ABSTRACT
This chapter explains the theme of creativity in cultural construction and looks at its potential dialogue with particular social and political structures. It focuses on the essentialist statements and how they lead us to imagined, essentialist stereo types. It is commonly argued that Confucianism is the cause of the characteristics of obedience, group loyalty and hierarchy, and lack of personal autonomy and creativity among the inhabitants of so-called 'East Asian cultures'. The critiques of the essentialist statement discuss its racist implications, suggest that Confucianism is misinterpreted and point to unrecognised examples of East Asian students engaging in critical thinking. The steward discourse in Western university branding of critical thinking is strengthened by the students themselves sometimes buying into it, or at least appearing to do so. The high stakes in the Jenna and Malee narrative certainly contribute to conflicted focus on critical thinking and subsequent Othering.
