Yanwen’s blog

I have a few things to talk about, starting with my students.

At the beginning of the summer, one of my Korean students planned to start a summer reading program with her daughters. Her 9-year-old daughter doesn't enjoy reading, and she wanted to help her develop a love for it. She knows how important reading is. Now, with the summer nearly over, they haven't started the plan yet.

She isn't alone in falling behind her plan. I advised the mother of my 6-year-old student, "I made a recording of new words and sentences for you. You need to listen to it and practice with your daughter every day." She promised that she would do it. But it hasn't happened either.

In fact, they aren't the only ones struggling to keep their promises. Despite understanding the importance of their plans, they can't seem to follow through. Sometimes, they come up with excuses, even when they know how weak those excuses sound. I have many examples like this. It almost feels futile talking to these people about having a plan.

There is plenty of research on why people give up their New Year's resolutions even before the end of January. Common reasons include having plans that are too general, unrealistic, or not specific enough, or not feeling motivated. Additionally, people often struggle with procrastination, lack of accountability, or self-discipline.

I'm going to share this with them: no more empty promises to me or to yourself. You deceive yourself and deceive me when you make a promise, knowing you are not going to keep it. A Chinese saying, "忽悠自己" (hū you zì jǐ), meaning: "deceive yourself."

No more self-deceiving. Just challenge yourself with one single task at a time, believing that you possess the strong will, discipline, and determination to meet at least one challenge at this moment in your life. Remind yourself that it's a shame if you can't even meet this simple challenge.

Second thing today, with the opening of 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, I dwell on some old questions about the functions of sports in human society. In ancient times sports provided a legal channel for people to let out their aggressive and competitive urge.

These games developed into a major public spectacle that entertained and engaged large audiences, like today's cheerleaders. Today the collective participation in the event allowed the wider community to experience the excitement of competition, providing a social release valve for collective aggressive tendencies.

In conclusion, the struggle to keep promises underscores a fundamental challenge of self-discipline and commitment. Achieving even the simplest goals demands genuine resolve and integrity.

As we watch the 2024 Olympic Games unfold, let us remember that athletes must first cultivate strong discipline and determination to succeed—and the same holds true for everything in life.

In our pursuit of genuine progress, we must replace empty promises with meaningful actions and steadfast dedication.

Recently, I was reading The Glory and the Dream: A Narrative History of America, 1932–1972 by William Manchester, published in 1974. The book spans from FDR's New Deal to Nixon's Watergate, covering significant events such as WW II, the Korean War, the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, and the Vietnam War.

One part that particularly intrigued me was the removal of General Douglas MacArthur (1880-1964) during the Korean War. MacArthur was fired by President Truman in 1951 when he was 71 years old.

Essentially, Truman and MacArthur had very divergent visions for the war. Truman sought a "limited war" to avoid a massive expansion in Asia and the potential onset of WW III with Soviet involvement.

MacArthur, on the other hand, publicly advocated for a more expansive use of American military power, including bombing China, employing Nationalist Chinese forces from Taiwan, and potentially using nuclear weapons. He believed anything short of this wider war represented “appeasement,” an unacceptable concession to the communists.

MacArthur was ultimately fired for insubordination. One notable instance was when he thwarted Truman’s attempt to negotiate a ceasefire by ordering his troops to invade North Korea and push past the 38th parallel.

There are a few key lessons from the clash between Truman and MacArthur.

First, Truman considered the global situation, including potential Soviet and European moves, while MacArthur's regional focus failed to foresee the destructive consequences of his actions. A Chinese saying "大局为重" (dà jú wéi zhòng)meaning: "Seeing the bigger picture is of utmost importance." It emphasizes the importance of considering the larger goals and broader strategic perspective.

Second, American society highly values individualist heroism, exemplified by MacArthur’s bold strategies and assertive personality. However, both the military and corporate environments require teamwork and adherence to a chain of command. MacArthur's insubordination highlights the tension between individualism and the need for hierarchical cooperation.

While individualism is celebrated, there must be a commitment to collective goals. MacArthur’s removal was due to his ego conflicting with the broader strategic objectives set by civilian leadership.

Third, General MacArthur was highly popular in America. Removing him from power could mean political suicide for Truman. It takes a great courage of a great leader to do the right thing for the country and for the people. For this, I have a great respect and admiration for president Truman.

Finally, in any work environment, while innovation and initiative are encouraged, they must align with the organization’s goals and respect its hierarchy. Being a team player means contributing to collective success, even if it requires subordinating individual preferences. There is few room for individualist heroism in a company's culture.

Ultimately, the clash between Truman and MacArthur is a testament to the delicate balance between individual initiative and collective responsibility. It reminds us that true leadership requires vision, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to the greater good.

There are a few things that I'd like to talk about.

First, most of my senior friends come from my college years. They all could read and write English very well back then. One of them told me, it's quite a challenge reading your daily post.

I don't think it's because I use too many fancy words, but rather because they stopped using the language after retirement and their skills have simply become rusty. Another asked me, why I write in English? So that my children can read them.

I hope my senior friends could keep using English. It's supposed to be good for their memory and cognitive health, helping to keep their minds sharp and engaged. Regularly using and practicing a second language can also delay the onset of dementia, improve multitasking skills, and enhance problem-solving abilities. Moreover, maintaining their language proficiency allows them to stay connected with a broader community, access diverse information, and enjoy a wider range of media.

Second, there's another book recording the heart-breaking impacts of deindustrialization 产业空心化 (chǎn yè kōng xīn huà). Exit Zero: Family and Class in Postindustrial Chicago by Christine J. Walley. The steel mill in Southeast Chicago where her father worked abruptly closed and then more of the same happened, followed by the decline of steel industry, which prompted her to research on this from an anthropological approach. The book delves deep into themes of class, labor, economic decline, and the transformation of American society.

Both Packer’s The Unwinding and Walley's Exit Zero use personal stories to demonstrate broader societal and historical changes. Both explore the dire consequences of deindustrialization. Packer portrays a much broader and more panoramic view of the economic and social changes in America from the late 1970s to the early 2010s. If you want to get some idea of how America has come to this point, read Packer's and Walley's nonfictions, not the personal memoir of JD Vance.

Third, yesterday a friend of mine mentioned one New Deal program, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) projects in Washington State. This makes me reflect on the legacy of FDR's New Deal, especially how it impacts the nature of American society that once boasted of having a capitalist system.

Before the New Deal, it was accepted without question the belief in a laissez-faire capitalist system with minimal government intervention. The New Deal forever changed it all. It established the precedent for significant government intervention in the economy.

Before the New Deal, it was considered socialist to provide welfare and social safety nets to the vulnerable. The poor and unemployed were individual responsibilities, not systemic issues. The New Deal introduced social safety net programs like Social Security. These programs have become core elements of the American welfare state.

Before the New Deal, the stock market and financial institutions were under minimal government supervision, leading to financial disaster. The 1933 Securities Act and 1934 SEA imposed regulations on them to reduce fraud.

In conclusion, the country has witnessed the dynamic adaptation and transformation of its social system since FDR's New Deal. The question remains: how will the system evolve to deal with the impacts of deindustrialization and the collapse of the vast middle class and the elegy of the white working class, the most pessimistic group of all? Do we have the same wisdom as FDR to deal with today's challenges? Time will reveal the answers.

A friend of mine argues that the greatness of the United States lies in its social system. But what system are we talking about—the one envisioned by its Founding Fathers or the one we have today?

The American system has evolved, but its inherent strength remains. If America is still as great as some claim, then Trump’s MAGA (Make America Great Again) slogan seems redundant.

However, with the decline described by Packer's The Unwinding being true, burying our heads in the sand won’t get the country out of the woods. I’m reminded of a Chinese saying, 办法总比困难多 (bàn fǎ zǒng bǐ kùn nán duō), meaning "There are always more solutions than problems." This optimistic outlook suggests that no matter the challenges, there are always ways to overcome them.

Throughout its history, the U.S. has faced many significant challenges and often emerged stronger. Like the Civil War, the Great Depression, Civil Rights Movement, 2008 Financial Crisis, and Jan 6 Capitol Riot.

During the 1929 Great Depression, a severe worldwide economic downturn led to widespread unemployment and poverty. The country pulled through with FDR's New Deal, which included numerous public work projects, financial reforms, and regulations. For example, New Deal programs like the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) provided jobs for young men in environmental conservation projects. The Public Works Administration created jobs through large-scale public works projects, such as building roads, bridges, and schools.

More recently, the 2008 Financial Crisis led to widespread foreclosures, unemployment, and financial instability. The government intervened with measures like the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to stabilize the financial system, stimulate the economy, and promote recovery.

Throughout its history, the key to turn things around in times of crisis is always government intervention, which brought in social order, provided hope through a more socialist approach to economic problems. These programs, offering many public services, challenged the essence of out-of-control laissez-faire capitalism that preceded the Depression.

Today, many developed countries, including the United States, have mixed economies. They combine capitalist market systems with heavy government intervention and elements of socialist welfare, such as healthcare and social safety nets, regulatory frameworks, and public services like free education. In fact, the high welfare state is part of the attractions for millions of people attempting to come here.

The New Deal's heavy government intervention not only had features reminiscent of socialist policies but also set a precedent for a more active government role in economic and social affairs. This influence continues in U.S. policy today.

The American social system has evolved over time, becoming a hybrid of capitalist and socialist origins. It is no longer the one created by its Founding Fathers.

In conclusion, the American system has transformed significantly from its inception, becoming something the Founding Fathers might not recognize. This dynamic adaptation, driven by historical challenges and government intervention, has ensured the country's progress in the face of crises. 

The question remains: How will this system continue to evolve to meet today's challenges? Just as the Chinese saying suggests, "There are always more solutions than problems," so too must America continue to find innovative solutions if it hopes to make America great again.

Recently, there has been many discussions about the book that catapulted J.D. Vance to fame—The Hillbilly Elegy.

In fact, there are several books exploring similar themes, particularly the decline of the American Dream since the 1970s, largely attributed to the offshoring of manufacturing jobs and deindustrialization. These works often focus on the struggles of working-class and middle-class Americans in the Rust Belt.

One good book is The Unwinding: An Inner History of the New America by George Packer (2013), which I highly recommend. It’s a must read for anyone who wants to understand America today. The title of the book The Unwinding implies that before the 1960s, American society was stable and rigid, with everyone seemingly tightly bound together by a coil. However, in the subsequent decades, this coil suddenly loosened and began unwinding, leading to the sense today that things are falling apart.

While Vance offers a personal memoir of his experiences growing up in a poor white family, Packer's book presents the stories of five diverse characters—some fortunate and super successful, others disheartened and unfortunate—woven into a broader and more somber narrative of American life. Both books feature poignant stories reflecting the harsh realities of American society.

Packer uses these personal narratives to illustrate seismic changes, revealing the dramatic transformation of American society from 1978 to 2012. This period saw a shift from economic prosperity and robust institutions to economic decline, social fragmentation, polarization, and political dysfunction—conditions that are prevalent today.

The three subjects—Jeff Connaughton, Dean Price, and Tammy Thomas—once held the deeply ingrained American Dream. But over three decades, all three were left with nothing but the sadness of shattered dreams. Why did this happen? Was it because they were not hardworking enough? Packer does not directly answer these questions. However, he portrays a collective image of several newly successful figures in American society, allowing readers to deduce the answers through the stark contrast.

Packer's book effectively contrasts the nation’s glorious past with its miserable present. Through a blend of investigative journalism and narrative non-fiction, Packer crafts a compelling account that, though rooted in reality, feels almost fictional in its dire gravity. Technically, he often lets his characters do the talking, which makes it more realistic.

The book evokes a profound sense of both sadness and anger, prompting readers wondering how and why.

By placing individual stories within a larger historical context, Packer helps readers understand the forces driving the transformation over four decades, making the changes more comprehensible through the lens of personal experiences.

The Chinese saying: "积重难返" (jī zhòng nán fǎn), meaning: "deeply entrenched problems are hard to change" or "deep-rooted issues are difficult to overcome." It implies that problems that have accumulated over time are challenging to rectify.

The Unwinding is not merely a historical account but a stark mirror reflecting the tumultuous journey of American society. Though I generally maintain an optimistic outlook, the book delivers a jarring reality check, truly challenging any overly hopeful view of the nation’s trajectory.