Last Civic class of Tri1

According to the schedule, even though there are still two more days left in trimester one, today marked the final civic class session. We concluded our learning journey by watching “What the Constitution Means to Me” by Heidi Schreck. This powerful play provided a fitting conclusion to our class, deepening my understanding of the constitution and its impact on individuals.

The play seamlessly blended acting and speech, with Heidi Schreck as the main character delivering compelling speeches about her personal experiences connecting to the US constitution, especially focusing on women’s rights. I highly recommend this show to others, regardless of their interest in the US government, as Heidi’s eloquence and conviction left a lasting impression on me.

Throughout the performance, I was taken aback by several revelations. For instance, it shocked me to learn that only fifty or sixty years ago, the Constitution allowed men to beat women as long as they didn’t use their fingers. Additionally, I was disturbed to discover that the ratio of men to women in Washington DC was once 9:1, and women’s empowerment and feminism are relatively recent concepts.

Heidi’s words prompted me to reflect on my own culture in China. While Chinese society has also been historically patriarchal, the differences are stark. In China, the belief in women’s inferiority persisted for thousands of years, leading to numerous restrictions on women’s rights. However, there was no explicit endorsement of violence against women in ancient Chinese laws. Moreover, there are ancient poems and writings that depict trials faced by women, showcasing a complex perspective on gender roles. Despite the prevalent mistreatment of women, the overall societal attitude often leaned towards indifference and silence rather than explicit endorsement of violence.

This fundamental difference in approach struck me deeply. In the US, a history of fierce advocacy and struggle has led to significant social change, with people fighting for their rights and a more equitable society. In contrast, Chinese culture has often embraced an implicit approach, where societal evils persist but are not openly acknowledged. This stark contrast illustrates the transformative power of history on culture.

In the US, the confrontational approach to history has led to positive change and a more inclusive society today. In China, the historical reverence for implicit norms has perpetuated a culture of silence, where societal issues are often ignored. Recognizing these differences has given me a profound insight into how history shapes cultures and societies, and I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from both perspectives.