Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Garrett's Essential Question
The U.S. government went to war with the Iraqis over a bases of lies. Before the US went into war our own President didn't even know what a Shiite or Sunni was. The Government said that the war was a in and out thing, but as you know the war lasted much longer than that. In the war there has been over three thousand attacks on US military forces a mouth. What's the main reason why the US government has not pulled the troops out of Iraq yet? Whats taking so long?
Matt's Essential Q & Research
Essential Question:
Why are the Iraqis resisting an opportunity to have stability after a three-year war in their country and an even longer regime of terror?
Sub-question:
What kinds of people are fighting against the United States? Conservative Iraqis who have prospered under Saddam's reign, or true religious martyrs.
Research:
Terrorists aren't fighting against the United States because they are jealous and against the freedom Americans hold.
The war against Shiites and Suniis has no clear end, and the hatred they hold against each other is so strong they can not peacefully live together.
Before the wars against Afghanistan and Iraq, Al-Qaeda cited as reasons for it's Jihad against America, the sanctions against that were crippling Iraq, military bases near holy shrines in Saudi Arabia, and U.S. support of Israel over against the Palestinians.
Why are the Iraqis resisting an opportunity to have stability after a three-year war in their country and an even longer regime of terror?
Sub-question:
What kinds of people are fighting against the United States? Conservative Iraqis who have prospered under Saddam's reign, or true religious martyrs.
Research:
Terrorists aren't fighting against the United States because they are jealous and against the freedom Americans hold.
The war against Shiites and Suniis has no clear end, and the hatred they hold against each other is so strong they can not peacefully live together.
Before the wars against Afghanistan and Iraq, Al-Qaeda cited as reasons for it's Jihad against America, the sanctions against that were crippling Iraq, military bases near holy shrines in Saudi Arabia, and U.S. support of Israel over against the Palestinians.
Life at the Hostel
The Boston Hosteling International Youth Hostel was nice enough that all of us left with smiles on our face. We all shared rooms that had a few beds in them, used communal bathrooms, and had continental breakfast in the dining room on the first floor. The staff was quite kind.
Learning Block Four: Community Exploration B
Mike Germizzle. and David Tantizzle.
Overall we found that average Bostonians, specially the younger generations, don't support the Iraqi war and fear Iraqi terrorists.
A. Do you support the Iraqi war?
37.5% yes, 63.5% no
B. How do you think Iraqis feel toward Americans?
75% hate, 25% mixed feelings, 0% like
C. Do you think Islam is synonymous with terror?
37.5% I don't know, 12.5% yes, 50% no
D. Do you think Iraqi terrorists hate the people or the government of the United
States?
100% government, 0% people
Connor B. and Matt M.
After interviewing about six or seven people, we came to the conclusion that the people of Boston collectively as a whole dislike our nation's current policy in Iraq and the global War on Terrorism.
A. One of six people said that the war in Iraq was inevitable.
B. Four of six people said that the religion of Islam is not a violent religion that supports Terrorism. One of six people thought some sects of Islam promote violence and the remaining person thought Islam was a violent religion.
C. Five of six strongly stated that they were against President Bush and thought he can not solve the problems America is currently facing. One out of six thought President Bush was doing a good job.
D. When asked what about America people dislike, the answers ranged from being a very arrogant country that exploits others in the name of peace, to a nation of bullies.
E. To "win" the war in Iraq, America must produce a stable government with diplomacy, strong relations with neighboring countries, and to just flat out leave without killing the rest of the soldiers.
Jimmy Casizzle and Chien Mizzle for rizzle
Are you for or against the war in Iraq? Interview
80% said no.
10% said yes.
5% said no opinion.
5% said yes and no.
Quotes from some participants.
"I support our men over there, but I'm not sure about the cause."
"We have to go over there sometime."
"I don't like it, I think we should bring our boys home."
"No I absolutely do not agree with the war, I hope everyone else says the same thing."
We also asked a Muslim women. To our surprise, she agreed with the decision to go to war and said yes. In our conclusion, we took into consideration that Massachusetts is a democratic state, possibly slanting our results towards an anti-war perspective.
Curtis K. and Andres S.
1. Everyone said that they were against the war.
2 We asked them what they thought of when they heard "Islam" and one replied with they thought of it as a religion that was very open to other races and that they are good people.
3. We asked them why they thought people from the Middle East were mad at us enough to commit terrorist attacks and people thought that they are jealous and envy the American people.
4. Last we asked if our foreign policy is making us safer or more vulnerable. They answered with no it is creating more chaos, and one thought we should have gone over and built hospitals.
Overall we found that average Bostonians, specially the younger generations, don't support the Iraqi war and fear Iraqi terrorists.
A. Do you support the Iraqi war?
37.5% yes, 63.5% no
B. How do you think Iraqis feel toward Americans?
75% hate, 25% mixed feelings, 0% like
C. Do you think Islam is synonymous with terror?
37.5% I don't know, 12.5% yes, 50% no
D. Do you think Iraqi terrorists hate the people or the government of the United
States?
100% government, 0% people
Connor B. and Matt M.
After interviewing about six or seven people, we came to the conclusion that the people of Boston collectively as a whole dislike our nation's current policy in Iraq and the global War on Terrorism.
A. One of six people said that the war in Iraq was inevitable.
B. Four of six people said that the religion of Islam is not a violent religion that supports Terrorism. One of six people thought some sects of Islam promote violence and the remaining person thought Islam was a violent religion.
C. Five of six strongly stated that they were against President Bush and thought he can not solve the problems America is currently facing. One out of six thought President Bush was doing a good job.
D. When asked what about America people dislike, the answers ranged from being a very arrogant country that exploits others in the name of peace, to a nation of bullies.
E. To "win" the war in Iraq, America must produce a stable government with diplomacy, strong relations with neighboring countries, and to just flat out leave without killing the rest of the soldiers.
Jimmy Casizzle and Chien Mizzle for rizzle
Are you for or against the war in Iraq? Interview
80% said no.
10% said yes.
5% said no opinion.
5% said yes and no.
Quotes from some participants.
"I support our men over there, but I'm not sure about the cause."
"We have to go over there sometime."
"I don't like it, I think we should bring our boys home."
"No I absolutely do not agree with the war, I hope everyone else says the same thing."
We also asked a Muslim women. To our surprise, she agreed with the decision to go to war and said yes. In our conclusion, we took into consideration that Massachusetts is a democratic state, possibly slanting our results towards an anti-war perspective.
Curtis K. and Andres S.
1. Everyone said that they were against the war.
2 We asked them what they thought of when they heard "Islam" and one replied with they thought of it as a religion that was very open to other races and that they are good people.
3. We asked them why they thought people from the Middle East were mad at us enough to commit terrorist attacks and people thought that they are jealous and envy the American people.
4. Last we asked if our foreign policy is making us safer or more vulnerable. They answered with no it is creating more chaos, and one thought we should have gone over and built hospitals.
Third Learning Block: American Friends Service Committee
We met with Joseph Gerson, a speaker for the AFSC on Tuesday Morning 8:45am.
Mr. Gerson took us on a historical overview of western intervention in the Middle East. Starting with the crusades, following through to WWI and the division of Middle East into the modern nation states. After WWII, British and French lost their imperial control in the Middle East and America moved in to control many countries with puppet governments. We set up a government in Iran, Israel, Lebanon, Egypt, and there has been much unrest and war since then. Gerson argued that we set up an "empire" in the Middle East because of oil.
Our impressions, and questions:
Matt: One sided presentation and it seemed that the presenter wasn't really listening to questions.
David T.: The history helped to gain insight into how many middle easterners view the West and U.S.
Mike V-G: Appreciated the expertise, intelligence and breadth of knowledge of presenter.
Mr. Gerson took us on a historical overview of western intervention in the Middle East. Starting with the crusades, following through to WWI and the division of Middle East into the modern nation states. After WWII, British and French lost their imperial control in the Middle East and America moved in to control many countries with puppet governments. We set up a government in Iran, Israel, Lebanon, Egypt, and there has been much unrest and war since then. Gerson argued that we set up an "empire" in the Middle East because of oil.
Our impressions, and questions:
Matt: One sided presentation and it seemed that the presenter wasn't really listening to questions.
David T.: The history helped to gain insight into how many middle easterners view the West and U.S.
Mike V-G: Appreciated the expertise, intelligence and breadth of knowledge of presenter.
Eating Block: ARTU (Swanson's Review)
On entering the restaurant, my first thought was, "uh oh." The place was really nice. It is important to note that I was entering it with 11 teenage males. I love them all, but suddenly McDonald's seemed like the perfect place to be.
The waitress tried to mask her horror when the cry went up from everybody as they scanned the prices on the menu. Adam was really upset about the prices until he learned that calamari at ARTU is really really good. He stole most of Duece's...
Anyway we actually managed to get in and out without being asked to leave which was a relief. Not too many fart jokes or just plain farts took place (there were a few), and we all got to eat an incredible meal. Overall, an awesome time.
Just when we were all getting really antsy, we rushed out to go see a movie!
THE MOVIE:
Blood Diamond.
Excellent, that was the consensus. It's got character, plot, action, social issues. good movie
The waitress tried to mask her horror when the cry went up from everybody as they scanned the prices on the menu. Adam was really upset about the prices until he learned that calamari at ARTU is really really good. He stole most of Duece's...
Anyway we actually managed to get in and out without being asked to leave which was a relief. Not too many fart jokes or just plain farts took place (there were a few), and we all got to eat an incredible meal. Overall, an awesome time.
Just when we were all getting really antsy, we rushed out to go see a movie!
THE MOVIE:
Blood Diamond.
Excellent, that was the consensus. It's got character, plot, action, social issues. good movie
Monday, December 11, 2006
Second Learning Block: Islamic Society of Boston
Initial impressions: Very casual, dress code laid back, people came in late. They were very devoted, but like normal people. They were relatively young, and we were impressed on how they could adapt to several different cultures. We found this experience to be very interesting because they will allow any person, no matter the race or ethnic group to join or practice their religion.
Conflict With American Culture: After 9/11 they found it difficult to be Muslim because Americans concentrated on the attacks rather than who they are and what the religion is really about. One of the biggest cultural conflicts over the Islamic value of modesty was because the American culture is so sexualized. After Jessica converted to the Islamic faith she told us she was "treated more gently" and only rarely was she confronted by "stares" or offensive behavior.
What we learned abut Islam: Its not an agressive or violent religion. Children are involved at a very early age. The people who misinterpret Islam are mistaken, its a very loving and peaceful religion where women are respected. The Qur'an teaches "Once you kill one soul you kill all of humanity". There is 1.2 billion Muslims in the world, but the media only reports the actions and deeds of minorities notorious for their violence.
Questions and answers: What message do you think suicide bombers in Iraq are trying to send? In the chaos of war these radicalists are just trying to further mayhem and take as many with them as can. How are you not offended by Americas self exploiting culture? Muslims don't engage in functions of our culture which go against the teachings of Islam, not listening to derogatory music or watching explicit movies trying to avoid offensive themes of American life.
Why do they hate us? To say "they hate freedom" is an oversimplification and the true reasons behind the tensions between the nations is related to our foreign policy and support of opressive dictators.
Unanswered Questions.
Dan E. read something to the effect of "you must fight the infidels until they recognize Allah as..." (Hadith). Does this represent true Islam? David T. wants to know about the concept of Jihad and whether or not it is a true part of Islam. Swanson wants to know: Isn't the tradition of advancing the religion through physical violence a historical fact and even affirmed in Islamic literature?
Conflict With American Culture: After 9/11 they found it difficult to be Muslim because Americans concentrated on the attacks rather than who they are and what the religion is really about. One of the biggest cultural conflicts over the Islamic value of modesty was because the American culture is so sexualized. After Jessica converted to the Islamic faith she told us she was "treated more gently" and only rarely was she confronted by "stares" or offensive behavior.
What we learned abut Islam: Its not an agressive or violent religion. Children are involved at a very early age. The people who misinterpret Islam are mistaken, its a very loving and peaceful religion where women are respected. The Qur'an teaches "Once you kill one soul you kill all of humanity". There is 1.2 billion Muslims in the world, but the media only reports the actions and deeds of minorities notorious for their violence.
Questions and answers: What message do you think suicide bombers in Iraq are trying to send? In the chaos of war these radicalists are just trying to further mayhem and take as many with them as can. How are you not offended by Americas self exploiting culture? Muslims don't engage in functions of our culture which go against the teachings of Islam, not listening to derogatory music or watching explicit movies trying to avoid offensive themes of American life.
Why do they hate us? To say "they hate freedom" is an oversimplification and the true reasons behind the tensions between the nations is related to our foreign policy and support of opressive dictators.
Unanswered Questions.
Dan E. read something to the effect of "you must fight the infidels until they recognize Allah as..." (Hadith). Does this represent true Islam? David T. wants to know about the concept of Jihad and whether or not it is a true part of Islam. Swanson wants to know: Isn't the tradition of advancing the religion through physical violence a historical fact and even affirmed in Islamic literature?
First Learning Block: Community Exploration A
Harvard Square Community Exploration
At 9:30am in Harvard Square, the group split into two with each half searching for different media. The first group looked for print media (newspapers and magazines). The second group looked for posted media (billboards, posters, bumperstickers, etc).
Print Media:
In the half hour we spent searching the city for printed materials we found great amounts of material. The city is filled with controversial material about Islamic themes and the Iraqi war. We visited libraries, news stands, and looked at posters constantly seeing differing opinions and controversial ideas.
Posted Media:
“Build America with American products.” This was a bumper sticker we saw on a van in Harvard Square. It was about relying less on other countries. Another thing we saw was “Jihad for president 2004” stuck to a light pole. These are examples of the many ideas represented in various ways around the city.
In conclusion, it seems that there is, not massive, but real awareness of the war in Harvard Square.
At 9:30am in Harvard Square, the group split into two with each half searching for different media. The first group looked for print media (newspapers and magazines). The second group looked for posted media (billboards, posters, bumperstickers, etc).
Print Media:
In the half hour we spent searching the city for printed materials we found great amounts of material. The city is filled with controversial material about Islamic themes and the Iraqi war. We visited libraries, news stands, and looked at posters constantly seeing differing opinions and controversial ideas.
Posted Media:
“Build America with American products.” This was a bumper sticker we saw on a van in Harvard Square. It was about relying less on other countries. Another thing we saw was “Jihad for president 2004” stuck to a light pole. These are examples of the many ideas represented in various ways around the city.
In conclusion, it seems that there is, not massive, but real awareness of the war in Harvard Square.
We're Here!
We're In Boston! And we're hungry! After our 5am departure, we got through the traffic and are at the hostel! Here's a picture of the hostel dining room.
Here's the crew.
Here's the crew.
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Preparatory Research
Article: "Freedom and Islam" from Islamfortoday.com
Fundamentalists are trying to take beliefs of Islam to extremes and are seizing power in various islamic societies, which results in oppression. Persection of intellectuals and other abuses result in injustices which are contrary to the heart of Islam.
reported by Michael V-G
"Why I am banned in the USA." By Tariq Ramadan
This article explains how a Professor was barred from entering our country to work at Notre Dame numerous times. Tariq Ramadan had his visa revoked and then when reapplied, he was denied. The first reason was because of the Dept of Homeland Security said he had ties with terrorism groups which he did. He donated a small sum of money to a French charity which had ties with Hamas. Mr. Ramadan denies knowledge of this tie but admits he did donate money to them. In this case, he has violated a part of the Patriot Act but it may have been without his knowledge. The professor says the US gov’t has no reason to deny his visa applications. He states that the USA does not want him in there because the gov’t is afraid of his ideas and thoughts on things such as the War on Terror and what the gov’t has done wrong. He states that “I have learned firsthand that the Bush administration reacts to its critics not by engaging them, but by stigmatizing and excluding them.”
"How Middle America Made Me Feel Safer." By Robert Fisk
Article number two talks about a Muslim American who just came back from Lebanon and made it through a Chicago airport with no problem, which may have been a new experience for him. The man then addressed a crowd of 32,000 Muslim Americans who said that they were proud to be American. The man condemned the actions of radical Muslims in the Middle East and more specifically, that of the Hezbollah leader, Sayed Hassan Nasrallah. This was the right step to clear up stereotypes and insults thrown at American Muslims, they must not support those radicals in the Middle East and prove to Americans and the world they were a peaceful group of people rather than the murderers the media portrayed them to be.
Reported by Jimmy C. and Dan E.
MAS article by...
Beliefs: One God, brought everything into existence. Family is very important. Socially-justice focused.
Reported by Curtis K.
General info on the Islamic Society of Boston
The ISB promotes and practices a balanced view of Islam. The ISB believes that the teachings of the Islamic religion are universal and timeless. It provides instruction and guidance for many years. They purify their intentions to please God. They stand behind what they say and what they do. The Islamic Society of Boston also believes that all of their success comes from their blessings from God. They also try to practice and maintain the holiness of their human life. They believe in respect in the community to other Muslims and to all diversity. They criticize all racism and class discrimination. They believe that racism destroys the communities of Islamic practice. They believe in the equality of men and women. The Islamic society of Boston seeks to reach out to the broader community. The society believes in seeking God’s help in upholding the society with integrity and steadfastness.
Reported by Adam P., David T., and Garret P.
urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags013fAmerican Image:
BBC News survey findings:
In a survey done by the BBC, they asked their audience what they thought of placecountry-regionAmerica. The majority of the people were pro American people, but not pro American government and philosophy. There was no question that the people who commented on the article thought of placecountry-regionAmerica as a great nation that is the current leader in Western technology and lifestyle – which is a good thing.
“We Americans should listen to what others say to try to improve ourselves. But I also think that much of the criticism is due to envy, misunderstanding, or sheer frustration. If Americans were really as naive as some suggest, the placecountry-regionUS wouldn't be the sole superpower in the world.”
placeCityJames, country-regionUSA
Americans posting shared the common belief that people are envious of their success while United Kingdom residents thought American’s are good people but their government is what corrupts them causing mass ignorance.
“placecountry-regionAmerica: a wonderful country full of genuinely nice people who are controlled and ruled by some exceptionally greedy individuals. “
John Neal, placecountry-regionUK
The problem people have is not with the American people, but the image of placecountry-regionAmerica is solely based on politics. The average American citizen is full of ideas, opinions, and is quick to point out flaws.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/wtwta/2997248.stm
Article: What the world thinks from People/Press.org
Chronicled the progression from compassion to frustration of the international community since 9/11.
Reported by Connor B., Matt M., and Chien M.
Fundamentalists are trying to take beliefs of Islam to extremes and are seizing power in various islamic societies, which results in oppression. Persection of intellectuals and other abuses result in injustices which are contrary to the heart of Islam.
reported by Michael V-G
"Why I am banned in the USA." By Tariq Ramadan
This article explains how a Professor was barred from entering our country to work at Notre Dame numerous times. Tariq Ramadan had his visa revoked and then when reapplied, he was denied. The first reason was because of the Dept of Homeland Security said he had ties with terrorism groups which he did. He donated a small sum of money to a French charity which had ties with Hamas. Mr. Ramadan denies knowledge of this tie but admits he did donate money to them. In this case, he has violated a part of the Patriot Act but it may have been without his knowledge. The professor says the US gov’t has no reason to deny his visa applications. He states that the USA does not want him in there because the gov’t is afraid of his ideas and thoughts on things such as the War on Terror and what the gov’t has done wrong. He states that “I have learned firsthand that the Bush administration reacts to its critics not by engaging them, but by stigmatizing and excluding them.”
"How Middle America Made Me Feel Safer." By Robert Fisk
Article number two talks about a Muslim American who just came back from Lebanon and made it through a Chicago airport with no problem, which may have been a new experience for him. The man then addressed a crowd of 32,000 Muslim Americans who said that they were proud to be American. The man condemned the actions of radical Muslims in the Middle East and more specifically, that of the Hezbollah leader, Sayed Hassan Nasrallah. This was the right step to clear up stereotypes and insults thrown at American Muslims, they must not support those radicals in the Middle East and prove to Americans and the world they were a peaceful group of people rather than the murderers the media portrayed them to be.
Reported by Jimmy C. and Dan E.
MAS article by...
Beliefs: One God, brought everything into existence. Family is very important. Socially-justice focused.
Reported by Curtis K.
General info on the Islamic Society of Boston
The ISB promotes and practices a balanced view of Islam. The ISB believes that the teachings of the Islamic religion are universal and timeless. It provides instruction and guidance for many years. They purify their intentions to please God. They stand behind what they say and what they do. The Islamic Society of Boston also believes that all of their success comes from their blessings from God. They also try to practice and maintain the holiness of their human life. They believe in respect in the community to other Muslims and to all diversity. They criticize all racism and class discrimination. They believe that racism destroys the communities of Islamic practice. They believe in the equality of men and women. The Islamic society of Boston seeks to reach out to the broader community. The society believes in seeking God’s help in upholding the society with integrity and steadfastness.
Reported by Adam P., David T., and Garret P.
urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags013fAmerican Image:
BBC News survey findings:
In a survey done by the BBC, they asked their audience what they thought of placecountry-regionAmerica. The majority of the people were pro American people, but not pro American government and philosophy. There was no question that the people who commented on the article thought of placecountry-regionAmerica as a great nation that is the current leader in Western technology and lifestyle – which is a good thing.
“We Americans should listen to what others say to try to improve ourselves. But I also think that much of the criticism is due to envy, misunderstanding, or sheer frustration. If Americans were really as naive as some suggest, the placecountry-regionUS wouldn't be the sole superpower in the world.”
placeCityJames, country-regionUSA
Americans posting shared the common belief that people are envious of their success while United Kingdom residents thought American’s are good people but their government is what corrupts them causing mass ignorance.
“placecountry-regionAmerica: a wonderful country full of genuinely nice people who are controlled and ruled by some exceptionally greedy individuals. “
John Neal, placecountry-regionUK
The problem people have is not with the American people, but the image of placecountry-regionAmerica is solely based on politics. The average American citizen is full of ideas, opinions, and is quick to point out flaws.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/wtwta/2997248.stm
Article: What the world thinks from People/Press.org
Chronicled the progression from compassion to frustration of the international community since 9/11.
Reported by Connor B., Matt M., and Chien M.
Second Draft Essential Question
As we prep for JUA, everyone is honing their essential questions down to a fine point. Each student will post their second draft as a separate post. Other students can comment on them individually.
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