Talk about internalization
President Xi has called for a harmonization of law and virtue. In other words, perfect socialization. People would do what is right and that would be legal. And vice versa. How does he expect to get universal agreement about either?
Xi stresses integrating law, virtue in state governance
Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, has underscored governing the country by both law and virtue, so as to modernize the state governance system and capability.
Xi made the remarks Friday at a group study attended by members of the Political Bureau…
Zhu Yong, professor from China University of Political Science and Law, expounded on the subject, and members of the Political Bureau held discussion.
Noting that "law is virtue put down in words, and virtue is law borne in people's hearts," Xi said law and virtue both possess due status in state governance, as both play the role of regulating social behavior, adjusting social relations and maintaining social order…
The rule of law should be made an important part of education in virtue, Xi said, suggesting fostering a belief in law, the rule of law and rules, and guiding people to voluntarily assume their statutory duties, as well as responsibilities for society and family…
Xi stressed the importance of education for all in the rule of law and virtue, voicing the hope that through the education, all people will grow to firmly believe in, abide by and uphold the socialist rule of law, as well as exercise socialist core values.
Leading officials play a "crucial" role in governing the country by law and virtue, Xi said, urging them to serve as examples in studying and observing the law, and in practicing virtue.
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Labels: China, rule of law, socialization
Origins of Iran's Basij
The stories that inspire loyalty and obedience. It's part of socialization.
The Making of the Basij - Basij Mostazafan - attack dogs of the Iranian regime
The Basij - Basij Mostazafan – or “mobilisation of the oppressed”, is an Iranian militia group that is fanatically loyal to the Iranian clerical leadership, and is often seen rolling out onto the streets of Iranian towns and cities on motorbikes, beating innocent street protestors with clubs and wooden staves, and often using snipers to pick off the ringleaders of such demonstrations, shooting them dead.
The Basij comes under the umbrella of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, and is often used by them to carry out vicious attacks against the populace, of the type that the Guards themselves would rather not dirty their hands with, as they have always looked upon themselves as the protectors of the people, and liked to be respected rather than reviled by their fellow Iranians…
But when it comes to understanding the fanatical devotion of the Iranian Basij, to their clerical masters leading the regime, you need to return to the Basij militia’s baptism of fire during the Iran/Iraq War.
In September 1980, at the start of the war, with Khomeini’s troops facing Saddam Hussein’s professional, well-armed military battalions, the situation looked dire for IRGC forces, and so… a suicidal band of zealots in the form of the Basij - seemed to be the perfect answer.
The Basij is made up of boys aged 12 to 17, as well as middle aged men not suitable for standard military service…
As far as their absolute devotion to their religious leader Ayatollah Khomeini was concerned, it was proven beyond doubt during the Iran/Iraq War, when minefields along the front line were becoming a direct obstacle for advancing Iranian troops, and a swift method was needed to eradicate this threat…
[H]eavily indoctrinated with Khomeini’s radical ideology, into carrying out acts of insane martyrdom, they were sent in their thousands to march across minefields laid by Iraqi troops, which were hampering the advance of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps, and in droves these youngsters were blown to smithereens…
So this was the birth of the Basij, a militia contingent that revels in its past glories, and thinks nothing about sacrificing life on earth for their Supreme Leader. Even though suicide was against the teachings of the Quran, in the minds of these fanatical zealots, such sacrifice would take them through an open door straight into paradise.
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Labels: Iran, military, socialization
Common Core for Religious Education?
In the USA, arguments about common goals of a national curriculum seem to have centered around mathematics. In the UK and
Russia the arguments extend to the contents of curricula for religious education.
Although the idea of separation of church and state is seen in most places as a good one, religion is part of the state school curriculum in most places.
Students of comparative politics ought to be able to describe the major issues that arise from discussions about religious curricula in the countries they study.
Religious education in England 'needs overhaul'
Religious education in England's schools needs a total overhaul to bring the subject into the 21st Century, argues a report.
Religious belief has changed sharply in recent years but religious education has not kept pace, says the Goldsmiths, University of London, report.
"Content should reflect the real religious landscape," said co-author Prof Adam Dinham…
Teaching is currently required to reflect mainly Christian traditions while also taking into account the teaching and practices of other principal religions - but official statistics from the 2011 Census showed an increasingly fractured pattern of religious belief, argue the authors…
"The religious landscape now includes religious traditions, informal religion and beliefs as well as non-religious world views," said Prof Dinham.
"We think non-believers and those with informal beliefs need to be treated more seriously as a growing part of the picture."…
Primarily, the authors recommend a national panel to develop a new statutory framework for the subject which would be applicable to all schools and would balance a national approach with local needs.
It should also be compulsory for all students to 16…
The government did not directly respond to calls for reform but a Department for Education spokeswoman said religious education was vitally important to help children develop the British values of tolerance, respect and understanding for others.
"It prepares young people for life in modern Britain and that is why it remains compulsory at all key stages…
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Labels: education, policy, politics, socialization, UK
Can anyone join?
It was International Children's Day. China's president Xi Jinping visited an elite school in Beijing and told the students to be good citizens.
Do you know what the red scarves represent?
Xi urges socialist values for children
 |
| Xi meets students |
Chinese President Xi Jinping… visited a primary school in Haidian district in northern Beijing…
While wishing children across the country a happy holiday, Xi stressed that children are the future of the country and the hope of Chinese people…
To move forward, China needs to inherit and develop its traditions, especially virtues cherished by generations, Xi said.
The "socialist core values" that the country now upholds embody the thoughts of ancient masters, the aspirations of the nation's role models, ideals of revolutionary martyrs and expectation of all Chinese people, he said…
 |
| Xi and Beijing students |
The Chinese Young Pioneers, the country's largest children's organization, should unite and educate children through organizing healthy activities. Meanwhile, society should provide a favorable environment for children to grow up in and prevent violation of their rights and damage to their physical and psychological health, Xi said.
He also called on Chinese children to study hard, follow suitable role models and develop themselves.
Xi's speech was received by several rounds of applause. After the meeting, students surrounded him, shaking his hand and having their picture taken with the country's leader.
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Labels: China, leadership, political culture, socialization
Putin's lecture at summer camp
Jeff Silva-Brown, teacher at Ukiah High School in Ukiah, California, posted a link to this article on his Facebook page. Thanks, Jeff.
Nashi, the United Russia youth group, held a summer camp, not unlike
the camp attacked in Norway. Like the planned events at the Norwegian Workers' Youth League camp, the
Nashi camp featured visits by prominent United Russia politicians. In fact, Prime Minister Putin came to speak to the Nashi camp.
Putin says U.S. is "parasite" on global economyRussian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin accused the United States Monday of living beyond its means "like a parasite" on the global economy and said dollar dominance was a threat to the financial markets.
"They are living beyond their means and shifting a part of the weight of their problems to the world economy," Putin told the pro-Kremlin youth group Nashi while touring its lakeside summer camp some five hours drive north of Moscow…
Casually dressed in khaki trousers and a striped white shirt, Putin flew by helicopter to the tented camp as part of a string of appearances that are being closely watched in the run-up to the elections.
He did not say whether he plans a return to the Kremlin or will stand aside for Medvedev, his partner in Russia's leadership tandem, to run for a second term.
But young people crowding round Putin, caught up in the campaigning spirit created by huge portraits of Putin hung from trees, were not shy about saying who they wanted as president…
Nashi, which means "Our People," was created by the Kremlin to counter popular dissent after youth activism helped topple a pro-Moscow government in Ukraine's 2005 Orange revolution.
The group has worked to spread a personality cult around Putin and regularly campaigns against Kremlin critics…
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Labels: leadership, politics, Russia, socialization
A reminder
For those of you who don't remember one of the keys to current American-Iranian relations, there were large demonstrations in Tehran. It wasn't for us. It was for the majority of Iranians who weren't alive when crowds swarmed the U.S. embassy and took 52 hostages. It is an important part of the political socialization process for those holding power in the government.
Iran stages mass protest on anniversary of US embassy captureThousands of Iranians chanted “Death to America” as they staged a mass protest against the “Great Satan” to mark the 31st anniversary of the capture of the American embassy by Islamist students.
Waving Iranian flags and carrying anti-US banners alongside posters of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the largely young crowd also shouted anti-Israel slogans.
Iran annually on November 4 marks the anniversary of the capture of the US embassy by Islamist students in Tehran in 1979, months after the Islamic revolution which toppled the US-backed shah.
The embassy has remained closed and the US and Iran have had no diplomatic ties since then...
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Labels: history, Iran, socialization
Getting the word out
I don't know how much good lectures will do, but maybe they are signs to local judges that someone might be watching.
I do find it interesting that the officials in local courts are referred to as "presidents," not judges. It's a reminder of the inquisitorial nature of the Chinese justice system.
China to conclude nationwide training for grassroots court presidents China is completing a nationwide training for presidents of grassroots courts…
More than 3,600 presidents from intermediate and grassroots courts across the country attended the training in Beijing, a year-long-event that focused on raising their awareness of corruption-free law enforcement and improving their abilities in handling social disputes, according to information released by the Supreme People's Court (SPC)…
More than 80 high-ranking judges, including SPC President Wang Shengjun, delivered lectures during the training, which also covered topics of improving the judges' knowledge in coping with public opinion as well as that of the media...
The SPC spent three years training judges of grassroots courts from 2005 to 2007.
Since 2006, the SPC sent lecturers to grassroots courts in the western provinces and autonomous regions. As of Thursday, nearly 150,000 judges and police officers have attended such lectures, according to the SPC.
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Labels: China, judiciary, rule-of-law, socialization
Classroom monitors
The Communist Party in China tries to have Party members in every nook and cranny to keep track of who's naughty and who's nice. It seems that the Iranian authorities have a similar plan.
Clerics to Work Within Schools of Iran’s Capital Iran’s educational authorities will send 1,000 religious clerics into schools in Tehran to tamp down Western influence and political opposition, newspapers reported on Sunday…
The latest move appeared to be part of a wider social and cultural crackdown on the country’s youth…
Authorities also announced they were training pro-government forces to start blogs to increase the government’s influence on the Internet…
The head of the Basij militia force, Mohammad Reza Naqdi, told Fars last week that the force was planning to increase its Internet capability threefold by the Iranian new year next March…
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Labels: Iran, politics, socialization
Nashi gathers the faithful, but not the foreign
Old and new Russia can't seem to get their acts aligned.
Bureaucracy Stymies Pro-Kremlin Youth Retreat For years, the Kremlin has sponsored a summer retreat where thousands of young people from across Russia, screened for ideology, camp on a lake and attend seminars with the country’s leaders and political experts. Outsiders have rarely been permitted.
This year, however, organizers announced that they would invite foreigners, hoping to promote more openness and an exchange of ideas with the rest of the world.
It has not turned out that way. Instead, it appears to have turned into an object lesson in how even a modest effort… can run aground on the unforgiving shoals of Russian bureaucracy...
[W]hen the retreat started Friday, dozens of the invited foreigners were not there because they had not been able to obtain Russian visas, according to interviews and Internet posts. The government agency that runs the retreat seemed at a loss to help them or explain why the visa process fell apart…
The retreat has long had close ties to a strident pro-Kremlin youth group called Nashi, (“Ours” in Russian). Under the leadership of Vladimir V. Putin, the prime minister and former president, the Kremlin created Nashi in response to the so-called color revolutions that brought pro-Western governments to power in former Soviet republics, particularly the one in Ukraine in 2004. It hoped that Nashi activists would help counter possible protests against the authorities in Russia…
Even before the visa problems, invitations to the foreigners stirred controversy because of the reputation of Nashi.
For years, the group held raucous pro-Kremlin rallies and harassed foreign diplomats in Moscow perceived as hostile to Russian interests…
While the retreat was supposed to change this year, some Russian critics pointed out that members of opposition groups were still barred from attending...
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Labels: parties, politics, Russia, socialization
有鸡还是先有蛋？(The chicken or the egg?)
These two news stories from
Xinhua seem to echo one another. Which came first?
(Credit for the translation above goes to Google Translate.)
CPC Political Bureau approves education reform plan The Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee... approved an education reform plan for the next decade, which aims for greater education investment and fairer distribution of resources.
Presided over by the CPC Central Committee General Secretary Hu Jintao,a meeting of the Politburo approved the final version of the Medium- and Long-term National Educational Reform and Development Plan (2010-2020).
The Politburo, the CPC's top decision-making body, said in a statement that education was the fundamental cause for the revitalization of China and social progress in the future…
According to the plan, government investment will increase steadily to support the education sector, with the ratio of education expenditure in terms of gross domestic product (GDP) to be 4 percent by 2012.
In 2008, the ratio stood at 3.48 percent, compared with the average international level of 4.5 percent...
The plan said giving students fairer access to quality education would be a "fundamental policy," with more public education resources for rural, impoverished and ethnic areas.
The reforms would also encourage private organizations and individuals to play a greater role in the education system, said the statement…
China's Cabinet approves education reform plan The Chinese government has approved an education reform plan for next decade which promises to prioritize the development of education while ensuring fairness in the system.
A meeting of the State Council, or China's Cabinet, approved the final version of the Medium and Long-term National Educational Reform and Development Plan (2010-2020)...
Government investment will increase steadily to support the education sector, with the ratio of government's education expenditure in terms of gross domestic product (GDP) to be 4 percent by 2012, according to the meeting presided over by Premier Wen Jiabao.
In 2008 the ratio stood at 3.48 percent, compared with the world's average level of 4.5 percent…
The plan said giving students fairer access to quality education would be a "fundamental policy," with more public education resources to be arranged for rural, impoverished and ethnic areas.
The statement said the plan would bring "innovation" to the way universities enrolled students, without giving details.
The reforms would also encourage private organizations and individuals to play a greater role in the education system, according to the statement...
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Labels: China, policy, politics, socialization
Socialization, Civics, Indoctrination
College students, presumably ideologically correct, are congratulated by Li ChangchunSo how does a country create good citizens?
Ideological education stressed for Chinese college students A senior Communist Party of China (CPC) official has urged greater effort to promote the ideological education of the nation's college students.
"Continuous efforts should be made to boost college students' ideological thought to nurture qualified successors for the construction of socialism with Chinese characteristics," said Li Changchun, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.
Li made the remarks at a two-day meeting on the ideological education of college students, held in Beijing on Saturday and Sunday…
He urged universities to create a sound environment for students' healthy growth and to keep ideological education close to reality, life and the students…
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Labels: China, politics, socialization
Public schools in a theocracy
If there's no separation of church and state in Iran, there should be no problem with prayer in schools.
The ruling elite does see a problem of un-Iranian activity in schools, though. Now, schools, like army units, are to get clerics assigned to them. It's not unlike the party cadres assigned to nearly any organized group or activity in China.
Fighting West’s sway, Iran’s clerics tighten grip on schoolsIslamic religious authorities have begun tightening their grip on Iranian public schools... as hard-liners expand an ideological “soft war’’ against Western influence...
Authorities have recently emphasized the need to battle the reach of Western media, viewpoints, and culture - which resonate strongly in a country where nearly half the population was born after the 1979 Islamic Revolution...
Elementary classes were believed to be the focus of the nationwide plan.
It was not clear whether older students also would fall under clerical influence.
Earlier this month, Iranian officials announced plans to appoint a cleric in every school - a move widely seen as an effort to bring stricter Islamic interpretations into the public education system and to address growing divides between clerics and many young, secular-oriented Iranians.
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Labels: civil society, Iran, political culture, socialization
Political participation
An Iranian "school holiday" and "demonstration."
- For what causes would students in Russia be "bused in for the occasion?" (Think NASHI.)
- Would the Chinese government dare to do it? (Remember the response to the bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade?)
- Would such a thing happen in Nigeria? Could it?
- How about Mexico?
- Is the British government too staid to take such action?
Just some comparative questions to consider.
Iranians mark '79 seizure of embassy
"Hundreds of Iranian school students bused in for the occasion crowded outside the former US Embassy yesterday [
photo from the 2007 demonstration at right], burning American flags and chanting slogans to commemorate the 29th anniversary of the building's seizure by militant Iranian students.
"Equal parts unofficial school holiday and angry demonstration, the commemoration came on the eve of the US presidential election and was marked by anti-US and anti-Israel chants..."
Labels: Iran, political culture, politics, socialization
National Youth Service Corps (Nigeria)
In the aftermath of Nigeria's civil war, the Gowon military government pursued several policies to reunite the country. One of those was the National Youth Service Corps.
University graduates were enrolled in NYSC and assigned to work in the national interest somewhere away from their home areas. The first part of NYSC service is still an almost-military type boot camp, and university graduates still have to have a certificate of service in NYSC in order to be hired for jobs.
Thirty-five years later, the program, according to the colourful language of Roseline Okere, Joe Adiorho, and Felix Ugwuoke, writing in
The Guardian (Lagos), is in need of rethinking, reforming, and rebuilding. Organizations and businesses to which NYSC participants are assigned have been rejecting some assignees. NYSC participants have also been asking organizations to reject them. And, like most big programs, bureaucratic problems are common.
Given the political culture, civil society, economics, and politics of Nigeria, what reforms would your students suggest?
(Thanks to the blogger at
Grandiose Parlor for referring me to this article.)
NYSC scheme: A nation's emerging nightmare"The process has commenced and the debate is on. Apparently worried by the reports of the rejection of corps members by the organizations they were posted for their primary assignments, the House of Representative has put machinery in motion to review the law establishing the scheme.
"Thirty years after, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC ) scheme has joined some of the other lofty programmes that have metamorphosed into nightmares for Nigerian youths. Not only are the monthly allowances not realistically indexed to the realities of today's living, securing a slot for primary assignments has equally become a tall dream.
"The scheme, established in 1973 by the then military regime of General Yakubu Gowon, was scripted to mobilise Nigerian youths graduating from tertiary institutions for national development through sustained mobility of middle level manpower, promotion of social integration and national unity, among others.
"Essentially, the scheme has, over the years, provided succor for university and polytechnic graduates, most of whom could have otherwise experienced immediate pangs of joblessness on graduation, due to current dwindling prospects in the nation's labour market...
"Director of the Lagos Business School, Prof. Pat Utomi, described the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme as moribund, saying the scheme does not serve the present needs of the country...
" Utomi argued that the scheme as it currently operates has lost its importance, as it does not take cognizance of the manpower and industrial development of the country and urged the federal government to overhaul it...
"A Lagos-based legal practitioner, Goddy Uwazuruike regretted that the sheme has lost focus.
"He explained that the aim of NYSC was for the Nigerian graduates to know their country, feel patriotic about their country and provide cheap labour for other areas and so on. 'You must go outside that area you are familiar with. And when you get to that place, you are posted to where your best could be maximized. For instance, if you are a medical doctor, you would be posted to local areas where your services are urgently needed...
"'Virtually, most intending corps members want to serve in Lagos, Abuja, Port-Harcourt and any other city and no corps member wants to serve in the rural area because they believe there is no light, no water, no accommodation and the possible attack of armed robbers. So, with this trend, the purpose for which the scheme was introduced is gradually being defeated,' he lamented.
"He blamed the problem on the government which he said has not done enough to better the lots of corps members in terms of allowances it pays to corps members which he described as pittance...
"'A situation where a corps member who studied History is serving in banks whereas those who studied Account are serving in schools as teachers what type of madness?' he declared.
"'For goodness sake, corps members should be posted to places that have relationship with their course of study.'..."
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Labels: Nigeria, political integration, socialization
Back to xiaozu?
During the Cultural Revolution, virtually everyone was organized by local Party cadres into "study groups" (called
xiaozu) to learn the latest intricacies of the mass line. Cadres taught lessons based on readings from "the little red book." Perhaps General Secretary Hu thinks it's time to bring back those groups. Maybe this could be coordinated with the establishment of unions in all foreign-owned companies. (See
Unionization, Chinese style)
Hu Jintao urges Party members to better learn socialist theory"Communist Party of China (CPC) chief Hu Jintao has urged Party members to learn the theory on socialism with Chinese characteristics more conscientiously.
"Hu, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, made the remark at a seminar which was participated in Sunday afternoon by members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee...
"Presiding over the seminar, Hu said the theory on socialism with Chinese characteristics is a fundamental guideline of the Party and government for social and economic construction.
"Party members should understand the basic principles of the theory and use them in their practical work, he added.
"Hu asked Party organs at all levels to make the theory accessible and understood by every Party member and draw long-term plans to promote and develop the theory. "
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Labels: China, socialization
New Russian history
Last July,
The Washington Post reported on the revisions of Russian history presented to teachers in Moscow.
I cited that article as evidence of the revival of ideology in Russia.
Recently,
The Economist reported on the same topic with some new insights. Either or both articles would be good discussion starters or beginnings of case studies.
The rewriting of historyThe Kremlin uses its version of the past to forge a new ideology for the present"The decade after the collapse of communism was notable for the absence of any official ideology. Weary of grand designs, the Russian elite preferred pragmatism and enrichment. Asked about his national dream in 2004, President Vladimir Putin said that it was to make Russia competitive. But Russia's new oil-driven strength and its aspirations to be a world player have once more created a demand for something more victorious and uplifting. And as Mr Putin looks for ways to stay in power after his second presidential term expires next March, his ideological comrades are placing him in a gallery of Russia's great leaders, a quasi-tsar.
"'The attitude towards the past is the central element of any ideology,' Yury Afanasyev, a Russian liberal historian, has written in Novaya Gazeta. Indeed, in Russia arguments about history often stir greater passions than do debates about the present or future. What kind of country Russia becomes will depend in large part on what kind of history it chooses. And that is why the Kremlin has decided that it cannot afford to leave history teaching to the historians.
"Earlier this year it organised a conference for history teachers at which Mr Putin plugged a new history manual... entitled
A Modern History of Russia: 1945-2006: A Manual for History Teachers. Were it not for the Kremlin's backing, it would probably be gathering dust on bookshelves... New textbooks based on it will come into circulation next year. Russian schools are still free to choose which textbook to teach. But the version of history now proposed by the Kremlin suggests that freedom may not last.
"The manual... celebrates all contributors to Russia's greatness, and denounces those responsible for the loss of empire, regardless of their politics. The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 is not seen as a watershed from which a new history begins, but as an unfortunate and tragic mistake that hindered Russia's progress...
"Rabid anti-Westernism is the
leitmotiv of the new ideology. In return for Russia ending the cold war ('we did not lose it', the manual insists), America ... fomented colour revolutions in Ukraine and Georgia, turning them into springboards for possible future attacks. 'We are talking about the failure of the course started by Peter the Great and pathetically continued by pro-Western democrats after 1988. We are talking about a new isolation of Russia.'
"How should Russia respond? The manual's answer is a new mobilisation of resources and a consolidation of power in the hands of a strong leader (no prizes for guessing who)...
"The manual's final chapter, on 'Sovereign Democracy', reflects the views of one of the Kremlin's chief ideologues, Vladislav Surkov, deputy head of the presidential administration, who invented the phrase. Mr Surkov argues that Russia needs a political system to suit its national character and that it should disregard international norms of behaviour as 'foreign pressure'..."
Labels: politics, Russia, socialization
A balancing bit of optimism
In a country as big and diverse as Nigeria, we should expect to find things to cheer about. Here's a fourth bit of news to complete a balance for entries here today.
This comes from the BBC.
Audio slideshow: Laptops for Africa"The so-called $100 laptop project is working to boost education for children in the developing world.
"The rugged, energy efficient laptops have been designed to be used in remote and environmentally challenging areas.
"They are currently being tested around the world, including at the LEA primary school, Galadima, on the outskirts of Abuja, Nigeria."
Labels: civil society, Nigeria, socialization
Editing political culture
Remaking political culture is a multi-faceted endeavor. In Iran, many efforts are underway. From public executions and the arrest of indecently dressed or coiffed citizens to subtle messages in television programs.
Slightly Off Religious Path, Iranian TV Finds Viewers"State TV, which had a monopoly on viewership until satellite channels began to draw more viewers beginning in the early 1990s, has been trying to win back its audience for several years. One result: a spate of mini-series that depict love stories between characters who are not necessarily pious, and that allow women to show more of their hair — both of which have been considered un-Islamic.
"Analysts say the new programs are part of the government’s bid to use television as a more effective instrument to shape public opinion. Most series still have clear political messages, though they are conveyed with much more subtlety than in the past...
"One popular mini-series, called
Zero Degree Turn, depicts the Iranian Embassy in Paris during World War II, when employees forged Iranian passports for European Jews to flee to Iran. The series is built around a love story between an Iranian-Palestinian man and a Jewish Frenchwoman he helps escape to Iran.
"Scenes of terrified Jewish men, women and children being loaded into trucks by Nazis are arousing feelings of sympathy for Jews at a time when President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has denied the Holocaust.
"But the series has a more subtle message: that there is a difference between Jews and Zionists. One Jewish character, the uncle of the Frenchwoman who escapes to Iran, is depicted as brutal and manipulative. He has ties to Israel..."
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Labels: Iran, political culture, socialization
Political education in China
Weijun Chen reports for the
BBC on a political campaign in a classroom of 8-year-olds in his hometown of Wuhan.
There are a couple interesting observations that may apply generally to China's political culture.
Democracy in a Chinese classroom "Thousands of years of life under a feudal system in China have fostered a culture where official power and authority have seldom been checked.
"Once one has the power, then one has everything, and so the whole nation would like to be government bureaucrats.
"For example, 60% of China's college graduates choose government as their ideal career.
"Chinese government officials are not civil servants in the Western sense, rather they are the people who possess real power.Ch
"Against this backdrop, I decided to film a class of eight-year-old schoolchildren in my home city of Wuhan as they went through the process of electing a class monitor.
"It was the first time that the post had not been the gift of the teacher and it was the children's first taste of democracy. It turned out to be a cut-throat competition..."
Labels: China, elections, socialization
Teaching with Persepolis
Michelle Heath shared with the AP Government and Politics Electronic Discussion Group her discoveries that offer help in teaching about Marjane Satrapi's graphic novel,
Persepolis. I think it's a great political coming of age story about Iran at the time of the revolution and eminently useful as a teaching tool. In case you missed the note, here are the specifics.
First, Michelle found
"Teaching ideas from the National Council of Teachers of English." They look excellent.
At the
Thinkfinity site where she found those teaching ideas, there's also a link to
an interview with Marjane Satrapi from
AsiaSource.
Labels: Iran, political culture, socialization
Just The Facts! 2nd edition is a concise guide to concepts, terminology, and examples that will appear on May's exam.
