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.
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.
There is a detailed analysis of the young generations of China and the USA, showing a clear attempt to input own insights and opinions. It is evident that Zheng Xiang has done adequate research on this case study or topic and gained deeper insights of the political attitudes of the youths from two different cultures. His entry is also very organised and his use of language is appropriate.
ReplyDeleteWanjie
I like how this entry was quite detailed in terms of information. The use of a wide range of vocabulary was certainly refreshing as well and helped to quell the potential mundaneness that a post like this could have. He has also made some very good and interesting points, such as the one on how China's Me Generation could be a force to be reckoned with. I do, however, find one of Zheng Xiang's points debatable.
ReplyDeleteZheng Xiang mentions that the Chinese youths character could bring about political breakthroughs because of their desire to challenge traditions. However, I disagree with this notion, even with the assumption that has been made. While Zheng Xiang has accurately pointed out that Chinese youths are highly materialistic, I do not agree that this trait will eventually lead to political breakthroughs. In fact, I think that this might lead to greater political apathy. As of now, China is still a developing country. It may have one of the strongest economies in the world but it is still a developing country. This signifies that there is a lot more that China can do in the future. As long as the Chinese government continue feeding today's Chinese youths what they want - that is materialistic wealth, China's youths will stay happy where they are and will not contend the government. If that is the case, I don't see their sense of materialism as the path to the CCP's downfall; in fact, it could be what will keep CCP going.
I like the way you write your blogs, Zhengxiang. You use adequate amounts of information and stats to lead into your argument, eventually talking about your point of views. There is clear effort put into thinking about your own new and special point of views. The choice of words is smart and the blog is properly structured. Well written, I am very impressed!
ReplyDeleteThomas