In past days in Academy, a theme of both history and English alike has been colonialism. Colonialism, though it may not exist today, had both negative and positive effects that have made the world what it is today. Specifically in Africa, during the 19th and 20th centuries, colonialism existed in a large scale as both the Netherlands and Britain sent men to colonize what they considered the unknown. The Europeans, because of the Natives primitiveness and how different they were from the typical European, were disregarded as "nobody" and pushed out of their land. Was this fair? Is colonialism fair? and is its impact negative or positive?
Colonialism, through a statistical point of view, had a negative world impact. As a result of the Dutch colonization of Africa, 4-8 million Africans died plus many others were mistreated and lived awful lives. During this time, African families were split up and villages tribes were broken because the Dutch needed labor. Many natives were pushed off of their lands and forced to move. This pushing around of the native people caused natives to clash with one another, resulting in more deaths. Many people lost their lands and homes to the Europeans and some even their life. However, Europeans benefited as they were able to gather the large amount of raw materials and natural resources that the continent contained. In fact, the Dutch and European economy boomed during this time, alot in part to colonization. However, the colonization also created an unequal relationship between Africans and Europeans which in part leads alot to the problem of racism in society.
One could argue that colonization was not completely bad for the Africans at all. The lives before the Europeans came infact were not that much better. Many Africans had been already dying because of lack of food, many diseases, and wars. Africa was alrdeady struggling and had been living dirt poor compared to other countries. The colonization was what they needed as it was an attempt to civiilize the Africans and create a society more like that of the Europeans. The Africans lacked structure in politics and lacked a stable economy and needed the Europeans.
Either way you look at it, colonization was a big part of history that has shaped global society into what it is today.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Friday, February 12, 2010
It Matters: Colonialism
Here's the link: http://www.globalpolitician.com/23759-poverty
In the last weeks, both our english and social studies classes have been centered around the theme of colonialsim. Specifically in english, we have been reading the book "Heart of Darkness" which is essientually about a Dutch ivory supplying company that travels into Africa to exploit it for its resources and labor. The book gives the reader a secondhand experience as to what the colonization of Africa was like. One can look at statistics or read this book, or anything similar, and figure out that Africa suffered greatly during this time. Thousands died and even more were mistreated. Though many british might have benefitted from the colonialization of Africa, Africa suffered as economies and lives were destroyed. But besides being a dark point of history, why does it matter? After all, it is just history, events that have already happenned.
Today, Africa is the most impovershed continent in the world. Many of its inhabitants are dirt poor and many others are dying from famine or diseases. Africa, compared to other continents, lacks infrastrucure in both their politics and economy. Everything, from medicine to trade seems to be a significantly worse in the African countries then in other countries. How did Africa get so far behind the rest of the world? Both the article and I agree that a major reason Africa has fallen so far behind is because of the colonization that took place centuries before. First of all, it depleaded Africa of most of its valuable resources like gold, diamond, and ivory. Also, as the colonies grew in power, they eventually became powerful then the African leaders and ruled over a majority over Africa. When they imposed european rule, they also disrupted the little economic progress Africa was making as they pratically enslaved much of the population. Though the article makes a good point about how Africa grew under European rule, I believe the opposite. I believe that Europeans benefitted but Africa didn't. The article also points out that the wealthiest African countries were the last ones to liberate. But this fact is misleading. Hearing this you might think that colonialization was good for African society when infact it shows the downfall of colonialization. After liberation, alot of countries found themselves unable to continue what the Europeans had set up for them. In other words, colonialization made Africa dependent on Europe and has kept Africa from catching up with the rest of the world.
In the last weeks, both our english and social studies classes have been centered around the theme of colonialsim. Specifically in english, we have been reading the book "Heart of Darkness" which is essientually about a Dutch ivory supplying company that travels into Africa to exploit it for its resources and labor. The book gives the reader a secondhand experience as to what the colonization of Africa was like. One can look at statistics or read this book, or anything similar, and figure out that Africa suffered greatly during this time. Thousands died and even more were mistreated. Though many british might have benefitted from the colonialization of Africa, Africa suffered as economies and lives were destroyed. But besides being a dark point of history, why does it matter? After all, it is just history, events that have already happenned.
Today, Africa is the most impovershed continent in the world. Many of its inhabitants are dirt poor and many others are dying from famine or diseases. Africa, compared to other continents, lacks infrastrucure in both their politics and economy. Everything, from medicine to trade seems to be a significantly worse in the African countries then in other countries. How did Africa get so far behind the rest of the world? Both the article and I agree that a major reason Africa has fallen so far behind is because of the colonization that took place centuries before. First of all, it depleaded Africa of most of its valuable resources like gold, diamond, and ivory. Also, as the colonies grew in power, they eventually became powerful then the African leaders and ruled over a majority over Africa. When they imposed european rule, they also disrupted the little economic progress Africa was making as they pratically enslaved much of the population. Though the article makes a good point about how Africa grew under European rule, I believe the opposite. I believe that Europeans benefitted but Africa didn't. The article also points out that the wealthiest African countries were the last ones to liberate. But this fact is misleading. Hearing this you might think that colonialization was good for African society when infact it shows the downfall of colonialization. After liberation, alot of countries found themselves unable to continue what the Europeans had set up for them. In other words, colonialization made Africa dependent on Europe and has kept Africa from catching up with the rest of the world.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Metacognition:First Semester
My first thoughts of English first semester began way before the beginning of school. It was during summer and I had just reluctantly chosen to read the assigned "The Blue Sweater". The title itself made me satisfied if I were never to open or read about the book. However, forced to finish it, I read. After the slow start, I began to grow more interested into the book. I found myself silently rooting for her and trying to think of advice I could give her to reach her goals. Every one of her success seemed like one of my own. By the books end, I realized surprisingly how much more I enjoyed it than I thought. The more I learned, the less ignorant I grew. This process and the lesson "Don't judge what you don't understand" was something that would continue to appear throughout my sophomore English semester.
Through English class, I noticed the importance of an open-mind and having the willingness to learn. In English, the only way to truly reach an in depth analysis of literature is to keep your mind open and persevere for the meaning or importance of a page, chapter, quote, poem, short story, or any type of art or literature. When I started The Kite Runner I found it to be interesting and enjoyed reading it. But, after some class discussions and conversations, I realized some important and analytical details that I missed. I thought I knew there was all to know about the chapter, but by listening and learning from the observations and connections from Mr. Allen and others, I was able to get more meaning out of the book and enjoy it a lot more. This was even truer with King Lear. While reading it I that I knew exactly what Shakespeare meant and thought I identified most of the important quotes and lines. But once again, I was amazed when others had noticed much more like the style of writing and the poetic language used, and after hearing their findings, I felt more accomplished and enlightened. By listening, wanting to learn, and accepting others thoughts I was able to learn that both analysis and collaboration were tools that could be used to find deeper meaning in literature and life in general.
Finally, my thoughts on the most recent literature, Sophie's world. Frankly, I wasn't to excited because I didn't know philosophy, the main subject of the book, that well. But in hopes of learning it more and perhaps going to like it I read and annotated carefully. With the help of other classmates and Mr. Allen, I was able to understand pretty well the views of each philosopher and apply their views on life to today's issues. During the unit, both Darrell and I found that we continued to agree with the views of the philosopher that we were reading. I couldn't figure out why that was until I remembered that in English, there are no "right" answers. As long as one can support his views, opinions, and ideas with evidence, logic, or science, one can claim whatever they believe. Besides the similarities between the philosophers, I found that the reason why we were always agreeing with the philosopher we were reading is because they were able to persuade us to agree with their ideas using logic and science. Overall, There are many lessons that I’ve learned and traits I’ve adopted when it comes to the first semester that I hope I continue to keep in mind and use during both English and the real world.
Through English class, I noticed the importance of an open-mind and having the willingness to learn. In English, the only way to truly reach an in depth analysis of literature is to keep your mind open and persevere for the meaning or importance of a page, chapter, quote, poem, short story, or any type of art or literature. When I started The Kite Runner I found it to be interesting and enjoyed reading it. But, after some class discussions and conversations, I realized some important and analytical details that I missed. I thought I knew there was all to know about the chapter, but by listening and learning from the observations and connections from Mr. Allen and others, I was able to get more meaning out of the book and enjoy it a lot more. This was even truer with King Lear. While reading it I that I knew exactly what Shakespeare meant and thought I identified most of the important quotes and lines. But once again, I was amazed when others had noticed much more like the style of writing and the poetic language used, and after hearing their findings, I felt more accomplished and enlightened. By listening, wanting to learn, and accepting others thoughts I was able to learn that both analysis and collaboration were tools that could be used to find deeper meaning in literature and life in general.
Finally, my thoughts on the most recent literature, Sophie's world. Frankly, I wasn't to excited because I didn't know philosophy, the main subject of the book, that well. But in hopes of learning it more and perhaps going to like it I read and annotated carefully. With the help of other classmates and Mr. Allen, I was able to understand pretty well the views of each philosopher and apply their views on life to today's issues. During the unit, both Darrell and I found that we continued to agree with the views of the philosopher that we were reading. I couldn't figure out why that was until I remembered that in English, there are no "right" answers. As long as one can support his views, opinions, and ideas with evidence, logic, or science, one can claim whatever they believe. Besides the similarities between the philosophers, I found that the reason why we were always agreeing with the philosopher we were reading is because they were able to persuade us to agree with their ideas using logic and science. Overall, There are many lessons that I’ve learned and traits I’ve adopted when it comes to the first semester that I hope I continue to keep in mind and use during both English and the real world.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Blogging Around: iMedia "Disney Princesses Hot Role Models" and Connection "Collaboration in classroom and on the court"
Response to Fatima's post:
Fatima, right back at you, I like your post. Ever since I've watched that video last year, I have been thinking about how, though I never noticed it, Disney was secretly promoting the message of "Thin and big chested = pretty" and "Women need a man to save them from distress". However, like Bill, I don't think that these are the messages that the youth absorb. Personally, I have a lot of Disney movies and loved to watch all of them. When I watched them, I was very entertained and made me happy that there was always a happily ever after. I never, until now, noticed the size of the princess' hips, waist, and chest. All I recognized was that their faces were very pretty.
Also, another thing that I've noticed is that the characters used in disney are all white. Even in Aladdin, with Indian based characters, their skin is abnormally light for Indian skin color. However, I believe Disney has noticed this too and that is why they are making a movie called "The Frog Prince" that's main characters are black.
Fatima, I'm glad you posted about this issue. This is an issue that interests me and reminds me of my childhood. From what I've gotten personally and despite what I see now, the youth doesn't notice these things about the character's body or skin color because of their innocence and lack of knowledge. Great post Fatima
Reponse to Chelsea's post.
Chelsea, I must first start by saying that you are definitely right, teamwork is a concept that is very important in all sports and life in general. However, with your connection of teamwork being in the classroom, you could even go farther and say that one uses teamwork not only in group projects but during the whole school year.
If you think about it, each student in the class room has the common goal of learning the most they can and receiving good grades. In order to maximize your learning experience and accomplish your goals, you need a class that has similar goals and is willing to work together. A class that is interested in learning will learn more because their discussions will be more active, focused, and diverse because of the discussion’s many different participators. A class like that would maximize their learning experience, get better grades as a whole, and enjoy school a lot better than a class that would have only a few participated while some slept and others talked about what they are planning for next weekend.
Teamwork and the aspiration to learn must not only exist in the classroom but outside of it as well. Personally, when there are projects or homework assigned, I call a classmate and verify that due date and my interpretation of the directions. Collaboration between students outside of school is a good thing because it keeps everyone aware of what work they have to do and creates better relationships between classmates. I believe that if a class were able to use teamwork and set up a place where students could check homework and converse regularly, (similar to what we have on Ning) we would obtain better grades and enjoy our school experience much more.
Overall Chelsea, I like the post. Teamwork is not only important in the classroom and on sports teams, but it is important theme in life. The world would truly benefit on so many levels if its citizens would adapt teamwork and make it a priority. Teamwork is the single most important idea, and when performed, it makes the world and life that much better.
Fatima, right back at you, I like your post. Ever since I've watched that video last year, I have been thinking about how, though I never noticed it, Disney was secretly promoting the message of "Thin and big chested = pretty" and "Women need a man to save them from distress". However, like Bill, I don't think that these are the messages that the youth absorb. Personally, I have a lot of Disney movies and loved to watch all of them. When I watched them, I was very entertained and made me happy that there was always a happily ever after. I never, until now, noticed the size of the princess' hips, waist, and chest. All I recognized was that their faces were very pretty.
Also, another thing that I've noticed is that the characters used in disney are all white. Even in Aladdin, with Indian based characters, their skin is abnormally light for Indian skin color. However, I believe Disney has noticed this too and that is why they are making a movie called "The Frog Prince" that's main characters are black.
Fatima, I'm glad you posted about this issue. This is an issue that interests me and reminds me of my childhood. From what I've gotten personally and despite what I see now, the youth doesn't notice these things about the character's body or skin color because of their innocence and lack of knowledge. Great post Fatima
Reponse to Chelsea's post.
Chelsea, I must first start by saying that you are definitely right, teamwork is a concept that is very important in all sports and life in general. However, with your connection of teamwork being in the classroom, you could even go farther and say that one uses teamwork not only in group projects but during the whole school year.
If you think about it, each student in the class room has the common goal of learning the most they can and receiving good grades. In order to maximize your learning experience and accomplish your goals, you need a class that has similar goals and is willing to work together. A class that is interested in learning will learn more because their discussions will be more active, focused, and diverse because of the discussion’s many different participators. A class like that would maximize their learning experience, get better grades as a whole, and enjoy school a lot better than a class that would have only a few participated while some slept and others talked about what they are planning for next weekend.
Teamwork and the aspiration to learn must not only exist in the classroom but outside of it as well. Personally, when there are projects or homework assigned, I call a classmate and verify that due date and my interpretation of the directions. Collaboration between students outside of school is a good thing because it keeps everyone aware of what work they have to do and creates better relationships between classmates. I believe that if a class were able to use teamwork and set up a place where students could check homework and converse regularly, (similar to what we have on Ning) we would obtain better grades and enjoy our school experience much more.
Overall Chelsea, I like the post. Teamwork is not only important in the classroom and on sports teams, but it is important theme in life. The world would truly benefit on so many levels if its citizens would adapt teamwork and make it a priority. Teamwork is the single most important idea, and when performed, it makes the world and life that much better.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
imedia: One-armed basketball player earns scholarship
Bing Video: One-armed basketball player earns scholarship
Having to think of a video that interested me and that I could successfully discuss, my mind, naturally, went back a week to the time when I was sitting in a orthodontist office, reading a sports illustrated. Looking through the various articles, one of them caught my eye. "Kevin Laue gets Manhattan scholarship" reading the title nothing didn't seem too special but after reading the article, I realized that he received a division one scholarship with only one arm. Frankly, I think getting a division I scholarship is already hard enough but with one arm? My mind began to wonder, "How could he shoot?", "Doesn't he have a hard time catching passes?". I was amazed that someone with that much of a physical disability was able to preform with elite basketball players. However, many of my questions of "How could he pull this off?" A lot of these questions were answered by something mentioned in the video and in the article, his work ethic. What an athlete may lack in athleticism or skill, can be made up by the willingness to work hard and always give a hundred percent. For Kevin, he knows that if he wants to accomplish his goals that, because of his physical disability, must constantly be outworking his opponents. It is also important to set goals if you're passionate about something. Kevin, as he explained in the video, has set manageable goals for himself that provides motivation for him and that he strives to achieve. Goals are important in general, not only in sports, because they give you something to work for and when achieved, give you a sense of accomplishment like nothing else.
Perhaps this video could answer another question of mine, why are sports important? What is the point of them, do they really matter? These were some questions that were brought up at a friends house by his mother and at the time, my friend's father and I were unable to give a storng answer. This lead me to think, why does it matter if the Bear's are winning or not? What's the significance of the Cubs winning the World Series. Who cares who wins the NBA playoffs? Actually, why do sports matter at all? After viewing this video I realize the answer, it's about recognizing the accomplishments of the players and athletes that put so much of there time and talent to achieve their goals. When watching sports on TV, we have to remember that those athletes are humans just like us, with wants, needs, dreams, and goals. Sports, though just games, are a place were many inspirational stories materialize and where athletes of many years achieve their goals for something they love doing, and it is important that we recognize this.
Reading this story, I was inspired and happy to see that despite a physical disability, this basketball player was able to achieve so much. It reminds me, and hopefully many others, to always try your best, and never quit when you have a dream. It also sends the message that just because you're disadvantaged, maybe severally or not as severally as Kevin, that it can't stop you from reaching your goals.
Having to think of a video that interested me and that I could successfully discuss, my mind, naturally, went back a week to the time when I was sitting in a orthodontist office, reading a sports illustrated. Looking through the various articles, one of them caught my eye. "Kevin Laue gets Manhattan scholarship" reading the title nothing didn't seem too special but after reading the article, I realized that he received a division one scholarship with only one arm. Frankly, I think getting a division I scholarship is already hard enough but with one arm? My mind began to wonder, "How could he shoot?", "Doesn't he have a hard time catching passes?". I was amazed that someone with that much of a physical disability was able to preform with elite basketball players. However, many of my questions of "How could he pull this off?" A lot of these questions were answered by something mentioned in the video and in the article, his work ethic. What an athlete may lack in athleticism or skill, can be made up by the willingness to work hard and always give a hundred percent. For Kevin, he knows that if he wants to accomplish his goals that, because of his physical disability, must constantly be outworking his opponents. It is also important to set goals if you're passionate about something. Kevin, as he explained in the video, has set manageable goals for himself that provides motivation for him and that he strives to achieve. Goals are important in general, not only in sports, because they give you something to work for and when achieved, give you a sense of accomplishment like nothing else.
Perhaps this video could answer another question of mine, why are sports important? What is the point of them, do they really matter? These were some questions that were brought up at a friends house by his mother and at the time, my friend's father and I were unable to give a storng answer. This lead me to think, why does it matter if the Bear's are winning or not? What's the significance of the Cubs winning the World Series. Who cares who wins the NBA playoffs? Actually, why do sports matter at all? After viewing this video I realize the answer, it's about recognizing the accomplishments of the players and athletes that put so much of there time and talent to achieve their goals. When watching sports on TV, we have to remember that those athletes are humans just like us, with wants, needs, dreams, and goals. Sports, though just games, are a place were many inspirational stories materialize and where athletes of many years achieve their goals for something they love doing, and it is important that we recognize this.
Reading this story, I was inspired and happy to see that despite a physical disability, this basketball player was able to achieve so much. It reminds me, and hopefully many others, to always try your best, and never quit when you have a dream. It also sends the message that just because you're disadvantaged, maybe severally or not as severally as Kevin, that it can't stop you from reaching your goals.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Connection:King Lear Technicolor Dream Coat
After tirelessly thinking of things to connect, I finally thought of something that I continue learn about on a weekly basis through my family, mass, and through my social studies textbook, Christianity. Searching for a story that I could relate to the situation of Edmund, Edgar, and Gloucester, I came across one of my favorite stories which is also a musical, Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat.
In both King Lear and Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, there is a situation where sons are competing for their father’s love. In King Lear, Edmund, the illegitimate son, is jealous of Edgar because he is more loved by his father and is going to receive his property. Because of his jealousy, Edmund devises a plan to eradicate Edgar and leave him to be the sole inheritance of his father’s love and fortune. Though there are 11 jealous brothers instead of one, the situation is nearly identical in Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat. Joseph is the favored son that receives more than his share of his father’s affection and gifts. After receiving a wonderful coat, the brothers jealousy reaches an all time high. They decide, like Edmund did, that life would be better for them if he was eliminated and create a plan to oust Joseph from the family. After the brothers deceive their father and sell their brother off as a slave, they begin to receive the attention that they desired.
After Edgar and Joseph leave their families, they are forced to live their lives as a slave and a beggar. In King Lear, Edgar has to live as a beggar because he is wanted by the kingdom for false accusations. Living as a beggar and disguising his identity, Edgar comes it contact with a powerful and troubled king, King Lear. As a beggar, Edgar helps Lear through his troubles and becomes acquainted with the king. Similarly in Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, Joseph works as a slave for a great yet troubled pharaoh. As a slave, Joseph conducts favors for the pharaoh in the form of interpreting dreams. Pharaoh was grateful for having Joseph that he decided to promote him to governor. Over time, both Joseph and King Lear meet their families by happenstance and are asked a favor from them. With King Lear, Edgar sees Gloucester has lost his eyes and is asked to be his guide to Dover. In Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, the family asks Joseph for grain and food because they are starving. Later both families realize the identities of their brother/son and ask forgiveness from him.
Understanding this connection is important because it helps be realize the relation and pattern of event that have taken place within Edgar’s family. Seeing this connection, one might think that Shakespeare himself was a devout Christian (which I doubt). These stories, characters, and character relations are truly more alike than different. Overall, I believe that these stories have identical characters and follow a pattern of events that make both an interesting literature piece and bible story.
In both King Lear and Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, there is a situation where sons are competing for their father’s love. In King Lear, Edmund, the illegitimate son, is jealous of Edgar because he is more loved by his father and is going to receive his property. Because of his jealousy, Edmund devises a plan to eradicate Edgar and leave him to be the sole inheritance of his father’s love and fortune. Though there are 11 jealous brothers instead of one, the situation is nearly identical in Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat. Joseph is the favored son that receives more than his share of his father’s affection and gifts. After receiving a wonderful coat, the brothers jealousy reaches an all time high. They decide, like Edmund did, that life would be better for them if he was eliminated and create a plan to oust Joseph from the family. After the brothers deceive their father and sell their brother off as a slave, they begin to receive the attention that they desired.
After Edgar and Joseph leave their families, they are forced to live their lives as a slave and a beggar. In King Lear, Edgar has to live as a beggar because he is wanted by the kingdom for false accusations. Living as a beggar and disguising his identity, Edgar comes it contact with a powerful and troubled king, King Lear. As a beggar, Edgar helps Lear through his troubles and becomes acquainted with the king. Similarly in Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, Joseph works as a slave for a great yet troubled pharaoh. As a slave, Joseph conducts favors for the pharaoh in the form of interpreting dreams. Pharaoh was grateful for having Joseph that he decided to promote him to governor. Over time, both Joseph and King Lear meet their families by happenstance and are asked a favor from them. With King Lear, Edgar sees Gloucester has lost his eyes and is asked to be his guide to Dover. In Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, the family asks Joseph for grain and food because they are starving. Later both families realize the identities of their brother/son and ask forgiveness from him.
Understanding this connection is important because it helps be realize the relation and pattern of event that have taken place within Edgar’s family. Seeing this connection, one might think that Shakespeare himself was a devout Christian (which I doubt). These stories, characters, and character relations are truly more alike than different. Overall, I believe that these stories have identical characters and follow a pattern of events that make both an interesting literature piece and bible story.
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