Monday, November 26, 2007
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Saturday, November 17, 2007
HW 35: Finally the end
Dear Blog Readers,
In the blog class I have learned new ways to present your opinions. Ive learned from reviewing others opinions that it is not always black or white. There are so many ways to view a situation and voice your opinion that will still be respectful to others. This is important to know as you grow up and have to deal with situations that relate to voicing opinions in an appropriate way. I have also learned a new form of communication. I did not really know that much about blogging or even what it really meant. Now I know exactly what it is, and now I can do it well. I hope that from my blogs, readers will understand how I think better. Like I said before there is not always a black or a white. There is always an in between. I feel best about my blog posts regarding Riverbend. Her book Baghdad Burning is an eye opener and so interesting. I really was shocked by the her story. I'm glad that I now know the whole story and not just what I'm being told through the media. I'm not sure if I would keep blogging. I don't really know what I would blog about. For these blogs I had actual topics. I don't think I'll delete my blog because Ive worked so hard on my posts. I will most likely keep them up, but not add to it. This was a hard course. I learned from it, but there was so much work!
In the blog class I have learned new ways to present your opinions. Ive learned from reviewing others opinions that it is not always black or white. There are so many ways to view a situation and voice your opinion that will still be respectful to others. This is important to know as you grow up and have to deal with situations that relate to voicing opinions in an appropriate way. I have also learned a new form of communication. I did not really know that much about blogging or even what it really meant. Now I know exactly what it is, and now I can do it well. I hope that from my blogs, readers will understand how I think better. Like I said before there is not always a black or a white. There is always an in between. I feel best about my blog posts regarding Riverbend. Her book Baghdad Burning is an eye opener and so interesting. I really was shocked by the her story. I'm glad that I now know the whole story and not just what I'm being told through the media. I'm not sure if I would keep blogging. I don't really know what I would blog about. For these blogs I had actual topics. I don't think I'll delete my blog because Ive worked so hard on my posts. I will most likely keep them up, but not add to it. This was a hard course. I learned from it, but there was so much work!
HW 34: Gold and Evening Tea
Response to:
1. What is the role of gold in family savings in Iraq?
2. Describe the custom of evening tea in Iraq.
Gold is part of the Iraqi culture. It does not display wealth like it does in most cases. Gold is also a form of money it symbolizes "family savings" (Riverbend p.100). Gold values money. Since the money situation was fluctuating it was difficult for people to have it. They started converting their gold jewelery (bracelets,necklaces,earrings) into money (p.100). The word for gold that is used is, "zeeneh ou 7 azzeeneh khazeeneh" this means ornaments and savings (p.100). Gold is still used as jewelry and is still worn to be shown off, but can also be sold for money. Now that the troops are occupying Iraq they sometimes take the gold from the Iraqis with no substantial reasons. Also, when Iraqis marry gold is used as a dowry. Gold is important in Iraqi society it has more uses that we do for it. Iraqis also have a daily tea time that is a cultural ritual. This tea time happens in the evening. It is an informal gathering. Tea gatherings are a must they happen regardless of what is going on. Tea bags are not used for this type of tea. If you give an Iraqi a tea bag it is looked at as an insult. "It speaks of complete lack of a appreciation for the valuable beverage"(p. 108). There is a 3 step process to making tea. " First, a kettle of water is put on the burner to boil. Next, the boiling water and a certain amount of tea leaves are combined in a separate tea pot and put on a low burner just until the tea leaves rise to the top and threaten to boil over.Finally, the teapot is set on top of the tea kettle on a low burner and allowed to 'yihder' or settle"(p.108-109). This is a long process to do everyday.There are also many different types of tea that Iraqis can chose from. Iraqi tea is flavored with cardamon and served in istakans. Istakans are the glasses they drink out of (p.109). This is a time for Iraqi families to get together during the day and have the opportunity to spend time together.
1. What is the role of gold in family savings in Iraq?
2. Describe the custom of evening tea in Iraq.
Gold is part of the Iraqi culture. It does not display wealth like it does in most cases. Gold is also a form of money it symbolizes "family savings" (Riverbend p.100). Gold values money. Since the money situation was fluctuating it was difficult for people to have it. They started converting their gold jewelery (bracelets,necklaces,earrings) into money (p.100). The word for gold that is used is, "zeeneh ou 7 azzeeneh khazeeneh" this means ornaments and savings (p.100). Gold is still used as jewelry and is still worn to be shown off, but can also be sold for money. Now that the troops are occupying Iraq they sometimes take the gold from the Iraqis with no substantial reasons. Also, when Iraqis marry gold is used as a dowry. Gold is important in Iraqi society it has more uses that we do for it. Iraqis also have a daily tea time that is a cultural ritual. This tea time happens in the evening. It is an informal gathering. Tea gatherings are a must they happen regardless of what is going on. Tea bags are not used for this type of tea. If you give an Iraqi a tea bag it is looked at as an insult. "It speaks of complete lack of a appreciation for the valuable beverage"(p. 108). There is a 3 step process to making tea. " First, a kettle of water is put on the burner to boil. Next, the boiling water and a certain amount of tea leaves are combined in a separate tea pot and put on a low burner just until the tea leaves rise to the top and threaten to boil over.Finally, the teapot is set on top of the tea kettle on a low burner and allowed to 'yihder' or settle"(p.108-109). This is a long process to do everyday.There are also many different types of tea that Iraqis can chose from. Iraqi tea is flavored with cardamon and served in istakans. Istakans are the glasses they drink out of (p.109). This is a time for Iraqi families to get together during the day and have the opportunity to spend time together.
HW 33: Eye Opener
Response to Podcast.
The podcast I chose to respond to was "Iraqi Teens Work to Help Their Families." This is part of the series Alive in Baghdad. This was published October 15th, 2007. If you are interested in the blog the link is:http://aliveinbaghdad.org/2007/10/15/iraqi-teens-work-to-help-their-families. The general topic of this podcast was the obstacles that Iraqi teens are facing. 50 percent of Iraqis are jobless. The war in Iraq has left many families in poverty. They are struggling to keep their families functioning. This is forcing teens to join their families in the work force. Working in Iraq is dangerous in this period of time. The route to some jobs are unsafe. Their is a possibility that they could be killed on their way to work. One person in detail is Mustafa Malek Fathulla Ali. Mustafa is in the 6th grade and currently works in carpentry. This is extremely young to be working in a major business. In the U.S. you cant even get a job until 14, and that's if you want to work in a grocery store. Most places wont even hire you unless you are between the ages of 16 and 18. Mustafa has been working with his father for a while now. He describes that the security situation is not good. Iraq has very unsafe working conditions. The best way I can describe this podcast is dark. Everything looks really dry and desert like. The interior of the buildings looks like a normal house to me. Maybe not like my house, but every house in different cultures are different. A viewer might have a better understanding of what is actually going on in Iraq. Not just the war, and the casualties, and American statistics but also the problems that Iraqis are facing on a day to day basis. Their lives are hard and it is important for Americans to recognize this fact. I found the fact that Mustafa is in a business such as carpentering at such a young age shocking. That does not happen in this country. Its so surprising to hear of children working so hard. They shouldn't have to experience that yet. It seems like he doesn't even have a chance to be a normal teenager.
The podcast I chose to respond to was "Iraqi Teens Work to Help Their Families." This is part of the series Alive in Baghdad. This was published October 15th, 2007. If you are interested in the blog the link is:http://aliveinbaghdad.org/2007/10/15/iraqi-teens-work-to-help-their-families. The general topic of this podcast was the obstacles that Iraqi teens are facing. 50 percent of Iraqis are jobless. The war in Iraq has left many families in poverty. They are struggling to keep their families functioning. This is forcing teens to join their families in the work force. Working in Iraq is dangerous in this period of time. The route to some jobs are unsafe. Their is a possibility that they could be killed on their way to work. One person in detail is Mustafa Malek Fathulla Ali. Mustafa is in the 6th grade and currently works in carpentry. This is extremely young to be working in a major business. In the U.S. you cant even get a job until 14, and that's if you want to work in a grocery store. Most places wont even hire you unless you are between the ages of 16 and 18. Mustafa has been working with his father for a while now. He describes that the security situation is not good. Iraq has very unsafe working conditions. The best way I can describe this podcast is dark. Everything looks really dry and desert like. The interior of the buildings looks like a normal house to me. Maybe not like my house, but every house in different cultures are different. A viewer might have a better understanding of what is actually going on in Iraq. Not just the war, and the casualties, and American statistics but also the problems that Iraqis are facing on a day to day basis. Their lives are hard and it is important for Americans to recognize this fact. I found the fact that Mustafa is in a business such as carpentering at such a young age shocking. That does not happen in this country. Its so surprising to hear of children working so hard. They shouldn't have to experience that yet. It seems like he doesn't even have a chance to be a normal teenager.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
HW 32:
Response to Baghdad Burning (70-97):
On September 21st 2003, there was an attempted murder on Akila Al-Hashimi. Riverbend describes Akila as "one of the decent members on council (Riverbend 75). Akila worked extensively with foreign affairs. From my perspective she seemed to be a well-respected woman in Iraq. It is sad to think that woman who work so hard o defend their country is injured in the process. "Two pick-up trucks with armed men cut off her car and opened fire on her and her bodyguards-her brothers"(Riverbend 75). When this woman and her brothers went under attack, neighbors came to her aide. The two sides began shooting at each other. Akila was wounded in the foot, shoulder, and stomach, she taken to a hospital called Al-Yarmuk (Riverbend 75). There Akila's stomach was operated on. After that she was shipped off in an American ambulance. Riverbend stated that no one really knew where this woman was being sent to. I have to admit I'm confused. She is obviously innocent, and working towards the benefit for Iraq and it's people. Some claimed that this was still the work of Saddam followed out by his loyalists. Apparently, Akila was not respected by all. "There has been bitterness towards her by some of the more extreme members of the governing council- not only is she female, wears no hijab, and was the first actual 'foreign representative" of the new government , but she was also a prominent part of the former government"(Riverbend 76). Akila seemed like a well-established woman, who had earned her title and the respect she deserves.
On September 21st 2003, there was an attempted murder on Akila Al-Hashimi. Riverbend describes Akila as "one of the decent members on council (Riverbend 75). Akila worked extensively with foreign affairs. From my perspective she seemed to be a well-respected woman in Iraq. It is sad to think that woman who work so hard o defend their country is injured in the process. "Two pick-up trucks with armed men cut off her car and opened fire on her and her bodyguards-her brothers"(Riverbend 75). When this woman and her brothers went under attack, neighbors came to her aide. The two sides began shooting at each other. Akila was wounded in the foot, shoulder, and stomach, she taken to a hospital called Al-Yarmuk (Riverbend 75). There Akila's stomach was operated on. After that she was shipped off in an American ambulance. Riverbend stated that no one really knew where this woman was being sent to. I have to admit I'm confused. She is obviously innocent, and working towards the benefit for Iraq and it's people. Some claimed that this was still the work of Saddam followed out by his loyalists. Apparently, Akila was not respected by all. "There has been bitterness towards her by some of the more extreme members of the governing council- not only is she female, wears no hijab, and was the first actual 'foreign representative" of the new government , but she was also a prominent part of the former government"(Riverbend 76). Akila seemed like a well-established woman, who had earned her title and the respect she deserves.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
HW 31:Al Hakim
In Response to Riverbend:
Riverbend refers to Al Hakim a few times in her blogs. He was an Iraqi leader who was assasinated during the war. Al Hakim was the Iraqi leader of SIIC, the largest political party in the council of Iraqi representatives. Hakim served as president in December 2003. Hakim met with President Bush he made a commitment to help end violence. Hakim is involved in the Shia party. (Wikipedia pg.1). Riverbend makes several references to him during the assigned reading. When Hakim was assassinated she was worried about the after effects. "Al Hakim's assassination is very significant, youre right. It will be used as an excuse for vendettas, faction fighting, and more violence, between Shi'a and Shi'a and Sunnis and Shi'a. Already his followers are swearing to avenge his death and I shudder to think of the next group of victims. It is extremley frightening to think of what the consequences of this will be"(Riverbend pg.43) Hakim was a very important figurehead in Iraq especially during the war. However, Im very confused when it comes to this man. Riverbend states that he is assinated, and then wikipedia states in one paragraph that he was assinated, in the end they said he wasnt. Im mainly just going from Riverbend's references. Apparently he was important during this time period and his murder was a threat accordning to Riverbend.
Sources Cited:
Riverbend, Baghdad Burning, Girl Blog from Iraq. Published by the Feminist Press, New York, New York 2005.
Wikipedia "Abdul Aziz al-Hakim" page 1
Riverbend refers to Al Hakim a few times in her blogs. He was an Iraqi leader who was assasinated during the war. Al Hakim was the Iraqi leader of SIIC, the largest political party in the council of Iraqi representatives. Hakim served as president in December 2003. Hakim met with President Bush he made a commitment to help end violence. Hakim is involved in the Shia party. (Wikipedia pg.1). Riverbend makes several references to him during the assigned reading. When Hakim was assassinated she was worried about the after effects. "Al Hakim's assassination is very significant, youre right. It will be used as an excuse for vendettas, faction fighting, and more violence, between Shi'a and Shi'a and Sunnis and Shi'a. Already his followers are swearing to avenge his death and I shudder to think of the next group of victims. It is extremley frightening to think of what the consequences of this will be"(Riverbend pg.43) Hakim was a very important figurehead in Iraq especially during the war. However, Im very confused when it comes to this man. Riverbend states that he is assinated, and then wikipedia states in one paragraph that he was assinated, in the end they said he wasnt. Im mainly just going from Riverbend's references. Apparently he was important during this time period and his murder was a threat accordning to Riverbend.
Sources Cited:
Riverbend, Baghdad Burning, Girl Blog from Iraq. Published by the Feminist Press, New York, New York 2005.
Wikipedia "Abdul Aziz al-Hakim" page 1
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
HW 30: What Kind of Democracy do we want?
On Tuesday November 6th I attended the Citizenship Symposium. This symposium was titled "What kind of Democracy do we want?" This was part of the KSC symposium. The symposium started out with the KSC Provost explaining that in recent years college students at Keene State College have been showing an increase interest in politics, and our government. This particular election has started early, and has gotten more involvement and attention than any other election in the past (According to the Provost). He then introduced the mayor, Michael Blastos. He presented KSC with a plaque announcing today November 6th as citizenship day here at the college. The guest speaker, Nancy Tobi presented us with a slide "Citizens Gone Wild." She gave a vivid description of her ancestor Moses. "Moses was a poor humble refugee who did not get to see the fruits of his labor." I found this to be a good description. I interpreted this as, each and every person can make a difference. Even if it takes years to actually see your efforts taking place, you've made a difference in homebody's life. To me, that is worth it. I found the slide about Election Crime to be very interesting. An election crime, affects the well-being of the entire planet. That is a HUGE crime to break. Think how many people you are affecting. Basically, the solution to this is controlling the counts of the votes this way the motive is to control the planet. I enjoyed her quote 'Politicians are like diapers; they need to be changed, and for the same reasons." I thought that was exactly true. How could you have the same politician for more than 8 years? Sometimes 4 is just too long. I enjoyed how passionate she way about her slide show and I think it must have taken a lot of effort to present that to us.
Added 11/17
I also attended the Symposium on November 8th. This one was titled Citizenship and Responsibility. The first to speak was Katrina Sweat. She introduced her father the guest speaker Tom Lantos. Tom was the only survivor of the Holocaust to serve in the U.S. congress. Tom was originally from Hungry. In 1980 Tom decided to run for congress. In 2006 he was elected chairman of the house for foreign affairs committee. Tom touched alot on foreign affairs. Tom had recently spoke to the President of France he quoted him quite frequently throughout his speech. The main point of his speech was Immigrants are just as much citizens as American-borne citizens. They too feel patriotic about their country. I agree with him on this, there was a reason they decided to come here. A vivid description that Tom made was "America did not teach men the idea of freedom, she taught them how to practice it", this was said by the president of France. This is very true you can believe in freedom but it is the act of practicing freedom that makes it count. A quote that I found to be accurate was his expectations for the next American president. As most know the issues we are having in our country today are quite controversial regarding President Bush. Lantos said "There will be two responsibilities for the next president
1. to bring the country together
2. The laborious job of rebuilding the prestige status and respect of the United States."
This is exactly right. We have lost some respect. We are a strong nation and we should be able to gain our respect back from other countries. The new president will have his or her work cut out for them.
Added 11/17
I also attended the Symposium on November 8th. This one was titled Citizenship and Responsibility. The first to speak was Katrina Sweat. She introduced her father the guest speaker Tom Lantos. Tom was the only survivor of the Holocaust to serve in the U.S. congress. Tom was originally from Hungry. In 1980 Tom decided to run for congress. In 2006 he was elected chairman of the house for foreign affairs committee. Tom touched alot on foreign affairs. Tom had recently spoke to the President of France he quoted him quite frequently throughout his speech. The main point of his speech was Immigrants are just as much citizens as American-borne citizens. They too feel patriotic about their country. I agree with him on this, there was a reason they decided to come here. A vivid description that Tom made was "America did not teach men the idea of freedom, she taught them how to practice it", this was said by the president of France. This is very true you can believe in freedom but it is the act of practicing freedom that makes it count. A quote that I found to be accurate was his expectations for the next American president. As most know the issues we are having in our country today are quite controversial regarding President Bush. Lantos said "There will be two responsibilities for the next president
1. to bring the country together
2. The laborious job of rebuilding the prestige status and respect of the United States."
This is exactly right. We have lost some respect. We are a strong nation and we should be able to gain our respect back from other countries. The new president will have his or her work cut out for them.
Monday, November 5, 2007
HW 28: A letter to Riverbend
Dear Riverbend
I would like to thank you for writing this book and opening my eyes to what is really going on in Iraq. What is the point of this war? It has now lost its meaning, even though now so many have lost their lives. The situation in Iraq needs to be straightened out because it is causing devastation in not one but two parts of the world. First off I would like to say how much I respect you for not hating our troops. It takes an intelligent young women to realize that these men do not want to be there, they all have families of their own. She knows that not all American troops are bad. Although I have to say It scares me to know that our U.S. troops are actually hurting, killing, and torturing innocent people. It is so hard to hear things of that nature. I felt like they were incapable of that. It really bothers me to think that this is actually happening. We don't see/ hear these negative stories that these people are living, and I want to thank you again for letting me now be aware of these occurrences. As a young women I'm interested in your struggles in trying to maintain the status that you deserve. Although I can not completely identify with you I can sympathize and tell you not to give up in your abilities. I also want to let you know how intelligent I find you to be. You are so accepting of different cultures, relgions and even Americans. I give you credit for this. Especially with what is going on in your country now you are still recognizing that each country has their own beliefs. Your book is so interesting and is really opening my eyes to what is going on around me and in your country.
I would like to thank you for writing this book and opening my eyes to what is really going on in Iraq. What is the point of this war? It has now lost its meaning, even though now so many have lost their lives. The situation in Iraq needs to be straightened out because it is causing devastation in not one but two parts of the world. First off I would like to say how much I respect you for not hating our troops. It takes an intelligent young women to realize that these men do not want to be there, they all have families of their own. She knows that not all American troops are bad. Although I have to say It scares me to know that our U.S. troops are actually hurting, killing, and torturing innocent people. It is so hard to hear things of that nature. I felt like they were incapable of that. It really bothers me to think that this is actually happening. We don't see/ hear these negative stories that these people are living, and I want to thank you again for letting me now be aware of these occurrences. As a young women I'm interested in your struggles in trying to maintain the status that you deserve. Although I can not completely identify with you I can sympathize and tell you not to give up in your abilities. I also want to let you know how intelligent I find you to be. You are so accepting of different cultures, relgions and even Americans. I give you credit for this. Especially with what is going on in your country now you are still recognizing that each country has their own beliefs. Your book is so interesting and is really opening my eyes to what is going on around me and in your country.
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