Week 14- Barbie vs. US Missles

"I think every Barbie doll is more harmful than an American missile"

-Masoumeh Rahimi 2002

What has more power? An American missile or a Barbie doll. I think both have immense power. You have an missile that can do harmful damage to populations of people, the earth and animals. You also have an image that can mentally destruct populations of people. As a kid, I wasn't much of a Barbie kid. I thought they all looked the same and they all did the same things--nothing. Barbie and Ken put out a 'look' that many people perceive as an image they must acquire as well. This is a realistic image to some people but to most it is not. In Islam, their image goes with their religion and what is appropriate for their image. I mean, you have little girls in America who arn't of American or European decent who have darker skin, who are born thicker, and want bleached white skin and platinum blonde hair. Where do you think they got this idea of what they SHOULD look like? You have all these diets that companies push for you to take and all these work out plans to have a 'thin and fit body.' I mean, I understand trying to push for a healthy lifestyle, but trying to be thin when you weren't made to be thin, or to be lighter skinned when you were born darkskinned. I admire Iran for making such dolls or instill on the young to grow up with an image to be conservative and respectful of your body and your image. Ken and Barbie arn't even married. At least Sara and Dara are twins.

Week 13-Christian, Islamic Fundamentalism (DGP15)

In a world infested with different beliefs & Religions, it is very much apart of social status and social benefits.

"People find a sense of identity, understanding the world's past, present, & future, rules and standards that are supposed

to guide the thoughts and actions, also though temples, mosques, churches or educational institution, religion provides the methods for passing its beliefs, rules and institutions from on generation to the next." (pg461)

One thing that I really want to focus on is Osama's portion of this chapter. Osama says,

"The Americans started it and retaliation and punishment should be carried out following the principle of reciprocity, especially when women and children are involved. Through history, America has not been known to differentiate between the military and the civilians or between men and women or adults and children. Those who thew atomic bombs and used the weapons of mass destruction against

Nagasaki and Hiroshima were the Americans. Can the bombs differentiate between military and women and infants and children? America has no religion that can deter her from exterminating while peoples? Your position against Muslims in Palestine is despicable and disgraceful. America has no shame.... We believe that the worst terrorists are the Americans. Nothing could stop you except perhaps retaliation in kind. We do not have to differentiate between military or civilian. As far as we are concerened, they are all targets ...." Osama Bin Laden 1998

In HIS eyes, we are the true terrorist's. His 'duty' is to protect the land, his religion and go against anyone who doesn't believe or is trying to extinguish his land/religion. I agree that the media pushes one view of Osama. Not that I'm saying what he did is just or do I feel sympathetic in any way, all I am saying is that now that I have gained an understanding of his perception, it only gives my insight into his perspective and his motives. Fighting and wars in general are all fear instilled. Although it might be power that one is 'truly' seeking, it is also fear. It's funny how religions are based on love, unity and personal or community growth & here we see religious wars with killings, bombing and mass destruction.

Week 12-Independence (WWchap23)

"During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunity. It is ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But, if need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die" -Nelson Mandela

Can you imagine spending around 9, 855 days of your life in prison? I can't. This idea of FREEDOM and SOCIETY. Prison systems never cease to amaze me because they are so inhumane to me. This man went into prison with the same ideas as when he was re

leased. Not only did he fight against the white domination but black dominations as well. He fought for what was just and right to all humans.

"Be the change you wish to see in the world" - Mohandas Ghandi

"Be the change you wish to see in the world" - Mohandas Gandhi

Gandhi was a man of his country. He wanted to keep the traditions and fundamental roots instilled in his country. In India, Muslims and Hindus were the main religions and had very opinionated differences. These opinionated differences led to the division of Pakistan and India. Gandhi wanted to set aside religious differences and come together as one country once again.

Week 11-Communism & The Cold War (WWchap22)

The Great Depression; A low point in our history, financially and in various societies. This was also a great time of very impressionable leaders. Leaders such as Joseph Stalin, Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini and fascism in Japan.

Joseph Stalin- USSR

Although Stalin and Hitler signed a Non-Aggression pact, 8days later-Germany invaded Poland and WWII began.

With 25 Years of power over the Soviet Union, he left a great impact with his dictatorship. Military, guns, tanks were more important to him over essential necessities such as food, housing and consumer goods.

After the US entered the war after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, Churchhill, Stalin and Pres. Roosevelt teamed up to fight against the Japanese.

It's sad to say that in my high school history classes, I couldn't remember the exact events that occurred, but I did remember the names-- names such as Stalin, Hitler & Mussolini.

Adolf Hitler- Germany

The name HITLER is forever etched upon our minds as we think about the tragedies he's caused.

As Europe began falling into an economic slump, Hitler was the man that everyone looked to, to fix the economy. Hitler had plans, very cruel plans. His idea of replenishing Europe was Ethnic cleansing. He wanted to extinct the "chirst-killers"--the Jews. All homosexuals, gypsies, colored, infants, elderly & mentally ill people were tortured and killed. Although the Holocaust was a great loss of many many people, there was SOME good that came out of this disgusting way of 'helping the world.' The advanced researched that was conducted on prisoners in the concentration

camps and the use of Propaganda advanced immensely in this time period.

A little over 10 years of reign, this man ruled, killed, escaped and committed suicide.

A little fact: The 2 teenage Columbine shooters worshiped Hitler. They praised his works and thought of Hitler as their idol. The shooting occurred April 20th-- also, Hitlers birthday.

Benito Mussolini- Italy

From 1922-1945 Mussolini helped mold Fascism. Democracy no longer existed. With the invasion and conquer of Ethiopia in 1935, Mussolini thought of this as a the "new Roman Empire"

As I look at this picture of Mussolini, it makes me wonder how powerful he felt in a city like Rome. Rome is such a magnificent place with beautiful artifacts lying in the middle of the everyday commotion of the city, cobble stone roads and many, many monuments and sculptures. With a city like Rome and so much history, he must of felt like he was a Pope or something.

Power-- These 3 leaders had, power. I'd like to think of it more as fear. Although THEY might not have had fear, they sure did instill it. I think power is only POWER when fear is instilled. Once you become afraid or frightful of losing YOUR power or YOUR rights, you've already given them power over you. Oppression is used to keep you as a minority, but these days they've become our majority. The Depression brought many sorrows and defeats but they also brought great opportunities and brought new ideas to the table that wouldn't have even had a chance if it weren't for desperate measures. Believe it or not, I kind of wished I lived in those times. I wish I could have become part of the feminist movements & African American movements. I would have loved to be apart of the hippie movement and watch Jimmy Hendrix light his guitar on fire. When I think about it, it's just a constant battle for the oppressed to rise above and speak their voice that is silenced.