I can't believe it this will be my last blog related to this course. As I mentioned in my previous post, this course has come to an end rather quickly and it serves as a reminder on how fast life can truly be.
I will miss Nancy's blogs for sure as she possesses the gift of vernacular and slang in the form of text!
Here we go...
Chapter 22~
I like how the beginning of the chapter began with a passage from Nelson Mandela. South Africa has most certainly had its shares of ups and downs. By contrast, there is a piece of their division within our own borders and in our own history.
Why is it necessary for the British to set up colonies all over the place? Wait a minute. We are doing the same thing as marked in history. God forbid if people govern themselves outside of our system.
India -
Why didn't the British want to assimilate? I know it was from this friction that caused such a divide among the population as in the end, they were viewed as another occupier without a kinship to the population that they are living with.
Gandhi -
A man with a vision whose teachings was not seen by the government forces of Britain. Was it because he was too peaceful? Was it because he taught unity among the population and avoided turmoil? Yes, I can see the threat totally...When I think of Gandhi, I see similarities to MLK here in the states. Both had a message of the division and racial inequality. It's too bad that many people of peace get shuttered by some radical thinking that what they are trying to say is out of line.
This chapter resonated much of the same character here in the US. For many, there comes a time to change and when certain people speak against the tide, there is a guaranteed back lash either from the masses or from a group that doesn't support the message.
Chapter 23
(insert drum roll)
Final entry!
I hated the first word in this chapter - "Capitalism."
The opening chapter caught me off guard as I didn't think a plastic made figure would have made an impact on other countries?
World Economy -
(on the backs of others) supporting our US mission. That is what I feel the true globalization is. It's how American companies can keep costs low as God forbid they have to pay for health insurance for their workers in order for them to afford a leer jet.
Now for a scary word of many - FEMINISM!
I am so thankful to be raised by my mother who taught us to be open minded and courteous. Plus, my professional career is surrounded by women. If I had the same ideology as some in the 60's, I don't think I would have made it through my career path. What is the fear behind "The Second Sex?" Really? I don't get it. Women had to fight for so much for so long that it's baffling to me that the fight still has to continue.
"We are exploited as sex objects, breeders, domestic servants, and cheap labor. We are considered inferior beings, whose only purpose is to enhance men's lives...Because we live so intimately with our oppressors, we have been kept from seeing our personal suffering as a political condition." (PG. 1151).
I am glad and thankful to not share the same opinion against women as I see their presence as a positive to me.
I did enjoy the rest of the chapter until it got a tad too political for me. Hamas stirring up trouble and other global fights reminds me that with the internet age, we can communicate and update ourselves with a touch of a button. There are some ways we have striven to be better than the past generation. However, there are many attributes that we have a long way to go.
There are still many levels of World History that it reflects our thinking during the time we were in the caves wondering where our next meal is going to come. I can still see us in those same caves and looking to see where our next conquest is going to go and the path of indifference is continued.
Monday, July 13, 2015
Sunday, July 5, 2015
Ch. 20 -21
I remember what my microbiology teacher said when the long and arduous course was about to begin. "As soon as it begins, it is over." Today, I am going to blog on two chapters and think on how this course is about to come to an end rather quickly. This week will mark the 8th week with two remaining. Thus far, I have enjoyed what Strayer has to say and his view on history. He keeps it simple and without saying it, he allows me to think more on what world history is and how that impacts me today.
For reasons unclear to me, I enjoy this part of history as it introduces several parallels that has a cause and effect on the years to come. There are countries that come together during conflict and then once our "friendship" ends, we go back to being strangers and being happy about slinging mud against each other.
"The Great War" (AKA: WW1)
Seriously, what is so great about it? Many lives were lost, countries were realigned, and the subordinate countries had to back to their rabbit hole and figure how their cause to them was good, and a bad idea to others. It's amazing to me how potentially the action of a few and in this case, one a Serbian Nationalist can cause such strife and war. Given the magnitude of this conflict, I find it rather humorous that people truly thought is was going to be over within a year - "the boys will be home by Christmas." (PG. 985).
Looking at the maps on PG 986 and 987, I get a sense of how much territory was at risk and how many chef's were in the kitchen making sure that their influence on the global recipe was made clear.
"The Great Depression"
Both of my parents were children of the Great Depression. I remember them talking about the food lines and how they could find a way to make $.05 last a day. That's a nickel not five dollars or five hundred dollars. Let's face it, war is terribly expensive. We have learned that during the span of this course and how countries and empires fell victim to bankrupting themselves at the expense of expansion of hatred of one another. It might be too easy to blame Herbert Hoover who was president and raise our arms high in praise for FDR and the introduction of his New Deal to help stimulate the economy and get people working. If anything else, getting the population morale up in order to help facilitate a positive response with the goal of moving forward.
It's amazing to me on how WWI and WWII is found in the same chapter? I am well aware that one can take an entire year on WWI or WWII and barely scratch the surface. What Strayer does is present these two marks in history as a crossroads in the American way of life and ideology.
Let's face it, Hitler was ruthless. However, he also felt that his fight was just as important for his people as did Mussolini, Stalin, and FDR did for theirs. What I didn't enjoy reading was Hitlers intent to rid itself of a population that he can blame for his countries rigor's. The Jew has become that part of history that it is so easy to blame and wage war against because of. . . .?
WWII like WWI, divided countries and with the US using the atomic bomb in "order to save lives," ended the war in the pacific. The Japanese who I have come to admire, were once an enemy of ours. It's amazing to think that at one time, we couldn't stand each other and now, we do our best to help each other. Perhaps I can see this part of history change in other parts of the world. However, I don't see anytime soon of our president breaking bread and raising a glass of wine to various parts of the Middle East.
Chapter 20 was part of my favorite piece of history. It went fast and Strayer put a lot of information into a short amount of page numbers. Again, he also put in a form that is easy to understand and I can and also allowed, to agree and disagree with certain parts of this history.
Chapter 21 opened up with a jovial sense of humor on how three people from three different countries view a a painting of Adam and Eve. Sure, I shared a laugh as well and then had to tear apart what the intent was. Each person wanted to show their own ideology and it was the Russian interpretation that was the most honest and transparent.
"Communism"
What does that word mean in today's society? Have we replaced it with other words and phrases to make sure the American people stay scared and skeptical of other ways of life in other countries?
I think at times during this period of history, truly, the American population was scared that another way of belief can actually challenge democracy. I am confident that the motors of propaganda was alive and well here like it was in other countries. What made our indifference loud and clear was our way to show how much we didn't like it. We waged war in Vietnam and Korea and our relationship with Russia went to go beyond strained.
There was mud-slinging in all parts of the world where strong male leaders wanted to keep their fists clinched and not let their soft sides show. I see what Strayer said on how all of this unwanted fear made the entire globe basically afraid of each other. I remember myself growing up in the 80's and feeling scared of someone dropping an H-Bomb in my back yard. When a young Patrick Swayze portrayed a splinter group fighting Russian's in "Red Dawn" that it only added to the American paranoia. I even remember my English teacher asking us to write a paper on what our actions would be if the Russian's invaded our school? The "Cold War" spanned a period of time that inflicted unwanted and needless stress on both sides of the globe. The French revolution was started by a group wanting change. Too bad we can't instill change with these global powers and put their ego to the side.
These two chapters were greatly written and the flow was beyond good. I found myself reading certain parts a couple of times and either raising my eyebrows in amazement or frown in disgust in the way we treat each other.
I am curious to see how the last two chapters reveal themselves as we come a close on this book.
For reasons unclear to me, I enjoy this part of history as it introduces several parallels that has a cause and effect on the years to come. There are countries that come together during conflict and then once our "friendship" ends, we go back to being strangers and being happy about slinging mud against each other.
"The Great War" (AKA: WW1)
Seriously, what is so great about it? Many lives were lost, countries were realigned, and the subordinate countries had to back to their rabbit hole and figure how their cause to them was good, and a bad idea to others. It's amazing to me how potentially the action of a few and in this case, one a Serbian Nationalist can cause such strife and war. Given the magnitude of this conflict, I find it rather humorous that people truly thought is was going to be over within a year - "the boys will be home by Christmas." (PG. 985).
Looking at the maps on PG 986 and 987, I get a sense of how much territory was at risk and how many chef's were in the kitchen making sure that their influence on the global recipe was made clear.
"The Great Depression"
Both of my parents were children of the Great Depression. I remember them talking about the food lines and how they could find a way to make $.05 last a day. That's a nickel not five dollars or five hundred dollars. Let's face it, war is terribly expensive. We have learned that during the span of this course and how countries and empires fell victim to bankrupting themselves at the expense of expansion of hatred of one another. It might be too easy to blame Herbert Hoover who was president and raise our arms high in praise for FDR and the introduction of his New Deal to help stimulate the economy and get people working. If anything else, getting the population morale up in order to help facilitate a positive response with the goal of moving forward.
It's amazing to me on how WWI and WWII is found in the same chapter? I am well aware that one can take an entire year on WWI or WWII and barely scratch the surface. What Strayer does is present these two marks in history as a crossroads in the American way of life and ideology.
Let's face it, Hitler was ruthless. However, he also felt that his fight was just as important for his people as did Mussolini, Stalin, and FDR did for theirs. What I didn't enjoy reading was Hitlers intent to rid itself of a population that he can blame for his countries rigor's. The Jew has become that part of history that it is so easy to blame and wage war against because of. . . .?
WWII like WWI, divided countries and with the US using the atomic bomb in "order to save lives," ended the war in the pacific. The Japanese who I have come to admire, were once an enemy of ours. It's amazing to think that at one time, we couldn't stand each other and now, we do our best to help each other. Perhaps I can see this part of history change in other parts of the world. However, I don't see anytime soon of our president breaking bread and raising a glass of wine to various parts of the Middle East.
Chapter 20 was part of my favorite piece of history. It went fast and Strayer put a lot of information into a short amount of page numbers. Again, he also put in a form that is easy to understand and I can and also allowed, to agree and disagree with certain parts of this history.
Chapter 21 opened up with a jovial sense of humor on how three people from three different countries view a a painting of Adam and Eve. Sure, I shared a laugh as well and then had to tear apart what the intent was. Each person wanted to show their own ideology and it was the Russian interpretation that was the most honest and transparent.
"Communism"
What does that word mean in today's society? Have we replaced it with other words and phrases to make sure the American people stay scared and skeptical of other ways of life in other countries?
I think at times during this period of history, truly, the American population was scared that another way of belief can actually challenge democracy. I am confident that the motors of propaganda was alive and well here like it was in other countries. What made our indifference loud and clear was our way to show how much we didn't like it. We waged war in Vietnam and Korea and our relationship with Russia went to go beyond strained.
There was mud-slinging in all parts of the world where strong male leaders wanted to keep their fists clinched and not let their soft sides show. I see what Strayer said on how all of this unwanted fear made the entire globe basically afraid of each other. I remember myself growing up in the 80's and feeling scared of someone dropping an H-Bomb in my back yard. When a young Patrick Swayze portrayed a splinter group fighting Russian's in "Red Dawn" that it only added to the American paranoia. I even remember my English teacher asking us to write a paper on what our actions would be if the Russian's invaded our school? The "Cold War" spanned a period of time that inflicted unwanted and needless stress on both sides of the globe. The French revolution was started by a group wanting change. Too bad we can't instill change with these global powers and put their ego to the side.
These two chapters were greatly written and the flow was beyond good. I found myself reading certain parts a couple of times and either raising my eyebrows in amazement or frown in disgust in the way we treat each other.
I am curious to see how the last two chapters reveal themselves as we come a close on this book.
Saturday, June 27, 2015
Chapters 16, 17, & 18
So, we enter week 7 with roughly 3 left. I am not going to rip off a saying from a soap opera, "Days of our Lives" however, there is some truth about the like sand in an hourglass.
Last night we got our midterm grades and I am somewhat baffled. I am not going to use this platform to air grievances so I will end this quietly.
These chapters are lengthy so I will take the parts of the chapter that I found most interesting to discuss.
We went from the creation of the universe to what Chapter 16 is going over 1750-1914? That was fast. Quickly I discover, there was a lot of chaos during this period. The opening few sentences on page 782 summed it up quite nicely. "My dear philosopher, doesn't this appear to you to be the century of revolutions?" (PG 782). The person who made that statement was right. Take a gander at the graph on page 783 and perhaps you might get a small taste of the strife that was around during this period. What is so interesting even in today's time of "genre violence," war cost money! I can see why the "Seven Years War" took such a financial toll on Britain and France. Both sides introduced taxes in order to close the gap from firing money out of the barrel of weapons. No, nobody learns from the extent of conflict accept for the families that are directly involved from loss and returning home in not the best of shape.
"The French Revolution"
I won't forget the scene in the movie "The Tail of Two Cities" of when the guillotine on back of a black and white canvas coming down. What I didn't know (imagine that) was there were French soldiers aiding the colonists in America to defeat the British and when they came home, the ideology of starting over or rather "returned home with republican enthusiasm." (PG 787). There was a lot of times when I was reading this section that I found myself reading it again. I was in a captured state by the way Strayer wrote about it and described in a way that I was more in line with what the French citizens were attempting to achieve. There are a lot of comparison's here in the US with the lower class being pushed further and further out while people living in the hills looking down at those masses sipping on their $100.00 a bottle whine. No wonder why I don't like to go to wealthy neighborhoods even in my professional occupation.
I have to ask when Napoleon is discussed, why is it negative in so many ways as depicted here in the US? That has been my experience. I found evidence from the reading that he contained the revolution and pointed in a direction that facilitated growth. Not bad given the revolution was on its way of being totally out of control. He maintained order, observed equal rights, religious tolerance, and ended feudalism.
This chapter is filled with strife and then potential positive change. There is the beginning of the slavery abolishment and also the women's voting rights movement. All good for sure. The end reflection from Strayer on how he explained if revolution is good or bad, was very interesting. I feel if the group involved wants change and in their eyes it is for the good, then what can the population do when this happens? Change is inevitable.
Chapter 17
Industrialization or the introduction for pollution and putting the human race in a rapid forward motion for being overworked? "Global energy demands began to push against the existing local and regional ecological limits." (PG 828). I think we are still having this argument?
Again, Europe is getting the credit for making these immense discoveries and leaving out other groups. I can see Strayer's argument that perhaps it was due to Europe's location on why this part of the world expanded so quickly. I can see this part coming into contact with many cultural groups as Strayer has suggested making it possible to exchange ideas and get moving towards something of this magnitude.
The middle class gets mentioned as one of the groups that benefitted from this industrial revolution and one group to be left behind - women. They couldn't vote and had to work equally hard as the men in order to maintain the lifestyle. I found the title "The Laboring Class" to speak volumes before even reading the passage. The title alone depicts the group well. Even today, I see a similar group here in the US that works the hardest with the lest benefit. Some things may have changed within this part of the book however, many things have not.
Why should we become like anyone? Hence the progression of what Latin America wanted to do in order to immolate Europe. How do you do that? Attract more Europeans! It's too bad that Latin America found it necessary to become like something else instead of building on what they had. Sure, the European economy was strong and the insight of invention was potentially better. I just hate to see that other groups feel it necessary to change thinking it might be "better."
Chapter 18
Her we go - Colonization. That word creates different meaning inside of myself. Does it mean to help out a country through collaboration and exchanging of ideas? Or does it mean to take over and putting the indigenous population in a subordinate role?
Reading this chapter, I couldn't help but to ask myself this question. If I was to surmise the impact, I don't see the overall value of colonization. The opening part of the chapter when Strayer discussed his time in the Peace Corps in Ethiopia and noticed when the British wouldn't converse with the native population. Why was that? It was Britain who set up shop there and why didn't want to be more cohesive? Yes, I am puzzled as much as Strayer was.
Please forgive me for starting this next passage in the way I do.
WTF? The table on page 883 is so disturbing. How arrogant of the white race to even go there. Perhaps this week also has brought out a lot of angst in me with the shooting under the banner of the Confederate Flag.
I didn't like reading this chapter for many reasons. It reminds of my original question to myself. Does it help or hurt the societies that are involved? I may have any answer for my own review. I see it not benefitting anyone to be honest. Britain has it's octopus arms extended to almost every part of the globe. I am sure their economy suffered as having your hands in all of these pies are costly. It's like having a home here in every state and having to manage the taxes, cleaning, and upkeep of each property.
Strayer's reflections on page 911 made the most impact. Who does make history? The one with the most money and military might? Or the silent working class person who serves their community but has the most direct impact on the population? There are too many similarities to what I see in today's world of the US extending themselves too far and trying to create their own history and at times, serving it up with an iron fist. I do enjoy how Strayer puts history into words. He allows me to feel at the core of what history is and what it means to me.
Now, onto to the next assignment!
Last night we got our midterm grades and I am somewhat baffled. I am not going to use this platform to air grievances so I will end this quietly.
These chapters are lengthy so I will take the parts of the chapter that I found most interesting to discuss.
We went from the creation of the universe to what Chapter 16 is going over 1750-1914? That was fast. Quickly I discover, there was a lot of chaos during this period. The opening few sentences on page 782 summed it up quite nicely. "My dear philosopher, doesn't this appear to you to be the century of revolutions?" (PG 782). The person who made that statement was right. Take a gander at the graph on page 783 and perhaps you might get a small taste of the strife that was around during this period. What is so interesting even in today's time of "genre violence," war cost money! I can see why the "Seven Years War" took such a financial toll on Britain and France. Both sides introduced taxes in order to close the gap from firing money out of the barrel of weapons. No, nobody learns from the extent of conflict accept for the families that are directly involved from loss and returning home in not the best of shape.
"The French Revolution"
I won't forget the scene in the movie "The Tail of Two Cities" of when the guillotine on back of a black and white canvas coming down. What I didn't know (imagine that) was there were French soldiers aiding the colonists in America to defeat the British and when they came home, the ideology of starting over or rather "returned home with republican enthusiasm." (PG 787). There was a lot of times when I was reading this section that I found myself reading it again. I was in a captured state by the way Strayer wrote about it and described in a way that I was more in line with what the French citizens were attempting to achieve. There are a lot of comparison's here in the US with the lower class being pushed further and further out while people living in the hills looking down at those masses sipping on their $100.00 a bottle whine. No wonder why I don't like to go to wealthy neighborhoods even in my professional occupation.
I have to ask when Napoleon is discussed, why is it negative in so many ways as depicted here in the US? That has been my experience. I found evidence from the reading that he contained the revolution and pointed in a direction that facilitated growth. Not bad given the revolution was on its way of being totally out of control. He maintained order, observed equal rights, religious tolerance, and ended feudalism.
This chapter is filled with strife and then potential positive change. There is the beginning of the slavery abolishment and also the women's voting rights movement. All good for sure. The end reflection from Strayer on how he explained if revolution is good or bad, was very interesting. I feel if the group involved wants change and in their eyes it is for the good, then what can the population do when this happens? Change is inevitable.
Chapter 17
Industrialization or the introduction for pollution and putting the human race in a rapid forward motion for being overworked? "Global energy demands began to push against the existing local and regional ecological limits." (PG 828). I think we are still having this argument?
Again, Europe is getting the credit for making these immense discoveries and leaving out other groups. I can see Strayer's argument that perhaps it was due to Europe's location on why this part of the world expanded so quickly. I can see this part coming into contact with many cultural groups as Strayer has suggested making it possible to exchange ideas and get moving towards something of this magnitude.
The middle class gets mentioned as one of the groups that benefitted from this industrial revolution and one group to be left behind - women. They couldn't vote and had to work equally hard as the men in order to maintain the lifestyle. I found the title "The Laboring Class" to speak volumes before even reading the passage. The title alone depicts the group well. Even today, I see a similar group here in the US that works the hardest with the lest benefit. Some things may have changed within this part of the book however, many things have not.
Why should we become like anyone? Hence the progression of what Latin America wanted to do in order to immolate Europe. How do you do that? Attract more Europeans! It's too bad that Latin America found it necessary to become like something else instead of building on what they had. Sure, the European economy was strong and the insight of invention was potentially better. I just hate to see that other groups feel it necessary to change thinking it might be "better."
Chapter 18
Her we go - Colonization. That word creates different meaning inside of myself. Does it mean to help out a country through collaboration and exchanging of ideas? Or does it mean to take over and putting the indigenous population in a subordinate role?
Reading this chapter, I couldn't help but to ask myself this question. If I was to surmise the impact, I don't see the overall value of colonization. The opening part of the chapter when Strayer discussed his time in the Peace Corps in Ethiopia and noticed when the British wouldn't converse with the native population. Why was that? It was Britain who set up shop there and why didn't want to be more cohesive? Yes, I am puzzled as much as Strayer was.
Please forgive me for starting this next passage in the way I do.
WTF? The table on page 883 is so disturbing. How arrogant of the white race to even go there. Perhaps this week also has brought out a lot of angst in me with the shooting under the banner of the Confederate Flag.
I didn't like reading this chapter for many reasons. It reminds of my original question to myself. Does it help or hurt the societies that are involved? I may have any answer for my own review. I see it not benefitting anyone to be honest. Britain has it's octopus arms extended to almost every part of the globe. I am sure their economy suffered as having your hands in all of these pies are costly. It's like having a home here in every state and having to manage the taxes, cleaning, and upkeep of each property.
Strayer's reflections on page 911 made the most impact. Who does make history? The one with the most money and military might? Or the silent working class person who serves their community but has the most direct impact on the population? There are too many similarities to what I see in today's world of the US extending themselves too far and trying to create their own history and at times, serving it up with an iron fist. I do enjoy how Strayer puts history into words. He allows me to feel at the core of what history is and what it means to me.
Now, onto to the next assignment!
Sunday, June 21, 2015
Chapters 13, 14, & 15
I truly hope I can live up to the standards that Nancy is setting when it comes to blogging. She really knows how to capture the reader.
"We came here to serve God and the King, and also to get rich." (PG. 621)
Really? How can these three words even be in the same sentence? The motives to capture other areas for gross contemptuous greed is nothing new as demonstrated in the text thus far. To capture lands either for the resources or for other motives, is something that stands the test of time and in my opinion, is true today with America helping those that help us. In my experience, the ones that benefit the most of these conquests, are the powers that instill these ideas of going to far away places to "help" or "show another path" in name of religion with the population losing their identity.
"The Great Dying"
WOW! I have not heard a title to explain the introduction of small pox to native societies with such power. Strayer truly packs a hook and jab with not only his introduction of this chapter, he invokes a small rage inside of me thinking of expanding the world takes such a toll on the local population. No, this can't be compared to the passing of disease among the "Silk and Sand Road" people as this was used as a way to spread commerce, language, and collaborating. Far from the intent of invading forces to search for their own greed.
It's interesting when I was reading this chapter, I would come across sections that would show a potential positive and then bang, it would emerge as just another way to change the local way of living and benefit someone else. This was true with the section related to "Colonies of Sugar." Yes, local people of these captured lands were enslaved to cultivate this crop. I should have realized that it wasn't going to be as positive as I was hoping.
Chapter 14 is a reminder of the negative part of history. I knew right away that this wasn't going to be an easy chapter to digest. However, there were other groups that were enslaved and brought to America to serve. The Irish naming one group and yes, there were black plantation owners which apparently, they were the most indignant towards their own color. However, no matter how this is viewed, slavery to serve others is far from being a new concept. Sadly, it's still being done today.
It's amazing how the term commerce is formed and not much different in today's society. The Portuguese wanted a bigger piece of the pie when trading took off in the Indian Ocean. In order to control the trade, let's impose a tax? 6 - 10% of cargo went to buy a pass? Interesting. However, they did learn that this was unproductive and assimilated within the existing politics that they wanted to change.
My wife is of Chinese-Filipino ancestry. The idea of the Spanish coming to the Philippines and leaving behind such a change, doesn't sit well with some of the population even today. Sharing her insight and me not knowing that was such a large Chinese population and influence in the Philippines, leads me to believe that there is a contrast even here in the United States when the early settlers "introduced" themselves to the Native Americans. In no time at all like in the Philippines, cultures are changed, languages modified, and organized religions take their places.
"The Atlantic Slave Trade"
Honestly, I had no idea that this trade was in place from 1500-1866. Over 350 years of families being displaced, separated, and force fully taken to far away places, is surely a tattoo in this world as a negative. There are a lot of guilty parties out there that participated in this trade.
I must admit reading this chapter, is not an easy pill to swallow. I realize it's a part of not only our history, it's a part of world history. I doubt that there will be any concrete numbers as far as families and as mentioned, an impact on the population in Africa.
Chapter 15
"Religion and Science."
I believe that is a force greater than ourselves. I pray and don't claim to belong to any specific organized religion. Reading this chapter provides a glimpse on how science shook up the realm of the coveted writings and beliefs and turned this entity upside down. When people start asking questions, the powers in place don't appreciate it as it shows that the mind is no longer in slaved.
You have to applaud Luther and he went against the tide. Luther took a risk and said religion can exist outside of a church. I am sure the Catholics didn't like that part.
This chapter included a plethora of people who made an impact of how religion was challenged and how science will be introduced as the doubtful aspect that haunts the religions.
I like Galileo. He contributed so much to the science world and a lot of his works are still unchallenged today. I enjoyed knowing that he and Newton believed that science and religion can be potentially a cohesive relationship.
I didn't entirely understand "The Philosophers of the Enlightenment." To me, it appeared that they practiced a holy than though place and had huge barriers related to anything outside of their own beliefs. Also, what gives them the right to talk about women's role on this earth? Sexism at its best being discussed without the target audience being able to defend themselves.
These three chapters were an eye opening experience. There was a lot of times when I would get angry and frustrated and feeling disappointed in the human race. Yes, this is not like a regular world history book. For the first time, I am not regurgitating dates, and I challenging myself to see the text in a different way and like how Strayer does it.
"We came here to serve God and the King, and also to get rich." (PG. 621)
Really? How can these three words even be in the same sentence? The motives to capture other areas for gross contemptuous greed is nothing new as demonstrated in the text thus far. To capture lands either for the resources or for other motives, is something that stands the test of time and in my opinion, is true today with America helping those that help us. In my experience, the ones that benefit the most of these conquests, are the powers that instill these ideas of going to far away places to "help" or "show another path" in name of religion with the population losing their identity.
"The Great Dying"
WOW! I have not heard a title to explain the introduction of small pox to native societies with such power. Strayer truly packs a hook and jab with not only his introduction of this chapter, he invokes a small rage inside of me thinking of expanding the world takes such a toll on the local population. No, this can't be compared to the passing of disease among the "Silk and Sand Road" people as this was used as a way to spread commerce, language, and collaborating. Far from the intent of invading forces to search for their own greed.
It's interesting when I was reading this chapter, I would come across sections that would show a potential positive and then bang, it would emerge as just another way to change the local way of living and benefit someone else. This was true with the section related to "Colonies of Sugar." Yes, local people of these captured lands were enslaved to cultivate this crop. I should have realized that it wasn't going to be as positive as I was hoping.
Chapter 14 is a reminder of the negative part of history. I knew right away that this wasn't going to be an easy chapter to digest. However, there were other groups that were enslaved and brought to America to serve. The Irish naming one group and yes, there were black plantation owners which apparently, they were the most indignant towards their own color. However, no matter how this is viewed, slavery to serve others is far from being a new concept. Sadly, it's still being done today.
It's amazing how the term commerce is formed and not much different in today's society. The Portuguese wanted a bigger piece of the pie when trading took off in the Indian Ocean. In order to control the trade, let's impose a tax? 6 - 10% of cargo went to buy a pass? Interesting. However, they did learn that this was unproductive and assimilated within the existing politics that they wanted to change.
My wife is of Chinese-Filipino ancestry. The idea of the Spanish coming to the Philippines and leaving behind such a change, doesn't sit well with some of the population even today. Sharing her insight and me not knowing that was such a large Chinese population and influence in the Philippines, leads me to believe that there is a contrast even here in the United States when the early settlers "introduced" themselves to the Native Americans. In no time at all like in the Philippines, cultures are changed, languages modified, and organized religions take their places.
"The Atlantic Slave Trade"
Honestly, I had no idea that this trade was in place from 1500-1866. Over 350 years of families being displaced, separated, and force fully taken to far away places, is surely a tattoo in this world as a negative. There are a lot of guilty parties out there that participated in this trade.
I must admit reading this chapter, is not an easy pill to swallow. I realize it's a part of not only our history, it's a part of world history. I doubt that there will be any concrete numbers as far as families and as mentioned, an impact on the population in Africa.
Chapter 15
"Religion and Science."
I believe that is a force greater than ourselves. I pray and don't claim to belong to any specific organized religion. Reading this chapter provides a glimpse on how science shook up the realm of the coveted writings and beliefs and turned this entity upside down. When people start asking questions, the powers in place don't appreciate it as it shows that the mind is no longer in slaved.
You have to applaud Luther and he went against the tide. Luther took a risk and said religion can exist outside of a church. I am sure the Catholics didn't like that part.
This chapter included a plethora of people who made an impact of how religion was challenged and how science will be introduced as the doubtful aspect that haunts the religions.
I like Galileo. He contributed so much to the science world and a lot of his works are still unchallenged today. I enjoyed knowing that he and Newton believed that science and religion can be potentially a cohesive relationship.
I didn't entirely understand "The Philosophers of the Enlightenment." To me, it appeared that they practiced a holy than though place and had huge barriers related to anything outside of their own beliefs. Also, what gives them the right to talk about women's role on this earth? Sexism at its best being discussed without the target audience being able to defend themselves.
These three chapters were an eye opening experience. There was a lot of times when I would get angry and frustrated and feeling disappointed in the human race. Yes, this is not like a regular world history book. For the first time, I am not regurgitating dates, and I challenging myself to see the text in a different way and like how Strayer does it.
Monday, June 15, 2015
Chapters 9, 11, & 12
Chapter 9
At first, I wasn't excited to read about this aspect of history. I am not going to go into details on my
opinion, rather I will be objective with the material and give a reading analysis.
On page 411, there is an quote from Malcolm X reflecting on his hajj during his observance of the 6th pillar. I read his autobiography written by Alex Haley and I remember this chapter quite well. He became aware that Islam isn't a race or color. The religion is practiced by fair skinned to dark complected people over this world. Malcolm X realized that if anyone is rescued by religion like he was in prison, then the person must exercise their passion accordingly. Unlike today with ISIS where religion is no longer a concept rather a strict and somewhat interpretation of religious text.
There were many parts of this chapter in which allowed me to become better educated. It was interested to see like Jesus, Mohammed worked as a shepherd when he was young. I see the Islam faith began as giving and not so secular and where spirituality was an equal place among men and women. Like with many religions, there are interpretations that leads the population into a direction of the unknown and potentially divided. Unlike today where extremist groups exercise forced conversion, the early conquerors observed more of a "social conversion." (PG. 421). The forced conversion according to the text, was more of a rare occurrence.
I consider most of the modern thinking along organized religions to be "old thinking." Copernicus remarked that sometimes, we must wait for the generation to change in order to accept a new way of thinking. When will that time be for this part of time?
I found it interesting the differences between the Shia and Sunni. It's no wonder why these two groups can't agree.
Chapter 11
You mean to tell me that a flea took down the Mongols? That concept is so interesting for me to ingest as when I was little, I would imagine Khan to be a larger than life figure that wouldn't be afraid of anything. It's too bad that something so small, took down the empire that I was to believe was unstoppable.
I didn't know that Khan encased the largest empire of all human history. Why isn't this mentioned anymore? Why don't I hear his name come up as often as I hear Hitler, Cesar, or Napoleon? Khan definitely deserves his campaigns and beliefs to be continually talked about and how is introduction of psychological warfare (yuck) came to be. I can't believe his men would take the corpses of the infected related to the plague and throw them onto their enemies. - WOW.. Perhaps he should be known for his biological warfare to?
I enjoyed reading and learning that he didn't conquer and then change everyone's personal belief's. It appeared he took them on as more population and the captured to fight along side of his own army. Plus, with the positive blend of discipline and loyalty, it's no wonder why he was so successful. "I eat the same food and am dressed in the same rags as my humble herdsmen." (PG. 525).
Khan was an amazing warrior and I made it my mission to mention him tonight during dinner.
Chapter 12
I truly enjoyed how this chapter began with excerpt about Columbus. I actually smile and thought to myself on how much notoriety he got?
I found the chapter to be all over the place. There was discussions on a lot that was covered earlier. Not that I am complaining as the author has a gift in presenting history in a way that welcomes the reader.
I think the phrase from "Jaws" truly comes to play in this chapter. "We're going to need a bigger boat!" The expeditions that were launched was very impressive to me. I can't imagine the amount of ships that sunk in the name of exploring a new land and how many people lost their lives.
The section on the Ottoman empire shed light on a few things within myself. I saw the area that was held and noticed that it's the same area that ISIS is pursuing.
The closing of the chapter reminds me that world history is vast and covers many aspects. With the book weighing as much as a Chevy 350 engine block, I concede that this probably only scratches the surface the past coming into text.
At first, I wasn't excited to read about this aspect of history. I am not going to go into details on my
opinion, rather I will be objective with the material and give a reading analysis.
On page 411, there is an quote from Malcolm X reflecting on his hajj during his observance of the 6th pillar. I read his autobiography written by Alex Haley and I remember this chapter quite well. He became aware that Islam isn't a race or color. The religion is practiced by fair skinned to dark complected people over this world. Malcolm X realized that if anyone is rescued by religion like he was in prison, then the person must exercise their passion accordingly. Unlike today with ISIS where religion is no longer a concept rather a strict and somewhat interpretation of religious text.
There were many parts of this chapter in which allowed me to become better educated. It was interested to see like Jesus, Mohammed worked as a shepherd when he was young. I see the Islam faith began as giving and not so secular and where spirituality was an equal place among men and women. Like with many religions, there are interpretations that leads the population into a direction of the unknown and potentially divided. Unlike today where extremist groups exercise forced conversion, the early conquerors observed more of a "social conversion." (PG. 421). The forced conversion according to the text, was more of a rare occurrence.
I consider most of the modern thinking along organized religions to be "old thinking." Copernicus remarked that sometimes, we must wait for the generation to change in order to accept a new way of thinking. When will that time be for this part of time?
I found it interesting the differences between the Shia and Sunni. It's no wonder why these two groups can't agree.
Chapter 11
You mean to tell me that a flea took down the Mongols? That concept is so interesting for me to ingest as when I was little, I would imagine Khan to be a larger than life figure that wouldn't be afraid of anything. It's too bad that something so small, took down the empire that I was to believe was unstoppable.
I didn't know that Khan encased the largest empire of all human history. Why isn't this mentioned anymore? Why don't I hear his name come up as often as I hear Hitler, Cesar, or Napoleon? Khan definitely deserves his campaigns and beliefs to be continually talked about and how is introduction of psychological warfare (yuck) came to be. I can't believe his men would take the corpses of the infected related to the plague and throw them onto their enemies. - WOW.. Perhaps he should be known for his biological warfare to?
I enjoyed reading and learning that he didn't conquer and then change everyone's personal belief's. It appeared he took them on as more population and the captured to fight along side of his own army. Plus, with the positive blend of discipline and loyalty, it's no wonder why he was so successful. "I eat the same food and am dressed in the same rags as my humble herdsmen." (PG. 525).
Khan was an amazing warrior and I made it my mission to mention him tonight during dinner.
Chapter 12
I truly enjoyed how this chapter began with excerpt about Columbus. I actually smile and thought to myself on how much notoriety he got?
I found the chapter to be all over the place. There was discussions on a lot that was covered earlier. Not that I am complaining as the author has a gift in presenting history in a way that welcomes the reader.
I think the phrase from "Jaws" truly comes to play in this chapter. "We're going to need a bigger boat!" The expeditions that were launched was very impressive to me. I can't imagine the amount of ships that sunk in the name of exploring a new land and how many people lost their lives.
The section on the Ottoman empire shed light on a few things within myself. I saw the area that was held and noticed that it's the same area that ISIS is pursuing.
The closing of the chapter reminds me that world history is vast and covers many aspects. With the book weighing as much as a Chevy 350 engine block, I concede that this probably only scratches the surface the past coming into text.
Saturday, June 6, 2015
Chapters 7, 8, & 10
"Silk Road"
To some of this internet age, the name vigor's the senses and creates mindful dialogue internally on how illegal things can be bought free from the governments tentacles.
When I read Chapter 7, truthfully, I had no idea that this pathway to exchange goods was around? I think at this time, I am going to write my past WH teachers and ask why this wasn't covered? The text clearly made a point in explaining how important this access was and how treacherous the journey being. Again, as usual, women are held at lower kinship and their hard work disregarded. The reading touched on my senses on the women having to bear the stress of how to gather silk and stress on how to get money for a wedding dress (PG. 320). I hope the man of the family stressed the same however, remembering back to my blue-collar working class upbringing, more than likely not. The mom is the true patriarch and like the silk that ties fabric together, it's the mom that holds the mindfulness and promotes love that truly ties the bind together.
Yes, the more people that come into contact with one another, the more disease will be spread. In those days though, there wasn't an insistent government that promoted public health lowering the passing of bacteria or viruses to one another. Nor did "Dial" exist or the quick-tap anti-bacterial gels that have become the modern genre for restaurants or entering medical facilities. The benefit of having such a pathway such as the Silk Roads was the introduction of cross cultures and religions. Being a 3rd generation East Oaklander, having a multi-tier of racial, religion, and beliefs, make living less bigoted or so I hope.
Like today, there has to be an alternative to travel. The Silk Road was great and in proved its amazing attributes. The introduction of the Sea Road was going to be another dangerous pathway to sell goods and introduce cross cultural awareness. Let me think. I would probably bet that the camel was much more reliable than the sea going vessels of those days.
Chapter 8 was even more interesting. Probably because a Nancy and I are putting together a power point presentation related to Chinese Dynasties and going to show off our lack of knowledge to the class coming up this Wednesday.
It's not because I am married to a Chinese woman that I adore this amazing power. I have to take a complete look to see that what they established and bringing the country together with the three dynasties, was not easy and it proved to be a positive for the people. Sure, there were negatives and I didn't like the treatment of women and the means to keep them subordinate within the family. Also, I may be a fan of stocking incased legs but please, give me a break. What is so appealing of binding of the feet? The picture on page 372 resembling this practice is enough to send the food I just ingested into the toilet. In their defense, what looks appealing is based on opinion.
This chapter also serves as a reminder that no matter how big and luxurious an empire might be, there are internal problems that arise. Poverty, power struggles, religion, and differences of opinion, are the passed and modern issues within any large countries attempting to be prosperous.
Chapter 10 was a bit out of place for this assignment. I was getting energized and cheering for the people on the Silk Road and smiling from time to time reading about the Chinese Dynasties. In this portion of the text, religion, however a delicate matter to discuss, is now in front of me to read. Christianity is the topic and reading this chapter, I get reminded on organized religions attempt to take a piece of the pie within their own legacy.
The crusades is marked with strife as again, forcing a belief onto others or die by the sword. Christendom was used regularly in this chapter and it creates a contrast to how I feel today with ISIS. I am sure that the same tactics were very similar to one another in order to force the population into a belief system. Whatever the religion belief, those are deep strong visceral feelings that once faced to defend it or promote it, takes a potentially violent path. "Beginning in 1095, wave after wave of Crusaders from all walks of life and many countries flocked to the eastern Mediterranean, where they temporarily carved out four small Christian states." (PG. 486). How different is that concept different today of what's going in Iraq and Syria. Common core belief systems are not an easy machine to disassemble.
See everyone Wednesday.
To some of this internet age, the name vigor's the senses and creates mindful dialogue internally on how illegal things can be bought free from the governments tentacles.
When I read Chapter 7, truthfully, I had no idea that this pathway to exchange goods was around? I think at this time, I am going to write my past WH teachers and ask why this wasn't covered? The text clearly made a point in explaining how important this access was and how treacherous the journey being. Again, as usual, women are held at lower kinship and their hard work disregarded. The reading touched on my senses on the women having to bear the stress of how to gather silk and stress on how to get money for a wedding dress (PG. 320). I hope the man of the family stressed the same however, remembering back to my blue-collar working class upbringing, more than likely not. The mom is the true patriarch and like the silk that ties fabric together, it's the mom that holds the mindfulness and promotes love that truly ties the bind together.
Yes, the more people that come into contact with one another, the more disease will be spread. In those days though, there wasn't an insistent government that promoted public health lowering the passing of bacteria or viruses to one another. Nor did "Dial" exist or the quick-tap anti-bacterial gels that have become the modern genre for restaurants or entering medical facilities. The benefit of having such a pathway such as the Silk Roads was the introduction of cross cultures and religions. Being a 3rd generation East Oaklander, having a multi-tier of racial, religion, and beliefs, make living less bigoted or so I hope.
Like today, there has to be an alternative to travel. The Silk Road was great and in proved its amazing attributes. The introduction of the Sea Road was going to be another dangerous pathway to sell goods and introduce cross cultural awareness. Let me think. I would probably bet that the camel was much more reliable than the sea going vessels of those days.
Chapter 8 was even more interesting. Probably because a Nancy and I are putting together a power point presentation related to Chinese Dynasties and going to show off our lack of knowledge to the class coming up this Wednesday.
It's not because I am married to a Chinese woman that I adore this amazing power. I have to take a complete look to see that what they established and bringing the country together with the three dynasties, was not easy and it proved to be a positive for the people. Sure, there were negatives and I didn't like the treatment of women and the means to keep them subordinate within the family. Also, I may be a fan of stocking incased legs but please, give me a break. What is so appealing of binding of the feet? The picture on page 372 resembling this practice is enough to send the food I just ingested into the toilet. In their defense, what looks appealing is based on opinion.
This chapter also serves as a reminder that no matter how big and luxurious an empire might be, there are internal problems that arise. Poverty, power struggles, religion, and differences of opinion, are the passed and modern issues within any large countries attempting to be prosperous.
Chapter 10 was a bit out of place for this assignment. I was getting energized and cheering for the people on the Silk Road and smiling from time to time reading about the Chinese Dynasties. In this portion of the text, religion, however a delicate matter to discuss, is now in front of me to read. Christianity is the topic and reading this chapter, I get reminded on organized religions attempt to take a piece of the pie within their own legacy.
The crusades is marked with strife as again, forcing a belief onto others or die by the sword. Christendom was used regularly in this chapter and it creates a contrast to how I feel today with ISIS. I am sure that the same tactics were very similar to one another in order to force the population into a belief system. Whatever the religion belief, those are deep strong visceral feelings that once faced to defend it or promote it, takes a potentially violent path. "Beginning in 1095, wave after wave of Crusaders from all walks of life and many countries flocked to the eastern Mediterranean, where they temporarily carved out four small Christian states." (PG. 486). How different is that concept different today of what's going in Iraq and Syria. Common core belief systems are not an easy machine to disassemble.
See everyone Wednesday.
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
Chapters 3-6 (WOW!)
I must start with WOW as there was information put forth into the text that I had no idea about. Sure, I enjoy history as being told on the "History Channel" and if Morgan Freeman or Will Lyman of "Frontline." However, without these two iconic voices are not here to read the book to me, I must take on my own voice and venture into the void.
Also, learning from my mistakes from my earlier blog of putting down page numbers and feeling like a total idiot, I will change the error of my ways and attempt to do a better job.
When I read chapter 3, I couldn't help to wonder when the United States' time will come and us to will have to come to an end - or upgrade our thinking. I enjoyed this chapter as it covered more than one empire or group that held it's ideas while attempting to keep the peace among the population. My favorite line from this chapter was, "Their armies and their tax collectors were hard to avoid." (PG. 118). I smiled as yes, it takes money - lots of money to maintain an empire. It also takes a huge labor force.
I have to ask. What was Alexander's power trip? He already had a lot of vast territory to bathe in. I see it as a way to satisfy his ego and play the part of the person who annexed the excess of land. I must give him credit though. He did these campaigns being no older than 24. Not bad if you think how long we have been in Iraq for the current war era (1990?) and the leaders now are a lot older and can't seem to make a decision. I supported Alexanders open minded attitude by encouraging intermarriage of separate races. Yes, I to am married outside of my race and support that we can only learn more from others than ourselves.
China seemed to be fairly harsh with their "Legalism" philosophy. However, this concept did keep the peace among the people. Although I wonder if the person who got caught stealing a loaf of bread was sent to the Great Wall to help build it until death.
Chapter 4 was a bit overwhelming for me. It's hard to keep up with these religions and how each one is practiced. I hope I am not taking away from this chapter by paraphrasing it a tad even though it encompassed several pages. There seems to be a commonality within organized religions. There is a spirit who presented in the flesh at one time and now this archetype is a way to follow and instill personal core values. If I were to pick one of these religions that I see the most being said about humanity, that would be Buddhism. There seems to be more of a fluid way to introduce ones inner self and promote peace outside. There was something that did come to me as a surprise. I had no idea that Buddhism came from India? Yes, I fell in the category that this religion came from China.
Chapter 5 got me a little angry. I disagree entirely with the caste system and I am so thankful that the chapter began with someone who was one level above "untouchable" was a wealthy tech-person who can see himself in a different light.
In order to build a regime, there are slaves that will do the work. Rome had a lot of tasks to be checked off and what better way of getting the work done - slavery. The United States didn't learn from Rome and other countries and in my opinion, what is left is an ideology that the group that was enslaved, will embark of years of turmoil in order to not be associated with that part of their lives.
Chapter 6 got me scared just by the name of it, "Commonalities and Variations." However, after spending the last couple of chapters of groups being enslaved and getting more angry about learning of the caste system, I thought for a moment that all of this historic madness had commonality. Then, turning of the first page, I realized I made it to another part of history.
06/02/15
When I read about the civilizations related to the Mayans and Inca's, I can't grasp the concept of how they did with what they had? No matter if someone is a conspiracy theorist related to the past, I am in awe in how these entities kept their way of life for so long. I also have to wonder why the African empires didn't get as much credit as the Greeks? Perhaps that is a question that will lay in debate and scholars to think about.
These last chapters were a difficult pill to swallow. I felt anger, frustration, and was in amazement all at the same time. I often wondered why these civilizations practiced their beliefs in the fashion they did. To think these civilizations built such amazing entities made of rock and yet today, we can't get across the bay without the use of Garmin. On to the next..
Also, learning from my mistakes from my earlier blog of putting down page numbers and feeling like a total idiot, I will change the error of my ways and attempt to do a better job.
When I read chapter 3, I couldn't help to wonder when the United States' time will come and us to will have to come to an end - or upgrade our thinking. I enjoyed this chapter as it covered more than one empire or group that held it's ideas while attempting to keep the peace among the population. My favorite line from this chapter was, "Their armies and their tax collectors were hard to avoid." (PG. 118). I smiled as yes, it takes money - lots of money to maintain an empire. It also takes a huge labor force.
I have to ask. What was Alexander's power trip? He already had a lot of vast territory to bathe in. I see it as a way to satisfy his ego and play the part of the person who annexed the excess of land. I must give him credit though. He did these campaigns being no older than 24. Not bad if you think how long we have been in Iraq for the current war era (1990?) and the leaders now are a lot older and can't seem to make a decision. I supported Alexanders open minded attitude by encouraging intermarriage of separate races. Yes, I to am married outside of my race and support that we can only learn more from others than ourselves.
China seemed to be fairly harsh with their "Legalism" philosophy. However, this concept did keep the peace among the people. Although I wonder if the person who got caught stealing a loaf of bread was sent to the Great Wall to help build it until death.
Chapter 4 was a bit overwhelming for me. It's hard to keep up with these religions and how each one is practiced. I hope I am not taking away from this chapter by paraphrasing it a tad even though it encompassed several pages. There seems to be a commonality within organized religions. There is a spirit who presented in the flesh at one time and now this archetype is a way to follow and instill personal core values. If I were to pick one of these religions that I see the most being said about humanity, that would be Buddhism. There seems to be more of a fluid way to introduce ones inner self and promote peace outside. There was something that did come to me as a surprise. I had no idea that Buddhism came from India? Yes, I fell in the category that this religion came from China.
Chapter 5 got me a little angry. I disagree entirely with the caste system and I am so thankful that the chapter began with someone who was one level above "untouchable" was a wealthy tech-person who can see himself in a different light.
In order to build a regime, there are slaves that will do the work. Rome had a lot of tasks to be checked off and what better way of getting the work done - slavery. The United States didn't learn from Rome and other countries and in my opinion, what is left is an ideology that the group that was enslaved, will embark of years of turmoil in order to not be associated with that part of their lives.
Chapter 6 got me scared just by the name of it, "Commonalities and Variations." However, after spending the last couple of chapters of groups being enslaved and getting more angry about learning of the caste system, I thought for a moment that all of this historic madness had commonality. Then, turning of the first page, I realized I made it to another part of history.
06/02/15
When I read about the civilizations related to the Mayans and Inca's, I can't grasp the concept of how they did with what they had? No matter if someone is a conspiracy theorist related to the past, I am in awe in how these entities kept their way of life for so long. I also have to wonder why the African empires didn't get as much credit as the Greeks? Perhaps that is a question that will lay in debate and scholars to think about.
These last chapters were a difficult pill to swallow. I felt anger, frustration, and was in amazement all at the same time. I often wondered why these civilizations practiced their beliefs in the fashion they did. To think these civilizations built such amazing entities made of rock and yet today, we can't get across the bay without the use of Garmin. On to the next..
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