Yvonne Walters 9/15/13 @6:45pm Global Topic: Gendercide http://www.worldmag.com/2013/09/the_female_holocaust/page1 http://www.worldmag.com/2013/09/the_female_holocaust/page2
"The Female Holocaust" by Danial James Devine
The setting is in front of a US House Sub Committee on September 11, 2013. Jill McElya, cofounder of the Invisible Girl Project, speaks with passion and fervor about a topic that is none too new to many of us, gendercide. Her speech begins with a story of Preema, an Indian girl who is the youngest of 12 female children to survive the wrath of her parents desperate desire for a boy. They intentionally killed her 11 sisters at birth simply because they were not male. Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J precided over the subcommittee meeting and his opening remarks set the tone by stating, “By shining a light on what is happening in India with its missing girls, we hope to move forward towards a world where every woman is valued and deeply respected because of her intrinsic dignity, and where every child is welcome regardless of his or her sex.” The census in India reports there are "37 million more men than women" in the country. A direct result of the senseless murders and abortions of innocent infants and women. Dowries also play a significant role in these murders and abortion. Dowries are a tremendous hardship on the family of a female. Indian custom has been to provide a dowry along with the bride at her time of marriage. Poverty in India has made this custom nearly impossible for most Indian families. If a young women survives to the age of marriage, and her dowry is not elaboate enough, she faces the risk of abuse and possibly being murdered by her new husband and his family. India's National Crime Records Bereau reports that a woman is murdered every hour in India due to an insufficient dowry. The issue of gendercide is earmarked by the epidemic that began in the 1960's with support of US organizations like Planned Parenthood and Population Council. These organizations encouraged gender selection to Indian parents by Sheldon Segal who taught doctors how to determine the sex of unborn babies. He promoted this practice as a means to control Indian population. According to the article, it is agreed that India's issue of gendercide is a very real dilema but the United States has yet figured out what to do about it. Sanctions on governmental aid in India may be a starting point but convincing the people of the US is another issue. I agree something drastic needs to happen but I too have no idea where to begin.
Yvonne, reading your article quite simply broke my heart. I agree with you as you put in the end of your article response. When you read about global problems such as this it is hard to even know where to begin. Although it feels like a cop-out because we want to be able to do something more tangible and something we can quickly see fruit from, I do think that Education and increasing awareness is a good place to start. As I read your article it seems that your article was similar to mine in the fact that India has laws in place that are supposed to protect. However it is not the lack of the law that is the problem it is the fact that no one is enforcing it. 6 million young girls having dies because of this is truly genocide. And it more than mind can even comprehend. There has to be a re-education for Indian people, and I do not say this to insult culture, I say it because there has to be a line drawn somewhere, where regardless of culture something’s are not ok. And Genocide, innocent children born and breathing being killed because they are girls and not boys is one of those things.
Child Labor Kayla Hood September 16, 2013 12:26 a.m.
Despite Bans, Child Labor Prevalent in Nigeria
In Nigeria there are 36 states that have not incorporated the U.N. Conventions right’s for children in their local laws. Although the Nation as a whole did sign the adoption of children’s rights that the U.N created in 1959. This article discusses the problem in Nigeria that is what they describe as common.
Amina is a 13 year old whose case is highlighted in the article. She was given away by her mother so that she could earn wages being a helper at a household in a city called Kano. Amina describes her daily routine, her early rise time each morning, and numerous rigorous tasks. What’s more is that not only does she spend each day laboring rather than being the youth the she is, but she also facing severe beatings if the work that she does is not up to par.
Amina dreams if being able to go and get an education and not just help the children she tends to take baths so they will be ready for school but to actually be able to go herself. What is important about child labor is that it ties into everything else. Child labor relates to education, poverty and numerous other global issues. Impoverished children are often given or sold into our era’s slavery; they become child laborers and are often denied an opportunity for an education and thus the cycle continuous. Reading this article I immediately was reminded of a statement made by Gary Haugen in Not For Sale, as he described his pursuit for Justice for those in forced labor. The problem is not that there are not laws, as he stated essentially every nation has signed laws agreeing against child labor and forced labor in general. The problem is that these laws are not enforced. The law in many cases looks the other way. Because as this article described it is common and many people cannot imagine a world in which this bleak reality does not exist they do not press the issue but accept the less than status quo. As simply as I can think to put it, these laws need to be enforced. As long as people are able to force children to work and face no repercussions, it will without a doubt continue. Criminal prosecution proves time and time again to be a great deterrent for those who feel above the law and this is the direction we should move to stop child labor and other global injustices.
I like how you referenced this article back to the book Not For Sale and how the issue isn't that there aren't laws. Taking that concept and just looking at the US and how we have a speeding limit, and there is a risk in getting a ticket, in which case the law would be enforced, but many times, it is not. This is kind of how child labor seems to be looked at in developing countries. They acknowledge its wrong, but because they know it happens frequently, its almost easier to turn a blind eye. In the book Not For Sale, Haugen also mentions how many people don't even say it happens anymore, they are just "slave-like" conditions. Amina is living in "slave-like" conditions because she has been made a slave but how can we eradicate slavery, if no one believes it exists? This is why awareness is so important in social work because our job isn't to bandaid a problem, but to solve an issue that is causing the problem, so its fixed before the problem begins. This is where awareness comes into play, and taking that awareness and becoming an advocator for these children.
I too like how you referenced this blog back to the Not for Sale book. In reading the article it stated that 24 out of 36 states had not passed the UN's regulation and for that to happen all 36 states would have to pass it. This does give some hope that not everyone agrees with child labor laws. I still can't stomach the fact that not only are these children forced to work in grueling situations, they are also beaten and sexually abused. I can't for the life of me figure out how anyone could stand by while this happens. In Not for Sale it also referenced "street kids" and how most of the public despised them and wanted them put away and that many government officials would beat the children as well. How can someone forget that these are innocent children placed in situations that they didn't ask for? I am definitely looking forward to discussing this in class this week. Great Job!
Kayla, your article brings to light the need for stricter laws and punishments for those who abuse children. It is heartbreaking to realize in this day & age children are being trafficked, raped, and abused while the government looks the other way. I took a human trafficking course a few semesters ago and it was eye-opening for me because I had no idea that slavery was still a thriving business in our world. As I read the article I was struck by the wording of the laws that Nigeria has adopted, instead of he or she, they begin with "he" has the right. I wonder if this is why the author chose to feature a young girl and the plight of young girls in this article? In a male dominated world it seems that using the word "he" may insure males are not forced into child slavery and at the same time may provide a way for the continued slavery of girls. I believe this article is a step in the right direction by shining a light on child slavery; but it also shines a tiny light on another reason why it still goes on: families in Nigeria cannot afford to care for their children & sell them to help support the rest of the family. Advocacy must begin by shining a light on the issue and continue with finding a solution that works well for those most affected. Great post!
Kayla, like the other people have stated, I like how you brought our week's reading into this blog. One thing that stood out to me was how Amina was brought into this situation. Her father died when she was 10, and her mother gave her up because she couldn't care for her. My concern with this is how the legal system is for parents giving up their children. This country needs to obviously have more strict child labor laws, but I also think they would benefit from other laws concerning this. In the United States, her mother would be arrested for neglect for just giving her child up if she did not go through the legal system of foster care or adoption. I feel like if this country was more aware of what was going on with their child population, it would be easier to enforce the child labor laws.
In class we are constantly talking about the changes of the world and how it is important for social advancements to occur along side of economical advancements. It seems that the catholic religion may be changing some social aspects of their religion as our world changes. Archbishop Pietro Parolin brings up the issue of priests requiring being celibate, and how this is not a church dogma, which means its is not what the church holds true for faith. In the video, the guest speaker for Fox & Friends, Father Jonathan Morris speaks on this topic. He brings up the some pros and cons for either side of the issue. I personally believe it should be up for discussion. Although I am not catholic and may possible have a naïve view on this, I think it may be good for priests. With the news bringing up cases in which priests have been child molesters, I wonder if this temptation could have been “tamed” if they did not have to hide their desires and share those with a wife. I do not want to speak ignorantly but I would see that as a pro for allowing priests to marry and have families. I do agree with Father Morris that some are called to give up everything and live a life of celibacy and that it should still remain an option for the catholic church. I would interested to talk to someone that is of Catholic Faith and their stance on this subject. I feel as if my opinion doesn’t, and shouldn’t matter because I am Baptist. What do you think will come of this discussion in the Vatican, and do you think if there is a dialogue about it, will change come from it?
I, too, am somewhat naive about the rules regarding Catholic Priesthood. However, as a Christian, I think that it should be up for discussion as well. I like how you brought up that there have been issues regarding some priests convicted of child molestation because I can't help but wonder if forced celibacy onto priests might have something to do with it. I agree that God calls some people to celibacy but it's very different in the Baptist church. See, in our church, you have to be married in order to be a pastor of a church. I never fully understood this rule but I think that it could be a way for their hearts to focus more on God's will than their own desires. I think that with this discussion, it will be difficult to change a rule that has been used for hundreds of years. I'm not sure if change will come from it if there is a dialogue about it. Honestly, Catholicism is very historical and in my opinion, set in their ways. Although many might want to see change, it's very hard to say that change will happen.
Alison, Your article brings up a very interesting question of debate, should priests remain celebate. I attend a Catholic church although I am not Catholic. I attend for personal reasons, not necessarily because I agree with all Catholic teachings. I have given serious thought about the celibacy issue with priests especially with all the news media stories of molestation in the last 20 years. My opinion is two fold, without the distraction of a wife, children, and household responsibilities, priests can solely focus on spreading the word of God. Yet without those exact same experiences, how difficult it must be to speak of those responsibilities when counseling a young couple on marriage, child rearing, etc. I believe it is a topic that should be debated, openly. But I still am unsure of my own stance on the topic. In the video, Father Jonathan Morris speaks of the Vatican's view that this topic should be openly discussed further, that the Pope agrees it should be discussed, but he feels it should not change at this time. Great article and video.
This was a very interesting topic to read about and watch. I am of the Baptist faith as well, but I was raised in a devout Catholic family. I converted faiths as a teenager when I became a Christian. I, too think it should be up for discussion. I agree with Father Morris, though, I don't know if any change will actually come from it, but it is really interesting that it was brought up. It was a very good point he brought out in his interview, that many people who are not Catholic may not know or give a lot of thought to, that the rule of Priests not marrying is not biblical commandment but rather tradition. Biblical teaching does in fact state that it is good to remain unmarried, but NOT commanded. (1 Corinthians 7:7-11). It also actually says in 1 Timothy 4:1-3 that "forbidding to marry" is a false doctrine. But, Like Father Morris said, the Catholic church holds to it as a tradition as much of Catholicism is built on tradition. I think it would be good to discuss the possibility of "changing tradition" since it is not biblically necessary and it gives a Priest more of an option to personally define his own calling to God. I tend to think it isn't likely going to happen, though because it was a Papal Decree that created the celibacy rule and would likely take one to undo it. The decrees given by the office of Pope are considered infallible and changing them hurts their credibility. It also makes me wonder if this discussion is ever brought up for the office of Catholic Priest, should it be discussed for the women who serve as Catholic nuns as well because they also take a vow of celibacy.
This is very interesting, my ignorance to the Catholic faith led me to believe that priest not being married was from belief and not tradition. In my opinion I think they should have the option to marry. The priest in the video said he probably would not marry just because he feels that giving up everything is a reason he decided to become a priest. If it was optional then each priest could marry to suit there individual needs. I like the fact that you brought up previous news of priest molesting young boys. If they had the option of getting married then possibly this would decrease. This is something I will try to keep up with because I am interested to see the outcome.
Jonnecia Bradford Date: 9/16/13 Time:3:50 p.m Topic: Injustice/Discrimination Country: Wales Article: Blacklisting firms in Wales to be barred from public sector contracts http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-24041948
This week I came across an article titled “Blacklisting firms in Wales to be barred from public sector contracts.” Currently, the Welsh government is taking steps to stop the use of blacklisting of union workers and any worker who raises concerns about the health or safety conditions of the work environment.
Over one hundred individuals were listed in a database used by hiring companies. This information listed if they were involved in a union, complained of environmental hazards such as asbestos, overflowing toilets, unsafe guardrails, and some simply listed that the employee couldn’t be trusted. This has in turn caused these individuals and families to suffer financially due to being unable to find a job and provide for their families. Moreover, many of these individuals don’t even know that they are on this list.
Finance Minister Jane Hutt said: "The use of blacklists is wholly unacceptable and I fully sympathize with the individuals and their families who have suffered a terrible injustice as a consequence of contractors engaging in this practice.”
I too find this to be an injustice to these individuals and families especially when they are being denied work due to concerns that can be fatal to everyone in their work environment. In last week’s class we learned that there are over 2.8 billion people living in poverty and one of the causes of this is unemployment. While Wales has several government programs to aid in poverty stricken communities the acts of these employers do not help their efforts.
This is also non-compliant with article 25(1) which states that “Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favorable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment” as well as (4) that states, “Everyone has the right to form and to join trade unions for the protection of his interests.” These employees are being denied these rights by having to work in unfavorable conditions and then being fired and black listed by their employer from acquiring new employment. This is also in contradiction to 25(4) since any employee who is involved in a union is placed on a list to not be hired.
Overall, this was a really good article and I recommend everyone to read it. I find it unbelievable the types of stunts certain companies are pulling when they are in direct violation to their employee’s human rights and when the poverty rate is so high in our world. It’s unfortunate and unsettling.
MaKayla Jessie 9/16/2013 Time Posted: 6:53 pm Topic: Terrorism
In accordance to the article, a court in a western region in China called Xinjiang sentenced three people to death for acts of violent terrorism in which they planned an attack that killed 35 people in June on Thursday, September 12th 2013. They were charged with murder and also being part of a terrorist organization. These three terrorists were known as ethnic Uighurs, those who are members of the northwestern region of China that speak Turkic language. Another defendant was sentenced to 25 years in prison for also being a part of the June attack. These acts are thought to be of religious extremists activities. The have said that these people have been involved in illegal religious activities and have been spreading extremists religion which is thought to be the start to the plan of these attacks by the Uighurs. These people are against China’s extreme restrictions over their citizens’ language, religion and culture. Although this week’s reading was not necessarily in relation to the article I have chosen, I can’t help but reflect on our class discussion regarding the U.N. international goals for all nations. The four main goals include 1. Maintain peace and security 2. Develop friendly relations 3. Achieve cooperation in solving problems and 4. Harmonizing actions of nations. I have heard of China’s extreme restrictions on their people and I can’t help but wonder if they were to incorporate the U.N.’s goals into their goals for their country, would there be a decrease in hostile rebellions against their laws? I feel as though they are too strict on their people. I am not agreeing with terroristic acts against them. However, I feel like if they worked together for the betterment of their nation and also the wellbeing of their people while incorporating the U.N.’s goals, a possibility of improvement and decrease in terroristic threats might be a result. Not only should China include these goals for their country but all nations should take this into consideration. There will always be disagreements but so many restrictions can lead to so much rebellion.
It appears from what I read in the article that China is exercising its ability to keep religious activism out of the "energy rich area." The motive for keeping this type of movement from taking root is Communist Economics. When the regime states terrorism as the problem then the world will not judge to harshly for stomping out religious freedom.
This article focuses on crimes that are committed by individuals who have been released from jail/prison on bail. Five individuals, Andrew Dawson, George Johnson, Ernest Wright, David Cook and Desmond Lee were focused on in this article. These men were allowed to leave the jail on some sort of supervision plan by probation officials along with 1,900 other criminals. These five men have all committed other crimes since being released from their jail cells. A study of criminals who are free on bail shows that one in seven is likely to commit a murder, and that a crime is committed every ten minutes by someone who has been released. This article also lists statistics on other crimes committed by criminals who have been released. This article states that last year alone there were 56 people murdered by criminals, 155,500 prisoners were released early, and 60,129 crimes (42,302 were indictable) were committed in the last year.
These criminals did not commit small crimes. These criminals committed crimes in which torture and pain was inflicted on other people. These five men killed family members and random strangers who had nothing to do with them. This article is difficult to relate to the Not for Sale book, but I keep thinking about the Lord’s Resistance Army in reading this. The LRA was responsible for so many deaths and crimes against the cultures around them. Law Enforcement turned a blind eye to the LRA when the crimes were committed around them. This is what is occurring in this article. Just because people have “good behavior” in prison that does not mean that they will exhibit the same behaviors once released. This article shows that their “good behaviors” are only to get a decrease in sentence or jail time. The LRA killed people in order to gain an advantage over others. The difference between these criminals and the LRA is that the criminals do not get any type of advantage.
Rebecca, I thought you did a good job summarizing this article and relating it to the LRA. I feel as though many criminals are being released early from jail/prison and like the LRA, are responsible for many deaths and crimes within their community. I found it interesting that the article reports that one in more than seven murders (more than one per week) is committed from criminals who are currently free from bail while awaiting trial for other crimes. I personally feel as though criminals should serve their full sentence even if they are on “good behavior” while incarcerated. They are in jail for a reason and just because they can behave while locked in a cell does not mean they should be released early to commit further crimes within the community.
Name: Kasey Spicer Date: September 16, 2013 Article: Kenya aquifers discovered in dry Turkana region Topic: Environment
Despite Turkana being one of the poorest, hottest and driest cities located in Kenya, it is possible the city will soon experience a population growth due to scientist recently discovering a huge water source using satellites and radars. The ground water is held in areas between rocks (the bodies of rock are referred to as aquifers). The water is moved by gravity through the aquifers which then cleans the water at the surface. The government estimates the city could be supplied with water for nearly 70 years thanks to the aquifers.
According to the article, the people of Kenya suffered from a drought last year leaving 17 million out of 41 million people without access to safe water. Environmental Minister, Judi Wakhungu reported the country only uses about three bn cubic meters of water per year; the aquifers hold approximately 250 bn cubic meters of water. Wakhungu claims the water will be available to the community in one month.
Ikal Anglei is the leader of the non-governmental organization, Friends of Lake Turkana. Anglei explains how critical it is for governments to develop programs without community ownership to ensure economic development. I agree with Anglei; I feel as though the new water supply can bring growth to the city which can also bring a new wealth. I also feel as though the government needs to develop a program to ensure the water is being used to better the economic development in order to assist the people in Turkana. The article mentions water being used for future irrigation and industry which would bring even more attention and wealth to Turkana. Hopefully, Turkana will now be able to use the water (and later the irrigation systems) for farming and will be able to have more crops and animals to provide for their families.
This article provided some insight into what we as Americans take for granit on a daily basis. We have no clue what it's like to go without water or to use our water in a way that we save it. We take 30 minute showers without any thought to the amount. This article also shows the vast improvement in technology. Satalites were able to detect the amount of water... That's pretty cool in itself. I am wondering if the people of this Kenyan region will exploit the amount of water and charge an arm and a leg to access the water hole.
What a great article to read with such positive news for the people of Turkana. In the article it discussed the importance of not exploiting this resources, but to safeguard it for future generations. I think that is so important and meaningful. It is something that most people take for granted to have safe water. I am also interested in the idea that it is possible to use this resource for irrigation and industry. I was impressed that before using this resource for other regions or industry they were going to ensure the local area received the water.
Kasey, Awesome article. It brings to attention several issues, potential corrective actions, options within those actions, and it also raises questions. It fits your environmental topic relating to social welfare perfectly. A few of the questions that the article would raise to me are: what kind of industry would be using the aquifers? Would the industrial use pollute the water as it was used, simply utilize it for cooling/power, or would it use it completely? How will the aquifers' water usage be managed? The country needs to realize that water aquifers are a natural resource that are renewable, but only at a very slow rate. It is not a "use it or loose it situation," it is a "use it and loose it" one. Funds to develop the water source could be generated either by the sale of the oil reserves that were mentioned in the article or through borrowing them from the World Bank. Once again, great article and good job with it.
Ashley Ware 9/16/13 11:45 pm Topic: Genocide “Western-backed Genocide Continues in Syria” By Finian Cunningham In March, up to 30 people were killed and 100 injured in Syria in a chemical weapons attack. In late July, there was a second attack in Khan al-Assal where up to 150 people were killed. The Syrian Ambassador to Russia said that the killings were to kill the witnesses of the use of chemical weapons by terrorist groups. The Russians had previously said that they had proof that the chemical weapons were used by foreign terrorists. The Russians said that unguided missiles had been used to carry Sarin warheads, and that the warheads were not factory made like they would have been had they belonged to the Syrian government. There have been implications that Western governments, primarily the United States, Great Britain, and France, have been supplying weapons to foreign mercenaries. The Syrians and Russians believe that this has been done to improve relationships with middle-eastern countries with vast amounts of oil reserves. The support of militants has been portrayed as setting up a pro-democracy movement. Mass media has been employed to overplay the pro-democracy movement in Syria for years. Syrian forces say that the majority of militants are to groups such as Al Qaeda that have had long relationships with Western and Saudi intelligences. Cunningham believes that Western governments have backed foreign mercenary groups to commit murder, sabotage, and anarchy to destabilize the country. There have been over 100,000 dilled in the aggressions so far. The Turkish media said that an Al Qaeda group that has been Western-backed was found with Sarin. There is also supposedly an American military training program in Jordan, which is used for a staging area to prepare terror attacks into Syria, to train Jordanian forces to identify and capture chemical weapons in Syria. A UN investigations team and Syrian investigators were to begin an investigation into the March incident when the second attack happened. This is why this attack was to eliminate witnesses. They could have proven that the Western governments were actively using foreign death squads to eliminate individuals that might tell the truth. This relates to our classroom discussion through the fact that the mercenary forces are getting aid from western powers while the loyal Syrians are constantly backed by Russia and China. Small groups in isolated, poor countries have little control over what happens in their own country. If World Bank funds were used to better supply Syria, perhaps they could become developed enough that a more pro-democratic government view could be established which would eliminate the need for continual fighting.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-24035258 S. Michelle Wright Re: Asylum This week I found an article titled, My Germany: Lampedusa Refugee, dated September 13, 2013. According to the article many black African refugee’s live in a park on Oranienplatz. This is a square in the Kreuzberg district in Berlin. Many of the refugees’ worked in Libya and lived normal productive lives prior to the Libyan civil war in 2011. The UN refugee agency reported that 28,000 people fled to Italy from Libya during the war with few of them being actual Libyans. Italy’s foreign minister at the time, Franco Frattini, accused refugees such as, Dickson Mobosi, a black African that was working in Libya prior to the civil war of seeking asylum in Italy to retaliate against them for Nato’s intervention on the rebel side. Mobosi and other refugees have since left Italy for Germany due to the extreme racism that exists toward black African’s. Bashiru Zakaria a Nigerian from Kaduna stated “we come to Germany because Germany is part of the people who destroyed our homes”. This report states, “Germany was not involved in Nato’s intervention in Libya, but this is not an argument these refugees are willing to hear”. The refugee’s want to work in Germany, but they are under no obligation to assist them because the refugee’s first sought asylum in a different EUstate. Originally local authorities in Germany provided accommodations to the refugee’s but refugees began to camp in the park to protest those accommodations and more refugees began to join them. It appears that refugee’s like Mr. Mobosi have lost their fear of authorities and have lost their will to survive. Mr. Mobosi states “we do not enjoy our lives”. The campers wish to be productive members of society and live their lives without fear. According to German authorities over 65,000 individuals sought asylum within their territories last year. It is difficult to assist these asylum seekers without taking in refugees accepted by other EU states. It seems that Mobosi and other Black African’s that were living and working in Libya for many years were displaced by the Libyan civil war. These people fled to Italy as asylum seekers due to rebels in Libya wanting to kill them because they were black African’s and suspected of fighting for Gaddafi. For many they did not fight for Gaddafi but they were targeted. The asylum seekers faced more oppression in Italy due to their African heritage. They were legal asylum seekers in Italy but of no use due to the racism that plagues Italy. I have a difficult time understanding the reason to allow political asylum to individuals in an effort to save their life, but not allowing them to live their life, such as, to work, to have a home, be educated in short to be productive members of that society. The group of Asylum seeker then moved to Germany in hopes of finding a new life, but Germany has no legal or political obligation to them.
Heather Keith 9/17/13 HIV/AIDS 12:10pm A new weapon in Myanmar's fight against HIV
A new $160m funding package will allow the country to treat all of its citizens affected by HIV/AIDS. Aljezeera news
I found this article detailing the problem with HIV/AIDS in the country of Burma (Myanmar, under the current regime, as our reading this week, “Not For Sale” discusses in early chapters) to be interesting, but I am skeptical about the message being conveyed in it. HIV/AIDS is an issue for this country, but what is worse is less than half of those diagnosed receive treatment for it. The government’s estimates put those infected at 189,000 in a country of 60 million. Those estimates, which figure less than 1% of the country, seem surprisingly conservative to me and somewhat incongruent to the rest of the personal information given in the article. The article describes the lives of several individuals,including a 42 year old man who contracted AIDS by a blood transfusion he received from the military after being injured in combat. Other interesting information about his life is detailed also including the fact that he was in the military for 23 years and received only a onetime payment equal to $150. He supposedly is now receiving treatment and has been “feeling much better” and is “modest about his misfortune.” I suppose they added the information about his bright colored apparel to convey how cheery he is about his life circumstances. I started out my blog by saying that I was skeptical about the message of the article, and I really am. First of all, knowing what we do about the regime in Burma (Myanmar), I am fearful that not much of the $160 million given by the Global Fund will actually make its way down the line of the “military dictatorship” to the individual citizens suffering with HIV/AIDS. I agree that it is great that the country has been given the funds to fight the AIDS issue, but I am doubtful that it will reach who it needs to. Second, I know I am not even close to being educated enough about the AIDS issue at all, let alone globally, but I feel as if the information in this article is glossing over the facts of the bigger problem, trafficking. The authors spend quite a bit of time trying to convince the readers that despite the troubles of these individuals that they are really OK, and maybe they are, but again, I am skeptical. Knowing what we know about sex trafficking in this and surrounding countries how can estimates of AIDS cases be so low? Really less than 1%? And that estimate is given by a government that is not exactly noted for being trusted by its people. We know from our reading that this country has violent conflict, forces children as young as 10 to serve in the military, and that parents from bordering countries sale their children to work in Burma (Myanmar). (p 19) We also know that according to p 28 of “Not For Sale,” that HIV/AIDS is one of the devastations these children are subjected to. The estimates for new cases of AIDS in 2013 are just around 7,000 and the number one reason given for this is IV drug use, not trafficking. We don’t really know how large the scale of trafficking is in Burma (Myanmar), mainly due to children being forced to work illegally in the internal system there (www.notrafficking.org), but we know it is large. Maybe I am over analyzing, but I feel like the article is either hiding important information or didn’t research topics such as trafficking and how they are related to the issue of HIV/AIDS in Burma (Myanmar). On the upside, the National League for Democracy seems to be doing great work there with those who are dealing with HIV/AIDS.
http://www.theguardian.com/world/natural-disasters For many of us Sunday is a day of rest, but for families in Indonesia Sunday, September 15, 2013 was the day Mount Sinabung erupted and they were evacuated from their homes. Nearly 6,000 people were relocated to seven different locations to insure their safety. Government officials have provided blankets, shelter, and masks to these people; however, nothing was said about how they would be fed during the time they are away from their homes. I was also left wondering if the damage had made their villages uninhabitable. How will the areas they were moved to provide continued support, food, and shelter if these families have to stay indefinitely? Relief aid must come in some fashion and I wonder if food aid or “dumping” would be helpful at this time? Providing food would help alleviate the immediate need; but could also hurt their economy if farmers in the relocated areas could provide the necessary food. How do we help when 1) we haven’t been asked to; 2) when we would potentially do more harm than good; and 3) when we know there is a need but have limited information? First, we can always donate time and money to international relief programs that insure monies and volunteers go where they are needed. Second, we must offer our help, but not force our help on anyone in order to keep from causing more harm than good. Food dumping is a wonderful concept because it gives us a sense that we are in fact helping feed those less fortunate, but the reality is that our “help” could ruin a struggling economy. Finally, we must research, talk with others, and make a plan before we just haphazardly decide to jump in and fix someone else’s problems. Yes, I do believe that these villagers will need future help, but they do not seem to need immediate help at this time. Indonesia is located on the “ring of fire” which is a series of fault lines that run throughout the western hemisphere. With 129 active volcanoes, I would hope the country has disaster plans in place to deal with eruptions as they occur. The point I want to make is that we must always be careful not only in who we help, but in how we provide that help. After writing this and reviewing the article once again I just realized that I had overlooked one little sentence in my hurry to complete this assignment, “No injuries or damage were reported”. This just goes to show us how being well-intentioned and rushing in can often create more problems. If food aid had immediately been provided (none was reported) it would have added to the chaos of situation. A better solution in my opinion would be to provide aid as it is asked for and where it is most needed. Indonesia may not ask for help and should not be forced to receive help. It seems that while I worry about how they will house, feed, and care for the displaced villagers their government is taking action to provide the necessities. I will continue to monitor this country to see how they deal with the relocation of so many people. I am interested in finding out how their economy will react; as well as how they people will adapt to living in new places.
Amanda Goodlett Human Trafficking 09-17-13 @ 7:00 pm Yemen Minister on Child Marriage: Enough is Enough
When I first pulled up this article I looked at the pictures of the little girls and had a flashback to my adolescent years. I would often play dress up with my little sister or friends; we would dress as little brides and talk about our wedding colors, bridesmaid dresses, and of courses our future prince charming. One day my mom even let me try on her wedding dress I stood in the mirror with those big puffy sleeves dreaming of my magical day. Those little moments were a big part of my life, however the little girl featured in this news article and so many other young girls are robbed of those moments and their innocence.
This article briefly describes the tragic death an 8 year old Yemen girl. Although some deny the story the majority proclaims that this little girl died due to internal bleeding caused from sexual intercourse. This is beyond sickening to me. After I read this article I started researching more into the Yemen’s culture and reading other stories of little girls being sold and forced into marriage. I honestly did not know whether I was going to cry or throw up.
When the people of Yemen were asked about this issue one person reported "No one is talking about this story because its an embarrassment, but this is what poverty can do to people." This statement brings me back to what we have discussed in class several times. Parents of these children cannot afford to feed their children, so they see no other option than to sell their children to work in the mines, cocoa fields or in this case to a 40 year old man. As it was discussed in the book Not For Sale virgins are worth quite a chunk of change, “The growing demand for virgins has created a niche market outside the usual channels for commercial sex- the bars, karaoke clubs, and brothels. A growing number of parents market their daughters’ virginity as if they were independent talent agents, selling the girls to the highest bidder at the age of twelve or thirteen.”
Yemen’s human rights minister seems adamant to stop these child weddings. Hopefully this tragic death of 8 year old Rawan will bring about change, to bring justice to Rawan and other child brides of Yemen.
This situation is heartbreaking. I cannot imagine a parent willingly sending their 8 year old daughter into this kind of situation. We are raised in a society where everyone is entitled to certain freedoms, opportunities to receive an education, and a choice to marry and if so when and to who. It is hard to wrap my mind around how a culture, human beings, can be okay with young girls being married off to adult men. It also makes me wonder what will truly be able to be put in place to help these children. It is very difficult to change culture and individuals perspective of what they consider right and wrong. I feel that this is a situation I will continue to follow and pray that the country decides to establish a law to protect these children.
In this article, the growing number of the global elderly population is discussed. It is no surprise to us around the world that there are more elderly people than ever before. This is due to lots of reasons, mainly an increase in the life expectancy due to better healthcare. We know in the United States that there are economic issues due to this increase in elder population, but what about all of the other countries? How are they being effected by this? This article refers to the aging population as a "time bomb" about to explode the global economy. It is not a surprise that according to the United Nations, the growing aging population is causing a global economic problem. Countries are not prepared to deal with the aging at this rate. China is aging faster than any other country, with the USA and Russia not far behind. Russia's elderly population currently make up about 20 percent of all residents, and that number is estimated to increase to 28 percent by 2030. Russia's retirement age is 55 for women and 60 for men, respectively. Russia has a relatively short life expectancy at 62. Even though men in Russia only live an average of two years after retirement, Russia is still struggling with so many from this population nearing the retirement age. Something has to be figured out as to what can be done. We discussed in class about how our global economy is suffering. There is a giant gap between the rich and poor countries. I cannot help but wonder how the aging population is effecting this, and how it will continue to effect this in the coming years. While underdeveloped counties have a smaller life expectancy than developed nations, this article shows the elderly population causing a global economic problem. The main countries this article discussed would be considered developed nations, and yet they are still struggling with how to deal with this population.
Europe is currently facing what is being referred to as a "lost decade". In 1980-1990 Latin America and Asia borrowed money from the International Monetary fund. Since that time the European Union and International Monetary Fund has imposed policies to initiate spending cuts and tax increases. These spending cuts and tax increases was described in this article as "medicine sought to cure the disease by killing the patient." Europe currently has 120 million people in poverty and that will increase by up to 25 million by 2025 if the same policies remain in place. In the past five years these policies have caused tens of millions to enter poverty while the wealthy members of society make a great profit. The following countries are becoming some of the most unequal countries in the world due to the budget cuts that have been initiated; Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Spain and the UK. Half of the working families in Europe have been effected by job loss and reduced wages. This policies were put in place to reduce the countries debt but in essence has done the opposite. The increase in interest rates, decrease in tax returns and increase in unemployment has caused the countries birth rate to drop to 1.3 births per woman. This article states that in order for the country to reach a stable population and economic growth the birth rate would need to be at least 2 births per woman. At this rate it appears the policies put in place to decrease debt has only increased debt and led to additional concerns for the society.
This article reminded me of our in class discussion about how for every dollar borrowed the poor countries have to repay 13 dollars in old debt. At this rate it appears that Europe will not be able to get ahead unless a new plan is developed to decrease debt and increase job opportunities. The article suggest that proposals have been made to invest in jobs and a fairer tax system but have not been accepted. According to this article, "The European elites have no intention of reversing the social counterrevolution that has proved so profitable for their constituency—the rich and super-rich."
The International Deceleration of Human Rights' first seven articles protect the woman in Kenya from the unjust and cruel treatment they are enduring; however the culture and traditions of Africa do not comply with the document. Rape is about control and little of anything else. The women in Kenya that are being raped are being inhumanely tortured and humiliated. Men in the culture feel as if these women are property and do not want them to succeed. There is nothing more a controlling man hates than to lose control of what he feels belongs to him. To intimidate by humiliation with the rape and beating of these woman gives him the power he desperately desires.
The women of Africa that gets an education in the Westernized North get a sense of empowerment and freedom that goes against religious and conservative traditions of their land. Revolution is rising up across the Middle East when young people like Elizabeth Nakaya get educated. Students learn about technology and how others are using social media to make gains on equality and the right to fair opportunities. Woman are learning that there are laws against the way they are treated. Elithabeth got a boldness about her and almost sounded challenging in her statements. Referencing her wanting her name to be made known for championing the movement.
In class we practice advocating for change in policy, and ways to convince the lawmakers they must make changes in attitudes and beliefs. Social Work hinges on social justice, and the woman who have the desire to go back in the community to advocate for their people, enter the Human Services field to be empowered with the idea of equality regardless of race, religion, or gender. Ideology has to promote justice or the vulnerable minority will be oppressed. Knowledge is power, and those who suppress knowledge in fear of rebellion are fearful they are losing control.
’What a man can do, I can do better’: Young women challenge Kenyan society
Yvonne Walters
ReplyDelete9/15/13 @6:45pm
Global Topic: Gendercide
http://www.worldmag.com/2013/09/the_female_holocaust/page1
http://www.worldmag.com/2013/09/the_female_holocaust/page2
"The Female Holocaust" by Danial James Devine
The setting is in front of a US House Sub Committee on September 11, 2013. Jill McElya, cofounder of the Invisible Girl Project, speaks with passion and fervor about a topic that is none too new to many of us, gendercide. Her speech begins with a story of Preema, an Indian girl who is the youngest of 12 female children to survive the wrath of her parents desperate desire for a boy. They intentionally killed her 11 sisters at birth simply because they were not male. Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J precided over the subcommittee meeting and his opening remarks set the tone by stating, “By shining a light on what is happening in India with its missing girls, we hope to move forward towards a world where every woman is valued and deeply respected because of her intrinsic dignity, and where every child is welcome regardless of his or her sex.” The census in India reports there are "37 million more men than women" in the country. A direct result of the senseless murders and abortions of innocent infants and women. Dowries also play a significant role in these murders and abortion. Dowries are a tremendous hardship on the family of a female. Indian custom has been to provide a dowry along with the bride at her time of marriage. Poverty in India has made this custom nearly impossible for most Indian families. If a young women survives to the age of marriage, and her dowry is not elaboate enough, she faces the risk of abuse and possibly being murdered by her new husband and his family. India's National Crime Records Bereau reports that a woman is murdered every hour in India due to an insufficient dowry. The issue of gendercide is earmarked by the epidemic that began in the 1960's with support of US organizations like Planned Parenthood and Population Council. These organizations encouraged gender selection to Indian parents by Sheldon Segal who taught doctors how to determine the sex of unborn babies. He promoted this practice as a means to control Indian population. According to the article, it is agreed that India's issue of gendercide is a very real dilema but the United States has yet figured out what to do about it. Sanctions on governmental aid in India may be a starting point but convincing the people of the US is another issue. I agree something drastic needs to happen but I too have no idea where to begin.
Yvonne, reading your article quite simply broke my heart. I agree with you as you put in the end of your article response. When you read about global problems such as this it is hard to even know where to begin. Although it feels like a cop-out because we want to be able to do something more tangible and something we can quickly see fruit from, I do think that Education and increasing awareness is a good place to start. As I read your article it seems that your article was similar to mine in the fact that India has laws in place that are supposed to protect. However it is not the lack of the law that is the problem it is the fact that no one is enforcing it. 6 million young girls having dies because of this is truly genocide. And it more than mind can even comprehend. There has to be a re-education for Indian people, and I do not say this to insult culture, I say it because there has to be a line drawn somewhere, where regardless of culture something’s are not ok. And Genocide, innocent children born and breathing being killed because they are girls and not boys is one of those things.
DeleteChild Labor
ReplyDeleteKayla Hood
September 16, 2013 12:26 a.m.
Despite Bans, Child Labor Prevalent in Nigeria
In Nigeria there are 36 states that have not incorporated the U.N. Conventions right’s for children in their local laws. Although the Nation as a whole did sign the adoption of children’s rights that the U.N created in 1959. This article discusses the problem in Nigeria that is what they describe as common.
Amina is a 13 year old whose case is highlighted in the article. She was given away by her mother so that she could earn wages being a helper at a household in a city called Kano. Amina describes her daily routine, her early rise time each morning, and numerous rigorous tasks. What’s more is that not only does she spend each day laboring rather than being the youth the she is, but she also facing severe beatings if the work that she does is not up to par.
Amina dreams if being able to go and get an education and not just help the children she tends to take baths so they will be ready for school but to actually be able to go herself.
What is important about child labor is that it ties into everything else. Child labor relates to education, poverty and numerous other global issues. Impoverished children are often given or sold into our era’s slavery; they become child laborers and are often denied an opportunity for an education and thus the cycle continuous.
Reading this article I immediately was reminded of a statement made by Gary Haugen in Not For Sale, as he described his pursuit for Justice for those in forced labor. The problem is not that there are not laws, as he stated essentially every nation has signed laws agreeing against child labor and forced labor in general. The problem is that these laws are not enforced. The law in many cases looks the other way. Because as this article described it is common and many people cannot imagine a world in which this bleak reality does not exist they do not press the issue but accept the less than status quo.
As simply as I can think to put it, these laws need to be enforced. As long as people are able to force children to work and face no repercussions, it will without a doubt continue. Criminal prosecution proves time and time again to be a great deterrent for those who feel above the law and this is the direction we should move to stop child labor and other global injustices.
http://www.voanews.com/content/child-labor-still-common-in-parts-of-nigeria/1747147.html
I like how you referenced this article back to the book Not For Sale and how the issue isn't that there aren't laws. Taking that concept and just looking at the US and how we have a speeding limit, and there is a risk in getting a ticket, in which case the law would be enforced, but many times, it is not. This is kind of how child labor seems to be looked at in developing countries. They acknowledge its wrong, but because they know it happens frequently, its almost easier to turn a blind eye. In the book Not For Sale, Haugen also mentions how many people don't even say it happens anymore, they are just "slave-like" conditions. Amina is living in "slave-like" conditions because she has been made a slave but how can we eradicate slavery, if no one believes it exists? This is why awareness is so important in social work because our job isn't to bandaid a problem, but to solve an issue that is causing the problem, so its fixed before the problem begins. This is where awareness comes into play, and taking that awareness and becoming an advocator for these children.
DeleteI too like how you referenced this blog back to the Not for Sale book. In reading the article it stated that 24 out of 36 states had not passed the UN's regulation and for that to happen all 36 states would have to pass it. This does give some hope that not everyone agrees with child labor laws. I still can't stomach the fact that not only are these children forced to work in grueling situations, they are also beaten and sexually abused. I can't for the life of me figure out how anyone could stand by while this happens. In Not for Sale it also referenced "street kids" and how most of the public despised them and wanted them put away and that many government officials would beat the children as well. How can someone forget that these are innocent children placed in situations that they didn't ask for? I am definitely looking forward to discussing this in class this week. Great Job!
DeleteKayla, your article brings to light the need for stricter laws and punishments for those who abuse children. It is heartbreaking to realize in this day & age children are being trafficked, raped, and abused while the government looks the other way. I took a human trafficking course a few semesters ago and it was eye-opening for me because I had no idea that slavery was still a thriving business in our world. As I read the article I was struck by the wording of the laws that Nigeria has adopted, instead of he or she, they begin with "he" has the right. I wonder if this is why the author chose to feature a young girl and the plight of young girls in this article? In a male dominated world it seems that using the word "he" may insure males are not forced into child slavery and at the same time may provide a way for the continued slavery of girls. I believe this article is a step in the right direction by shining a light on child slavery; but it also shines a tiny light on another reason why it still goes on: families in Nigeria cannot afford to care for their children & sell them to help support the rest of the
Deletefamily. Advocacy must begin by shining a light on the issue and continue with finding a solution that works well for those most affected. Great post!
Kayla, like the other people have stated, I like how you brought our week's reading into this blog. One thing that stood out to me was how Amina was brought into this situation. Her father died when she was 10, and her mother gave her up because she couldn't care for her. My concern with this is how the legal system is for parents giving up their children. This country needs to obviously have more strict child labor laws, but I also think they would benefit from other laws concerning this. In the United States, her mother would be arrested for neglect for just giving her child up if she did not go through the legal system of foster care or adoption. I feel like if this country was more aware of what was going on with their child population, it would be easier to enforce the child labor laws.
DeleteAlison Lee
ReplyDelete9/15/13 10:58am
Topic: Religion
Video: http://video.foxnews.com/v/2674051659001/vatican-priest-celibacy-open-for-debate/?playlist_id=922779230001
Article: http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2013/09/11/archbishop_pietro_parolin_says_in_an_interview_that_celibacy_in_roman_catholic.html
In class we are constantly talking about the changes of the world and how it is important for social advancements to occur along side of economical advancements. It seems that the catholic religion may be changing some social aspects of their religion as our world changes. Archbishop Pietro Parolin brings up the issue of priests requiring being celibate, and how this is not a church dogma, which means its is not what the church holds true for faith. In the video, the guest speaker for Fox & Friends, Father Jonathan Morris speaks on this topic. He brings up the some pros and cons for either side of the issue. I personally believe it should be up for discussion. Although I am not catholic and may possible have a naïve view on this, I think it may be good for priests. With the news bringing up cases in which priests have been child molesters, I wonder if this temptation could have been “tamed” if they did not have to hide their desires and share those with a wife. I do not want to speak ignorantly but I would see that as a pro for allowing priests to marry and have families. I do agree with Father Morris that some are called to give up everything and live a life of celibacy and that it should still remain an option for the catholic church. I would interested to talk to someone that is of Catholic Faith and their stance on this subject. I feel as if my opinion doesn’t, and shouldn’t matter because I am Baptist. What do you think will come of this discussion in the Vatican, and do you think if there is a dialogue about it, will change come from it?
I, too, am somewhat naive about the rules regarding Catholic Priesthood. However, as a Christian, I think that it should be up for discussion as well. I like how you brought up that there have been issues regarding some priests convicted of child molestation because I can't help but wonder if forced celibacy onto priests might have something to do with it. I agree that God calls some people to celibacy but it's very different in the Baptist church. See, in our church, you have to be married in order to be a pastor of a church. I never fully understood this rule but I think that it could be a way for their hearts to focus more on God's will than their own desires. I think that with this discussion, it will be difficult to change a rule that has been used for hundreds of years. I'm not sure if change will come from it if there is a dialogue about it. Honestly, Catholicism is very historical and in my opinion, set in their ways. Although many might want to see change, it's very hard to say that change will happen.
DeleteAlison,
DeleteYour article brings up a very interesting question of debate, should priests remain celebate. I attend a Catholic church although I am not Catholic. I attend for personal reasons, not necessarily because I agree with all Catholic teachings. I have given serious thought about the celibacy issue with priests especially with all the news media stories of molestation in the last 20 years. My opinion is two fold, without the distraction of a wife, children, and household responsibilities, priests can solely focus on spreading the word of God. Yet without those exact same experiences, how difficult it must be to speak of those responsibilities when counseling a young couple on marriage, child rearing, etc. I believe it is a topic that should be debated, openly. But I still am unsure of my own stance on the topic. In the video, Father Jonathan Morris speaks of the Vatican's view that this topic should be openly discussed further, that the Pope agrees it should be discussed, but he feels it should not change at this time. Great article and video.
This was a very interesting topic to read about and watch. I am of the Baptist faith as well, but I was raised in a devout Catholic family. I converted faiths as a teenager when I became a Christian. I, too think it should be up for discussion. I agree with Father Morris, though, I don't know if any change will actually come from it, but it is really interesting that it was brought up. It was a very good point he brought out in his interview, that many people who are not Catholic may not know or give a lot of thought to, that the rule of Priests not marrying is not biblical commandment but rather tradition. Biblical teaching does in fact state that it is good to remain unmarried, but NOT commanded. (1 Corinthians 7:7-11). It also actually says in 1 Timothy 4:1-3 that "forbidding to marry" is a false doctrine. But, Like Father Morris said, the Catholic church holds to it as a tradition as much of Catholicism is built on tradition. I think it would be good to discuss the possibility of "changing tradition" since it is not biblically necessary and it gives a Priest more of an option to personally define his own calling to God. I tend to think it isn't likely going to happen, though because it was a Papal Decree that created the celibacy rule and would likely take one to undo it. The decrees given by the office of Pope are considered infallible and changing them hurts their credibility. It also makes me wonder if this discussion is ever brought up for the office of Catholic Priest, should it be discussed for the women who serve as Catholic nuns as well because they also take a vow of celibacy.
DeleteThis is very interesting, my ignorance to the Catholic faith led me to believe that priest not being married was from belief and not tradition. In my opinion I think they should have the option to marry. The priest in the video said he probably would not marry just because he feels that giving up everything is a reason he decided to become a priest. If it was optional then each priest could marry to suit there individual needs.
DeleteI like the fact that you brought up previous news of priest molesting young boys. If they had the option of getting married then possibly this would decrease. This is something I will try to keep up with because I am interested to see the outcome.
Jonnecia Bradford
ReplyDeleteDate: 9/16/13
Time:3:50 p.m
Topic: Injustice/Discrimination
Country: Wales
Article: Blacklisting firms in Wales to be barred from public sector contracts
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-24041948
This week I came across an article titled “Blacklisting firms in Wales to be barred from public sector contracts.” Currently, the Welsh government is taking steps to stop the use of blacklisting of union workers and any worker who raises concerns about the health or safety conditions of the work environment.
Over one hundred individuals were listed in a database used by hiring companies. This information listed if they were involved in a union, complained of environmental hazards such as asbestos, overflowing toilets, unsafe guardrails, and some simply listed that the employee couldn’t be trusted. This has in turn caused these individuals and families to suffer financially due to being unable to find a job and provide for their families. Moreover, many of these individuals don’t even know that they are on this list.
Finance Minister Jane Hutt said: "The use of blacklists is wholly unacceptable and I fully sympathize with the individuals and their families who have suffered a terrible injustice as a consequence of contractors engaging in this practice.”
I too find this to be an injustice to these individuals and families especially when they are being denied work due to concerns that can be fatal to everyone in their work environment. In last week’s class we learned that there are over 2.8 billion people living in poverty and one of the causes of this is unemployment. While Wales has several government programs to aid in poverty stricken communities the acts of these employers do not help their efforts.
This is also non-compliant with article 25(1) which states that “Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favorable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment” as well as (4) that states, “Everyone has the right to form and to join trade unions for the protection of his interests.” These employees are being denied these rights by having to work in unfavorable conditions and then being fired and black listed by their employer from acquiring new employment. This is also in contradiction to 25(4) since any employee who is involved in a union is placed on a list to not be hired.
Overall, this was a really good article and I recommend everyone to read it. I find it unbelievable the types of stunts certain companies are pulling when they are in direct violation to their employee’s human rights and when the poverty rate is so high in our world. It’s unfortunate and unsettling.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-24041948
MaKayla Jessie
ReplyDelete9/16/2013
Time Posted: 6:53 pm
Topic: Terrorism
In accordance to the article, a court in a western region in China called Xinjiang sentenced three people to death for acts of violent terrorism in which they planned an attack that killed 35 people in June on Thursday, September 12th 2013. They were charged with murder and also being part of a terrorist organization. These three terrorists were known as ethnic Uighurs, those who are members of the northwestern region of China that speak Turkic language. Another defendant was sentenced to 25 years in prison for also being a part of the June attack. These acts are thought to be of religious extremists activities. The have said that these people have been involved in illegal religious activities and have been spreading extremists religion which is thought to be the start to the plan of these attacks by the Uighurs. These people are against China’s extreme restrictions over their citizens’ language, religion and culture.
Although this week’s reading was not necessarily in relation to the article I have chosen, I can’t help but reflect on our class discussion regarding the U.N. international goals for all nations. The four main goals include 1. Maintain peace and security 2. Develop friendly relations 3. Achieve cooperation in solving problems and 4. Harmonizing actions of nations. I have heard of China’s extreme restrictions on their people and I can’t help but wonder if they were to incorporate the U.N.’s goals into their goals for their country, would there be a decrease in hostile rebellions against their laws? I feel as though they are too strict on their people. I am not agreeing with terroristic acts against them. However, I feel like if they worked together for the betterment of their nation and also the wellbeing of their people while incorporating the U.N.’s goals, a possibility of improvement and decrease in terroristic threats might be a result. Not only should China include these goals for their country but all nations should take this into consideration. There will always be disagreements but so many restrictions can lead to so much rebellion.
http://news.yahoo.com/china-sentences-three-death-violent-terrorism-xinjiang-155937897.html
It appears from what I read in the article that China is exercising its ability to keep religious activism out of the "energy rich area." The motive for keeping this type of movement from taking root is Communist Economics. When the regime states terrorism as the problem then the world will not judge to harshly for stomping out religious freedom.
Deletehttp://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/crime/10311745/Lifers-released-on-licence-to-kill-again.html
ReplyDeleteRebecca Wright
Discussion Topic: Crime
This article focuses on crimes that are committed by individuals who have been released from jail/prison on bail. Five individuals, Andrew Dawson, George Johnson, Ernest Wright, David Cook and Desmond Lee were focused on in this article. These men were allowed to leave the jail on some sort of supervision plan by probation officials along with 1,900 other criminals. These five men have all committed other crimes since being released from their jail cells. A study of criminals who are free on bail shows that one in seven is likely to commit a murder, and that a crime is committed every ten minutes by someone who has been released. This article also lists statistics on other crimes committed by criminals who have been released. This article states that last year alone there were 56 people murdered by criminals, 155,500 prisoners were released early, and 60,129 crimes (42,302 were indictable) were committed in the last year.
These criminals did not commit small crimes. These criminals committed crimes in which torture and pain was inflicted on other people. These five men killed family members and random strangers who had nothing to do with them. This article is difficult to relate to the Not for Sale book, but I keep thinking about the Lord’s Resistance Army in reading this. The LRA was responsible for so many deaths and crimes against the cultures around them. Law Enforcement turned a blind eye to the LRA when the crimes were committed around them. This is what is occurring in this article. Just because people have “good behavior” in prison that does not mean that they will exhibit the same behaviors once released. This article shows that their “good behaviors” are only to get a decrease in sentence or jail time. The LRA killed people in order to gain an advantage over others. The difference between these criminals and the LRA is that the criminals do not get any type of advantage.
Rebecca, I thought you did a good job summarizing this article and relating it to the LRA. I feel as though many criminals are being released early from jail/prison and like the LRA, are responsible for many deaths and crimes within their community. I found it interesting that the article reports that one in more than seven murders (more than one per week) is committed from criminals who are currently free from bail while awaiting trial for other crimes. I personally feel as though criminals should serve their full sentence even if they are on “good behavior” while incarcerated. They are in jail for a reason and just because they can behave while locked in a cell does not mean they should be released early to commit further crimes within the community.
DeleteName: Kasey Spicer
ReplyDeleteDate: September 16, 2013
Article: Kenya aquifers discovered in dry Turkana region
Topic: Environment
Despite Turkana being one of the poorest, hottest and driest cities located in Kenya, it is possible the city will soon experience a population growth due to scientist recently discovering a huge water source using satellites and radars. The ground water is held in areas between rocks (the bodies of rock are referred to as aquifers). The water is moved by gravity through the aquifers which then cleans the water at the surface. The government estimates the city could be supplied with water for nearly 70 years thanks to the aquifers.
According to the article, the people of Kenya suffered from a drought last year leaving 17 million out of 41 million people without access to safe water. Environmental Minister, Judi Wakhungu reported the country only uses about three bn cubic meters of water per year; the aquifers hold approximately 250 bn cubic meters of water. Wakhungu claims the water will be available to the community in one month.
Ikal Anglei is the leader of the non-governmental organization, Friends of Lake Turkana. Anglei explains how critical it is for governments to develop programs without community ownership to ensure economic development. I agree with Anglei; I feel as though the new water supply can bring growth to the city which can also bring a new wealth. I also feel as though the government needs to develop a program to ensure the water is being used to better the economic development in order to assist the people in Turkana. The article mentions water being used for future irrigation and industry which would bring even more attention and wealth to Turkana. Hopefully, Turkana will now be able to use the water (and later the irrigation systems) for farming and will be able to have more crops and animals to provide for their families.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-24049800
This article provided some insight into what we as Americans take for granit on a daily basis. We have no clue what it's like to go without water or to use our water in a way that we save it. We take 30 minute showers without any thought to the amount. This article also shows the vast improvement in technology. Satalites were able to detect the amount of water... That's pretty cool in itself. I am wondering if the people of this Kenyan region will exploit the amount of water and charge an arm and a leg to access the water hole.
DeleteWhat a great article to read with such positive news for the people of Turkana. In the article it discussed the importance of not exploiting this resources, but to safeguard it for future generations. I think that is so important and meaningful. It is something that most people take for granted to have safe water. I am also interested in the idea that it is possible to use this resource for irrigation and industry. I was impressed that before using this resource for other regions or industry they were going to ensure the local area received the water.
DeleteKasey,
DeleteAwesome article. It brings to attention several issues, potential corrective actions, options within those actions, and it also raises questions. It fits your environmental topic relating to social welfare perfectly. A few of the questions that the article would raise to me are: what kind of industry would be using the aquifers? Would the industrial use pollute the water as it was used, simply utilize it for cooling/power, or would it use it completely? How will the aquifers' water usage be managed? The country needs to realize that water aquifers are a natural resource that are renewable, but only at a very slow rate. It is not a "use it or loose it situation," it is a "use it and loose it" one. Funds to develop the water source could be generated either by the sale of the oil reserves that were mentioned in the article or through borrowing them from the World Bank. Once again, great article and good job with it.
Ashley Ware
ReplyDelete9/16/13
11:45 pm
Topic: Genocide
“Western-backed Genocide Continues in Syria”
By Finian Cunningham
In March, up to 30 people were killed and 100 injured in Syria in a chemical weapons attack. In late July, there was a second attack in Khan al-Assal where up to 150 people were killed. The Syrian Ambassador to Russia said that the killings were to kill the witnesses of the use of chemical weapons by terrorist groups. The Russians had previously said that they had proof that the chemical weapons were used by foreign terrorists. The Russians said that unguided missiles had been used to carry Sarin warheads, and that the warheads were not factory made like they would have been had they belonged to the Syrian government.
There have been implications that Western governments, primarily the United States, Great Britain, and France, have been supplying weapons to foreign mercenaries. The Syrians and Russians believe that this has been done to improve relationships with middle-eastern countries with vast amounts of oil reserves. The support of militants has been portrayed as setting up a pro-democracy movement. Mass media has been employed to overplay the pro-democracy movement in Syria for years. Syrian forces say that the majority of militants are to groups such as Al Qaeda that have had long relationships with Western and Saudi intelligences. Cunningham believes that Western governments have backed foreign mercenary groups to commit murder, sabotage, and anarchy to destabilize the country. There have been over 100,000 dilled in the aggressions so far.
The Turkish media said that an Al Qaeda group that has been Western-backed was found with Sarin. There is also supposedly an American military training program in Jordan, which is used for a staging area to prepare terror attacks into Syria, to train Jordanian forces to identify and capture chemical weapons in Syria.
A UN investigations team and Syrian investigators were to begin an investigation into the March incident when the second attack happened. This is why this attack was to eliminate witnesses. They could have proven that the Western governments were actively using foreign death squads to eliminate individuals that might tell the truth.
This relates to our classroom discussion through the fact that the mercenary forces are getting aid from western powers while the loyal Syrians are constantly backed by Russia and China. Small groups in isolated, poor countries have little control over what happens in their own country. If World Bank funds were used to better supply Syria, perhaps they could become developed enough that a more pro-democratic government view could be established which would eliminate the need for continual fighting.
http://www.presstv.com/detail/2013/08/01/316627/western-genocide-goes-on-in-syria/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-24035258
ReplyDeleteS. Michelle Wright
Re: Asylum
This week I found an article titled, My Germany: Lampedusa Refugee, dated September 13, 2013. According to the article many black African refugee’s live in a park on Oranienplatz. This is a square in the Kreuzberg district in Berlin. Many of the refugees’ worked in Libya and lived normal productive lives prior to the Libyan civil war in 2011. The UN refugee agency reported that 28,000 people fled to Italy from Libya during the war with few of them being actual Libyans. Italy’s foreign minister at the time, Franco Frattini, accused refugees such as, Dickson Mobosi, a black African that was working in Libya prior to the civil war of seeking asylum in Italy to retaliate against them for Nato’s intervention on the rebel side. Mobosi and other refugees have since left Italy for Germany due to the extreme racism that exists toward black African’s. Bashiru Zakaria a Nigerian from Kaduna stated “we come to Germany because Germany is part of the people who destroyed our homes”. This report states, “Germany was not involved in Nato’s intervention in Libya, but this is not an argument these refugees are willing to hear”. The refugee’s want to work in Germany, but they are under no obligation to assist them because the refugee’s first sought asylum in a different EUstate. Originally local authorities in Germany provided accommodations to the refugee’s but refugees began to camp in the park to protest those accommodations and more refugees began to join them. It appears that refugee’s like Mr. Mobosi have lost their fear of authorities and have lost their will to survive. Mr. Mobosi states “we do not enjoy our lives”. The campers wish to be productive members of society and live their lives without fear. According to German authorities over 65,000 individuals sought asylum within their territories last year. It is difficult to assist these asylum seekers without taking in refugees accepted by other EU states.
It seems that Mobosi and other Black African’s that were living and working in Libya for many years were displaced by the Libyan civil war. These people fled to Italy as asylum seekers due to rebels in Libya wanting to kill them because they were black African’s and suspected of fighting for Gaddafi. For many they did not fight for Gaddafi but they were targeted. The asylum seekers faced more oppression in Italy due to their African heritage. They were legal asylum seekers in Italy but of no use due to the racism that plagues Italy. I have a difficult time understanding the reason to allow political asylum to individuals in an effort to save their life, but not allowing them to live their life, such as, to work, to have a home, be educated in short to be productive members of that society. The group of Asylum seeker then moved to Germany in hopes of finding a new life, but Germany has no legal or political obligation to them.
Heather Keith
ReplyDelete9/17/13
HIV/AIDS
12:10pm
A new weapon in Myanmar's fight against HIV
A new $160m funding package will allow the country to treat all of its citizens affected by HIV/AIDS.
Aljezeera news
I found this article detailing the problem with HIV/AIDS in the country of Burma (Myanmar, under the current regime, as our reading this week, “Not For Sale” discusses in early chapters) to be interesting, but I am skeptical about the message being conveyed in it. HIV/AIDS is an issue for this country, but what is worse is less than half of those diagnosed receive treatment for it. The government’s estimates put those infected at 189,000 in a country of 60 million. Those estimates, which figure less than 1% of the country, seem surprisingly conservative to me and somewhat incongruent to the rest of the personal information given in the article. The article describes the lives of several individuals,including a 42 year old man who contracted AIDS by a blood transfusion he received from the military after being injured in combat. Other interesting information about his life is detailed also including the fact that he was in the military for 23 years and received only a onetime payment equal to $150. He supposedly is now receiving treatment and has been “feeling much better” and is “modest about his misfortune.” I suppose they added the information about his bright colored apparel to convey how cheery he is about his life circumstances.
I started out my blog by saying that I was skeptical about the message of the article, and I really am. First of all, knowing what we do about the regime in Burma (Myanmar), I am fearful that not much of the $160 million given by the Global Fund will actually make its way down the line of the “military dictatorship” to the individual citizens suffering with HIV/AIDS. I agree that it is great that the country has been given the funds to fight the AIDS issue, but I am doubtful that it will reach who it needs to. Second, I know I am not even close to being educated enough about the AIDS issue at all, let alone globally, but I feel as if the information in this article is glossing over the facts of the bigger problem, trafficking. The authors spend quite a bit of time trying to convince the readers that despite the troubles of these individuals that they are really OK, and maybe they are, but again, I am skeptical. Knowing what we know about sex trafficking in this and surrounding countries how can estimates of AIDS cases be so low? Really less than 1%? And that estimate is given by a government that is not exactly noted for being trusted by its people. We know from our reading that this country has violent conflict, forces children as young as 10 to serve in the military, and that parents from bordering countries sale their children to work in Burma (Myanmar). (p 19) We also know that according to p 28 of “Not For Sale,” that HIV/AIDS is one of the devastations these children are subjected to. The estimates for new cases of AIDS in 2013 are just around 7,000 and the number one reason given for this is IV drug use, not trafficking. We don’t really know how large the scale of trafficking is in Burma (Myanmar), mainly due to children being forced to work illegally in the internal system there (www.notrafficking.org), but we know it is large. Maybe I am over analyzing, but I feel like the article is either hiding important information or didn’t research topics such as trafficking and how they are related to the issue of HIV/AIDS in Burma (Myanmar). On the upside, the National League for Democracy seems to be doing great work there with those who are dealing with HIV/AIDS.
Resources
http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2013/09/201391265523474968.html
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.theguardian.com/world/natural-disasters
ReplyDeleteFor many of us Sunday is a day of rest, but for families in Indonesia Sunday, September 15, 2013 was the day Mount Sinabung erupted and they were evacuated from their homes. Nearly 6,000 people were relocated to seven different locations to insure their safety. Government officials have provided blankets, shelter, and masks to these people; however, nothing was said about how they would be fed during the time they are away from their homes. I was also left wondering if the damage had made their villages uninhabitable. How will the areas they were moved to provide continued support, food, and shelter if these families have to stay indefinitely? Relief aid must come in some fashion and I wonder if food aid or “dumping” would be helpful at this time? Providing food would help alleviate the immediate need; but could also hurt their economy if farmers in the relocated areas could provide the necessary food. How do we help when 1) we haven’t been asked to; 2) when we would potentially do more harm than good; and 3) when we know there is a need but have limited information? First, we can always donate time and money to international relief programs that insure monies and volunteers go where they are needed. Second, we must offer our help, but not force our help on anyone in order to keep from causing more harm than good. Food dumping is a wonderful concept because it gives us a sense that we are in fact helping feed those less fortunate, but the reality is that our “help” could ruin a struggling economy. Finally, we must research, talk with others, and make a plan before we just haphazardly decide to jump in and fix someone else’s problems. Yes, I do believe that these villagers will need future help, but they do not seem to need immediate help at this time. Indonesia is located on the “ring of fire” which is a series of fault lines that run throughout the western hemisphere. With 129 active volcanoes, I would hope the country has disaster plans in place to deal with eruptions as they occur. The point I want to make is that we must always be careful not only in who we help, but in how we provide that help. After writing this and reviewing the article once again I just realized that I had overlooked one little sentence in my hurry to complete this assignment, “No injuries or damage were reported”. This just goes to show us how being well-intentioned and rushing in can often create more problems. If food aid had immediately been provided (none was reported) it would have added to the chaos of situation. A better solution in my opinion would be to provide aid as it is asked for and where it is most needed. Indonesia may not ask for help and should not be forced to receive help. It seems that while I worry about how they will house, feed, and care for the displaced villagers their government is taking action to provide the necessities. I will continue to monitor this country to see how they deal with the relocation of so many people. I am interested in finding out how their economy will react; as well as how they people will adapt to living in new places.
Amanda Goodlett
ReplyDeleteHuman Trafficking
09-17-13 @ 7:00 pm
Yemen Minister on Child Marriage: Enough is Enough
When I first pulled up this article I looked at the pictures of the little girls and had a flashback to my adolescent years. I would often play dress up with my little sister or friends; we would dress as little brides and talk about our wedding colors, bridesmaid dresses, and of courses our future prince charming. One day my mom even let me try on her wedding dress I stood in the mirror with those big puffy sleeves dreaming of my magical day. Those little moments were a big part of my life, however the little girl featured in this news article and so many other young girls are robbed of those moments and their innocence.
This article briefly describes the tragic death an 8 year old Yemen girl. Although some deny the story the majority proclaims that this little girl died due to internal bleeding caused from sexual intercourse. This is beyond sickening to me. After I read this article I started researching more into the Yemen’s culture and reading other stories of little girls being sold and forced into marriage. I honestly did not know whether I was going to cry or throw up.
When the people of Yemen were asked about this issue one person reported "No one is talking about this story because its an embarrassment, but this is what poverty can do to people." This statement brings me back to what we have discussed in class several times. Parents of these children cannot afford to feed their children, so they see no other option than to sell their children to work in the mines, cocoa fields or in this case to a 40 year old man. As it was discussed in the book Not For Sale virgins are worth quite a chunk of change, “The growing demand for virgins has created a niche market outside the usual channels for commercial sex- the bars, karaoke clubs, and brothels. A growing number of parents market their daughters’ virginity as if they were independent talent agents, selling the girls to the highest bidder at the age of twelve or thirteen.”
Yemen’s human rights minister seems adamant to stop these child weddings. Hopefully this tragic death of 8 year old Rawan will bring about change, to bring justice to Rawan and other child brides of Yemen.
http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/15/world/meast/yemen-child-bride/index.html
http://www.viralnova.com/8-year-old-child-bride-dies/
This situation is heartbreaking. I cannot imagine a parent willingly sending their 8 year old daughter into this kind of situation. We are raised in a society where everyone is entitled to certain freedoms, opportunities to receive an education, and a choice to marry and if so when and to who. It is hard to wrap my mind around how a culture, human beings, can be okay with young girls being married off to adult men. It also makes me wonder what will truly be able to be put in place to help these children. It is very difficult to change culture and individuals perspective of what they consider right and wrong. I feel that this is a situation I will continue to follow and pray that the country decides to establish a law to protect these children.
DeleteMorgan Williams
ReplyDelete9/17/13 at 7:02 pm
Topic: Aging
http://rt.com/business/aging-population-elderly-double-2050-904/
In this article, the growing number of the global elderly population is discussed. It is no surprise to us around the world that there are more elderly people than ever before. This is due to lots of reasons, mainly an increase in the life expectancy due to better healthcare. We know in the United States that there are economic issues due to this increase in elder population, but what about all of the other countries? How are they being effected by this? This article refers to the aging population as a "time bomb" about to explode the global economy.
It is not a surprise that according to the United Nations, the growing aging population is causing a global economic problem. Countries are not prepared to deal with the aging at this rate. China is aging faster than any other country, with the USA and Russia not far behind. Russia's elderly population currently make up about 20 percent of all residents, and that number is estimated to increase to 28 percent by 2030. Russia's retirement age is 55 for women and 60 for men, respectively. Russia has a relatively short life expectancy at 62. Even though men in Russia only live an average of two years after retirement, Russia is still struggling with so many from this population nearing the retirement age. Something has to be figured out as to what can be done.
We discussed in class about how our global economy is suffering. There is a giant gap between the rich and poor countries. I cannot help but wonder how the aging population is effecting this, and how it will continue to effect this in the coming years. While underdeveloped counties have a smaller life expectancy than developed nations, this article shows the elderly population causing a global economic problem. The main countries this article discussed would be considered developed nations, and yet they are still struggling with how to deal with this population.
Erica Stevens
ReplyDeleteSeptember 17 2013
Time: 6:30
Topic: Poverty
Title: Up to 150 million in Europe threatened with poverty
http://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2013/09/17/pove-s17.html
http://www.scmp.com/news/world/article/1308844/austerity-will-put-25m-europeans-poverty-says-oxfam
Europe is currently facing what is being referred to as a "lost decade". In 1980-1990 Latin America and Asia borrowed money from the International Monetary fund. Since that time the European Union and International Monetary Fund has imposed policies to initiate spending cuts and tax increases. These spending cuts and tax increases was described in this article as "medicine sought to cure the disease by killing the patient." Europe currently has 120 million people in poverty and that will increase by up to 25 million by 2025 if the same policies remain in place. In the past five years these policies have caused
tens of millions to enter poverty while the wealthy members of society make a great profit. The following countries are becoming some of the most unequal countries in the world due to the budget cuts that have been initiated; Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Spain and the UK. Half of the working families in Europe have been effected by job loss and reduced wages. This policies were put in place to reduce the countries debt but in essence has done the opposite. The increase in interest rates, decrease in tax returns and increase in unemployment has caused the countries birth rate to drop to 1.3 births per woman.
This article states that in order for the country to reach a stable population and economic growth the birth rate would need to be at least 2 births per woman. At this rate it appears the policies put in place to decrease debt has only increased debt and led to additional concerns for the society.
This article reminded me of our in class discussion about how for every dollar borrowed the poor countries have to repay 13 dollars in old debt. At this rate it appears that Europe will not be able to get ahead unless a new plan is developed to decrease debt and increase job opportunities. The article suggest that
proposals have been made to invest in jobs and a fairer tax system but have not been accepted. According to this article, "The European elites have no intention of reversing the social counterrevolution that has proved so profitable for their constituency—the rich and super-rich."
The International Deceleration of Human Rights' first seven articles protect the woman in Kenya from the unjust and cruel treatment they are enduring; however the culture and traditions of Africa do not comply with the document. Rape is about control and little of anything else. The women in Kenya that are being raped are being inhumanely tortured and humiliated. Men in the culture feel as if these women are property and do not want them to succeed. There is nothing more a controlling man hates than to lose control of what he feels belongs to him. To intimidate by humiliation with the rape and beating of these woman gives him the power he desperately desires.
ReplyDeleteThe women of Africa that gets an education in the Westernized North get a sense of empowerment and freedom that goes against religious and conservative traditions of their land. Revolution is rising up across the Middle East when young people like Elizabeth Nakaya get educated. Students learn about technology and how others are using social media to make gains on equality and the right to fair opportunities. Woman are learning that there are laws against the way they are treated. Elithabeth got a boldness about her and almost sounded challenging in her statements. Referencing her wanting her name to be made known for championing the movement.
In class we practice advocating for change in policy, and ways to convince the lawmakers they must make changes in attitudes and beliefs. Social Work hinges on social justice, and the woman who have the desire to go back in the community to advocate for their people, enter the Human Services field to be empowered with the idea of equality regardless of race, religion, or gender. Ideology has to promote justice or the vulnerable minority will be oppressed. Knowledge is power, and those who suppress knowledge in fear of rebellion are fearful they are losing control.
’What a man can do, I can do better’: Young women challenge Kenyan society
http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/09/08/20138065-what-a-man-can-do-i-can-do-better-young-women-challenge-kenyan-society?lite