Ethnic Minority Education in China: Finding a Path between Tradition a

Ethnic Minority Education in China: Finding a Path between Tradition and Development Introduction Educating a nation is no simple task. Even in the United States—which boasts a substantial tradition of public education, political stability, economic prosperity and a strong middle class—issues such gender and racial equality, diversity, and budget reality still cause continuous debate. For a nation like China, the task of educating its people is even more daunting. China has a population of 1.3 billion, an economy that is still developing, and thus even more stringent budget constraints. And although abandoning command economics for the free market in 1977 allowed double-digit economic growth through the 90’s, the now-uneven distribution of wealth (an inevitable result of capitalistic reforms) makes equality of access to education even more pressing of an issue. Not only is it now more difficult to achieve consistency in educational opportunity across the country, but in today’s information-driven economy, the effects of inferior education can also create a vicious cycle of poverty within a particular region. Complicating the issue further is the incredible variance in the styles of living and languages spoken by people in China. Although a common misconception is that China is an ethnically homogeneous country, this could not be further from the truth. Besides the majority Han (defined as the descendents of the Han empire ) there are 55 nationally recognized minority ethnicities who speak an estimated 80 to 100 different languages and follow numerous different religions. Some have become intergrated into the Han population, such the Manchus, who adopted Mandarin and Confucianism when they ruled China in the Qin... ...Girls in Southwest region.† The Christian Science Monitor. 16 Oct. 2001. 1 June 2003 http://www.csmonitor.com/2001/1016/p16s1-lekt.html Lee, MaryJo Benton. Ethnicity, Education and Empowerment: How mnority students in Southwest China construct identities. Burlington: Ashgate Publishing Ltd, 2001. Peopledaily.com. â€Å"Regional Autonomy for Ethnic Minorities.† http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/whitepaper/1(3).html Postiglione, Gerard A., ed. China’s National Minority Education: Culture, Schooling and Development. New York: Falmer Press, 1999. Sautman, Barry. â€Å" Expanding Access to Higher Education for Chna’s National Minorities: Policies of prferential Admission.† (Postiglione, 173-210) Wang, Wen. â€Å"Better Education for Ethnic Minorities.† Beijing Review 2001 No. 30. 29 May 2003 http://www.bjreview.com.cn/2001/200130/NationalIssues-200130(A).htm

A Reflection

The best training ground for every deserving student is in fact, the University of Arizona. Its education is the food market of the human mind. It fuels the student’s professional growth and thrusts him towards definite directions in his day to day activity. Furthermore, this university is his watering holes from which he quenches his thirsts and draws his strength as he travels treks through his arduous journey towards excellence and fulfillment. Over the years, this institute has able to mold its graduates into becoming professionals with superb brilliance, genuine dignity and outstanding values.From that day I stepped into this mammoth training ground, I was convinced this University would mean more than life to me. Its warm people, specialized programs and well-prepared curricula are the best tools to guide and shape a freshman like me.My first semester in the University of Arizona is a time of transition, in which I experienced inner transformation as well as realization of my worth as a young adult. I have realized, that with adulthood, comes responsibility. Responsibility is synonymous with obligation, dedication and perseverance. I have the obligation to make the best of my time and effort while studying, not only for the enrichment of myself but also for the benefit of those who have been backing me up in prayers and in thoughts.Aside from these, I have realized that I am accountable to my actions and the little decisions that I make each day, to keep myself whole until that day I got that priceless sheet of paper to pursue my dreams and give back to my family and my country their rewards of life and love, as much as my parents have consented and gave their full trust and support to me, even though being in this university means to be miles and miles away from home. This university has taught me to be committed to every particular task I have, especially in my academics. These things could be as simple as doing my homework diligently or to bigge r things like spending wisely every single penny my parents have worked for. Furthermore, this university has taught me to dedicate myself towards living up into its vision and mission and constantly strive to gain excellence not just mentally, but holistically.Back from my humble and simple city in California, I used to misunderstand the independence I have. I relied solely with my parents and left all the household responsibilities to them. I hardly even washed the dishes, nor fixed my room! I did not even bother to clean the house or even my own mess.   I was used to having all things readily set and made available for me. I was reluctant with my studies and my dreams in life were vague. In fact, I enjoyed the company of friends and loved to stay outside shopping and partying, thinking these things would make me happy. But, I was wrong! Not that I have not yet matured that time, but I should say, I refused to grow.Aside from responsibility, I have learned to possess the virtue of balance; where there is freedom, there should always be balance. In my quite life here, I have learned to live life on my own, prepare my food, wash my clothes, clean my room, do my homework and be at peace with everyone. I have to cope with the busy schedules in school and meet the deadlines and make sure that I have read my lessons in advance. Unlike before, I realized that am not getting any younger and that, in this busy world, one should always be in moderation, no matter how many the predicaments are.Speaking of predicaments, my grandmother’s death was one of the most challenging experiences I have during my first semester here. I have been very close to her and being favored by her so much.   I never actually felt very far from home since she was always there beside me to cheer me up and inspire me. But with her death, I felt effortless with school. I was afraid to live alone and assume my responsibilities as a grown-up individual. So I had to go home most of the time.   But through constant effort and vivid plans in life, I have managed to make good in my first training at the University of Arizona. My grandmother’s death served as a challenge for me to believe in myself as much as she trusted me and believed in my potentials. In the real life, everything passes by and that all we need to do is to learn wholeheartedly from every particular experience and take that experience objectively for the betterment of ourselves.I love this university, its people and the promises it holds for each student. Although, I am experiencing a difficult time to adjust to my classmates since all of us come from different states, and the harsh hot weather this State has, I still find this very challenging and exciting. Being in a big city like Tucson is no joke for a young student but I am willing to explore the opportunities this school provides, if these were to open chances of improvement. I love the excitements here, all the fun and the activities set for students. I love the way this institution has become a tool to shape me into a better a person.I know it has only been a semester, but I could see how challenging the coming semesters would be. With the right training and education I have right now, I can see a brighter future not just for my self, for my family and also for my country. America has lots of intellectuals already!   This time, and in the years to come, what it needs are people who do not just have the minds but the heart as well! America needs citizens who are open to the growing changes in the society, taking into consideration the welfare of everybody. America needs people who, despite the diversities there are, remain to be a united and strong citizenry. The country’s effort of producing value-centered graduates demands no less! I am confident that the University of Arizona will make me and the rest of us here to be one of those people America has been longing for!

George Miller s The Crucible - 1250 Words

My Resistance Authority is the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience. In society it has been something you are taught as toddler to respect authority, your elders. There are plenty of rules that as children we follow because it has been enforced in our minds that those are the rules and we must follow them. The rules do not tend to be questioned until someone disobeys them and did not think their actions were wrong. It is then that we being to question authority and resist the majority rule. No matter how unfair the laws of the governments might seem, it does not change the fact that people in society obey them. Henry Thoreau, Stanley Milgram and Martin Luther King have all considered the reasons as to why we obey authority and what the struggles of resisting majority rule may be. As a society there has come times that people themselves disobey the law and even in The Crucible, by Arthur Miller, the people being to resist authority. Authority may play a majo r role in society but when people being to come to a realization of the rules that are unjust, they being to resist and protest against them. Thoreau, Milgram and King all consider the difficulties of resisting majority rule, standing up to authority, and protesting against the established rules and laws. Henry Thoreau wrote â€Å"Civil Disobedience† to focus on the relationship of individuals to the state that focused on why people obey the laws of the government even if theyShow MoreRelatedThe Bravest of Individuals Is One Who Obeys His or Her Conscience, 871 Words   |  4 PagesF Clarke s interpretation of braveness and conclusion on the topic of obeying their conscience is rather intelligent due to the belief of inner senses of what is right or wrong will lead to the right choices in life. Two examples of literature that strongly support this quote can be found in Of Mice And Men by John Steinbeck, as well as The Crucible by Arthur Miller. 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