Asian Values
Here is a link to a quick review of the idea of Asian values. Remember treat Wikipedia as a helpful, quick and dirty reference, do not take it as gospel.
Politics of the Developing Nations POSC 311
This blog is a pedagogical tool for Dr. Khan's Politics of Developing Nations [POSC 311-010] class.
About Me
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- Name:Muqtedar Khan
Dr. Muqtedar Khan is Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science and International Relations at the University of Delaware. He is a Non-resident Fellow at the Brookings Institution. He is the author of American Muslims: Bridging Faith and Freedom (Amana, 2002), Jihad for Jerusalem: Identity and Strategy in International Relations (Praeger, 2004).
- Eastern Philosophy
- Defining Globalization
- The United States of Globalization
- Global Development Network
- enotes on Developing Nations
- These are links to Globalization and the Developing World
- Defining the Third World/Developing World
- Brief History of India
Links
4 Comments:
I agree with some of the critics that a universal "Asian" value system does not really exist. Asia contains some countries, such as India and China that have some of the largest populations in the world that continue to grow at a rapid rate. As the population of Asia grows, its culture as a whole grows apart. Asia has so many people of different race, ethnicity, and religion. There is Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism just to name a few of the religions practiced throughout Asia. There are the Chinese, the Indians, and the Japanese, just to name a few of the different people throughout Asia, who all have different customs and ways of life from one another. There are also many countries in Asia that are not always in agreement with one another, such as India and Pakistan, as well as India and China. Maybe the term "Asian values" was appropriate in the early 90s, but I think that Asia's days as being culturally bonded together are over.
I have not heard the arguments that China and other East Asian countries have developed steadily because of Eastern thought such as Confucianism, Buddhism and Hinduism. However, I am not surprised to hear this theory. Taoism, a Chinese philosophy, puts great emphasis on the concept of time and using time as something that cannot be "saved" or "wasted", as is often said in our culture, but instead used wisely in a carefully thought out manner. If one considers the proper use of time to be of the utmost importance then choices in all areas of life are most likely positively affected. When great emphasis is put on meticulous planning it seems logical that great success will be the outcome, therefore the Taoist idea of using time wisely by careful planning can easily be implemented in the Political and Economical areas of the culture ultimately creating great success. It is also interesting to note that the success in these countries has been steady and not an over night phenomenon. America entered great political and economical power only once the major European countries had been devastated by war. China has slowly climbed away from the oppression of Mao Tse-Dong’s Red China and created a reputable place in the Global Political Theater. All of this had to have been accomplished by the meticulous planning of the eastern philosophies that China, India and other East Asian countries have integrated into their societies and everyday life.
In response to the movie about the religions Hindusim and Buddhism, the elements of both religions were very interesting. I found that Hinduism had a more global effect than Buddhism because of its practices and tenure. Hinduism has festivals that celebrate the meaning of life, and the creator of life. They also do meditations for the energizing of the body. Which is considered to be fulfilling for them. From Hinduism, in the West we have yoga, which is a form of meditation where one tries to achieve a sense of well being or peace. I didnt agree with the worshiping of the cow as the mother of the earth and the other forms of reincarnation.
As for Buddhism, I did agree with the precepts of the Buddha: Not to take life; not to steal etc. However, It made me feel uncomfortable that the buddha is considered to not be human or God. Then what is he? I think that Buddhism puts to much emphasis on meditation. By engaging in life experiences thats how you obtain awareness, not by meditation.
As a result, I think that Hinduism is more clear in definition religion and practice than Buddhism.
***This was my first posting, and I don't know if it posted, so here it is again***
"Well.....She's Asian." I said with hesitation. For lack of a better nomenclature, I had watered down the girl I was dating to the Eastern side of the world. A common dilemma. The Asian spectrum constitutes several diverse religions, landscapes, and attitudes-politically and socially. Safely, one can define Asia as non-western. Other than that it becomes difficult. Which is why I disagree with Wikipedia's definition of Asian values.
While most eastern governments share the same attitudes toward the blending of church and state. The "church" and state itself differ culturally. One example is the 5 pillars of Islam, where prayer is practiced several times during the day no matter where one is. Wikipedia's definition centers on "the foregoing of personal freedom for the sake of society's stability...Work...Academic excellence...Thrift." While Confucianism stresses the importance of family and work--The Muslims' main focus is surrendering to Allah.
The differences continue, but a common denominator among Eastern societies would be it's work ethic--almost diametrically opposed to the West. Where in Japan workers are given eighteen days off a year, only half of those are taken. Compare that to the American corporate droid with his/her 28 day average or the Italian government employee with his/her cushy 41 days off a year--and trust me they're taking them.
In summary "Asian Values" is as loosely defined as Asia itself. One needs to take in account the complex and deep rooted ideologies that divide the regions culturally. As well as any girls reigning from that region.
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