Two responses to two posts. At least 150words for each response

Need two response to two posts. These responses should be at least 150 words in length and say more than “I agree” or “Good point.” Rather, your responses should extend or somehow further the discussion and analysis that was begun by one of your classmates. (These post are based on 2 readings in the attached file.)

Post 1 E. Patricia Tsurumi, "Textile Workers and the failure of Early Trade Unionism in Japan," p.3-21 Patricia Tsurumi, in her reading, gives insights on the situation of factory workers in Japan during the Meiji period (1868-1912). Tsurumi comprehensively highlights factors behind the failure of the Meiji labor movements, which included “government repression, management hostility, backgrounds of labor leaders, backgrounds of factory workers, and gender of the workers” (4). It is noted that she dwells mostly on the issue of female labor. The author explains how the predominance of young ignorant girls among factory workers during this period was central to the failure of trade unions. Tsurumi, however, refutes the notion of docility and submissiveness among the girls citing the historical peasant rebellions before 1868 and the peasant uprisings during the first two decades of the Meiji Period (10). I consider her claims debatable because young girls with minimal education from rural areas may not be aware of what labor movements are and their application in countering work difficulties. It is disheartening to read how the underage females from poor backgrounds in rural Japan were recruited in textile factories and subjected to long working hours, poor pay, hefty fines, sexual exploitation, as well as poor meals. Through the Song of the Living Corpses, Tsurumi brings out the “disappointments, suffering, and the lamentations of the female workers at the textile factory” (13). I strongly agree with her argument that such treatment was meant to suppress girls, drain all their energies, and confine them to deter any attempt of rebellion. Nevertheless, this offered the context of the collective actions of the first generation of factory workers.

Mariko Tamanoi, "Chapter 3: Komori" in Under the Shadow of Nationalism, p.55-83 The contribution of rural women to the establishment and development of the Japanese nation- state is irrefutable. In his work, Under the Shadow of Nationalism, Mariko Asano Tamanoi presents the life of Komori in the context of Japan during the 19th and 20th centuries. Komori, a native word in Nagano-Japan during that period, generally means “a person who takes care of children” (55). The person may be a boy or girl, young or old. Similar to Tsurumi’s reading, Tamanoi puts more emphasis on young girls, discussing the way they were hired from the countryside of Nagano as child caregivers. He explains how Komori is the available work for poor girls despite the pains and exploitations that come with it. These young girls are exchanged cheaply by their impoverished parents to those who need their services as Komori and left to

endure the tribulations. From Tamanoi's depictions, it is apparent that the young girls go through harsh conditions and frustration, which render them immoral. Further, it is worth noting that the Komori’s vulgar language was used as a form of resistance against the societies' description of their life. The society, instead, condemns them and demands for their reform through special school programs. Not only are these actions necessary in reforming the nation's labor, but they also facilitate the transformation of women's rights. Overall, I believe this is a great reading to explore and understand the interconnectedness of nationalism and gender in contemporary Japan.

Post 2 E. Patricia Tsurumi, "Textile Workers and the failure of Early Trade Unionism in Japan," p.3-21 Patricia Tsurumi, in her reading, gives insights on the situation of factory workers in Japan during the Meiji period (1868-1912). Tsurumi comprehensively highlights factors behind the failure of the Meiji labor movements, which included “government repression, management hostility, backgrounds of labor leaders, backgrounds of factory workers, and gender of the workers” (4). It is noted that she dwells mostly on the issue of female labor. The author explains how the predominance of young ignorant girls among factory workers during this period was central to the failure of trade unions. Tsurumi, however, refutes the notion of docility and submissiveness among the girls citing the historical peasant rebellions before 1868 and the peasant uprisings during the first two decades of the Meiji Period (10). I consider her claims debatable because young girls with minimal education from rural areas may not be aware of what labor movements are and their application in countering work difficulties. It is disheartening to read how the underage females from poor backgrounds in rural Japan were recruited in textile factories and subjected to long working hours, poor pay, hefty fines, sexual exploitation, as well as poor meals. Through the Song of the Living Corpses, Tsurumi brings out the “disappointments, suffering, and the lamentations of the female workers at the textile factory” (13). I strongly agree with her argument that such treatment was meant to suppress girls, drain all their energies, and confine them to deter any attempt of rebellion. Nevertheless, this offered the context of the collective actions of the first generation of factory workers.

Mariko Tamanoi, "Chapter 3: Komori" in Under the Shadow of Nationalism, p.55-83 The contribution of rural women to the establishment and development of the Japanese nation- state is irrefutable. In his work, Under the Shadow of Nationalism, Mariko Asano Tamanoi presents the life of Komori in the context of Japan during the 19th and 20th centuries. Komori, a native word in Nagano-Japan during that period, generally means “a person who takes care of children” (55). The person may be a boy or girl, young or old. Similar to Tsurumi’s reading,

Tamanoi puts more emphasis on young girls, discussing the way they were hired from the countryside of Nagano as child caregivers. He explains how Komori is the available work for poor girls despite the pains and exploitations that come with it. These young girls are exchanged cheaply by their impoverished parents to those who need their services as Komori and left to endure the tribulations. From Tamanoi's depictions, it is apparent that the young girls go through harsh conditions and frustration, which render them immoral. Further, it is worth noting that the Komori’s vulgar language was used as a form of resistance against the societies' description of their life. The society, instead, condemns them and demands for their reform through special school programs. Not only are these actions necessary in reforming the nation's labor, but they also facilitate the transformation of women's rights. Overall, I believe this is a great reading to explore and understand the interconnectedness of nationalism and gender in contemporary Japan.