Even at the beginning of age and human kind we always had a impact upon the environment. Though back in the days before all the big factories, industrializations or transportation the impact was less. Human kind learned how to outsource natural resources and turn them into energy that was used every day. We created pollution and harmed our mother earth. Over the past hundred years we build big factories and energy feed them coal in order to produce and work. The coal was burned and gone into our atmosphere. We cut down massive amount of preserved forest that would actually help us to even out the dirt we send in the atmosphere with clean air produced by trees. But instead we burn the trees for agriculture or use it as energy or building things like houses that then need again energy.
Humans created a evil cycle that in the 20th century we are not able to recover from. Because the ozone layer is already damaged. The ozone-layer is the part that is between earth and sun and protects us to stay cool and maintain a temperature so living things on earth and even earth can exist. But because we like to burn coal, oil and other fuels that we receive from the earth and through pollution we created a whole in the ozone layer that leads to global warming and melting of the poles and weather abnormalities in the whole world. But around the 1990 people to started to make the civilization aware that we are in desperate needs of a change. But this awareness is not find for everyone with appreciation. That would and will mean for many big cooperation and companies to become more environmentally friendly and rethink their action upon how to produce or recreate or construct their products new.
Car companies are a big example. We have the knowledge and technology to produce a electric driven car but those cars are extremely expensive to make and to buy. The company offers you a luxury that ranges from 64.000$ to 88.000$ which is very expensive for a normal middle class person. Their website gives a overview upon where you can get your energy from. And if we take a closer look the energy is received from 44% of coal production in the US as well as 20% of nuclear production and 23% natural gas. For me this is not the ultimate resolution you still enable american to get their energy from resources that harm the earth. The production of Wind/ solar and biomass energy is very small and we need to find a greater demand on that. If we can receive more people on board with wind energy which I think is the most efficient we can sleep with a calmer satisfaction that we are doing something good. Solar energy would require getting rid of land and losing on trees and agriculture, biomass would create pollution and wind will be always there and deserves more demand from the people.
Sunday, April 21, 2013
feminist movement in the arab spring.
What is the arab Spring? It is known as a wave of demonstrations, protest and a civil war and started with a man who was selling food on the street and was kicked off because he had no permit. And he made a history in december 2010 in Tunisia when he demonstrated and set himself in fire in front of people and the government because no one wanted to listen to his problem. Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, yemen, Syria and many more countries have been influenced and agreed that they all have the same problem. The employment rate is low and almost no one has money. The government want nothing to do with the civil people and never ask or question about their living situation. So people are on the streets protesting for better polices and laws to create a better living situation but are not heard by the people of the parliament. Most of the protist are met with violent resistance and people will die or get injured. They are putting their life in risk in order to change the place the live in. Most of the people that have control over the countries is led under a dictatorship and one of the many protest in Tunisia led to a fall of the regime, so that Zin el- Abidine Ben Ali dictator had to flea and give up his ruling over the country.
Many of the protest are followed by the news papers and national news and even facebook has a big input by keeping us updated with the following of this fighting for civil and human rights.
Even woman have been involved and some have started writing a new constitution and been elected into the national constitution assembly. Woman in this country are very well educated and have passion for literature. In those countries woman were always behind in terms of leadership and opportunities in politics and business. So nowadays woman are accepted and appreciated and have even a stronger and more ambitious will to create a better future for other female generations. But there is still much more work to do in many countries and it has been still not accepted everywhere.
Many of the protest are followed by the news papers and national news and even facebook has a big input by keeping us updated with the following of this fighting for civil and human rights.
Even woman have been involved and some have started writing a new constitution and been elected into the national constitution assembly. Woman in this country are very well educated and have passion for literature. In those countries woman were always behind in terms of leadership and opportunities in politics and business. So nowadays woman are accepted and appreciated and have even a stronger and more ambitious will to create a better future for other female generations. But there is still much more work to do in many countries and it has been still not accepted everywhere.
week thirteen economic globalization
Chapter 24 talks about the Accelerating Global interaction and goes into detail about the transformation of the world economic system since 1945.
It also mentions the issues of the re-globalization, the resistance and the feminism movement in america and around the globe. The view of america and underdeveloped countries and how they separate and differ from each other. In this chapter we focused on criminals that would like to be the top leading regime in the world and people that believe or don't believe in the system their country has. The movements are radical and violent and change the perspective on how a country should be lead.
But I will explain all those things more in detail.
Economic globalization can be defined as a of increasing economic integration of two countries. It can be viewed as a positive or negative movement. This movement started with the transatlantic trade market and has been increasingly around for the last 20-30 years. The increase has been stronger since richer countries cooperated with underdeveloped countries.
So what this overall means that for example america will trade and produce in Korea or taiwan. A lot of times those countries have no labor union and no controlled set of rules which means there is no safety, minimum wage or a set of laws and protection for the workers. Children will be employed and work to make money for their family and they are poorly paid. So this way the production will be cheaper and more efficient for the american companies to produce. And that is why products for example forever 21 or H&M are more affordable than a department store or company that produces in america. Though this would be better for our economy and benefit the american system. Those underdeveloped countries don't become richer even they produce because the designers keep all the money and taiwan only keeps a small part. So those countries will never grow and just produce ad build more factories for the american producer.
Sadly so ... and changing you shopping habits will make a small change. Shop at local stores, exchange clothes with your friends or shop at thrift stores.
Make a change.
It also mentions the issues of the re-globalization, the resistance and the feminism movement in america and around the globe. The view of america and underdeveloped countries and how they separate and differ from each other. In this chapter we focused on criminals that would like to be the top leading regime in the world and people that believe or don't believe in the system their country has. The movements are radical and violent and change the perspective on how a country should be lead.
But I will explain all those things more in detail.
Economic globalization can be defined as a of increasing economic integration of two countries. It can be viewed as a positive or negative movement. This movement started with the transatlantic trade market and has been increasingly around for the last 20-30 years. The increase has been stronger since richer countries cooperated with underdeveloped countries.
So what this overall means that for example america will trade and produce in Korea or taiwan. A lot of times those countries have no labor union and no controlled set of rules which means there is no safety, minimum wage or a set of laws and protection for the workers. Children will be employed and work to make money for their family and they are poorly paid. So this way the production will be cheaper and more efficient for the american companies to produce. And that is why products for example forever 21 or H&M are more affordable than a department store or company that produces in america. Though this would be better for our economy and benefit the american system. Those underdeveloped countries don't become richer even they produce because the designers keep all the money and taiwan only keeps a small part. So those countries will never grow and just produce ad build more factories for the american producer.
Sadly so ... and changing you shopping habits will make a small change. Shop at local stores, exchange clothes with your friends or shop at thrift stores.
Make a change.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Putin's Challenge: The Circassians and the Winter Olympics April 8, 2013
The article we talked about discusses the controversial leadership of Russia's President Fladimir Putin.
He announced that the Olympic winter-games 2014 are going to be held in Russia. More in detail they are going to be held in Sochi which is a Resort city on the Black Sea but also a burial place for over 1.5 million Circassians. The story of the Circassians is a long one and this cultural has been extinguished by the Russian's in the late 18th century. This act is now known as a modern day genocide.
Who were the Circassians?
Circassians have been around ever since we created empires and they once membered a quarter million of people. This tribe was a world known society and made themselves a name as the world best warriors. They have been recognized as ancient heritage by the Greeks and ironically competed against them in the original olympic games. The stories of ancient gods and mythology has been written around them and resemble those of the Greeks. The different tribes of the Circassians are known for their hostility, respect for elders and liberty. Those excellent warriors had a strong mindset and right values to fight and win against most of the early empires. For example the fought against the Huns and Mongols and made themselves a name. They were very proud of their Muslim history and were the elite of the warrior cast. In the 13th century they played important roles in Egypt and even had a key role in developing architectural and cultural development.
In the 18th century Russia wanted to gain complete control over the Circassians but had to fight with the resistance from the great warriors. But over many decades Russia killed about 1.5 million of their kind and deported another 1 million. On their travel into new countries many died on sinking ships, committed suicide or died because of hard labor. Some of the circassians are still alive but don't admit they are part of them in fear of being killed. Till this moment circassians are still deprived from traveling free in Russia and are only permitted to be in three different cities of Russia.
The 150 anniversary will be during the winter-games and the least things that Putin can do is honor and apologize to the genocide. Now is the time to make a change in world leading authorities and become more human and respect everyones right in process to move on from such a brutal historic scenario.
He announced that the Olympic winter-games 2014 are going to be held in Russia. More in detail they are going to be held in Sochi which is a Resort city on the Black Sea but also a burial place for over 1.5 million Circassians. The story of the Circassians is a long one and this cultural has been extinguished by the Russian's in the late 18th century. This act is now known as a modern day genocide.
Who were the Circassians?
Circassians have been around ever since we created empires and they once membered a quarter million of people. This tribe was a world known society and made themselves a name as the world best warriors. They have been recognized as ancient heritage by the Greeks and ironically competed against them in the original olympic games. The stories of ancient gods and mythology has been written around them and resemble those of the Greeks. The different tribes of the Circassians are known for their hostility, respect for elders and liberty. Those excellent warriors had a strong mindset and right values to fight and win against most of the early empires. For example the fought against the Huns and Mongols and made themselves a name. They were very proud of their Muslim history and were the elite of the warrior cast. In the 13th century they played important roles in Egypt and even had a key role in developing architectural and cultural development.
In the 18th century Russia wanted to gain complete control over the Circassians but had to fight with the resistance from the great warriors. But over many decades Russia killed about 1.5 million of their kind and deported another 1 million. On their travel into new countries many died on sinking ships, committed suicide or died because of hard labor. Some of the circassians are still alive but don't admit they are part of them in fear of being killed. Till this moment circassians are still deprived from traveling free in Russia and are only permitted to be in three different cities of Russia.
The 150 anniversary will be during the winter-games and the least things that Putin can do is honor and apologize to the genocide. Now is the time to make a change in world leading authorities and become more human and respect everyones right in process to move on from such a brutal historic scenario.
Monday, April 8, 2013
week ten March 18 - march 22, 2013
Chapter 20
The Identity and cultural change in the colonial Era is basically the experience of racism. The exposure to european and its social economic upheaval contributed to the change within asian and african societies. People of those origins thought different of their community, cultural identities and the believe system in people changed as well.
Many missionaries came to help and created schools. Africa became influenced big time by the european colonialism. Kids would learn how to write and read and gained knowledge about many different topics and even had the chance of graduating and getting a degree or carries. People would dress like europeans and started to look like them. All those changes could mean an escape from a hopeless future and become something or someone else.
In this weeks lecture we also discussed the catholic social teachings in action of living justice. We looked in detail at the topics of dignity of every person and human rights and the property ownership in modern society and the rights and responsibility that comes with it.
The catholic teachings are the historical development of the Church's social teachings that are in the form of scriptural and theological sources. Those are catholic principles and set of rules how a catholic person and people in general should address ethical and moral questions that effect our society and our ecosystem.
Every culture or religion affirms some sort of dignity and values the human life. The key of human life is all humans are made in the image and likeness of God. We can see evidence as it appears in the story of creation and humans reflect the image of God in their praying and physical bodies and because we are all close to God we all deserve the same respect and way to be treated equal. We should not make a difference in people even if they committed crimes because you never know the situation or stimulations they had. People are able to change and are part of God. Threats to human dignity also known and it includes abortion, euthanasia and capital punishment. It is also mentioned that we are all part and family of God and because of that we all deserve that our needs are met and people of faith should speak up if they experience injustice or witness it. Some people enjoy vast holdings of wealth and resources while others suffer starvation and just try to survive. In this part it also addressed the problem of the division into different social classes because of wealth. Human rights can consider the entire web of a relationship that people can create and connects one with each other. The natural environment, government and local communities all work with each other and it wouldn't work if one was missing.
On the other hand property and ownership in modern society is a controversial topic as well. Common good and the advantages of individual ownership of property can go hand in hand and vast establish into conflicts between different parties. It is an argument if you really need a 8 million dollar mention or can be the same happy living in a 500.000 dollar house. The necessary goods ini life should be available for everyone and all the human communities. No one should be privileged. But that would be not fair to people that work hard, in-heritage things and other people that are lazy.
But if you have those "necessaries" it shouldn't give the absolute and unconditional right for people. No one is justified in keeping his or her exclusive use what he or she does not need, when others lack necessities. Some people are even hoarding wealth and when we talk of that, we mean they own a great deal of property or land and are not using it correctly or efficient to satisfy the community and should be dishonored of this possession. This way it can be used for better use and help many people that are affected from starvation.
Overall both those topics make a it clear in the catholic teachings, no matter how poor or wealthy you are don't picture yourself as less or more instead we are all equal and deserve the same treatment and measurements in our community. One hand washes another and giving back if you have more is essential to not lose the connection to your neighbors.
The Identity and cultural change in the colonial Era is basically the experience of racism. The exposure to european and its social economic upheaval contributed to the change within asian and african societies. People of those origins thought different of their community, cultural identities and the believe system in people changed as well.
Many missionaries came to help and created schools. Africa became influenced big time by the european colonialism. Kids would learn how to write and read and gained knowledge about many different topics and even had the chance of graduating and getting a degree or carries. People would dress like europeans and started to look like them. All those changes could mean an escape from a hopeless future and become something or someone else.
In this weeks lecture we also discussed the catholic social teachings in action of living justice. We looked in detail at the topics of dignity of every person and human rights and the property ownership in modern society and the rights and responsibility that comes with it.
The catholic teachings are the historical development of the Church's social teachings that are in the form of scriptural and theological sources. Those are catholic principles and set of rules how a catholic person and people in general should address ethical and moral questions that effect our society and our ecosystem.
Every culture or religion affirms some sort of dignity and values the human life. The key of human life is all humans are made in the image and likeness of God. We can see evidence as it appears in the story of creation and humans reflect the image of God in their praying and physical bodies and because we are all close to God we all deserve the same respect and way to be treated equal. We should not make a difference in people even if they committed crimes because you never know the situation or stimulations they had. People are able to change and are part of God. Threats to human dignity also known and it includes abortion, euthanasia and capital punishment. It is also mentioned that we are all part and family of God and because of that we all deserve that our needs are met and people of faith should speak up if they experience injustice or witness it. Some people enjoy vast holdings of wealth and resources while others suffer starvation and just try to survive. In this part it also addressed the problem of the division into different social classes because of wealth. Human rights can consider the entire web of a relationship that people can create and connects one with each other. The natural environment, government and local communities all work with each other and it wouldn't work if one was missing.
On the other hand property and ownership in modern society is a controversial topic as well. Common good and the advantages of individual ownership of property can go hand in hand and vast establish into conflicts between different parties. It is an argument if you really need a 8 million dollar mention or can be the same happy living in a 500.000 dollar house. The necessary goods ini life should be available for everyone and all the human communities. No one should be privileged. But that would be not fair to people that work hard, in-heritage things and other people that are lazy.
But if you have those "necessaries" it shouldn't give the absolute and unconditional right for people. No one is justified in keeping his or her exclusive use what he or she does not need, when others lack necessities. Some people are even hoarding wealth and when we talk of that, we mean they own a great deal of property or land and are not using it correctly or efficient to satisfy the community and should be dishonored of this possession. This way it can be used for better use and help many people that are affected from starvation.
Overall both those topics make a it clear in the catholic teachings, no matter how poor or wealthy you are don't picture yourself as less or more instead we are all equal and deserve the same treatment and measurements in our community. One hand washes another and giving back if you have more is essential to not lose the connection to your neighbors.
Sunday, April 7, 2013
week nine march 11- march 15.
March 14 we had a guest speaker at our school. I wasn't able to attend but very moved to hear her talk from the life recording. Dolores Huerta was the cofounder of the Farm-workers Union. She worked on this Union hand in hand with Cesar Chavez. Both of them protested, striker and spoke for the voice of immigrant farmers, that had no law and rules and for what they were doing. Like back than in the first days of the industrialization. The protest were all based on non- violence and social justice for all to create a better future for those people that bring our food in the super markets and on the table was what Huerta and Chavez wanted to accomplish. And it is because of them that we have requirements and sanitary conditions, an organized way how farmers have to be treated by employes.
Second wave of european colonialism.
Colonialism played a big change for farmers all over the world, Asia, Africa, India and many other trade countries The colonial rule would create conditions that facilitated and increased cash- crop production to the advantage of local farmers. Most of the rice production back in the days came from Asian countries like Burma, where authorities encouraged farmers to grow more and supported their work. Cash- crop farming also developed in the southern Gold Coast (Ghana), which has been a british territory but was mainly colonist of african heritage. This area was known for its massive production of cocoa and was exporting throughout the whole world. This product was used to make chocolate and was unlike cotton more wanted because it fit right into the food supply market and you needed less labor to get efficient production. But less labor now meant more tension between sexes different ethnicities. At this point many african and asian people found a job as miners, european plantations or as in home staffing. Throughout the time big plantations established and many people came from asia, africa, India and Java to find work in europe. But with that came also many diseases that either those people brought over or were created because of the unsanitary living situation of those workers. Asian and African people migrated to europe because they had lost their land. In the settler colonies of Africa - Algeria, Kenya, southern Rhodesia and south africa permanent european communities, with the help of the government, obtained huge tracts of lands from the african societies. In 1913 88% of the land belonged to the white people in Africa and they were only 20% living there. Rich agricultural areas that made great profit were taken over by 4000 white people. Some people stayed on the land and were working for the new land owners, others were turned in native reserves.
Another source of wage labor were mines that were build in Malaysia in the late nineteenth century. Around 1895 Malaysia produced 55% of the worlds tin and this country was ruled by the British colony.
In the late 18 century - early 19th century the the colonial world was rising with its bigger and bigger cities. Some cities that established and became richer were: Lagos, Nairobi, Cairo, Calcutta, Rangoon, Batavia, Singapore and Saigon. Those cities were overcrowded and very unsanitary but those cities back than were the equivalent of silicon valley now. Business man would see their chance to make some money and would travel far for it to accomplish and invest in poor countries.
Nairobi, the capital of Kenya became one of the richest colonies of the British people.
Also woman played an important role as farmers and care givers back than. They would plant, weed, harvest, build houses, grow and care for the cattle and have children and take care of them. A life without them was impossible in Africa. Before colonial time woman would work around 30 hours week and after the british colonialism started they were working 70 plus hours a week, more than a man.
Overall colonialism brought bad and good. We established to move forward, create new inventions and establish new countries and opportunities for people, but we also forced people to work, and did not support them with their needs they had as labor workers.
White people created a gap between people and not everyone was seen as even. Because of the scientific revolution and the enlightenment we brought racism ( scientific racism) with us. Because people looked different, had different body forms, colors, traditions and languages that we were not able to understand, people created a gap. And assumed that must have been dumber than white people. And it was established to walk all over them if you have money and just buy their land and with that the people as well, and because they belong to you, you are able to treat as you would like.
This way of treating people didn't brought us closer to be a better person and over the last century we created a set of rules and laws so we can be all human and treat people with the same approach.
Another source of wage labor were mines that were build in Malaysia in the late nineteenth century. Around 1895 Malaysia produced 55% of the worlds tin and this country was ruled by the British colony.
In the late 18 century - early 19th century the the colonial world was rising with its bigger and bigger cities. Some cities that established and became richer were: Lagos, Nairobi, Cairo, Calcutta, Rangoon, Batavia, Singapore and Saigon. Those cities were overcrowded and very unsanitary but those cities back than were the equivalent of silicon valley now. Business man would see their chance to make some money and would travel far for it to accomplish and invest in poor countries.
Nairobi, the capital of Kenya became one of the richest colonies of the British people.
Also woman played an important role as farmers and care givers back than. They would plant, weed, harvest, build houses, grow and care for the cattle and have children and take care of them. A life without them was impossible in Africa. Before colonial time woman would work around 30 hours week and after the british colonialism started they were working 70 plus hours a week, more than a man.
Overall colonialism brought bad and good. We established to move forward, create new inventions and establish new countries and opportunities for people, but we also forced people to work, and did not support them with their needs they had as labor workers.
White people created a gap between people and not everyone was seen as even. Because of the scientific revolution and the enlightenment we brought racism ( scientific racism) with us. Because people looked different, had different body forms, colors, traditions and languages that we were not able to understand, people created a gap. And assumed that must have been dumber than white people. And it was established to walk all over them if you have money and just buy their land and with that the people as well, and because they belong to you, you are able to treat as you would like.
This way of treating people didn't brought us closer to be a better person and over the last century we created a set of rules and laws so we can be all human and treat people with the same approach.
Friday, April 5, 2013
week eight february 25- march 1st 2013
This week we had our research project to present and the midterm in class.
There wasn't much we talked about but I was very interested in many of the great presentations.
People talked about social justice, human rights, animal abuse, human trafficking and our environment.
It brought awareness to problems that are in our country that we don't think about in an every day life.
But those issues can be closer than we think. Human trafficking in known to be a very big problem that is hard to control. We even know of many cases that happen in San Francisco and if you have or get a glimpse of a thought that this person that does your nails or gives you a message is modern day slave. we should contact an organization that is involved to work against human trafficking. You as an individual are able to make a change in somebody else's life.
So this class really taught me were to go for different issues or get some resources and knowledge how to handle or make changes in difficult decisions.
reading week seven 2-18 -- 2-22-2013
The week started off with a day called " Presidents day". This day became a holiday in the 1800 century. Originally this holiday is celebrated at the third monday in february. It first got recognized in honor of President George Washington and to re-embrace his birth and the changes he brought to America. In political circles this day is also known as George Washington's Birthday. He was born 1832 and was recognized than and also with the beginning of the building of the monument in 1848 and that were only some early reasons why we have a reason to celebrate this men. In 1870 is was finally recognized as a national holiday. Now a days it is celebrated as a patriotic and remembrance for the people that created and support America. During the great depression people needed to focus on rebuilding america and its economy and this holiday would help to remember how great this county is and if you work hard you will be awarded. People are proud of the army, the soldiers, the fire fighters, police men and people in the court that support and risk each day their life to make America a better place to live.
We also talked about Marxism and social classes.
Karl Heinrich Marx was born as a Prussian -German and was known all over the world as a philosopher and revolutionary socialist. He was a very intelligent person that gained his doctoral at the age of only 23. He has been playing an important role in the establishment of social sciences and development of the socialist movement. His writings were in spiritual for Mao Tse- Tung and Marx also imposed communism in more than twenty countries. Marx was known as a radical and feared no government. But because they were threatening him he needed to leave germany in 1843 and flea to Paris. He than wrote the "Communist Manifesto" which are guideline on how to establish communism and end the practice of Capitalism.
We also focused on the Industrialization that first established in Britain. It not only brought great things to the world. It also was arising great problems for the working class and our ecosystems.
With the building of big factory's the rich people only got richer and the poor people would stay poor. There has been no law for workers and people would get injured or if they are sick they would be fired and were not able to survive in the city. Where living was expensive and unsanitary and you needed health treatment just in case you will get sick. And this wasn't uncommon.
Thank's to people that care about humanity we now have labor unions and health care requirements that an employes have to offer.
We also talked about Marxism and social classes.
Karl Heinrich Marx was born as a Prussian -German and was known all over the world as a philosopher and revolutionary socialist. He was a very intelligent person that gained his doctoral at the age of only 23. He has been playing an important role in the establishment of social sciences and development of the socialist movement. His writings were in spiritual for Mao Tse- Tung and Marx also imposed communism in more than twenty countries. Marx was known as a radical and feared no government. But because they were threatening him he needed to leave germany in 1843 and flea to Paris. He than wrote the "Communist Manifesto" which are guideline on how to establish communism and end the practice of Capitalism.
We also focused on the Industrialization that first established in Britain. It not only brought great things to the world. It also was arising great problems for the working class and our ecosystems.
With the building of big factory's the rich people only got richer and the poor people would stay poor. There has been no law for workers and people would get injured or if they are sick they would be fired and were not able to survive in the city. Where living was expensive and unsanitary and you needed health treatment just in case you will get sick. And this wasn't uncommon.
Thank's to people that care about humanity we now have labor unions and health care requirements that an employes have to offer.
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