Gender and History in Modern South Asia - Term Paper Example

It is worth considering what other people perceive as being Chinese citizenship as opposed to the perspective of the Chinese themselves. Some of the ancient practices by Chinese people have faced stiff rejection especially over the course of twentieth century by citizens who are believed to be from China. During the empire rulings, traditional rituals and practices were common among Chinese communities but cultural erosion has been greatly evident especially during the first half of twentieth century. In the nineteenth century, Chinese were seen to uphold and respect their cultural practices such as marriage and burial rituals. However, things have significantly changed during the twentieth century where traditions have been greatly rejected by the Chinese. Instead, they are turning to modern life by abandoning indigenous ways of dressing and practices for the modern way of life. Chinese people have encountered number of challenges as they try to transform from imperialism to modern way of life but by the help of educated people in the society, effective techniques have been used to liberate the China from imperialism. The nation of China was long time ago composited of small communities until when transformation took place over the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The kind of leadership that was in place was quite different to the current one since centralization was in practice as opposed to decentralized leadership practiced to day. The ruler of the state was an emperor the Son of Heaven who held the central position of cosmos (Harrison 2). Besides the emperor, there existed a bureaucracy education which, had characteristics that clearly portrayed existence of modern China. However, it is worth noting the emperor was then perceived as world but not as a country. Nevertheless, this did not mean that the Qing courts did not recognize the presence of other nations since they could have negotiation with foreigners only that the negotiations could never be allowed to erase Chinese culture.   The concept of new Chinese identity grew significantly during the twentieth century especially when new leadership instilled new leadership skills that will not only preserve the tradition but as well endorse modern life style. The idea of forming nations was imported in South Asia from colonial masters with an intention to form considerable states rather than “imagined communities” where power and authority was to be decentralized. Understanding of rituals sparked mixed reactions in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries resulting to relentless protests and demonstration of China students as they seek to be freed from ancient leadership. Initially, rituals were seen as unifying factor but for the modern generation it was seen as tool for biasing peoples’ power (Lam 36). However, three hundred years later, the successor of the Qing dynasty modernized the early Republic of China but with consideration of the cultural practices. The successor came up with some reforms that allowed people to wear Western cloths and hats, use of bow instead of kowtow and the adoption of high etiquettes. The new reforms have from since made a significant transformation of Chinese identity from ethnicity and nationalist to formation of a sovereign state where authority is not biased. Transition from Republic of China to a nation of China erupted riots from students especially who went destroying the offices and buildings of the then leadership. Cau Rulin the minister of communication in the Republic of China watched as his house was being destroyed by students who had took to street to demonstrate on the end of nationalist governance. Students had gathered to hear embarrassing statement at Tian’anmen that China had already signed a treaty to be under imperialism after World War II and their power being delegated to Japan imperialist (Mitter 6). This further spirited the demonstration demanding justice for China by burning Cao Rulin house who was believed to be a close ally of the Japanese government. The chaos marked a memorable day referred to as “May Fourth” which created a platform to liberate China from imperialism. Although demonstration did not emerge spontaneously, eventually they bore fruits of regaining China power from the imperialists. In 1919, China started to gain ground as a sovereign nation by appointing Duan Qirui’s as the Prime Minister who further led China to becoming a member of international community. China had to undertake some serious steps to see the imperial rule come to an end, a number of techniques were employed to enable China achieve its vision. The core approach that enabled China end imperial ruling is emphasize on the end of clan and village authority and instead have a democratic governance. The peasants went ahead to break old rules that could not allow women and poor find way to temples (Mao 462). Another technique used was spreading propagandas all over on how modern leadership would improve poor and women way of life since imperial leadership had totally sidelined poor and women in the society. Revolution to new China state also came as a result of banning and prohibiting peasant association which for great deal had deprived peoples’ freedom. Conversely, dream of obtaining a new nation of China has been boosted by relentless efforts by the peasants to build roads and infrastructure in order to make China competitive especially in the international arena. However, most of the Chinese citizens did not have adequate knowledge which made them suffer for long under the leadership of imperialism. Despite, university and college students who were knowledgeable about their rights took to street to claim for liberation of China from imperialism bondage. They took courageous move of destroy the then government officials property such as those of Cau Rulin in order to see their rights granted. It is worth noting that even the peasants contributed significantly by developing infrastructure which could later help China become a strong nation in the international arena. Despite the challenges encountered, China can now comfortably enjoy fruits of a democratic nation after a long way of struggle. In conclusion, justice and equity has been enhanced after the end of imperialism by ensuring fair treatment regardless of whether rich or poor. The need to end communism has improved China economy a great deal. Despite the fact that, the process was chaotic, it is triumph for the current generation as they enjoy fruits of their fore fathers who fought out imperialism. Additionally, if it were not the courage of the college students and efforts of peasants, China could still be struggling under the bondage of imperialism. Their efforts are highly regarded to the fact that “May Fourth” is in China’s books of history in a bid to recognize their courageous attempts that borne fruits they enjoy today. Works cited Harrison, Henrietta. The Making of the Republican Citizen: Political Ceremonies and Symbols in China, 1911-1929. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1999. Print. Mitter, Rana. A Bitter Revolution: China's Struggle with the Modern World. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2004. Print. Mao, Tse-tung, and Stuart R. Schram. Mao's Road to Power: Revolutionary Writings 1912-1949. Armonk, N.Y: M. E. Sharpe, 1992. Print. Lam, Tong. A Passion for Facts: Social Surveys and the Construction of the Chinese Nation-State, 1900-1949. Berkeley: University of California Press, 2011. Print. Read More