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China Beat On Break

China Beat Blog: Archive 2008-2012

Happy holidays to all our readers and contributors from the China Beat editorial team.

Ode To The Communist Song Revisited

China Beat Blog: Archive 2008-2012

Back in 2009, as the Chinese Communist Party geared up to mark one major official anniversary (the 60th birthday of the founding of the PRC), China Beat was fortunate enough to be able to run a lively piece of reportage by the versatile writer Lijia Zhang on an unusual museum devoted to a single revolutionary song. Now, as the CCP prepares for another anniversary (the 90th birthday of the organization itself), headlines about the “Red Song” wave (a fad that has been most closely associated with Chongqing but has also been making its mark on other parts of the country) …

The Red Legacy, Alec Ash

China Beat Blog: Archive 2008-2012

When I left Beijing after two years studying Mandarin at Peking and Tsinghua Universities, my Chinese friends from those universities threw me a leaving dinner at the Cultural Revolution restaurant, far on the outskirts of Beijing, outside the 5th ring road. While punters ate, drank and sang along with Mao era songs, waitresses dressed as Red Guards performed patriotic dances, clutching prop rifles. “Long live Chairman Mao!,” the diners would shout, tucking into red-braised pork – good thing this wasn’t the Great Leap Forward restaurant, or it would perhaps have been a quarter bowl of rice each. “Death to capitalist …

Hu Jintao’S “Concession” On Human Rights, Alice Miller

China Beat Blog: Archive 2008-2012

Chinese President and CCP General Secretary Hu Jintao’s remarks on human rights during his joint press conference with President Obama in Washington on 19 January have been widely regarded in foreign media as a grudging concession that broke new ground in Beijing’s position on the issue. Specifically, confronted by a persistent Washington press corps, Hu for the first time acknowledged “the universality of human rights” in international politics and conceded that “a lot still needs to be done in China in terms of human rights.”

Memories Of Hyperdevelopment: Chongqing Trip Report, Jacob Dreyer

China Beat Blog: Archive 2008-2012

Like any good Shanghai resident, I am more or less terrified by the China that exists outside of metro line 3. However, I had been obsessing for months about the municipality of Chongqing, a radically unusual city even by the standards of contemporary China. When I found that I had a spare weekend, I finally took a trip there to explore. Instead of describing my trip, or offering a journalistic take on the city à la Christina Larson, whose piece in Foreign Policy does that more competently than I could hope to, what follows is a series of meditations on …

Shanghai Spaces And Histories: Thoughts On Reading Qiu Xiaolong’S Years Of Red Dust, Daisy Yan Du

China Beat Blog: Archive 2008-2012

In Shanghai Modern, Leo Lee, a prominent specialist in Chinese literary studies, focuses much of his attention on urban space as a marker of modernity in Republican Shanghai (1912-1949). His mappings of the city include places that are located mostly in the concessions, where Western (and later Japanese) influences dominated: the high-rise buildings in the Bund, the department stores located on or near Nanjing Road, and the cafes in the French Concession, as well as dance halls, public parks, race clubs, and cinemas. Lee also touches upon the lanes populated by native Chinese, but his main focus is on …

Asia’S Disappearing Daughters, Jeffrey Wasserstrom

China Beat Blog: Archive 2008-2012

Last week witnessed the publication of Mara Hvistendahl’s Unnatural Selection: Choosing Boys Over Girls, and the Consequences of a World Full of Men (Public Affairs, 2011), and over the weekend my take on the book appeared online at the recently relaunched Asian Review of Books. That review is reposted here with the kind permission of the ARB, almost exactly as it ran there. Those who are interested in learning more about Hvistendahl’s arguments after reading my essay can, of course, buy the book, but U.S.-based followers of the blog have another option as well: catch one of the public events …

Humiliation And Normalization: A Tale Of Two New China Books, Jeffrey Wasserstrom

China Beat Blog: Archive 2008-2012

Henry Kissinger and Robert Bickers don’t have much in common. One is a U.S.-based octogenarian; the other a U.K.-based scholar roughly half as old. Only one, Kissinger, has been characterized by Christopher Hitchens (among others) as a perpetrator of war crimes. And only one, ironically Kissinger again, has won a Nobel Peace Prize. Kissinger spent some time as a professor, but then went on to work as a diplomat and business consultant. Bickers, however, while writing about diplomats and entrepreneurs (along with policemen and other kinds of people), has made his career solely within the academy. This list could be …

Crop Insurance Changes In 2011, H. Doug Jose

Cornhusker Economics

For a number of years the Risk Management Agency (RMA) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been working with the crop insurance industry to streamline the crop insurance program for the major crops. The new Common Crop Insurance Policy, referred to as the COMBO Policy, is in effect beginning with crops harvested in 2011. Crops covered include corn, soybeans, grain sorghum, wheat, barley, cotton, rice, canola and sunflowers.

What Makes The Anthropology Of Educational Policy Implementation “Anthropological” ?, Edmund T. Hamann, Lisa Rosen

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Faculty Publications

Many of the roots of interdisciplinary educational policy implementation studies are anthropological. It follows that what constitutes an anthropology of educational policy implementation should be articulated. This chapter draws on the works of Bronislaw Malinowski, Frederick Erickson, and Joseph Maxwell, among many others to identity the anthropological contributions and prospective contributions to inquiry into the study of the interface between educational policy and practice.

As sociocultural theorists (e.g., Gutiérrez and Rogoff, 2003; Orellana, 2009) have recently asserted, “culture” is something one does, rather than something one has. That is, human beings produce, perform, and reproduce culture every day. Policy implementation …

What Makes The Anthropology Of Educational Policy Implementation 'Anthropological'?, Edmund T. Hamann, Lisa Rosen

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Faculty Publications

As sociocultural theorists (e.g., Gutierrez and Rogoff, 2003; Orellana, 2009) have recently asserted, "culture" is something one does, rather than something one has. That is, human beings produce, perform, and reproduce culture every day. Policy implementation — or what Milbrey McLaughlin (1987: 175) has called "muddling through" — is deeply implicated in these processes of cultural production and thus invites anthropological inquiry. Indeed, it is possible to link the study of policy implementation to some of the foundational efforts of anthropology, particularly cultural anthropology (Wedel et at., 2005). Our discussion in this chapter thus borrows explicitly and centrally from an …

Tanning Predicts Bone Mass But Not Structure In Adolescent Females Living In Hawaii, Daniel L. Osborne, Connie M. Weaver, Linda D. Mccabe, George P. Mccabe, Rachel Novotny, Carol Boushey, Dennis A. Savaiano

Department of Anthropology: Faculty Publications

Objectives: To evaluate the relationship between facultative skin pigmentation, which predicts circulating levels of plasma 25-hydroxymitamin D, and several measures of bone mass and structure in a cross sectional sample of adolescent females living in Hawaii.

Methods: Our sample was composed of adolescent females (n = 94) living in Hawaii where seasonal sun exposure is minimal, and who self-identified as either white (n = 16) or Asian (n = 78). Bone mineral content (BMC) of the total body, the lumbar spine and the hip, and cross sectional area (CSA) and section modulus (Z) at the …

Women's Rights And The Millennium Development Goals, Caroline A. Jones

Department of Anthropology: Theses and Student Research

The Millennium Development Goals are one of the first sets of time-bound, attainable goals that directly address and attempt to reduce the number of people living in poverty. Women are disproportionately affected by poor socioeconomic conditions and the recognition of this, via the Millennium Development Goals, is a positive step forward for women’s rights. This paper will focus on the fifth Millennium Development Goal, to reduce maternal mortality. The argument will be presented that this goal is insufficient in implementing sustainable change as it does not address the underlying cultural practices such as economic disparity, violence against women, and access …

Nasis 2011: Nebraska Annual Social Indicators Survey Questionnaire, Bureau Of Sociological Research

Nebraska Annual Social Indicators Survey (NASIS)

[ About this Survey ] We need your help to learn about how Nebraskans' think, feel, and live. Your responses will help shape program and policy development in Nebraska now and into the future.

This survey includes questions on various topics, such as water issues, life processes, crime, and the media to name a few. Each section starts with a header to identify the topic related to the questions. We think you will find many, if not all, of the topics interesting and easy to answer.

68 questions; 12 pages

Trafficking Risks For Refugees, Anne P. Wilson

Annual Interdisciplinary Conference on Human Trafficking: 3rd (2011)

Refugees are at particular risk for human trafficking – a consequence of their vulnerable status, the devastating losses they have experienced, and their precarious life situations until durable solutions become available. According to the United National High Commissioner for Refugees, trafficking risks for refugees are at ever-increasing levels worldwide.

This paper will provide an overview of both the constant and emerging facets of the refugee condition contributing to trafficking risk, and will offer policy and practice recommendations for risk reduction. The perspective offered is that of a national non-profit organization - Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service - which resettles refugees …

Conference Program: 2011 Interdisciplinary Conference On Human Trafficking

Annual Interdisciplinary Conference on Human Trafficking: 3rd (2011)

Thursday, September 29
Welcome Reception

Friday, September 30
Session 1.1 International Trafficking Issues I
Session 1.2 Local and Regional Trafficking Issues I
Session 1.3 Legislation and Law Enforcement I
Session 2.1 Collaboration I
Session 2.2 US Teens & Young Adults
Session 2.3 Economic & Market Analysis I
Plenary Session: Think Globally, Act Locally: Panel on Human Trafficking in Nebraska and the Great Plains
Session 3.1 World Trafficking
Session 3.2 Collaboration Initiatives
Session 3.3 Legislation and Law Enforcement II
Session 4.1 International labor Trafficking
Session 4.2 Public Action I
Session 4.3 Legislation and Law Enforcement III
Film: Sex and Money (a …

Us Anti-Trafficking Program . . . Rearranging Deck Chairs On The Titanic???, Linda Brandmiller

Annual Interdisciplinary Conference on Human Trafficking: 3rd (2011)

The significant financial investment that the US government continues to make in its anti-trafficking program should be yielding much greater results by now. Instead, there has not been a considerable increase in victims identified (despite data suggesting this is a significant problem) nor has there been an increase in the number of international trafficking victims that have been granted a T-Visa (despite over ten years in existence). Two years ago at this conference I presented “Which Comes First, the Smuggling or the Trafficking?” At that time, I explained that the Immigration Department of Catholic Charities San Antonio has been identifying …

Migration Of Sri Lankan Women As Housemaids To The Middle East, Sriyani Tidball

Annual Interdisciplinary Conference on Human Trafficking: 3rd (2011)

More than 1.7 million Sri Lankans now work abroad, and nearly 600,000 are housemaids… In Saudi Arabia, the most common destination, they call Sri Lanka “the country of housemaids.”

Fifteen to 20 percent of the 120,000 (approx) Sri Lankan women who leave each year for the Gulf return prematurely, face abuse, nonpayment of salary, or get drawn into illicit human trafficking schemes or prostitution.

[Presentation does not contain the images of the women because of permission issues.]

A Proposal Leading To An International Court To Combat Trafficking In Human Beings, John Cooper Green

Annual Interdisciplinary Conference on Human Trafficking: 3rd (2011)

The need to create an international court to combat human trafficking is compelling. Domestic jurisdictions vary in their power to prevent human trafficking. This variance allows human traffickers to take advantage of weak states lacking in enforcement and conviction capabilities. These frail domestic jurisdictions often have porous borders. Efforts and proposals to strengthen domestic systems with a special regard for human trafficking (notably in Central and Eastern Europe) have failed.11 Section II will set forth the consensus as to the definition of human trafficking and a general background of the regional developments and laws of human trafficking. For purposes of …

Reintegration In Aftercare: Theory And Practice -- Developing An Instrument To Measure Success Of Reintegration Of Traffic Survivors; Formulating A Philosophy And Program Of Reintegration Based On The Instrument, Gundelina Velazco

Annual Interdisciplinary Conference on Human Trafficking: 3rd (2011)

This research looked at a growing population in the world today - that of children who have been trafficked, rescued, and now back in the community, severely broken. They could be in danger of re-victimization if adequate measures were not taken to protect them. The research aimed to find out what it takes for reintegration to be successful, or for the survivor to be able to resume living in society as an empowered and productive individual with a sense of self-worth and confidence. Using the exploratory research design, Phase I of the research explored the community’s perceptions of successful reintegration. …

Abstracts Of Scheduled Presentations: 2011 Interdisciplinary Conference On Human Trafficking

Annual Interdisciplinary Conference on Human Trafficking: 3rd (2011)

39 abstracts of Scheduled Presentations As of August 15, 2011, for the 2011 Interdisciplinary Conference on Human Trafficking Lincoln, NE: September 29-October 1.

Includes Author(s), Affiliation(s), and Email(s).

New Media And Old Dilemmas: Online Protest And Cyber Repression In Asia Panel Report, Maura Elizabeth Cunningham

China Beat Blog: Archive 2008-2012

As I noted in an article I wrote for the Dissent website earlier this week, one of the major China-related stories of 2011 has been the government’s ever-increasing crackdown on public expression. What started subtly back in January—a slowdown in internet service here and there, more websites (including this one) being blocked—became a full-blown international issue on April 3, when artist and activist Ai Weiwei was detained at the Beijing airport. Ai’s disappearance has sparked a flood of analysis and commentaries: Colin Jones discusses “The Purge of Ai Weiwei” at Dissent, Evan Osnos at the New Yorkerhas written a series …

Factories Without Smoke, Chris Cherry

China Beat Blog: Archive 2008-2012

They are China’s most precious economic asset: migrant workers. Each year, millions upon millions untie themselves from the rhythms of rural life to chase down a future in the prestige cities and sudden boomtowns of the eastern and southern coasts. In doing so, they begin a dramatic journey from farmer to worker; one marked by a profound shift from cultivating land they own, to producing goods they don’t. But few will be allowed to transform completely. Oft belittled for their unsophisticated ways, to urbanites they are forever “waidiren” — outside people. Most will be marked by their speech the moment …

We Chinese, M. Scott Brauer

China Beat Blog: Archive 2008-2012

“We Chinese” grew out of a curiosity to find out what Chinese people think about their country and their future. Media coverage of the country and its development often raises questions about the direction of the government in Beijing on the world stage. Few reports take into account the feelings of the Chinese people, instead making reference to the country as a monolithic actor without constituent parts. A country’s trajectory through history cannot be mapped without careful consideration of the people. This project aims, in a small way, to develop a portrait of the country by looking at the individual …

Pre-Summit Positioning, Scott Kennedy

China Beat Blog: Archive 2008-2012

Preparations for Wednesday’s state visit by Hu Jintao have been underway for several months. Most of that time was spent negotiating over what deals would be reached, whether there would be a joint statement, and what food would be served. I’m particularly interested to see: 1) Whether Chinese first lady Liu Yongqing will eat the standard fare put on the table as everyone else. She typically travels with her own chef and food; and 2) Whether the American media will get a good photo of the back of Hu Jintao’s head to determine once and for all if he has …

On The Joys Of Online Book Shopping, Maggie Greene

China Beat Blog: Archive 2008-2012

In the fall of 2010, I advanced to candidacy at the University of California, San Diego, and bearing the new title of PhD candidate in modern Chinese history, I set off for that great and time-honored pilgrimage to the People’s Republic of China to start researching my dissertation. I’ve been here four months, and while the process of researching Chinese opera (particularly kun opera and ghost plays) in the PRC has not been as smooth as I would have hoped, there is one thing that’s been going swimmingly: book shopping. More precisely, shopping online for books related to my dissertation.

Reading Round-Up, 2/20/11

China Beat Blog: Archive 2008-2012

• If you’re looking for a few China book recommendations, check out these two recent interviews at The Browser’s “Five Books” feature: the New Yorker’s Evan Osnos suggests five books that first-time visitors to China should read before they go, and Victor Shih of Northwestern University shares his favorite titles dealing with the Chinese economy.

Book Review: Embattled Glory

China Beat Blog: Archive 2008-2012

Will virulent nationalism make China a threat to the international order? This is the question that Neil J. Diamant sets out to address in Embattled Glory. A number of academics as well as the mass media have argued that after 1989 the Chinese Communist Party purposely fostered a wide-spread and strongly-felt popular nationalism, and that this sense of nationalism pushes Chinese foreign policy toward more hard-line positions that could lead to diplomatic or even military conflict between China, its neighbors, and even the United States. Diamant points specifically to Peter Gries’ China’s New Nationalism: Pride, Politics and Diplomacy as an …

Bay Area Readers: See Datong: The Great Society

China Beat Blog: Archive 2008-2012

Our readers in the Bay Area who enjoyed learning about the new Kang Youwei docu-drama Datong: The Great Society earlier this week have an upcoming opportunity to see the movie, which will be screened at UC Berkeley on December 13. Filmmaker Evans Chan will be on hand for a Q&A after the film.

China’S Empty Apartments, Michael Gsovski

China Beat Blog: Archive 2008-2012

Southeast of Kunming, a new city has risen from the earth, so new that it is literally called the “Chenggong New Area.” Giant complexes of towering, modern apartment buildings line the wide, recently built streets, broken every few kilometers by parks as large and as well designed as any in Kunming proper. Every block of apartment buildings has a police substation, and some have functioning schools. Along the recently constructed highways linking the new city to the old, it seems as if farmland has been transformed into a high-rise commuter suburb like those on the outskirts of Hong Kong and …