Asian Studies

The fields of Chinese medicine and Western medicine both arose from the need to understand the human body. Thus, extensive analysis and observation of both internal and external factors were studied, but these were done so using different approaches. Hence, they progressed and evolved differently, with Chinese medicine bound to a system of mystical origins and Western medicine hailed as the more skeptical of the two.

The ancient art of Chinese medicine, once revered as the only true medicine in the world, is gradually dying out. Originally, this art was passed down from one generation to the next in order to ensure the survival of the tradition. It was also an offshoot of the older Chinese beliefs, systematized and refined with the goal of healing and strengthening the human body. It required understanding of a wide variety of things, since it is, in a sense, an expansion of other traditional arts and sciences (Fruehauf, 1999).

On the other hand, Western medicine stood completely at odds with Chinese medicine. Western thought and discipline encouraged a more empirical approach, and this was highly visible in the way Western doctors treated their patients and developed their medicine. Furthermore, it rejected everything that reeked of mysticism, instead choosing to progress through hands-on experimentation.

As partisan as these two sides may be, Mao Zedong, during the beginning of the Communist reign, sought to join the two together. This integration attempt resulted to the birth of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), which also bore a political agenda for the leader. For him, Chinese medicine represented the persona of its people strong, self-reliant, native, and patriotic (Fruehauf, 1999). Noble as the initiative was, practitioners on both sides faced many challenges as a result of this union. The Western method of developing medicine seemed to heavily discredit the traditional Chinese medicines, since repeated experimentation utilizing the latter yielded poor results. By contrast, Chinese medicine required deeper insights on the nature of a multitude of disciplines a quality that Western medicine, by virtue of its emphasis on specialization, neglects. This disparity has led to numerous difficulties, as each aspect of one side only served to highlight the flaws of the other.

But looking more into the fields more traditional roots, the mysticism usually associated with Chinese medicine would be better understood if analyzed alongside their other ancient practices such as tai-chi. This ancient art, which involves the proper circulation of ones inner energy, called chi, has been so deeply ingrained within Chinese culture that it begins to affect the peoples lifestyle. Health is seen in relation to the balance of a persons chi, and Chinese medicine has been formulated with this aspect fully in mind.

The book entitled Samurai and Silk A Japanese and American Heritage is considered to be one of the most informative and genuine readings that mainly tackle the history of modern Japanese society. This book is written by Haru Matsukata-Reischauer, a famous Japanese writer during the mid and late nineteenth century.

She is a granddaughter of the late Masayoshi Matsukata, the fourth and sixth Prime Minister of Japan (Haru Reischauer). Harus grandfather is also a famous liberal finance minister during the Meiji Period. He is one of the most important Japanese leaders who supported the Japanese economic and infrastructure transformation (Haru Reischauer). More so, Harus family is famous for their significant contribution during the period of modernization throughout the whole Japanese country (Haru Reischauer).

Haru Matsukata is the wife of Edwin O. Reischauer, the former United States ambassador to Japan. He is also a renowned American educator and scholar of history as well as Japanese culture.  Born in Japan on the year 1915, Haru attended schools in Tokyo and has finished her college education in Illinois (Haru Reischauer). When World War II has ended, Haru worked in numerous magazine and newspaper publishers in Tokyo. Several years after, she got married to Edwin O. Reischauer in 1956.

As a couple, they have worked together in building a sturdy and respectable Japan-United States relationship in the midst of broad anti-American campaign all over Asia (Haru Reischauer). Soon after the diplomatic engagement of Prof. Edwin Reischauer in Japan, Haru and her husband went back to Cambridge in 1966 and lived a normal life as private citizens.

As a prolific Japanese poet and screenwriter, Haru has made a clear presentation of three different generations from their prominent Japanese clan. As a product of her own personal experiences, Harus book is an exemplar of a genuine depiction of the modernization process that Japan has been through. The book mainly highlights the importance of Meiji era, which is the exact period when Japan started to modernize the whole country and slowly establish its international power.

More so, this book serves as Harus effort in writing a wonderful memoir of her family. Starting off by providing a lucid illustration of her grandfathers, Masayoshi Matsukata (a founding father of the Meiji government) and Ryoichiro Arai (a wealthy entrepreneur in the silk trade), Harus book presents a comprehensive and credible storytelling with regard to Japans renowned financial and industrial success.

Given that Harus book mostly highlights the struggles of Japan towards modernization, the batch of modern Japanese political leaders are targeted as one of the books primary audiences. This is mainly because Haru intends to exemplify how the early Japanese political leaders have sacrificed in order to achieve the highest possible transformation that a country could have. More so, the book intends to draw the attention of recent Japanese leaders as it depicts the main importance of government and political leaders in the progress of a nation.

Furthermore, the book intends to capture the heart and mind of many Japanese in order to remind them of how the early generation of Japanese people strived in order to build a stronger civilization and economy. The book serves as a meaningful account of how the present Japanese generation should protect and value the current state of Japans economy and stability.

On the other hand, Harus book may also serve as a useful reading for most anthropologists. This is mainly because Harus writing lays a weighty elucidation of how different cultures work together under common goals and perspectives. In the book, Haru has made a detailed explanation on how culture diversity played a vital role in the success and establishment of her maternal grandfathers silk business. Though she made it clear that her Arai family side has firm Japanese cultural values, Americanization or adaptation of Western culture has been very indispensable in the overall triumph of their silk business (Reichauer). More so, Harus Samuai and Silk may also serve as a useful reading for the betterment of international relations and most diplomats, as it identifies the importance of strong relationship among the countries around the globe.
From a personal observation, the books main idea is that the road towards modernization is not an easy task at all. It often includes challenges and unavoidable acceptance of numerous changes in order to achieve the greatest possible result. The books main objective is to tell that change and acceptance should not be prevented, more especially when it would bring better results and benefits for the people. All of these ideas and objectives have been accomplished by visibly explaining the triumphs and drawback of Huras family in embracing Japanese and American heritage to their advantage.

In a sense, Hura has used a sound method in presenting information. Given that she wrote Samurai and Silk as a memoir for her family, the book has a credible source of information and data gathering that has lifted its overall quality. Most of the information presented in the book is based on Harus family story, which she has personally experienced. This aspect made the whole book more believable and interesting to read.
From a personal standpoint, the books main strength is its primary storyline, which is purely based on a true to life tale. As a reader, it is always amusing and interesting to read something that has really happened in real life, which could be really informative and a good source of lesson in life. The privilege of knowing the story and life of a prominent individual is always a delightful experience. More so, the values that book has presented is another great strength of Harus masterpiece, as it presents essential lessons that could be really useful and informative in todays modern world.

On the other hand, there are only minimal weaknesses that could be found in the book. One is the tendency of being partial in some part of the books presentation. Given that Samurai and Silk is a story dedicated for Harus family, there are instances that the book is slightly partial in a given topic.

In the end, it is evident that the main motivation of the books research is to state that change is inevitable, more especially when it is driven by time and the situation. Thus, compared to that of the other memoir, Harus Samurai and Silk is more believable and thrilling to read, as it is packed with a lot of personal experiences that are really entertaining.

A. The short movie If I was Like You lends itself to different definitions but can be best defined in terms of Francias (1995) definition in that it illustrates how Asian Americans undergo hardships in assimilating into American culture, not only being accepted by Caucasian Americans but by African Americans as well. In its attempt to depict the Asian identity the film opposes the ruling culture in its portrayal of the white police officer and Daniel opposing his orders. The difference between this film and others within the genre of this definition is that it is not a documentary the struggles portrayed here however, are stark and forceful and compels its audience to sit up and take stock of the situation. It can also be defined as authorship because the power figures are Asian American and content because it is an Asian American movie focusing on Asian American issues.

The short animated movie What are you anyways is best defined by authorship in that it is produced and directed by an Asian American and the main character, although in animation i also depicts an Asian American. It can also be defined as a marketing movie because it is aimed at specific audiences such as Japanese Americans and is probably intent on obtaining funding for production and dissemination. The focus is one individual trying to find his self-identity and fit-in with American society not conflict with it, so it does not adhere to Francias definition in any way.

The past is a distant colony is another Asian short film that fits into different definitions it can be defined in terms of its authorship, its content, its marketing, and at the same time it holds fast to Francias definition in that it is a quasi-documentary illustrating the defiance of the South Vietnamese against communism  the ruling culture and their struggle to assimilate into American culture.

B. Asian American cinema is defined by Francia (1995) as a Cinema of Opposition and Criticism (p.103), meaning it constantly sets out to question, criticize and oppose western culture and dominance in an attempt to pursue and present their own identity and culture. The fundamental differences between Asian cinema and Asian American cinema are that Asian American cinema strives to depict the struggles of individuals now living in America, their struggles with assimilation and cultural identity their films tend to concentrate on the history and culture of their ethnicity most are dependent on funding most do not receive much compensation in the way of monetary gain, and most are presented in the genre of documentaries. This preference for documentaries is because they are the best means by which directors can present their culture, history and identity while at the same time probe and question the superiority of western culture in a less threatening and acceptable manner.

C. Peter Feng (1995) in his article In Search of Asian American Cinema defined Asian American film within four categories authorship, marketing, content and past tense. Authorship pertains to films wherein key or controlling positions, such as the producer and director, are filled by Asian Americans the problem with this definition is that it limits the input in terms of different ethnicities, whereas the genre of film requires cross racial and ethnic cooperation and alliance. Marketing refers to how Asian American films are marketed to specific audiences, whereby they are able to access funding specifically assigned to Asian American cinema in terms of their dissemination and theatres, such as Asian Cinevision. A problem with this definition however, is that it strengthens the western stereotypical view of Asian Americans as never being a true American when Asian films are  exposed together with Asian American films, at film festivals for example. Content is a definition that insists the story within an Asian American movie must concern Asian American issues irrelevant of marketing or authorship factors. The problem with this definition is that it limits the scope of what an audience will expect and accept as an authentic Asian American movie, thus negating the Gregg Araki question. The fourth definition  the Past Tense definition  refers to mainly documentary films made between the late 1960s and early 1980s, which were focused on assimilation and cultural identity of Asians living in America.

2.  The Gregg Araki question is concerned with whether or not an American Asian movie that is
      not concerned with American Asian issues is still classified as an American Asian film.

D. In his interview with Michael Guillen, Peter Feng shows favor for the hyphen to be removed from Asian-American because it is grammatically incorrect the word Asian should be an adjective modifying the noun whereas when hyphenated they both become nouns. The term was originally used in a disparaging way to intimate that Asian Americans were divided in their loyalties to both their home country and America.
2. Focus on East Asia in the TCM series is prominent over other Asian regions that are less evident because America was not really aware of South East Asia until the Vietnam war, and other countries such as India were bequested by British colonialism, so Americans were not really interested in them. Japan and China on the other hand, had been dealing more upfront with America.

3. The representation of the Chinese and Japanese in American film during times of conflict was influenced by the way in which they were regarded by governments and the people Japanese for example initially came to America as the underdog  and merely laborers later however, when Japan emerged as a global player, immigration doors were closed to Japanese other than white collar workers, thus the Japanese in America were in competition with the locals. In film they were depicted as strange, not popular and a faction to be avoided and feared. In film the Chinese transpired from ignorant farmers to allies and friends in war after WW2, and then reverted back to ignorant farmers when communism came into rule.

4. The movie The Crimson Kimono created hot debate in terms of miscegenation because it was the first film to show an interracial relationship with an Asian man and a white woman, and raised the issue of a white woman losing her American citizenship if she married an Asian man, even though he was Asian American. The final scene was the stereotypical kiss, which in this movie was omitted when shown on television in 1960s an d 1970s.

5. Feng does not believe that Asian actors like Jackie Chan, Chow Yun Fat or jet Li are creating more opportunities for Asian Americans in Hollywood because rather than Hollywood choosing the actor for a film they are making the film around the actor in other words they are making films to suit the Asian actors focused in their own country, and if they are shown in America it is usually only to solve a case or some such mission.

E. Michael Grayson, in the movie Go For Broke joined WW2 to fight for his country against the Japanese but finds he is expected to fight alongside American Japanese in a Nisei unit first constructed in Hawaii.  He tries to get a transfer to his old platoon the 36th unit but inevitably has to stay where he is. While fighting in Italy and France with his Nisei unit however, he gradually changes his opinion and his prejudice diminishes. In the end, he gets his transfer back to his old unit as a liaison officer but by this time he does not want to go. Finally, in the same way that Graysons derogatory opinion of Asian Americans change, so too did his mens opinion of him, particularly after they found out he had defended them against his friend in his old unit. The movie culminates in a battle in which the 36th are surrounded by Germans and the Nisei men save the day. The film ends with heroes returning home and medals and honors being handed out.

2. Lt Grayson, a pure Texan, is the main character in the movie , who considers Japanese American soldiers no different to the Japanese because many were in internment camps before the war but now fighting for America. He got into a fight with his friend Sgt. Culley in defense of his Japanese American men Cullley has ridiculed them in a derogatory manner.

3. Tommy parts with his pet pig when he returns from the front. The French family that had been looking after his pig had no food when he saw the five children hungry and pitiful he decided to give the pig to their father in order to feed the children.

4. Bakatara means you are a heel  a stupid jerk and a heel.

5. In terms of the various definitions presented for Asian American cinema I believe the most appropriate definition for this movie is Content because the movie focuses on the issues of Asian Americans, more specifically and more predominately in this instance, with one mans opinion and stereotypical viewpoint of Japanese and to a lesser extent Hawaiian Americans.  The movie illustrates how the Japanese Americans, even while fighting for America, are considered by other white Americans as inferior and not worthy of fighting alongside them. We see how they are belittled and ridiculed, as too are the Hawaiians but not to the extremes of the Japanese. The most poignant evidence of this, although not being delivered by the main protagonist, is in the scene when Sgt. Culley continually makes derogatory remarks and side swipes at the Japanese Americans in the bar.

F. What Are You Anyways is a short animated, black and white movie depicting multiculturalism today and takes us through the life of Jeff Stearns, the filmmaker. His character is portrayed by a half Japanese and half American boy nicknamed Super Nip, who grew up in a small, predominately white Canadian city called Kelowra. We witness how he struggled with his self-identity through childhood and adolescence until he found love with a girl of the same mixed ethnicity but who had already come to terms with her cultural identity whereupon Super Nip realized where he had failed and thus found his new self.

2. A Hapa is the term used to refer to people who are multiracial which originated in Hawaii in reference to mixed race the Banana Bunch is the name applied to Super Nips cousins  all half Japanese and half white (yellow on the outside and white on the inside) similar to a banana.

3. Stearns earned the derogatory name Super Nip from the western stereotype of Asians (Nips) and martial arts.

4. As a result of dating a monoracial Japanese girl Stearn realized that he was ashamed of his mixed ethnicity and preferred to not to associate with those who looked completely Japanese like his mother.

5. Jenni played the most important role in Stearns life, for it was through Jenni (who had the same mixed ethnicity as him) that he realized she was proud of her mixed race and was therefore not picked on by others, whereas he was ashamed and allowed people to pick on him thus he came to realize that he was in fact lucky to be a Canadian Hapa.
   
The short black and white movie Explosions in the Sky depicts the battle at Dien
Bien Phu, between the Vietnamese and the French colonialists that ended with the division of Vietnam into its north and south segregation. While viewers are enveloped in sites of war that evoke scenes of firework displays rather than artillery, it is the sound effects that impacts most on viewers. Hong-An Truong deliberately fuses two music styles that are fundamentally in opposition one represents the strong cultural ties and values of the Vietnamese (Je ne regrette rien by Edith Piaf) and the South Vietnamese bid to hang on to a and become part of western, particularly American, culture (a bilingual version of Sounds of silence by Simon and Garfunkel). The southern Vietnamese living overseas would find the soundtrack very nostalgic because of its association with Saigon in time of war and its take-over by communist Vietnamese. Such music was a means by which they opposed and defied the north by playing and singing what was termed yellow music and represented their association with the west.

2. Nguyen believes that the romantic aura of French colonialism indelible in the minds of Vietnamese living overseas is confronted in stark and confronting manner. The movie The past is a distant colony moves very slowly like a funeral march the mutterings of two women  one a Vietnamese nun, the other unknown in terms of whether she is French or Vietnamese  talking in French and Vietnamese about their lives provides the soundtrack no evidence is seen of the usual romantic depicted in sepia-hued photographs or studio, staged or spotlighted images in black and white. Instead Truong presents her movie with a variety of unknown, ambiguous and murky reels of film that are presented alongside each other connoting mirror images, such techniques compel the films audience to react. Nguyen claims the reactions induced in her caused her to think more about herself than the movie she also felt the double images represented the opposition or dualism between north and south Vietnam, between capitalism and communism, and between genders. To further oppose the romantic images of French colonialism Truong presents ironic images of French missionaries teaching children to bless themselves, while at the same time we see thousands of now Catholic Vietnamese having to flee the country in fear of communism any scenes of French grandeur are presented in silence with no sound track, and are mirrored with stark and repelling images of the atrocities of war.
   
The short fictional movie entitled If I was like you is concerned with racial tensions  between Asian Americans and African Americans. It is about Daniel, a single Asian American father living in Los Angeles whose son Billy is murdered and left on the footpath by a group of local hoods. Nobody in the neighborhood will help or give any information because they are afraid of reprisal by the thugs. He puts a large sign over his front door saying If I were a nigger like you would my son be dead, and wielding a baseball bat he starts yelling racist remarks. Daniels actions create a fracas outside his house and although some African Americans try to calm him he continues his outburst his objective is not quite clear however, neither is the outcome. The fact that the final scene involves a Caucasian police officer, wielding a gun aimed at Daniel seems to add further credence to the rejection of Asian Americans even in favor of African Americans by the white American community. Characters in this short movie behave in the manner they do because the director Wesley Du is trying to demonstrate the reality of living in America and the impact of racial discrimination on the Asian and African Americans. He portrays how one ethnic group will band together and keep quiet, indifferent to the problems and plight of others how one group discriminated against by others will try to do the same to another in other words creating a pecking order down the line of immigrants with Asian Americans being near the bottom.

In her article discussing the Angel Island Poems, Karen Polster affirms that the poems are among the most dramatic works in the American literature. She believes that they uphold and support the ideology of unlimited and equal opportunities. The collapsing buildings of the former immigration station were supposed to be brought down, before this was done, sections of Chinese writing were discovered on the wall due to the peeling paint of the wooden walls. The writings in some way were poetry. The poems had more than historical relic features. The poems tended to inquire into and support the traditional American principles of Equal and Unlimited Opportunities and the border. These serve as good examples of self reflection a feature that is common in most immigrant tales. The poems also the basis of Chinese-American literature. In the present day society the aspect of equal and unlimited opportunities has not been reflected in various sectors.
Ideologies of opportunity at the frontier (Polster, 2000)

Economic prosperity is the sole reason immigrants including the Chinese continue to come to America.
The frontier indicated a country with no boundaries. There were no limits of social and economic progress.  
The railroads build by the Chinese would support activities in the American soil which would in turn support their economies (Chineses)
Equal opportunity and equal legal representation will never be equally distributed in the economic spectrum of free enterprise.

America was viewed as a land of opportunity and impartiality.

California Economic and labor conditions
Poster questions the assumed involvement of Chinese labor in America. At first their labor was highly appreciated, they were assigned the responsibility of watching over Americas new boundary. They extended their activities since they also became active participants in building of the railroad, agriculture and fisheries. A big percentage of the entire Californian workforce comprised of the Chinese people (Polster, 2000). As they numbers grew, resistance also heightened since they were seen to take up jobs of the natives. The anti Chinese campaigns were on the increase.

The employers were also on the front line in ensuring that racial division was effective in bringing out a gap. They would insist on separate their employees depending on their racial background. This was in an effort to ensure that the laborers could not unite to demand for better working conditions. The Native Americans had better working conditions and were well paid than the Chinese laborers. This aspect marginalized other groups since no preferential treatment was directed to them.

There was high unemployment rate in the 1870s this was due to the post civil war recession. The scarcity of jobs led to the anti- Chinese campaigns (Polster, 2000). The principle of equal and unlimited opportunities lacked meaning during this period. The white miners, field hands were demanding to have the Chinese thrown out of the city since they (the Chinese) had taken up most of their jobs.

The dual wage system presented an aspect on inequality. The Asian laborers were paid less than other working groups. The groups were segregated and made to develop hatred towards each other to ensure that the groups do not engage in talks concerning their wages, this provided an avenue to depress their wages. The absence of a uniform paying scale evidently proved that some groups were discriminated against in spite of their efforts (Polster, 2000).

Race serves as a basis for the formation of class conflicts in America. The protests that were evidenced against the Chinese laborers and the creation of a unique white label in cigars proved that inequality was live. The campaigns were directed to the Chinese so that they could withdraw from their working positions, this aimed at protecting the white laborers against the competition with the Chinese. It is obvious that the Chinese labor was recommendable hence the whites feared that the Chinese could end up taking their territory.
Publications that were directed towards presenting charges against the Chinese presence in the American soil were widespread. They were referred to as slaves who could not fit to be compotators for any Native American (Polster, 2000). The natives were viewed as special creatures that were deprived of their freedom by the immigrants and forced to compete with disgraced creatures in the labor market. Economics and racism was the basis of the humiliation and the Chinese were conscious of this.

QUESTIONING THE IDEOLOGY
Women in America have been fighting for rights since time immemorial. The women do not have equal chances of working as compared to men. Different organizations lobbying for the rights of women have stated that the absence of equality in the field of gender is inhuman (International Labor Force, 2009). Women do not have equal opportunities as men in fields such as study-arts, science entertainment, industry, governance among other groups. Men seem to dominate in all fields hence leaving the lower positions to women. This demeans the potential of women and their ability to perform tasks better like their male colleagues.

It has frequently been alleged that there are unlimited opportunities for women since women have potential like men. Women also have equal potential like men hence they are not under men. It has never been made clear why a balance in the workforce has not been observed if this is true. Men still continue to be preferred to women, this creates a contradicting belief since both genders have potential then picking any to perform a duty is acceptable, why then not create a 5050 offer to these opportunities
 
The ideology of equal and unlimited opportunities leaves some unanswered questions. The ideology does not really demonstrate fairness. The issue of equal incomes has been for all has been a debatable issue over time. The issue of equal incomes has largely been dismissed. Most liberal theories of justice often rationally depict an aspect of inequality of incomes (Wharton, 2005). These theories however fail to push the matter far once they reduce the importance of the issue of equality of incomes.

The issue of unequal opportunities is upheld by many and seen as a necessary evil. While it is appropriate to hire people depending on their skills, experience, and education, this is not evidenced in many areas. Racism forms the basis of job opportunities. The opportunities may be unlimited but they fail to observe equality. Opportunities are in most cases offered based on ones race. When the issue of equal opportunities arises, the comments that people make concerning the issue signifies the degree of racism and sexism in them.
Tinka a US citizen of Indian origin interviews people on the issue of living the American dream. A black citizen states that the American dream is not for all since some people are living the American nightmare. In the taxi business, a white mans cab is preferred to a black man. Blacks are seen as criminals, dangerous and as belonging to a gang. Tinka quotes the late musician Tupac who affirmed that if a Chinese man kills your dog you should kill him in turn. Dogs receive better treatment than some people this further illustrates the degree of racism in the US ( HYPERLINK httpwww.youtube.comwatchvb6dpclFnDx4 httpwww.youtube.comwatchvb6dpclFnDx4)

Majority of the population do not support the ideas of equality in as far as opportunities are concerned (Wharton, 2005). Hiring white over non-whites for the sake of diversity does not make sense according to them. A former contractor affirms that he does not support the idea of equality since he witnessed white males being fired just because they met minimum requirements at the same individuals who were non-whites who met the qualifications were retained. The idea of racial preference makes the whole idea of getting the job done perfectly a second priority.

Religious minority groups especially the Muslims are marginalized, no equal and unlimited opportunities for them (Malick, 2010). The complex and diverse reasons behind the restricting of religious identities of Muslims in America cannot be well understood. The September attacks of the US embassy might just be the main source of this segregation. The policies that were put in place by the US government have encouraged the idea of identifying individuals on the basis of their religious beliefs.

Majority of Muslim women dress like their American peers, this way they lose their identities for the sake of having access to equal and unlimited opportunities. The Pakistan-Americans cover their faces in hijab (International Labor Office, 2009). As their numbers continue to grow, fear builds among many concerning what these women may be carrying behind these veils. The likelihood of the conformed Muslim women having access to resources is higher than the Pakistan-Americans.

Azal Osman a comedian of Indian descent who lives in the US states that he believes that stereotypes are as a result of brainwashing. He complains that people have been brainwashed to an extent that whenever people see Muslims, words like Osama, Saddam and Taliban are used to refer to them. The media has also been accused of stereotyping, Muslim men are referred to as terrorists while the women are seen as oppressed, Osman affirms that the case should be the other way round. The same case applies to airports security is biffed up once a Muslim is spotted. Muslims are generally associated with terrorist activities.

He further makes a joke of the airport situation when he says that people believe that they are going to die. People call their relatives to tell them that there is muslin on board hence death is knocking at their door. This illustrates how the Muslim community faces challenges in their day-to-day lives.

EQUALITY AND OPEN OPPORTUNITIES
Literature
The masculine point of view is seen as heroic, virtuous and with honor as compared to female writers. It has frequently been argued that most interesting female writers cannot be compared to male writers. The female writers have suffered critical neglect for along time. The women writers in America are said to lack the ambition to create books big books, they instead concentrate on writing books with a small volume. These books are received with less critical fanfare.

Majority of books that are marketed are authored by male writers. Women comprise majority of the population that buy and read books. Most of these books focus on their male counterparts (Scott, 1998). Majority of the thrillers, travel books, biographies that women happily read are aimed primarily on men. Before reading a book, majority of them have an already established belief that the book is interesting. Men on the other hand hardly ever read womens fiction because they bear a misconception that they cannot read a work written by a woman and find it interesting.

The value of style and subjects is rarely considered when it comes to measuring good writing. Both women and men have their demeaning values in writing. A section of the two categories have a tendency to write stories that limit the possibilities of fiction. However, critics will direct their questions to female writers the male writer will be left to breath since they are well represented in this field (Scott, 1998).

The Angel Island Poems shows the woes of the Chinese people in the island. They were oppressed by the Native Americans. They regretted coming to America since what they experienced was beyond their expectation. The principle of equal and unlimited opportunities was not reflected, the Chinese were denied chances although they had proved proficiency one. Of the poets laments, I should regret my taking the risks of coming in the first place (Polster, 2000).

The natives maltreated the Chinese immigrants. The Chinese had shown potential in performing many tasks. Humanitarianism was not observed. A poet grieves by stating, Even while they are tyrannical they still claim to be humanitarian this proves that there existed a clear cut difference in the mode of treatment of both the

Natives and the immigrant.
Visual art
The male art community is seen as ideal. It is surprising that despite the many documentations of womens suppression available this field continues to ignore the effort from female artists. Even in the most perfect cases female artists are never easily recognized. Women painters do not receive as much service demand as male painters. Again, men dominate this field. Women are seen as inherent followers as a woman work would be most recognized if she served as an assistant to the men (Kid in the Row, 2010).

In museums, the entire history of painting, sculpture, or architecture can attest male dominance. Womens work in these museums that can highly be seen is photograph work. The museums of modern art have displayed a collection of women artists. This is just a small section of the artistic innovativeness that is found in these museums. Most of the artistic items bear male names (Budick, 2010).

Judging art by Gender is a common phenomenon. Well done work that demonstrates artistic skills is associated with the male species while the female species are associated with moderately well done piece of work which could have been perfect if a male figure was present. Despite the increasing numbers of female artist male artist continue to be a preference for many including women.

Women have a right to pursue professional artistic careers but they do not get chances to put their professionalism into practice (International Labor Office, 2009). The same old irrelevant questions that goes, how come no woman artist has measure up to the best man this questions provides an avenue for prejudiced answers. Male chauvinists and the female sympathizers in arts do not acknowledge the efforts that female artists have employed. Male artistic products will hit the market and be on high demand leaving the females ones hanging for a longer period. This just indicates how the society in general has joined hands in demeaning womens efforts.

Film
The film industry favors men more than women, this is an indisputable fact. In Hollywood for instance, nearly 94 of the films owe their direction to men (Kid in the Row, 2010). Women dominate mainly in hair and makeup, production assistants, or cinema cleaners. The women therefore end up having limited experience in the film industry. In holding auditions for a film it has been held that if the audition is to be held in an apartment, then the female actress tend to read out a sexual scene. This is just but one of the false impressions that the film industry and the society hold towards women.

Women seem to fight a battle they can never win. Prejudice starts from the way the job titles are, everything is divided into directors and female directors this provides more room for inequality. In the show business, women are still judged as objects, they do not have an exceptional place in this field since they are viewed as deserving small positions.

Talent is the most important aspect in acting. This aspect is however overlooked since in our day-to-day activities we meet many unattractive, talented actresses who could not get a chance to discover their potential better. The physical appearance forms a basis for getting a chance, this issue mostly affects the female actresses, and it is common to find male actors who are not physically appealing in the business (Kid in the Row, 2010). For men it is talent that matters but as for women talent has to be accompanied by physical attractiveness.

Music
Statistically this industry is male-dominated. Women have to fight harder to get into the industry. It id argued that once a woman bears a child, it becomes almost impossible for any woman to work long nights away from home. The music industry present job opportunities such as that of publicists, booking agents as well as the artists themselves. The inadequacy of women in the industry is seen as a choice rather than discrimination (Asthana, 2009).

The production industry is dominated by men. Organizers of music functions are mostly men. Most of the leading music labels are mens. It is not an easy road for women they have to fight harder to get a chance to get into the industry. When women are in charge of say organizing music concerts, they are not taken seriously, some people will even insist on seeing her boss.

Humor
Unlike other industries, comedies have welcome have witnessed a large number of women comedians. Some of the women have become world renowned comedians a good example is Margarette Cho, an Asian woman who in her comedian routine has made many statements and movements on gay rights. Men are more in this industry but the most important aspect of it is that female comedians can air their voice and be appreciated.

The trends
In many fields women have been marginalized. Their contribution is overlooked and they are given fewer opportunities than the males. This could be so since women have not stepped up to have their voice heard. More effort is needed so that a fair and just society can be created. The opportunities are unlimited but those set aside for women are fewer.

Karen Polster states that the poems at the Angel Island uphold and question the ideology of equal and unlimited opportunities. These opportunities were in terms of jobs wages, the Native Americans received preferential treatment over the immigrants. This issue is also prevalent in the present day society where the issue of equal opportunities is not observed, this is mostly in Gender issues. Race also plays a big role in determining the allocation of responsibilities.

Chinese Traditional Medicine (TCM) is the name often associated with a wide range of traditional medical practices normally in use in China. Marjorie Pivar and Quang Van Nguyens Fourth Uncle in the Mountain text discusses various aspects of Chinese medicine.  After reading this informative text, I have gained insight into the reality and significance of Chinese traditional medicine. The medications, which are the most important forms of oriental medicine, have developed over several thousands of years. Chinese medicine may also be incorporated into other traditionally-related Asian medical systems such as those used in Mongolian, Japanese, Korean, and Tibetan medicines as seen in the Fourth Uncle book. In principle, these Chinese medicines employ methods of synthesis and analysis as is evident through Thaus actions in the Fourth Uncle text. Medicine men inquire - on a macro level - into the mutual relationships of the external and internal environment as well as the internal systems of the human body. This aspect aims at gaining an understanding of the important laws that govern the proper functioning of the human organism. Moreover, it focuses on applying such knowledge in the prevention and treatment of illnesses and health maintenance.
TCM is deeply rooted in a comprehensive, unique, and systematic structure which may include the theory of the five elements the Yin-yang, and the Meridian system of human body amongst other systems. Thaus desire to lead a wholesome life is reflective of this concept. Original Chinese treatment was conducted with reference to this philosophical framework which marks a difference between Chinese or oriental medicines and Western medicines because there could be same patients, symptoms or signs but with very different organizational forms of the information. Through the Fourth Uncle book, Thahu performs related healing services to his contemporaries, especially to Quang Van Nguyen. For instance, we can look at similar bodies via two different perspectives in diabetes. The theoretical framework employed by Thau When the sugar or glucose level is unable to penetrate through the wall of cells, diabetes is the result. This is because when the glucose fails to get into the cells, glucose levels in the blood vessels increase. This situation results in the problems associated with diabetes.

The Western medicine (WM) examines diabetes as just a one-way traffic contrary to how Chinese medicine (CM) sees it. CM looks at various possible situations which depend on the particular symptoms and signs of a particular patient. One of these illness patterns is referred to as wasting thirsty. Extreme thirst is one of the well-known signs of diabetes CM agrees on it. The techniques and the treatment however greatly vary. This is looked at as the condition of cells becoming dry and lacking enough water which CM describes as the inside of the body. Another surprising sign of diabetes is that taking more water only results in urinating more. This is because it does not depend on how much water one is taking but the rate of absorption of water component in the body. Glucose is the body component that enhances water absorption by the cells. Glucose gets absorbed into the body cells and out of the blood vessels concurrently when the bodys functions which enhance the absorption or transformation of body fluids are stimulated. CM claims that the cells are unable to absorb body fluids, a situation which results in inability of cells to absorb glucose concurrently. On the contrary, WM claims that the cells cannot absorb glucose, thus resulting in dry cells. This is a good example of where Chinese and WM are concurring in his matter. In contrast, there are some levels of diabetes that do not agree with this symmetry. This is seen as one of the major strengths of CM that enables unique treatment of how a particular patient could experience this illness.  

In diagnosis, it is wonderful to note that Chinese doctors could cure a countless number of patients using physical examination without any assistance from apparatus. They could use four diagnosis methods which included pulse taking and palpation, observation, interrogation and olfaction, as well as auscultation. Olfaction and auscultation is a method that doctors use in collecting messages through smelling odor and hearing sounds a very clear reference for diagnosis. Doctors could directly watch the outward appearance of a patient to know his or her condition through observation (Richard, 2000). The key idea used is that when the internal organs run wrongly or correctly, this is reflected through the tongue, color of the skin, some excrements, and facial organs in the sensory nervous system. This is because the interior and exterior of the body normally correspond. Doctors have a belief that when there is normal functioning of the organs, the frequency, pulse, and pulse intention will be notably stable. Conversely, it varies when not stable. The palpation and pulse refers to instances when doctors note the pulse conditions of the patient on the radial arteries. Eventually, the doctors can know the internal changes of the symptoms. In interrogation, the doctors question the patients and their relatives in order to know the symptoms experienced, about previous treatments, and the disease evolution.
 
The combination of these diagnosis methods makes a collection of facts which assist the doctors in analyzing the virtue of a particular illness and its source from the internal body relations. Moreover, it assists physicians to give a detailed prescription. Traditional Chinese medical science has a distinction from drugs from the WM in that doctors have discovered effects of medicine of several herbs over a long span of time. The patients are supposed to boil the medicine before taking it and the treatments magically take effect.

 Studying the Fourth Uncle in the Mountain text has really proven beneficial as it has exposed me to various aspects of Chinese medicine. For example, I have marveled at Thahus medical prowess that assists the aged monk to successfully take care of Quang Van Nguyen.  The various practices that the monk does reflect the philosophy and tradition that is characteristic of Chinese medicine. I have, for example, learned that Chinese medicine has various terminologies. Despite all these differences in terminologies in medicine handling in either CM or WM, the major focus is to get a patient well following proper diagnosis and proper prescription by doctors. In the contemporary world, traditional medicinal treatments have been adopted and are still playing important roles and also raising great interest and attention as they have done amazingly in the curative effects already reported.

Japanese culture has long been steeped with influence and belief in the supernatural, with many of their practices  just like in many other cultures  revolving around these supernatural beliefs. As such, the influence of the supernatural has found its way into many aspects of Japanese living from formalities to pleasantries, business to pleasure and perhaps the most significant reflection of their supernatural influences, the rich, magical world of Japanese literature.

Being among the most isolated of cultures during its early stages of development long before globalization, Japan was able to develop and cultivate a highly definitive and original literary culture steeped with influences of the supernatural. This isolation and independence was also what gave rise to the Japan that it is today  one which remains one of the leading superpowers in the world whilst maintaining a humble and down-to-earth manner steeped in tradition and beliefs well reflected in every aspect of the nation most especially in its literature.

One such example of the supernatural at work in Japanese literature is Ueda Akinaris collection of short stories entitled Ugetsu Monogatari or Tales of Moonlight and Rain. Considered among the most popular and influential works of fiction of the Edo period which lasted from 1603 to 1868, Tales of Moonlight and Rain contained nine stories that revolved around the concept of the supernatural. Adapted from old Chinese ghost tales, Tales of Moonlight and Rain utilized the ancient Chinese yarns in a retelling by esteemed writer Ueda Akinari. Setting the stories in Japan Ueda Akinaris version of the Chinese tales in Tales of Moonlight and Rain made use of historical people and places as well as traditional literary works.

In one such story entitled Asaji Ga Yado or The Reed-choked House, the main character is haunted by the ghost of his wife whom he abandoned to seek better pastures for his then starting out family. As he returned though, he meets the ghost of his wife and remains haunted and bothered until such time that he had realized the folly of his ways. By then he had already suffered from the haunting of the ghost of his wife. This shows how much Ueda Akinari inculcates a moral lesson in the story as to preach the word of nativism or kokugaku  that which school of thought and philosophical understanding that he subscribes to.

Another story of particular note is the one entitled Shiramine, which featured prominent historical figures that helped deliver the message of responsibility and integrity. The first protagonist is Saigyo, who was also known by his birth name, Sato Norikiyo. Saigyo was a world renowned and well respected Buddhist monk famous for his poetry. The other main character is Sutoku, a former emperor who was abdicated and banished. Both men played parts in Shiramine to tell another cautionary tale telling of the consequences of actions being taken by men.

Other stories in the collection tell their tales in the same manner, each by centering on a supernatural event  ghosts haunting characters in efforts to have them experience life-changing epiphanies and the like - and yet ultimately reaching a moral lesson to educate and serve as reminders for those who live in the real world, as planned by Ueda Akinari.

At first glance, one would think that the stories basically center on the supernatural, but a closer, more educated analysis of Ueda Akinaris work would determine that despite basing the stories on supernatural themes, the aim of the stories were actually to imbibe lessons for the present and perhaps the future in order for them to achieve a sense of responsibility and awareness that would impact the moral and ethical development of individuals and in turn, humanity  a goal that couldnt be any more real by means of the unreal.

Japanese culture has long been steeped with influence and belief in the supernatural, with many of their practices  just like in many other cultures  revolving around these supernatural beliefs. As such, the influence of the supernatural has found its way into many aspects of Japanese living from formalities to pleasantries, business to pleasure and perhaps the most significant reflection of their supernatural influences, the rich, magical world of Japanese literature.

Being among the most isolated of cultures during its early stages of development long before globalization, Japan was able to develop and cultivate a highly definitive and original literary culture steeped with influences of the supernatural. This isolation and independence was also what gave rise to the Japan that it is today  one which remains one of the leading superpowers in the world whilst maintaining a humble and down-to-earth manner steeped in tradition and beliefs well reflected in every aspect of the nation most especially in its literature.

One such example of the supernatural at work in Japanese literature is Ueda Akinaris collection of short stories entitled Ugetsu Monogatari or Tales of Moonlight and Rain. Considered among the most popular and influential works of fiction of the Edo period which lasted from 1603 to 1868, Tales of Moonlight and Rain contained nine stories that revolved around the concept of the supernatural. Adapted from old Chinese ghost tales, Tales of Moonlight and Rain utilized the ancient Chinese yarns in a retelling by esteemed writer Ueda Akinari. Setting the stories in Japan Ueda Akinaris version of the Chinese tales in Tales of Moonlight and Rain made use of historical people and places as well as traditional literary works.

In one such story entitled Asaji Ga Yado or The Reed-choked House, the main character is haunted by the ghost of his wife whom he abandoned to seek better pastures for his then starting out family. As he returned though, he meets the ghost of his wife and remains haunted and bothered until such time that he had realized the folly of his ways. By then he had already suffered from the haunting of the ghost of his wife. This shows how much Ueda Akinari inculcates a moral lesson in the story as to preach the word of nativism or kokugaku  that which school of thought and philosophical understanding that he subscribes to.

Another story of particular note is the one entitled Shiramine, which featured prominent historical figures that helped deliver the message of responsibility and integrity. The first protagonist is Saigyo, who was also known by his birth name, Sato Norikiyo. Saigyo was a world renowned and well respected Buddhist monk famous for his poetry. The other main character is Sutoku, a former emperor who was abdicated and banished. Both men played parts in Shiramine to tell another cautionary tale telling of the consequences of actions being taken by men.

Other stories in the collection tell their tales in the same manner, each by centering on a supernatural event  ghosts haunting characters in efforts to have them experience life-changing epiphanies and the like - and yet ultimately reaching a moral lesson to educate and serve as reminders for those who live in the real world, as planned by Ueda Akinari.

At first glance, one would think that the stories basically center on the supernatural, but a closer, more educated analysis of Ueda Akinaris work would determine that despite basing the stories on supernatural themes, the aim of the stories were actually to imbibe lessons for the present and perhaps the future in order for them to achieve a sense of responsibility and awareness that would impact the moral and ethical development of individuals and in turn, humanity  a goal that couldnt be any more real by means of the unreal.