Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Emerging scholars

I would choose the book Black and White as the best book for your emerging scholars because it deals with issues that they have probably dealt with. In my opinion, this is the most relateable book for kids around this area because most of the other books deal with a new culture or lifestyle. This book, on the other hand, is one that could have been written about any one of us or our friends, making it the best and most relateable book for the incoming class of emerging scholars. Also, this book was the most enjoyable book, which would probably mean it would be th easiest and most enjoyable to read for them.

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Mulan

I actually don't think Mulan was over-Westernized in the Disney take on her story. Although some aspects of Chinese culture were taken out of the cartoon, they had to do so to make it likeable for the American audiences. Since the audiences they were aiming for with this film are young children who are not educated on cultures from around the world, Westernizing Mulan and the story were the best ways to make it relatable to the audiences. However, in no way do i think Mulan was over-westernized because there are still very Chinese aspects within the movie. For example, her father still grows upset when she embarasses him in front of a Chinese government official by requesting to let him stay home from war. Self-pride is an important tradition for Chinese men. Also, in the beginning when Mulan is being made into a geisha it certainly captures most traditional requirements for one. Finally, chinese training in the army is very accurate. Mulan has been westernized to make it more relatable and understandable for the young audiences Disney is aiming for, but it is definitely not Over-westernized by any means.