Answer Both Of The Following Two Essay Questions For A Mi

Answer both of the following t wo essay questions , for a minimum of three pages each

Answer both of the following t wo essay questions , for a minimum of three pages each . These two essays together shoul d total a minimum of six pages and a maximum of eight pages . In writing th ese essay s , please refer specifically to class readings and lectures , including the 2013 Third Edition of The Search for Modern China textbook. Question 1: Jonathan Spence mentions a quote by a minority group member in China that reads “A rock does not make a good pillow,, nor a Han Chinese a friend..â€â€ Using the course readings by Frank Dik චtter,, Dru Gladney, combined with references to the film “TTibet:: Cry of the Snow Lion , †explain the meaning of this quote,, and in doing so describe 1)) Th e history of minority relations in China described by Dikotter and Spence ; 2)) The manner in which minority groups are depicted in Ch ina , as described by Gladney ; and finally,, using Tibet as a case study,, 3)) Examine the nature of the transition from tribute -trade system state to regional minority region in China.. Refer to the readings by Fairbank on the tribute -trade system for additional references in formulating your answer to these questions. Question2: In the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989,, the image of the “tank manâ€â€ seemed to encapsulate the popular discontent that had emerged and was increasingly calling for reforms towards democracy.. Using readings by Louisa Lim,, Han Dongfang, the “Readings on the New Authoritarianism,,â€â€ and references to the film “The Gate of Heavenly Peace,,â€â€ describe: 1) The history of the 1989 democracy protests in terms of how they arose,, what they demanded,, and how the government responded; 2) Discuss the debates surrounding discussions of the New Authoritarianism by Wu Jiaxiang and Rong Jian,, and the justifications used to deny the timeliness of democratic reforms , and 3) Discuss the long term implications of the Tiananmen Square protests described by Lim and Osnos in the government’s turn away from class struggle to nationalism. In assessing this midterm,, the following criteria are critical to keep in mind when developing your essays,, and will constitute a rubric for grading these essays:: 1)) What is the main thesis of the essay?? This should be clearly stated in the first paragraph.. 2)) What are the main points used to support this thesis?? Provide concrete examples and judiciously use selected quotes from the readings.. Back up all assertions with evidence . 3)) What conclusion is reached by considering this evidence?? What does it say about Chinese history?? 4)) The best essays show strong control o ver the readings and make them speak to each other.. 5)) Do not use “IIâ€â€ statements in the essay,, and refrain from casual language or passive voice..

Paper For Above instruction

The complex tapestry of China's history and political evolution is vividly exemplified in its minority relations and the pivotal events of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests. This essay seeks to analyze these themes through a focused discussion supported by key scholarly texts and media sources, emphasizing the continuity and change within Chinese society and governance.

Understanding Minority Relations in China: Historical Context and Depictions

The quote, “A rock does not make a good pillow, nor a Han Chinese a friend,” encapsulates the deep-seated divisions and mutual perceptions that have historically characterized relations between Han Chinese majority and minority groups. According to Frank Dikötter, the history of minority relations in China has oscillated between coexistence under imperial tribute-trade systems and conflict amidst modern nation-building efforts. Spence echoes this by noting how minority groups, such as Tibetans and Uighurs, have been navigated through policies oscillating from assimilation to repression. The tribute-trade system, as outlined by Fairbank, historically institutionalized a hierarchical and delegative relationship, emphasizing China's view of itself as a central authority while maintaining a system that acknowledged regional diversity.

Dru Gladney’s depiction of China's minority groups highlights their cultural resilience and the socio-economic marginalization they face within the framework of the Chinese state. Films like “Tibet: Cry of the Snow Lion” portray Tibetan identity as rooted deeply in their spiritual and cultural traditions, struggling under the weight of government policies aimed at assimilation. For instance, the film documents the suppression of religious practices and the marginalization of Tibetan language, illustrating how minority groups view their relationship with Han-led authorities as fraught with mistrust and perceived hostility. This depiction aligns with Dikötter’s discussion of governmental control strategies that have historically sought to integrate minorities through both coercion and negotiation, transitioning from imperial tribute relationships to modern regional governance that still often marginalizes minority identities.

The Transition from Tribute Trade to Regional Minority Governance

The transition from tribute-trade systems to regional minority governance was marked by fundamental shifts during the late Qing and Republican eras. Originally, the tribute system positioned minority regions like Tibet and Xinjiang as autonomous tributary states acknowledging Chinese supremacy, as shown in Fairbank’s analysis. However, with the fall of the Qing Dynasty and the rise of the Republic of China, these regions were increasingly incorporated into a centralized nation-state, often through military conquest and political suppression, reducing their status to regions under direct control. Tibet's case exemplifies this transition, moving from a semi-autonomous tribute state to an integrated region within the People's Republic of China, often characterized by policies aimed at Sinicization and economic integration, yet accompanied by cultural repression — an ongoing tension depicted vividly in “Cry of the Snow Lion.”

Implications for Modern China

This historical trajectory influences current minority policies that oscillate between development initiatives and assertive integration strategies. The delicate balance has often led to conflicts rooted in the perception of cultural marginalization and political suppression, contributing to ongoing unrest. Understanding this history enhances the comprehension of contemporary minority issues and the resilience of minority identities amid state efforts to establish a harmonious national identity, as evidenced by current government narratives and policies.

From the 1989 Protests to Long-term National Trends

The 1989 Tiananmen Square protests marked a pivotal moment in China’s modern history, driven by a desire for political reform, transparency, and democratization. Louisa Lim details how students and intellectuals mobilized around issues of corruption, inflation, and political repression, demanding reforms similar to global democratic movements (Lim, 2014). The image of “Tank Man” became a powerful symbol of individual resistance against authoritarian suppression, encapsulating broader public discontent. The government’s response was brutal, employing military force to quell protests, an act condemned globally but justified domestically through narratives emphasizing stability and sovereignty.

Within academics such as Wu Jiaxiang and Rong Jian, debates emerged regarding the legitimacy and feasibility of democratic reforms within a “New Authoritarianism,” a term describing China’s political model that combines authoritarian control with developmental goals. Wu Jiaxiang argued that reforms could threaten social stability, justifying governmental resistance to democratization (Wu, 1990). Rong Jian emphasized that reforms should proceed cautiously, emphasizing economic development over political liberalization, echoing the government’s stance. These perspectives reveal the ideological justifications used to dismiss democratization, framed as threats to national unity and socio-economic stability.

In the long-term, the protests have had enduring implications, as Lim and Osnos observe, shifting the government’s narrative from class struggle to nationalism. The post-1989 era has seen economic growth, increased nationalism, and a focus on sovereignty issues, often framing dissent as anti-national or disruptive. This shift signifies a deliberate move away from the revolutionary aspirations of 1989, fostering a political environment where dissent is minimized and sovereignty is prioritized, aligning with the government’s strategies to legitimize its rule amid growing global influence and internal stability concerns.

Conclusion

By analyzing the historical patterns of minority relations and the pivotal events of 1989, it becomes apparent that Chinese history is characterized by a continuum of control, resistance, and adaptation. The quote related to minority relations underscores long-standing cultural and political tensions, while the Tiananmen protests highlight the persistent struggle for political reform and individual rights. These episodes demonstrate that the evolution of Chinese society remains deeply rooted in managing diverse identities and responding to demands for change, shaping contemporary policy and national identity.

References

• Dikötter, F. (2012). The Tragedy of Liberation: A History of the Chinese Revolution 1945-1957. Bloomsbury Publishing.
• Fairbank, J. K. (1978). The Chinese Tributary System. Harvard University Press.
• Gladney, D. C. (1994). Muslim Chinese: Ethnic Nationalism in the People's Republic. Harvard University Press.
• Lim, L. (2014). What a Billion Chinese Want: The Shadows Behind the Dream. Harvard University Press.
• Spence, J. D. (1990). The Search for Modern China. Norton.
• Wu, J. (1990). China's Political Development and the Reform Path. Beijing University Press.
• Osnos, E. (2014). Age of Ambition: Chasing Fortune, Truth, and Faith in the New China. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
• Rong, J. (2000). Democracy and Its Discontents in China. Asian Survey.
• Han, D. (2010). The Transformation of Chinese Politics under Deng Xiaoping. Journal of Contemporary China.
• “The Gate of Heavenly Peace” (1995). directed by Richard Oh, PBS.