Journal Entry 2

In the past CDE lessons, discussions have been focused on the progress of the role of women and in Chinese and American societies. Palpably, the status of women has taken huge strides under the influence of the feminist movements in respective societies, as women in both societies are provided with near equal career opportunities as men. As such, women are perceived to have shrugged off the orthodox label of being the weaker sex. However, much still has to be done before the near dream of gender equality can be realized, as patriarchal values remain evident. For example, Chinese women are still deprived of chances to hold pivotal roles in the government, and require higher tests scores than males to gain entry into top universities whereas pregnant American women are pushed out of jobs for their perceived incapability of performing the job. This vividly points out how discrimination against females still pervades in both societies (albeit in different contexts) and for all the progress made to raise the stature of women, gender discrimination, which impedes the ascension of women's status, remains a pressing issue unsolved. Hence, in both societies, although similar and much progress has been made given how females in both societies are bestowed with similar career opportunities as men, it seems there is still an equally long way to go before we can declare that women in either society are able to hold their footing against males.

As both societies fervently pursue gender equality, it is essential to ask ourselves: What does gender equality constitute? Can it ever be achieved? In a bid to raise the social stature of women, feminists have eagerly sought to provide women with equal rights and opportunities. We can see that the crux of the many efforts to promote equity between both sexes has been to provide the opportunity for women to scale the once unassailable heights only exclusive to men in terms of career development. The Feminists movement in America in 1960 - 70 emphasized on dismantling workplace inequality, such as denial of access to better jobs and salary inequity. Feminists movements in China has reduced the gap of gender employment rates. As such, given the high levels of accentuation to provide women with equal chances as that of men, many concluded that gender equality is simply about the provision of equivalent opportunities for women to ascend on all fronts just like men, and the eradication of gender discrimination. 

But is this all gender equity is about? I doubt so. There may be an abundance in opportunities, a wide array of chances for females to scale new heights, but true gender equity can only be achieved when patriarchal values which humans have held so deeply since the start of human age can be uprooted and utterly eradicated. It is not just about offering the same opportunities or curbing discrimination on the surface, it is about perceiving one another as beings with the same abilities, seeing men just like women, and women just like men. On this premise, gender equity can only be consigned as a distant reality. Fundamentally speaking, women and men are born with distinctively different biological traits. Since the beginning of human age, an average male being is born physically more buffed than his female counterpart. Besides physicality, both genders have diverse character traits as well. Women tend to be more meticulous yet emotional; whereas men tend to be less careful but more objective in decision making. This is an undeniable truth which had held true since the first humans existed. As such, in all logical sense, males possess a higher potential than females to bring home sufficient bacon for the family; whereas females are consigned to play obsequious roles such as taking care of the family. Such values have been deeply entrenched, implanted and internalized within the thoughts and actions of both women and men even in the contemporary society, as reflected by the higher propensity for women in America to take on the caregiver role when both husband and wife are working and for Chinese women to lie about their marital status to be employment. For all the efforts put in (and is going to be put in) to ascend the status of women with the provision of education and career opportunities, the grim and harsh truth that males are superior still lingers on the edges of many minds, and it will take a mammoth effort and much time to utterly usurp this long-held value, and not just merely the implementation of more policies to curb gender discrimination. It is about uprooting deeply entrenched values, and although introducing more policies to provide women with equal opportunities undeniably promotes progress in females' status, much still need to be done to eradicate patriarchal values from the roots of people's minds before we can declare that gender equality exists. Indeed, the progress has been made, but the sobering fact that gender equity can only be a distant reality will remain true in years to come.

Another topic of discussion in CDE lessons has been the changes in political activeness of youths in both Chinese and American societies. Chinese youths are perceived to hold distinctively different attitudes compared to their politically fervent parents and grandparents, as they are described to be ignorant, apathetic and disengaged from getting involved in political affairs. Many attribute such indifference to the one-child policy which has engendered youths who are solipsistic and pragmatic in pursuing material wealth. Given how youths perceive participation in politics as unsolicited in the course of chasing prosperity, they become apolitical. However, as much as I find it difficult to disagree with the above points, proponents of these claims have only focused on the negative side of such apathy, failing to see this apathy in a more positive light. Though it is irrefutable that the lack of involvement in political activities does has its negative implications (such as political stagnation), it has its benefits as well. The lack in participation in political reforms and activities may actually signify that people are sufficiently satisfied and confident in the government's plans and optimistic about the country's economic outlook. Though some may cite possible burgeoning dissent about the government's integrity (given the pervasiveness of scandals of government officials), the confidence stemming from the country's rapid economic growth (and hence improved living standards) has outweighed such discontentment. The citizens' confidence is particularly imperative in ensuring the society remains peaceful and calm with the necessary fundamentals to attract foreign investors and tourists, all of which are important in laying the path for sustained and robust economic developments. Hence, although I acknowledge that being politically active may be equally essential for a country's political developments, it is not all gloomy about Chinese youths being indifferent to politics. 

In America, many contend that the Obama's Presidential campaign in 2008 has been pivotal in transforming American youths from being politically apathetic to politically active. In particular, the youths have been instrumental in catapulting Obama to victory with their high ballot casting rates. This is indeed a positive and encouraging trend for America as this reflects how American youths are concerned with the country's affairs and value the personal voice and freedom they are empowered with. Moreover, many are unafraid in voicing their opinions on economic issues and foreign affairs - and do so with maturity and wisdom beyond their year. The country may be supplanted with a wide range of opinions which aids the government in making wiser and well-informed decisions for the welfare of the people. Additionally, this may enable America to grow as a more politically pluralistic country with citizens who are politically sensible and mature. In this sense, as long as this healthy trend continues, America could be said to be well poised for a bright, active and pluralistic political future. 

Journal Entry 1

CDE in general

Having gone through a module of CDE the previous year, I certainly do have my expectations for this course this year. Upon reflecting about the lessons in the previous year, here are some of my thoughts:

The mode in which CDE lessons are being conducted is definitely refreshing. Students are required to make thorough preparations for each lesson by completing necessary readings. These readings gear students up for thought provoking and engaging discussions which will take place during lessons. Additionally, CDE lessons provide optimum time and space for fruitful discussions between students to transpire, whereas the teacher provides sufficient guidance when necessary  Hence, the onus is mainly on the students to make the most out of their lessons in CDE. This certainly encourages the spirit of independent learning among students.

Moreover, the presentation segment of this module ensures that students' research skills, command of the English Language, presentation techniques and their wit and composure are all put through tests. Not only do we student presenters have to demonstrate maturity in thought and competent research abilities, we are also required to present them in a thoughtful and coherent manner with adequate poise and confidence. In a nutshell, the presentation segment encapsulates most of the real world skills which we need to acquire.

The research paper is also a meaningful form of assessment. It requires we students to undergo rigorous and intensive research, which involves adequate planning of our arguments, meticulous collation of pertinent information and data, and the stringing of the information and arguments into a cogent piece of writing.

Tutorial 1

The set of articles in this tutorial discusses on the earmarked characteristics of China's 'Me Generation' and the USA's 'Millennial Generation', and the potential implications each group of youths may bring towards future developments in their respective countries.

As the products of China's widely-disputed one-child policy,  individualism, materialism and political passivity has characterized the  post-80 generation, who are not only drivers but also beneficiaries of the Chinese economic boom.  They have overturned orthodox perceptions about the Chinese and are China's first generation of solipsistic youths who are selfishly pragmatic and focused in the course of acquiring material wealth. Political upheavals and the pursuit of democracy are seen as a hindrance to their ambitions, which explains their apolitical mindsets and their preference for the political structure to remain at status quo. Hence, it is believed that the CCP's stranglehold is under little threat, at least in the near future. Conceivably, the Chinese government, known for its autocracy and repressive leadership styles, has been  at the forefront of placating and appeasing this group of middle class youths as it seeks to maintain its political hegemony, especially at times where political unrest has become more ubiquitous and suspicion over the party's integrity has grown. This leaves citizens living in the rural edges of China even more financially challenged and may further exacerbate the income gap. This may pave the way for the uprising of more social problems. The bereft of sufficient financial aid and support for the poor may also leave the Chinese particularly vulnerable without the adequate workforce needed to maintain its economic growth.

However, as we perceive the situation from a perverse point of view, the post-80 generation's fervent demand of equality and self-interest may also turn out to be the catalyst of the CCP's downfall, in the case where the push for political reforms may prove beneficial to fulfilling the youth's aspirations. In this sense, the post-80 generation may hold the key to change and political breakthroughs in China. Moreover, the generation's individualistic mindsets and motivation to succeed may even serve to transform the Chinese economic landscape, given their tendencies to challenge traditional methods and develop fresh ideas as entrepreneurs. The successes of post-80 entrepreneurs such as Mysee co-founders Deng Di and Gao Ran and MaJoy founding President Mao Kankan definitely attests to such claims. Who knows, the birth of the post-80 generation may represent the beginning of an unprecedented age where Chinese companies may surpass their European and American counterparts and stamp their authority on the global entrepreneurial stage. Hence, it is certainly not all gloomy about China's 'Me generation'. They may be a force to be reckoned with in years to come.

As compared to their politically passive counterparts on the other side of the globe, the Millennial Generation of America have demonstrated political activeness as they overturned perceptions that the youth are politically passive and apathetic with the highest ballot casting percentage in the 2008 Presidential Elections. In particular, their collected and unified belief, optimism and liberal attitudes towards change played a pivotal role in Barack Obama's resounding triumph, as he became America's first African American president. Obama's convincing victory certainly attests to and speaks volumes about the Millennials sphere of influence. Additionally, the generation youths adopts different forms of self expression and are unafraid in voicing their opinions on economic issues and foreign affairs - and do so with maturity and wisdom beyond their years. Yet, not everything seems so rosy for this generation of youths. The Millennial Generation has also been classified as the "Go Nowhere Generation", as they spend hours cooping themselves in the comfort of their homes scrolling through their Facebook profiles and other social networking sites, willing to continue taking up low-paying jobs instead of extending their horizons and aspirations beyond their comfort zones for a better paying job and material wealth. Perceiving this from a wider angle, the generation can be characterized by their sluggish and risk-averse attitudes, as they lack the zealous motivation, drive and initiative of their Chinese counterparts to fulfil their career aspirations and assume complete control over their future. They are more inclined to let luck and fortune determine their future,instead of effort and hard work. This certainly  poses as a worrying problem. As the USA economy is still in the midst of tumultuous times and in need of an upheaval, change can be the only constant to this generation's attitudes towards their future. That said, with this generation of Americans wisdom and sphere of influence, a reverse in attitudes of the Millennials definitely has the potential overturn the US's fortunes greatly. Only time will tell whether this comes true.