Pittsburg State University - Kanza Yearbook (Pittsburg, KS)

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F0 rolaoun 6 ,Md !9hiAdolo ied Professor Tai Chen-Hwa, our likeable exchange instructor from China, has graciously consented to expound his ideologies and beliefs regaroling uni- versal understanding, and also to depict the attitudes of the average citizen regarding world peace. Mr. Tai's background as an educator, lecturer, and good-will ambassador certainly enables him to por- tray in an authentic manner issues of an inter- national nature. Mr. Tai received his B. A. at Peking Normal University in 1937. Following a brief tenure of teaching, Prof. Tai's migratory inclinations became partially satiated by his appointment as Inspector for the lllinistry of Education of the Chinese Central Government and as China's UNESCO representative. In 19.45 Mr. Tai did graduate work at London University. He came to the United States in 1948 on a fellowship from Syracuse University and later conzpleted work on his Masters degree at Columbia. K. S. T. C., in acquiring Mr. Tai's services, has afforded this personable young ambassador an op- portunity to dispel the erroneous concepts Ameri- cans hold regarding Asiatic and Oriental Culture. Prof. Tai's lectures have created much favorable commentg judging by this audience reaction, Prof. is going to have a great deal of vocal exercise in the future. 'tIn order to safeguard our prosperity and happiness for future generations, we must have peace. We believe it is only the kind of peace which comes out of real understanding and friendship among peoples and nations that can last. Cultural understanding is the root of eternal peace. Human beings all over the world have been longing for this peace and they must have it. While we are stepping into the Sth decade of the 20th century, let us pause briefly and analyze man's actions during the past half century. Although human beings have made much progress, their failure to understand one another has led to much bloodshed and destruc- tion. The two world wars are certainly grim evidence of this. It was the misinformation, mis- understandings, prejudices, and antagonisms of the 19th century which were responsible for the wars of the first half of the 20th century. In order to stop future wars, we must lose no time in promoting mutual understanding among peoples. But to whom should we desig- nate this responsibility of international educa- tion? In the past we have relied on a few dip- lomats, military attaches, political tourists, and news reporters who were too busy with their own occupationsg consequently, desired relation- ships were not nurtured. Now we understand that it is not enough to rely alone on them. It it important, however, to build up cultural re- lationships as it is through cultural understand- ing, and the study of other peoples philosophies, religions, social systems, and customs that peo- ples can have mutual respect and friendship. Since the establishment of UNESCO, we have seen scientists, athiests, educators, and students of different nations working together in such harmony that no one can deny that here lies the great hope for the future. It is the duty of these cultural workers of all the nations to take their part in helping peoples to understand each other. This great task is now facing every teacher and student. Since I have been travelling over the world for ten years as a student and a teacher, if I have learned anything at all, it is that I am con- vinced that all the peoples of the world are peace-loving and friendly-regardless of wheth- er they're in America, Europe, or Asia. When I say people, I am especially thinking of the com- man man in the streetg the nice country folkg the youth. All peoples hate war. They all love peace. Now the problem is how to bridge these peace-loving peoples across national boundries. Teacher and student-exchange, correspondence between students of various nations etc., are certainly some of the good devices. Though the promotion of international understanding is not an easy task, the desire for peace by peoples all over the world is cer- tainly a good foundation on which the cultural worker may build. If human beings want to maintain and develop their civilization, this work must not be neglected . -Tai Chen Hwa