Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

In all honesty, are you even surprised?
I just got home from the midnight premiere of this movie, and could not resist writing about all the blatant demonstrations of imperialism in it.

Let's set the scene. Like most movies, there are two sides: good and evil. Good being the infamous trio of Harry, Ron, and Hermione, but also all their surrounding friends and family. However, it is not just them, but the "good" also entails all other wizards who support mixed marriages and are against Voldemort, including the Ministry of Magic. Which of course, brings us to the "bad." Voldemort, obviously, is the baddest of the bad. Even further, his large group of followers- The Death Eaters- make up the rest of this evil half.

Not more than thirty minutes into the movie, the "good" side, (all congregated at a wedding,) receive an ominious message:

"The ministry has fallen. They are coming. They are coming. They are coming."

Seconds later, Dementors and Death Eaters swoop in and the crowd takes off for hiding. Already, imperialism starts to show through. At this point in time, the "bad" side has won. Voldemort and the Death Eaters overthrew the Ministry of Magic- the backbone of the entire wizarding community. The good side is, essentially, screwed.

But wait, the examples don't end there. This movie goes as far as to show just what the dark side does with it's power. Voldemort has always been a supporter of "Pure Bloods," as in, wizards marrying and starting families with other wizards. He is completely disgusted with "Half Bloods," (the result of a wizard and muggle having a child,) or, even worse, "Mudbloods," (the result of two muggle parents birthing a wizard.) In the scene in the movie when Harry, Ron, and Hermione bear disguises and attempt to infiltrate the Ministry, we get a glimpse of the changes that have been done since the overthrow. Brochures are being created which read sayings like "The Pride of Purebloods," or "Filthy Mudbloods," or any number of expressions to show their clear hatred for any race other than their own. The Ministry also made an announcement that all workers would have to go through an "inspection," which really meant that if they found out you were anything but pureblood, you were out. In addition, their is a scene in the movie with all of the darker side's group gathered around a table, with a woman hanging above them suffering greatly until her eventually death. Voldemort makes it clear that her reason for being their was "being an advocate of muggle/wizard marriage." This power of purebloods on the dark side, they were their own race, their own community, living by their own rules. And they proceeded to rise to power despite the "good" side's relentless arguments.

As far as Part 1 has shown, Voldemort and his Death Eaters have overthrew the Wizarding World for good. Furthermore, they completely surpressed the other side, not only killing rampantly and controlling everything , but also sending the goodside entirely into hiding. They live in constant fear due to the higher power over them. Voldemort is that higher power, surpressing the other wizards. This is imperialism.

I could die.

It's really as simple as that. People do, every single day. They drop like flies. Do you have any idea what that's like? To be working next to your good buddy one day, (granted, we were both slaving away in the tropical sun,) and then the next, he'scome down with Yellow Fever. Or Malaria. Or dysentary, or dengue. You name it. There are so many evils out here that can and do take lives, all the time. I am scared. I am always scared.

Tweets of Defeat

I'mTheQueenPunks
Busy day today! TWO CEREMONIES.
1/14/93 7:30AM

I'mTheQueenPunks
What a let down!! I had such good intentions. This constitution's going to happen eventually.
1/14/93 4:00PM

I'mTheQueenPunks
It wasn't that big of a deal- I promise i won't try it again!
1/15/93 3:02PM

I'mTheQueenPunks
Maybe good old Minister Stevens can help fix this..
1/15/93 3:50PM
I'mTheQueenPunks
No no no no no. I don't want anyone getting hurt.
1/15/93 5:00PM
I'mTheQueenPunks
I thank you all so much for your support! You're the best :D
1/16/93 10:00AM
I'mTheQueenPunks
These struggles with the US are getting tiring. Hope nothing gets worse!
1/16/93 12:14PM

I'mTheQueenPunks
It got worse.
1/16/93 5:00PM

I'mTheQueenPunks
I'm going to do the right thing, because no one else will. Don't worry, I'LL BE BACK! <3
1/17/93 7:42PM

School of the America's... Should it Exist at All?

After seeing this website, I feel like it shouldn't.
Of course, this site is against it. So there is bias and obviously not much talk of the benefits.
But after reading things like it's "left a trail of blood and suffering in every country" and "men drove in trucks, opened fire, and threw grenades indiscriminately," you have to wonder if there are any benefts at all.
When it comes to peoples lives, the magnitude of the 'cost' increases considerably. The SOA opens blind slaughters upon towns, half of the time killing the local preist, or children even.
No matter how much power we're gaining for America, it is all for not if we're going to keep killing innocents.

Charlie and the... Exploitation of Barbaric Nations?

Don't worry, you read the title correctly.
After reading Part 1 of the Communist Manifesto, similarities between it and the well-known Johnny Depp movie Charlie and the Chocolate Factory rise to the surface. An unlikely comparison? Maybe, but maybe not.
In the Communist Manifesto, the bourgeoisie are described as a class thriving off of industrialization. They "cannot continue to exist without revolutionizing the instruments of production." Does that sound like anybody we know? Willy Wonka's factory remains home to incredible new products and forms of production, such as chocolate rivers, gum containing a three course meal, food coming out of televisions, and many other unheard of innovations. Constantly, Mr Wonka searches for "new and improved" ways to create his candy.

So, it's safe to say...
Bourgeoisie = Willy Wonka

However, the evidence doesn't stop there.

Also mentioned in the Manifesto, the bourgeoisie went so far into advancing in productions that they brought in workers from barbaric nations into civilization and compelled them to follow their means of production. They "create their own world after their own image."

Hang on. Would Oompa-Loompas from Loompa-Land, (a small isolated island in the Atlantic Ocean,) count as workers from barbaric nations? And would the fact that Mr Wonka brought them away from the dangers of Loompa-Land, (such as the Whangdoodles, Hornswogglers and Snozzwangers,) to work in his factory and produce his products count as "compelling them to follow his means of production" ?

Yes, yes it would.

So really, when one thinks about it, comparing the Communest Manifesto to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory makes all kinds of sense.

To Blog or Not to Blog: Does it make a difference?

This question is a tricky one for me, because I am not entirely sure how to answer. I don't entirely think it's the pure fact that I'm typing this in a blog, as opposed to pen and paper, that makes me favor my homework in this class over others. I believe it has less to do with where I'm writing as assignment down, but more to do with what exactly the assignment is. Being able to listen to a Beatles song or play Oregon Trail for homework- well, that is very nice! Not only is it entertaining, but surprising and interesting when you realize how easily history can be tied in with such things. So, regardless of where these words were written, I appreciated the assignments because they allowed me to practice making connections and realize a lot of things about the Us and it's history I never knew.

Six Word Story Takes the Cake

As the first quarter progressed on, the blog topics open for students to choose for became increasingly more interesting and intriguing. It only makes sense, the years prompts started off as relatively basic, but once a few weeks passed I found myself genuinely being curious about the topics, and even excited to look into them. In particular, Week 6, in which we discussed American's struggle to move west, contained by far the most entertaining topics to choose from. However, one of those four caught my eye the most: the six word story. Now of course, they typical "high school reason" for favoring this prompt would be the fact that it only required six words, as opposed to a normal paragraph or even more. I'd be lying if I said that wasn't at least part of the reason. However, the magnitude, or lack there of, of this prompt is not what won me over. Ever since hearing the example in class of "For Sale: Baby shoes, never used," it really struck me how easily so few words can bear an immense impact. Although the maximum wasn't hard to reach, in reality, I ended up spending even more time on that prompt than I do on some others- simply because I was trying to make that impression. I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge.

Song of the Shirt

The lyrics of The Song of the Shirt make it apparent just how horrific and miserable the life of a textile worker was. The verses, with their repition of "Work, work, work" throughout the song, convey the monotonous, strenuous, tedious, and agonizing labor they slaved away at. Not only did the laborers suffer, but it seems as though they also reached a point of being dehumanized. "Woman sat in unwomanly rags," and the price and value of bread grew so great, while "humans lives so cheap." Perhaps one of the clearest illustrations of this is in the line "It is not linen you're wearing, but human creatures lives." The laborers in the textile industry gave their life to their work, putting in hours of labor all the way from "when the cock is crowing aloof" to when the "stars shine through the roof." In their poverty, they had no choice but to continue, and yet they made just barely enough to get by. Their only slightest form of revenge was to sing songs such as these, hoping they would reach the ears of the rich.

Six Word Story

Westward Bound: Riches to be found.

We Are The UNITED States, After All.

Lincoln had the right idea. Think about: "United we stand." Although slavery was an apparent issue that was definitely in need of being addressed, the main concern for Lincoln was maintaining what was left of our country at that point, and with good reason. Before he could have taken care of the rights of the citizens, he had to make sure there were citizens at all. With the Confederacy in a state or rebellion, keeping control over the part of the country still in tact was imperative. With the Union preserved, it was less messy, more likely to defeat the South, and restore our country as a whole.

Stereotypes: Are They Unavoidable?

By definition, a stereotype is "a simplified and standardized conception or image invested with special meaning and held in common by members of a group." This definition almost relates directly to the reason why stereotypes are so widely known and used in our society. In learning about our history, and even in staying informed in current events, it is completely impossible to expect a person to know every personality, every intention, and every side of every story. Really, it's virtually impossible. So in saying that, stereotypes are almost entirely inescapable. One cannot discuss a group of people without using stereotypes, it just can't happen. Every person in every story is so unique, and everyone has their own reasoning. However, do we ever take account of that? No. We go with the majority. We learn about what is most interesting. We remember radical acts, not tolerant and logical ones. In our society, groups of people get labeled. Not neccessarily because we are lazy or judgemental, or just don't feel like learning the truth; Mostly because if we took the time to abolish stereotypes, and look at every individual for what exactly they did and why, we'd probably be better people, yes- but we would get absolutely nowhere in learning about the bulk of history.

Rocky Raccoon

The song "Rocky Raccoon" by The Beatles portrays the Wild West as a place of chaos and impulse. In the song, Rocky decides to have a shoot off with the man who is with the girl he loves. For the most part, this song is relatively accurate in it's description. The actual Wild West was full of ambitious men, who ventured there for mining purposes. The mining is something the song failed to mention, even though it was extremely prevalent in actual history. However, the song does mention many notable topics of the Wild West. For instance, Rocky "checked himself into the local saloon." In addition, the "doctor came in, stinking of gin." The men in these towns were barely concerned with rules and regulations; They were just out seeking fortune, having left their women behind, almost always using alcohol to fill up whatever voids they possessed. It would not be uncommon for a doctor to be intoxicated. Also, as far as leaving their women behind, these men were often looking for ways to amuse themselves, and the only women in the town were usually prostitutes. It is not unlikely that the "Nancy" mentioned in the song held this profession, which would make it a bit clearer why she'd have men fighting over her. The song also portrays the pride of the men, when Rocky referred to his gunshot wound as "only a stratch," showing not only their seemingly unstoppable dispositions but also how confident these men were. The Beatles actually semi-successfully described the Wild West with an entertaining storyline and catchy melody.

"Former Slave"

During Reconstruction, Ammendments 13, 14, and 15 were established. Ammendment 13 abolished slavery, Ammendment 14 provided constituional guarentee of the right and security of freed people, and Ammendment 15 gave the right to vote based on race, color, or previous conditions of servitude. All of this sounds beautiful, correct? One would think that the arrival of the Reconstruction period would mean a whole new life for previous slaves, filled with rights and oppurtunity. However, things were definitely not as they seemed. Once freed, former slaves didn't have anywhere to go. The only life they ever knew was servitude, and when they all of a sudden need to find something other than that, there weren't many options for them. So then came sharecropping, which inadvertantly became a system of survival for them. In sharecropping, a landowner would own a piece of property, and rent out bits of the land to the former slaves and their family. They would pay interest to the land owner, and attend to all the tasks assigned to them, then in turn would be compensated with a salary based on the quality of their work. However, sharecropping entailed so much labor for so little pay, that it became extremely close to a legal form of slavery. The main difference between sharecropping and slavery was the worker now had the right to leave whenever they wanted to. However, this "option" of freedom was a faint and distant one, as the country offered very few alternatives of survival for former slaves. So, altogether, the Reconstruction era, in the end, provided a false sense of freedom for former slaves, and didn't actually change their conditions by much.

To forgive or not to forgive?

The question of whether or not the South should be granted amnesty was a highly controversial one during the time of Reconstruction. On one hand, why should they be forgiven? They rebelled, they fought, they destroyed, they spent money on war, and completely disrespected their country. However, what would be the consequences of not forgiving them? A country completely divided; More war; Less power. Would holding a grudge be worth all the lost oppurtunities? Personally, I believe that giving the South amnesty was the right thing to do, even if it did not serve the most justice. In the end what is important is our country as a whole. The United States. If we lost our unity, what would we have? We have strength in numbers. We're one of the largest countries in the world. If the South had never been forgiven, this would not be the case. In granting amnesty to the South, Lincoln looked past petty grudges and desired revenge and did what was best for our country.

Treatment of African American's Throughout the Ages

     Discrimination can be defined as "unfair treatment of a person or racial group." Unfortunately, this very act remains apparent throughout U.S. history. Despite the fact that many precautions were taken in an effort to prevent mistreatment of the African American race, discrimination pressed onward at full force, flying by all barriers that were designed tokeep it at bay. Some of these barriers include the Emancipation Proclamation and a group of Amendments as well. However, the white race still always withheld a superior attitude. Miniscule daily activities became arduous for blacks, who always had to watch their behavior. Even the simpliest reflex or impulse could land them in jail or sentenced to death. The had to refrain from even looking white people in the eye, stepping out of line, or doing anything else considered "disrespectful" on their behalf.
   The Reconstruction Era possessed the same struggles for African Americans. Despite the Emancipation Proclamation, which Lincoln issued just before, the racism continued. The reason behind this can be found in how the Proclamation actually was. Although it is most reknowned for having "freed the slaves," in reality, it could not enforce this law. At the time of it's release, the Union had no authority over the Confederacy, so the Proclamation had little effect overall. However, the efforts to balance out the treatment of blacks continued with a series of ammendements. Amendment thirteen abolished slavery, amendment fourteen provided constitutional guarentee of the rights and security of freed people, and Amendment 15 gave the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude. All of these sound like specific and helpful laws to pass, right? Well unfortunately, these didn't stop the Black Codes, (later known as Jim Crow laws,) from springing into effect. The Black Codes were laws that restricted the rights of African Americans in the South. Overall, these codes practically made freedom completely out of reach, once again, for blacks. Commonly, codes involved employment of the former slaves. In many states, if unemployed, African Americans faced the potential of being arrested and charged with vagrancy. These laws imposed severe restrictions on blacks, prohibiting their right to vote, forbidding them to sit on juries, limiting their right to bare arms, along with many other restraints.
    In contrast, a great and effective push for change was brought in with the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s. The Civil Rights Movement was a political movement for equailty of all people, regardless of race. With the movement came many acts of rebellion and non-violent protest, particularly from prominent figures of the movement such as Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, W.E.B. Du Bois, and of course, Martin Luther King Jr. These figures in themselves bring up what is perhaps one of the most interesting points of the Civil Rights Movement: African Americans were fighting for their rights. As stated earlier, during the Reconstruction Era, African Americans had to submit. They were in an awkward limbo of not being enslaved but having nowhere to go, and so they had to watch every step they took. However, the Civil Rights Movement represent not only the government taking action, but African-Americans themselves stepping up and fighting for their rights. This in itself is a notable accomplishment.
    In both of these instances throughout history, not even goal was reached. Not every right for African-Americans was restored, and certaintly, not everything was perfect. However, improvement was made, and more so was made until today- where discrimination is still unfortunately apparent, but not near as much as before. Nothing will ever be as flawless as it is so obviously desired, but for today, America can proudly represent itself as a country very low on racism and discrimination.


Source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:AfricanAmericans1.png

Should the Government Govern at All?

Personally, I believe the answer is yes.
When Thoreau said, "that government is best which governs the least," he stated his opinon that the most successful governments prove to be ones who make as little interference with the people as possible. I am not entirely sure I agree.
I believe this quote could be looked at from a few different perspectives.
For one, it can be viewed in regards to dictatorship. Obviously, in cases like that of Hitler's, there is a time when the government can be altogheter far too involved with the people. With these scenarios in mind, Thoreau's quote might make all kinds of sense. The government should back off and let the people handle it, because when one person gets too power hungry, an entire nation can pay for it.
However, it is quite blantatly clear that not ever case is that of Hitler's. I believe that, without taking it too far, the government can steer the country in a better direction. There are so many people in each nation, all with different viewpoints and different drives. It would be near impossible to work it all out on our own. The government remains very neccessary.
The government should remain active and apparently in the lives of the people, but only to the extent of which it is necessary, beneficial, and appropriate.

Ignorance is Bliss

Going off of Voltaire's statement, it's not something we neccessarily understand until our later years of schooling. All throughout elementary and even middle school, students are spoon-fed the same lies we've always been taught. This brings up a risky topic, should younger students be taught how things actually went down? Should they be exposed to tales of brutal slaughter and reckless conquer? In my opinion, not necessarily. It's a bit much for young kids. However, does that mean we have to flat out lie? I truly don't think so. I don't believe that it is at all neccesary to hide the complete truth from younger kids. History can be touched on in elementary schooling, perhaps teaching the basic facts, rather than the basic lies. If that is done in the younger years, then, when students reach mid and junior high, they could start to delve deeper into actuality. I believe that is a far more suitable age for comprehension of some of the crazy subjects that come up. So altogether, I think we should change how we teach younger students. Instead of flat out lying, we should just give them a basic understanding, providing a foundation for what they'll learn more of in the future.

The Accepted Misconception

When Voltaire stated "History is a lie commonly agreed upon," he referred to the nature of which we, as humans, choose to leave our legacy. Throughout all nations, so-called 'history' has been altered, or edited, to make the specific country to which it pertains to look a little better, a little braver, or a little less like completely jerks. Once this 'new' story is created, it's recorded, the way they want people to see it in the future. It makes sense, since naturally, humans would never want to own up to their own wrongdoings. This proves to be the same basic principle. All through out time, people lie to cover their tracks, and those lie's get passed down to generation after generation, who accept what is told to them.