & Peng, 2005: 266). Such scholars are blinded by the Western frame of capitalism as unfettered choice."
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Amy Tan's "The Kitchen God's Wife", 2007.
This paper analyzes the book 'The Kitchen God's Wife' by Amy Tan.
1,905 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 4 sources, MLA, £ 33.95
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Abstract
In this article the writer notes that the main protagonists in 'The Kitchen God's Wife' by Amy Tan spend several decades fighting each other because of their differences that come from having completely different pasts. The writer explains that Winnie, the mother, was born and brought up in China and her daughter Pearl, lived all of her life in the United States. The writer then points out that when they finally begin to listen to each other, they realize that despite their different upbringing, they share more than they ever realized as women and mother and daughter. The writer concludes that with changing circumstances, the two are eventually able to begin to open up and peel away the layers that keep them apart.
From the Paper
"Even if these two women were more open, their differences would have created barriers between them. Pearl, due to the death of her father when she was a teenager, has not completely grown up emotionally--despite the fact that she now is a wife and mother, herself. Her trauma has kept part of her from reaching maturity and being more patient and understanding of her mother. As children often do, she has a difficult time tolerating some of Winnie's personality traits and human quirks. Phil, Pearl's husband, who gets along well with his mother-in-law, tries to enhance the communication between the two women. He tells Pearl that she is being selfish and life is not always exactly as you want it. He is no more successful in bringing the mother and daughter together. In fact, in some ways he worsens the situation by making Pearl more resistant to change. Meanwhile, Winnie's experiences in the past have made her more negative and less patient overall with life. Whereas once she was a hopeful and happy young woman, she has turned into a much more fearful, superstitious and cautious individual."
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Sun Tzu's "The Art of War", 2007.
A discussion of the Taoist influences in Sun Tzu's "The Art of War."
1,632 words (approx. 6.5 pages), 4 sources, APA, £ 29.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the religious and spiritual roots of Chinese Taoism found in the military treatise "The Art of War." The paper explains the basic tenets of Taoism and Sun Tzu's connection to the religion. The reviewer also addresses the book's paradox that Taoism is a peaceful religion, yet the work is about war. The reviewer states that traditional Taoist concepts emerge from discussions of battle tactics and troop movements. The paper also discusses Taoist views on duality such as the ying-yang and the art of wu wei. The paper concludes by stating that although Taoism is traditionally viewed as a peaceful religion, it recognizes that life involves conflict, but that the wise man can mediate this conflict and control it so that it is least destructive and most productive.
From the Paper
"Basically, Taoism is an ancient Chinese spiritual tradition that can be roughly translated as "the way of life." It provides loose proscriptions for how individuals can live in harmony with their surroundings and with their fellow man. But like any good philosophy, Taoism contains a few key tenets that are common throughout all of the writings on the subject. Chief among these include the idea that one should remain immovable and allow events to flow over and around oneself, that one should try to balance the opposite but complementary forces of the universe (yin and yang), and the art of "wu wei," which can be roughly translated as action through inaction or accomplishing goals through the least effort (Wilson). At its heart, Taoism recognizes that there is conflict inherent in life, that the competition for limited resources will inevitably lead to conflicts, but that this conflict naturally takes the form of a universal balance that human beings can imitate in their own endeavors (Cantrell 13). This realization is the point on which Sun Tzu is able to use Taoist philosophy to describe warfare. In other words, he uses the notion that conflict can be balanced and harmonious in dictating the way in which wars can best be fought."
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Kitchen God's Wife, 2007.
This paper discusses the book "The Kitchen God's Wife" by Amy Tan.
1,642 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 1 source, MLA, £ 29.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer looks at the book "The Kitchen God's Wife" by Amy Tan. The writer points out that "The Kitchen Gods Wife" concerns a Chinese mother and American-raised daughter whom, like many mothers and daughters across the world, have kept secrets from each other. The writer discusses that as soon as the book opens up, Tan approaches the communication problem between Winnie and Pearl. The writer notes that Pearl, who appears to want to forget her Chinese roots, has had multiple sclerosis for seven years and has not yet told her mother. The writer notes that, similar to other mother/daughter pairs, once Pearl and Winnie do communicate, they are so much the better for it.
From the Paper
"No one has a childhood without some kind of trauma, and each person handles it differently. Some people do not remember being abused as a child, and in their adult years wonder why they are depressed and have such low self-esteem. With help, they are able to get better as they deal with the past. Other people never face their past, and drown themselves in alcohol, or abuse their own children. Pearl has not yet dealt with her trauma--her father dying. For years, she has been holding in her sadness and anger at his leaving her. Much of this anger is directed to her mother. Why didn't her mother do something to keep him alive? An irrational thought, but children do believe that their parents have the ability to make things right. Pearl's nightmares about her father continue, because part of her refuses to say goodbye once and for all. Also, like the Kitchen God story, she has to admit she was wrong."
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US "Open Door" Policy Toward China, 2007.
An examination of US foreign policy toward China from 1940-49, highlighting the "open door" policy.
1,219 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 3 sources, MLA, £ 23.95
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Abstract
This essay examines whether the US open door policy toward China was consistent and dependable in dealing with the factions during the Chinese civil war in China during 1940-49. The paper analyzes the background and origins of the "open door" policy which date back to the mid 19th century. The paper examines the "open door" policy in light of American isolationism and as the US became a world power following World War II. This policy of limited involvement with China directed US policy until the Chinese Civil War.
From the Paper
" An important, though undeclared, corollary to the policy, however, was that the United States was not willing to risk war to enforce its open door policy and its main foreign policy interest lay in Europe rather than Asia. This resulted in a number of serious setbacks for the policy, particularly during the Sino-Japanese war as well as the Chinese Civil War in which the Nationalists and the Communists were engaged in a bitter civil war for power in the country. Since the US was unwilling to use force, the most it could do was to use diplomacy to enforce the "open door." Such a lukewarm approach in support of a policy could, at best, be only partially successful and when the 'open door' was pointedly ignored by the Japanese during its seizure of Manchuria in 1931 and the subsequent full-fledged Sino-Japanese war in 1937, the US could do little to prevent its violation."
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China, 2007.
A look at the evolution and history of China.
1,987 words (approx. 7.9 pages), 5 sources, MLA, £ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews and discusses the history of China. According to the paper, China has undergone numerous changes. The paper goes on to say that the nation has proven itself to be very adaptive to external pressures. The paper further reports that much of this change has come since the beginning of the modern China era, which many scholars stipulate began at the Taiping Rebellion.
From the Paper
"During this time, China also expanded its movement abroad to other Western nations (Panikkar 185). Anson Burlinghame, American Minister at Peking, was, on his retirement, appointed as a roving ambassador for China and accredited to all the Western courts. He first reached America with many joining him from China, and was well received. There, he negotiated a treaty on the basis of equality, which also included clauses upholding the territorial integrity of China and providing for reciprocal rights of trade and residence. Burlinghame knew the methods of Western diplomacy in respect to China; while in London, he asked for assurances that undue pressure would not be exercised to secure rights that infringed China's sovereignty. Unfortunately, before his mission could be completed, he died in St Petersburg. "
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"The Kitchen God's Wife"--A Review, 2007.
A review of Amy Tan's well-acclaimed novel "The Kitchen God's Wife."
1,729 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 5 sources, APA, £ 31.95
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Abstract
This book review examines the nature of mother-daughter relationships and the Chinese immigrant experience as reflected in Any Tan's novel "The Kitchen God's Wife." The review discusses the common themes in Tan's novels, such as cultural conflict often seen between the generations. These themes are further analyzed in terms of the characters' personalities and experiences. The reviewer also considers some of the literary devices that the author used to illustrate these conflicts. The paper also cites various literary critics' opinions of the novel.
From the Paper
"With these two elements in mind, this paper provides a discussion and analysis of the "immigrant experiences" of Weili and Pearl. While Pearl is already considered an assimilated member of the American culture, her identity as Chinese-American persists, making this 'immigrant experience' not only applicable to her mother, but to her as well. This paper posits that the immigrant experience is best demonstrated through two recurrent themes in the novel: cultural conflict and the persistence of reality over 'made-up' history, or fictional personal history."
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Cellular Phones, 2007.
A comparative analysis of the sociological function of the cellular phone in America and Asia.
1,929 words (approx. 7.7 pages), 7 sources, MLA, £ 34.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how cellular phone infrastructure expanded in Hong Kong earlier and more effectively than it did in North America giving them a five to ten year lead on familiarity with cellphone customs. The paper also looks at how the later entrenchment of cellular phone technologies in North America accounts for the cultural differences in the usage and saturation of cellular phones and of SMS and other advanced services. In addition, the paper shows how the differences in cellphone use between Hong Kong and North America can be traced to infrastructure and are not easily explained by Marxist theories of differential use.
Outline:
Introduction
Background
Research: Methods
Research: Results
Discussion
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Sociological theories of technology suggest that artifacts may reflect political and cultural realities. Differential cellular phone usage between North America and Canada reflects a political and cultural reality: telecommunications infrastructure in the United States and Canada continues to emphasize land lines, and cellular phone services are less entrenched as a result. In Hong Kong the reverse is true: land lines were far less embedded in the culture. Consumers embraced the new technology readily in Hong Kong because unlike in North America there was no need to transfer land line services over to cellular phones. Cellular phone service is more widespread and reliable in Hong Kong and consumers there expect to use their cellular phone as a primary means of communication regardless of the rate plans."
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Korean Video Art, 2007.
A description of video art in Korea.
1,201 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 3 sources, MLA, £ 23.95
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Abstract
This paper explores the emerging popularity of video art in Korea. The writer discusses the reasons for the interest in this art form, and some of the major artists practicing this art form. Several recent exhibitions are described as are some of the works that were part of the exhibits. The author concludes that Korean artists are now taking the world stage to showcase their work, even if some of their creations are only significant to Korean audiences.
From the Paper
"Park Hyun Ki was born in 1942 in Seoul, his focus in art is in the link between spirituality and technology. He explains that his particular interest is in finding the balance between industrialization and culture. The deeper undertones of his art is that he finds in Korean culture the economic growth and the social growth from Western countries have changed it away from traditional values. He sees the video art as a method of using video monitor as an art object, however he has evolved to using a more sophisticated "merging of video and nature". "
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Tiananmen Squares Massacre, 2006.
A discussion regarding the Tiananmen Squares Massacre in China in 1989.
850 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 3 sources, MLA, £ 16.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews the articles "What a Good Idea! Ideologies and Frames in Social Movements Research" by Pamela E. Oliver and "Agonism in Academic Discourse" Deborah Tannen. The paper then goes on to take these two schools of thought and relates it to the Tiananmen Squares Massacre of 1989.
From the Paper
"The Tiananmen Square Massacre was the result of student protests during the summer of 1989. A group of Chinese students and activists for democratic change within the People's government started a series of demonstrations that stretched for almost four years (Derbyshire, npg). The demonstration centered in Tiananmen Square in Beijing which stopped traffic as well as normal public activity within the central area of Chinese governmental operations. Although the protestors were supposed nonviolent, they often taunted soldiers, government officials and anyone who was not taking active part in the protest. The resulting crackdown on the protestors by the PRC government left as many as two to three thousand Chinese civilians dead (Derbyshire, npg). The group that made up the protestors were disparate in nature, they ranged from intellectuals who argued that the Communist party was too corrupt and repressive to the culture of China, to urban works and college socialists who were protesting against China's economic reforms which had led to rampant inflation and widespread unemployment."
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The Indian Caste System, 2007.
This paper explores social inequality in India's caste system.
1,216 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 5 sources, MLA, £ 23.95
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Abstract
The paper relates that India has a socially ingrained and structured system, the caste system, that inculcates and perpetuates differences and inequality. The paper discusses how those in the higher and more respected castes often receive more social status and recognition while those in the lowest castes are subject to a life of poverty and social denial from which they cannot escape. The paper explains, however, that the problems underlying the inequalities perpetuated by the caste system are closely linked to religious views, which makes them difficult to eradicate.
From the Paper
"The term caste refers to "... ranked, named, endogamous (in-marrying) groups, membership in which is achieved by birth. "(India Caste system, ancient India Caste System) There are literarily thousands of different castes and sub-castes in India. They are also extremely complex in their structure and can be kinship based and also interdependent with other groups. Castes are, "...linked in complex ways with networks that stretch across regions and throughout the nation." (India Caste system, ancient India Caste System)"
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