Nature vs. Humanity : A Closer Look at Industrialization, Human Exploitation, and Nature's Retaliation
Introduction
Given the topic "Humanity", I decided to focus on the interactions and relationships between the nature and human beings and the modern appearance of a city. Cities and metropolises have grown in rapid pace, and much of the nature is transformed into inanimate buildings, factories, and other infrastructure. It seems like we have exploited the nature so badly that the environment can no longer recover from the depredation. However, in some of my photographs, you can sense the perception in which the nature is highly resistant, and we will eventually deserve what we're supposed to deserve...
A typical photograph that connotes the scene "Nature vs. Humanity". Motorcycles, cars, and roads are not only the products of industrialization and human progress, but are also the nemeses of the nature. The trees are trying to survive and grow on the walls that surround a junior high school. The walls are quite dilapidated due to the trees' high resistances. This symbolizes the nature's future "revenge" ... paying back all the exploitation ...
What impressions does this picture give you?
A different perspective/angle of the previous picture. In this picture, we have a better view of how the trees are confined within human developments. No matter how hard or tall the fences and walls are, the trees kept extending outwards, hoping to regain their freedom ...
Note: I noticed many pedestrians staring me like I'm a weirdo ... Just sharing :P
NO. 3
Another type of confinement. These "electronic systems/devices" are set up around trees. My interpretation is that we have been growing so swiftly that resources and land are depleted at a high rate, too. Without enough space, humans decided to establish the devices around trees, menacing the environment deeper and deeper ....
Let's have a different taste. This picture shows a typical view of a city : roads, shops, cars, buildings, modern technologies...etc. But scrutinize closer, where does the road lead us? A future of :
Uncertainty.
Infinity.
Variability.
Who's larger, the shop behind or the green plants as a whole? In reality, of course, the shop is way larger, but the plants dominate this photograph.
Human beings cannot control the nature. It's bigger than us and will punish misusers.
Another contrast, between two kinds of human societies though. The white looking "fence" is part of a skybridge - old, tattered, and dilapidated. On the other hand, we see lots of advanced products hanging "soothingly" inside the window.
An indirect contrast between ...
Developed countries.
Developing countries.
Abandoned warehouse. This is an old house situated in the middle of a big city.
How fast we're advancing!
Well, well, well. Littering is just too common that doesn't make this picture special. But throwing away books?
This is the city...
Once again the nature is surrounded by humanity. Imagine this place that's 25 years ago, 50 years ago, 100 years ago, and 100000....years ago.
1/9999.....9999 part of the nature.
NO. 10
What should we do? Let the stairs bring us back to the wonderful nature!
But wait... the stairs don't seem rigid and firm enough...
And wait ... that means we can never bring it back ...
Human exploitation, industrialization ..........
The brawl between nature and humanity...
We are winning, but will eventually lose
Solutions? Any solutions?
Nah... Don't think so
Just saying..
Weeks of Feb. 21 and Feb. 28
Surviving in Africa
Agriculture
Although foreign tradings with European countries and slave trade were the predominant businesses in Africa during the 19th century, agriculture was the rudiment and basis for the developments on politics, economy, religion, and many other social aspects. Different areas grew different crops according to their climate regions. These crops include wheat, rice, cotton, oats, barley, citrus, wine, and other vegetables and fruits that are produced both commercially for export and domestically for personal consumption.
As you can see in the diagram above, most crops and resources are located in the southern parts of Africa and quite evenly distributed on southeastern and southwestern parts. These areas are where sea ports are located, mainly for trading and commercialized industries. As a matter of fact, Africa produces a variety of crops that support great population.
Herding of Livestock
In areas where there were less arable land (lands that can be farmed), people either supplement themselves by replacing agriculture to livestock herding or sustain themselves with farming and herding. Generally, Africans used complex systems of migration to move their flocks of goats and sheep from pasture to pasture, taking advantage of different growing seasons and climate. For instance, most herders stay in areas of low altitude in winter and high elevation in summer.
Nomadic Living
Another way for Africans to survive is to be nomads. Nomads are people who travel extensively, like herders, in search of the necessary resources they need for survival. They can become traders with other nomads, selling and buying goods from each other. Many nomads follow animal migration so they can have easy access to food and water. Though once very popular in the 19th century, nomadic living styles have drastically transformed to settled agricultural or herding-based living styles.
The African slave trade began when European countries started to develop this continent for economic and political purposes. European influences started when Portuguese ships began to sail down the west coast of Africa in search of a passage to have access of spices and other resources of Africa. As more and more ships from various European countries began to emerge on African waters, forts and stations are built. In order to gather and find the potential resources hidden on African west coast, slaves became important laborers to do such jobs, thus making the west coast a major center of slave trade.
European influences on the slave trade had drastic effects on the economy of Western Africa. African middlemen became extremely rich as they were part of the slave trade activities. On the other hand, the Africans in interior lands suffered in poverty and menacing to be enslaved.
The interactions between Europe and Africa began when Portuguese sailors started to travel on the Atlantic coast of Africa in search of a sea route to Asia. The Cape of Good Hope was later found by a Portuguese captain, Vasco da Gama, in 1497. Gama reached India the next year. From then on, contact and interaction between Africa and Europe increased.
Many slaves were captured in raid, led by North African slavers. These unfortunate slaves were then forced to trudge to the coasts where European and American captains await to sell them to the Americas. It wasn't until the 19th century did anti-slavery movements came to the existence in Europe that gradually brought an end to trans-atlantic slave trade.
David Livingston, a missionary, wrote that Africa owns great agricultural resources and abundant minerals in his writings. European countries began to compete with each other for the control of Africa, and by the early 20th century, all of Africa have been divided by seven main European countries - Belgium, Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, and Spain. France occupies a majority of the northwestern land of Africa.
Effects on the Economy of Africa
Scholars believe that slave trades have deleterious effects on the long-term of the economy of Africa. Local economies were undermined since local labor forces are shipped overseas. Civil wars were common, mental health and social development among the people were affected adversely, and the formation of large ethnic groups were impeded as slave trade became rampant.
Despite these sayings, J.D. Fage asserted that slavery also had positive effects to the economy of Africa. Slaves were quite expensive, thus benefiting the slave traders. Looking at other perspectives, slave trade brought thousands of muskets, cloth, gunpowder, and metals. Textiles, iron ores, currency, and salt were important imports at the peak of slave trade, and these goods were spread among the entire society to elevate the qualities of living standards.
Week of March 14
The Story of an African Tale
1. Storyline (Written by Daniel Liu)
- Part 1 Cape Town (1878): Zulu War
I ran away as fast as I could, I didn’t even turn back to find where my journal is. I knew that in order to save myself I need to leave everything behind. I could hear the shouts of many Zulu tribes behind me. I quickly went into cover under a huge boulder that I found yesterday. I could hear my heart about to pump right out of my chest. Why am I always in this kind of situation? All I wanted to do is record some new information about the Zulu tribe, and my father’s army come in to attack the tribe center.
I stayed down for at least an hour before even having the nerve to move my leg muscles out of the boulder. Whenever I came back home, my mom rushed up to hug me. She was really scared that I was caught in the middle of the battle. I went home for my bath, and as I was getting out I heard my father come in.
My father, General Bontague, said “Nomeo, where were you today? I thought that I might have lost you. You left without telling us where you were going again.”
I said, “Sorry dad, I was just out exploring more about the Zulu tribe. They don’t worship any sort of devils as you have told me. Also their children are just like us, they are so cute and funny. One of them....”
“Enough all ready! I was worried sick about you, and you were running around looking at the Zulus. So much of my soldiers died today at 10 miles east of the Tugela River. When can you grow up and join the army?” My dad yelled at me.
I said, almost crying, “ I am not that kind of person that can kill a human being. I am more about studying nature, science, cultural, and mathematics.”
I stormed off to my room. I am not like all the other seventeen year olds; I don’t strive to be a general for Britain. I would rather be someone more like David Livingstone. I want to go around Africa explore more about these Africans. However all the other generals only want Africa for its resources? Well, I believe they came to the wrong place. Even though Africa has some amount of diamonds, but what human need the most is food, water, and shelter. The best place for them to go is to Asia. Are France and Germany like Britain? Why can’t we all just leave in peace? I mean these Africans are people too.
My dad suddenly appears into my room. He said, “ I am sorry for yelling at you. It is just that I lost of my good friend out there in the battle field. One of my best leader died. I don’t know what to do.”
I ignored him.
“All right, if you want anything I will just be in the dining room. Supper is about to be ready,” My dad said as he leaves.
I look up the sky, and I wondered a question: what does it mean to be a human?
- Part 2 First Boer War
I was drawing documenting down the life of a gazelle, when I saw a girl walking around in front of me. I immediately duck down in order to hide from her. I was never a boy that look interested in love. I tried talking to a girl once, but she walked away from me almost immediately.
Somehow, I got the nerve to get up and look at her again. This time I couldn’t get down, because I was so caught up in her eyes. She was so beautiful that she made the sun not shining anymore. I didn’t know what to do, but I just kept on staring at her. She got a little scared, and she kind of hide behind the bushes.
I went up and said calmly, “Hey, I am not going to hurt you. I was just out here adding some more information for my information packet.”
I walk towards her with my hand out, but she slipped while getting up. That is how we started this relationship. Even though all I know about her is her name which is Huliet Dapulet, but I knew that we two were meant to last. Soon, my dad started to fight against the Boers. I despised the Boers, because according to my parents they are land starving people. They want every piece of land that they can find. A news almost broke my heart, I can’t believe I didn’t know this about her.
My dad was talking to his other comrade, “I heard that there is a new general with the Boers. His name is General Dapulet right? He has a beautiful daughter. I think that she has brown hair, brown eyes, and her skin is kind of dark too huh?”
My dad’s comrade said, “ Why are you describing her?”
General Bontague said, “ I am thinking about using her as a hostage to get the Boers to surrender.”
I quickly ran toward our meeting place. Luckily, I saw her waiting there for me.
“ You are a Boer huh? Why didn’t you tell that before? I am a British!” said I.
“ How am I suppose to know that you are actually a British. Now, we can’t see each other,” said Huliet.
“It is okay, I will find a way to get back to you. In the mean time, stay out of the British territory! You will be in a lot of trouble here.”
We part our own ways, but I made sure that she left without having any trouble. War started in the 16 of December. There was only little battles, but my father did come home one day with a broken arm. One of the most memorable battle for me is Potcheftstroom, because that was pretty much the beginning of this whole thing. Why can’t the British just leave the Boers alone. If they want to be independent, then we should definitely let them do that. I believe that the Boers will act just like the United States, they will fight until they die. My father called them again devil worshippers, because the Boers are really good snipers hiding in the trees. I didn’t see Huliet for over a two weeks now, because I can’t find where she actually lives.
Finally I got a clue on where she lives with my dad, because he knows where exactly General Dapulet’s house is. So, I sneaked out one night hoping to find her. Even though the walk from our camp to the Boer’s camp is over two hours, but that wasn’t the worst part. The Boer camp is really hard for me to even set a foot in. I need to go through so many security check, but luckily I look enough like a Boer. She was sleeping, whenever I found her and she is still very beautiful.
We had a conversation that ended with me promising to marry her. I promised her that I would come back for her, once the war was over. I was hurried away, whenever her father came to her room. I was so surprised with the Boers, because their army is nothing compare to the British. Well, the Boers themselves faced a lot of trouble with the Boers too. They don’t have a single army, they are usually being called up randomly. They have great teamwork, because they will all come together once there is a problem. I ran home as fast as I could, because I could hear that another fight was going to happen. My father is not fighting anymore due to the fact that his hand is getting worse. However, the doctor said that amputation is not necessary. Whenever I got home, I realized that I lost my jacket that was given to me by my dad. It has the sign of our majesty, and it represent power. I didn’t thought about it much, because I thought that it was only a little clothing. Little did I know that it will pretty much cost the end of my life.
I couldn’t see her for a while since(I mean like a one or two month.) the war is not turning good on our side. They know the territory way better than us, and they are excellent snipers. One of my best friend, Cenvolio, was killed while going up Majuba Hill. He was really closed to me, and now my anger toward the Boers grew even more. I got a petition against the war around the camp, and it grew all the way to Cape Town.
Finally, Governor William Gladstone decided that the war has gone long enough. He ended the war around March of 1881. Well the Transvaal Boers got their self governance, which I think they deserve. Our army officially left Boer’s land in October 25, 1881.
I went to the Boer camp this time without having to hide from the soldiers. I bought a ring today, because I thought that today would be really perfect for us to get married. As I was walking toward the their house, I saw their house in terrible conditions. There are marks all over the house, and the marks are ugly and terrifying marks. I saw death, traitor, sinner, and much more worse things. I rushed forward to find the house empty, and there was no signs of them existing. I rush down the community centers, and I saw a least of the traitors that they killed. The Dapulet family was on there. They accuse the Dapulet family, because they found a my jacket in there. I didn’t know what to do at that point. I could feel my head making me spin around. Nothing was going right for me a that point. I fell sick immediately, and I had a very high fever for days. I finally figure out the question that I had before: what does it mean to be a human? My answer is that life is too short to figure that out.
2. Script (Written by Allen Wang + Modified & Polished by Daniel Liu)
- Characters
Narrator - Nathan
Nomeo Bontague - Daniel
Huliet Dapulet - Allen
General Bontague - Ilya
Nomeo's mom - Alex
Soldiers - Stephen
- Part 1 Cape Town (1878): Zulu War
Nathan: Nomeo Bontague, a 17 year old British, was the son of the British general, General Bontague. Nomeo came to Zululand in Africa with his father in 1878, and he was fascinated by the Zulu’s “buffalo” tactic that was designed by Shaka Zulu. Suddenly, bullets flew by and he could hear soldiers moaning and hollering. Forced to leave the battlefield and return home, he escaped hastily and was woeful about this war.
Daniel: No........why am I always in this situation? Why can’t they appreciate African culture? We can also learn from the Zulus! Oh...no....ahhh!! (runs away)
Stephen: (controlling soldiers, yelling)
Alex: (as nomeo’s mom) Oh Nomeo! Where were you?? I am so worried!
Daniel: (hugs mom) Don’t worry, mom. Everything was fine. I was just watching how the Zulus live and fight. They have shields made of cow hides and strong spears...
Alex: What did you say!? How dare you interact with Zulus! We are supreme human kinds, Nomeo, and we don’t talk or be friendly with those resources. They are simply tiny chess pieces that make up markets and make profits for us. Just think about how much moeny we can earn if we conquer the Zulus! If you do such foolish things again, I will leave the consequences for your father!
Daniel: But.... but they are human beings as well! What’s so wrong about making new friends? I ….. (sentence cut down by Allen)
Alex: (slaps) Speak one more time, and we won’t recognize you as our son ever! Now go take a shower!
Daniel: (crying with sadness....went to bath)
Nathan: Poor Nomeo went to take a shower, both frustrated and bewildered at why his mother treated the Zulus as objects....He finished his hot shower and heard his father yelling wildly.
Ilya: Nomeo, where were you today? I thought that I might have lost you. You left without telling us where you were going again.
Daniel: Sorry dad, I was just out exploring more about the Zulu tribe. They don’t worship any sort of devils as you have told me. Also their children are just like us, they are so cute and funny. One of them....
Ilya: Enough all ready! I was worried sick about you, and you were running around looking at the Zulus. So much of my soldiers died today at 10 miles east of the Tugela River. When can you grow up and join the army?” My dad yelled at me.
Daniel: (almost crying): I am not that kind of person that can kill a human being. I am more about studying nature, science, cultural, and mathematics.”
Ilya: Sorry Nomeo, but I don’t care. Grow up and be like a man. British man. (leaves)
Daniel: (ran to his room) I don’t want to strive to be a general for Britain. I would rather be someone more like David Livingstone. I want to go around Africa explore more about these Africans. However all the other generals only want Africa for its resources? Well, I believe they came to the wrong place. Even though Africa has some amount of diamonds, but what human need the most is food, water, and shelter. The best place for them to go is to Asia. Are France and Germany like Britain? Why can’t we all just leave in peace? I mean these Africans are people too.
Ilya: (comes back and apologize) I am sorry for yelling at you. It is just that I lost of my good friend out there in the battle field. One of my best leader died. I don’t know what to do.
Daniel: (ignores Ilya, looks up into the sky) What does it mean to be a human?
- Part 2 First Boer War
Nathan: One year later, the Boer War struck on December 16th, 1880. Boers revolted and took action in Bronkhorstspruit against a British Column 94th Foot because the British wanted the land that the Boers originally controlled. Now over 18 years old, Nomeo was documenting down the life of a gazelle that roams freely on the African land. Little did he know that it would shortly become the land of the British.
Daniel: Wow...she is soooooooooooooooooooooo beautiful. Hello
Allen: Ahh...who is that!? He looks scary....!!
Daniel: Hey, I am not going to hurt you. I was just out here adding some more information for my information packet.
Daniel: (I walk towards her with my hand out, but she slipped while getting up. That is how we started this relationship. Even though all I know about her is her name which is Huliet Dapulet, but I knew that we two were meant to last.)
(Daniel + Allen , hold hands and be happy)
Nathan: Soon, Nomeo’s dad started to fight against the Boers. Nomeo despised the Boers, because according to his parents, they are land starving people. They want every piece of land that they can find. Suddenly, a news almost broke nomeo’s heart....
Ilya: I heard that there is a new general with the Boers. His name is General Dapulet right? He has a beautiful daughter. I think that she has brown hair, brown eyes, and her skin is kind of dark too huh?
Stephen (as a British Soldier): Why are you describing her?
Ilya: I am thinking about using her as a hostage to get the Boers to surrender.
Nathan: After eavesdropping his father’s conversation, Nomeo quickly ran to the meeting place of Nomeo and Huliet.
Daniel: (I quickly ran toward our meeting place. Luckily, I saw her waiting there for me.) You are a Boer huh? Why didn’t you tell that before? I am a British!
Allen:: How am I suppose to know that you are actually a British. Now, we can’t see each other! (cries)
Daniel: It is okay, I will find a way to get back to you. In the mean time, stay out of the British territory! You will be in a lot of trouble here.”
Nathan: The first Boer War started in the 16 of December. There was only little battles, but Nomeo’s father broke his arm. To Nomeo, the most memorable battle for him is Potcheftstroom, because that was pretty much the beginning of this whole thing.
Daniel: Why can’t the British just leave the Boers alone. If they want to be independent, then we should definitely let them do that. I believe that the Boers will act just like the United States, they will fight until they die. My father called them again devil worshippers, because the Boers are really good snipers hiding in the trees. I didn’t see Huliet for over a two weeks now, because I can’t find where she actually lives.
Nathan: Fortunately, Nomeo soon found where Huliet’s house was located since his dad new the exact location of General Dapulet’s house. With any hesitation, he went to find Huliet desperately.
HULIET IS SLEEPING ON THE GUARD TOWER
STEPHEN HOLDING BOER SOLDIERS TO REPRESENT BOER CAMP
Daniel: The Boer camp is really hard for me to even set a foot in. I need to go through so many security check, but luckily I look enough like a Boer. She was sleeping, whenever I found her and she is still very beautiful. (looks at her deeply and wanted to kiss her)
Daniel: But wait, what’s that light in the window over there? It is the east, and Huliet is the sun.
HULIET SUDDENLY WAKES UP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT
Allen: O Nomeo, Nomeo! Wherefore art thou Nomeo?
Deny thy father and refuse thy name.
Or, if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love,
And I’ll no longer be a Dapulet.
What’s Bontague? It is nor hand, nor foot,
Nor arm, nor face, nor any other part
Belonging to a man.
Daniel: Yo girl! I am down here. Wassup girl? You miss me?
Allen: Oh Nomeo! The orchard walls are high and hard to climb,
And the place death, considering who thou art,
If any of my kinsmen find thee here.
Daniel: The walls are not the problem. The main problem is those stupid weeds around your territory. They give you small cuts deep into my skin. Plus, my love for you can’t be kept out.
(Her family called her from within the camps. She also comes down from the guard tower.)
Allen: Coming Dad! Just trying to have a Romantic moment here!
If that thy bent of love be honorable,
Thy purpose marriage, send me word tomorrow
By one that I’ll procure to come to thee
Where and what time thou wilt perform the rite,
And all my fortunes at thy foot I’ll lay
And follow thee my lord throughout the world.
Daniel: Sure sweetie, why not? ummm.... When do you want to do it, tomorrow? Oh wait, there is a war going on. I don’t know the time, but I promise you I will come back for you.
(Allen sneezes)
Daniel: Take my jacket, so that you won’t be cold. Also, it has some beef jerky on the left jacket. I love you.
Allen: Oh Nomeo!
Daniel: Oh Huliet!!!
(Daniel + Alex hug and kiss)
Daniel: Listen, my dear. I will come back after the war is over. Everything will be fine. I’ll find you, and hold a wonderful marriage for both of us.... Waif for me, Huliet, and we shall be eternal lovers.
(Kiss again)
Nathan: Nomeo went home, and was thinking about the Boers. He was surprised because their army is nothing compared to the British. Well, the Boers themselves faced a lot of trouble with the Boers too. They don’t have a single army, they are usually being called up randomly. They have great teamwork, because they will all come together once there is a problem. Still, they are like tiny ants ready to succumb to the giant British leaders.
Daniel: (looking up in the sky, in front of the house) It has been 2 months since the last time we met, Huliet....<sigh> The war is not turning good on our side. They know the territory way better than us, and they are excellent snipers. And my best friend, Cenvolio (angry tone), was killed while going up Majuba Hill!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He was really closed to me, and my anger rises more and more. I can’t let this go one anymore. I got to write a petition against the war around the camp
Nathan: The petition was a success. Governor William Gladstone decided that the war has gone long enough. He ended the war around March of 1881. Well the Transvaal Boers got their self governance. The British army officially left Boer’s land in October 25, 1881 with contempt and insolence.
Daniel: I’m such a genius, stopping the Boer War. And look, I bought this awesome ring, and I’ll marry my dear Huliet today!
Nathan: Nomeo approached the Dapulet’s household....not ready to face the woeful reality...
(Nomeo walked into the house)
Daniel: OH MY.......... Why are there bloody marks and stains all over the Dapulet house? Death, sins, traitors......Ah they must be at the community centers!
(rushed to the community center)
Daniel: What!? Why are the other Boers fighting the Dapulet!! Wait,,,,is that my jacket getting burned!?
Stephen (holding a Boer Soldier): We stand here today to witness the execution of these traitors. We found a British Jacket in the house of the Dapulet’s. This is a sign of the them talking to the British before the peace treaty. We hereby execute all the family members of the Dapulet.
Daniel: No....!!!!! Huliet......!!!!!!!!!
Nathan: At the moment when Nomeo wanted to stand out and save the Dapulet family, countless bullets went by, penetrating the innocent souls of the Dapulet family. Nomeo gave out a sick shriek (Daniel screaming) and let his tears fly........
Daniel: WHY....................WHY!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh~~ What does it mean to be human !?!?!!!?! To experience imperialism while losing my dearest love??? No......I believe life is too short to figure that out........ HULIET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nathan: (Epilogue)Nomeo vowed to get revenge for the Dapulet’s family. While Nomeo was traveling around Africa looking for more resources to report back to Britain, he found large amount of gold thirty miles away from the Boer’s capital. Nomeo wanted to start a war against the Boers, so he joined forces with Cecil Rhodes to make one United British Empires. However, Nomeo still had a kindness in his heart. So, he pushed for a treaty to be done with the Boers without any casualties. The treaty failed, and soon Nomeo regretted his actions for pushing for a war. Loads of people were killed both on both sides. Also the British soldiers many concentration camps around the Boer communities. Nomeo was devastated to see all of this problem going on. He joined the Liberals of Britain, and he fought against the Conservatists of Britain. Liberals at that time went against the going to war with the Boers. Around the same time, he found a letter written by Huliet. Huliet at her last words wanted Nomeo to live a happy life, and to get married to another girl. Nomeo married Marry Luther, a leader of the Fawcett Commission. The Fawcett Commission was a group of women that went against the immoral treatments that the Boers received from the British. Nomeo had a long life with his beloved wife, but he never forgot about Huliet Dapulet.
It seems like I accidentally lost almost ALL of my previous posts.... (AHHHHH!!!!!!!!) I only have the above information saved in a word document...so, yea. I'll start from the following post.
Week of March 21
Zulu, British, and Boer Perspectives
1. Complexity of the Boer Warriors
Note: There are four more parts of the "BBC: The Boer War" serires.
Presented by Herbert, Peter, Daniel Chen, Angela, Kelly, and Kaho, the second Anglo-Boer War zoomed in to the mutual bondings of two Boer warriors and a British soldier.
The story begins with the narrator relating the life styles of the Boers in Africa. They were originally farmers. Many Boers at that time fled away from the Cape Frontier to settle in the Orange Free State, Transvaal. Their primary motivations to leave Cape Frontier were to escape British rule and to avoid being situated in a constant border between British government and the native tribes in the eastern frontier.
By understanding this brief historical fact, we can tell that the Boers were fearful of the British. Their animosity towards the British can also be evidently felt. Even so, the presentation showed that even these two different groups can create closer relationship as well. And it is possible that this rather queer relationship is what dissolves the causes of wars, forging different ethnic groups together to make a better world.
The story begins with the narrator relating the life styles of the Boers in Africa. They were originally farmers. Many Boers at that time fled away from the Cape Frontier to settle in the Orange Free State, Transvaal. Their primary motivations to leave Cape Frontier were to escape British rule and to avoid being situated in a constant border between British government and the native tribes in the eastern frontier.
By understanding this brief historical fact, we can tell that the Boers were fearful of the British. Their animosity towards the British can also be evidently felt. Even so, the presentation showed that even these two different groups can create closer relationship as well. And it is possible that this rather queer relationship is what dissolves the causes of wars, forging different ethnic groups together to make a better world.
2. The Ultimate Zulu Wedding Dance (Hai yah!)
With Anne, Christine, Jasmine, Jill, Tina, and Tracy featuring the boisterous and energetic Zulu wedding dance, an expository introduction of the great military leader, Shaka Zulu, and the Anglo-Zulu War were presented. Shaka Zulu was a prominent military leader that led to a prosperous Zulu Empire. Even though he united numerous tribes in southern Africa, Shaka abandoned scandals, meaning the Zulu warriors have to triain bare-footed. This caused a lot of resentment among the warriors but turned them into the strongest and toughest warriors in southern Africa.
Regarding the Anglo-Zulu war, the Zulus were extremely belligerent at the beginning of the war. They claimed numerous victories, and those were the very first battles the British have ever lost to African natives/tribes. Unexpected to Shaka Zulu's well-organized and well-trained warriors, the British had to renew their military strategies. After plotting better tactics, the Zulus weren't able to defend the British armies anymore, thus losing ultimately.
To be frank, I can't really see what the perspectives of Zulus were in the presentation. It seems like most of the presentation focused on historical facts about Shaka Zulu and the Anglo-Zulu war. Not much of a view or perspective was conveyed.
3. Nomeo and Huliet - A British Tale on the Wondrous African Land
The story of Nomeo and Huliet was performed through a live "puppet show" by Alex, Daniel Liu, Ilya, Nathan, and Stephen. Although Nomeo is an "anti-British-perspective" character, the whole show is covered with a sense of British supriority and insolence as both Nomeo's mother and dad treated the Zulus as "resources".
According to Nomeo's mom (Alex), the Zulus are simply "chess pieces" that make up slave markets and work for the British colonies. At that time, the motives of British colonization in Africa were to establish new markets and explore the vast areas of resources in Africa. They were also there to convert natives into believers of Christianity, fought battles over African territories just to fend off other Europeans from taking control over African lands. Other motivations include spreading the British style of an orderly government and safeguard former land holdings.
Regarding the first Boer War scene, Nomeo fell in love with Huliet Dapulet, the daughter of a Boer general, General Dapulet. Both the Bontague and Dapulet families didn't approve each other, causing the two couple many hard times to meet each other. Identical to Romeo, Nomeo risked his life in the Boer camp just to glimpse Huliet once or more and promised her that he'll come back to marry her. Things didn't go well as the couple has expected. Nomeo's jacket, a symbol of the British, was found in the Boer camp, thus leading to the dubious manners of the Boers. Assuming that the Dapulet family has secretly contrived subterfuges together, the Dapulets were executed, and so was Huliet. Nomeo, consternated by the rueful incident, let out his wrath along with a long, woeful shriek.
Nomeo intended to prevent the Boer Wars by legislating a treaty so that casualties on both sides could be minimized, but it was a failure. Many soldiers died on both sides, and Nomeo decided to join the Liberals of Britain. At that time, the Liberals were against the Boer War while the Conservatists supported the going of the war. Apparently, there were two British perspectives prevalent during the 1880s - Liberals and Conservatists. And conspicuously, the whole story is presented in a Liberal view as Nomeo represents a typical Liberal activist.
Week of April 4 - Hotel Rwanda
Comparing and Contrasting 3 Perspectives in the Movie Hotel Rwanda
1. Hutu
The Hutu's perspective has to do with the unfair treatment they received prior to the Rwandan genocide. Regarded as the elites and minority, the Tutsis received much more privileges and exceptional rights that the Hutus, which constituted 85% of the population, didn't have. The Belgium government even established ethnic identity cards to further separate the two peoples.
Due to this mortifying and shameful history, the Hutus raged to rebel against this system. Almost 1 million Tutsis were killed during the Rwandan genocide, and over thousands of refugees were forced to leave the country. Many children and other Tutsis from the Red Cross and other associations fled hastily to Paul's hotel.
Here comes the perspective of the Hutus. Basically, they didn't even care who they killed as long as they're all Tutsis. Innocent children were murdered so that there will be no more Tutsi families. Women were forced to become prostitutes, causing various insurrections and riots. In their opinion, all Tutsis are abominable COCKROACHES. All the hatred and injustice exploded within the slashing of poor Tutsis.
And this video proves the Hutus' indifferent attitude in the massacre:
2. Tutsi
Since the entering of German colonists in 1918, the minority Tutsi (only 14%), as previously mentioned in the Hutu section, were favored over the Hutus (85%) by having way more privileges, authorities, and western education. In 1926, the Belgians even introduced a system of ethnic identity cards to easily separate Hutus from Tutsis. With such priorities and rights, the Tutsis elites lived in arrogance and vanity.
In addition, journalists who have interviewed Hutu peasants were told that the Tutsis often looked down on them as "subhumans". The Tutsi nobility stressed the importance of physical importance. Tallness and beautiful facial structures meant superiority. Those who didn't have good physical appearance or worked on lands were considered the second class of Rwandan society. These people were the Hutus who were despised superciliously by the Tutsis. But these all happened before the happening of the Rwandan Genocide. The Tutsis had a big change in their perspectives towards Rwandan society and the Hutus.
The perspectives of the Tutsis in Hotel Rwanda swifted drastically from before the violence to after the rebellion. The Tutsis were extremely scared, and the only thing they could do was escaping from the Hutu rebels. They begged for help, shelter, food, assistance, and most importantly, the intervention of the deleterious massacre. To them, it was a catastrophic event that separated their families and left eternal impressions of war, blood, and rueful images to the Tutsi children. Approximately 800,000 people died in the Rwandan Genocide.
3. United Nations, Western Countries, and the Rest of the World
The United Nations portray a hypocritical figure during the bloody conflicts between the Hutus and Tutsis. Did they view the war as crucial and globally effective? Did they really care about the lives of those hapless, helpless Africans? Obviously, NO.
Belgium, which was under the UN force at that time, had been ordered by the UN to designate some Belgium soldiers to suppress the insurrection near Paul Rusesabagina's hotel. Their arrival increased the Tutsis' hope, and many were relieved to see the Belgium army coming to assist. Quite unexpectedly and unfortunately, the soldiers suddenly refused to intervene the Rwandan Genocide because these Africans were basically WORTHLESS. Literally worthless. Colonel Oliver, a UN general, told Paul that everything was simply a fraud. Paul wasn't recognized as a true "American", not even a Niger. He was simply an African. Making matters even worse, the general hit Paul's deepest sadness - Paul is an AFRICAN black. (Refer to the video clip above.)
With all these reasons, Belgium soldiers retreated, and the UN and the rest of the world neglected rueful war between the Tutsis and Hutus. But if things end right here with a melancholy mood, the movie won't be called Hotel Rwanda. Paul's intelligence allowed hope to guide the Tutsi refugees and his family to brighter, safer futures.
Paul told his fellow Tutsi refugees who had foreign contacts, friends, or family members to call them and address their current situation SINCERELY. Speak as sincerely as possible to inflict their shame of not intervening the war. Let shame and disgrace galvanize the foreign countries to stop the war! It worked. Those who were on the lists could take the place to escape from the riotous Rwanda. Starting from this moment, Colonel Oliver became active in protecting these refugees who were going to take the plane. With this, the movie ends with joyful sentimentality and a maudlin but happy finale.
"Timeline Rwanda" Analysis
1. Pre-Colonial
Words with purple background represent the CAUSES.
Words with green background represent the EFFECTS.
Prior to the era of colonialism, Rwanda was a kingdom ruled over by Tutsi kings who started out from one clan. There were three predominant categories of chiefs: the land chiefs, the cattle chiefs, and the military chiefs. The relationship between the Tutsi kings and the rest of the population was unequal and malicious, but the ordinary Tutsi, Hutu, and Twa shared mutual, beneficial relationship through the exchanges of their labor. In other words, it was symbiotic. However, as the German colonists entered Rwanda, the social structures transformed to an extremely organized and pyramidal essense. This kind of hierarchical society would later lead to the genocide of 1994.
2. Colonialism
Germany and Belgium subsequently changed the traditional symbiotic Hutu-Tutsi relationship into a class system. The minority Tutsi (only 14%) were favored over the Hutus (85%) by having way more privileges, authorities, and western education. In 1926, the Belgians even introduced a system of ethnic identity cards to easily identify Hutus apart from the Tutsis. What did these unequal systems lead to? Well, conspicuously, the Hutus rebelled against the Belgian colonism and the Tutsi elites in 1959 with over 150,000 Tutsis fleeing to Burundi. In 1960, the Hutus finally achieved municipal elections that were organized by Belgian colonists.
In 1975, the National Revolutionary Movement for Development (NRMD) was formed. Hutus began to receive preferences in public service and military jobs, excluding Tutsis even more.
In 1990, General Juvenal Habayarimana established a genuine multi-party system with power-sharing. Thousands of Tutsis were killed in multiple massacres around Rwanda. Opposition politicians and journalists were prosecuted. This led to the Hutu activist Dr. Leon Mugesera, who appealed to Hutus to send the Tutsis "back to Ethiopia".
French forces helped the government side when the RPF (Rwandan Patriotic Front), a association formed by the exiles from Rwanda, continue to attack the outskirts of Kigali. The disputes and fighting continue on for several months.
Negotiations between the Hutus and Tutsis ultimately led to a peace accord signed by Habyarimana and the RPF that allowed the return of the refugees and a coalition Hutu-RPF government. Despite this peace accord, Radio Mille Collines started exhortating to attack the Tutsis.
On April 6, 1994, President Habyarimana and President Ntaryamira (the president of Burundi) were murdered when the plane of President Habyarimana was shot down around the Kigali Airport. The killing commenced again...
According to Nomeo's mom (Alex), the Zulus are simply "chess pieces" that make up slave markets and work for the British colonies. At that time, the motives of British colonization in Africa were to establish new markets and explore the vast areas of resources in Africa. They were also there to convert natives into believers of Christianity, fought battles over African territories just to fend off other Europeans from taking control over African lands. Other motivations include spreading the British style of an orderly government and safeguard former land holdings.
Regarding the first Boer War scene, Nomeo fell in love with Huliet Dapulet, the daughter of a Boer general, General Dapulet. Both the Bontague and Dapulet families didn't approve each other, causing the two couple many hard times to meet each other. Identical to Romeo, Nomeo risked his life in the Boer camp just to glimpse Huliet once or more and promised her that he'll come back to marry her. Things didn't go well as the couple has expected. Nomeo's jacket, a symbol of the British, was found in the Boer camp, thus leading to the dubious manners of the Boers. Assuming that the Dapulet family has secretly contrived subterfuges together, the Dapulets were executed, and so was Huliet. Nomeo, consternated by the rueful incident, let out his wrath along with a long, woeful shriek.
Nomeo intended to prevent the Boer Wars by legislating a treaty so that casualties on both sides could be minimized, but it was a failure. Many soldiers died on both sides, and Nomeo decided to join the Liberals of Britain. At that time, the Liberals were against the Boer War while the Conservatists supported the going of the war. Apparently, there were two British perspectives prevalent during the 1880s - Liberals and Conservatists. And conspicuously, the whole story is presented in a Liberal view as Nomeo represents a typical Liberal activist.
Week of April 4 - Hotel Rwanda
Comparing and Contrasting 3 Perspectives in the Movie Hotel Rwanda
1. Hutu
The Hutu's perspective has to do with the unfair treatment they received prior to the Rwandan genocide. Regarded as the elites and minority, the Tutsis received much more privileges and exceptional rights that the Hutus, which constituted 85% of the population, didn't have. The Belgium government even established ethnic identity cards to further separate the two peoples.
Due to this mortifying and shameful history, the Hutus raged to rebel against this system. Almost 1 million Tutsis were killed during the Rwandan genocide, and over thousands of refugees were forced to leave the country. Many children and other Tutsis from the Red Cross and other associations fled hastily to Paul's hotel.
 |
| Formidable Hutu Army |
Here comes the perspective of the Hutus. Basically, they didn't even care who they killed as long as they're all Tutsis. Innocent children were murdered so that there will be no more Tutsi families. Women were forced to become prostitutes, causing various insurrections and riots. In their opinion, all Tutsis are abominable COCKROACHES. All the hatred and injustice exploded within the slashing of poor Tutsis.
And this video proves the Hutus' indifferent attitude in the massacre:
2. Tutsi
Since the entering of German colonists in 1918, the minority Tutsi (only 14%), as previously mentioned in the Hutu section, were favored over the Hutus (85%) by having way more privileges, authorities, and western education. In 1926, the Belgians even introduced a system of ethnic identity cards to easily separate Hutus from Tutsis. With such priorities and rights, the Tutsis elites lived in arrogance and vanity.
In addition, journalists who have interviewed Hutu peasants were told that the Tutsis often looked down on them as "subhumans". The Tutsi nobility stressed the importance of physical importance. Tallness and beautiful facial structures meant superiority. Those who didn't have good physical appearance or worked on lands were considered the second class of Rwandan society. These people were the Hutus who were despised superciliously by the Tutsis. But these all happened before the happening of the Rwandan Genocide. The Tutsis had a big change in their perspectives towards Rwandan society and the Hutus.
 |
| Rwanda Genocide |
The perspectives of the Tutsis in Hotel Rwanda swifted drastically from before the violence to after the rebellion. The Tutsis were extremely scared, and the only thing they could do was escaping from the Hutu rebels. They begged for help, shelter, food, assistance, and most importantly, the intervention of the deleterious massacre. To them, it was a catastrophic event that separated their families and left eternal impressions of war, blood, and rueful images to the Tutsi children. Approximately 800,000 people died in the Rwandan Genocide.
3. United Nations, Western Countries, and the Rest of the World
The United Nations portray a hypocritical figure during the bloody conflicts between the Hutus and Tutsis. Did they view the war as crucial and globally effective? Did they really care about the lives of those hapless, helpless Africans? Obviously, NO.
Belgium, which was under the UN force at that time, had been ordered by the UN to designate some Belgium soldiers to suppress the insurrection near Paul Rusesabagina's hotel. Their arrival increased the Tutsis' hope, and many were relieved to see the Belgium army coming to assist. Quite unexpectedly and unfortunately, the soldiers suddenly refused to intervene the Rwandan Genocide because these Africans were basically WORTHLESS. Literally worthless. Colonel Oliver, a UN general, told Paul that everything was simply a fraud. Paul wasn't recognized as a true "American", not even a Niger. He was simply an African. Making matters even worse, the general hit Paul's deepest sadness - Paul is an AFRICAN black. (Refer to the video clip above.)
 |
| Colonel Oliver and Paul |
Paul told his fellow Tutsi refugees who had foreign contacts, friends, or family members to call them and address their current situation SINCERELY. Speak as sincerely as possible to inflict their shame of not intervening the war. Let shame and disgrace galvanize the foreign countries to stop the war! It worked. Those who were on the lists could take the place to escape from the riotous Rwanda. Starting from this moment, Colonel Oliver became active in protecting these refugees who were going to take the plane. With this, the movie ends with joyful sentimentality and a maudlin but happy finale.
"Timeline Rwanda" Analysis
1. Pre-Colonial
 |
| Where is Rwanda?? |
Words with green background represent the EFFECTS.
Prior to the era of colonialism, Rwanda was a kingdom ruled over by Tutsi kings who started out from one clan. There were three predominant categories of chiefs: the land chiefs, the cattle chiefs, and the military chiefs. The relationship between the Tutsi kings and the rest of the population was unequal and malicious, but the ordinary Tutsi, Hutu, and Twa shared mutual, beneficial relationship through the exchanges of their labor. In other words, it was symbiotic. However, as the German colonists entered Rwanda, the social structures transformed to an extremely organized and pyramidal essense. This kind of hierarchical society would later lead to the genocide of 1994.
2. Colonialism
In 1918, the Treaty of Versailles made the original German colony of Rwanda-Urundi become a protectorate (the relation of a strong state protecting a weaker state). It was then governed by Belgium.
3. Independence
In 1961 to 1962, Belgium finally retreated from colonizing Rwanda and Burundi. Rwanda and Burundi then became two seperate countries, gaining their independence. Rwanda had a new president, Gregoire Kayibanda, and the fighting between the Hutus and Tutsis continue.
More and more massacres of Tutsis emerged in 1963 and 1967, causing more refugees to leave Rwanda. It was estimated that by the mid-1960s half of the Tutsi population was living outside of Rwanda. In 1973, matters got worse as Tutsis were purged from universities. They were also restricted to nine percent of available jobs. (The cause is still the Begium type of system which the Tutsis were favored over the Hutus...)
In 1975, the National Revolutionary Movement for Development (NRMD) was formed. Hutus began to receive preferences in public service and military jobs, excluding Tutsis even more.
In 1990, General Juvenal Habayarimana established a genuine multi-party system with power-sharing. Thousands of Tutsis were killed in multiple massacres around Rwanda. Opposition politicians and journalists were prosecuted. This led to the Hutu activist Dr. Leon Mugesera, who appealed to Hutus to send the Tutsis "back to Ethiopia".
French forces helped the government side when the RPF (Rwandan Patriotic Front), a association formed by the exiles from Rwanda, continue to attack the outskirts of Kigali. The disputes and fighting continue on for several months.
Negotiations between the Hutus and Tutsis ultimately led to a peace accord signed by Habyarimana and the RPF that allowed the return of the refugees and a coalition Hutu-RPF government. Despite this peace accord, Radio Mille Collines started exhortating to attack the Tutsis.
On April 6, 1994, President Habyarimana and President Ntaryamira (the president of Burundi) were murdered when the plane of President Habyarimana was shot down around the Kigali Airport. The killing commenced again...
Eyes on Africa Project
1. My Project
My Eyes on Africa Project focuses on the political transformation in Algeria which transitted from Ottoman rule and French control to a modern corrupted government. This video I made relates the political transformations chronologically, starting from 1800. It also includes a short, abridged clip of the Algeria protest nowadays, so be sure to watch it to get a better understanding of Algeria's current state!
As for improvements, I need to devote more time to this project. I also need to include more information and show more personal talents. In addition, the format and way I delivered my presentation should be more enthusiastic and zealous....
To be frank, I never knew about the foreign powers that dwelled in Algeria in the past. I learned that Algeria was under the control of French and Ottoman, and there are still many protests happening in Algeria in modern days.
In conclusion, the Eyes on Africa project was a interesting presentation that allowed each individual to shine their talents and express their understanding on a particular issue or facet of Africa. Although it was a big project, the knowledge and insights we gained from Africa made the project extremely worthwhile and valuable!
As for improvements, I need to devote more time to this project. I also need to include more information and show more personal talents. In addition, the format and way I delivered my presentation should be more enthusiastic and zealous....
To be frank, I never knew about the foreign powers that dwelled in Algeria in the past. I learned that Algeria was under the control of French and Ottoman, and there are still many protests happening in Algeria in modern days.
In conclusion, the Eyes on Africa project was a interesting presentation that allowed each individual to shine their talents and express their understanding on a particular issue or facet of Africa. Although it was a big project, the knowledge and insights we gained from Africa made the project extremely worthwhile and valuable!
2. Africa Map
These are my African maps, and both are open-ended for any kind of interpretation! (Can you tell what I am portraying? : D)
The Past - Doubting Our History?
Europeans: Every day we're scrambling, scrambling, SCRAMBLING!
Africans: Manacles ... NO!
Europeans: Shut up and work!
Africans: Diseases ...
Europeans: Who cares? Get on the ship, you filthy slaves!
Africans: Who are we?
Europeans: Haha ... resources, profits, and slaves.
Africans: Do we have a history?
Europeans: No! Europeans influenced Africa with European history.
Africans: WHY!?
Europeans: Because you're an African.
Africans: But we have African kings!
Europeans: So? We dominate all of you. I'm sorry.
The Present - A Modern Global Community
- Revolution - Egypt, Algeria, Nigeria ... etc.
- Cultural Developments - 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa, wild gaming activities...etc.
- Self-Identity
- Sports - Soccer developments
- Democracy - Evident in the various revolutions
- Modernization: Approaching the achievement of dignity and globalization
- Madagascar!!
3. Daniel Liu's District 6 and The Three Big Gadlumas
FOR USE BY WHITE PERSONS: These public premises and the amenities thereof have been reserved for the exclusive use of WHITE persons.
District 6. A sign of District 6.
District 6 and apartheid were the topics of Daniel's Eyes on Africa project. Apartheid meant segregation, and it was a legal system set by the African government that categorized people into different groups according to the person's race - white, black, indian, and colored. The Nationalist Party started apartheid in 1948, and District 6 was a residential area in Cape Town, South Africa that was composed of colored people predominantly.
Regarding District 6 and apartheid, Daniel made a prezi pertaining to these 2 topics. He did a great job in listing numerous acts and massive information about these two issues, but I think he could add some pictures for the audience to visualize the lives of different racial groups after apartheid was implemented. He could've also added some geographical maps or other kinds of diagrams to enhance the understandings of the audience, such as presenting the location of District 6 and how its location affects the people and the apartheid policy. But soft (Nomeo and Huliet XD)! Daniel utilized his fantastic online comic, which contained abundant visualization, to compensate for these possible drawbacks!
First of all, the comic's name models on the famous fable "The Three Little Pigs". I thought that was really creative and humorous. :D Even more, the three boys in the comic, who were kicked out of their parents' restaurant due to their skin color during the apartheid period, obtained money from their parents so that they could build houses. And of course, as you all know, each of them build different houses made by different materials...and the wolf turned into a crazy bulldozer.
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| District 6 |
What I really liked about his comic is that although it's a fictional story, Daniel included a lot of historical facts that backed up his comic strips with a sense of realism and education. For instance, District 6 was declared a while-only area in 1966, but the Gadlumas brothers still decided to stay in the district. Another example is the love between Ben and a white woman. However, they couldn't marry due to the Prohibition of Mixed Marriage. To summarize, Daniel not only delivered valuable information to the audience, but also make these "inanimate objects" into live, vivacious story that deeply captivated the attention of all spectators (well his presentation sure attracted my attention!) Good job, and keep it on!
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