Multi Media -- Chasing Che

O'Donnellmultimedia1 by user2774223

Research question(s)

How can the arbitrary arrests be prevented in Burma?

What is the role of NSA's in this violation of human rights?

How can these arrests be brought to light when those who speak out against them end up falling victim to what they are protesting?

Why does the Burmese government feel so threatened by its human rights protestors?

Human Rights Presentation

1) I am interested in the fight to free Burma's 2,100 political prisoners because I personally do not know a lot about this topic and am interested to learn more.

2) - http://www.hrw.org/free-burmas-prisoners/background

- http://www.aappb.org/

3)Questions:

-How do the human rights organizations go about releasing these prisoners?

-In what ways can the average person get involved with this cause?

Maus response

I find the style of the graphic novel to be easier to read than your average book. The illustrations really brought the story to life. One recurring theme was the constant kindness of Vladek. Vladek's heroism led to him being the savior of himself and his wife. But, just incase that wasn't enough Vlad also fed other prisoners such as Felix. I am looking forward to reading more!

Events in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The first article I found about events taking pace in the congo is covering the Rwandan involvement in the Congo in 2008. Author Jeffrey Gettleman tells us that more and more Rwandan soldiers are integrating into the rebel army. The Rwandan government claims that these men are doing it on their own but other sources give a different view on what is happening. Soldiers have confirmed that the government is involved by providing bus fare and telling the rebel leaders how many troops they are planning to send over each month.

http://www.globalpolicy.org/security-council/dark-side-of-natural-resources/diamonds-in-conflict/debates-and-articles-on-diamonds-in-conflict/39227.html

My next article is on a significantly lighter note. The American band (no, not Grand Funk Railroad) Animal Collective has been gaining popularity in recent years with their new and unique style of music. Animal Collective, along with a few other acts, covered and remixed many popular congolese artists in an anthology entitled, "Tradi- Mods vs. Rockers: Alternative Takes on Congotronics." The music that resulted was something that was existentially different and celebrates the "messy, often distorted electric dance music." Interestingly enough the label on which these Congolese artists were signed was Belgian.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2010/sep/22/animal-collective-congolese-album-congotronics

Um how about small group discussion

1) one question that is lingering after the discussion was how leopold's use of chicotte.

2) I think as a small group we were very good about letting everybody speak and we worked well together.

King Leopold's Ghost Summary:

King Affonso was one of the more educated and religious indigenous people, which surprised the Europeans. Affonso knew what Leopold was trying to do but once Affonso died Leopold moved in. Next we learn about Henry Morton Stanley's life and childhood. We are told that King Leopold the II was the ruler of the Belgian Colony in the Congo, known as the Belgian Congo. Leopold exploited the area for its resources, and used the indigenous people as slaves to extract these resources. His treatment of these people was appalling.

Discussion Questions:

What made Belgium dip into Imperialism?

Blog Post

1) Something that I learned today would be that imperialism and colonialism are much more similar than I had thought.

2) Something that I am curious to investigate further would be the colonization of Africa. I learned some about it while I was there but I would like to know more.

3 Events

Mr. Kaplan:

- Walking on the moon: 4^th grade. They brought a TV into the classroom and everyone watched Neil Armstrong walk on the moon. I felt proud and I couldn’t figure out how he was breathing.

- Inauguration of George W Bush: Went to the inaugural ball and the inauguration and it brought out a lot of strong feelings of patriotism and a lot of pride in my country. There was a lot of camaraderie amongst the people. They feel like theyre at a historic event.

- Ground Zero: A year after 9/11 they were still cleaning it up. It was very shocking to see the devastation up close with your own eyes. Being so close to where so many people died. A lot of feelings of anger and bewilderment that there are people who would do something so despicable in the name of their religious beliefs.

Brian Cunningham:

- Bill Clinton’s Impeachment: at home watching TV. I felt dissapointed because I liked Clinton because I liked Clinton. I was disappointed in our nation because JFK had all types of women in the white house.

- Challenger Crash: elementary school age. Sitting at coffee table in front of the TV eating fruity pebbles. Allowed to stay home from school in the morning to watch the launch. When it went up I was proud and when it exploded I was very surprised and confused and very deeply sad.

- San Francisco Earthquake during the World Series: Giants vs. The A’s at home watching the game and I remember this game because my dads friend was one of the coaches for the giants. I was shocked and amazed initially I was wondering what was going to happen with the game. I remember seeing people trapped on the lower level of the Oakland bay bridge and I was frightened for them.

Myself:

- 9/11: I remember being in my kindergarten classroom and everyone was very scared and confused. Our teachers looked up the events online and we listened to the radio for a little while. School was let out early which I was happy about, but mostly because I did not fully understand what had happened.

Bill Clinton's Impeachment: I can remember jumping up and down on the couch as my parents were watching president Clinton on TV. I remember them being upset about what he had done but I had no idea what was happening.

The Day I Met Mrs. Knechel: I can remember this day clearly as it was the 24th of august, second period of Day 1. I remember feeling excited and confused and a little scared. I was wearing a blue shirt and plaid pants which i can remember very clearly. Perhaps one of the more interesting days of my life.