response to A Long Way Gone

While I enjoyed this story, I couldn't help but notice that I was unable to really immerse myself in it. As I said in my previous post, it is hard to imagine what life as a child soldier is like. Regardless of how real and horrifying this story is, I just had no way of knowing what that kind of dread feels like or how Ishmael Beah was able to survive this without going completely insane. Even on the first page he mentions how unreal this war felt until it was right at his front door. When the refugees appeared and began talking about dead relatives and destroyed homes. This is when the war begins to resonate for Ishmael. I felt like this part was speaking directly to me. How can I possibly understand what war is like when a tank has never rolled down my street or soldiers have never marched through my local park? There is just no way to imagine this terror without the experience which Ishmael received in plenty. Even then he seems unbelieving of his situation. Even though this story is an excellent account of the horrors faced by child soldiers, it just cannot resonate for me. It just serves to make me angry that I live in a world where children are on the front line. But then again, every man and woman is somebody's child. My parents often say that no matter how old I get, I will always be their baby. well Ishmael was a baby, and he had to march off to war.

research on Sierra Leone

While researching the Sierra Leone Civil War I came across, what I assume, is the topic of child soldiers. These children soldiers are forced to commit unspeakable acts by individuals who have no regard for their well-being, only furthering their own ambitions. In the United State, we often joke about having “first world problems” and how we have so much more than others that we can afford to poke fun at our situation.  We have access to things that only the richest individuals in other countries can afford to have. We complain about our childhoods and how our parents would send us to our rooms or make us go to bed early. Very few of us can state that at the age of twelve or younger that we killed our first man in cold blood. Or that we slept in one room with our entire family wondering where our next meal was going to come from. But this blog isn’t an attack on America; it’s about how these children were treated. I merely state that as we have nothing in this country with which to appreciate the problems facing people in far-off places and that no matter what I write, we will most likely never experience such hardships in our lives. I have friends who are just now getting out of the military after five or more years of combat. These are men and women who, being adults went to war and fought and killed. They are coming back to the states as changed individuals who know that they have seen and been the cause of death. I can’t even imagine how traumatizing that must be. Now, take that fully grown, matured individual and decrease their age by ten years or more. In that same situation, how would they fare? Let’s add onto that. Suppose you were eight years old and had to begin military training? When I was eight, my major concern was whether or not I had enough money to buy all the candy I wanted at the gas station. I never even thought about having to kill anyone or anything for that matter. These child soldiers need years of therapy. Many of them can never fully recover.  

response to "Revolution Is Not A Dinner Party"

Almost immediately after reading "Revolution is Not a Dinner Party" my mother asked me to go get a loaf of bread since we were out. While I was in the grocery store, I couldn't help but imagine what it would be like if I had to fight hundreds of other people for food. would I be able to sneak to the back and steal the food that was saved for my oppressors? I am not sure if I could. I doubt I would have the courage to steal or the fortitude to fight others for food. But hunger makes people do things they normally wouldn't. It's tough to know for sure. But That is not the point of this post. The main thing I wanted to talk about was how China has changed and how it has remained the same since the rule of Chairman Mao. When I was in high school, some of my extended family were planning a trip to China. I was asked if I would like to go and I lumped at the chance! this was in the spring of 2007, just one year before the Olympics were to take place in Beijing. When our plane landed in Beijing, the first thing I remember was that I could look out the window of the tour bus and being able to stare at the sun. I literally mean "stare" as the smog in the air was so thick that, even at midday, the sun had the same color and hue as a sunset in the U.S. Our tour guide was adamant that we see the absolute best that China had to offer. From its historical districts to its most bustling cultural centers. In truth, we did see many things that were beautiful. But right beyond the beauty was a world of decay and refuse. For instance, when we drove down the street in our tour bus, we would see beautiful and well-maintained shrubs and flowers. However, on the other side of the shrubs were cracked sidewalks full of people and garbage. While some buildings in the historical districts were beautiful, others (that were actually lived in) often had tin or aluminum roofing and on top of the roof would be black garbage bags, which, I can only assume were filled with garbage. Whether this was meant to serve as insulation or just storage space (for, indeed, the houses were built practically one on top of the other) I don't know, but it just amazed me how much garbage was present everywhere we went. Eventually, we made our way to the Forbidden City which still had a large portrait of Chairman Mao over the entrance. Indeed, while foreign policies and ideals are changing, China is still very much a Communist country. The most interesting thing to me was the dilapidation present in the most historic portions of China and how, even though the cultural revolution was over, the revolution of advancement was still present. Many of the historic districts we visited (which were supposedly had the same protection as our historic landmarks and state parks) were constantly being bulldozed and the population being relocated for the purpose of building skyscrapers and apartment buildings (which the general population could not ever hope to afford). So, in a way, the cultural revolution is still going on. with individuals being forced out of their homes to make room for newer, bigger buildings. Taking away everything historic about beijing and other major cities we visited in China. In fact, I have been to Wuhan. we were only there for a few hours before we boarded a train to Shanghai. But I know that I have walked the same streets as Ling Chang, the hero from our book. I saw where the Han river met the Yangtze river and probably went into the hospital #4. I cannot express how much this book has changed my views and understandings of the China I visited. But I can tell you I will never look at my trip the same way again.

United States Immigration Policy

While I had always considered immigration to be a problem for the United States, I never realized how much of a problem it presents until I started researching it. The main problem seems to stem from the 20+ year-old set of regulations that the United states government uses. These regulations are so out of date that potential immigrants may have to wait decade beer receiving any sort of legal immigration papers. According to the immigration policy Center's website, the outcry for reformed immigration policy was finally being addressed by previous president George W. Bush who was in talks with the president of Mexico to help alleviate the illegal immigration issue. Everything was going smoothly until September 11th 2001 and the terrorist attacks occurred. Due to fear, panic, and confusion the issue of immigration was left at the wayside until matters could be settled. However, once the dust cleared, American were more concerned with terrorist threats and war than immigration. Since then, this issue has remained almost a non-issue with global concerns taking precedence over who could immigrate to the United States. Now, with America more xenophobic than ever, it doesn't appear that immigration policies will change. If they do it will be hard to determine whether it is for better or for worse. But what is it that makes this antiquated system so unfair? First, only 675,000 visas may be given out each year. 480,000 of those are dedicated to family members of U.S. citizens and the restrictions on family are stringent. A person who wishes to bring a family member to the U.S. must live above the poverty line, they must have proof of relation, and their family member must have some sort of job skill that can be helpful to the U.S. manual labor is not one of these skill sets. This must all be accomplished for someone who has a LEGAL relative living here already! Even then it could take years to get a visa. Never mind the extensive requirements for someone without family or other ties to the U.S. it is no wonder why cries for reform are becoming louder and harder to ignore. We live in a wonderful country and we should be more willing to share it with others.

Response to Sold by Patricia McCormick

After reading Sold I was so happy for Lakshmi and her eventual escape from sexual slavery. For me, it is hard to imagine how difficult that kind of life (if you can call that a life) must be. The most difficult part for me is realizing that this book wasn’t written a hundred or two hundred years ago, but was written in 2006. The fact that sexual slavery and human trafficking are still prevalent in the world today is, to me, unforgiveable. In my little corner of the world it is absolutely impossible to imagine which ultimately numbs me to such an extent that I am horrified by my own capability to grasp the severity of the problem. These girls don’t deserve this. They had simple, good intentions of benefitting their families but are instead have their most basic human rights exploited. How can that be justified? While Lakshmi may be freed in the story, I doubt the same can be said for the thousands of other girls this happens to annually. Another thought that comes to mind is how good my life was when I was thirteen. At that point in my life my biggest concern was whether or not to ride my bike to school. Not worrying about providing for my family or being sold into slavery. This story makes me appreciate everything that I have and all of the opportunities that are presented to me. There are so many things that I will never have to worry about and any problem I have now seems truly inconsequential to what these thirteen year old girls are experiencing.  The only way I can comprehend these girl’s struggles is to consider the illegal prostitution prevalent in my hometown. The similarities are numerous. For instance, the girls that walk Sprague Avenue are not there by choice. Most of them are driven there by drug addiction. Because they have no skill sets or higher education to fall back on, these girls have to prostitute themselves in order to survive. The only real difference is that Lakshmi was forced into sexual slavery against her will, whereas the girls in my hometown have no other choice but to become prostitutes. Rehabilitation programs are expensive and so are living expenses. I know I am generalizing here, but I do know for a fact that drug abuse is prevalent where I live and it is a major reason why these girls have nowhere else to go. I’m beginning to consider the irony of this, as I have more sympathy for Lakshmi then I do for the girls in my hometown whose story is almost as sad. I would fund a program to help girls like Lakshmi, but in my own country I pay taxes so police officers in my hometown can arrest the prostitutes walking the streets near my home. How does that benefit anyone? The simple answer is, it doesn’t.

Artifact Articles

Ukulele:

This artifact comes to us from the Hawaiian Islands. It represents the importance of music in my culture. Music is so important for my culture that all of my artifacts could have been musical instruments. In total I know how to play half a dozen instruments including the guitar, the banjo, the piano, the harmonica, the ocarina, and of course, the ukulele. At most family celebrations I am asked to perform at least a few songs and I update my song list every year in preparation for events such as family weddings. This has led to many friends and family calling on me to perform for major life events. I have performed various songs and accompaniments for three weddings, one Eagle Scout court of honor, one christening, two births, and one funeral to date.

Carved Wooden Elephants:

This artifact comes from Egypt and represents my love of travel. In my family, we pride ourselves in learning about new cultures and experiencing as many as we can. My extended family is especially adventurous and occasionally they bring back various gifts for me and my family. This carved statue was one such gift. My aunt gave it to me after spending four weeks in Egypt. The only other countries I have ever been to were Canada and China. But I hope to one day travel all over the world.

Goblet:

This goblet was given to me by my Great Grandmother before she passed away at the age of 104! Family is incredibly important to me, especially when it comes to remembering my deceased relatives. In my family it is customary for everyone to receive one item from a deceased relative. This way, everyone has something to remember those that are no longer with us. I was very close to my Great Grandmother and every time I see this goblet I am reminded of her. Some people may find this practice morbid or off-putting, but for me, this is just a part of the grieving process and gives me a token with which to always remember my family.

Scottish Wool Cap & Keychain:

This cap was made in Scotland and represents the importance of heritage. Like most Americans, my genetic makeup is comprised of several nationalities including Dutch, Swedish, French, Irish, German, and Scottish. However, my namesake (Dowling) is Irish and I take great pride in my cultural heritage. The keychain gives the history of my family name. I have since confirmed that I am in fact a descendent of the O’Dunlaing’s in Ireland. I am constantly researching who I am and where it is I come from. While I might not celebrate every aspect of where I come from or wear traditional attire, I appreciate my origins and I know I would not be who I am without them.

Mask:

The mask represents a great passion in my life. Theatre is very important to me and has become more than a mere hobby. Through the performing arts I have met friends, employers, and other individuals who have changed my life. I have been involved in theatre since high school and see it as one of the best ways for me to express myself. What makes theatre so culturally significant to me is how far its messages can spread. Ideals such as equality, respect, and acceptance are widespread through the theatre community and can be portrayed in the various productions.

response to Kampung Boy

The one thing that struck me about Kampung Boy was how much the life of the main character resembled the average American childhood. Granted, most children in America don't live near a tin dredge or make rubber from trees. But the overarching experiences are there. For instance, the main character admits he is afraid of the tin dredge and thinks it's a monster when he is young. When I was a child I was afraid of many things including the rotors on my family's motor boat. It looked perfectly normal when it was above water. But once it was submerged it took on a new life and appeared to me as a terrifying water-beast that could eat me in a single bite! This might be a generalization but, as I understand it, most children experience fear in some form or another. So what separates Kampung Boy from any other child in the world? Not much. He goes on family trips, he attends celebrations, he has friends, goes to school, and he lives a normal life.

Malaysia and the Importance of Etiquette

With three main cultures (Native Malaysian, Chinese, and Indian) making up the majority of the population of Malaysia, it's no wonder why Malaysia ranks number seven on the list of  top ten countries with public holidays. Not all of these holidays are religious in nature. The Hari Merdeka (august 31st) is their independence day. Chinese New Year (January 31st) is also a national holiday along with Christmas (December 25th) and the birthday of the prophet Muhammad (January 14th). The interesting thing about some of these holidays is the fact that the people of Malays have an open-door policy. meaning that anyone can come into their homes and celebrate with them. That sounds like fun, but Etiquette is very important to me and I never want to cause offense. Since there are three different cultures within this country it becomes easy to offend someone. Thankfully, the Malaysian people are very forgiving when it comes to a foreigners mistakes. But here are some tips to keep anyone who goes to Malaysia from looking like a rude tourist. Especially if someone invites you into their home.

1. Introductions

Consider this scenario: someone in Malaysia who is obviously native to the region walks up to you and introduces them self. How do you respond? It is important to note that since there are three main divisions within Malaysia that there are several different ways to greet someone. The most common of which is the handshake. This may seem simple enough, but keep in mind that women may not shake hands with men  and men may not shake hands with women. instead, the man may bow while putting his right hand over his heart. This alters for the other two cultures as Chinese women may shake hands with men, but the woman must extend her hand first. for the Indians, a nod of the head and a smile will suffice when a man greets a woman. for the female tourists, shaking another woman's hand is completely acceptable. when being introduced to a man, foreign women are greeted in the same way as native women. meaning, that a Malaysian man will bow, an Indian man will nod his head, and a Chinese man will wait for you to extend your hand before initiating a handshake. As in most countries, the right hand is the one that you shake with as the left is considered unclean.

2. Gifts

In Malaysia, when visiting someones home, it is customary to give them a gift. this is true of all three major nationalities in Malaysia. It is a common way of saying "thank you for allowing me into your home". But there are several things to note when giving a gift. For instance, if invited to a Malaysian home it is the custom to bring the hostess chocolates or pastries. For children, never give them toy dogs or pigs. the Malaysian people are generally Muslim, so anything pig-related can be construed as highly offensive. alcohol is also unacceptable as a gift. When wrapping the gift, make sure it isn't white (the color for death and mourning) or yellow (the color for royalty) and make sure to offer the gift with the right hand primarily.

If you are invited into a Chinese home, the preferred gift is candy or cakes. you must say it is for the children. Initially it will be refused as the hosts don't want to seem greedy. But they will eventually accept it. anything that is made for cutting (scissors, knives, etc.) is seen as a symbol that you do not wish to be friends anymore (cutting off the relationship) and again, wrapping is important. Anything with birds on it is out of the question as they are the symbols of death in Chinese culture. The color is also important. White, Blue, and Black are all death colors and should be avoided when wrapping a present. Finally, make sure to bring an even number of gifts as uneven numbers are considered unlucky.

When visiting an Indian home money can be an acceptable gift. Just make sure you give an odd amount as an even amount is considered unlucky. White and black are death colors, so wrap a present in bright colors as these are considered lucky. If you know the family follows the Hindu religion then anything made out of cows is unacceptable. Also, alcohol should not be a gift unless you know for sure that the person you are giving it to drinks.

In all cases, your gift will most likely not be opened until later or after you leave. so make sure that the gift is something that won't be bad in a few hours.

3. Food and Eating

Another scenario to consider: so you have met someone from Malaysia and greeted them properly, they are impressed and invite you to their home for dinner. You bring them a gift or two and they are again impressed. you sit down for dinner and what then? How do you eat without putting everyone else off? Luckily, many similarities exist between Malaysian dining practices and those of other southeastern countries such as Indonesia. But in case you are unfamiliar with these methods, here is what you can expect. 

Only use your right hand. once again the left hand is used for cleaning and it is very taboo to use it. Most Malaysians will not have knives at the table. instead, you must rely on your fork and a spoon. Don't worry though, most foods come to the table already cut up. keep in mind that pork will not be served in Muslim households and beef won't be served in those practicing Hindu. Some Buddhist and Taoist religions may have no meat at all. Keep in mind that elders in Malaysia are well respected and meals may not begin until the oldest person at the table has been served and has begun eating. This is incredibly important as it shows respect for the entire family. If you are seated next to the host and are farthest away from the door, the you are the honored guest and may be asked to make a small speech (or a toast) at the table after the host or at the conclusion of the meal. All that is required is that you wish the host and those gathered around you happiness and good health. Finally, if any of the food is finger food, always pick it up with your right hand.

The Malaysian people are considered friendly and easygoing. As I have stated previously, they are a forgiving people and will accept the mistakes of foreigners. But if you are like me, then presenting yourself as a knowledgeable and culturally sensitive individual is as important to you as anything else when dealing with an unfamiliar culture. Etiquette is an important part of life and it needs to be addressed when seeing the rest of the world. It allows you to understand the culture and can make you feel more comfortable around the native peoples wherever you go.