#601 Freedom and Justice

Preparation:

• China from the Inside, part 4: “Freedom and Justice” (54 min)
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rj534NjQnM&t=14s
  

• Wasserstrom, “Who are the Chinese dissidents now?” 93-96.
  
• “ ‘Rule of Law’ or ‘Rule by Law’? In China, a Preposition Makes All the Difference,” in The Wall Street Journal (20 October 2012).
  http://blogs.wsj.com/chinarealtime/2014/10/20/rule-of-law-or-rule-by-law-in-china-a-preposition-makes-all-the-difference/
  

Introduction:

Unit 6 is linked closely with unit 5 in the sense that both deal with politics and political formations. The difference here is in perspective. Whereas unit 5 considered the political structures and policymaking from the inside and the top, this unit will examine politics from the outside and the bottom. Likewise, where our previous interest had been largely understanding the political process, in this unit we will look at instances where its outcomes are challenged by groups or individuals.

• Let’s start today by identifying some of the stories related in “Freedom and Justice.” What are some common themes we see in these stories? How might we “tag” them?

• What do these stories say about China? What, in turn, do they say about the makers of the video – and American political sensibilities more generally?

• What does Wasserstrom mean when he says “One common mistake that American . . . make is to assume that in China one is either a dissident (who boldly challenges the government and ends up in prison or in exile) or a loyalist (who follows the regime’s line, whether out of belief or fear”? (Wasserstrom, 93). Where do we see evidence of (a) this “mistake” in the video, and (b) the “many people in the middle”?

• Should people speak up more or push quietly behind the scenes if they’re seeking controversial changes?

• What is the difference posited between “rule of law” and “rule by law”? Briefly explain the historical and philosophical precedent.

Mini case study. Select one of the following stories to read and present to the class. 

• As you read, consider:
  • Very briefly introduce the demands presented and the methods used to advance those demands.
    
  • Evaluate the outcome of the protest. Do you think the participants considered this a success? Do you?
    
  • Is this an example of a permissible form of dissent in China? Why or why not?
• Options:
  • ​Andrew Jacobs, “Protests Over Chemical Plant Force Chinese Officials to Back Down,” (28 Oct. 2012).
  • Han Dongfang, “China’s Workers Unite,” The New York Times (8 Nov. 2012).
    
  • Andrew Jacobs, “Chinese Human Rights Lawyer Is Unexpectedly Freed a Day After Being Detained,” (8 August 2015).
    
  • Andrew Jacobs, “Tianjin Officials Struggle to Contain Fallout as Angry Relatives Demand Answers,” (15 August 2015).
    
  • “Lawyers Sue Chinese Authorities for Not Getting Rid of Smog,” The Associated Press (1 March 2017).