VIDEO #3 – BRAINWASHING

This video looked at a little Muslim girl answering questions and coversing with another man, who could be her father, in the Arabic language.

The little girl coversing with this man seemed scripted because the man was asking very mature questions that a five year old girl would not be able to answer. The family supporting this young girl possibly told her to answer the question in this form.  She looks so innocent and most likely does not know why she is answering in such a manner.

It is wrong to brainwash a child, or anyone, especially if they are not aware of the true meaning of certain subjects. There is a chance this little girl will carry on with the same ideas and values even if they are not viewed as acceptable from other parts of the world. However, there is also a liklihood she may be able to give up those views and develop her own at a certain stage in her life and ignore what she was taught.

VIDEO #2 – WATER CRISIS

This video was a tralier for the documentary called “Flow.” Flow looks at the importance of water and how the world is taking it for granted. Water is a vital component to the human life and in some parts of the world, people do not have acceess to water or if there is water it is not clean.

The trailer mentioned how those who have money will be able to buy water where as those who need it will not have water because the supply of water will be at an all time minimal. This is “scary,”  because how can water run out so quickly and leave many wondering what will come to be next? It just illustrates to the world that water must be used wisely and not be taken advantage of.

VIDEO #1-ARMY OF GOD

The video that was shown in class about the domestic terrorist group in the United States known as the Army of God. The Army of God is an extreme right wing group in the US and are in favour of having Christian religious agenda as opposed to the current one. The purpose of this group is to destroy those who destroy..babies; Mainly targetting abortion clinics and abortion providers. They believe biblical justification is enough for killing others who kill another innocent life.

The video was a clip from the HBO series known as the “Soldiers in the Army of God”. The show follows members in this group and looks at what they do on a daily basis.

What is interesting about this group is that the members believe that taking the ife of others is acceptable yet they do not appreciate when other lives are being taken. The old saying “an eye for an eye” comes into play but is the bombings of abortion clinics and killings of abortion providers necessary? The Army of God seem to think so.

In Class Assignment

Assignment #3 (This entry will look at the presentation about the KKK)

This presentation looked at the white supremacist group in the United States of America known as the KKK. For some, like myself, I did not think the KKK would be classified as a terrorist group. I thought it was more of a group or organization emphasizing their hatred for other non-white races and homosexual individuals. Although, now there is a clear understanding as the KKK fall under domestic terrorism because the KKK do not attack at an international level even though there are groups in other countries who do follow suit as that of the KKK.

The KKK was formed shortly after the Civil War when African Americans were treated as an equal among others in the United States. The KKK still runs today but one would think that equality should still exist therefore the KKK should be eliminated. This is unfortunate because society still lives in a world full of hate and it is not beneficial for anyone. The KKK like to look as though they are involved in the community in which they live in, however, this is how they lure their potential members where they later find the true meaning of this terrorist group.

In Class Assignments

Assignment #2 (This entry will look at the presentation on international terrorism)

International Terrorism is the idea that terrorism or an act of terrorism is known at a global level. This can be unexpected and the acts are unpredictable as well.

International Terrorism is followed by a notion known as the “spillover effect.” The spillover effect is defined as political violence in which it has international relevance that is structured to have a positive effect on a terrorist group’s cause at home.

An example of this is the attacks on 9/11.

In these cases, terrorists do not care for innocent people who will die in these attacks because they see their cause and goals as a main motivating factor that hold precedence over other things.

In Class Assignments

Assignment #1 (This entry will look at the presentation on dissident terrorism)

Dissident Terrorism is defined as terrorism that is committed by non-state movements and groups against the government and religion. When a group is not being heard of or if their values and concerns are not being dealt with, the group will turn to violence and rebelling against the state. They also believe that violence will result to a social change so in this sense it is justifiable.

I think this form of terrorism is not effective. Violence is unnecessary and should not be used when someone or a group is not capable of voicing an opinion. If one wants change, he or she should proceed with that in a civilized manner.

GHANA FIELD SCHOOL STUDENTS SEMINAR

Socio 4310

Charles Quist-Adade

Event: November 10: Ghana Field School Students Colloquium @ KPU Conference Hall, Surrey

                This event was about students talking about their experience in a field school program in Ghana. The students and professors involved to help those in Ghana are from Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Most of these students are majoring in Nursing or Sociology. At this event the Dean of Kwantlen was there to show his appreciation and effort for those who participated in going to Ghana to make a difference.

                It was interesting to see that Kwantlen offers an experience that is long lasting and rewarding for those in Ghana and for the students themselves. This is what one student speaker had mentioned. She said that going to Ghana was a life long experience that she will hold closely to her heart. She mentioned the culture shock and cultural relativism. She mentioned this because she said she had to step out of her comfort zone and “western” ways to understand the environment in Ghana. She said that people and society take water for granted here in North America but in Ghana it is a struggle and most of the time the water is not clean. The speaker also talked about how helping these kids who are not as fortunate and how leaving was the hardest thing to do. She wished that the trip was longer because she was just getting used to the Ghanaian customs. This was also the same for a nursing professor at Kwantlen Polytechnic University.

                What I learned from going to this seminar that it is possible to make a change gradually. It is also important to realize if one is making a change in a different environment from his own, then it is important to go into the new environment with an open mind. You are an “alien” to this new piece of land while thousands of others from there call that land home. To intrude and pose your own ideologies and values can prove to be complicated for native individuals. This will also let one to appreciate what they have when they return back home. I think people from western societies fail to think about their privileges because everything is “handed” to them. They should be more appreciative and if given the chance to go explore places, for example Ghana, India, or China, where water is not clean and a hardship to receive. Westerners must do their part and give back and help those in need. By going to this seminar it proved to me that it is possible by doing so in increments. This has opened my eyes and I will, as a student at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, take part in a Field school program and help to make a change.