Blog #8 - Fundamentalism

Fundamentalism

Let me begin this blog with the statement that I strive to keep my biases and prejudices in check, and make a lot of decisions after considerable thought (time permitting).  With that said, I am going to discuss Muslims and Islam.  So why the disclaimer?  I can honestly say I have friends who are Muslim that believe in Islam.  I respect their faith as much as they respect my own (catholicism).  What concerns me deeply are the actions of a small segment within their society that affects the image of the many.  I chose this topic after reading the section related to fundamentalism on a global scale (Strayer, Page 740).

A few weeks back we discussed, Muhammad Ibn Abdullah, one of the great seminal thinkers of the Classical Era and the heartbeat of Islam; which began when he had revelations that were later recorded in the Quran.  His messages were regarded as the "words of God and the core of their faith" (Strayer, Page 304).  In class, while discussing the different thinkers, we learned the jury was still out on whether the religion of Islam is that of stability or revolutionary change.  Based on events that have directly and indirectly affected me and others over the years, I would have to say that is a fair assessment.

Even after the 1300+ years Muhammad has been gone, his teachings continue to bring positive change to those who follow the same beliefs.  The five pillars of Islam, which forms its foundation, talks about praying five times a day towards Mecca, professing one's faith to Islam, giving alms, fasting during Ramadan, and attempting a visit to Mecca in one's lifetime.  No where in there in the five pillars does it state to do anything extreme against those who do not share the same beliefs.  Yet here we are 1300+ years laters and there continues to be turmoil in the regions where Muslims live and where the religion of Islam thrives.  I remember back in the late 70's waiting in line for hours to buy gas because of the instability in the region.  Then there is the Iran Hostage crisis, the bombing of the USS Cole, the bombing of the World Trade Center and the planes crashing into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, and Arab Spring.  Fast forward to today in Egypt where the President, who was backed by the Muslim Brotherhood, was ousted from office by the military.  Each of these events had, and have, an impact of peace in the region where they occurred and to the entire world.

So as to not be unfair to Muslims and the religion of Islam, I have to admit we of Christian faith are not exactly pure either.  Weren't there atrocious acts during the Crusades and the Inquisition in Europe, and haven't we Americans who believe in God also been involved in improper acts over the years?  In my opinion, maybe the difference is that Catholicism has moved past the stage of revolutionary change and has essentially reached a level of stability (also noted in class) , whereas the Nation of Islam is still working towards that next step.  I just hope it happens sooner rather than later - for the good people of Islam, and for those the actions affect.

Blog #7 - The Great Depression and the New Deal

The Great Depression and the New Deal

In Chapter 21, Strayer spoke about the circumstances leading up to the Great Depression following the collapse of the stock market in 1929, and President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's response to stimulate the economy with a plan he unveiled in 1933 called the New Deal (Strayer, Pages 634-636).  I was surprised by Strayer's view on the New Deal where he stated "Ultimately, none of the New Deal's programs worked very well to end the Great Depression," but rather it was World War II that made the difference (Strayer, Page 636).  From Grade School to High School, I was taught the New Deal brought us out of the depression.  In the last decade, I heard arguments to that theory in news talk shows and business channels, but never found the time to find the information written in a recognized textbook until now.

I saw history repeat itself with the Great Depression II.   This time its the early 2000's stock market and housing market.  Everything was hitting on all cylinders in the United States.  The NASDAQ was almost as high as the DOW.  Median home prices seemed to rise daily.  My parents house; which was purchased brand new in 1972 for approximately $35,000 was now worth $700,000 "as is."  Home loans were being handed out like candy on Halloween.  Then the "rug was pulled from under us" and everything went into a free fall.  My parents house was now only worth @$400,000.  Hundreds of thousands of people defaulted on their loans.  The NASDAQ was now well below 5,000.  It was bad.

Then came the New Deal II.  The government's response for the Great Depression II was the big bailout (both Republicans and Democrats were involved in creating this mess - in spite of what each says).  This included giving financial institutions loans with little oversight, creating the "cash for clunkers" program, and  the "making homes affordable" refinancing project.  Billions of dollars have been spent so far, but has this infusion of cash and government backing really helping?  Based on principles learned in business classes, and from practical experience, I say no.  What is the incentive for a corporation to use sound lending practices when they are deemed too big to fail?  What is the incentive for a person to live within his/her means when the government chops off hundreds of thousands of dollars from their home loan - while others who stayed within their means are paying off every last dollar borrowed?  What is the incentive of an auto manufacturer to look to the future in auto sales when they can't go bankrupt either.  

Strayer also said it was World War II that really helped the United States out of the depression.  Without being a "conspiracy theorist," have we not also been at war since 2001 (Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Osama), which has helped our defense contractors and private security?  These arenas and persons have divided our world.  Fortunately we have been able to keep the arena "small" up to this point, but that can always change.  We have already had the Great Depression II and the New Deal II.  One spark in Syria (with the events in Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Egypt, etc.) could lead to World War III - a moment in history I hope will not be repeated.

Blog #6 - Industrial Revolution

The Industrial Revolution

In Chapter 18, Strayer writes about the Industrial Revolution.  He specifically discusses the United States as it went through this phase during the 19th Century and the early part of the 20th Century (Strayer, Pages 542-545).  I owe a lot to where I am today thanks to those who paved the way during that time.  Jobs were created both directly and indirectly (i.e. - higher production of cars resulted in the need for more mechanics, car salesmen, and distributers); which led to huge profits for the owners and investors, but little for the workers.  Unions were created to ensure a fair share in the "pie" for workers.  I found it interesting to read from Strayer that one of the main points of the Union organizations was that they were relatively conservative and focused on skilled laborers rather than unskilled laborers (Strayer, Page 544).

Although there have been abuses on both sides, overall it has been a model that works and has helped millions - including myself.  Unfortunately, in my opinion, I believe we have strayed from a model that works to a model that could lead to our decline.

My first job was at the age of 14 as a paperboy for the San Francisco Chronicle.  I would put in approximately 14 hours a week and would earn approximately $60.00 a  month - equating to approximately $1.00 an hour (14 hours a week times 52 weeks divided by 12 months equals approximately 60 hours divided by $60.00 equals $1.00 an hour).    Back in 1976, the minimum wage was $2.50 an hour - a difference of 250% which would have had a big effect on the company's bottom line.  Nowadays, "paperboys" similar to 1976 no longer exist; instead, adults in vehicles drive around in cars and throw the papers outside their windows on to the driveways.  The skills and work ethic learned by young kids have since given way to mass mailing.

When I turned 17, I began to work temporary jobs at the then minimum wage of $2.65, and continued to do so until I landed my first regular part-time job as a salesperson earning the new minimum wage of $2.90.  This first regular job was also a Union job requiring me to join the AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations).  From there I went on to work both union and private company jobs until I landed a job that I enjoy and have worked for over 28 years.

This brings me to my concern we have strayed from the original goals and intentions.  I believe we have progressed to the point that we maintain minimums regardless of the circumstances and the persons skills.  We no longer have the "paperboy" jobs or the lemonade stands (they do not meet health codes) to teach us basic skills (scheduling, customer service, etc.).  We no longer look at minimum wage as a stepping stone to financial independence, but rather to look at the wage to meet minimum standards of living.  We also seem to no longer differentiate between skilled and unskilled labor.  I believe once we realize this, we can then move on to the next Era in (our future) history.  

Blog #5 - Me and the Philippines

Me and the Philippines - A Combination of Sorts

While still young, I did not know a lot about my heritage.  I knew I was an American Filipino - first generation born in the United States - and that World War II played a significant role in our family coming to America.  What I did not know was how I came to be.  The reason I say that is because I do not look like the rest of my family.  My immediate family; consisting of my father, my mother, and my sister; are light skinned, have dark brown eyes, and reached a height no higher than 5'3".  What is especially different are my eyes; which are a combination of different colors with the main part being light brown or hazel, surrounded by thin concentric circles of color including green, blue, and yellow.

My next closest family members (grandparents, aunts, and uncles) were the same, although one uncle was @5'5 in height.  I, however, have a tendency to get dark very easily, have hazel eyes, and stand 5'8" tall.  Whenever I asked my parents and grandparents about why I was so different, I would receive vague answers that I probably possessed different features because of a distant relative who was not of Filipino descent - although I was never given an answer on who that person was, nor how many generations back he came from.  I actually questioned my parents a few times if I was truly their child; which they said I was.  Just to be sure, when I turned 18 I went to San Francisco and obtained a copy of my birth certificate to confirm my parents were indeed my parents.  (Yay!, because I really like them)

So what does this have to do with world history?  Well, history helped me understand why I am what I am, and corroborates with what my family told me over the years.  In grade school, I learned the Philippines was "discovered" by Magellan and named after King Phillip.  I put quotes around "discovered" because if people were already there, doesn't that mean it had already been discovered? - but sorry, I digress.  When I returned to college approximately three years ago, I took a U.S. History course.  I further learned the Philippine Islands were acquired by the United States under Theodore Roosevelt after the surrender of Spain following the Spanish-American War.  In this World History course, I am learning even more about my heritage.  In the section "Spain and the Philippines" by Strayer (Strayer, 437-439), I learned when the Spaniards came to the Philippines in the 16th century that the Chinese were already on the islands and had formed small settlements.

Throughout my past, I have been asked what my true heritage is.  In the past I would always joke that I was Filipino, but the reason why I looked the way I did was probably due to someone from one of the many countries that invaded our islands in the past.  I can now definitively say it was due to someone from one of the many countries that have come in contact with the Philippines - the Spanish conquerers, the Americans who acquired the islands, the Chinese settlers, the Japanese, or maybe someone else from another country.  So the probable reason no one could tell me why I look the way I do is not because they did not want to tell me, but because they just did not know.  After all these years, I am okay with that.     

Blog #4 - Aztecs and Incas

Who made a greater impact during their existence - the Aztecs or the Incas?

While reading the section related to the Aztecs and the Incas, the question popped into my mind: "Who was sexier - Ginger or Mary Ann?" (For you youngsters, Ginger and Mary Ann were two characters from the 1960's show Gilligan's Island)  But wait, how can one come up with a sexist question like this while reading through a world history book?  First off, I will try to keep my sexist comments within reason, but will still use them as they assist in getting my point across.  Second, the reason I posed the question is because, just like Ginger and Mary Ann, there is no wrong answer.  Each Empire had its qualities that helped make it stand out  So lets proceed ...

Lets first look at the Aztec Empire.  According to Strayer, the Aztecs started in what we now know as northern Mexico, settling in the southern region around Lake Texcoco, and building their capital of Tenochtitlan.  They had a strong military that "united" neighboring city-states within a single political structure.  Their population was approximately 5 to 6 million people.  The main city had palaces, a pyramid, canals, and bridges.  The subjugated people were required to pay taxes in the form of staples and luxurious goods.  The Aztecs believed they were created from the blood of their Gods so they regularly participated in human sacrifice. (Strayer, Pages 382-386)

Next there was the Inca Empire.  According to Strayer, the Incas were located on the western coastline of South America along the Andes Mountains within an area greater than that possessed by the Aztecs, as well as a larger population of approximately 10 million people.  The Incas also had a strong military; which brought together the neighboring city-states.  Their government was different from the Aztecs, as theirs was more bureaucratic with local leaders and governors in each area answering to an emperor.  Another area where they differed from the Aztecs was that during tough times, and during boom times, they opened their storehouses to the poor and the widows.  Service was required to the Inca Empire, but human sacrifice was not needed.  (Strayer, Pages 386-388)

As Ginger and Mary Ann had similarities (to start, they were both women and both very attractive), so did the Aztecs and the Incas.  Both empires carved their way into world history based on their rapid rise and significance.  They both unified neighboring city-states with the use of a mighty military, they both accumulated a great amount of wealth, and lastly, they were both defeated by the Spaniards.  Where they differed was how they ruled - political structure, and human sacrifice versus human service.  I relate their two societies to two superpowers in today's society - specifically China and the United States.  Our two countries have distinctly different ideologies.  Examples include their political structures, there religions, and how they treat and value (an arguably biased opinion based on limited information) their people.  Whether we are looking at the two empires or at our two countries, we are looking at models that have solidified their place in history.

By the way - I've always been a "girl-next-door" kind of person, so hands down its Mary Ann.

     

Blog #3 - Made in China

Made in China

You may be saying to yourself "Oh my goodness, is he going to talk about China again?"  My apologies, but there is a reason for it.  In my first blog, I discussed the uncivilized acts conducted in China as they have progressed through the years of evolving in civilization.  In my second blog, I discussed China's allowing Buddhism to thrive.  In this blog, I will be looking at China in a different manner on how they have have progressed in free trade and the market.

In the opening line of Chapter Nine, the author wrote "China will be the next superpower"; which he cited from a British article written in 2006.  (Strayer, page 241)  I found this to be excellent item to write about after reading the chapter and from my own personal experience.

From the book itself, I was not aware how influential China was in world history.  I knew it had a rich history within it's own borders, but I did not know it also extended beyond those borders.  In an early chapter, I learned China is recognized as having one of the First Civilizations in history with the Shang Dynasty. (Strayer, Page 59)  In Chapter Nine, I learned how much of an influence China had in early world trade.  Called the "Silk Roads" (Strayer, Page 219), it described a trade route that extended from China to the Mediterranean and the Middle East.  It earned its name because one of its primary products traded along the route was silk; which was at the time manufactured only by the Chinese.  Its significance was its creation of a tie between civilizations without forced compliance, where cultures were shared or viewed by others.  This road later expanded to other avenues of trade, including the "Sea Road" and the "Sand Roads."

I am in my early 50's.  When I was growing up, I remember China as the "Sleeping Giant;" given its name due to it's strength in numbers.  Their numbers served them well when other countries tried to take over, including Japan during World War II.  Their strength in numbers also served them well in manufacturing.  With the largest population in the world coupled with a low pay rate, China was able to create and sell goods at an incredibly inexpensive rate.  However, their technology, during my younger years, took a back seat to other industrialized countries.  I vividly recall as a kid in the 60's looking at where a product (usually toys) were made.  Those made in China were usually made of cheap materials and did not last as long as products made in other countries - especially the United States.

This image has slowly changed over the years.  In the early 60's, China became the latest country to have successfully detonated an atom bomb - and if my memory serves me correctly, the number of countries with this ability is still less than ten.  Technology was made huge strides.  Just yesterday, I was looking at LCD/LED televisions.  I noted a new brand called Haier.  I had seen this name on other appliances, but never knew its origins.  Looking it up on Google, I learned it is a company based in China and is surpassing the quality of other leading manufacturers.  Again if memory serves me correctly, a great deal of steel used in the new Bay Bridge was manufactured in China.  In addition to manufacturing, China is also a major player in the world of commerce, where even the United States has many loans backed by the Chinese.

The next superpower?  I think China is already there and is a "Sleeping Giant" no more.

         

Blog #2 - Buddhism

Buddhism

In my last blog, I made entries that some could take as being anti-Chinese; which is furthest from the truth.  In fact, I am going to make statements that support the history of China.  You may ask "How can this be?"  You may also ask "What does this have to do with world history?"  Well, the answers lie at the end of this blog.  But wait, don't just scroll down to the end, give me a chance first to support my opening statement.

A few semesters back, I was enrolled in a Religions of the World course instructed by Cassie Lipowitz.  As we all know, we are required to take two courses on religion to satisfy our undergraduate requirements.  It was an interesting course.  We learned about Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism (Daoism), Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.  We read the assigned texts, participated in class discussions, wrote weekly reflection papers, and submitted a paper on a religion not of our primary faith based on research and from a visit to that religion's place of worship.

Starting with the religions I did not choose ... I felt Hinduism was too broad and would be too difficult to locate a local temple.  Judaism and Christianity were too similar to the faith I practiced.  I took a "peek" at Islam, but decided against it because my friends, and their families, who were Muslim did not regularly practice their faith, so there was a possibly it could be difficult in getting an insider's honest perspective.  I also ruled out Confucianism and Daoism because I felt they were more of a philosophy rather than a religion.      

I was instantly drawn to Buddhism.  Like Judaism and Christianity, it was similar to my practice; where one central person had the ability to enlighten anyone willing to listen, and this one person suffered while seeking this level of enlightenment.  I never regretted my choice and actually enjoyed the personal research into the religion.  I even had the opportunity to interview a Zen Buddhist Priest at one place of worship, and was able to another variant of Buddhism at a different temple.

So now we can go back to the questions posed in my opening statement.  First, how could I speak about a country in such a positive manner after the comments I made in my first blog.  Second, what does this have to do with world history? (and I hope you did not cheat and scroll past the meat and potatoes of this reflection and directly to this part of the blog)  Well, the reason I speak positively about China in this instance is because the country has allowed the religion to continue even though religion is not a high priority in a communist society.  Another important point, which relates to the historical perspective, is that Buddhism did not originate in China - Buddhism traces its roots back to India and did not come to China until 150 AD.  Buddhism is arguably the highest practiced religious faith in China and is tolerated by the government, yet did not begin there.  If you ask me, I believe this is one of the most civilized acts that stemmed from the Neolithic Era.