Ch 9, 11 & 12
When reading these chapters a few key elements popped out to me. The beginning of chapter 9 really stuck out when Strayer said "They were of all colors, blue-eyed blondes to black-skinned Africans. But we were all participating in the same ritual, displaying a spirit of unity and brotherhood that my experiences in America had led me to believe never could exist between the white and non-white." This quote brought many emotions about. I grew up in San Francisco, a place of mixed race and religion, and where people were free to be themselves. I have always thought that people should unique, and never feel they need to follow the group. Now if 30 people all did the same type of ritual, and all believed in the same cause, I have no problem with that. What I do have a problem with, is when a person does something just because everyone else is doing it. The only time someone should follow what the group is doing, is when its to better their community.
Another historical fact that I found interesting, was reading about the homeland of Islam. I had no idea that it had been inhabited by nomadic Arabs who were called Bedouins, and they herded camels and sheep in seasonal migrations. I also found a liking to the fact they all had an individual belief in a variety of Gods. That never crossed my mind, since all I know about their beliefs is from todays culture. I also found it interesting that Muslims were humiliated if they were attracted to the Western culture. I guess its true, people are scared of the unknown. But in the same idea, maybe it was best they stayed away from the Western culture. I think it would have run amuck if it stuck, and there would not be the beautiful beliefs and cultures there are today.
In chapter 11, I found it very odd that the Mongol tradition was that a warriors soul was trapped in their spirit banner, consisting of strands of hair from his best horses attached to a spear. I didn't know much of the Mongols before reading this chapter, but I now I have an idea of how they preserved a persons spirit. I guess in a way we do a similar preservation. People hold onto mementoes of loved ones that have passed away, or even have symbols that are close to their heart. When my father passed away, the funeral home offered to have his fingerprint made into a necklace. I wear this everyday, and feel that it was the last thing he touched, and I will keep it near my heart forever. I feel his spirit is still with me, but more so when I hold his fingerprint. Its very powerful, and heartwarming to think of our loved ones still near, although we can no longer see them.
In chapter 12, Columbus is brought about, and the first sentence sums what I have heard my whole life. "Columbus was a perpetrator of genocide...a slave trader, a thief, a pirate, and most certainly not a hero." When I was first taught about Columbus, I didn't think much of how he came to power, and announced his discovery of America. As I grew older, I thought more about his ways of control and who had to steal the land from. I always try to take both sides in consideration when conflicted on who was right and who was wrong. And overall I would say stealing someone's land, and claiming it as your own is not someone people should look up to. We have been taught to never steal, or lie; and it seems that those are two key elements of Columbus' reign on America.
Another historical fact that I found interesting, was reading about the homeland of Islam. I had no idea that it had been inhabited by nomadic Arabs who were called Bedouins, and they herded camels and sheep in seasonal migrations. I also found a liking to the fact they all had an individual belief in a variety of Gods. That never crossed my mind, since all I know about their beliefs is from todays culture. I also found it interesting that Muslims were humiliated if they were attracted to the Western culture. I guess its true, people are scared of the unknown. But in the same idea, maybe it was best they stayed away from the Western culture. I think it would have run amuck if it stuck, and there would not be the beautiful beliefs and cultures there are today.
In chapter 11, I found it very odd that the Mongol tradition was that a warriors soul was trapped in their spirit banner, consisting of strands of hair from his best horses attached to a spear. I didn't know much of the Mongols before reading this chapter, but I now I have an idea of how they preserved a persons spirit. I guess in a way we do a similar preservation. People hold onto mementoes of loved ones that have passed away, or even have symbols that are close to their heart. When my father passed away, the funeral home offered to have his fingerprint made into a necklace. I wear this everyday, and feel that it was the last thing he touched, and I will keep it near my heart forever. I feel his spirit is still with me, but more so when I hold his fingerprint. Its very powerful, and heartwarming to think of our loved ones still near, although we can no longer see them.
In chapter 12, Columbus is brought about, and the first sentence sums what I have heard my whole life. "Columbus was a perpetrator of genocide...a slave trader, a thief, a pirate, and most certainly not a hero." When I was first taught about Columbus, I didn't think much of how he came to power, and announced his discovery of America. As I grew older, I thought more about his ways of control and who had to steal the land from. I always try to take both sides in consideration when conflicted on who was right and who was wrong. And overall I would say stealing someone's land, and claiming it as your own is not someone people should look up to. We have been taught to never steal, or lie; and it seems that those are two key elements of Columbus' reign on America.
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