Reflective Journal 1

With the start of the semester and having attended the first lesson of CDE this year, I am looking forward to and yet a little apprehensive about what is in store for us. Having taken CDE last year, this year's topics seem to delve deeper, while reinforcing and consolidating what we have learnt last year. I feel that CDE lessons are generally quite engaging, where thematic lessons are divided into tutorials and case studies. As we have to read up before the lesson, class discussions will expectedly be more fruitful. This year’s syllabus extends on our past knowledge. At the same time, it is quite relevant to us, with case studies on Obama’s 2008 Presidential Campaign, recent youth trends as well as education systems, which make it easier for all of us, including those who did not take CDE last year, to relate to. 

The assessment structure is certainly preferable to the limited and inflexible tests that only require cramming of information. It involves classroom participation, independent research and reflective journals which not only stimulates critical and creative thinking, but also allows us to develop and catch up with the lessons at our own pace. As I tend to keep my opinions to myself, my expectation for this year’s CDE lessons is to have a solid understanding of the readings and contribute to the class discussions to the best of my ability.

Before the actual lessons, we took the Cultural Quotient self-assessment to better understand the importance of cultural intelligence, which is essential not only for our personal development and growth, but also for our preparation for an increasingly globalized world market where we have to interact with increasingly diverse range of cultures.

In our first case study, we analysed the present generation in both Chinese and American societies, as well as the social impact they may potentially bring, by looking at China’s Me Generation and the 2008 American Presidential Election. By looking deeper into China’s Me Generation, our current perception of China’s future political and social situation is challenged, that economic growth is a necessary step towards bringing about democracy in China.

As a result of China’s one-child policy, the post-80s generation is the main driver and chief beneficiary of the China’s economic boom. They are a reversal of how Chinese are conventionally seen. With no siblings and overprotective parents, the generation is characterized by strong self-interest and a lack of responsibility. As a result of their selfish pragmatism, they have an obvious lack of interest in demanding greater political rights, and seem determined to retain the status quo which has given them abundant opportunities to attain material wealth.

However, the government’s focus on economic growth to placate the middle class and strengthen its legitimacy has resulted in discriminatory social policies towards the rural poor, which may be detrimental to China’s long-term growth. The bright side to the generation’s individualism is that they are willing to stand up to authority when their interests are threatened, especially through the Net, with the rise of Chinese netizens.

On the other hand, in the 2008 American Presidential Election, the millennials – the generation born after 1982 – demonstrated their dynamism, vibrancy and openness to change by being the strongest supporters of Barack Obama, making them the decisive force in his victory. The millennials’ optimism and desire for change leads them to be more liberal and more tolerant on social issues, such as immigration and homosexuality.

However, with the American economy still struggling to recover, the political enthusiasm of the millennials seems to have cooled. With climbing unemployment rates and debt burdens, the generation seems to have become risk-averse and idle, with their complacency and stay-at-home mentality. In politics, where collective action is urgently needed to avert the crisis, young, reckless politicians are unwilling to set aside their political ambitions. With a future of a less vibrant economy and waning global influence, the generation’s optimism will hopefully be rekindled to buoy the country through its hard times.

All in all, the CDE lessons promise to be enriching and engaging, and I certainly look forward to the next lesson!