Abstract
The paper discusses Yukio Mishima's short story entitled, "Patriotism," and the contrast between traditional morality and modernity in pre-World War II Japan. The paper gives a history of the Japanese feudal code and describes how traditions and the concept of honor were integrated into the militaristic government of Japan. Historical context is given to Mishima's story, and the February 26th Incident for which the story uses as its catalyst is described in great detail. The second half of the paper deals with the story itself, giving examples and quotes from the short story to prove the point that Reiko and her husband did not kill themselves due to their passionate love for one another, but instead, were forced to do so because the traditions of ancient Japan and the practices of the modern military system forced them into a situation where suicide would be the only honorable way for them to die. The paper proves the point that Mishima was attempting to demonstrate, that even a love so deep and strong as the one that Reiko and her husband shared could not flourish in the close-minded and backwards-thinking world of Japan in the early-to-mid 20th century.

From the Paper
"Takeyama chooses suicide because he knows that he cannot kill his close friends who began the uprising against the Emperor, but consequently he cannot live with himself if he disobeys his Emperor. This represents a loyalty to not just Emperor Hirohito, but also to the code of honor that the military system in Japan established in each soldier. The only honorable thing for Takeyama to do, knowing that he'll be disobeying an order from God essentially, is to kill himself and respectably declare his allegiance to the Japanese Empire in his farewell note. This strict system of ethics and morality is what has pigeonholed Reiko into making her choice to follow her husband, and Takeyama also understands that if Reiko were left alive, the shame and pressure put on her by Japanese society would be unbearable. He sees her killing herself not as just an act of dedication towards him, but as a way to free her of the burdens that would undeniably follow her if she were to live on as the widowed wife of a traitor."

Tags:samurai, Takeyama, Reiko

Tags:ancient, chinese, customs, footbinding, tradition, culture, ceremony

Abstract
This paper explores the caste system in Indian society, focusing on the lowest class of humans, the 'chandalas' or the 'untouchables' who are the mixed offspring of different castes. The paper provides an historical background of the caste system which came into being around 600-664CE. It then looks at the situation of the untouchables who are denied many social and religious privileges and the role the Indian government plays in trying to intervene to overcome this discrimination. The paper discusses the future of the caste system, especially the situation of the disadvantaged.

From the Paper
"The longevity of the caste system is rooted in traditional Hindu thinking. The caste system was not born overnight, but had evolved over three millennia, adapting to the innumerable migrations and invasions of diverse peoples, before becoming what it is today (Paz 44). Thus, the Indian government has an uphill battle in attempting to overturn the prejudices of the caste system. Apart from increasing the quotas of the jobs to the backward classes and the scheduled castes, the government should improve their access to education ("Casting" 18). Currently, only 62% of Indians complete primary education with less than half enrolled in secondary school. In order to promote the causes of the disadvantaged classes, education will be a key factor in enabling them to rise above the prejudices of the caste system. Furthermore, with the rise of urbanization and Western influence, the power of the caste system has diminished in the cities. In the distant future, the ideal Indian society can be created?one that respects the essential role of the caste system in endowing each individual with a sense of lineage and identity, without the dire discrimination perpetrated against the backward classes and the scheduled castes."

Tags:Rig, Veda, Purusa, Manu, Hsuan, Tsang, Hinduism

Abstract
This paper discusses the cultural aspects of doing business in Japan. The paper looks at the Japanese economy and why Japan is important, then discusses the Japanese business cultural framework and how it differs to the US society and values. The paper looks at aspects of Japanese society such as homogeneity and etiquettes, collectivism and interdependence in order to show their implications on the business world and work out how to bridge the gaps.

From the Paper
"Understanding Japanese business practices and the Japanese market has become a necessity for the American executive. Knowing how Japanese business people think and what factors influence decision-making is essential for conducting business with Japanese firms. The business person working to gain a foothold in Japan faces two major problems with regard to Japanese business customs: how to go about making an initial approach to a Japanese company and how to maintain and develop a business relationship once it has been established. In essence, business success in Japan hinges on the businessperson's comprehension and appreciation of Japanese customs and values. Although business people from different cultures are becoming increasingly knowledgeable of and familiar with each other's customs and business practices, the application of such knowledge is often superficial. In many cases, the very familiarity of a custom or mannerism merely serves to mask the underlying deep-seated differences."

Tags:communication, intercultural, differences, negotiation

Abstract
This paper examines the history of women's roles and rights throughout China's history, and the philosophical underpinnings of these roles in Confucianism and traditional Chinese belief. The author examines the changes in women's lives since the Chinese Revolution.

From the Paper
"Today, Chinese women have entered society, without necessarily walking out of the family, and so they are given more than one role in life. China is both an old country and a new country, and its expectations of women reflect that duality. For nearly 3,000 years, China was a feudal society. A new China emerged only after the establishment of the People's Republic of China, in 1949. And the country's modernization has continued in the last 15 years with the institution of economic reform and a policy of interaction with the outside world. In traditional China, marriage was the defining event of a female's life, shifting her space, affiliation and responsibility from her parents' family to her husband's. There is a common saying in China: "men tend the outside and women the inside" (nan zhu wai n zhu nei). A woman's social role was confined to the family. Her major obligation was caring for her husband, in-laws and children."

Tags:China, Mao, Zedong, rights, traditional, society, binding, of, the, feet, marriage, republic, people, men, home

Abstract
An examination of the role of the Indian woman in society. An analysis of the "Mahabharata" which goes into great depth when describing this role. The author looks at the lives of Indian women, their status, education, goals and contributions.

From the Paper
"The Mahabharata is essential for understanding human nature and the culture of India, past and present. As declared by Vyasa, "Whatever is not found in the Mahabharata cannot be found anywhere else." The Mahabharata does indeed present a complete picture of the lives of women in India, dealing with such topics as status, education, goals, marriage, achievement, family life, social life, moral codes, duty (dharma), and etiquette."

Tags:hindu, india, indian, ramayana, vedas, vishnu

From the Paper
"Culture in India has a peculiar association with the religious traditions of India. The dominant and archaic "faith", Hinduism, acts upon the national culture, which in turn influences the various religions, including Hinduism itself. The Bactrian Greeks, the Moghuls, and the English have all come and gone, but none have been able to fundamentally alter the relationship and influence Hinduism has on Indian culture. The values and beliefs of ancient Hindus have existed in the subcontinent since the beginning of prehistory and have tempered all religions that have been borne in or transported to India. We find almost perfect equality of women in Buddhist philosophy....Why is there such hypocrisy within these religions? Why do they advocate one thing and exercise another? "

Tags:hindu, sati, muslim, islam, tradition, religion

Abstract
China has been governed twice by a foreign group. The first was that of the Mongols, in the thirteenth century. The second was that of the Manchus, in the seventeenth century. This paper explains the reasons why the Mongols were only able to govern for a relatively short period of time, during which they caused an incredible amount of discontent among the Chinese, and why the Manchus managed to be much more successful in controlling China until the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. The paper examines events preceding the Mongol and Manchu conquests, as well as the ways by which the invaders were able to establish sovereignty. The important aspects of the Mongol and Manchu administrations are also examined, with an emphasis on the differences in those administrations, which provides reasons for Mongol failure and Manchu success. Finally, the demise of both dynasties is examined.

From the Paper
"The Mongols originated in the northern steppe, the land of which was not very accommodating for sedentary agriculture. Consequently, the Mongols were a nomadic people, specialists in animal husbandry and horse riding. From a very young age the males and females learned to ride on horseback and shoot arrows, creating a highly skilled fighting force. The Mongols organized themselves into tribes, which on occasion united under one khan. The Mongols considered their free lifestyle superior to that of the stationary farmers to the south. The Han Chinese in contrast relied on agriculture to fund the economy. The literati, a group made up of learned men who spent their days philosophizing and painting in the countryside, were revered. Due to an established examination system, the society was relatively mobile, allowing men from low ranking families to work as high government officials. The Chinese felt themselves above the barbarian nomads to the north. This great disparity between the two cultures is the greatest cause of the inability of the Mongols to control China effectively."

Tags:china dynasty mongol manchu agrarian emperor conquered westerner's empire, great wall, ming suicide heaven japan asian porcelain, genghis khan, han sovereignty

Abstract
This essay will explore Indian legislation concerning women and its impact on women and their children who marry out of the Indian society. A look at recent changes and implications for society.

From the Paper
"In June 1985, Parliament passed legislation, which ended over 100 years of discrimination in the Indian Act. These amendments commonly referred to as Bill C-31 respect three fundamental principals. First, the amendments exclude discriminatory conditions from the registration criteria from the Indian Act .For instance, Indian women no longer lost status through marriage to non-status Indian and a non-status woman can no longer gain status through marriage to Indian men. In recognition of the problems of discrimination contained within the Indian Act; the government chose to pass a law to eliminate the obstacles people had to endure. "

Tags:native, studies, women

Abstract
This is a research and critical review of China's one child population policy. It delves into the nature of the policy, the reasons for its implementation, the benefits and draw backs of the policy and whether it has been successful or not. The author looks at the problems with the policy with special reference to the way it effects society and proposes alternatives and solutions to the policy.

From the Paper
"The Chinese population policy is approaching its silver anniversary and the contentious nature of the strategy remains. Without question the one child per family policy has changed China's demographic landscape, but many individuals still question the success and ethical nature of the implementation. These strategies have also caused new problems that the country must address. Numerous people wonder if the positive decline of population growth can offset the negative effects of the policy."

Tags:child, china, chinese, histoy, one, policy, population, family, community, society