Untitled

[pikachucabra-blog]

Justin Chu Tumblr Post #9

Jeffersonian versus Hamiltonian ideology is what struck out to me the most. How I learned Thomas Jefferson was not a really a moral sound president after all who wanted to press on the Agrarian slave culture. Hamilton ideology is how the United States currently runs, a large national bank and a more modern economy from the industrial revolution. Learning the truth towards Andrew Jackson “free debt America” is interesting considering it put America into decades of economic recession. 

The topics addressed in this course was built on top one another creating one fluent narrative. Starting out with the events leading to the Puritans leaving Anglican pro Britain to starting their new life in America and ending it with the U.S Civil war. How the manifest destiny resulted from the failed economy of the east due to Jackson eliminating the Second National Bank. Learning how the Mexican-American war was triggered by the United States and dispelling American Exceptionalism which was presented throughout my elementary and middle school history class.

There will always be bias presented from a course, within US History the accounts of the Civil War was heavily accounted from the Union side, especially the name of the battles. Information in regards to the Native Americans are limited as most of their information has been lost through oral traditions. 

There is always blind spots when covering U.S History as there are many events that can be examined closely. There is just not enough time to cover the whole scope of US History in one semester. Despite have AMH 2020 it takes a lot of time to fully learn about US History. After all, there is also some part of American History that hasn’t been unconvered yet. History is always in the making. 

Personally, I would like to learn more about US History from the 1900′s onward, and thankfully you teach the AMH 2020 course.

In terms of a favorite assignment, Tumblr Post 6 The American Way Of War was my favorite assignment. For this assignment I choose the documentary of the Battle of Mogadishu learning the true events of Ridley Scotts film Black Hawk Down. Tumblr Post 4 Church and State is my least favorite personally since the topic is harder to grasp.

Through your documentary and allowing us to choose a film to watch for our extra credit assignment, this course reinforce my knowledge on how history is being interpreted through the mediums of media, such as drunk history, Stephen Colberts interpretation of history, and dispelling American Exceptionalism in the History Channel. 

I learn a lot from this course and I appreciate your passion within history. 

[pikachucabra-blog]

Justin Chu The Revenant

The Rocky Mountain Rendevous, an event where all the fur traders in the west come and trade their pelt and other provisions in exchange for resupplies. While the fur traders are happily negotiating their merch an arrow pierces through a fur trader. All hell breaks loose and the Arikara Indians ambushes the fur traders. Death after death as the camera pans over the sequence of death from both Fur Traders and the Native Americans. Hugh Glass and his son Hawk manages to climb aboard the boat before more chaos awaits. 

That is the opening sequence of The Revenant, which stars Leonardo Dicaprio as Hugh Glass and Tom Hardy as Fitzagerald. As the age of Jackson era annihilated the second national bank ultimately clearing all the “debt” many individuals are left displaced within their lives in the east. Homes are being forclosed, interest rates are skyrocketing, and paper money became utterly worthless it became the new toilet paper. With no other options left in the faltering economy of the south, a number of individuals migrate westward in the hopes of restarting their lives and finding prosperity out west. This ultimately fulfills the manifest destiny as it was the destiny for individuals to seek a new life out west after the financial crisis destroyed the lives of many. 

In spite of this, the accounts of Hugh Glass took place right before the age of Jackson. 

The westward expansion is rather more arduous compared to the life living in the east. While the east has to deal with welfare and instability those living out west are facing the uncertainty, Native Americans. At the time, the area Hugh Glass and his men ventured is an unorganized territory which is now known as present day Montana and North Dakota.  The relations between Native Americans and the westerners has not always been in good terms. Even as early as the colonist arrives to the New World the Native Americans were vigilant against the colonist. Wild life is another factor especially grizzly bears are dangerous towards the fur trappers as shown within Hugh Glass was ripped up by the mother bear. 

While the film itself was spectacular in it’s own remarks using only natural light to fill in the scenes, the film is shown with some inaccuracies. The backstory of Glass and the Pawnee Indian is pure fiction for the purpose of Hollywood. There is no evidence stating the Glass had a relationship of some sort or even had a child of his own. In terms of the ending of the film, it is stated that in real life Glass did not take the life of Fitzagerald where in actuality he lives on. Another instance is shown when the French Canadian voyagers are seen raping a Native American, in fact the French were not as ruthless in real life unlike the Americans who has a lower reputation out west showing an instance of American Exceptialism. 

Historical interpretation of the film for the most part sticks within the accounts of Hugh Glass with some alterations catering towards Hollywood. This film is a good piece of history that is often disregarded from mainstream history. A new perspective within the life of a frontiersman brings in an account as to how treacherous life was back then while migrating westward. This exemplify the struggles these fur traders have to endure. Although most of the interpretation is altered, this helps pushed forth the academic conversation of the life of a frontiersman back during the 19th century. 

Filming The Revanant has it’s upbringings. The film was delayed for almost a year because of climate change. The director Alejandro G. Iñárritu originally intended to have principal filming in Canada but was cut short since the snow was withering early. Thus, they had to push productions towards Argentina where snow was still present. The actor Leonardo Dicaprio stated that throughout the process he was constantly enduring pain and discomfort within the conditions they were filming at and the actions they portrayed within the scenes. All lot of cast members quit or got fired within the process because of the circumstances, but Alejandro G. Iñárritu believed within his direction of filming which ultimately landed a Golden Globe Award.

Despite some historical inaccuracies within the portrayal of the accounts of Hugh Glass, The Revenant is a film to watch providing the glimpse of the life of the frontiersman migrating westward depicting the struggles and encounters faced by nature and the uncertainty of the Native Americans. The manifest destiny is ultimately fulfilled through the lives of these fur traders.

[pikachucabra-blog]

Justin Chu 12 Years of Slave

Imagine having your life being taken away within an instance. That is how Solomon Northup life was when he was striped away from his freedom and was forced into slavery. Unable to see his children nor his wife, Solomon is going to endure a grueling 12 years in slavery with his other compatriots. Born as a northerner, the mind set of the individuals living in the south conflicts with the mind set of the northerner. The film depicts the contrast within the morals of the north against the south as shown with Bass -played by Brad Pitt his alignment with his moral encompass. Not to forget he is also Canadians, after all Canadians are the friendliest. 

The economy within the southern part of the United States thrived within the plantation economy. Especially in non-essential commodities such as sugar, tobacco, and cotton. Within the film, Steve McQueen portrayed cotton as one of the main commodity being used in the efforts to prosper the southern economy. Sugar canes are also being shown to bring wealth within the southern economy. 

McQueen does a great job portraying the ideological divide between the North and South with the north favoring greatly in the industrial sector of the economy although it wasn’t shown. The south was predominantly a Jeffersonian democracy favoring in plantations in order to thrive their economy. Moral principals are also presented within the character Bass who is a Canadian born white individual working as a carpenter contractor for Epps showing the immorality within slavery and how both the black men and white man are equally the same. Epps, the main antagonist of the film is the epitome of a southern plantation owner showing the traits of a bigoted individual who only looks at his slave as property. It’s quite interesting to see Epps reluctantly wanting to whip Patsey as they both have an affair with each other. Towards the end, the letter Bass sent to New York made it to the hands of Henry Northrup, a Whig attorney and made his voyage down south the rescue Solomon. The scene with Henry Northup arguing with Epps is one of the most rememberable scenes within the film as both ideology is being challenged. Ultimately, the north wins this round and Solomon no longer has to endure the pain and suffering the Jeffersonian south has endured on him. 

12 Years a Slave depicts the life within the antebellum plantations. In spite of the gruesome lifestyle the slaves have to endure, only four deaths has been depicted within the film. The film showcases the brutalities of beating and whipping as portrayed with Solomon in the beginning sequence and Patsey being whipped by both Solomon and Epps. Also, Solomon is shown whipping Tibeats being beaten by Solomon for attempting to punish him. The film shows the destructions of family within the slave trade with one of the slave’s child being sold off along with Solomon to Ford’s plantation. 

Casting for the film is interesting, the lead actors/actress along with the subsequent recurring characters were not American. Lupita Nyong playing Patsey is Mexican Kenyan. Michael Fassbender is a German Irish descent. Chiwetel Ejiofor is a British descent. Benedict Cumberbatch is a English actor portraying a slave plantation owner. Brad Pitt is the only American actor within the cast and ironically plays a Canadian character. Aside from having an international cast portraying the characters living in the antebellum period the portrayal of the cast still made an impact within the film.  

12 Years A Slave is a piece of good history film literature that does not trickle down within the portrayal of the antebellum period. It also portrays that not all slave plantation owners are the same. Ford who was played by Benedict Cumberbatch is regarded a liberal individual who does not treat his slaves with cruelty unlike his compatriots (Tibeats). Epps played by Micheal Fassbender is a bigoted slave plantation owner who only looks at his slave with one perspectives being a commodity. 

Filming took place within Louisiana where slavery also took place at. The tree that was used for the lynching scene was an actually place where slaves got lynched at. The depiction of this film brought the notions of the cruelty of slavery during the antebellum time. Ultimately, this film ended up wining an academy award for Best Picture. In the preparation for the scene where Epps whips Patsey, the actor and actress themselves created “nice moments” were they would only interact with each other in a nice manner to mentally build up the trust for the scene they were about to depict in. 

Though this is one recollection of the life of Solomon, there are many stories like his that hasn’t been told. This film shed the lights of a primary account of a freemen being brought into slavery. Solomon, that beating of Tibeats was justified. 

[pikachucabra-blog]

Tumblr Post #8

Born Into Brothels

Born Into Brothels is beyond what the title states. My initial thoughts of the film centered around the lives of women living in impoverished environments, showing them being sold off into sex trade and being forced to work against their wills. However, Zana Brinksi the co-creator of this documentary shines a different lens within the issue of brothel houses in the Red Light District of Calcutta.

The documentary depicts eight individuals, Avijit, Manik, Puja, Shanti, Gour, Tapaso, Suchitra, and Kochi. All of whom are under 15 years of age. Rather than showing the horrors of what the pimps do to their sex slaves and the acts they have to commit towards their customers, none of those content were shown within the documentary. Instead, Brinski showcases the life of the brothels children in what they have to endure within their lives living in the Red Light District.

Zana Brinski, who graduated from the University of Cambridge is a photographer struggling to make ends meet. She spent some time at the Calcutta area of India in which she witness the children’s life slowly being withered away. Brinski forged an attachment towards the 8 children and bought each and one of them a camera to teach them photography knowing that she has her own financial burden. The lives of the 8 individuals were recorded through each portfolio of the children. The documentary showed despite the environment they have to deal with what small things they can look forward to in life. Once the documentary ended, the seven children were able to obtain an education at a boarding school. A couple of them drop out from the pressure of their parents wanting them back home in using the child as a commodity of the sex business.

Avijit was the child that showed the most potential for growth. He quickly learned the fundamentals of photography and shows interest in education. Only the death of her mother strikes a blow with in Avijit for a short time being derailing him from his endeavors. Ultimately after the documentary, Avijit obtained a scholarship to attend high school in New Hampshire and Utah. He ultimately got accepted to New York University and hopes to pursue in a career in hollywood bringing his passion of photography with him.

This documentary brings into the perspective how kids living in Western and Eastern societies differ. While a bias is present within the documentary depicting the lives of Eastern children living in Brothel’s, it does shed the lights of the individuals living in the Red Light District of Calcutta. Though this is not equivalent to the atrocities African American’s have to face back in the 19th century the sex trade is the modern day equivalent towards the slave trades back in the 19th century. 

This documentary is only a microcosm within the prevailing issues of brothels. This is also by no means a general representation of India by itself, but through this documentary it pushes forth the notions of the lives of individuals being indebted towards the sex trade. 

The life of Avijit is interesting, he was a survivor from living in the Red Light District overcoming the social pressures from his environment. He developed a strong ego early on within his life and had a natural talent within his learned trait from Zana. It would be interesting for Zana Brinski to have a followup documentary of the 8 lives, though sadly only couple of them manage to have a successful life while two of the individuals are indebted to the life of brothels. 

“Never again” cannot be a reality unfortunately because we live in a world where there will always be horrible individuals doing things deviating outside of societal norms. Only bringing awareness to this will help diminish the efforts of these trades and help push forth the academic conversation of this macrocosm. 

A question to consider for Zana Brinski; Do you have intentions on doing a follow up documentary for the children or it’s best to leave it as a standalone? 

[673]

[pikachucabra-blog]

Justin Chu Tumblr Post #7

The Kingfish is what he is known for. Huey Long was the former governor of Louisiana and a US Senator. A self proclaimed country bumpkin, Long strives to connect with the rural class despite not being one himself. Long quickly rose through fame through his flamboyant presentation of himself, creating the needed infrastructures Louisiana desperately needed. Upon becoming governor Long created bridges and roads that he promised to modernized rural Louisiana. Through his rhetoric, the Kingfish has influenced many to accept his radicalized ideas.  Ultimately, Huey Long was shot by Carl Weiss and died two days afterwards. Over 200,000 spectators flock to pay the respect of The Kingfish one last time.

The idea of an American Politician being heavily right wing to the point where they have full executive control is unbelievable. A small town individual rose into a name brand within a matter of years is incredible. Huey Long won the hearts of his people back in Louisiana, a state where infrastructure is limited and the majority of the citizens are country bumpkins. 

Though, his means of consolidating power is rather aggressive. Huey takes everything within his own accord only wanting to do things his own way or else he would not be happy. Despite being a freshman senator, Huey has a way with articulating his arguments around. Even if his claims are a bit adverse, people will still look up to him. 

Heavily corrupted as a governor, Huey took 10% of all of his employee’s paycheck which is funded through his presidential running. Huey use of force and intimidation ultimately allows him to get towards his destination. Another factor to consider is the demographics of his population. The majority of the population are rural individuals with an average literacy of a middle schooler. Individuals living in Louisiana has never met anyone academically intelligent than Huey Long, therefore its reasonable to see how Long can influence the whole state of Louisiana to favor Long for his accomplishments and ambitions to bring prosperity towards the poor individuals living in Louisiana. 

Blind spots and bias the film maker presents is the individuals that were interviewed. Majority of the interviews shows how Huey Long was a great individual despite all the wrong doings he has committed. There is no personal accounts of other social classes presenting their viewpoint of Huey Long. All of the interviewees are low class individuals who live during the time of Huey Long’s regime. Presenting a viewpoint incorporating other social classes can bring an objective viewpoint of Huey Long. 

The ideals which shapes Long’s character can stem back towards Andrew Jackson who himself also bend the rules of the constitution in order to do things his own way. Despite his radical views, many individuals respect him greatly. 

Huey Long is an individual who knows how to navigate through the rhetorical situation winning the hearts of lower class individuals. In today’s rhetorical situation, Donald Trump embodies the radicalized qualities of Huey Long with his rash approach in social politics. Despite his practice of corruption in the efforts to propel him towards fulfilling his agenda, nevertheless Long is an accomplished leader. His final words “God, don’t let me die. I have so much to do.” shows his strong ambitions as a leader. Despite him being a radicalized leader, I admire his ambitions of his leadership qualities. [556]

[pikachucabra-blog]

Justin Chu Tumblr Post 6

b

October 1993, US Delta Forces were dispatched to capture a local war lord, Mohamed Aidid who was accused for the murder of 14 UN Peacekeeping troops. Dead or Alive, the US wanted to capture Aidid and bring justice to the 14 peacekeeping troops.  The mission was anticipated to take no more than an hour. Upon arrival, Delta Force encountered a horde of Aidid’s men attacking them from all sides. Blackhawk Super 61 took a hit by an RPG sending the bird down three blocks from the initial objective. The shift of the mission came when Blackhawk Super 64 went down couple blocks away from the raid house. With all the soldiers being tasked to protect Super 61 there was no support for Super 64. Only two Delta Force Marksmen, Sergeant First Class Randy Shughart and Master Sergeant Gary Gordon were dispatched in assisting Chief Warrant Officer Mike Durant who was the sole survivor of the helicopter crash. Both Delta Force Sniper knew what they were up against and died bravely in protecting their fellow comrade. The remaining Delta Force are hold up at Mogadishu for the night until US Forces joined with UN Forces assist for their rescue. American resulted in 18 casualties and 84 wounded service men. Mike Durant was held as hostage for 11 days by Somalia Faction leaders and the body of Gary Gordon and Randy Shughart were dragged around the streets of Somalia creating social upheaval in the United States. 

Prior to the Battle of Mogadishu, during the Clinton administration enacted Operation Restore Hope which allows UN Peacekeeping force to provide aid to the civilians living in Somalia. Initial arrival of the UN coalition resulted in a warm welcoming as quoted by a former soldier of Aidid’s army. The massacre of the 14 UN Servicemen resulted the Clinton administration to authorize a raid in Mogadishu capturing Aidid’s personal aid. What was not shown by the media at the time was the US ambush of Aidid’s top official at a hotel which resulted in 73 civilian casualties. 

Having watching Ridley Scott’s Black Hawk Down when I was a child inspired me to learn more about this particular operation. Scott’s interpretation of the film is accurate for the most part with some exception as this was also a hollywood blockbuster. Seconds From Disaster, a series on the account of the Battle of Mogadishu depicts the events accurately. Being an American made documentary this documentary attempts to show both side of the spectrum by interviewing former Delta Force Matt Eversmann which inspired the script for Black Hawk Down, Mike Durant’s personal account of the event, and former major general William F. Garrison. Will still being predominantly American, the film-makers attempt to show both sides of the spectrum to decrease American bias. 

The film makers did their best in capturing the events of the failed operation. An analysis of what went wrong shows that the Delta Force underestimated the situation of Aidid’s men and re-using the war plan from a different operation resulted in a failure of the operation. The US government also denied heavy armament to be sent to Somalia which could of been a factor in changing the table against the Somalians. The problem in Somalia should not be foreign affairs for the United States until the execution of US personal in Somalia which prompted a raid in Mogadishu. America War Hawks favor war at any given moment when they feel something of theirs is taken away. This has been shown back to the Barbary War where Barbary pirates kidnapped 200 US Sailors from the USS Philadelphia and US Marines intervene rescuing all 200 sailors. What becomes a problem for America is when their property is deemed in danger. Thus American will do whatever it takes to facilitate their interests. 

Seconds from Disaster taught me why the American’s lost the battle of Mogadishu and provided an analysis as to why this battle was flawed from the beginning. More accounts from the Somalia’s perspective would be nice to follow up in understanding their motives behind the battle of Mogadishu.

The US should not have been involved in Somalia where they know the country is already in a political vacuum. Providing aid to the civilians is justified, though raiding Mogadishu led by US forces is going beyond the lines where the US does not have any interest in Somalia. The operation itself should of been led by UN Coalition. 

[pikachucabra-blog]

Justin Chu Tumblr Post 5

Identity crisis has been an issue many face throughout the years being uncertain of their roles in gender. These great measures exist in the homosexual communities throughout the United States. In today’s narrative, homosexuals are more relaxed to express themselves outside in public contrasting  towards the 1960′s-1980′s. Despite the efforts being made by homosexual advocates, the prevailing issue of homosexuality is still prevalent along side with oppressed minority groups. 

How We Got Gay is a documentary explaining the struggles and upbringings homosexual individuals endure the courses of the revolution. Experiences are showcased through the lens of former advocates of the community as well current homosexuals revealing the life they have to encounter during the oppressed time. During the baby boomers generation many homosexuals are passive within their activities as the narrative for homosexuals are ultimately frowned upon. Such examples includes meeting others in public restrooms or public parks. In spite of their privacy, the narrative at the time was highly oppressed by. Homosexuals would be arrested even behind closed doors for expressing their acts of love. Any behaviors of sodomy would result in a arrest for homosexual individuals. 

In the upcoming generation after the baby boomers, homosexuality started to bring momentum towards the general public. Behaviors were expresses elicity in the safe haven of ghettos in San Francisco. The divide of homosexuality between the baby boomers and generation x is prevalent as the baby boomers are still timid in expressing their homosexuality in public. The narrative for Generation X is different as they challenge the general consensus against the oppressors and government. At this same time, counterculture is prevalent for other minority groups as well. Ultimately, the government responded first in Canada allowing homosexuals to marry amongst each other legally. 

How We Got Gay presents the viewers the timeline of the ongoing social issue of homosexuals. Though they express the upbringings greatly within their narrative, many issues are left behind. For instance, this documentary presents one view of sodomy equality through the lens of white individuals. Homosexuality is shown in other cultural groups as well in which this documentary failed to show. The film makers present a biased viewpoint of homosexuality in one culture where it is also prevalent in other culture. Presenting a different viewpoint can add towards the dynamics of the issue in regards the homosexuality. 

Personally, the documentary expresses homosexuality in a positive light though I wish they also included other cultural groups too. Gays in particular has been centrally exhibited more in this documentary than lesbians which also shows another bias in the film makers. The dynamics between gays and lesbian can show a different perspective for gender equality.

Ultimately, homosexuality stems more beyond itself. This shapes the overall landscape for other minority groups who are underrepresented. People of color in particular are fighting for a voice within the community as they are often treated as second class citizen. This issue itself is highly prevalent in today’s climate. Through time, this issue will continue to be brought up by the general consensus. 

I have no questions for the film maker.  [514]

[pikachucabra-blog]

Justin Chu Tumblr post 4

Religious freedom and religious liberty are two terms that are used interchangeably. While the intent of the meaning are similar, the usage however differs. Users of “religious liberty” often use this term as a scapegoat to protect themselves against their own views. The case against Hobby Lobby V Burwell shed light against their evangelical beliefs. Hobby Lobby is a pro-Christian company revolving their values on the bible. Recently the company is in hot waters after the court case proved Hobby Lobby to be the victors. Under the Affordable Care Act, Hobby Lobby has to pay for certain contraceptive drugs for abortion patients working for Hobby Lobby. They refused to make an extra payment for the drugs because it violated their evangelical views on abortion. While not providing concrete evidences as to why it goes against their core values the Supreme Court ultimately gave Hobby Lobby and exception allowing them not to pay for treatments for abortion individuals.  Though religious freedom has their say as well, protecting those who rights are violated. Ezra Levant in The Rebel has gave an example regarding the use of religious Freedom of Tim Cooke. Exploring how outrageous Tim Cooke is in regards to the law passed in Indiana discriminating against homosexuals. Bringing forth another area of interest the Middle East where Tim Cooke conducts business with as well criticize how Tim Cooke remained silent upon the Middle East philosophy on homosexuals.  Ultimately, the terms are held within their subjective beliefs as religion value can be hypocritical. 

This is a social issue that governs itself within the contexts of the individuals.  After Roe V Wade abortion is legalized throughout the United States. The question is whether individuals will enact with the law. Social clauses regarding to the individuals beliefs continues as they will still reject abortion because of their religious beliefs. 

Initially, the United States is made up of individuals allowing freedom of religious persecution. As shown in William Penn who founded Pennsylvania and promised to provide religious freedom for individuals regardless of their religion and beliefs. The dynamics has shift in today’s context as individuals are divided in regards to cultural stigmas. Homosexuals are beginning to be accepted in society though anti-homosexuals are prevalent. Extremist groups such as the American Family Association provide unparalleled causation as “homosexuality gave us Adolph Hitler” which shows the bigotry individuals will succumb by to protect their “religious freedom”. 

Religious Liberties and religious freedoms is a concept that I have not delve deeply into. But the arguments for both sides are prevalent within expanding my thoughts around religious thinking. Both sides are being protected against one another, though in the end its a struggle against social conflicts. I don’t approve homosexuality because humans cannot bear another human through two sperms connected together or vice versa with eggs. I however don’t discriminate against them as their are finding their purpose within the social construct. Anti-gays can be a bit extreme within their views, but ultimately voice out their opinion as a traditionalist. Though in the video Stand for Religious Liberty a couple lost their bakery business because of refusing to serve for the Homosexuals is rather absurd since they have the right to serve to which customers they want. However the other viewpoint of discriminating customers  because they are homosexuals fearing they will change them as well is also absurd since homosexuals are just wanting to buy the products of the store owners, not spreading their awareness. [576]

[pikachucabra-blog]

Justin Chu Tumblr Post #3

Obama’s Differed Action For Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents allows more than 4 million undocumented refugees who are parents of US Citizen to remain as residents in the United States in which if they do not commit any felony or any misdemeanor for five years. This reform protects the 4 million undocumented immigrants from deportation by Homeland Security. Millions of immigrants fled to the United States because of the political fallout occurring back in their homefront.

This action however led to a controversy with other state governments of the United States. 26 States held a view against Obama’s action in regards of using his executive action which they deemed unconstitutional. The state of Texas in particular claimed that with the executive action it causes Texas to pay more in issuing drivers license.  

The immigration reform is part of Obama’s agenda in the reforms he wants to get passed. However with the prevailing budget received initially and the economic landscape faced in 08 Obama was unable to get this reformed passed initially. Presidents in the past exercised executive action on immigration reforms. Though the 26 states viewed that the President’s executive action “abused” his power.

A moral obligation is what being enacted here on Obama’s executive actions. Through my perspective I believe it’s the right thing to do allowing millions of undocumented immigrants to settle at the United States away from political instability. Freedom and democracy rings throughout the United States with some restrictions. Majority of the individuals in the past came to the United States in the efforts to escape from political turmoil or to start a new life. This has been shown historically such as the Great Migration where Puritans fled England fearing the purge enacted by Charles I. Another instance is shown in the case of William Penn where he was granted proprietorship of the colony Pennsylvania. One of the first colonies to allow freedom of religion and freedom of politics.

The prevailing views are prevalent between the two sides. Marielena Hincapie the Executive Director of the National Immigration Law Center welcomes Obama’s enactment of the executive action which she deems to help stimulate the economy of the United States by providing hardworking individuals who wants to make a difference for this country.  Josh Blackman with the South Texas College of Law opposes Hincapie’s views stating the Take Care clause should be evaluated in the case where the state of Texas won’t sue the United States.

My initial reaction falls within the middle where I am presented with two sides. Isabel Sousa Rodriguez presents a far left viewpoint regarding President’s Obama inability to secure immigrations reform. I understand the repercussions faced with the reform being enacted allowing millions of undocumented immigrants to receive the same benefits as tax payers without paying taxes. On the other end of the spectrum there is a need to help distressed individuals from their political turmoil and in the efforts to provide them opportunity. The United States is a model nation that should provide aid for these distressed immigrants.

[pikachucabra-blog]

Justin Chu Tumblr post 2

American Red and Black: Stories of Afro-Native Identity explore the lives of five individuals who are Afro-Native American. Through each individual interviews lies a story to be told which unearths a major problem faced for a minority of the minority. The prevailing theme of accepting ones identity is emphasize in depth through the lens of the five individuals. Ultimately, this ethnic issue is undermined by the majority and needs to be addressed.

Vella is the first interviewee, not understanding her identity until the death of her grandma. As an Afro-Native she faces the criticism of society cultural clashes with minorities. Being ridiculed by society’s standard as well feeling unwelcome from her Native community, Vella overcome’s her cultural barrier and accepted her heritage and assimilated towards her Native community. 

The Mohican people is what Tallouk is consist of. Through his interview Tallouk explained how slavery was a vital component in the efforts on cultivating land in North America. Intermarriage was a result through the exposure of slaves and Native Americans in the same context of cultivating. In his personal life, categorizing himself as “Black Indian” is culturally racist in which he rejects the use of the terminology. Because of his mixed race both being the minority of the minority, Tallouk faces extensive cultural ridicules from other egocentric ethnic groups. Only through accepting oneself and ignoring others ridicule allows Tallouk to accept the person he is. 

Jolene presents a different perspective as to how her Native community is very open to her mixed identity. With 99% of the community being Macaw she is deeply connected with her roots. Jolene presents how the two communities are similar in terms of feelings despite the dynamics in culture. 

Sequoyah is a Kiowa and recollect his time when he was ridiculed for calling himself orange in kindergarten prompting him to visit his principal and a psychologist to understand his identity given by the majority. This dynamic presents a general issue by the major ethnic groups in understanding misrepresented ethnic groups.

Richard is an American and Chinicock who ridiculed his own heritage and was “slapped hard and piked up to remind himself that he was a Native American”. Through his travels in Europe he grew an understanding for his identity for both Native American and African culture. 

The overall theme encompasses the duality of identity and understanding themselves for who they are as well overcoming ridicules faced by the majority ethnic group. The cultural dynamics for Native Americans and Africans are misrepresented in the United States let alone being a mixed Afro-Native American. Americans must realize the long history of Native Americans and their upbringing. In terms of the interviews, a bias is ultimately seen through the lens of the Afro-Native Americans individuals explaining first person accounts of their struggles. This provides a view that is absent within the American education system which often ignores the history of Native Americans and African Americans. While there are more areas that need to be covered in this issue, the interviewer covered one major aspect which is the identity crisis faced by these individuals. 

A follow up interview in regards to the individuals current life will be nice to see their growth from the past interview.

[pikachucabra-blog]

Justin Chu Blog Entry #1

History is written by the victors, though the losers have their own perspective to uncover. The case of the history between Japan and China, in todays generation not a lot of individuals know about the atrocities Japan committed against China with Rape of Nanking. Japan attempting to eradicate that part of history from the modern age in the attempts to uplift their image. Then there’s the case with worldview bias in regards how country’s have their own interpretations on history. How the media exaggerate the headline and promote yellow journalism. What’s current today will become the past, and the rest is history.

Every school year I had history class which I was always looking forward too. Freshman year with AP Human Geography, sophomore year with AP World History, junior year with History’s of America and senior year with contemporary history. All my teachers are knowledgable in their area of expertise, but hated the administration my high school had at the time. They would complain how the administrators are causing a lot of drama against the teachers. For my sophomore year World History class, I collaborated with a group of friends creating a video on the reflection of the American Civil War. In terms of getting close to history, creating a renactment of the Civil War is the closest thing to history other than visiting local museums. In my senior year, topics I will be introduced upon include single party state’s with examples of Adolf Hitler, Fulgenico Batista, and Fidel Castro.

My Civil War video project:

My historical fiction I chose was The Things They Carried by  Time O’ Brien, a Vietnam War Veteran himself and a writer for the Vietnam War genre. My first encounter with his novel was in my 9th grade English class where we read an excerpt of his first chapter. What is interesting about the novel is how the structure is non-linear. A recollection of all the experiences he recalls during his time at Nam is showcased in a short story format of each soldier’s experience from during the war and after the war. What is striking about this novel is how realistic it can be related to individuals living during the 60′s - 80′s. One short story titled “Speaking of Courage” recounts the life of one character, Norman Bowker, who symbolizes the trauma of war and recollects his life after war struggling with PTSD and ultimately committed suicided. This short story has always serve as a reminder how fragile one’s life can be, exuding the importance of storytelling in the efforts to cope with the war.

Majority of my classmates introduced a movie that resonated with them in regards to historical reference. One classmate explains how Saving Private Ryan is his favorite movie which reflects on the horrors faced upon US soldier’s during their landing on D-Day. The initial scene alone showcased the realism of the atrocities and horror faced upon the soldiers. Another classmate mentioned how Forrest Gump was their favorite movies in terms of historical fiction pinpointing various points of American History. One classmate mentioned along the lines of Japanese Internment camps from a novel and how it resonated throughout his life.