Due to taking world issues in my graduating year of high school, it has opened up a whole new world for me. Sure, before I took this class I was up to date in the news, but being able to discuss the things that I was seeing in the news and the problems around the world that were occuring, it allowed me to learn in a completely different way. Discussions within the class broadened my way of thinking in a way that challenged my mind and allowed me to say what I was feeling.
I learned so much about the huge conflict going on in the Middle East, which I had partially ignored due to the complexity of it all. Being able to participate in the AIC conflict simulation definitely opened my eyes and authorized me to develop a complete understanding of the topic.
Through the 7 steps project, we learned how to create action about an issue that we are passionate about. It enabled us to build an action plan to follow through with things that inspire us to do better in our world and that is an amazing quality to experience in a course.
My world perception has been changed, I would say for the better. I am more aware about what goes on around the place we call earth and allows us to learn enough to continue to call it that.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Compassion
When I sat down to think about what theme would best reflect world issues this year, I thought about compassion. When defined, compassion is a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering. I think it has allowed our class to connect to various issues, being aware of what is happening around the globe and caring about those affected. Compassion is definitely a theme that makes an impact on thinking when we're doing things such as discussing issues as a class, writing blog posts about problems around the world and participating in projects such as the AIC conflict. When you have compassion, you definitely look at things in a different way, you realize that someone who died in a world disaster had a family and a home and probably everything that you yourself have and it makes things seem a lot more real. Learning about all of the problems that we discussed and were informed about during world issues this year, it has enabled me to open my eyes and realize that our world is not perfect. It has problems and in order to fix it, people need to have compassion and care for each other which I think a lot of our class has now developed due to the vast amount of issues we learned about. Compassion would make our world a lot more positive and allow us to become one step closer to acheiving our goals.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Climate Change: A record-making effort
[1] What is the author's position regarding climate change?
-the author considers the work done by Berkley's institute procedures for climate change data collection valid
-possibly the author was one of the sceptics; other institutes are not doing as an accurate a job as Berkley
[2] What does the data say about climate change?
-surface tempatures have risen 0.7 degrees since 1957
-climate change is real and happening
-we have the technology to now measure climate change accurately
[3] Why do you think that climate change continues to be an important topic in the global community?
-the results of climate change effects everyone, not just a subset of people
-many people live in coastal cities -> when flooding starts to happen it will effect many people
-climate change is getting wrose at a continually increasing rate
-climate change is a factor to large comapnies and company policy
-is it still an important topic? It seems in some ways we have become de-sensitized to the topic
[4] What does the author identify as the two sides of the debate?
-the sceptics and the believers
-the sceptics believe much of the data is "sparse and patchy", they don't have faith in the methods used in the collection of data and believe there is much conspiracy
-the believers
[5] Who is Dr. Muller and what has he been trying to do of late?
-he is an astrophysicist, he is portrayed as a sceptic and is known to give the idea a lot of critism
-he looks at climate change through a different approach: through physics and not climate science and they have produced very similar results
[6] Why might the Berkley work increase the acceptance of global warming?
-it was privately funded, helping to reduce the risk of a bias
-methodology is much more credible
-the author considers the work done by Berkley's institute procedures for climate change data collection valid
-possibly the author was one of the sceptics; other institutes are not doing as an accurate a job as Berkley
[2] What does the data say about climate change?
-surface tempatures have risen 0.7 degrees since 1957
-climate change is real and happening
-we have the technology to now measure climate change accurately
[3] Why do you think that climate change continues to be an important topic in the global community?
-the results of climate change effects everyone, not just a subset of people
-many people live in coastal cities -> when flooding starts to happen it will effect many people
-climate change is getting wrose at a continually increasing rate
-climate change is a factor to large comapnies and company policy
-is it still an important topic? It seems in some ways we have become de-sensitized to the topic
[4] What does the author identify as the two sides of the debate?
-the sceptics and the believers
-the sceptics believe much of the data is "sparse and patchy", they don't have faith in the methods used in the collection of data and believe there is much conspiracy
-the believers
[5] Who is Dr. Muller and what has he been trying to do of late?
-he is an astrophysicist, he is portrayed as a sceptic and is known to give the idea a lot of critism
-he looks at climate change through a different approach: through physics and not climate science and they have produced very similar results
[6] Why might the Berkley work increase the acceptance of global warming?
-it was privately funded, helping to reduce the risk of a bias
-methodology is much more credible
Middle East Revolution
A budding relationship between America and Palestine is occuring due to what a lot of people seem to think is Barack Obama's doing. He realized the necessity of showing the Arabs that although they have a strong alliance with Israel, they still want to achieve peace. Although the Arabs were pleased with this possibility, the Israelis thought that the USA was spending too much time and attention on the Palestine.
The Israelis still insist on expanding settlements in the West Bank and it is unrealistic for the Israeli government to not accept the idea of a Palestinian state. Although the USA was hoping that Israel would elect a new president so that changes involving relations with Iran would occur, in the election of 2009 Israel re-elected Mahmoud Ahmandinejad. The US had wanted a change in president because Ahmandinejad is speculated to make little to no change in affairs involving other countries.
The problem involving Jerusalem is a bump in the road to success of a two state solution. As splitting Jerusalem would be complicated, the arguments over the borders is being led by Prime Minister Netanyahu who wants a Palestinian state as well as having the Gaza settlements abandoned. Tension between the Arabs and the Israelis is at an ultimate high currently.
The Israelis still insist on expanding settlements in the West Bank and it is unrealistic for the Israeli government to not accept the idea of a Palestinian state. Although the USA was hoping that Israel would elect a new president so that changes involving relations with Iran would occur, in the election of 2009 Israel re-elected Mahmoud Ahmandinejad. The US had wanted a change in president because Ahmandinejad is speculated to make little to no change in affairs involving other countries.
The problem involving Jerusalem is a bump in the road to success of a two state solution. As splitting Jerusalem would be complicated, the arguments over the borders is being led by Prime Minister Netanyahu who wants a Palestinian state as well as having the Gaza settlements abandoned. Tension between the Arabs and the Israelis is at an ultimate high currently.
CARE model
I would rank the CARE model for ethical decision making in the same way as outlined.
[1] COMPASSION - I think that compassion should be ranked first because you have to believe in it whole heartedly or else the effect won't be as great. If the compassion is not there then people will not be as willing to get involved and that will effect the overall situation. You need compassion to be able to make change through your action, making compassion a necessary quality to become an all-around global citizen.
[2] ACTION - Being able to take action definitely goes hand in hand with compassion. You need to be able to take that first step trying make a change through your action. If you can't take action, you can't change the world and become the global citizen you aspire to be.
[3] RESPONSIBILITY -Having compassion and being able to take action are definitely your first steps, but you need to have responsibility to make it something more. It will allow the action and compassion to develop into more than just a phase, or something you're not set on following through with. Responsibility is a key aspect to fufilling your goals to become a global citizen.
[4] EQUALITY - I put equality last, not because I don't think it's important, but because I found that the others were more empowering towards the goal of being an overall global citizen. It is still a very important concept because without it, the CARE model would not be complete as equality it a neccessary component to becoming a global citizen.
The care model is a great way to see everything you need to be a global citizen and even in a way that impacts your everyday life making you see how important it really is.
[1] COMPASSION - I think that compassion should be ranked first because you have to believe in it whole heartedly or else the effect won't be as great. If the compassion is not there then people will not be as willing to get involved and that will effect the overall situation. You need compassion to be able to make change through your action, making compassion a necessary quality to become an all-around global citizen.
[2] ACTION - Being able to take action definitely goes hand in hand with compassion. You need to be able to take that first step trying make a change through your action. If you can't take action, you can't change the world and become the global citizen you aspire to be.
[3] RESPONSIBILITY -Having compassion and being able to take action are definitely your first steps, but you need to have responsibility to make it something more. It will allow the action and compassion to develop into more than just a phase, or something you're not set on following through with. Responsibility is a key aspect to fufilling your goals to become a global citizen.
[4] EQUALITY - I put equality last, not because I don't think it's important, but because I found that the others were more empowering towards the goal of being an overall global citizen. It is still a very important concept because without it, the CARE model would not be complete as equality it a neccessary component to becoming a global citizen.
The care model is a great way to see everything you need to be a global citizen and even in a way that impacts your everyday life making you see how important it really is.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Oh Wikileaks...
Wikileaks is an international non-profit media organization that publishes submissions of otherwise unavailable documents. Within a year of the site's launch, it has grown to more than 1.2 million documents. It releases confidential information that was never supposed to be viewed by the public and that puts all those associated in danger. It may lead to worse things like putting the whole country in danger as opposing countries may gain access to this information and cause problems for the government as well. Middle Eastern countries may decide to use this information to their advantage and use it within violent action which is never good.
No one can tell us what this may lead to, but we can only hope that it doesn't cause a national disaster.
No one can tell us what this may lead to, but we can only hope that it doesn't cause a national disaster.
China, growing and growing?
China keeps on growing and growing, supposedly. They are building up a military, resources and anything else they can get their hands on. It seems to be most beneficial for the globe for China to give the United States a run for their money, literally. China is giving the US, competition and therefore the standards of things are rising and making lifestyles improved. Since the Cold War, the US has been the world's single super power and now there is a chance that in the near future there could be two super power countries. The world has been somewhat stable globally with the US as our only super power, but would having two super powers set the world off better or worse?
With two super powers, there could definitely be tension and that can sometimes lead to war. Having the world's two super powers at war with each other would not be good for anyone, which is one of the downsides of having two as opposed to only one. Also, having the second super power being China, the rise of that country can easily effect smaller countries economy such as Japan where they blame the state of their economy on the rise of China. Other things such as the rise of their military could lead to problems as well because it increasing so fast that it needs to be monitored.
Overall, I'm uncertain whether or not having two super powers is such a good thing.
With two super powers, there could definitely be tension and that can sometimes lead to war. Having the world's two super powers at war with each other would not be good for anyone, which is one of the downsides of having two as opposed to only one. Also, having the second super power being China, the rise of that country can easily effect smaller countries economy such as Japan where they blame the state of their economy on the rise of China. Other things such as the rise of their military could lead to problems as well because it increasing so fast that it needs to be monitored.
Overall, I'm uncertain whether or not having two super powers is such a good thing.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Globalization, causing more harm than good?
Globalization is the process in which regional economies, societies and cultures become intertwined through a global network of communication, transportation and trade. It is usually recognized as being driven by economic, technological, sociocultural, political and biological factors. It also refers to the circulation of ideas, languages or popular culture.
Although for our in class debate I was for globalization, I personally am not in favour of globalization as it has significant negative effects such as increased inequality and environmental degradation. It has also eaten away at the Midwestern United States' industry and agriculture which has lowered the quality of life. Globalization of economies and trade, culture is being imported and exported as well. My main concern is that the US and other stronger countries may overrun smaller country's cultures which would make those values disappear.
Due to the negativity of globalization, many poorer nations take advantage of the lower wage rates. Sweatshops are an example of the reason why globalization is not an advantage. There are factories set up in poor countries where employees work for low wages, because labour laws aren't enforced. Although there are several agencies that have been set up worldwide to focus on anti-sweatshop campaigns, but all of which has failed in Congress.
Not only has globalization affected the surrounding I've mentioned above, but globalization has also assisted in spreading some of the deadliest, infectious diseases there are. It started as early as the 14th century when the Black Death killed at least one-third of Europe's population. Now-a-days, transportation is an open airway for movement of infectious diseases. Also, immigration has caused belief that approximately 500,000 people in the United States are infected with Chagas disease.
Overall, globalization seems to be doing more harm than good, but there are positive aspects. It improves the quality of products due to competition all over the globe and domestic companies are forced to fight with foreign competition and raise their standards to stay in the market. There is also positive effects when it comes to the spread of education through globalization. Once being educated, you could move in search of the best educational facilities in the world and other countries are open to sharing their cultures. Societies have become larger because they have welcomed people of other cultures and found a whole new acceptance. Languages, customs and even cooking styles have spread all over the world due to globalization as well as movies, music and forms of art. So although there are many negative impcats, which I choose to focus on, it is important to know that there are two sides and that globalization has some positive aspects as well. If there weren't, then it wouldn't happen as often as it does.
Although for our in class debate I was for globalization, I personally am not in favour of globalization as it has significant negative effects such as increased inequality and environmental degradation. It has also eaten away at the Midwestern United States' industry and agriculture which has lowered the quality of life. Globalization of economies and trade, culture is being imported and exported as well. My main concern is that the US and other stronger countries may overrun smaller country's cultures which would make those values disappear.
Due to the negativity of globalization, many poorer nations take advantage of the lower wage rates. Sweatshops are an example of the reason why globalization is not an advantage. There are factories set up in poor countries where employees work for low wages, because labour laws aren't enforced. Although there are several agencies that have been set up worldwide to focus on anti-sweatshop campaigns, but all of which has failed in Congress.
Not only has globalization affected the surrounding I've mentioned above, but globalization has also assisted in spreading some of the deadliest, infectious diseases there are. It started as early as the 14th century when the Black Death killed at least one-third of Europe's population. Now-a-days, transportation is an open airway for movement of infectious diseases. Also, immigration has caused belief that approximately 500,000 people in the United States are infected with Chagas disease.
Overall, globalization seems to be doing more harm than good, but there are positive aspects. It improves the quality of products due to competition all over the globe and domestic companies are forced to fight with foreign competition and raise their standards to stay in the market. There is also positive effects when it comes to the spread of education through globalization. Once being educated, you could move in search of the best educational facilities in the world and other countries are open to sharing their cultures. Societies have become larger because they have welcomed people of other cultures and found a whole new acceptance. Languages, customs and even cooking styles have spread all over the world due to globalization as well as movies, music and forms of art. So although there are many negative impcats, which I choose to focus on, it is important to know that there are two sides and that globalization has some positive aspects as well. If there weren't, then it wouldn't happen as often as it does.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Free at last!
The 2010 Copiapo mining accident happened on August 5, 2010 when the main ramp of the San Jose copper-gold mine in the Atacama Desert near Copiapo, Chile collasped while leaving 33 men trapped 700 metres below the ground. They weren't sure when or if they were ever going to get out, ever going to see their friends, family, loved ones or even the sun. The miners survived underground for a record of 69 days, and were rescued and brought up to regular ground on October 13, 2010.
At first, communication to the miners was not possible, but soo there was about 135 people working together to save these trapped men. More ramps continued to collapse, therefore making it harder to reach the miners. After being stuck underground for about 3 weeks, aid received a note from the miners saying "We are fine in the shelter, the 33 of us." Although the miners were so far underground, Aid was able to send down food and water to help the miners survive. Even though food was sent down frequently, each miner is said to have lost 17 pounds, but officials say that it will make it easier to rescue the trapped men. Almost three months went by, and then...the sirens were going off, telling the people of Chile that the miners were being freed.
If I had been stuck 700 metres underground, not only would I be scared, but I would be hungry, cold and probably wet. I would only have the clothes on my back, and the scarce food and water that aid is sending down for myself and the 32 other people with me. I would miss my family, friends and just being able to be comfortable. Home would be so distant, almost like I was in another country. It would be unsanitary living so far underground, no proper plumbing and sharing such a compact area with so many other people, I would want to get out of there as fast as I could. It would be absolutely terrifying.
The media has so much influence on our world, they should be focusing on more important information, such as all these men being effected by living underground for just over two months. They have the chance to show society that when working together, we can acheive most things and it comes easier when there is more people. Society cannot be aware of these things without the media, therefore I feel that they need to step up a bit more and share critical and important stories.
They could improve, but the media has done a good job of making people aware of this disaster, but thank goodness its over and they are finally free! :)
Monday, October 25, 2010
Arab vs. Israeli; Simulation
Our current assessment in World Issues is the Arab-Israeli Conflict simulation, which is a national simulation run by some students at the University of Michigan. They have student's schools assign them to a country and a representative of that country who they pretend to be. Students learn about their specific country's role in the conflict and how their "character" has contributed to solving this problem. They learn by formulating strategic goals that their country hopes to acheive during the simulation, participating in the world politics of the conflict and become aware of the elaborate reality of international politics.
In the simulation, I am a part of the United States of America team and am portraying the role of Hillary Clinton, the 67th United States Secretary of State and a past United States Senator. It is exciting to be playing her, because she has strong ideas and is ready to stand up as a leader, as she was the leading candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination.
I hope being in this role will allow me to learn more about the issues between Israel and Palestine and to contribute in creating a better world while showing that everyone can make a difference as long as they try to!
In the simulation, I am a part of the United States of America team and am portraying the role of Hillary Clinton, the 67th United States Secretary of State and a past United States Senator. It is exciting to be playing her, because she has strong ideas and is ready to stand up as a leader, as she was the leading candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination.
I hope being in this role will allow me to learn more about the issues between Israel and Palestine and to contribute in creating a better world while showing that everyone can make a difference as long as they try to!
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