Wow, in a blink of an eye, half of term 3 has passed. Personally I feel that through these CDE lessons that I have had over the five weeks, I have learnt a lot about the progress of both American and Chinese societies in terms of gender equality, political apathy and so on. I think that my friends have done a marvelous job in explaining the topics of gender equality, political apathy as well as how 2008 Obama's speech has revolutionized American politics. 

Well, basically in China, I understand that it is rather unfair and unequal for the women in China, and it is really difficult for them to fight for equality due to the traditional Confucian male superiority. However, there are significant signs of improvement since the past. 

Only 7% of the Chinese workforce in The PRC were women. Compared to now, where men and women have  almost equal job opportunities, it is considered a major improvement. Now, women make up the foundation of production-line workers in China's private, export-oriented factories. Moreover, many women take up the job as nurses, teachers and journalists. However, there are still certain boundaries between men and women. Today, very little women have entered the government or positions of high power in the country. Also, they lie about their marital status as they fear the employer's rejection due to heavy commitments for the family. 

Many of us may think that the USA is more liberalized than other countries. However, America face the problem of gender equality as well. Yes, there have been many steps taken to overcome the issue of gender equality, but there is still a slight marginalization between men and women. Men outnumber women at a rate of 73% vs. 27% in all sectors of employment for science and engineering as of 2009. No state has ever achieved federal or state judgeship gender equality. Women held only 23% of all federal judgeship and only 27% of state judgeship in the year 2010. Getting pregnant in America could even cost you a job. For many women, a choice between working under unhealthy conditions and not working practically the only choice they have, especially due to the rise in cost of living. 

Although all these show that Chinese and American societies have gender equality as a giant obstacle, it is pleasing to see that more and more steps are taken to overcome this powerful force, and I think in the long run there will be a time whereby men and women are totally equal. 

My first reflective journal for 2013

     Today, I shall reflect on the lessons I had last year, as well as what I would like to learn for this year.

      All in all, I learnt a lot in the differences between the perceptions of Chinese and America over self last year. I enjoyed the presentation made by my friends as well.



      First is the Chinese perception of self. The Chinese perception of self is based on Confucianism. The basics of Confucianism are benevolence, order, righteousness and more. People to show respect to those of a higher status, such as child to parent and employee to employer. The Chinese perception of self is that contributing to the society is more important than contributing to oneself. 
Next, is the Western perception of self. It is about the need to attain one's individual rights and liberties. The right to speak, the right to protect self, the right to their property are examples of individual rights. 
Also, we learnt about the dichotomy between China and America. Some see America is individualistic, where higher value is placed on personal freedom and liberties. I feel that the Chinese government adopted the Confucian ideology so as to have better control its people, with harmony and respect. This can be seen in corporate culture, where Chinese employees follow orders without asking and are not encouraged to voice out their own opinion to their employers, while in America, employees are encouraged to voice their own opinion or ideas to increase innovation.
Last but no least, we discussed the synthesis of Western and Confucian ideologies in today’s society, of different countries such as Taiwan and Singapore. Singapore is a great example of a Confucian society that adopted Western ideologies. An example inclides in school, where students have to obey their teachers without question, such as handing in of work on time. This shows the Chinese perception of self where students are supposed to respect someone who is older than you. However, students also have personal rights, such as the right to talk. This shows the Western perception of self.



      This year, we will be learning more about the evolution of the role of women in the east and west, youth trends, American and Chinese leadership, as well as China's and the US's education system. I hope that this semester will be fruitful and enriching!