Ancient chinese civilization Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Ancient chinese civilization - Essay Example From the novel The Three Kingdoms, we see that the Chinese society around that period greatly valued loyalty as a strong virtue that bounded together two or more people who had the same ambitions and mission. Loyalty was so important during this age such that there were vows which were cited either in secrecy or at a very serene place. The first instance when loyalty was displayed was when the three brothers came together in fraternity to bind themselves in a code of honor that greatly guided their future actions and also kept them strong even when they were on the brink of dying. The oath was a very important symbol of unity and loyalty to one another as their words suggested i.e. â€Å"we three Lui Pei, Kuan Yu and Chang Fei, though of separate birth, now bind ourselves in brotherhood, combining our strength and purpose to relive the present crisis (Lo Kuan-Chung & Moss Roberts, page 9)†. Loyalty was basically what the leadership in China was based on. Every leader throughout the novel, the three kingdoms, demanded that of all their subjects as there was always an imminent attack on them by those who were dissatisfied by the leadership. We see those loyal to the throne being treated well and showered with gifts so that they continue being loyal and expose those they suspected of disloyalty. Disloyalty was a serious offence not tolerable in the Chinese society during this period and any slight sign of disloyalty normally led to nothing less than execution. This punishment as if not severe enough, would be followed by the execution of the ‘traitor’s’ whole house hold. There are many cases where this was evident, for instance in the case where Ts’ao Ts’ao realized of the plot to kill him, he first apprehended Ping and tortured him for days. Thereafter he went on to arrest the other six conspirators, including Tung Cheng. They were all executed together with their household (women and children alike) bringing the

Participant observation (Race and Ethnicity - in & beyond US) Essay

Participant observation (Race and Ethnicity - in & beyond US) - Essay Example One will find hundreds of hard to find authentic ingredients, food, and groceries for Korean and all other Asian cuisines such as spicy Korean pepper bean paste, popular Japanese ramen noodles, Asian BBQ sauce, kim chi, other health enhancing herbal drinks, herbal cigarettes that help you kick the habit, Japanese miso, tempura, udon, many exotic condiments and canned goods to make preparing authentic Korean food and other Asian dishes easy. The owner is a man and wife of Korean descent. Most customers are Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and a few Americans. I had always surmised that this is a busy venue at this time of the day due to commuters rushing home from work. Majority of the people I observed were women making a hurried trip to this place to do some shopping for dinner. I see interspersed attendance from teenagers who just hang around, meet with friends, or were running errands. I do not see businessmen and professionals often except for some husbands accompanying their wives to do some marketing. At times, mothers come with their little children in tow. I sat on a chair beside the counter. I bought some snacks and opened a notebook. I saw people of different cultures and races coming in and out of the place. There were Asians (Chinese, Koreans, Japanese, Filipinos) and a few Americans who appear to recognize and acknowledge each others’ presence through a quick smile, a nod, and at times, for men – a hand shake. I observed that it is actually the women who initiate either verbal or non verbal interaction. Regular customers talk to cashiers and their favorite personnel from the market who were just so happy to be of service. This exemplifies reciprocity at work. I tried to do some non verbal interaction through smiling and acknowledging acquaintances and they responded favorably. I asked strangers what the time is and they responded cordially. I do not feel intimidated or compromised being alone in this