On the other hand, Eastern production of knowledge about Asia also reinforced this stereotypical binary. To promote Asian unity and redefine the East, Asian intellectuals began producing knowledge about Asia. This call for Asian unity and congregation came after Japan’s triumph in the Russo-Japanese War, which crushed “not only the widely held belief of the ‘natural’ superiority of the white ‘race’; it also demonstrated to Asia the formidable achievements in modernization by Meiji Japan” (Stolte and Fischer-Tine 70). By proving to the world that Asia was capable of modernization and could escape the Western cultural hegemony, Asian intellectuals gained confidence in their ability to produce knowledge about Asia for the West. These Asian intellectuals …show more content…
They challenged the stereotypical images of the East created by the West, while critically redefining the East. The evolution of these Westernized Asian intellectuals was analyzed by Frantz Fanon, who commented how the intellectual “first proves that he has ‘assimilated the culture of the occupying power’ before deciding to ‘remember what he is’ by immersing himself in the culture of his people” (qtd. in Poole 1211). Fanon’s theory of the colonial intellectuals resonates well with the Westernized Asian intellectuals such as Yi Tae-jun and Lu Xun. These two intellectuals were both born and raised in the East, but received higher education in Japan. They both returned to Asia and critically analyzed the different sources of knowledge, thus creating their own depictions of Asia and complicating the binary …show more content…
By studying in Japan, they became exposed to Western definitions of the East, which impacted how they viewed the binary relationship. These intellectuals held the similar peculiar position as Japan in the binary of East and West, where they were not able to fit the mold of either side. Poole comments that the Westernized Asian intellectual “whose immersion in culture goes against both the current of history and the people and who behaves like a foreigner when he tries to return to that people by way of ‘cultural achievements,’” are treated by both the East and West as foreigners (1211). Because of their isolation, these intellectuals ended up having different approaches and sentiments on the West’s treatment of the East, which further complicates the binary model of knowledge production of
The East Asians, mostly China and Japan, both were trying to become or stay a great power, and did it in different ways. Japan tried to isolate themselves by only allowing limited contact and no spreading of Christianity, as was talked about in document sixteen. China tried to keep up with them by using a strong legal system as was mentioned in document six, and government set up like the monarchs of Europe, in that the power is passed from father to son, as seen in document five. Japan, at first, let the newcomers in and learn about them, and let them learn a little from them. However, they didn't have very good experiences, like as portrayed in document twelve, the Japanese thought of the Europeans as arrogant and full of themselves, and the Europeans, like Will Adams in document fourteen, didn't like what the Japanese did, in holding them there when they wanted to leave, and the way they treated the women as completely there just to serve and help the men, as was mentioned in document eleven.
In the middle of the 19th century, despite a few similarities between the initial responses of China and Japan to the West, they later diverged; which ultimately affected and influenced the modernizing development of both countries. At first, both of the Asian nations rejected the ideas which the West had brought upon them, and therefore went through a time period of self-imposed isolation. However, the demands that were soon set by Western imperialism forced them, though in different ways, to reconsider. And, by the end of the 19th century both China and Japan had introduced ‘westernizing’ reforms. China’s aim was to use modern means to retain and preserve their traditional Confucian culture. Whereas Japan, on the other hand, began to successfully mimic Western technology as it pursued modernization, and thus underwent an astounding social upheaval. Hence, by the year 1920, Japan was recognized as one of the world’s superpowers, whereas China was on the edge of anarchy.
Japanese immigration created the same apprehension and intolerance in the mind of the Americans as was in the case of Chinese migration to the U.S at the turn of the 19th century. They developed a fear of being overwhelmed by a people having distinct ethnicity, skin color and language that made them “inassimilable.” Hence they wanted the government to restrict Asian migration. Japan’s military victories over Russia and China reinforced this feeling that the Western world was facing what came to be known as “yellow peril”. This was reflected in the media, movies and in literature and journalism.4 Anti-Oriental public opinion gave way to several declarations and laws to restrict Japanese prosperity on American land. Despite the prejudice and ineligibility to obtain citizenship the ...
The Discourse acts as a forum for the exploration of the political pathways that Japan could follow following the Meiji Restoration in 1868. At a time when Japan had just begun to consolidate herself, Chomin’s Discourse was aimed at discussing Japan’s long-term trajectory through three imaginary mouthpieces, ‘The Gentleman of Western Learning’, his opposition ‘The Champion of the East’, whose debate is being observed and arbitrated by a ‘Master Nankai’.
In spite of this, China, by not being able to withstand western influence, incorporated imperialism and obtained a modern military and technology from the favored nations. Albeit, the western powers forced imperialism in East Asia differently than the rest of the world. Modern East Asia still emerges with parts of its ancient culture still intact. The unequal treaties, extraterritoriality, and other forms of discriminatory decrees created the Westernization of China, Japan, and Korea and gave these nations hope for the future that Western dominance would soon pass. Works Cited Ebrey, Patricia, Anne Walthall, and James Palais.
Though it seems that it was the Western influence that set off this revolutionary change, a more scrutinizing look into Japanese society at the time reveals that Japan was in fact on the brink of supplanting the fixed, hierarchical Tokugawa order for one that was better suited for its fast evolving, capitalistic society. As historian David Lu states, “Our people began to discover [modern civilization’s] utility and gradually and yet actively moved towards its acceptance. However, there was an old fashioned and bloated government that stood in the way of progress.” (Lu, 351). Therefore in a way we can view the intrusion of Western powers in Japan on that infamous July day in 1853 as an event that occurred during a time when Japan was ready for a world renewal, and not a direct and complete cause of modernization of Japan; in fact it was Japan’s revaluation of modernization and what it meant to be Japanese amidst strong western influences that eventually ...
Imperialism has not only influenced colonial territories to better themselves or to further the mother country’s realm of power, it also had a significant impact on the people’s culture, education, environment, and political systems. Japan and Britain were two imperial systems that countered each other in many facets but also had strikingly similar qualities that had helped them become strong imperial powers that needed one another to continue their position amongst others. The Japanese empire was an inspirational country to other Asians that spearheaded the fight against the European imperialism. After the Meiji restoration, the emperors decided that the modernization of Japan was going to begin and in order for it to be a success, the government had to change along with their culture, “.restored authority faced new dangers in a new age.
During the 19th century, European countries were implementing a new form of imperialism on many areas. Through this process these European countries gained a lot of power. Some of the areas that were affected from imperialism form the European countries was Asia especially was China and Japan. Asia was a huge area for imperialism, but both China and Asia were very appealing areas to colonize. Both countries reacted differently towards western imperialism, which would change their fates regarding foreign relations and the future of their nation. Japan accepted imperialism and it led them to become a world power and China was against the Western ways and therefore being used by Europe. In this paper I will discuss why China and Japan experienced different fates in the age of imperialism.
Western people influenced Japanese people to follow the American culture. The western culture had a huge impact in the Japanese people because American’s were in Japan’s territory so they decided to follow the western culture. ‘’After Japan surrendered in 1945, ending World War II, Allied forces led by the United States occupied the nation, bringing drastic changes. Japan was disarmed, its empire dissolved, its form of government changed to a democracy, and its
The orient has been fundamental in defining the West as its contrasting image, idea, personality, experience. The West comes to know itself by proclaiming via orientalism everything it believes it is not. European culture gained its strength and identity by setting itself off against the orient as a sort of surrogate and even underground self (Said 3).
...high power status, Japan had to have a self-reliant industrial common ground and be able to move all human and material resources (S,195). Through the Shogun Revolution of 1868, the abolition of Feudalism in 1871, the activation of the national army in 1873, and the assembly of parliament in 1889, the political system of Japan became westernized (Q,3). Local Labor and commercial assistance from the United States and Europe allowed Japan’s industry to bloom into a developed, modern, industrial nation (Q,3). As a consequence production surplus, and food shortage followed (Q,3). Because of how much it relied on aid of western powers, Japan’s strategic position became especially weak. In an attempt to break off slightly from the aid of the west Japanese leaders believed that it would be essential for Japan to expand beyond its borders to obtain necessary raw materials.
There was a changing attitude to Orientalism once the 20th century emerged. The new 20th century Orientalists were now involved in the way of life of the Orients, living with them in their day to day activities, while the earlier Orientalists were quite in their observations, never giving away too much. The new type of Orientalists decided to try and live among the Orients as if they were one of them that they all belonged together in harmony, the earlier Orients had a clear distinction between themselves and the Orients and interaction between the two was discouraged. The new type of Orients were using this living and interacting with the orients as a devious way to learn how to control the Orients, that they believed to live amongst them and to learn more about them would allow the west to rule them more effectively. For example Lawrence of Arabia was an Orientalist who believed in interacting with the orients for power
From covering Japan’s perilous imperial rule to analyzing Korea’s ambivalent adoption of democratic governance, Modern East Asia explored a broad range of subjects important for one who aspires to understand Asia holistically. Much time was even spent examining China’s horrid history at the hands of foreign meddling, giving insight into a nation feared as the future #1 economic power of the world. Although we covered a broad range of topics, each was given particular attention, never skipping major events or characters which shaped Asia’s history over the last several hundred years. Essentially, this class provided an open atmosphere for students to learn the intricate history of major Asian countries in addition to sharing ideas on the effectiveness of their pre-modern governance.
Do you like working with your friends? If so, you must love group projects! I have done many group projects and they’re the best! You get to work with your friends, and you don’t have to do as much work! One of the best things about group projects is working with your friends.