Extra Credit Blog

Listening to Kwame Anthony Appiah speak at Howard University I felt enlightened to say the least.  Due to his dialect and the intelligent concepts he discussed some of the information was hard to grasp.  This lecture challenged me to think critically.  I believe Appiah challenged us to ask ourselves do we just want to be rich or do we want to impact someone else's life.  The value behind our lives is the impact we leave on this world.  Money will not be the answer to every solution.  However if you can build a network of people who respect you, you've started building on your life longlong success.

Harriet Tubman reigned with a shotgun?

     
     PBS Resource Bank uses historical facts about Harriet Tubman that some may be unaware of.  A fact that some may not be aware of is that Tubman, "even carried a gun which she used to threaten the fugitives if they became too tired or decided to turn back, telling them, "You'll be free or die.""  When I first heard this accusation I couldn't fathom Tubman attempting to kill slaves who questioned fighting for their freedom.  Reportedly she killed those who did not want to go on, but this a myth told by some and denied by others.  
     As time went on I realized Harriet Tubman purpose was greater than the fear she instilled with the shotgun.  Tubman wanted to preserve life for civilizations of black people and she would truly do whatever she had to.  Some may find this history fact unbelievable or inconsiderate.  I believe the only thing due to Harriet Tubman is respect for preserving the presence of the African American society in the world.   By any means necessary  Harriet Tubman fought for her people.  


Source: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part4/4p1535.html

Can the Government Control Birth Control!

The biggest issue of relevance in the new election is the distribution of contraceptives, specifically birth control, throughout the middle and low class economies.  Through economics and civil rights Gerhart reports that most conservatives and catholic churches believe women are using birth control as “an ordinary prescription” and an accepted “social behavior” rather than a last resort method.  Most people are taking advantage of the governments resources through the intentional uses of birth control. However Planned Parenthood’s president, Cecile Richards, said argued during a rally in Austin: “Somehow in this country, in 2012, this election might turn on whether women should have access to birth control.”

This controversial topic stems from a simple amendment in the Constitution (as a violation of the separation of church and state), who are we (The government and fellow Americans) to say who should receive birth control and who shouldn’t? This article argues a qualifying argument by giving examples of those who are against this argument and those who agree with this argument.  Gerhart explains the underlying issue that, “Our freedoms of choice are slowly disappearing. The government is telling us what light bulbs to use, what kind of cars to drive, what to eat and what kind of health care is required.”  This article gave me a more in depth reasoning on how the government is affecting the lives of the average American citizen.  The complexity of this issue can not be understood if a change agent isn’t created, to bridge the gap between the wealthy and the poor. 

We must be the change we want to see.

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/birth-control-as-election-issue-why/2012/02/17/gIQASW6kPR_story.html


Photo: http://www.cartoonstock.com/directory/p/popualtion_control.asp

Justice For Travyon Martin

The latest controversy sweeping the United States by storm is the death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in late February.  Through using disciplines such as race and history this topic has been dissected.  Many have asked why is this story just surfacing, who is the death of Trayvon Martin effecting, and what exactly happen on the horrific evening that ending in Trayvon’s death.  Recently the 911 call George Zimmerman (the neighborhood watch who shot and killed Trayvon) made to the Florida police department was released and is currently being analyzed. 

            Sari Horwitz reports about the allegations that have been made about Zimmerman muttering a racial epithet on the call, but the tape is unclear. If the epithet can be heard more clearly on an enhanced audio version of the tape, it could be evidence of a hate crime, the officials said.  The latest justice being served for the Marti family is the upcoming briefing on Capitol Hill about racial profiling and state “stand your grounds” laws. They are not expected to testify at the hearing, which has been organized by Shelia Jackson Lee (D-Tex.) and other House Democrats.

All of these factors in the case make it harder for the public to digest the facts.  Over the past couple of weeks Americans have banned together to create justice for Travyon and his family.  Only time will tell when that justice is served. 

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/florida-prosecutor-taps-experts-to-review-911-calls-in-trayvon-martin-shooting/2012/03/27/gIQAp0bWeS_story.html


Photo: https://www.wepay.com/donations/3819

Analyzing Don Omar

     Don Omar's story is unlike most.  Through using disciplines such as cultural studies and music this topic has great influence upon America. He is an Afro-Latino who inspires people through reggaeton music.  Omar's Reggaeton music responds to those who thought he would not make make it and combines experiences relatable to the United States and Latin America.  Omars music is simply a reflection of his life.  Raised in a poverty stricken community, he was determined to get out and make something of himself.  

     Today not only is he a driving force in the Afro-Latino community, he also inspires others to be themselves as well.  Within the Afro-Latino community Don Omar has casted himself as the "gangster godfather".  His music connects directly with hip hop because it explains stories of violence, poverty, and perseverance through hard times.  I believe Don Omar is a relatable artist to people of all races because he is genuine and sincere in his artistry. 

A Fashion Statement or a Mockery to Religion

     Famous rapper Nicki Minaj lastest topic is her outfit to the 2012 grammy, shown above.  Through using disciplines such as fashion and religion this topic has had great influence upon America.  Most referred to this outfit as different and insightful.  In all honesty we must look closely and ask ourselves, is this making light of some else's religion.  Who are we to say it is ok to contradict an entire religion for one night at an awards show that has many followers.
     The theme of this outfit was creative but the message that this image is supposed to exude is unclear.  Was this a joke?  What was the underlying meaning?  Is this offensive?  This is something all of America must examine and at the same time question Nicki Minaj's purpose as an artist.  Artistry is an expression of self but is this truly a reflection of who Nicki Minaj is and what she stands for!


Source:
http://mypinkfriday.com/media/photos/19941/583211

Chang.Org impacting the world - one click at a time!

The New York Times article by Nicholas Kristof titled, After Recess: Change, is a revolutionary story about how the Internet is impacting the world.  Change.org is the go to site for everyday revolts about the issues that matter most to average citizens.  Ben Tattray, who is 31 years of age, founded Change.org in 2007.  This website is registered as a “B corporation (which is) a hybrid of a for profit company and a charity, seeking to make profits for social good”. 

Kristof explains that skepticism is a rising epidemic but so far Change.org seems to have had remarkable success.  Change.org is responsible for the Bank of America decision to remove their $5 monthly charge for debt cards, closing Ecuador clinics that were reportedly abusing lesbians, and even Verizon removing their $2 charge to pay bills online.  Kristof reports that Change.org went from 20 to 100 employees in 1 year and expanded throughout 4 continents, which is more than they have grown in the past 4 years.  Future plans by the end of this year have offices in 20 countries and to operate in several languages.

Rattray states, “ If ultimately we’re not getting leaders to ban out site, we’re not doing our job.”  I believe Change.org is doing just what it says, making a change in the world that we stay in through everyday people.  The overall site is powerful in my opinion because it gives ordinary people an opportunity to speak.  Ultimately Change.org gives the opportunity for everyone to leave their mark on this world by letting their voice be heard. 




Sources: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/05/opinion/sunday/kristof-after-recess-change-the-world.html?_r=1