Current Events Catch-Up II

(Virtual) Campus Event Reflection

Oct 25 2020, Zoom

I attended this month’s current events catch-up via Zoom. One of the news stories that stood out to me the most was the tragic killing of French teacher Samuel Paty. The perpetrator Abdoullakh Anzorov had travelled almost 60 miles to attack Paty after the history teacher showed caricatures of the Muslim Prophet Mohammad in class. Paty was a strong believer in France’s system of laïcité, the strict secularism that many French consider integral to their democracy, and showed depictions of other major religious figures as well. The killing has led to a flaring up of French nationalism across the country, and French president Emanuel Macron would go on to give strong statements condemning the attack, saying that “Islamists want our future and they know that with quiet heroes like him they will never have it.” The governments of many Muslim majority nations have been critical of President Macron’s response with calls to boycott French goods and Turkish President Erdogan calling President Macron’s mental health into question. These events have also brought a key question to the forefront of discussion in France: is the system of cultural and political assimilation through public schooling in need of major change? Some believe that strongly pushing for assimilation breeds xenophobia across France, as it embeds an idea that otherness is to be looked down upon. Those who do not attain a sense of belonging in France via schooling can be come ostracized and detached, lacking a concrete sense of identity. One thing is for sure, the case of Anzorov is a sign that integration program reform is deeply needed in France.

International TV Night: Immigration Nation

(Virtual) Campus Event Reflection

Oct 19 2020, Zoom

I attended an online showing via Zoom of the Netflix series Immigration Nation, specifically episode two. The episode follows Josue and others in their attempts to be reunited with their separated families. I was shocked to hear about the nature of immigration courts and judges, and how they lack the typical protections of being independent that we may expect. It’s unthinkable that they are being subjected to the shifting of political priorities and quotas for completed or returned cases. There is no justice in a system like that. Such a thing does not belong in any developed country, let alone one that constantly touts its freedoms. Courts should never be used as a tool of enforcement. So many of these immigrants have been put in impossible situations and have put their lives on the line to create better lives for their families only be subjected to such inhumane treatment. The separation of families by ICE and the conditions they place people in should be deemed as nothing short of crimes against humanity. Following the episode, I looked further into the difficulties unauthorized immigrants face when attempting to apply for citizenship, and was again shocked by what I read. The truth of the U.S. immigration system is simply that for the vast majority of unauthorized immigrants, there is no “line” for them to be in. Generally most do not have the required family, employment, or humanitarian statuses necessary to even be eligible for consideration. No matter if they pay taxes or have been residing in the United States for many years, there is no path to legal residence status. To hear these stories was crushing, and the thought that this is still happening to this day makes me sick to my stomach. I only hope that the next administration can work to change this broken system.

Virtual International Film Series – The Farewell

(Virtual) Campus Event Reflection

30 April 2020, Zoom

I attended a virtual showing via Zoom of the comedy-drama film The Farewell. I was not able to make the original showing on zoom but found a way to view it on my own time. The film centers around the cultural conflict on how to handle a family member that has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, and the difficulty of making ethical decisions. Being mixed Chinese myself, it was very entertaining to see the contrasts between eastern and western cultures in the film, as I have grown up seeing them in my very own home. I remember first hearing about the film during an appearance by director Lulu Wang on the radio Program This American Life, and being a bit shocked by the premise. To many westerners, especially Ameicans, it would seem unthinkable that the patient would not be the first to hear of their own condition, as we have a culture strongly built around the individual. I initially thought that keeping the information from the patient was absurd, but after watching the film and thinking about it personally, I’ve opened up to the idea. I’ve seen the fear that strikes those in my family who’ve suffered from cancer, and it truly does carry unimaginable weight. I myself would certainly not want to know that I was living on borrowed time until my end. I agree with some of the ideas that the individual has more social responsibilites to their family than is customary in America. Often we must suffer for the good of our families, and put our familial ties before our own wants. We are always part of something greater than just ourselves. Maybe my outlook will change within the next week, or perhaps the next ten years, but for now I generally agree.

Research Presentation – Immigration Discourse in Germany – Elena Akers

Academic Event Reflection

16 April 2020, Zoom

I attended an online presentation by International Affairs senior Elena Akers on the subject of Immigration Discourse in Germany. While much of the content of the presenation was new to me, the topic of anti-immigrant rhetoric on social media is unfortunately very familiar. With the increasing importance of platforms such as YouTube and Twitter in world news, social media’s influence on issues of immigration cannot be overstated. The use of nature metaphors when dehumanizing or villifying immigrants is very much present in content created by American users as well as German ones. One only has to take a trip to the Prager U channel on YouTube to see an example. Sweeping generalizations about Islam and immigrants are broadcasted under the guise of an “academic” presentation to millions of viewers, warning about a threat to western society as a whole. Comments joyously hoping for border officers to shoot migrants en masse are shockingly common, and there are many similarities to the tweets and comments seen in the presentation. Often times, those spreading anti-migrant rhetoric in the United States use Germany as an example to their audience, and can be seen using nature metaphors such as “waves” or “floods” of migrants. It was also very interesting to see the geographical locations of German centers of anti-migrant sentement, as most fell within the borders of the late DDR.

The presentation also gave me much insight into the process of conducting or assisting research as an undergraduate student. Previously, research seemed like such a daunting task, and I had little idea about how I’d approach a professor to ask about the topic. I now know the steps I would have to take to do so, and feel far more comfortable with the idea than I had before. I would definitely consider doing similar research in the field of humanities after viewing this presentation, perhaps within the Russian department here at OSU.

Lunar New Year Lantern Making

Social Event Reflection

23 January 2020, Smith Steeb Hall

I attended a group lantern making event to celebrate Chinese Lunar New Year. Being Chinese myself, I thought it’d be an interesting way to explore a part of my mother’s culture. We gathered around tables and got to work on creating the festive lanterns, each of us picking our personal combination of colored paper. I ended up struggling a bit more than I would’ve liked with the glue, but it was refreshing to do arts and crafts for once, especially in the company of both friends and welcoming strangers. Scissors may have been in short supply, but cooperation was not, and those who were struggling on a part of the lantern were always quickly helped out. There was an open and cooperative atmosphere, and it was nice to see people of a variety of backgrounds gathering to explore another culture together. I ended up wondering what I ought to put on the side of my lantern and chose to take a more authentic route with something I already knew how to write. I looked down at my creation, admiring the precise folds and traditional neon green and orange colors. On the side was an poetic inscription inked in mandarin calligraphy. It read, “I am Chinese.”

FRIT Research Symposium

Academic / Campus Event Reflection

21 January 2020, Independence Hall

I attended a research symposium by the department of French and Italian at Ohio State. In the symposium, four students presented their findings in a variety of varied and exciting topics, ranging from Italian colonialism to protecting endangered languages in southern France. The first speaker was Jared del Orfo, who described his time in the municipality of Affile, where he worked to gain insight into Italy’s past with fascism and questions of national identity. Much of it centered around the tomb of late Italian officer and war criminal Rodolfo Graziani and the varying opinions of the community surrounding it. He found that those of older generations in Italy often defended Graziani while the youth detested him, highlighting a generational divide regarding interpretations of Italy’s past. Another presentation that stood out to me was Owen Morrish’s research on second language acquisition among immigrants and refugees in the United States. The presentation highlighted both issues with current ESL initiatives and possible solutions and gave insight into the nature of language. It was shocking to hear that nearly 60% of refugees living in the US speak little to no English after five years in the country. I came away from the presentations glad I had taken a step to make myself more cultured and found myself doing a bit of research of my own on the topics shown. It was truly a great experience.

Global Water Crisis

Academic Event Reflection

24 October 2019, Page Hall

I attended a talk on the work of the Ohio State Global Water Insitute and general water insecurity. Prior to the talk, while I did have some understanding of the worsening global water crisis, my depth of knowledge on the subject was quite limited. It was shocking to hear about the scarcity of secure sources of clean water in nations such as Tanzania, and unthinkable that over half of clinics in some areas do not have constant access to clean drinking water. It was uplifting to hear about the water institute and all of their projects. The work the GWI does is impactful and meaningly addresses local issues at their core, rather than putting a bandaid on them. While some charities may approach the issue by perhaps giving a diesel water pump to a village and call it a victory, the truth is not so. We learned about the various effects the introduction of the pump could have, and how important it is to coordinate with local leaders first. In a similar case, the village’s diesel reserves had run out and overreliance on a pump had dangerous repercussions. Domestic violence had increased as a result of the increased time women spent at home rather than collecting water, putting them in a risky environment. Some of it could have been predicted, but some not. GWI makes sure to meet with communities to ensure that their specific needs are being met and that the implementation will go smoothly, resulting in sustainable sources of clean water. GWI also requires that women be actively involved in the running of the water source, helping ensure opportunities for those who may have trouble finding adequate work. This experience gave me valuable insight into the nuances of effective foreign aid and how international crises can be tackled.

Parasite Film Showing

Campus Event Reflection

30 November 2019, Cedar Lee Theater, Cleveland Heights

I attended a showing of the critically acclaimed South Korean film Parasite. The film is centered around the extreme contrasts between the impoverished Kims and affluent Parks. Differences that director Bong Joon-ho and co-writer Han Jin-won masterfully use to illustrate the tension resulting from ever-widening social and wealth inequality in ways unique to South Korea. The Kims’ original work folding pizza boxes and scramble to make ends meet shows the bleak reality of an underclass that cannot afford to survive off the work available to them. They drink to celebrate a public wifi signal reachable only by standing on the toilet. Drunks urinate openly outside their window nightly. The Kims then take an opportunity to skillfully con the rich and unsuspecting Parks by gradually and comedically infiltrating all the positions they hire. The son Ki-woo has a chance to tutor the daughter of the Parks but lacks a college education, easily remedied by a bit of photoshop. Bong pokes at the constrained social mobility of South Korea, but most importantly he illustrates how work can take one’s dignity and self-respect away from them. A line in the film states “An opening for a security guard attracts five hundred university graduates” showing a lack of stable work that can cause many to resort to unsafe or demeaning labor. Ki-taek, the father, describes once working as a Daeri driver, one who drives drunks across the city to their homes. The work requires drivers to constantly stay on-call and many suffer from health issues over time.  Many living in Seoul also suffer from food insecurity as costs of living rise which is mirrored by the diet of the Kims. Seoul now sits within the top ten most expensive cities in the world and those earning starvation wages struggle to keep up. In a system that is designed to shove them to the ground, the Kims fight to defy their status and create stability. The Parks know nothing but stability. I won’t say more of the plot as one should of course see the film first. The film was absolutely incredible and gave important insight into wealthy disparity and the deepening plight of the working class in South Korea. I’m very glad this was listed as an International Affairs event as seeing it is nothing less than essential.

American Factory Documentary Showing

Academic Event Reflection

20 October 2019, Smith-Steeb Hall

I attended a showing of the acclaimed documentary American Factory, which illustrated a harrowing future for manufacturing in the United States. With the rise of Chinese investment in the US, we see the opening of Fuyao Glass America in Dayton replacing the previously defunct GM factory. Initial talks of the future of the factory and its workers are incredibly optimistic, speaking of a new era in bright US-China relations and the rebirth of Ohio industry. I was shocked by the reception to Sherrod Brown’s speech on unions, where Chinese executives stated that they would immediately shut down the operation should a union form. It set the tone of the documentary and it only continued to darken.

Relations between American workers and Chinese supervisors were often tense and featured sporadic clashes on issues of worker safety and conditions. Chinese executives often made remarks about Americans, speaking of their “fat fingers” and comparing them to donkeys. At one point, a supervisor proposes forcing workers to work overtime as is done in China. Another responds that that isn’t legal, to which the former replies “What will they do, sue me?” Although there were occasional moments of friendship and comradery between Americans and Chinese, they were always blotted out by worsening developments in the factory. Union activists are targeted and fired. Many lose both their jobs and their homes. If the future of manufacturing in my home state is represented by Fuyao, I’m incredibly worried for this foreign investment may end up affecting labor laws in favor of Chinese factories. Considering Fuyao paid over $1 million to prevent workers from unionizing, to lobby through money would not be far off. The extreme contrasts between American and Chinese work dynamics are the embodiment of the focus of International Affairs, and I’m incredibly glad I watched the film.

Global Engagement Night – Fashion Around The World

Campus Event Reflection

8 October 2019, Enarson Classroom Building

I had the pleasure of attending a presentation on world fashion and its ongoing evolution. The two presenters began by guiding us through a powerpoint of various styles from different nations, explaining the cultural significance of each along the way. We learned of the origins of Greek and Malaysian traditional dress, along with fashion from various other nations. Whether resulting from foreign occupation or religious influence, fashion adapts to the times and the condition of those who embrace it. Fashion often serves as a form of expression of ethnic or cultural identity. We later played a Kahoot (a competitive online group quiz) where images of fashion in specific nations were displayed and players would attempt to determine the country of origin. Many of the images were of foreign styles and domestic trends I had never seen before, so to have that exposure was very fascinating. There was a dress of Russian origin that was particularly striking, causing me to want to explore more into the topic after the presentation.

Later into the event, we delved into the world of contemporary fashion and the impact of cities known for cultivating avant-garde styles. From Milan to Tokyo, various fashion houses such as Christian Dior or BAPE are constantly pushing the envelope not just in formal styles, but streetwear as well. The event finished with an open discussion of our opinions on current trends in which I castigated anyone who wore hoodies with zippers. For their own good of course. This event certainly relates to International Affairs as we learned of the impacts of culture and identity on world styles, and how fashion is in all ways global.