-Aztec Culture-

Aztec art played a very important role in ancient Aztec culture. In fact, their art was created primarily as an expression of religion and warfare. Many examples of this aspect of Aztec culture can be found in the form of paintings on the walls of temples and those created on special paper made of bark. Colorful Aztec masks were also made by craftsmen as a tribute to various gods to be used in rituals and ceremonies.

Many Aztec artifacts that have been discovered is a wide array of pottery. The Aztec Indians made pottery by layering strips of clay. These strips of clay were worked into griddles, storage jars, goblets, and other vessels. When the shape was complete, the pottery was hardened in open kilns heated over the fire. For the most part, the pottery was white and red with black and white geometric designs painted on the signs.

As with art, Aztec music and dance were both performed to please the Gods. It was not done for entertainment or to show off knowledge or skill. In fact, the Aztec culture and religion tied music and dance into its daily life and ceremonies. Certain musical instruments in Aztec culture were considered to be holy and mistakes while playing the instruments were thought to be offensive to the Gods. The music was generally used to accompany Aztec dance, which was considered to be a player-like ritual. It also expressed political, social, and cultural issues.

Tattoos also played an important role in the Aztec culture. As with art and music, Aztec tattoos were used in rituals, particularly those dedicated to Uitzilopochtle. As a part of those rituals, a priest would use a pointed stone to draw symbols on the stomach, chest, and wrist of children. In the Aztec culture, these symbols were intended to show the children's devotion for the God. Each Aztec tattoo design was specifically chose for its symbolism or relation to God.

Aztec culture was deeply involved and intricate. Craftsmen played an important role in Aztec culture, as they were highly skilled and used to show their devotion and reverence for their powerful, and sometimes cruel, Gods.

Superstitions and Omens

According to Webster's dictionary superstition is, a belief or practice resulting from ignorance, fear of the unknown, trust in magic or chance, or a false conception of causation. Halloween is traditionally the time when common superstitions, myths, and omens carry more weight on those who believe in them then those who don't. Superstition origins go back thousands of years ago, and the beliefs include good luck charms, amulets, bad luck, fortunes, cures, omens and predictions, and spells. Bad fallacies outweigh the good by far, especially around holidays like Halloween when myths are going around like crazy. Some of the superstitions and bad luck omens are black cats and how if one crosses your path its bad luck, broken mirrors, ladders, owls, salt, sparrows, and the unlucky number 13. Now for some of the good superstitions like the four leaf clover and how its believed to bring humans and animals protection from evil spells and also bring you good luck. Another one is the rabbit's foot and how if you wear it around your neck its said to ward off bad luck and bring you good luck, and the older it gets the more luck it brings to you.

Whale Rider

Today when we watched Whale Rider in class I noticed a few things. At the beginning, the grandpa wouldn't acknowledge the baby girl because all he wanted to was find out about the baby boy. It showed that the gender issues we've been talking about since day one are still very prevalent in societies today. I noticed that the only type of person they would consider to lead was a male from the eldest son. Which goes back to the fact that the eldest son is always in charge ahead of the youngest son and they don't even consider seeing if a girl has the qualities needed to lead. Like most of the types of people we've talked about thus far in class (as well as in Whale Rider), the eldest male is in charge and the leader of the family; most of the time people don't challenge or go against him. The grandpa was a type of Chief and he not only was in charge of his family, but basically the whole village in general. The little "concert" that the kids put on and the place in which they performed reminded me of some of the pictures and videos we've seen that showed the Trobriand Islanders- the totems and the buildings decorated with animal figures.

Maine Coon

These are the oldest breed of cat in America. They supposedly came from England on a ship the Marie Antoinette was supposed to flee England to America on. However the ship left without her. The Maine Coon in the largest of the domestic cat breed. It is known for it's friendly and playful attitude as well as its size. The Maine Coon has the longest whiskers recorded at 6 and a half inches. The way to tell if a cat is a Maine Coon, besides it's size, is to look at the cats head, right above the eyes on the Maine Coon is dark hair in the shape of an M.

The Maine Coon started on the East coast. Today they are the most popular in the U.S., second to Persians. Their paws are big, furry and flat so that they can get around in the snow easily. Their colors vary greatly and they have 3 coat layers. One of the most unique features of the Maine Coon is that many are polydactyl, meaning that they have a thumb. Most cats (and animals for that matter) have their 5th digit up on the posterior part of their arm while many Maine Coons have the 5th digit located where a human thumb is. This is not very useful for them except for the fact that it more easily allows them to open doors and grab things.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqxF2c0VkFE

The idea of the American dream and how it has changed

Millions of people all over America play the lottery everyday, not in hope to win a few extra bucks, but to win the ultimate jackpot. It is a get rich quick scheme that many are dying to obtain so that they may live out their American dream life. There are many versions of the American dream, yet every incarnation seems to end with one common goal: a better life. Americans love the rags to riches stories, such as is displayed in the foreign film Slumdog Millionaire, because everyone has hopes it will happen to them. As one of the main characters Latika puts it, people like shows such as Who Wants to be a Millionaire because “It’s to escape, walk into another life (Slumdog Millionaire)”. The American dream is an idea that applies to all, not just Americans. This idea of the easy way to a better life seems to be replacing the original/traditional American dream that consisted of working hard in order to obtain a better life style; this has transformed over time into finding an easy way to get rich which in turn means obtaining a better life.

In the movie Slumdog Millionaire, Jamal Malik is a poor child from the slums of India. Due to his class in the modern day Mumbai, many privileges are automatically taken away from him, forcing the identity of a worthless peasant onto him. In the movie, there is a scene where Jamal was beaten by a cop for the car of the American tourist being vandalized while he was showing them around. While on the floor hurt Jamal exclaims, “you wanted to see the real India? Well here it is (Slumdog Millionaire)!” Jamal doesn’t let others define him as lacking in privilege in any area such as how the white race does with culture and identity. No matter how privileged a person or race is viewed, they will always feel as if they are undercut, or lacking in privilege in one way or another. In America, it is popularly believed that the white race has all the privilege. However the white race feels underprivileged in certain aspects of life just as any other race does. In the essay, The End of White America? author Hua Hsu claims that the white race attempts to adapt other cultures. Take the “wigger” for example (93). It is “white kids who steep themselves black culture” (93). This occurs due to the white race feeling a lack of culture. Hsu shows this feeling of lack in terms of culture and the loss of identity that the white race feels, stating:

You’re forced as a white person into a sense of ironic detachment. Irony is what fuels a lot of white subcultures. You also see things like Burning Man, when a lot of white people are going into the desert and trying to invent something that is entirely new and not a form of racial mimicry. That’s its own kind of flight from whiteness. We’re going through a period where whites are really trying to figure out: Who are we? (96)

The white race views all other races as being full of traditions, culture and identity. Because the white race is viewed as the blank sheet, or standard in America they feel as if they have no identity, no culture, and feel underprivileged because they lack in what is prided on in all other races: culture which in turn leads to identity. Identity is what defines a person; it can either limit a person, or it can make them limitless. Even though Jamal came from the slums and lacked privilege in almost every aspect of his life due to this fact, he doesn’t let this define him. He still works to achieve his American dream, his better life: winning the love of his life while obtaining a better future simultaneously.

In the movie Slumdog Millionaire the three main characters Jamal, his brother Salim, and Latika their friend, dream of moving away from the slums in search of their American dream. There are men that take children out of the slums and use them as street performers so that they can make money. Jamal has a good voice and in hopes to get out of the slums exclaims during a conversation to his friend Latika,

Youngest Jamal: I just need Maman to like my singing, and were in the money, big money Latika.

Youngest Latika: And then what? Can we stop begging?

Youngest Jamal: Begging? Are you kidding? We'll live in a big house on Harbour Road. You, me and Salim, the three musketeers.

The “three musketeers” as they call themselves had dreams to move away from the slums and make enough money to live a better life (Slumdog Millionaire). Not only are people migrating from other countries to America seeking this dream of a better life; Americans are migrating from rural dead end towns to big promising cities. For many achieving a better life means leaving his or her old life behind which often entails physically leaving the familiar and relocating. In the essay The Heartland and the Rural Youth Exodus by Patrick J. Carr and Maria Kefalas they state, “The rural exodus is not a new phenomenon; young people have always left small towns for big cities and bright opportunities (53).” The privilege of the bigger and brighter future entailed in the American dream is sought out by all, small town country folk as well as children from the slums of Mumbai. With so many young people leaving the rural areas of America, not wanting dead end jobs or lives, they leave seeking out this dream of a better life. They could not achieve their dream of obtaining a better life while staying in the slums just as the youth of the rural America can’t achieve their dreams of a bigger and better life while staying in a small town with dead end jobs. There is little to no room for the success that the youth of rural America or the slums of India crave for their future.

In the movie Slumdog Millionaire the main character Jamal plays the game show Who Wants to be a Millionaire? People want to get ahead and in a sense ‘win’ a better life with minimal effort. He proves this when he is playing the game show Who Wants to be a Millionaire. The people who run the game show become suspicious and take Jamal in the back for questioning. The police inspector exclaims, “Doctors... Lawyers... never get past 60 thousand rupees. He's won 10 million. What the h*ll can a slumdog possibly know” (Slumdog Millionaire)? To Which Jamal replies, “The answers, I knew the answers” (Slumdog Millionaire). Neurological enhancers and the lottery are very similar, - they are the easy way out; whether it is money being handed over or an aid to help perform more efficiently than normal capacity, it is cheating the system. Many, especially Americans, are looking for a quick fix. People want the American dream but they no longer want to put the effort in that used to lead to the American dream. Drugs such as Adderall and Provigil are taken by students as well as professionals in order to perform more efficiently for longer all over America in order to obtain their American dream easier, so that they don’t have to sacrifice much time and effort out of their current life style. In the essay Brain Gain by Margaret Talbot she states that:

In 2004, [Anjan Chatterjee – a neurologist at the University of Pennsylvania] coined the term ‘cosmetic neurology’ to describe the practice of using drugs developed fro recognized medical conditions to strengthen ordinary cognition. (267)

This idea of “cosmetic Neurology” is becoming so commonly accepted by not only students, but by people competing for job positions, most often the top positions, of corporations that it provokes the question of what the next generation will come up with to even more advance this idea of “getting ahead” (267). Neurological enhancers and simply winning a better life is in a way cheating the system. People used to work hard to achieve their American dream, their better life. Today people seem to want to cut out the hard work part and have it simply handed to them.

The American dream for many people today means taking the easy way out to get rich quick. One of the most popular ways to gain this is through game shows- such as in Slumdog Millionaire, neurological enhancers, or more commonly the lottery. These are all ways that success is made possible with minimal effort. Hard work is not valued, as evidenced in pop culture by how people want to go from rags to riches through getting rich quick. People used to struggle to work hard and create a better life for themselves, for their families, and future families to come. Now a day there is a more selfish view being taken. People want riches to make their immediate life more convenient, especially in America. The American dream has transformed over time to into finding an easy way to get rich, which in turn means obtaining a better life.

Works Cited

Boyle, Danny, dir. Slumdog Millionaire. 2008. 20th Century Fox. DVD.

Carr, Partrick J., and Maria Kefalas. “The Heartland and the Rural Youth Exodus.” Hollowing out the Middle. 2009. Boston: Beacon, 2009. N. pag. Rpt. in Insert Title Here. Boston: McGraw, 2010. 52-75. Print.

Hsu, Hua. “The End of White America?” The End of White America? 2009. The Atlantic: Atlantic Media, 2009. N. pag. Rpt. in Insert Title Here. Boston: McGraw, 2010. 87-99. Print.

Talbot, Margaret. “Brain Gain.” The New Yorker. 2009. New York: Wylie Agency, 2009.

N. pag. Rpt. in Insert Title Here. Boston: McGraw, 2010. 263-282. Pri

Shaken Baby Syndrome

Shaken Baby Syndrome (also known as S.B.S.) is a major contributor to the mortality rate in infants. Given the proper knowledge on the topic it is one hundred percent preventable. Techniques have been devised for nurses to use in order to aid in the prevention of shaken baby syndrome. Nurses are the main tools in stopping S.B.S.; as information is spread about the syndrome knowledge is as well, as we all know knowledge is power, the power to stop.

Articles on the topic of S.B.S. had much of the same information; S.B.S. is relatively new to the medical world for it was determined as its own syndrome not too long ago. In many cases SBS is overlooked or misdiagnosed. It is a pressing issue to make the community of new families aware of the effects of SBS. It can lead to the shearing of bridging veins in the brain as well as many other issues that lead to developmental issues (2008). Offenders tend to be young, males with a poorer up bringing. The victim is male 60% of the time (AANS, 2000). Only 30% of SBS victims have a chance of full recovery (2001). SBS is detected easier once the effects have taken place on the child; however it is normally too late to help prevent the injuries. It is very expensive to treat. About 13% to 30% of victims die (2005, April). Roughly half of society is unaware of the full effects of SBS because of lack of education on the matter. The act that leads to S.B.S. is so violent that observers would be able to recognize it as harmful to the child. 6 weeks old is the average age crying peaks at. SBS is most likely to become significant around 2.5 to 4 months after the birth of the child; this is when the crying wares on the parent and he/she feels as if it is no longer bearable (2009). This seems to be the common knowledge now of S.B.S. yet other articles went a bit more in depth on how to treat and what nurses can do to spread the facts and prevention techniques of S.B.S.

One of the articles goes in depth on a program that was installed in a hospital to promote SBS awareness. It also was created to test the validity of such programs. The program consisted of 3 note cards; one on crying, one on how to respond, and one on the effects of SBS as well as a phone call around the time when the infant was at his/her crying peak (6 weeks). The program was found highly relevant especially to new parents (2009). Almost all the participants appreciated it as well as thought it should be continued. They also concluded that having the nurse participate is more helpful than simply giving the parents the note cards because many admitted to the likely hood of not reading the cards in that case. Documentation is key for medical officials in determining whether or not SBS is taking place. As a nurse promoting education, keeping an eye out for indicators as well as high risk factors, and reporting abuse to authorities is the best way to help prevent SBS. Retinal hemorrhaging is a major indicator when it comes to determining if a child has SBS. Hematomas (tearing of vessels) however, are the most common injury (2008). Many of the injuries that result are due to loss of neurons and axons within the brain. If SBS is suspected, old and new fractures are clear indicators of abuse in the form of SBS (2008).

The articles all agree on the fact that it is preventable however not necessarily treatable. Nurses are the key in spreading information about S.B.S. as proven by the program that was instilled in the hospital. An organized presentation of the information on what S.B.S. is, how it is caused, as well as how it can be prevented seems to be the most efficient way of getting the information out there. All new parents should be given information on S.B.S. so that awareness becomes common knowledge.

Becoming a nurse myself and wanting to work in the I.C.U. neo natal ward I see myself responsible for spreading the word. In order to aid in prevention I plan on talking to all new parents about S.B.S. and informing them on the issue as well as providing alternative stress relievers so that the infant remains safe. Possibly my colleagues and I will ask the hospital to allow us to create a formalized program for all new parents to learn about S.B.S if there is currently not one present. It is easily preventable and often not curable, only manageable if not fatal. There is no need for these infants to die so it is the job of all nurses who deal with infants to inform and prevent shaken baby syndrome.

References

Dias, M. S., Smith, K., DeGuehery, K., Mazur, P., Li, V., & Shaffer, M. L. (2005, April). Preventing abusive head trauma among infants and young children: A hospital-based, parent education program. Pediatrics, 115(4), e470-e477. Retrieved from CINAHL database.

Goulet, C., Frappier, J.-Y., Fortin, S., Deziel, L., Lampron, A., & Boulanger, M. (2009). Development and evaluation of a shaken baby syndrome prevention program. Jognn, 38(1), 7-20. doi:10.1111/j.1552-6909.2008.00301.x

Guiterrez, F. L., Clements, P. T., & Averill, J. (2004, December). Shaken baby syndrome: Assessment, intervention, and prevention. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing, 42(12), 23-29. Retrieved from CINAHL database.

Lewin, L. (2008). Shaken baby syndrome: Facts, education, and advocacy. Nursing for Women’s Health, 12(3), 235-239. Retrieved from CINAHL database.

Meskauskas, L., Beaton, K., & Meservey, M. (2009). Preventing shaken baby syndrome: A multidisciplinary response to six tragedies. Nursing for Women’s Health, 13(4), 325-330. doi:10.1111/j.1751-486X.2009.01442.x

Mraz, M. A. (2009). The physical manifestations of shaken baby syndrome. Journal of Forensic Nursing, 26-30. Retrieved from CINAHL database.

-Mayan Civilization- (youtube video)

The Mayan people had a very rich and fascinating civilization. Just a few facts about this group of people was that they lived in Mexico and Central Mexico. The Southern part included dense swamps, and the East side is the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico is located on the west side. It was a known fact that men and women were short, and they had short dark hair. They typically painted their bodies with different colors, and they valued crossed eyes for some unknown reason. Many of them had tattoos, and wore big headdresses. The Mayans grew many crops. Some of these included avocados, squash, maize (corn), peppers, and caco seeds. They had to use a stick when planting the seeds, which is now known as the plow. The Mayans used the most advanced system of writing of the ancient Americas. The writing system consisted of pictures/symbols called glyphs.One fact I found interesting was that they are perhaps the firsst people to use the idea of zero. With this, they developed an advanced system of mathematics, and were later able to evolve in the field of astronomy. Mayan priests were very important in the culture because they were the people who did everything with the astronomy. They were able to detect the movements of the sun, moon, planetsm and stars. They became so advanced that they were able to predict when eclipses would occur. Only three Mayan books are remaining to this day because one the Spanish got ahold of them, they determined that the books were filled with evil writing. What happened to the Mayans is still a mystery that everyone desires to know. What we know for sure is that they abandoned their cities sometime around 850 AD. This was also something that happened very suddenly. During the time of 850 AD, the Mayan society collapsed and they then scattered all around the country. Through the ruins, advancements in astronomy and mathematics, it is very evident that this was a culture very elite and powerful at this time. Hopefully in the near future, people can come up to a definite conclusion as to what really happened.

-Mexican Culture- (youtube video) Mexico is the west portion of the world, bordered by North America to the North, and South American to the South. Mexico is approximately 2 million feet and has a population of more that 100 million. Mexicans speak a language that is based off of Mayan dialect, and it is the most popular Spanish speaking country. Mexico is a very unique country that is known for the art, food, and music. Dancing is very important, as are the clothing the dancers wear. Mexico City, the capital of the country, is one of the largest cities in the world, and also one of the oldest. Mexico City was once called Tenochitlan. Tenochitlan was the first city built by the Aztecs. When the Spaniards came for conquest in 1519, Tenochitlan had a population of more than 100,000, making it larger than all the other European cities during this time frame. Mexico is also a very sport related culture. Everything revolves around sports. The most popular sports in Mexico are softball and soccer. Soccer is the king of Mexican sports and it represents the country the most. Mexican culture very interesting and one of the most fascinating cultures world wide. These people are proud of their native heritage, and will do anything for the betterment of their country. Mexicans have preserved their ancestors over time, and will never forget their true roots and where they came from.

Irish wedding ring

The Claddagh ring is that traditional Irish ring. I first encountered it in Massachusetts but didn't know the whole meaning behind it. I knew that depending on which way the ring is faced (pointing away or pointing it) and that it was a promise ring but not much else.

After looking into it a bit I found out that every bit of the ring is symbolic to the views of Irish marriage. The design of the ring is two hands holding a heart with a crown on top of the heart, sometimes the heart is a jem, sometimes its just plain. The hands represent faith while the crown represents honor, and of course, the heart represents love. In Ireland the ring is supposed to symbolize the love and friendship of a marriage.

The way the ring is worn is symbolic. When the ring is on the right hand and the heart is facing away from the body, this means the woman is single. If it is worn (still on the right hand) so that the heart faces toward the body, this means that the woman is taken, or engaged. If the ring is on the left hand, then it means that the woman is married.

Living in Boston I have always been surrounded by Irish culture and have always loved it because everything seems to be so meaningful and purposely done. This is much like all of Europe as I have noticed while living there and traveling through it.

youtube Whirling Dervishes

My roommate went to Turkey this summer and saw the whirling dervishes so I looked into it a bit to see what it was. Turns out it is a traditional Turkish form of meditation. The whirling dervish whirl in a choreographed dance. Every movement is symbolic, music is played, and people watch. They whirl for hours and hours without stopping, getting dizzy, or taking a break from twirling. Many have their eyes closed yet the dance is still perfectly in rhythm. They wear long hats as well as a cloth shirt, jacket, skirt that flows out to a circle, pants, and black waistbands and shoes as well. The cloths can be different colors however the hats, shoes, and belts seem to all be related color wise.

Everything seems to be meaningful and intentional. The spinning and dance is pretty to watch, but I can't imagine how they don't get dizzy. I know that when they are spinning it is for meditation and religious Islamic ritual purposes, however they must be really concentrated to be able to do this for so long. Not only just for the length, but with their eyes closed. Their eyes are closed for most of the dance/meditation. I can't help but wonder how long it took the Dervish to learn all the lengthy dances well enough to do it with their eyes shut. That is pure dedication.

To my understanding, the Whirling Dervish are like monks in the way that they have chosen to live a life of poverty. They seem to be similar in more ways than that though as they both beg for money then give it away, and they both participate in long meditation sessions. The Whirling Dervish are really cool to watch and very interesting to learn about. They are very easy to look up on the Internet, yet seldom talked about unless someone has travelled to Europe and seen them. They are very interesting to look up and I encourage all too look them up! :)

Ancient Egypt (youtube video)

Egypt is officially known as the Arab republic of Egypt, and it is located in Northern Africa and Southwestern Asia. Cairo, the capital city, is the largest city in Egypt. This city is the most modern in the Middle East and Africa. Egypt is a country that consists of 90 percent desert area. Egyptian civilization from its origins to its decline focused on the Nile River and the desert around it. The Nile's steady flow is mark by predictable flood surgers, but the amount of importance this river was for the people will never be understood. Egyptian culture consists mainly of art, hieroglyphs, paintings, mummifications, the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the Goddesses and Gods of ancient Egypt. In ancient times, these people became master stone carvers. The early dynasty brought the development and use of the potter's wheel, and it also brought about the use of clay. They became experts at making statues, which are now typically seen all over their artwork. Egyptians developed the earliest known writing, which was discovered to be around 3400 BC. This is the oldest known writing system and nearly 500 glyphs were used. Egyptians believed writing was invented by the God Thoten, and they called their script "md wt ntr." This writing was first deciphered in the 19th century by a French man named J.F. Champollion. The Pyramid of Giza is the oldest and largest of the 3 pyraminds in Cairo, and is the only remaining member of the 7 wonders of the world. The Sphinx is not 4,636 years old, and it stands as a symbol of strength to the ancient Necropolis of Giza as a homage to the strength of the King. The ancient Egyptians had over 2,000 Gods, but many of them had the same characteristics, and appeared all over the country by different names. These Gods all had one thing in common - had counter part of the opposite sex, and they manifested themselves on Earth through animals. I hope this was interesting to all who read, and Egyptian culture is now a little bit easier to understand. This is definitely a place of wonders and excitement worth going to. It is amazing how advanced this culture was in medicine, writing, and art than other parts of the world at this time. The Ancient Egyptians truly are amazing.

magic and culture

Many cultures believe in particular magics. In ancient civilization, some of those magic beliefs are made up by kings in order to have a better control of their people in their border, or to gain powers positions and titles. For example, in ancient China, there was a boy who really wanted to push over his uncle who was the king at the time. At that year people believed in fish can bring good luck, so he put a piece of paper he wrote, says "Min will be king" into the fish, throw them in the sea. when the fisherman caught the fish, saw the paper, eventually spread the words, Min succeeded in his boycott. Other than power control, people used magic when they can't explain things in ancient times, things can be explained by science that people in the past didn't know. Why is the child born with it's spine showing off outside of it's skin? Nowadays called spina bifibia, in ancient times, some people identify that with "his parents did bad things so magic punished him"...

The Earliest Americans Arrived Even Earlyier

The other day I ran across this article and it was saying that all across North America a type of two-faced fluted blade, or what I would just call an arrowhead, has showed up just bellow the surface of the ground dating between 13,100 and 12,800 years ago. These arrowheads called the "Clovis point" have been called the great American invention, because they were thought to be a sort of technology that was spread fast across the people who were living on the Continent at the time. Scientists thought that the inventors of this particular arrowhead arrived from hunters across the ancient land bridge with Siberia. But recently just north of Austin, Texas a new trove of 56 stone tools was found and confirm the makers of this "Clovis point" arrowhead were not the first Americans, and this new site dates back 15,000 years and has reviled different stone tool designs. And I think it's amazing that with all the technology and things we have today that we can keep discovering more and more things about the people who lived a long time before us.

The Culture of Human Trafficking

I attended a lecture that addressed the international epidemic of human trafficking. Charles V. Lemento spoke passionately about his work to illuminate human trafficking on an international stage. He recently joined Global Hope Network International's newly created Criminal Law Policy Center. After battling legislation concerning the sex trade as an attorney in Missouri, Lemento moved to Prague, a prominent location of the import and export of human slaves, in the hopes of promoting anti-trafficking international laws.

It shocked me to learn that although the sex trade is indeed the largest form of human trafficking, there also includes child labor, and forced physical labor. Human trafficking for human labor is prominent in the agricultural field. Women are sold predominately as sex slaves but also as wives and into forced servitude. Men are sold into forced labor for physically demanding slavery. Children are sold for child labor, forced servitude and sexual exploitation. The underground human trafficking trade generates between 1 to 7 trillion dollars every year and is the fastest growing organized crime. The International Labor Organization estimates that there are at least 2,450,000 persons are currently being trafficked across international borders. The U.S. State Department estimates that between 15,000 and 18,000 individuals are being trafficking into the U.S. every year. Eighty percent of all human trade are women and fifty percent of them are sold into forced prostitution.

On an anthropological level, this is a huge societal, cultural, economic, and psychological factor. This effects the culture and practices of communities, regions, countries, continents and international relations. The specific country's major businesses and economies effect the type of trafficking present. For instance, north eastern South America has a highly lucrative agricultural economy and thus has a large presence of indentured male land laborers. China is economically successful in improving technology for the mass production of lower quality goods and thus traffics menial laborers to large factories and sweat shops. America has a high rate of human trafficking due to Mexican native exploitation and the underground sex trade.

The underground community of traders and victims are a culture all their own. The traders use a system of ‘othering’ to torture, starve and drug victims to break them and suppress revolt. The victims themselves go through an enormous amount of mental and physical torture that alters their psychological and mental health for the remainder of their lives.

Anthropologists that have studied the anthropological effects of human trafficking include Kay Warren, professor at Brown University, Nancy Scheper-Hughes, professor at Radcliff Institute of Harvard University. Scheper-Hughes studied the sale of “fresh organ” or live donors in Brazil. The donors were promised $6,000 to be trafficked to Africa where they would undergo live organ harvesting that would be sold on the Black Market. “All the male members of some families from the watery slums of Manila carry the telltale scar of a kidney sale on their abdomens; it’s their attempt to support their families, ‘a kind of rite de passage’,” says Scheper-Hughes. Thus the human trafficking epidemic effects global wealth and relations as well as community economics, norms, and definitions of transgressions.

Irish Culture Documentary (on youtube) This is a documentary that gives you a little taste of Irish culture and society. Ireland is a very small country, surrounded by seas. It is small in numbers, not just size, and the people there are very non violent. People enjoy themselves in Ireland, as it is a very friendly atmosphere. It is an older type of crowd, but they are very warming and open with people they do not know. Dublin city is a very good place to visit beceause you are by the mountains, sea, and the city. Ireland people claim that Dublin does not have a horrible rush hour, and that the city is very comfortable with children. The fees are not expensive, and there are not very many people affected by drugs. Drugs are called "The Curse" because of the damage it does to people. Drugs are typically only in the city, but people normally stay away from them except for a select few. There are 3.5 million people in Ireland, but yet they take care of their country and try to keep it as clean as possible. Everything revolves around Dublin and everything you will ever need is in Dublin. The people say Dublin is confined in a small area, and state that money isn't everything - but important. Native Ireland people say that money is the main important thing in the United States. Although the video is short, you get a good look at what life is like in Ireland. These are good people who have a fear of being "taken over", and they were for 800 years by the Normans. If one is ever wanting to travel to Ireland, it seems like it would be a very safe and inexpensive place to go. It is a very green place, kept as clean as possible.

Power and Politics, The Cows of Dolo Ken Paye: Resolving Conflicts Among the Kpelle

These people put such thought into all they do, they set out to find the bet option and they look at the situation from all different angles. A wounded cow was found among the people, and eventually they came to the conclusion that a neighboring famer had hurt it with a machete. They treated it like a real court case, and had many different important people's opinions. Clan Chiefs were first discussed with, and from there Paramount Chiefs were brought in for words of advice. What I found interesting in the video was all the methos of how they distinguished if the person was innocent or guilty. The Kpelle had a supernatural method for determining guilt or innocence by making the person accused drink a poison. If the perosn died, he/she was guilty. If the person vomited the poison, he/she was innocent. This procedure is now outlawed, and the Kpelle did not use it very much.
The next method was called the Hot Oil/Hot Knife Ordeal. This consisted if a hot oil/hot knif being placed on the accused. If the person was burned, he/she was guilty, and if the person was not burned, he/she was innocent. Determining guilt or innocence was called an "ordeal." Ordeals are scarcely used to settle disputes. When the cow came into the village, they thought that the famer would come clean and admit everything so none of the above would be necessary. Since ordeals are not typically used, witnesses and cross examinations are now used to settle disputes. The people were content knowing that action was being taken, and many requests were being carried out from the Clan and Paramount Chiefs.
Although you do not find out who wounded the calf, it is a very interesting video because you are able to see how different cultures resolve and settle conflicts. The methods the Kpelle use are different than any method we use, but they still treat it like a real court case as our culture does today. This is a culture that really puts thought into every decision they make, and they try to come to the best conclusion possible. At the same time, they see the best in people and think that he/she would admit their wrong doing towards the calf. The Kpelle are a very round and diverse culture, but are very thorough in their beliefs.

Social Organization and Kinship - clip from: The Nuer

This video was very interesting beacuse it shows how this particular society truly valued cows. Cows equal happiness to the Nuer. Everything revolves arounds cows. The Nuer believed they always had cows, ever since God gave them to the people, and cows were always kept in the family. They are also a culture that believes in sacrifices. When help is needed for God, ox are sacrificed to him. The Nuere give the sacrifices to the God of Grass and God of Sky; sacrifices are not done always in times of need,one can make a sacrifice just to thank God for life. The animals are not necessarily being killed - but are given to God as a sacrifice. The people do not believe in killing animals for no particular reason.
A particular man in the video is married to a woman, but they are having issues. The issue is that she has not gave birth to a child yet. He brings his case to the wife's relatives, and requests that he is able to divorce her and that his cows be immediately returned. The coucil argues that it is too soon to prove that she is infertile and that a settlement may take several years. They are not willing to give the cows back to him and say no to the divorce. When the man wanting to get the divorce and have his cows returned does not get his way, he is not outraged, but just accepts the fact that this is what her family says to do. Again, it reminds one of how important cows are in society. When going through divorces in the United States, cows are definitely not on the list of things needed. Money is the main object.
This was a video about a diverse culture that has very different beliefs than what we are used to. Cows are important to our society, but we do not sacrifice them to the Gods or request them back when divorces occur. They are a ritual orientated culture that seems very content with their lifestyle and how they handle issues. The Nuer are not fast to come to conclusions (deciding that it was too soon the wife pproved to be infertile) and they do what is asked of them without putting up a fight. The people are very strong in their beliefs, and are extremely organized in their methods and way of life.

The Sister Wives

Over spring break last week my sister was watching this TV show that was called The Sister Wives, and basically this show is about a polygamy family that is living in Lehi, Utah. In this family Kody Brown, the father, is married to four women and has sixteen children all together. Brown and his wives have come public because they want to make the public more aware of their belief and how they live. Brown has claimed that his arrangement is legal because he is only married to one wife and the other three are spiritual unions. I really thought that this show was interesting and since we have been going over marriges and polygamy I thought that I would share this with all of you!

Magic, Supersition, and Religion

Today, in our class discussion, I thought of some things that were pretty odd. First, Christians and many other religions believe that witchcraft is evil. For 100's of years, people have been persecuting so called witches because it is evil (even if it was something good or something like Wica). Yet, we come up with all these supersitions and rituals to rid ourselves of these things, even if (and more often than not) we don't believe in witches or sorcery. Alot of people don't actually believe in luck, but we'll do things like carry a rabbits foot or wear a lucky number. I don't necessarily believe in luck but I liked to wear a certain number in basketball because it was always "my number." I didn't think it helped me one way or the other. I also found it odd that people will apply luck and rituals for confidence and a good outcome to things like sports and tests (like throwing a pine cone in the mouth of the dino here on the UW campus) but we wont apply it to other things in life. When you are about to go on stage you tell someone to break a leg because you don't want to jinx them but most other times we just say good luck. Why dont we always say break a leg or always say good luck? I think we would all like to say that we're not superstitious and dont believe in bad luck but we all know that one point in our life (or with the little things) we did or still do. For example, being careful with mirrors because if you break it you'll get 7 years of bad luck, not stepping on cracks, throwing salt over your shoulder if you spill it, and not seeing the bride in her dress before the actual wedding.

Magic is a huge part of all religion and you don't have to be religious to believe in magic or supersitions. You don't have to be religious to have rituals that you believe gives you good luck.