Capitalism in China Nov. 5

Bellwrite #28: What "despotic inroads on the rights of property" do you see more clearly in Red Scarf Girl than by simply reading the "Communist Manifesto"? Does communism only affect the "rights of property"? What other rights are affected?

Students completed an exercise in identifying comma splices and fused sentences.

We also finished reading "China's Gilded Age." While reading, we discussed this question: Was capitalism a good thing for China? With the introduction of capitalism into China in the 80s and 90s, the nation saw the rise of the Bourgeoisie again. Yet 80% of the nation still lives in rural poverty. Marx seems to have rightly pointed out that capitalism creates economic inequality in a big way. We noted that the U.S. is among the "upper class" of nations while the majority of the world's population endures poverty. We considered that this economic disparity helps us see that those who are blessed with prosperity have a moral obligation to the poor. Capitalism allows free agents the opportunity to use wealth for good or otherwise.

Key history questions from "China's Gilded Age":

1. Is capitalism good for China?
2. Which causes greater corruption--capitalism or a communist economy?

Homework:

• Memorization of Jacob 5, parts 1&2 due tomorrow.
• Finish Red Scarf Girl by tomorrow.
• First vocab/spelling check tomorrow.