#kylehrabovsky

[gwanth1002]

Internal Migration and International Migration

The above photo was taken in one of my friends rooms in Madison Hall. Nathan (left) and Garrett (right) became friends of mine at the very beginning of the year when we met on the New Student Getaway through the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. They’re both American but came from very different parts of the world to study here at GW. I’m going to explain how these roommates are examples of two different types of migration (internal and international). Nathan is an example of Internal Migration (movement within country boundaries). Nathan is from my hometown, Pittsburgh, although I did not know him before we met at GW. Nathan coming here to D.C. for the purpose of education is an example of Internal Migration because he moved within his country's boundaries to continue education after high school. Although this is not one of the terms I intended on focusing on, this is also an example of institutional migration since Nathan’s purpose of coming to D.C. was to attend a university. This goes for Garrett as well. 

Garret on the other hand, spent his previous four years of high school in Beijing China due to his family's work. In doing so he picked up on Mandarin and some unique pieces of Chinese culture. Garrett’s move to GW is an example of International Migration (movement across country boundaries). This is because Garrett moved to the states from another country. His move to China in the first place is an example of International Migration as well. I think it’s unique that two of my friends that I spend a fair amount of time with are both in ROTC, room together, have a lot of the same interests but come from two different parts of the world. 

[gwanth1002]

I took the two images above within the past week. The first image was taken when I was visiting the Lincoln memorial late on Saturday night and the second image of the Washington Monument was taken just following the peak bloom of the cherry blossoms. I woke up for sunrise to photograph the cherry blossoms, unfortunately it was a very cloudy morning when I took this photo but you can still see a hint of the reds and pinks present just before the sun rose. 

Art (is the application of imagination, skill, and style to matter, movement, and sound that goes beyond the purely practical): Both the washington monument and the statue of Lincoln (including the Lincoln memorial structure itself) are forms of sculptures. Sculptures are 3-D forms of art that in the case of the Washington monument included additive sculpture (putting mass together), and in the case of the Lincoln memorial statue included subtractive sculpture techniques (removal of mass). Both of these forms of art are commemorative pieces designed to portray American values and strength. An interesting thing to consider is that although these sculptures are examples of art, photographers often use them to portray the beauty of these objects in their own forms of art. The morning I went to take the photograph of the Washington monument I was probably one of 80-100 photographers all set up around the tidal pool with tripods and backpacks.   

Material Cultural Heritage (which includes sites, monuments and buildings, and movable objects considered of outstanding world value in terms of history, art, and science): This term fits perfectly with both the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial since they are both designed to commemorate and pass down the ideals of American Presidents. They are a big piece of American history and culture and many people travel to D.C. to see the monument as well as number of the memorials for the very reason that they carry a legacy of past presidents values. Some of these values include leadership, strength, power, and composure. Another thing about these structures that relates to the term Material Cultural Heritage is that they are clearly physical material objects but they continue to convey the same messages about the past American presidents as long as they will stand. 

[gwanth1002]

The above photo was taken at my bedside shelf. Over the course of the year I have accumulated a number of books and they always wind up sitting there. Most were gifts and a few of the others I picked up on my own. I have been trying to do some sort of reading a couple times week because a while back I read a statistic that roughly 15% of American adults are reading. I found that kind of sad and brought it up to one of my older friends who encouraged me to make a goal to beat the statistic and reaffirmed that reading is a really healthy. 

Two of the books are New International Versions of the Bible. Two of the others are daily devotionals and the two others were written by Tim Tebow and a pastor who also happens to be a hip hop artist (Trip Lee). The four books that aren’t a version of the Bible are written by Christian authors and talk a lot about the World Religion (definition: religions with many followers that crossed country borders and had a concern with salvation (the belief that human beings require deliverance from an imperfect world)). Christianity. Their intentions are all evangelical based and all intend to share something about the gospel (or the “good news” about Jesus, which is the New Testament of the Bible). The authors of the two devotionals and novels come from different generations and grew up in different areas but all believe the same world religion (Christianity) that is present in a number of countries and blends border lines with its followers.

Furthermore Christian Doctrine (definition: direct statements about religious beliefs that is assosiated with institutionalized large scale religion)  is clearly stated in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. The Bible does talk about punishments for not following what it deems righteous and has certain rules to follow. And often times people refer to the Bible and teachings of Christianity with this term. I’ve had people ask me about some of the books I read and why I don’t just continually read the Bible. And that’s kind of like saying if you’re a stats major, why don’t you only use one textbook for your career as a statistician. These other books elaborate on Christian Doctrine and provide some insight on what it’s like to be a young college student and follow Christ during the 21st century. 

[gwanth1002]

Power (is the ability to bring about results, often through the possession or use of forceful means): The above photo was taken during recent weeks as protests were rising in DC. The officer pictured was standing in a line with approximately 30-40 more police officers in riot gear. I originally wanted to use the term authority for this post but considering the fact that force was used during this protest and arrests had to be made I found that power was a better key concept that pertained to the situation. Moments after this photo was taken the officer above and some other cops rapidly crossed to the other side of the street to break up a fight that was occurring. 

Law (a binding rule created through custom or official enactment that defines correct behavior and the punishment for misbehavior): This photo pertains to the term law because the cops that made arrests and broke up fights were exercising power in order to uphold the law. Under the law assault and battery are illegal and some people that chose to engage in fights were arrested. And charges placed against suspects were punishment for not following the law. Although my explanation of this scenario doesn’t sound great the majority of those present that day were peaceful protesters. Unfortunately some people began to take things a bit to far with the torching of a nearby limousine and looting liquor stores. This is when action was taken.