Blog Seven

It's time for a British Invasion! And no, I am not talking about One Direction. I'd like to take the time to talk about the band who originally launched the British Invasion; The Beatles!

So what do The Beatles have to do with Latin American Civilization? Uhhhh have you ever heard the song "Revolution"? This word has been pounded into our heads non-stop over the past few weeks, so I would like to look at the way The Beatles viewed the topic of revolution in their song. Here are the lyrics, as well as a link to a video of the song:

You say you want a revolution
Well you know
We all want to change the world
You tell me that it's evolution
Well you know
We all want to change the world
But when you talk about destruction
Don't you know you can count me out

Don't you know it's gonna be alright
Alright, alright

You say you got a real solution
Well you know
We'd all love to see the plan
You ask me for a contribution
Well you know
We're doing what we can
But if you want money for people with minds that hate
All I can tell you is brother you have to wait

Don't you know it's gonna be alright
Alright, alright

You say you'll change the constitution
Well you know
We all want to change your head
You tell me it's the institution
Well you know
You better free your mind instead
But if you go carrying pictures of Chairman Mao
You ain't going to make it with anyone anyhow

Don't you know know it's gonna be alright
Alright, alright

Alright, alright
Alright, alright
Alright, alright
Alright, alright

video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tH9zG28GQEg

So, after paying close attention to the lyrics, I found a lot of similarities between what they sang about, and the Mexican Revolution. First of all, they open up saying everyone wants to change the world, and revolution always occurs when people want to see major change. The line, "But when you talk about destruction, don't you know you can count me out" reminded me of the book The Underdogs, because of our discussion of Demetrio, and how people in class recognized that when other rebels of the revolution resorted to violence, looting, and pillaging, Demetrio often sat out. Then, the next part of the song that reminded me of the Mexican Revolution was, "You say you got a real solution, Well you know, We'd all love to see the plan", and also the mention of changing the constitution. So many leaders came to power in Mexico during the revolution, each on of them had their own plans for reform, and many of them changed the constitution for their own benefit. They all claimed to have the solution to Mexico's troubles, but none of them ever solved everything they claimed they would.

Basically, I think the is Beatles song depicts how many people view not just the Mexican Revolution, but any revolution. No one wants a lot of violence and destruction, but they seek change in their nation. With revolution comes destruction, lies, the change of a constitution, new ideals, and much more. This song may have been written for what was going on in the 60's, but I find it easy to connect to our class, and the Mexican Revolution.

And here are some more great pictures of the band :)

Pictures found on pinterest, lyrics from A-Z Lyrics

My Response to Jacqueline's Sixth Blog

This was actually really interesting to me. I find it interesting that women were allowed to fight, because to me this seems like the women are looked at as more of an equal. I like how you pointed out that this was not in the movie at all. I am curious why the movie makers did not put this in the film. It would have made the movie more interesting.

Blog Six

This week, I would like to write about Camilla, from the novel we are reading in class, The Underdogs. I found her character to be very interesting, because of the love triangle that seemed to form between her, Luis, and Demetrio.

Essentially, Demetrio is the wiser, stronger, tougher man in this situation. Demetrio lead the rebels in the fight against the federals, and when he met Camilla, he took a liking to her almost instantly. I found this a little strange, because of their age difference, but it seems to be a reoccurring theme in our readings, so I let that part go. Anyways, so Demetrio really liked Camilla, but she didn't really like him. Camilla was interested in someone else.

Luis ends up being the man Camilla falls in love with. He is book smart, a doctor, and not the best soldier in the rebel army. He and Demetrio are two completely different people. When Luis found out that Camilla loved him and not Demetrio, he points out to Camilla that she should go for Demetrio, because he has more to offer: "Demetrio is on the verge of becoming a general, a rich man… Horses galore, jewels and fine clothes, fancy houses, and a lot of money to spend" (Azuela 48).

Although what Luis said was true, Camilla still favored him over Demetrio. I would like to speculate as to why this is, and hopefully some of you will agree with me! I think the reason Camilla wanted Luis and not Demetrio was because of Luis's intelligence. I think that she holds knowledge higher than the ability to fight. This in a way, reminded me of civilization vs barbarism. Camilla is going for the more "civilized" man. I want to know if anyone thinks this too, or if it just seems like a cheesy love triangle that is irrelevant to the novel.

My Response to Matts Fifth Blog

I like your post this week, especially considering I wrote about the same thing, yet our posts are so different. I really liked your comment about how we intervene when we feel threatened, and not because we are obligated. This is so true. I have some questions for you, however, which you don't have to answer but you should think about!

First, why was Cuba being communist even an issue? I don't know much about it so I'm not necessarily disagreeing with what you said, but I just don't get why the U.S. would care. Its not like Cuba was forcing us to be communists. So why did we need to step in and try to stop it?

Second, as far as invading the Dominican Republic goes, what do you really think would have happened if the U.S. didn't intervene? I don't see it being the end of the world, but that's just me.

I do have to say, however, that I disagree with you on the issue of a humanitarian crisis. This is the only time countries actually need help. When a country is suffering from a humanitarian crisis and they ask for help, it means you are actually wanted. If a country intervenes on another country simply because it feels threatened, then I doubt the country that is being intervened on even wants that country bugging it in the first place. I think countries should just leave each other in peace unless a country cries out for help. 

Blog Five

In one of Professor Stark's lectures this week, he asked us when it is okay for a country to intervene in another country's affairs. Professor Serrata essentially asked this same question by giving us the reading assignments by and about Roosevelt. I know I have written a blog similar to this already, but I believe it is an important subject to talk about, so I am going to expand upon my thoughts on the issue.

I first would like to point out that generally, any country that acts like it cares about another country, is lying. Most of the time the country that feels it is helping out is really being selfish, and pretending to help for reasons that are going to benefit it in some form. Take the U.S., for example, and pay attention to the countries it intervenes most in, and you will see that the U.S. rarely helps out a country if there is nothing to be gained. Rather than getting into the politics of the situation, I would like to ask a few important questions:

1. Is it morally right for a country to intervene in some other country if it will gain more from the intervention than the country being helped?

2. If a country such as the U.S. intervened less in other countries, do you think the U.S. would have less problems in its own country (with things such as crime, poverty, etc. that it claims to be helping other countries with)?

3. How bad does a humanitarian crisis have to be before a country should intervene?

I think from a moral standpoint, you can't really help a country out if you are benefiting more from the intervention than it is. To me, it seems like you're taking advantage of the country and its resources, and giving little back in return. I also believe that the United States should focus more on its own country than other countries, and maybe more problems would be solved. I also believe that it is okay to intervene on another country for humanitarian purposes, but only of the country cannot handle the problem itself. Just because a country fixes a problem differently than how the U.S. would fix it, it doesn't mean we should step in and change everything for that nation.

I also think that when a country intervenes in another nation's business, it shows the insecurities of that country. It kind of reminds me of when girls are mean to other girls, and people say it is just because they are insecure. When the U.S. points out the problems of other countries it makes us feel better about the problems we have ourselves.

I don't know. This is the best I've got for this week. My mind is all worn down from writing my paper and its one in the morning and I'm still adding the finishing touches. I hope everyone's weekend went great!

My Response to Elena's Fourth Blog

One of the first things you pointed out was how Cecilia was described as a woman, but she was only twelve years old. Oh goodness. This really is crazy to me. She was still a little kid. How can she be viewed as a sexual object? It blows my mind that grown men would want to be with a child. This reminds me of how back in the day in our country girls were having kids as soon as they were able to get pregnant. I could not imagine having children before I was even 18 years old. I guess we have to look at it as things were different back then? I don't know it still makes me uneasy thinking about it.

Blog Four

Soooo there is about an hour before I have to go to class and I completely forgot to do a blog for this week! So, thinking of a subject right on the spot, I would like to compare Jose Marti to some of the great leaders of our country.

Jose Marti really wanted equality for everyone in Latin America. He wanted equality for the blacks, mulattos, indians, creoles, and whites. To him, racism was sinful and really just plain unnecessary. I admire Jose Marti for standing up for what he believed in, it showed he had a great deal of integrity and empathy for others.

When I questioned myself about who he reminds me of from our country, the first person I thought of was Martin Luther King Jr. He, like Marti, fought for equality and justice. Many people from the Civil Rights Movement remind me of Marti. 

Even today, regular people who fight for equality when they see that something is wrong remind me of Marti. I believe it is important to speak out against racism and inequality whenever an opportunity is presented. I can't wait to see the day when race really does not matter to anyone, and when everyone is given equal opportunity for everything no matter what they look like or where they come from.

Sorry this blog is so lame! I can't believe I almost forgot to do it! I hope everyone's papers are coming along nicely :D