Well, I must say this is pretty cool! I liked the pictures you used in here, and the videos as well.
This blog sort of made Sarmiento's work come to life. When reading his work, it can be very easy to see it as just a piece of paper with words on it, because music can't really be described on paper-- it needs to be heard out loud!
I also found your explanation of bridges and how they differ in certain instruments thought provoking. I never actually thought about how a bow plays one string at a time on a violin, but when you explained it, I could picture it and it made a lot of sense.
Last semester for my groups video project we used Mandie playing the piano as background music, and I think you should put some of the violin in your groups video project this semester!
Friday, January 24, 2014
Blog Three
Guess what?
It is time to talk about forcing people to change their ways because you think you are all-knowing and better than everyone else on the planet. Why is it that so many people think they know best because they have conformed to what the masses think? Think of how different the world would be today if people were accepting of those who were different rather than trying to force them to change their ways.
Yeah, in class we have discussed Latin America and all the different nations there that tried to turn the "uncivilized" people into outstanding, non-barbaric citizens. What defines a barbarian? Isn't exterminating masses of people because they do things differently barbaric? Yet great leaders of Latin America and their followers killed people off every day in order to save their nations from barbarism.
Something I began thinking about after Wednesday's class is not only a nation changing its own people, but other nations trying to dictate how the masses of another nation act and live on a daily basis. Then I thought more about the United States.
First, we went after the people in our own nation, specifically the Native Americans. Most people know that we kicked Indians off their land and killed a huge number of innocent Native Americans. Last semester, however, I learned in another class that not only did the U.S. try to kill them off, but it also tried to in some way to "whiten" Native American children by taking them and putting them into boarding schools. This happened in late 19th century and early 20th century. I was never taught this in grade school, and when I was finally informed about these schools I was shocked. One of the main slogans heard in the U.S. about the boarding schools around this time was "kill the indian, save the child". The indians were different, so of course we felt the need to change them. But honestly was that right? I don't particularly think so. Here are some of the results of the boarding schools:
Images:
http://www.twofrog.com/images/rezschool.jpg
http://media.npr.org/programs/morning/features/2007/nov/boardingschool/torlino200-aee851603599e7e4fcf24f6d8e514ebf4eb2584e-s6-c30.jpg
http://americanindiantah.com/Boarding%20Schools/Uniforms.gif
It is time to talk about forcing people to change their ways because you think you are all-knowing and better than everyone else on the planet. Why is it that so many people think they know best because they have conformed to what the masses think? Think of how different the world would be today if people were accepting of those who were different rather than trying to force them to change their ways.
Yeah, in class we have discussed Latin America and all the different nations there that tried to turn the "uncivilized" people into outstanding, non-barbaric citizens. What defines a barbarian? Isn't exterminating masses of people because they do things differently barbaric? Yet great leaders of Latin America and their followers killed people off every day in order to save their nations from barbarism.
Something I began thinking about after Wednesday's class is not only a nation changing its own people, but other nations trying to dictate how the masses of another nation act and live on a daily basis. Then I thought more about the United States.
First, we went after the people in our own nation, specifically the Native Americans. Most people know that we kicked Indians off their land and killed a huge number of innocent Native Americans. Last semester, however, I learned in another class that not only did the U.S. try to kill them off, but it also tried to in some way to "whiten" Native American children by taking them and putting them into boarding schools. This happened in late 19th century and early 20th century. I was never taught this in grade school, and when I was finally informed about these schools I was shocked. One of the main slogans heard in the U.S. about the boarding schools around this time was "kill the indian, save the child". The indians were different, so of course we felt the need to change them. But honestly was that right? I don't particularly think so. Here are some of the results of the boarding schools:
These people were stripped of their identities and cultures. They were forced to turn into something North Americans deemed more civilized. I think its just a harsh treatment of innocent individuals.
This brings me to present day U.S., and the fact that now we feel the need to meddle in everyone else's business when we're far from perfect over here. Is it really our job to tell people the way they live their lives is wrong? I think it is a hard question to answer because human nature makes us want to spread word about what we feel is best, but a lot of people fail to take the time to get to know someone and what they believe before they determine that person is living their life wrong. Take religion, for example. People go on mission trips all the time to help people, but it is almost as if they think their religion is the only way to help someone, so they try their hardest to spread it. Is it really anyone's place to try to convert someone to another religion? Why can't we help someone just to be nice? So many wars are fought over religion because everyone thinks they're religion is the right one. Is it our place to tell people in the Middle East the way they treat women is wrong? Is it your job to tell someone they shouldn't eat a certain animal just because your religion or beliefs prevent you from doing it? Is there really a right way to dress? The questions could go on and on.
I guess all I am really asking is where is the line? Who is to say what is barbaric and what is not? When is it okay to tell someone everything they stand for, their whole identity, is garbage? I know this post is kind of all over the place but try and think about some of the questions I have asked. It all makes sense in my head!
http://www.twofrog.com/images/rezschool.jpg
http://media.npr.org/programs/morning/features/2007/nov/boardingschool/torlino200-aee851603599e7e4fcf24f6d8e514ebf4eb2584e-s6-c30.jpg
http://americanindiantah.com/Boarding%20Schools/Uniforms.gif
Monday, January 20, 2014
Response to Leah's Second Blog
You asked what defines a barbarian, so I will answer!
I would like to use a cartoon to show what most people think a barbarian is. I'm not sure if you ever watched or if you remember the disney channel cartoon Dave the Barbarian? Haha, yes. Here is another disney reference from a fellow Latin American Civ. member. Well, the main character Dave, was considered to be a barbarian. He and his family members are perfect examples of the typical savage one would picture when describing a barbarian. Fur clothes and shoes, Dave's younger sister wore a bone in her hair, and dave wasn't particularly smart. He was strong, but had no brains. Also, Dave and his family of barbarians lived wayyyy back in time, which makes them seem more primitive in nature.
I think this exemplifies how most Americans view what a barbarian is. When I think of the word Barbarian, I think of someone who lacks intelligence, someone who is unfamiliar with new technology, but also someone who existed a long time ago. Sort of like a step up from a caveman.
So yeah, that's what I think of Barbarians!
pictures found at: http://s407.photobucket.com/user/23021987/media/DaveTheBarbarianScreencap.jpg.html
and
http://www.jrj-socrates.com/Cartoon%20Pics/Disney/Dave%20The%20Barbarian/Fang_300.gif
I would like to use a cartoon to show what most people think a barbarian is. I'm not sure if you ever watched or if you remember the disney channel cartoon Dave the Barbarian? Haha, yes. Here is another disney reference from a fellow Latin American Civ. member. Well, the main character Dave, was considered to be a barbarian. He and his family members are perfect examples of the typical savage one would picture when describing a barbarian. Fur clothes and shoes, Dave's younger sister wore a bone in her hair, and dave wasn't particularly smart. He was strong, but had no brains. Also, Dave and his family of barbarians lived wayyyy back in time, which makes them seem more primitive in nature.
I think this exemplifies how most Americans view what a barbarian is. When I think of the word Barbarian, I think of someone who lacks intelligence, someone who is unfamiliar with new technology, but also someone who existed a long time ago. Sort of like a step up from a caveman.
So yeah, that's what I think of Barbarians!
pictures found at: http://s407.photobucket.com/user/23021987/media/DaveTheBarbarianScreencap.jpg.html
and
http://www.jrj-socrates.com/Cartoon%20Pics/Disney/Dave%20The%20Barbarian/Fang_300.gif
Friday, January 17, 2014
Blog Two
After talking this week about newly independent Latin American nations, and the way the elites took advantage of the indigenous people, I began to see connections from our readings to present day United States. I know all of you are stuck on the jungle book analogy, but I'd like to try and be somewhat original and take my own approach to the subject. Whether what I say sounds legitimate or not, is for you to decide.
After reading Burns and Sarmiento, I began to think about the occupy Wall Street movement. Think about it for a second: the so called "1%" is just the same as the elites, and the other 99% would be comparable to the peasants and every other person living in Latin America who was receiving no benefit from the rich elites' decisions.
The elites grew wealthy and lived luxurious lifestyles in Latin America while the poor commoners had children growing up in no better living conditions than the dirty family dog. some of the decisions the elites made, like trying to Europeanize the countries, often made the peasants' living conditions even worse. The elites did not care, however, because meanwhile they were basking in all the glory that came from being a rich white person of the nation.
The same argument can be made for the top 1% of the U.S. population. From what I have heard in my high school civics class, and what I looked up on the internet, this 1% of the population holds anywhere from 30 to 40 percent of our wealth. No wonder the other 99% of people in our country grew so frustrated and started the occupy Wall Street movement.
After reading Burns and Sarmiento, I began to think about the occupy Wall Street movement. Think about it for a second: the so called "1%" is just the same as the elites, and the other 99% would be comparable to the peasants and every other person living in Latin America who was receiving no benefit from the rich elites' decisions.
The elites grew wealthy and lived luxurious lifestyles in Latin America while the poor commoners had children growing up in no better living conditions than the dirty family dog. some of the decisions the elites made, like trying to Europeanize the countries, often made the peasants' living conditions even worse. The elites did not care, however, because meanwhile they were basking in all the glory that came from being a rich white person of the nation.
The same argument can be made for the top 1% of the U.S. population. From what I have heard in my high school civics class, and what I looked up on the internet, this 1% of the population holds anywhere from 30 to 40 percent of our wealth. No wonder the other 99% of people in our country grew so frustrated and started the occupy Wall Street movement.
I don't know much about the situation in the U.S., but I feel like the relation between it and Latin America in the past is similar. To me, it is even a little ironic, considering the fact that people in Latin America saw the U.S., and wished to be more like it.
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Blog One
Hello everyone!
So first I guess I'm supposed to say some things about myself and my life. I'm 18, have not picked a major, but am pursuing a minor in studio art (the sun I made below was actually inspired by this class). I don't know what it is about doodling, painting, ceramics, crafting, coloring, photography, or fashion, but I love it all. I've always been creative and wish I could major in studio art, but my dad is paying for some of my schooling so I am lucky I get to even minor in it. I am hoping to study abroad in China on a faculty lead program by my ceramics professor Hoon Lee. Basically if I could just travel the world as a hippie and create art all day I would be happy with my life. I also love to do community service, mostly which is targeted towards children, nature, or women.
I chose to take this class because I am 1/4 Mexican, but due to my mother not always being around I haven't always had many opportunities to spend time with that side of the family and learn about the culture that comes with a Mexican heritage. I took two years of Spanish in high school, and did well in it, yet didn't really feel like I learned much. I think I picked up on more Spanish working three months in a Mexican restaurant than spending two semesters in Spanish class! The downside to my choice of taking this class is I didn't exactly realize it was a history class, and I really am not too fond of history. I have a hard time remembering dates and names so this class is a challenge. However, being in the honors college I did expect to be challenged, so I'm just trying my best. This is my favorite class this semester, and was my third favorite last semester, so I guess you could say it has grown on me.
I guess I'm done here. I feel like I said a lot!
So first I guess I'm supposed to say some things about myself and my life. I'm 18, have not picked a major, but am pursuing a minor in studio art (the sun I made below was actually inspired by this class). I don't know what it is about doodling, painting, ceramics, crafting, coloring, photography, or fashion, but I love it all. I've always been creative and wish I could major in studio art, but my dad is paying for some of my schooling so I am lucky I get to even minor in it. I am hoping to study abroad in China on a faculty lead program by my ceramics professor Hoon Lee. Basically if I could just travel the world as a hippie and create art all day I would be happy with my life. I also love to do community service, mostly which is targeted towards children, nature, or women.
I chose to take this class because I am 1/4 Mexican, but due to my mother not always being around I haven't always had many opportunities to spend time with that side of the family and learn about the culture that comes with a Mexican heritage. I took two years of Spanish in high school, and did well in it, yet didn't really feel like I learned much. I think I picked up on more Spanish working three months in a Mexican restaurant than spending two semesters in Spanish class! The downside to my choice of taking this class is I didn't exactly realize it was a history class, and I really am not too fond of history. I have a hard time remembering dates and names so this class is a challenge. However, being in the honors college I did expect to be challenged, so I'm just trying my best. This is my favorite class this semester, and was my third favorite last semester, so I guess you could say it has grown on me.
I guess I'm done here. I feel like I said a lot!
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