In regards to China's foreign policy, they have two main goals: 1). to overcome the 'century of humiliation' and 2). to regain thier 'rightful place in the world.' To anyone who will listen, China promises that they will attempt to achieve these goals in a peaceful and responsible manner. On the surface, the PRC seems to be abiding by that promise. The are responsibling engaging with the World Trade Organization and with members of ASEAN. They PRC is hosting the 2008 Summer Olympics and has promised to make it as 'green' as possible.
So, what stands in China's way of achieving the two aforementioned goals...basically, the United States! The United States is currently the lone Super Power on our planet and we are probably not quite ready to share that title just yet. The US also prevents China from fully incorporating Taiwan under the PRC. China has recently began to buddy up to members of ASEAN in hopes of regaining thier good graces. Should the tension between the US and China ever become so great that the nations of SE Asia had to pick a side, China is hoping to secure that alliance.
Should this worry the US? In short, no! After reading, Martin Stuart-Fox's article discussing the various worldviews of nations, I have come to the conclusion that their is very little, if anything, that the US could do to secure an alliance with the nations of SE Asia against China.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Saturday, April 19, 2008
"Religion Should Not Be A Tool To Turn Against Their Country!" (Blog #7)
74 year old French Hotel tycoon, Paul Dubrule, made quite a stir in both his home country and abroad, when he announced that, "although I have never met the Dalai Lama, I would like to tell him that a country should protect the religious belief of its people but religions should not be a tool for people to turn against their country."
He is referring, of course, to the current state of affairs in Tibet. As was covered this week in our readings, "the post 1911 Chinese nation was nominally a Republic of 5 Nationalities encompassing the Han, Manchu, Mongolian, Tibetan, and Hui peoples." In an attempt to form a more unified Chinese national identity Chiang kei-shek reinforced the Han majority. Since that time period, essentially, all other minorities have been forced into accepting the Han majority way of life. Once the Communist Party took over China, the new goal that was forced upon all people, ethnic minorities included, was 'universal progress' towards Socialism.
Dubrule, who grew up in France, was under the impression, as he claims must Westerners are, that people living in Tibet, "are under the repression of the central government." So, he decided that he would visit, explore, Tibet first hand. He made a 15,000 kilometer bicycle trip from Fontainebleau to Siem Reap, Cambodia through Tibet. On his journey he encountered many local Tibetans and spoke with them about their current state of affairs. He was shocked by their response. Many of them were eager for more 'modernization.' They enjoyed the roads, the hospitals, the schools, and airports. They didn't want to simply maintain their "old lifestyles simply for tourists."
I found this article so interesting because I never really looked at it from this perspective before. I, too, always assumed that the people of Tibet were under the 'repression of the central government.' I never really thought of all the positive benefits that come along with economic development and all the Tibetans that may actually be in favor of it. Something to think about!
He is referring, of course, to the current state of affairs in Tibet. As was covered this week in our readings, "the post 1911 Chinese nation was nominally a Republic of 5 Nationalities encompassing the Han, Manchu, Mongolian, Tibetan, and Hui peoples." In an attempt to form a more unified Chinese national identity Chiang kei-shek reinforced the Han majority. Since that time period, essentially, all other minorities have been forced into accepting the Han majority way of life. Once the Communist Party took over China, the new goal that was forced upon all people, ethnic minorities included, was 'universal progress' towards Socialism.
Dubrule, who grew up in France, was under the impression, as he claims must Westerners are, that people living in Tibet, "are under the repression of the central government." So, he decided that he would visit, explore, Tibet first hand. He made a 15,000 kilometer bicycle trip from Fontainebleau to Siem Reap, Cambodia through Tibet. On his journey he encountered many local Tibetans and spoke with them about their current state of affairs. He was shocked by their response. Many of them were eager for more 'modernization.' They enjoyed the roads, the hospitals, the schools, and airports. They didn't want to simply maintain their "old lifestyles simply for tourists."
I found this article so interesting because I never really looked at it from this perspective before. I, too, always assumed that the people of Tibet were under the 'repression of the central government.' I never really thought of all the positive benefits that come along with economic development and all the Tibetans that may actually be in favor of it. Something to think about!
Friday, April 4, 2008
China Looks Set For Telecom Industry Restructuring (Blog #5)
Prior to taking this course, I was under the impression that China was in the midst of an economic miracle. However, the more and more I read about China in the news and the more 'behind the scenes' information I learn about China from this course, I realize that this economic miracle may not be with out some serious costs! And unfortunately, the people expected to the foot the bill for this so-called 'miracle' are the lowest on the socio-economic totem pole...the farmers.
In an attempt to build more highways, more strip malls, more high end apartments, the government is literally taking the land out from under the peasants. When the government takes the land away from the farmers, they not only take their homes and property, but as one of the reporters mentioned in the NYT segment, since there is no social security or pension for old age, the government has deprived them of their ability to feed themselves.
As I read this article China Looks Set for Telecom Restructuring Industry, I couldn't help but wonder who was going to really benefit from this? Should the world be rejoicing? Should the people of China be rejoicing that China is almost ready to launch one of the biggest mobile mergers in China's history? Granted, it would provide great telecommunications for an already expanding group of costumers...but, come on now.
How about investing all of that time, energy, and brain power...and lets fix some really serious problems. Lets fix the sewage leaking into the rivers that are running through the provinces and irrigating the fields and causing high percentages of men and women to die of cancer! I feel was China begins to tackle those issues...environmental, social, political...then China would truly be in the midst of an 'economic miracle.'
In an attempt to build more highways, more strip malls, more high end apartments, the government is literally taking the land out from under the peasants. When the government takes the land away from the farmers, they not only take their homes and property, but as one of the reporters mentioned in the NYT segment, since there is no social security or pension for old age, the government has deprived them of their ability to feed themselves.
As I read this article China Looks Set for Telecom Restructuring Industry, I couldn't help but wonder who was going to really benefit from this? Should the world be rejoicing? Should the people of China be rejoicing that China is almost ready to launch one of the biggest mobile mergers in China's history? Granted, it would provide great telecommunications for an already expanding group of costumers...but, come on now.
How about investing all of that time, energy, and brain power...and lets fix some really serious problems. Lets fix the sewage leaking into the rivers that are running through the provinces and irrigating the fields and causing high percentages of men and women to die of cancer! I feel was China begins to tackle those issues...environmental, social, political...then China would truly be in the midst of an 'economic miracle.'
Saturday, March 29, 2008
China's New Radicals (Blog #6)
First of all, I have to say that I found the TimeAsia article, China's New Radicals, extremely interesting!!! To briefly summarize the article, it discussed the growing linglei subculture within China. The linglei are young, middle to upper class Chinese that choose to become the outcasts of society; they live the alternative lifestyle. They are typically high school drop outs, listen to punk rock, and dress in flashy clothes.
It appears that recently, the linglei lifestyle has grown in popularity. Advertisers use this lifestyle as a marketing ploy to entice the younger generation. It is becoming cool and hip to be a linglei. The linglei do not get hassled from the government because they know where their bread is buttered! They know that if they go too far...than all their freedom will be gone in moments. Although many of them lack formal schooling...they are not stupid.
It was very interesting because Alex provided a very different prospective towards Chinese youth. He praised the importance of an education. I could tell that he really valued his schooling and that the people he probably associated with would, as well.
Here is my take on the situation (and I could be completely off!)
It reminds me of Hollywood and all those gossip magazines and stuff...
If you come from a working class background, you are more likely to value your education. The kids that are part of the linglei class obviously have the luxury of opting out and still making it. If that makes any sense. Obviously, if they didn't have some financial security (a mom and dad that could be their safety net) then it wouldn't be cool. No one thinks being a hobo is cool. So, of course when they drop out of school and decide to live the life of a writer in the big city...they have to know in the back of their minds that they are not going to starve to death.
It appears that recently, the linglei lifestyle has grown in popularity. Advertisers use this lifestyle as a marketing ploy to entice the younger generation. It is becoming cool and hip to be a linglei. The linglei do not get hassled from the government because they know where their bread is buttered! They know that if they go too far...than all their freedom will be gone in moments. Although many of them lack formal schooling...they are not stupid.
It was very interesting because Alex provided a very different prospective towards Chinese youth. He praised the importance of an education. I could tell that he really valued his schooling and that the people he probably associated with would, as well.
Here is my take on the situation (and I could be completely off!)
It reminds me of Hollywood and all those gossip magazines and stuff...
If you come from a working class background, you are more likely to value your education. The kids that are part of the linglei class obviously have the luxury of opting out and still making it. If that makes any sense. Obviously, if they didn't have some financial security (a mom and dad that could be their safety net) then it wouldn't be cool. No one thinks being a hobo is cool. So, of course when they drop out of school and decide to live the life of a writer in the big city...they have to know in the back of their minds that they are not going to starve to death.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Should China's Status Be Reconsidered? (Blog #5)
I have given the following question some thought:
With all that you have learned from these recent reports about China's current internal problems, do you think that its world power status should be reconsidered?
My answer to the above question is...NO! I think power is about perception. How does the world perceive China? And in what respects does one consider China powerful? Economically, socially, militarily, politically? Obviously, I think its a pretty safe bet to say that politically speaking, China is not a political power house. In my opinion, its only a matter of time before the CCP crumbles and democracy reigns.
In todays day and age, diplomacy is always of utmost concern. I think everyone would agree that its better to have China as a friend than a foe. I think a nation like China becomes more 'powerful' once they become your enemy.
With all that you have learned from these recent reports about China's current internal problems, do you think that its world power status should be reconsidered?
My answer to the above question is...NO! I think power is about perception. How does the world perceive China? And in what respects does one consider China powerful? Economically, socially, militarily, politically? Obviously, I think its a pretty safe bet to say that politically speaking, China is not a political power house. In my opinion, its only a matter of time before the CCP crumbles and democracy reigns.
In todays day and age, diplomacy is always of utmost concern. I think everyone would agree that its better to have China as a friend than a foe. I think a nation like China becomes more 'powerful' once they become your enemy.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
China to Log its Worst Polluters (Blog #4)
"On the pollution situation, we have seen improvements, but we haven't got to the turning point yet." This is a quote from Ma Jun, who works for the Beijing-based Institute of Public and Environment Affairs. It was made in reference to China's new project that will survey the nations leading industrial polluters. Wang Yuqing, who is heading up the China Pollution Source Census, hopes to have this information available as early as next year. According to Wang, the goal of the project is not to directly penalize the polluters, through oppressive fines and taxes, but is simply a research finding mission. Once all the data is compiled, the government will then be able to make better, forward thinking policies. At least that is the idea.
The pitfalls of the project, of course, is that one has to rely on the integrity of those providing the answers. In an attempt to deter major pollution producers from being deceitful, the project managers have issued a 1-800 number of sorts for people to use if they suspect someone of being untruthful.
What are my thoughts on this issue? What, if anything would I do differently?
Well, first of all...I am a firm believer that you have to practice what you preach. I'm not sure how a government that isn't 100% honest (and I know the US government isn't perfect either...but, that's not what I'm addressing at the moment) with its citizens can expect that in return. I'm not sure how a government that allows hundreds of thousands of people to go without clean drinking water can really do to gain the respect of people. I don't know if anyone will take them seriously enough to be honest.
The pitfalls of the project, of course, is that one has to rely on the integrity of those providing the answers. In an attempt to deter major pollution producers from being deceitful, the project managers have issued a 1-800 number of sorts for people to use if they suspect someone of being untruthful.
What are my thoughts on this issue? What, if anything would I do differently?
Well, first of all...I am a firm believer that you have to practice what you preach. I'm not sure how a government that isn't 100% honest (and I know the US government isn't perfect either...but, that's not what I'm addressing at the moment) with its citizens can expect that in return. I'm not sure how a government that allows hundreds of thousands of people to go without clean drinking water can really do to gain the respect of people. I don't know if anyone will take them seriously enough to be honest.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Bush The Latest To Challenge China's Role in Darfur (Blog #2)
During his recent visit through five African nations, President Bush put continued pressure on China to stop trade with the Sudanese. While in Africa, Bush agreed to finance a 100 million dollar peacekeeping mission in Darfur. Bush was adament that "human suffering ought to preempt commercial interests." This statement was viewed by many to be a direct jab at the Chinese Government for their continued business with the Sudanese even in the midst of extreme human rights violations.
Since China is looking to 'diversify' their exports and build facilities near the raw materials, it seems only natural that they would begin courting African nations. (Shirk, 134) The African courtship by the Chinese government went into overdrive in 2005 and 2006 was coined the "Year of Africa" amongst Beijing officials. (Shirk, 134) Chinese officials seeking to secure their global position as a 'responsible power' claim to be well aware of the human rights violations in the Sudan. According to officials, they are 'working behind the scenes' with the Sudanese Government to make improvements. China frowns on the US for being so quick to pass judgment on the nations they choose to do business with. According to many Chinese officials, the US already has a monopoly on the regions that are rich with resources and deemed 'acceptable' to the rest of the world. Therefore, China has no other choice but to look to regions like the Sudan to meet their growing oil needs.
Since China is looking to 'diversify' their exports and build facilities near the raw materials, it seems only natural that they would begin courting African nations. (Shirk, 134) The African courtship by the Chinese government went into overdrive in 2005 and 2006 was coined the "Year of Africa" amongst Beijing officials. (Shirk, 134) Chinese officials seeking to secure their global position as a 'responsible power' claim to be well aware of the human rights violations in the Sudan. According to officials, they are 'working behind the scenes' with the Sudanese Government to make improvements. China frowns on the US for being so quick to pass judgment on the nations they choose to do business with. According to many Chinese officials, the US already has a monopoly on the regions that are rich with resources and deemed 'acceptable' to the rest of the world. Therefore, China has no other choice but to look to regions like the Sudan to meet their growing oil needs.
Bush The Latest To Challenge China's Role in Darfur (Blog #3)
During his recent visit through five African nations, President Bush put continued pressure on China to stop trade with the Sudanese. While in Africa, Bush agreed to finance a 100 million dollar peacekeeping mission in Darfur. Bush was adament that "human suffering ought to preempt commercial interests." This statement was viewed by many to be a direct jab at the Chinese Government for their continued business with the Sudanese even in the midst of extreme human rights violations.
Since China is looking to 'diversify' their exports and build facilities near the raw materials, it seems only natural that they would begin courting African nations. (Shirk, 134) The African courtship by the Chinese government went into overdrive in 2005 and 2006 was coined the "Year of Africa' amongst Beijing officials. Chinese officials seeking to secure their global position as a 'responsible power' claim to be well aware of the human rights violations in the Sudan. According to officials, they are 'working behind the scenes' with the Sudanese Government to make improvements. China frowns on the US for being so quick to pass judgment on the nations they choose to do business with. According to many Chinese officials, the US already has a monopoly on the regions that are rich with resources and deemed 'acceptable' to the rest of the world. Therefore, China has no other choice but to look to regions like the Sudan to meet their growing oil needs.
Since China is looking to 'diversify' their exports and build facilities near the raw materials, it seems only natural that they would begin courting African nations. (Shirk, 134) The African courtship by the Chinese government went into overdrive in 2005 and 2006 was coined the "Year of Africa' amongst Beijing officials. Chinese officials seeking to secure their global position as a 'responsible power' claim to be well aware of the human rights violations in the Sudan. According to officials, they are 'working behind the scenes' with the Sudanese Government to make improvements. China frowns on the US for being so quick to pass judgment on the nations they choose to do business with. According to many Chinese officials, the US already has a monopoly on the regions that are rich with resources and deemed 'acceptable' to the rest of the world. Therefore, China has no other choice but to look to regions like the Sudan to meet their growing oil needs.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
The Possibility of A New Cultural Revolution (Blog #2)
I need to be brutally honest...the main reason I found this course so appealing was because for the longest time I have been dying to learn more about the history and current events surrounding China. I have no doubt that by the end of this course I will be able to provide you with a better answer than what I will attempt right now...but here goes! :)
Of course, anything is possible...but, more than likely I do not think that a widespread and cataclysmic event such as the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution could occur again in China today. The reason I doubt the recurrence of such an event is because of the introduction of the Internet and improvements in technology.
True, the Internet and advances in technology would be useful in gathering groups of rural farmers and unhappy workers aka 'the proletariat' together and informing the masses that in fact, a revolution was underway...but, the Internet allows for the too much freedom in regards to information and opinion. It would be too hard for the government to convince people to 'buy into' the ideas they were selling.
For example, the so-called 'first shot' at the cultural revolution was when Wu Han was criticized by Mao for his essay on Hai Rui. Han was supposed to make Rui look bad, but instead managed to praise him. Imagine how quickly this essay would have spread if it had been written in this day and age!!
Of course, anything is possible...but, more than likely I do not think that a widespread and cataclysmic event such as the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution could occur again in China today. The reason I doubt the recurrence of such an event is because of the introduction of the Internet and improvements in technology.
True, the Internet and advances in technology would be useful in gathering groups of rural farmers and unhappy workers aka 'the proletariat' together and informing the masses that in fact, a revolution was underway...but, the Internet allows for the too much freedom in regards to information and opinion. It would be too hard for the government to convince people to 'buy into' the ideas they were selling.
For example, the so-called 'first shot' at the cultural revolution was when Wu Han was criticized by Mao for his essay on Hai Rui. Han was supposed to make Rui look bad, but instead managed to praise him. Imagine how quickly this essay would have spread if it had been written in this day and age!!
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Unit 11: Missing
B). I will assume the role of the attorney for the US government attempting to prove no complicity in the death of Charles Horman in Chile in 1973.
(even though personally, I think they did!)
Argument #1: Let us begin by examining the manner in which Charlie Horman's body was found. Yes, I understand there was confusion. On behalf of the US Government and the US Embassy in Santiago, Chile, we apologize for any pain and suffering that we have caused the family. However, our records show that Charlie was shot in the stadium and buried in a wall, as is often times customary procedure for unidentified bodies. We believe he was arrested for some arbitrary reason, possibly caught up in the randomness of the coup, and as of right now we do not know why he was shot.
Argument #2: We have no reason to believe that Charlie Horman had any extreme political affiliation that could or would possibly anger the current Chilean regime. His own wife has publicly stated that he was an aspiring Children's Book author and artist. He did work on newspaper with some friends, however, he was mainly a translator of articles. If he had communist tendencies, we were unaware of them.
Argument #3: United States Government Officials, in particular, those working in Chile during the time period of Charles Horman's disappearance bent over backwards and did everything they possibly could for Mr. Horman and Charlie's wife, Beth during their time of distress. It just does not make any sense for a nation that prides itself in defending and protecting its citizens to knowingly and willfully order the execution of one of their own. Surely, you can see how we had nothing to do with the death of Charlie Horman
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Come On, Mr. Brown, Stand Up to the Chinese! (Blog #1)
After reading Will Hutton's article from The Observer entitled, Come On, Mr. Brown, Stand Up to the Chinese, I was reminded of the ongoing tension that still exists between the Chinese Government and many foreign governments, in particular, Great Britain. In his article Hutton admonished British Prime Minister Gordon Brown for being to easy on the Chinese in regards to many of their government policies. Hutton feels the reason Britain tends to handle the Chinese Government with kid gloves may be due to an inferiority complex in regards to trade. Hutton stated, "...we have so little that China wants to buy."
Once I read that statement I thought of this weeks readings and the emergence of the opium trade in China. The trade inferiority complex that may be leading Britain to overlook some questionable governmental policies...has existed in Britain since the 1700s. "By 1800 tea had become the 'national drink' in Great Britain, and the search for a counterweight to address the growth this trade imbalance contributed to British leaders' reliance on opium."
Once I read that statement I thought of this weeks readings and the emergence of the opium trade in China. The trade inferiority complex that may be leading Britain to overlook some questionable governmental policies...has existed in Britain since the 1700s. "By 1800 tea had become the 'national drink' in Great Britain, and the search for a counterweight to address the growth this trade imbalance contributed to British leaders' reliance on opium."
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Unit 12: Men With Guns
Conejo's life changed for the better the fateful day he encountered Dr. Humberto Fuentes. Conejo led Dr. Fuentes on a mission to find Cerca del Cielo and in the process the two companions met some memorable travelmates. Altough all four made it to the top of Cerca del Cielo, only two would continue to impact Conejo's life...Domingo, the Army defector and Graciela, the silent war victim.
Once Dr. Fuentes passed away, Domingo istantly picked up in his footsteps. He became the village doctor, treating all the maladies he could with the medicine from Dr. Fuentes' bag. WIth each wound Domingo treated, he seemed to heal one his own. It was as if his own heart was softening in the process. Graciela noticed the change in Domingo. She grew more and more fond of him with each passing day.
But, this is a biography about Conejo the young boy...what happened to him?
Well, he FLOURISHED! A young family adopted him.
He played with the young boys and girls. And even though the villagers of Cerca del Cielo lived in poverty, they were a happy people. There was no violence and his young heart was slowly able to heal. He heard laughter during the day and lullabies at night, as opposed to gunshots! His adopted father taught him how to work the land and he was proud of his skill. He helped grow the food that his family ate. He felt successful, safe, and happy.
Once Dr. Fuentes passed away, Domingo istantly picked up in his footsteps. He became the village doctor, treating all the maladies he could with the medicine from Dr. Fuentes' bag. WIth each wound Domingo treated, he seemed to heal one his own. It was as if his own heart was softening in the process. Graciela noticed the change in Domingo. She grew more and more fond of him with each passing day.
But, this is a biography about Conejo the young boy...what happened to him?
Well, he FLOURISHED! A young family adopted him.
He played with the young boys and girls. And even though the villagers of Cerca del Cielo lived in poverty, they were a happy people. There was no violence and his young heart was slowly able to heal. He heard laughter during the day and lullabies at night, as opposed to gunshots! His adopted father taught him how to work the land and he was proud of his skill. He helped grow the food that his family ate. He felt successful, safe, and happy.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Unit 8: Hotel Rwanda
First I would like to begin by stating that I was so impressed with the film Hotel Rwanda that if it were up to me…I would leave it completely alone! In my opinion, Don Cheadle’s portrayal of Paul Rusesabagina, the hotel manager of the Belgian Hotel des Mille Collines, was immaculate!! Although I’ve seen this movie several times before, I still get chills watching Paul convince Tatiana to jump off the roof with the children, if and when the interahamwe attack. In a later scene, the chills kept coming, as Paul raced through the Hotel searching for his family, praying that they had not yet jumped, only to find them huddled together in the shower. Thank God! Scenes similar in intensity to the aforementioned are too numerous to count.
I also have to sing the praises of Philip Gourevitch’s book, We Wish To Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed With Our Families. Gourevitch coupled chilling first hand accounts of the genocide with informative political background information. His book provided the reader with poignant stories from actual victims but went a step further by offering an explanation as to how the international community, as well as, the Rwandan community could permit such atrocities to occur.
If I absolutely had to make a change to the film Hotel Rwanda based on my readings from the book, I would make the French presence more overt. The French were referred to several times in the film (one of the Belgian officials in charge of the hotel made a call to the French President and was able to stop a military attack on the hotel), but overall, I feel the French escaped relatively unscathed. I’m almost ashamed to admit this, but it was not until I read Gourevitch’s book, that I realized the culpability of the French in this matter. I had never heard of Operation Turquoise before. A disenchanted French soldier was quoted as saying the following about Operation Turquoise, “We have been deceived. This is not what we were led to believe. We were told that Tutsis were killing Hutus. We thought the Hutus were the good guys and the victims.” (Gourevitch, 160) Gourevitch concludes that when all was said and done, Operation Turquoise was beneficial only to the genocidaires. “ The signal achievement of Operation Turquoise was to permit the slaughter of Tutsis to continue for an extra month, and to secure a safe passage for the genocidal command to cross, with a lot of its weaponry, into Zaire.” (Gourevitch, 161)
Speaking of the safe passage…in my opinion, once the movie ends, it appears as if the genocide ends with the film. I guess on some level I realized that once something as horrific as a genocide occurs, a nation … better yet, the people who compromise that nation, cannot recover overnight. It will clearly take time for those wounds to even begin to heal. However, it was not until I read this book, that I acknowledged, that there was so much more to the genocide than just what occurred in 1994 with the mass killings of the Tutsi. Rwanda now had to deal with backlash killings of Hutus, and then the war with Zaire, and then the rebuilding process…my goodness!
One of the most difficult passages in the book dealt with the rebuilding of Rwanda. I remember reading about a woman who has to live next door to a man that killed her entire family…how does one do that?
I also have to sing the praises of Philip Gourevitch’s book, We Wish To Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed With Our Families. Gourevitch coupled chilling first hand accounts of the genocide with informative political background information. His book provided the reader with poignant stories from actual victims but went a step further by offering an explanation as to how the international community, as well as, the Rwandan community could permit such atrocities to occur.
If I absolutely had to make a change to the film Hotel Rwanda based on my readings from the book, I would make the French presence more overt. The French were referred to several times in the film (one of the Belgian officials in charge of the hotel made a call to the French President and was able to stop a military attack on the hotel), but overall, I feel the French escaped relatively unscathed. I’m almost ashamed to admit this, but it was not until I read Gourevitch’s book, that I realized the culpability of the French in this matter. I had never heard of Operation Turquoise before. A disenchanted French soldier was quoted as saying the following about Operation Turquoise, “We have been deceived. This is not what we were led to believe. We were told that Tutsis were killing Hutus. We thought the Hutus were the good guys and the victims.” (Gourevitch, 160) Gourevitch concludes that when all was said and done, Operation Turquoise was beneficial only to the genocidaires. “ The signal achievement of Operation Turquoise was to permit the slaughter of Tutsis to continue for an extra month, and to secure a safe passage for the genocidal command to cross, with a lot of its weaponry, into Zaire.” (Gourevitch, 161)
Speaking of the safe passage…in my opinion, once the movie ends, it appears as if the genocide ends with the film. I guess on some level I realized that once something as horrific as a genocide occurs, a nation … better yet, the people who compromise that nation, cannot recover overnight. It will clearly take time for those wounds to even begin to heal. However, it was not until I read this book, that I acknowledged, that there was so much more to the genocide than just what occurred in 1994 with the mass killings of the Tutsi. Rwanda now had to deal with backlash killings of Hutus, and then the war with Zaire, and then the rebuilding process…my goodness!
One of the most difficult passages in the book dealt with the rebuilding of Rwanda. I remember reading about a woman who has to live next door to a man that killed her entire family…how does one do that?
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Unit 7: Paradise Now
I have to admit... my initial thoughts on the film were that I really enjoyed it. I found myself empathizing with both Said and his bestfriend (I cannot think of his name at the moment). Throughout the entire film, even though I knew what they were plotting, I couldn't bring myself to look at them with disgust. I guess the writer/director did a good job. Even in the final scene, when Said was sitting on the bus and all those innocent victims were stationed around him, I still felt for Said.
It wasn't until I read the reviews required for this blog that I actually snapped out of it!! I know its just a film and they were all actors playing a role...but, unfortunately for the people living in Israel and Palestine (depending on your political views)...those events are real to them! OK...so, what petition would I sign my name to?... the one to have Paradise Now removed from the awards list or the counter-petition?
I do agree that there are two sides to every story. I think it is important, regardless of how unattractive it may be, to present as many sides/opinions to any one situation as possible because it helps people to learn and grow. So, I would sign the counter-petition. Having said all that...in my heart, I think that everysingle person that signed the petition to have the movie removed from the awards show list was also 100% right!!
I guess I am fortunate of having the luxury of being able to take the middle road because, THANK GOD, I have never, nor has anyone I love, ever been the victim of a suicide bomber.
It wasn't until I read the reviews required for this blog that I actually snapped out of it!! I know its just a film and they were all actors playing a role...but, unfortunately for the people living in Israel and Palestine (depending on your political views)...those events are real to them! OK...so, what petition would I sign my name to?... the one to have Paradise Now removed from the awards list or the counter-petition?
I do agree that there are two sides to every story. I think it is important, regardless of how unattractive it may be, to present as many sides/opinions to any one situation as possible because it helps people to learn and grow. So, I would sign the counter-petition. Having said all that...in my heart, I think that everysingle person that signed the petition to have the movie removed from the awards show list was also 100% right!!
I guess I am fortunate of having the luxury of being able to take the middle road because, THANK GOD, I have never, nor has anyone I love, ever been the victim of a suicide bomber.
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