* What did you think of SIMUN?
To be honest, I thought SIMUN was a waste of time. Though it was cool meeting other people, and practicing being delegates, I thought it was unnecessary because all of the topics we discussed could have simply been discussed with our classmates and dressing up made, in my opinion, no difference in the way SIMUN was dealt with.
*How did you do?
I believe that I did a good job associating my country with the topics the were discussed. The part that I thought was challenging was find solutions for the problems that were at hand. for example, the group was discussing how to solve a violence issue that was occuring in Zimbabwe and I found it hard to not only associate my country with the topic but also with solving the struggle. Though It was hard, I was still able to write one resolution and help write two others.
*How did you prepare
For SIMUN, besides doing the assigned work by Mrs. Bergeski to learn about my country and topics, I did very little. I can't say I regret doing little research because I knew just about everything I needed to for the discussions. Besides not being one hundred percent sure that Denmark was part of the European Union (which they are, by the way, so I was right) knew everything relating to the topics and my country that was necessary. It would be cool to know more historically about Denmark, because I know that before 1940, when they weren't policatically neutral and socialist, they did participate in battles with other countries like England and France. I understand that this may be irrelevant for a discussion about a modern society, but since preparation and execution for SIMUN took over world history class for over 5 weeks, it would only make sense.
*What will you do differently next for SIMUN to prepare?
Well, next year I am not going to be in Global Ed, so thus question doesn't really apply to me. I suppose if I were going to be in Global Education, I'd try to get a little more involved with writing resolutions and speaking more. I recommend that for improving SIMUN it could have topics that are difficult and having countries in it that are not directly impacted with the issue so it would more challenging for the students involved.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Friday, April 16, 2010
The Kite Runner - culture
In 1970's Afghanistan, tradition and religion play a major role in their society day to day. For example, 7 times a day the Muslim population bows down and prays to Allah, which is a common Islamic tradition and is mentioned in the Qur'an. This tradition also has its effect to the story - when Amir is rushing out to find Hassan, he skips the prayer and feels like a sinner as he canvasses the area to find his friend. Later on in his life, in 1980's Fremont, California, his marriage and his father's funeral take place in a Muslim mosque.
In Islamic and Afghan culture, the Hazaras, historically a servant ethnic group, are working for Amir's wealthy father Baba. Baba treats his Hazara servants as family, and his Hazara servant Rahim Khan, is regarded as his brother. Discrimination to this group is present in every day Afghan society ; teachers at school tell students that Hazaras are less than human, Hazaras are the butt of jokes and ridicule, and are cursed to serve for Afghans forever.
Baba is the respectable, wise, and wealthy father of Amir, the main character. Baba is a rebel to society. He tells his son to ignore the bigoted lies that his teachers tell him about the Hazara people, doesn't believe in Allah (God), and doesn't abuse his servants. He is knowledgable of politics in Afghanistan and hates Russia, who later invaded his home country. Later in the story, Baba develops lung cancer and stubbornly refuses to be treated by Chemotherapy. Baba grew weak and anemic and within his last days, arranged a Afghan style wedding for his son and his lover. On his deathbed, he retained his stubbornness and refused to take his medicine for the night. Baba represented to renegades in society, the ones who judge rightness based on morals and not on the governemt.
In Islamic and Afghan culture, the Hazaras, historically a servant ethnic group, are working for Amir's wealthy father Baba. Baba treats his Hazara servants as family, and his Hazara servant Rahim Khan, is regarded as his brother. Discrimination to this group is present in every day Afghan society ; teachers at school tell students that Hazaras are less than human, Hazaras are the butt of jokes and ridicule, and are cursed to serve for Afghans forever.
Baba is the respectable, wise, and wealthy father of Amir, the main character. Baba is a rebel to society. He tells his son to ignore the bigoted lies that his teachers tell him about the Hazara people, doesn't believe in Allah (God), and doesn't abuse his servants. He is knowledgable of politics in Afghanistan and hates Russia, who later invaded his home country. Later in the story, Baba develops lung cancer and stubbornly refuses to be treated by Chemotherapy. Baba grew weak and anemic and within his last days, arranged a Afghan style wedding for his son and his lover. On his deathbed, he retained his stubbornness and refused to take his medicine for the night. Baba represented to renegades in society, the ones who judge rightness based on morals and not on the governemt.
Nuclear Taliban - SIMUN Situation
If the Taliban were to take control over Pakistan, I believe that Denmarks reaction would be an opposing stance against the terrorist actions. I also believe that Denmark would not take any major or violent action against the Taliban's moves. I base this on their neutral, non-combative stance on most other actions in their history. Denmark, which is predominantly Chrstian, would be particularly threatened by the extremist's actions because of the radical Islamic belief of "Jihad" and their alleged plot to destroy Christians, Jews, and other "non-believers".
Though Taliban forces would most likely target their biggest enemies, such as the United States, Israel, or the United Kingdom, Denmark would be a probable threat because of their Christian religious majority. The United States and Denmark are considered as allies in their position against terrorism, and Denmark is known for being strongly opposed to nucleur weapons and nucleur warfare in general.
I believe that Denmark, a non-combative country, would not take any action against a terrorist invasion in Pakistan, but would most likely be opposed to it along with their anti-Taliban allies with nations such as United States and the United Kingdom. Denmark does not have a standing army and would not enter a war or conflict because of their neutrality and their history of not taking physical action against a country posing a threat to them.
Though Taliban forces would most likely target their biggest enemies, such as the United States, Israel, or the United Kingdom, Denmark would be a probable threat because of their Christian religious majority. The United States and Denmark are considered as allies in their position against terrorism, and Denmark is known for being strongly opposed to nucleur weapons and nucleur warfare in general.
I believe that Denmark, a non-combative country, would not take any action against a terrorist invasion in Pakistan, but would most likely be opposed to it along with their anti-Taliban allies with nations such as United States and the United Kingdom. Denmark does not have a standing army and would not enter a war or conflict because of their neutrality and their history of not taking physical action against a country posing a threat to them.
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