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| Jaymar Bonet |
This has only been the first week and I must say it has been an experience already. I am enjoying myself. We have already had class and gone to visit some places. Classes are intriguing. One of the books we are using is about how China is powerful but fragile. In the eyes of foreigners, China is powerful. We always hear about the Chinese, how smart they are and how they are on the rise overall. They are powerful internationally but fragile domestically. This concept has been one that has many factors and makes a lot of sense but I find the discussions most interesting. Dr. Hua has taught our first 3 classes and has left time at the end of lecture for us to have discussions with the Chinese students. We actually also have a student from Hungary, one from Japan and one from Taiwan so it is offering great insight. A topic that has come up was Chinese nationalism. Traditionally, Chinese nationalism is cultural and not political. It is more a way of life. Tu Weiming said, “Anybody who is interested in China is Chinese” while Yu Yingshi said, “China is anywhere I go.” The idea of Chinese trying to assimilate in the States came up and we talked about how getting integrated in American society is hard especially since there is a “China town” in every major American city. I like the fact that the Chinese bring their culture with them. I think it is important to keep your roots but while in discussion we thought about how times are changing. In America, you see older generations keeping tradition but those Chinese born in America are becoming much more western. I brought up the fact that I think it has a lot to do with the parents. I can kind of understand because my parents are Hispanic. As their child, it was there job to keep me cultured. My mom made Spanish food, she spoke the language, we celebrated the holidays but as an adult it is now my choice whether I reject or retain the culture. The same goes for the Chinese. Getting their views on Chinese nationalism in China compared to in the US was really great and the difference between going to the US for school compared to actually being born there. Being able to ask the Chinese their thoughts has been the best part of this so far. I can read a textbook anywhere but the dialogue is something that I treasure and is making this trip beyond interesting to me. Plus, I don’t mind the view I get here at night. I am simply loving it.
Jaymar Bonet, of Radcliff, Ky., is a junior McConnell Scholar at the University of Louisville. She is studying political science and Spanish.