Exra Credit The Human Age

       The Human Age
               The beginning of the article talks about a new dinosaur museum opening on Washington DC in 2019. This museum not only will have fossils but it will force visitors to consider the species that is currently dominating the work. The article states, "We want to help people imagine their role in the world". This reminded me of the sixth Hallmark that says, "We create community among those with whom we work and with those we serve" . They are creating a place were people can see the value of themselves to then serve a purpose in the community.
              The article then mentions anthropocene which is a periods of time in which humans actions have major effects on the earth's climate. A chemist at the Max Plank Institute for Chemistry in Germany discovered how humans affect the earth's atmosphere. The article mentions a hole discovered in the ozone layer, which was made by all the carbon dioxide. Many people are aware with what is happening to the world's climate but to continue with their unhealthy ways.

Blog 19

Blog #19

    The chapter talks about globalization. To my understanding globalization ia the interactions of trade between different nations, like NAFTA between Canada, Mexico, and the US. Globalization was bought up and so was feminism. The chapter explored the feminism in the west, south, and internationally. Women in the west wanted jobs, an education, and equality between genders. There were many feminist writers that wrote about how women were not defined as human historically. This gave birth to feminist slogans, one being a mother’s day slogan saying, “Celebrated one day; exploited all year”. Women wanted liberation from oppression and wanted in a way a “male role” in society.

    Women in the south criticized women in the West for asking asking for  selfish things. Women in the South faced many problems like poverty, development, and racism. The woman in the south were more concerned with family affair rather than oppression. Feminism was looked as an imperialist action. In Chile feminism arose from a dictatorship and oppression. In the 20th century, feminism arose as a true matter of concern and it was even brought to the attention of the United Nations.

Blog 18

Blog #18

    The colonialism in Africa and Asia was coming to an end. Countries began to gain independence and it all started on the Middle East in the 1940s. Educated societies in Africa and Asia began uprisings against European colonialism. Among these societies arose great leaders like Gandhi. Gandhi promoted non violence protests and believed in equal rights and freedom. He fought for the oppression of women and in a way can be identified as a feminist. Gandhi’s actions followed the Hallmarks of the Sisters of NDNU, that we have today. One of the Hallmarks says, “We seek to live this heritage by allowing it to influence our actions in today’s world”. Gandhi’s actions were based on the injustices the world was living on and he was trying to make a positive impact. Gandhi along with many gave the opportunity and encouraged other to fight for their independence and become educated. One of the Hallmarks of NDNU says, “We create environments that encourage the development of the whole person” . These leaders created this environment to give  knowledge and give people the opportunity to fight for themselves.

Blog 17

Blog #17

          One of the points section five focuses on is property ownership. The chapter says that to really do common good a community should provide the necessary things for a good life to everyone. One of the necessary things for a good life is private ownership. He says that the proper understanding of property should adjust to be changed under circumstances because all people are increasingly dependent upon certain types of industrial production. According to Catholic Social teachings, it is not right to take away property from the present owner. Social mortgage is also mentioned. Social mortgage are the conditions which are allowed to use the goods of the world that god created. It is believed that god created the world for humanity therefore humanity has the right to its resources not just one or certain individuals. 

          Another point mentioned is labor. Section 6 talks about “living wage” and how that is a right. Having a living wage gives the opportunity for people to live a good life and to support one to live a comfortable life where one doesn’t have to worry about not having enough money for food or mortgage. The section also mentions how work is not a bad thing. So basically it gives one the opportunity to demonstrate their full penitential as a human being.

Blog 16

Blog #16

            The Soviet Union was the first country to declare themselves as a communist country. Even though the Soviet Union does not exist today, it is still obvious today that Russia is a communist country that is declared as a “democracy. The influence that the communist Soviet Union had is still evident today. Communism was big in the 20^th century. Russia and China were major countries that promoted Communism. By the 1970s, almost one-third of the world’s population lived in societies governed by communist regimes. With the increase power of communism and military power, it is no wonder why the US was in fear of the Soviet Union. The major differences between the US and Soviet Union government caused major conflicts. The Soviet Union was growing in nuclear weapons and as testing new bombs. The US lived in threat of a nuclear attack. I can only imagine what it would have been like for Americans to be living under constant threat. However, the United Sates was just as powerful and advanced as in nuclear weapons as the Soviet Union. It was the fear of the damage that the Superpowers could create. It was even possible for the start of World War III. Communism soon ran its course in the end of the 20^th century. With the death of Mao and eventually the fall of the Soviet Union, communism was defeated. 

Blog 15

During this the 20^th century, balances were shifting. Some governments lost their power and dictatorship gained power. Democracy was challenged and that is one of the main reasons why dictatorship was so common during this time. The 20^th century was a time of war and people believed that a democratic government couldn’t handle conflict. WWI was mainly caused by system of alliances. A small war exploded and because a world war. Also, countries were improving their tools for war and killing. Because of improved tools, the more horrific and bloodier battles became. We had trench warfare, where soldiers lived in trenches and fought in them. They had guns and gas. After WWI many lives were lost and women back at home were left without men. This is part of the reason why there was such a feminist movement during this time. Women needed to take the place of their men.

            After WWI, there punitive treaties were created and Germany was looked down upon. Germany was being blamed for the Great War and they became salty. This is the reason why Germany wanted to rise. Germany was so easily manipulated by Hitler because of the desire of being number one and prospering. Hitler helped build up Germany and people favored this. People were very vulnerable during this time and looked for Hitler for leadership. Hitler needed someone to blame for Germany’s crisis and blamed the Jews and took anger and vengeance and turned it to them. Hitler talked down on the Jews and led Germany believe that they were inhuman. 

Blog #14

          China’s population growth was massive. China had enough food up until the speed of population growth exceeded that of agricultural production. During this time China experience starvation corruption, famine, and loss of central power. China wasn’t able to keep up with the population growth and they are to blame. The reason China is to blame because of their lack of industrialization and their beliefs that they had little to learn from Europe. They cut off their trade with Britain. There’s not a lot of food to go around and eventually China lost its power of internal trade. Officials and the elite took advantage of peasants because of the corrupt system in China. People worked in harsh conditions, including children. They were over worked and underpaid. Because of this there were uprisings in china. People were tired of being abused and wanted change.

          Japan was an aggressive power during the nineteenth century. Japan had a major change and turned into a powerful industrialized united nation. They became imperialist and created an empire in Asia. Japan never wanted to get involved with other nations. They refused trade with several countries. However, eventually they let other countries in and expanded their opportunities. With its new trade routes, Japan grew and grew in technology, like ship building.  They had many social and political changed. Japan united and prospered. 

Call to Action Day- San Bruno

Call to Action Day- San Bruno

  On Call to Action Day I participated at the San Bruno Mountain. Prior to this trip, I had never been to San Bruno’s Mountain and I was happy I chose this activity. At San Bruno Mountain NDNU students were separated into two groups. The groups that I was split up with chaperoned 5^th graders. The NDNU students and the 5^th graders each introduced themselves and told the group something they liked. We rode up to San Bruno’s Mountain and hiked back down. The view on top of the mountain was amazing. We were able to see the Bay and lake Merced. The sun was shining at the mountain but the Bay looked foggy. During the hike down the teacher of the 5^th graders showed us many plants and there uses when the indigenous people were at the mountain. For example, there was this lavender color plant that she said the indigenous people would use as soap because of its scent. She also told us about how the root of a poppy flower was used as a tooth ache reliever. Also, along the trail the kids played bingo and marked off the critters and plants they spotted. I was in charge of leading the kids along the trail and to make sure they did not go too far away from the group. The kids were fun and energetic; they seem to know much about the plants found in San Bruno Mountain. We also got the opportunity to see three endangered blue and grey butterflies. When we finally got to the bottom we ate lunch and got a chance to play with the kids.

  I really enjoyed my day at San Bruno’s Mountain. It was a beautiful morning and we got to enjoy the view from atop the mountain.  I chose this activity to begin with because I knew we were going to hike and I enjoy hiking. Also, I chose this activity because I love working with kids and I hadn't volunteered to work with them in a long time. Many people didn't participate in Call to Action Day but I feel as if they missed out. It feels good to do something productive and I personally don’t believe this activity was a waste of time. From this experience I retouched on the side of me that likes to volunteer. Since I stared college I haven’t had time to do any volunteer work so this was a good experience. Next year I plan to participate for Call to Action Day in a different activity just because I want to explore the options that are given. However, I am not going to wait for Call to Action Day to volunteer, I am going to try to participate in any opportunity given to volunteer. 

Extra Credit Guest Speaker

            Paul Brockmann’s presentation was based on some of the social issues in developing countries today. More specifically, he talked about his experience in Sierra Leone and the organization MSF. MSF is also referred to as Doctors without borders and is international organization that provides medical assistant to 67 countries as of 2013. They provide assistant countries that have suffered from natural disasters, have been excluded from health care, and have suffered from diseases. Paul talked about the Ebola outburst in developing countries and his part in helping to aid this issue. He mentioned that people believe that Ebola is not a threat anymore. However, Paul said that although the epidemic is not as bad as in August 2014, it is still a threat and in the first two weeks of March, 150 new cases of Ebola came up. He talked about the effects that Ebola has caused like Orphans. I really liked that he mentioned the Survivor Stories and talked about hope. Paul’s presentation made me consider volunteering as MSF. I liked that this organization doesn’t just bring medical aid, but psychological aid as well. This organization gives patients and their families hope. It brings life to people and makes them want to continue to live aside of their states. Paul also talked about the suits they had to wear and the treatment centers. He talked about the precautions they took, like changing their “street clothes” before entering the center. He also mentioned how the suits were not used all day because they were too hot to handle. They would use them for an hour and wouldn’t let anyone exceed that time for the fear of someone fainting. In the end he talked about the estimated costs of giving these countries basic health care. Paul said that the estimated amount would be $1.6 billion. He also gave us tips on what we can do to help the cause. 

Blog #12

            Imperialism in Europe was so popular in the nineteenth century because of the growth in nationalism. Europeans thought themselves superior and this mind set can be seen in the 20^th century as well. In the  twentieth century during WW11 most of major dictatorships arose from Europe and these European countries were very racist and thought themselves as superior and even tried to extinguish those who were thought inferior. In this case some European countries were creating democratic states and other countries were creating empires. In the first wave of conquests, Europe concentrated in conquering the Americas and in the second wave Europe concentrated in conquering Asia and Africa. European countries have always been greedy countries always looking for land to conquer. Europeans are also greedy when it comes to money and profits. They can never have enough of anything. European countries are abusive to the vulnerability of other counties and that is what they did in second wave of European Conquests. However, European conquests were not going to left without consequences. Europeans would burn, shoot, and mistreat the people in their conquered lands. People soon started to rebel against European rule.  

Blog #11

            There were 375 million people in 1400 to about 1 billion in the early nineteenth century. Like today, the population dramatically increased. Population grows when death rates are outnumbered by birth rates. People are living longer and still continue to today. The Industrial Revolution changed peoples need and the things they relayed on. Before the revolution, people relayed on air, water, wood, and animals. After the revolution, people relayed on oil, coal, and natural gas, which are nonrenewable fossil fuels. The industrial revolution caused much harm to the environment and still continues to harm Mother Nature. It is not surprising to see that the industrial revolution took place in many parts of the world around the same time. Most likely societies influenced one another and gave each other ideas. It is not surprise that the industrial revolution began in Europe. Europe has always seems to be successful. The Roman Empire came out of Europe and the Renaissance did to. The Industrial Revolution began in Great Britain. They economy was really successful and they were the most highly commercialized of Europe’s countries. Latin American countries tried to make their countries resemble European countries and the United States. I don’t believe that they would truly be like those countries but the matter is a positive thing. United States is the land of the free and European countries were giving more freedom to their citizens, so it is good that they would want to resemble some of these qualities. 

Blog #10

            Finally! People came to their senses and talked negatively of slavery! I’m pretty sure people always thought negatively of it but never really spoke out about the doings. Although slavery wasn’t completely abolished, it was decreased. These revolutions not only free men but slaves as well. Religion was finally playing its part and talking about the end of slavery. Many positive things came from the revolutions; however, there were a lot of divisions between countries. I feel that it is possible that the refusal of immigrants was brought up because of the revolutions. However, a lot of democratic government was set because of the revolutions. The government’s semi became by the people for the people. Although women still were not treated as full citizens, they held more rights than before. Women were giving themselves a voice, although they were unsuccessful, they were staring to take charge for their rights. It is no surprise that men still fought and argued that women were inferior to men. Women all over the globe were giving themselves a voice and fighting to become equal to men. 

Blog #9

            The relationship between Julie and Francoise proves to me that differences can be put aside when fighting for what is right. It is good that they were able to put their differences aside to fight for a good cause together.  With her family name, we can see why Francoise was able to become such a great respected woman. Like usual, the wealthy are not for a revolution because they already have everything they need and want, so they know that with a revolution, their wealth would change drastically. I can see where Francoise gained her nobility from, her father was a respectful man to his workers and did not abuse of them. It seems almost out of fiction book that Julie came from a completely different family. Julie did not enjoy the riches that Francoise did. And when is say out of a fiction book, I mean how they ended up becoming friends like most characters do. Their relationship is truly one to write about. It seems as though fate almost brought these two women together.

-I had posted this in a different blog, Sorry. 

Blog #8

            The uprising in the Russian Empire under Catherine the Great is just the endless repetition of history. The usual like Mexico and in the US people didn’t like the treatment coming from the government and then rebel against the system and then the process occurs again and again. It seems like most places like Africa always suffer and fight to always end up in poverty and corruption. I had never realized that Britain was fighting other wars during the time of the colonies and because of their war, the colonies had to suffer and pay more taxes. I was surprise to read that during the time of the revolution in the colonies, many other peoples like the Spanish Americans were too trying to gain their freedom. It is no surprise that in the early times of the United States, they were very irrelevant to the world. It was easy to see why the North American revolution was very distinctive to the French revolution. The US had an advantage because they were in an unfamiliar far land for the oppressor whereas the French rebels where in the land of the oppressor. It seems as if the North American revolution encouraged many other places to rebel and break free from their oppressive lands. First it was the North American revolution then France, Haiti, and then the Spanish American Revolutions. Finally people were taking action and were trying to put a stop to human slavery. People seemed to be afraid to speak but finally there was actions being taken on the matter. 

Blog #6
Reading this helps me understand how we go to the point in life we are now. Many people probably opposed to the new scientific mind set and it is interesting that many people oppose to religion today. It is not noticeable that the scientific revolution occurred because of the economy and technological advances. And it is not surprise that this new mindset first started in Europe. Europe seems to always give birth or to give fame to things and ideas. It must be difficult for society at this time to accept the new set of mind. And is understandable why they would want to challenge such ideas. It would be hard for religious people to accept that beyond our earth there is no god watching over us. I wonder if people who accepted this new form of thinking were killed or disowned by their families. The Scientific Revolutions was a necessary change in order to advance mentally and physically. Although this revolution brought change, it did not change the Greco- Roman mindset towards women. Women were still seen as inferior to men and were not treated equally. However, there were a few men who opposed to this type of mind set. They defended women and challenged other men and their power. The change could mostly be described in a positive way because it helped people progress and made them want to look forward into bettering their life’s and the worlds. Although there are many different religions, it is remarkable that many of the religions can relate and accepts on anthers ideas.

Blog #5

            It is surprising to see that Christianity was spread Asians, Africans, and Native Americans. Although we see diversity among religions today, I was unaware how the happening occurred. It speaks a lot about a religion to see how a cultural, traditionally largely limited to Europe in 1500, now had become a genuine world religion. Along with religion, the scientific outlook to a big impact in the world as well. It is no surprise that the unity in the Roman Catholic Church was shattered by the publication of the open debate of the various abuses within the church. It is remarkable to read that Christianity motivated European political and economic expansion and also benefited from it. Spain thought that the reason why many countries were succeeding was because of Christianity. Spain reminded me of the power of faith and religion and the influence it can have on society. Spain saw other countries success and converted and spread Christianity in hopes to prosper. Although China had a not so clean history dealing with religion, Christianity wasn’t enforced on Chinas peoples like the people in Spain’s New World Empire. China had been presented with Christianity by the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is surprising to hear that Africans had incorporated Christian concepts or ideas into their own religions. 

Blog #4

            It is interesting and not surprising to see that out of all commercial ties in the early modern era, the Atlantic Slave trade had the most enduring human consequences. It is sad to hear that millions of African societies were affected by such inhuman acts. More 14.4 percent of the slaves died during the transatlantic crossing and it gets me wondering why. Did the salves kill themselves or were they were they treated so harshly that they ended up dying? I feel and I’m pretty sure anyone would agree that slavery wasn’t necessary. The only reason why they even thought about such inhumanity was because Europeans were just too lazy to do the work themselves. It is not surprising to hear Europeans are benefiting from others inventions and creating and trading it for themselves. Europe established sugar-producing plantations just like they created their own silk during the trade routes in the Silk Road. It is disgusting read that Europeans would try to justify their action involving salve trade. Europeans often would try to justify their actions using religion. Salves were treated in humanly and terribly. It is sad that only in rare cases; slaves were freed and given the opportunity to live a normal life.

 Sorry for just blogging, I just realized I’ve been blogging in different blogs and not in the one you have.

Blog #3

I was surprised to read that in Asia, the story of the European empires in the Western Hemisphere was different. It is no surprise that the voyages of the Portuguese mariner Vasco da Gama, was motivated for the massive effort of desire for tropical spices.  Europe was progressing after the huge population decrease it had faced during the Black Death. Trade was beginning to be seen again just like the silk roads and ocean road trade routes. It is no surprise that that Europe had a problem with paying for Eastern goods. Europe was drastically affected by the Black Death and that had left their economically state devastated. Europe took advantage of African gold and basically took over their gold and peoples. Europe’s desperate need for gold, trade, and prosperity gave birth to African salve trade. Salves were disposable and treated inhumanly. It is no surprise that salves in Northern America was treated better than those in the Caribbean. It is surprising to see that silver had such a big impact in the trade. Usually people today would prefer gold over silver and it is surprising to see that silver and gold were almost equal during this time. China seems to have become the fondest about silver during this time. China even made silver as a form of payment in their country. During the early modern era, fur even became a form of payment. Along with silver, textiles, and spices, it is surprising to see the big influence these items had in the trade.

 Sorry for just blogging, I just realized I’ve been blogging in different blogs and not in the one you have.

Blog #2

            I was surprised to read another part of history during the colonization and rising empires in the Americas. Siberians were forced to give up their land, just like the Native Americans. Siberians were too affected by new diseases they had not yet encountered like the Native Americans. The mixing of races also occurred in the Americans. Meaning that European men were having babies with Native American women. Siberians were upset by all the fees they had to pay to the Russian Empire; however, Siberians eventually gave in to Russian law and culture. The Russian Empire had all the correct resources to make their wealth and economy grow. The Russian Empire, in a way, reminded me of the Mongol Empire with some of their conquests. Like the Mongol Empire, the Russian Empire sometimes had it easy when trying to expand. During this time, China was not left behind. During this time, the Chinese had created an empire for themselves. China created an imperial state and had the borders of contemporary china. Those borders were essentially created during the Qing Dynasty. Importantly, Chinese conquests, together with the expansion of the Russian Empire, utterly created Central Asia. I was glad to see that Chinngis Kahn was mentioned during the reading. The central division within Mughal India reminded me of the division during Muhammad’s time and after his death as well. I was unaware that the Ottoman Empire was also the creation of the Turkic Warrior grasp. I was also delighted to see that women actually had some independence and got to be a part of the society in Central Asia.

Sorry for just blogging, I just realized I’ve been blogging in different blogs and not in the one you have.

Blog #1

            It was intriguing to see or describe the colonization of the Americas as an empire. I had never heard or even thought about the idea of them being an empire. It is surprising to hear other things going on in the world during the time of the discovery of the Americas. The European countries seem to always have great advantages. Although they always seem to face issues, they always overcome obstacles and come out stronger. It is not surprising to see Spain involved with the Aztec Empire. Just like Native Americans, Aztecs were infected with disease they were not yet familiar with. It was not surprising to hear that once Native Americans became exposed to new diseases, about 90 percent of their people were wiped out. Even more shocking was the witness who had talked about the Native Americans exposure to the new disease and the outcome of the problem. The witnessed talked about how nearly the whole population was dying from the diseases and the number of their population had decreased drastically. The Spanish Conquest surprised me the most when I read that Spain had established cities, life, and even Universities in Mexico. Spain had really used Mexico to their advantage and created a prospering economy. The reaction people had to sugar once discovered, reminded me of the reaction society had in today’s world in all the advances in technology we have had.

Sorry for just blogging, I just realized I’ve been blogging in different blogs and not in the one you have.