The last lecture class we started with discussing East Asia ( China, Japan, Hong Kong, Macca, Tawian, North and South Korea and Mongolia
- We touched on how tradition, honor and identity is very important and must be followed.
We discussed communism in China
- On October 1st 1949, Mao's Tianane Square Proclamation: Improvements in standards of living
The cost of the proclamation:
- Mao's policies are blamed by critics for causing severe damage in the collective society, economy and foreign relations of China.
The next part of Asia we discussed was South Asia ( India and its neighbors)
- There are a total of 23 different languages spoken
We spent some time talking about their solution to poverty
-Micro credits:Is a small loan for individuals so they can start a business.
I learned some new facts about various places:
-The Islamic Republic of Pakistan is declared a nuclear weapons state
- The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan is in a perpetual war since 1978
- The Republic of Maldives is an archipelago is 1,192 islets
-The Republic of Maldives is also the smallest predominately Muslim nation in the world
-Nepal has eight of the ten highest mountain peaks
-Bhutan is one of the most isolated in the world
-Bhutan is the only country to measure happiness ( Gross national happiness)
The last part of Asia we discussed was South Asia
We spoke about industrialization
-poor working conditions
- Export Processing Zones (EPZ's)
I think the EPZ zones are an interesting concept but the American people are so used to getting things right away I don't think the idea would work here.
I learned new facts about different areas in South Asia:
- Thailand: avoided colonization
- The Philippines was in US possession from 1898-1946
- The Philippines is 81% Catholic
-East Timor officially a country in 2002
-Singapore is one of the wealthiest countries on earth
-Singapore has very strict rules and strict banking guidelines
Sunday, April 19, 2015
Class started with discussing the key to an empire:
- When the empire is strong, expansion exists and independence is uncommon
- When the empire appears weak, the colonies begin to exert themselves
The next topic was the stages of the British Empire
- The first British Empire lasted from 1583-1777: The Americas, Asia and India
- The second British Empire lasted from 1783-1815: Loss of the 13 colonies, compromise to keep Canada
We then spoke about Geopolitics and I learned its definitions:
1: A study of the influence of such factors as geography, economics and denography on the policies and especially the foreign policy of the state.
2: A government policy guided by geography
3: A combination of political and geographic factors relating to something ( as a state or particular resource)
The last topic we spoke about was balkanization which I learned is the process of a state tearing apart along ethnic lines.
The second half of class was picture identification of 45 different places in the world.
- When the empire is strong, expansion exists and independence is uncommon
- When the empire appears weak, the colonies begin to exert themselves
The next topic was the stages of the British Empire
- The first British Empire lasted from 1583-1777: The Americas, Asia and India
- The second British Empire lasted from 1783-1815: Loss of the 13 colonies, compromise to keep Canada
We then spoke about Geopolitics and I learned its definitions:
1: A study of the influence of such factors as geography, economics and denography on the policies and especially the foreign policy of the state.
2: A government policy guided by geography
3: A combination of political and geographic factors relating to something ( as a state or particular resource)
The last topic we spoke about was balkanization which I learned is the process of a state tearing apart along ethnic lines.
The second half of class was picture identification of 45 different places in the world.
During this class we briefly spoke about the Munich massacre
- Occurred during the 1972 Olympic games in Munich West Germany
- 11 Israeli athletes were killed
-5 of 8 Black September were killed
- The incident increased global sympathy and awareness of problems facing Israel
I didn't realize the specific reasons why the U.S. sides with Israel but I learned why :
- Democrats: Give into Israeli Lobbyists- Israeli Zionists Lobbyists target democrats
- Republicans: Give into Evangelicals: Evangelicals believe that the jews will gather in Israel before the second coming.
- As a result Israel became practically unaccountable
We touched on Iran today some things I already knew and some things were new to me:
- Iran is dedicated to " wipe Israel off the map"
- Nuclear ambitions: Russia aide to help with nuclear electricity
- Iranian leadership: Present leader vs. Religious Law Leader- nobody is above the dyatollah
- Un inspected kicked out of Iran: attempting to learn how advanced the nuclear programs were
We spoke about Iran's Human Rights Violations I was surprised at how bad things are
-I had no idea how many things are punishable by death in Iran some such as rape and murder make sense. However, gay activity, challenging Islam, leading protests and converting to Christianity.
- Iran historically ranks highest on Human Rights Violations
Following the short discussion questions were asked:
- Are we right to try to change their ways?
For me personally its a difficult question to answer because yes we should try to aid the Iranian's to have human rights however it is always tricky business to tell another country they should change the way they do things.
- Hangings Inhuman?
To me yes hangings are inhuman but being raised in America hangings are not the norm. The Iranian's are more accustom to gory things. An example of this is on April 16th at least 43 prisoners were executed in a three day period.
- Occurred during the 1972 Olympic games in Munich West Germany
- 11 Israeli athletes were killed
-5 of 8 Black September were killed
- The incident increased global sympathy and awareness of problems facing Israel
I didn't realize the specific reasons why the U.S. sides with Israel but I learned why :
- Democrats: Give into Israeli Lobbyists- Israeli Zionists Lobbyists target democrats
- Republicans: Give into Evangelicals: Evangelicals believe that the jews will gather in Israel before the second coming.
- As a result Israel became practically unaccountable
We touched on Iran today some things I already knew and some things were new to me:
- Iran is dedicated to " wipe Israel off the map"
- Nuclear ambitions: Russia aide to help with nuclear electricity
- Iranian leadership: Present leader vs. Religious Law Leader- nobody is above the dyatollah
- Un inspected kicked out of Iran: attempting to learn how advanced the nuclear programs were
We spoke about Iran's Human Rights Violations I was surprised at how bad things are
-I had no idea how many things are punishable by death in Iran some such as rape and murder make sense. However, gay activity, challenging Islam, leading protests and converting to Christianity.
- Iran historically ranks highest on Human Rights Violations
Following the short discussion questions were asked:
- Are we right to try to change their ways?
For me personally its a difficult question to answer because yes we should try to aid the Iranian's to have human rights however it is always tricky business to tell another country they should change the way they do things.
- Hangings Inhuman?
To me yes hangings are inhuman but being raised in America hangings are not the norm. The Iranian's are more accustom to gory things. An example of this is on April 16th at least 43 prisoners were executed in a three day period.
Class starting with talking about environmental issues in Africa:
-desertification
-deforestation
-water ( sacristy)
-wildlife depletion
This lead to a discussion about diamonds
-4-15% of diamonds are conflict diamonds
-diamonds have financed at last three wars
next we spoke specifically about blood diamonds and touched on the De Beers Family
- I had no idea how diamonds being mined affected the surrounding area so much.
TheKimberley process if mining : flooding the mines to loosen up the diamonds. This is a repetitive process and it takes a huge told on the surrounding land.
Following this we spoke about the Middle East and why they hate us:
According to the book The Economist that was published in October 2001 the Middle East hates us because:
1: loss of family: We abandon family
2: materialism: Obsessed with getting more
3: Drug (legal ones) / Alcoholism: kids can't be kids
4: Degradation of traditional women: just wanting to have kids and stay at home
The professor proceeded to state that: kids cant be kids they need to act like college students and kids need Ritalin.
-I have ADD and have several friends who either have ADD or ADHD. To me personally I feel that the statement is incorrect and is saying that parents are choosing to "drug" their children. While their is the one in a million case (where a parent may know someone whos child was given Concerta or Ritalin and all of the sudden their child is calmer... and they think hmmm my kids really hyper lets try this out) the average population doesn't think like that.
-desertification
-deforestation
-water ( sacristy)
-wildlife depletion
This lead to a discussion about diamonds
-4-15% of diamonds are conflict diamonds
-diamonds have financed at last three wars
next we spoke specifically about blood diamonds and touched on the De Beers Family
- I had no idea how diamonds being mined affected the surrounding area so much.
TheKimberley process if mining : flooding the mines to loosen up the diamonds. This is a repetitive process and it takes a huge told on the surrounding land.
Following this we spoke about the Middle East and why they hate us:
According to the book The Economist that was published in October 2001 the Middle East hates us because:
1: loss of family: We abandon family
2: materialism: Obsessed with getting more
3: Drug (legal ones) / Alcoholism: kids can't be kids
4: Degradation of traditional women: just wanting to have kids and stay at home
The professor proceeded to state that: kids cant be kids they need to act like college students and kids need Ritalin.
-I have ADD and have several friends who either have ADD or ADHD. To me personally I feel that the statement is incorrect and is saying that parents are choosing to "drug" their children. While their is the one in a million case (where a parent may know someone whos child was given Concerta or Ritalin and all of the sudden their child is calmer... and they think hmmm my kids really hyper lets try this out) the average population doesn't think like that.
In class we discussed Peronism( Argentinian party)
It is a strong authoritarian centralized government with strict control of freedom of possible threats (imports). Freedom from foreign influences. An approach to economics which is neither socialist nor capitalist, but incorporates elements of both. It is the combination of nationalism and social democracy think of Don't Cry for Me Argentina.
We spoke about major physical geographic features in middle and south america
- Andes mountains: activity is still growing
- Atacama desert: driest place on earth and is located on the tropic of cancer
I learned that there are four factors to form a desert:
1: rain shadow: losses moisture on one side
2: hadley cell: 23 degrees north and south- constant descending air
3: a cold off shore current
4: Continental effects
I also learned what a primate city is:
A primate city: dominates a country culturally, financially ( economically) and politically. It is the largest and most politically and economically important city in a country.
The United States does not have a primate city because the United States financial and cultural centers are widely spread out across the country in cities such as new York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago and whose political center is located in Washington D.C.
It is a strong authoritarian centralized government with strict control of freedom of possible threats (imports). Freedom from foreign influences. An approach to economics which is neither socialist nor capitalist, but incorporates elements of both. It is the combination of nationalism and social democracy think of Don't Cry for Me Argentina.
We spoke about major physical geographic features in middle and south america
- Andes mountains: activity is still growing
- Atacama desert: driest place on earth and is located on the tropic of cancer
I learned that there are four factors to form a desert:
1: rain shadow: losses moisture on one side
2: hadley cell: 23 degrees north and south- constant descending air
3: a cold off shore current
4: Continental effects
I also learned what a primate city is:
A primate city: dominates a country culturally, financially ( economically) and politically. It is the largest and most politically and economically important city in a country.
The United States does not have a primate city because the United States financial and cultural centers are widely spread out across the country in cities such as new York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago and whose political center is located in Washington D.C.
During the class period we discussed global hegemonic theory . The hegemony is morally obligated two structure and influence the other countries of the earth, therefore advancing humanity. Last hegemony was the UK, but WWII ended their reign Marshall Plan handed the reigns over to the U.S.
-Do you buy into this theory?
I do believe that a global hegemony helps to have world peace but i don't think that a global hegemony is the only factor in having/maintaining global peace. I also do feel that not having a global hegemony can cause global chaos.
- Is there chaos in the world right now and does the chaos exist because the U.S isn't accepting its responsibility?
Yes there is chaos in the world however I personally do not think the chaos is a result of the U.S not accepting responsibility. I think that the U.S. is accepting responsibility but the U.S can't police the entire world.At some point other countries need to be able to defend and help themselves. Every time that we try to start a war it affects the GDP of our county and we are creating enemies.
We also discussed gender
-It was mentioned that women not continuing their education past high school are looked at as being lazy and only want to concern themselves with family.
I feel that this statement isn't fair.I personally feel that there isn't anything wrong with a women being a stay at home mother. I have several girlfriends that are stay ay home mothers to be there for their young children and they go back to school once their children are at lest a year old. A women should't be looked down on because she wants to spend time with their child.
In regards to women in politices
- It was said that it is women's fault they don't get elected they should pursue majors in masculine paths.
To a point that may be correct, however according to that statement women are limited to career paths in only the math and sciences. why is it that men can do pursue a career in whatever they feel like and woman are limited to math and sciences?
-Do you buy into this theory?
I do believe that a global hegemony helps to have world peace but i don't think that a global hegemony is the only factor in having/maintaining global peace. I also do feel that not having a global hegemony can cause global chaos.
- Is there chaos in the world right now and does the chaos exist because the U.S isn't accepting its responsibility?
Yes there is chaos in the world however I personally do not think the chaos is a result of the U.S not accepting responsibility. I think that the U.S. is accepting responsibility but the U.S can't police the entire world.At some point other countries need to be able to defend and help themselves. Every time that we try to start a war it affects the GDP of our county and we are creating enemies.
We also discussed gender
-It was mentioned that women not continuing their education past high school are looked at as being lazy and only want to concern themselves with family.
I feel that this statement isn't fair.I personally feel that there isn't anything wrong with a women being a stay at home mother. I have several girlfriends that are stay ay home mothers to be there for their young children and they go back to school once their children are at lest a year old. A women should't be looked down on because she wants to spend time with their child.
In regards to women in politices
- It was said that it is women's fault they don't get elected they should pursue majors in masculine paths.
To a point that may be correct, however according to that statement women are limited to career paths in only the math and sciences. why is it that men can do pursue a career in whatever they feel like and woman are limited to math and sciences?
Thursday, April 16, 2015
During this calls we discussed Neo- Colonialism and how First World Countries influence others and Third World Countries are being influenced.
We then spoke about Political/ Cultural Factors such as Lingua franca or the language of success.
It was mentioned that speaking only Spanish someone living here could only have a comfortable life unless in Miami. I disagree with that statement.
If (here) refers specifically to Orlando where class is held then absolutely a person speaking Spanish could succeed. Their is a high amount of Latino/s in the Orlando area. If ( here) is referring to Florida then it would depend on where the individual lives. High Schools requires 2 years of a foreign language to graduate and so do Collages. Therefor a lot more persons are educating themselves in another language. Most of the people I know chose to take Spanish in both High School and Collage for their language requirement.
Class ended with discussing Global Hegemony.
1) When there is one strong country that exists and exerts its self you have world peace.
2) When that one country doesn't exist or isn't strong you have chaos.
Currently the Global Hegemony is the United States. Being the Global Hegemony has responsibilities such as, balancing out world wide currency(the Dollar verses the Euro and therefore creates a competitive market for the Europeans and Americans). The US also provides aid to countries who are stricken by wars, poverty, economic hardships, refuges, disease, natural disasters ( hurricanes, typhoons, earthquakes).
Currently we are aided Yemen with food because they are being bombed by Saudi Aruba and the Iraqis have requested 200 million dollars to restructure their country due to their fighting with ISIS.
We then spoke about Political/ Cultural Factors such as Lingua franca or the language of success.
It was mentioned that speaking only Spanish someone living here could only have a comfortable life unless in Miami. I disagree with that statement.
If (here) refers specifically to Orlando where class is held then absolutely a person speaking Spanish could succeed. Their is a high amount of Latino/s in the Orlando area. If ( here) is referring to Florida then it would depend on where the individual lives. High Schools requires 2 years of a foreign language to graduate and so do Collages. Therefor a lot more persons are educating themselves in another language. Most of the people I know chose to take Spanish in both High School and Collage for their language requirement.
Class ended with discussing Global Hegemony.
1) When there is one strong country that exists and exerts its self you have world peace.
2) When that one country doesn't exist or isn't strong you have chaos.
Currently the Global Hegemony is the United States. Being the Global Hegemony has responsibilities such as, balancing out world wide currency(the Dollar verses the Euro and therefore creates a competitive market for the Europeans and Americans). The US also provides aid to countries who are stricken by wars, poverty, economic hardships, refuges, disease, natural disasters ( hurricanes, typhoons, earthquakes).
Currently we are aided Yemen with food because they are being bombed by Saudi Aruba and the Iraqis have requested 200 million dollars to restructure their country due to their fighting with ISIS.
The class started off with a definition of Marxism: A person is a person and humanity puts artificial labels ( such as race and ethnicity) to label themselves.
Some questions were posed to start a conversation about Religion. The questions were:
- To you what is the role of religion in your life?
For me personally Religion provides comfort, gives me strength to get through the tough times but most importantly Religion is my moral compass.
-Do you need Religion in your life? Why?
As stated in the previous question for me Religion is needed in my life. I may not be the typical Christian who goes to Church every Sunday but I read my scripture, and say my prayers. I need Religion in my life because it makes be happy, it relieves anxiety and helps guide me when making difficult decisions.
- What does having a religious ( faith based) system in your life do for you?
For me having a faith based system in my life provides me with a moral compass.
- Does Religion hinder or control rational thought?
Religion can hinder rational thought if the person in question allows it to. It is all up to the individual person. As expected someone is going to feel more comfortable and safe around someone or a group of people with the same beliefs as they do. What is all comes down to is if the person will have their own separate ideals. thoughts from those taught or practice in their religion.
-Are you more likely to support/trust someone ( or someplace) that has people with the same beliefs as you do?
If this question is posed to a random person then the answer is the same as above. However if the "you" in the question is meant for me specifically then, no and I don't know. I would't necessarily support someone just because they have the same beliefs as I do.Anyone can twist their beliefs to do bad things. This is an extreme example but I would't do murder someone just because a group or individual who has the same beliefs as I do told me to. As far a trust that's touchy because someone can have the same beliefs as I do then bend them to their will therefore justifying doing a horrible thing because according to their thought process the bases of what they did was their Religion.
During the class discussion someone mentioned that they thought atheists are immoral.
I take issue with that, that is a rather close minded idea. Based on that thought people are moral if they have Religion and immoral if they don't there is no in-between. I have atheist friends, highly Religious friends and those who are like me and read their scripture and say their prayers. For me personally I don't see any difference in their morals.
Some questions were posed to start a conversation about Religion. The questions were:
- To you what is the role of religion in your life?
For me personally Religion provides comfort, gives me strength to get through the tough times but most importantly Religion is my moral compass.
-Do you need Religion in your life? Why?
As stated in the previous question for me Religion is needed in my life. I may not be the typical Christian who goes to Church every Sunday but I read my scripture, and say my prayers. I need Religion in my life because it makes be happy, it relieves anxiety and helps guide me when making difficult decisions.
- What does having a religious ( faith based) system in your life do for you?
For me having a faith based system in my life provides me with a moral compass.
- Does Religion hinder or control rational thought?
Religion can hinder rational thought if the person in question allows it to. It is all up to the individual person. As expected someone is going to feel more comfortable and safe around someone or a group of people with the same beliefs as they do. What is all comes down to is if the person will have their own separate ideals. thoughts from those taught or practice in their religion.
-Are you more likely to support/trust someone ( or someplace) that has people with the same beliefs as you do?
If this question is posed to a random person then the answer is the same as above. However if the "you" in the question is meant for me specifically then, no and I don't know. I would't necessarily support someone just because they have the same beliefs as I do.Anyone can twist their beliefs to do bad things. This is an extreme example but I would't do murder someone just because a group or individual who has the same beliefs as I do told me to. As far a trust that's touchy because someone can have the same beliefs as I do then bend them to their will therefore justifying doing a horrible thing because according to their thought process the bases of what they did was their Religion.
During the class discussion someone mentioned that they thought atheists are immoral.
I take issue with that, that is a rather close minded idea. Based on that thought people are moral if they have Religion and immoral if they don't there is no in-between. I have atheist friends, highly Religious friends and those who are like me and read their scripture and say their prayers. For me personally I don't see any difference in their morals.
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