The Bloody Sunday.

Between 1961 and 1964, the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) had led a voting registration campaign in Selma, a small town in Dallas County, Alabama, with a record of consistent resistance to black voting. When SNCC’s efforts were frustrated by hard resistance from the county law enforcement officials, Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) were persuaded by local activists to make Selma’s intransigence to black voting a national concern. SCLC also hoped to use the momentum of the 1964 Civil Rights Act to win federal protection for a voting rights statute. During January and February, 1965, King and SCLC led a series of demonstrations to the Dallas County Courthouse.


On February 17, protester Jimmy Lee Jackson was fatally shot by an Alabama state trooper.  In response, a protest march from Selma to Montgomery was scheduled, so on March 7, 1965 six hundred people assembled at a downtown church, knelt briefly in prayer, and began walking silently through the city streets. They were led by John Lewis and other SNCC and SCLC activists, crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge over the Alabama River to Montgomery. 


But the marchers were stopped as they were leaving Selma, at the end of the Edmund Pettus Bridge, by some 150 Alabama state troopers, sheriff’s deputies, and posse men, who ordered the demonstrators to disperse. One minute after a two-minute warning was announced, the troops advanced, wielding clubs, bullwhips, and tear gas. John Lewis, who suffered a skull fracture, was one of fifty-eight people treated for injuries at the local hospital. The day is remembered in history as “Bloody Sunday”.


For more information I'll leave a link of a History Channel's documentary.
- Bloody Sunday (1965)

Jim Crow´s law and the racial segregation

Jim Crow´s law was norm created by the white people for banned the vote right at the Afro-American people. The name was of an black celebrities of middle of century 19 that was played by an white actor with smutty face that he doing ridiculous at the color people.

This norms demanded than the Afro-American people had that they approved lecture test and pay tax and another, but this norms not only affect at the black people also affect at the more poor white people, also included a set of extra-areas that hadn´t relation with the vote. Then I will appoint some of this “behavior norms” and laws that any black people can´t bring to pass: 

Standards: the black population was forbidden to offer the hand of a white woman as they could be accused of rape, they couldn´t show affection in public, no less kissing since it was a offense for whites, while traveling in cars were always aimed at the back of this and could not demonstrate superiority or intelligence in front of a white, less accuse them of lying.

Laws: Segregation on buses, schools, hospitals, restaurants, unable to move up the works weren´t sold homes in exclusive neighborhoods; all these segregations protected themselves under the concept of "Separated but Equal" but were unable to do more discrimination.

After of more middle century supporting those discrimination at the Afro-American people, it was finished in 1964 by the work of the movement led for Martin Luther King. But, have you ever really fulfilled the dream of Martin? Clearly no, the the injustices continue in the US maybe not as extreme as those named here, but in many parts segregation remains a reality.

Aotearoa and Rapa Nui: Ancestral Connections.

Aotearoa and Rapa Nui are two Islands of Polynesia, they believe that the first inhabitants in Rapa Nui were from Marquesas Island or from Aotearoa and that’s why they have similarity in their languages, culture and beliefs.

Māori think that they have the same ancestors and they can feel it visiting Rapa Nui, they can feel the energy of their ancestors. They think that they are brothers who came from the same ancestors and they were separated, “I’ve re-connected with descendants of my ancestors”. And you can see that on some of the names of their ancestors, for example, to Maoris Tangaroa is the god of the sea and to Rapa Nui Tangaroa is an ancestor who was a whale, they are not the same for both but they have the similarity of the sea and for both culture Tangaroa is very important because both believe that the water is one of the most important aspects in their lives.

Both have a deep respect for their ancestors and that’s something very honorable because nowadays in our culture we don’t have that kind of beliefs, we don’t remember and we don’t respect our ancestors, and they (Maoris and Rapanuis) honor their ancestors because they know that they are where they are because of them.

Both culture fight for keeping their traditions and languages alive, teaching their children the past of their cultures and in the next documentary you can see a Maori visiting Rapa Nui and you can notice the similarities in their traditions, their beliefs and their lifestyles. 

                                      Maori

 

                                                                                                               Rapa Nui 

Do you think Māori and Rapanui are similar? Do you think they are connect by their ancestors? I think they are, because their traditions are similar, their dances, their beliefs, their way to protect their land and their people.

Danger in the Māori language

The comunication with other people it is an important thing, we can comunicate with different part of our body, for example using our facial expression, our arms and hands and finally emitting sounds with our mouths. When we emit a sound, we can create an entire dialogue with others, and that we call it language.The language is something that represent ourselfs as a person, group, etc. But we are in constant threat with the change that the language can has.

The Māori were the first aborigines who lived in New Zealand, they lived in a region called Aotearoa and they spoke the language called Te reo, which evolved with the arrived of people from other local villages and islands, the Māori had no written language but they were able to communicate through symbolic meaning embodied in  carving, knots and weaving. 

The settlers did their arrival in Aotearoa and for them it was necessary to have communication with the Māori to trade with them. The missionaries were in charge of writing the language of the Māori, but saw that the Māori taught each others how to write and read through charcoal, leaves and carved wood. Suddenly the missionaries' children and Pakeha's children, were growing and interacting with the Māori ’s children, and so there was an exchange between the two languages ​(the language which caused more impact on Māori speakers was english). English became the dominant language in new Zeeland (Pakeha language) therefore the Te reo was confined in the Māori  communities. For Māori the Te reo was not only a way of expression , it was also something that they felt pride and it identified them as a community. 

It was suppressed in many school to used the Te reo, as the Māori should  increased the English language to live in the community with the Pakeha.  Later , schools continued to teach Te reo and many maori encouraged their children to learn English .

The Te reo underwent several changes, like any living language, the Te reo was influenced by other languages ​​and English became the main source of borrowed words from Māori that were altered in its phonetic and grammar (teihana = station / hōiho = horse).

This article (1) talks about the danger of the Te reo in New Zealand , this language was the origin of a community, it is what identifies the Māori , and it is something that was born with them as natives of New Zealand , in my opinion , the language as well as traditions , beliefs , etc. These are something that identifies us, as individuals and as communities, but with the influence of others, these aspects change  and we as a society imposes to follow. So it was, when the Spaniards came to colonize Chile and influenced the Mapuches, Spaniards also borrowed words from the Mapuches and adapted according to the sound or write ( pichintún = pichi = poco/ pilcha = pelcha = vestimenta)

In conclusion, the influence of other communities must be a positive aspect, this well be a multicultural society, we can learn from others something new and adapt it to our community, but what should not happen is to miss what we are and what we have, because it’s something that identifies us, it is our home and we should notlose it. The Te reo is a language of an ancient community, a community that still exists, so the te reo should not be extinguished because it was the first language that was spoken in New Zealand and ought continue as such.

What do you think about the Māori language problem? How would you feel if your source language was replaced by another? As a future English teacher, Are you worried about losing your source language for the English language?

Pakeha: European New Zealander

(1) http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/australiaandthepacific/newzealand/8075650/Maori-language-in-danger-of-dying-out.html

Deep roots that endures today

The All Blacks is the official Rugby Team of New Zealand and every time before starting an international rugby game, the team performs the traditional Haka, a war dance to show the passion and the identity of the Maori race. In my opinion I find it very interesting that the Maori culture has been able to persist until today, despite the constant interaction he had with the Polynesian peoples and the shock with European culture.

Although with the arrival of European settlers and British missionaries Maori was acquiring new values and beliefs, and religion to their culture, because since the 1830s many Māori converted to Christianity, also through trade incorporated weapons, clothing and use of the English language in the process of learning to read and write. However by the fighting which arose due to the issue of land in 1840 Maori leaders signed the Treaty of Waitangi, with the intention of allowing the tribes to live in peace with the settlers.

Nevertheless, although were incorporated new customs within the Maori people, Europeans could not fully erase its essence as the Maori had in them their roots and deep-rooted customs, besides being a warrior community will did not allow the settlers replace all its traditions and visions. That is why customs still exist that had this people as the Haka, which employed the natives before starting a battle to prove to his opponents all the strength and courage they possessed warriors.

This makes me think and question me about our own roots, why we not adopt them and make them part of us? Why is it so difficult for our government to give them rights to indigenous peoples, as in the case of the Mapuche people?

I included a link where All Blacks show the haka, the war dance.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPHeJd2T12M

I hope you can feel the bravery and courage of this warrior race.

Black History Month: Is a racist celebration?

The black historian Carter G. Woodson founded “Negro week” in 1926, seeking to build self-worth in an oppressed people but hoping that in some point the celebration it would be unnecessary because black history it would be embrace like a common history. He chose February because it contains the birthday of two important abolitionist: Frederick Douglas and President Abraham Lincoln. In 1976 the Woodson’s organization expanded the event to a full month.

In the schools black inventors and pioneers are show and  in TV there's a huge commercialism during the month. In the case of scholars, teachers try to explain them about the importance of Afro American figures in the history of America but what I found surprising was the fact that if Americans believe that this figures were actually important to the country for their different contributions they should be entered into the mainstream of the rest of the curriculum. Some questions come to my mind after reading this: Why relegate their contributions and stories into one single month and not all the year? Or if there is a Black history month in February, White people embrace their race all year long?

In my opinion Black History month should be a celebration all year long and should be think like American history not a segregated history. The intention of this celebration was to raise awareness and appreciation of afro American people but reduce to just one single month and only talk about Benjamin Banneker or Ella Baker in February left the feeling that the segregation isn’t finish yet. I think that the contributions should be teach in every context of the curriculum. I like to add a quote I found interesting about this topic from the newspaper The Guardian: “It is helpful for children to learn about history in a segregated way? 

Reactions to the Black History Month:

What do you think of Black History Month? Do you think is racist? 

Haggis: From the stomach to the stomach.

Haggis is a traditional Scottish dish that looks like a big sausage composed of a type of pudding made from the heart, liver and lungs of a sheep or lamb combined with oats, suet, onion, herbs and spices. The mixture is packed into the animal’s stomach and boiled for one to two hours.

Some food historians agree that it was a peasant food and a popular dish for poor people because it was very cheap for being made from parts of a sheep (the most common livestock in Scotland). It would have been a wonderful way to feed a group and to make sure no meat went to waste.

Haggis is traditionally served with Tatties (mashed potatoes) and Neeps (turnip or swede) at Burns supper, every year on January 25th, to commemorate the born of a Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns, who wrote the poem “Address to Haggis” in which he declares his love for the “great chieftain o’ the puddin’ race” and glorifies what was a poor man’s food into a dish greater than any French ragout or fricassee, that’s why he became a national hero and haggis’ profile soon soared.

Perhaps more than any other food, Haggis has an exceptionally bad reputation. Even importing real Scottish Haggis to the United States has been illegal since 1971 because of a ban on foods containing sheep’s lungs.

In my opinion is a really disgusting dish and I would never taste it, not just because I’m vegetarian but if the innards haven’t a good cleaning could transmit virus to the people who eat them, because some filters the “trash” of the animal’s body and could have residues. Anyway I think is a very curious food and I dare you to taste it! 

- More about Haggis: Why would you eat that? -

The matchmakings in Ireland

Can you imagine yourself searching for a boyfriend or girlfriend in a traditional event made only for this? Depending on the culture that you live in perhaps this can sound a little weird or promiscuous to you, but in Ireland there is a tradition which has been very popular in the city of Lisdoonvarna for the last couple of hundred years.

From August, 28^th to October, 4^th, you can enjoy the most famous matchmaking festival from Ireland in Lisdoonvarna. You can dance, do horse racing, go to concerts, and meet a lot of new people. However, it’s not necessary that you go there to look for a spouse or courtship, thousands only go to have fun and do things without commitment.

Imagine if you could choose a lot of pubs to get in and have conversations with a lot of different people of your interest, where your age, sexuality, likes or dislikes don’t matter, because it’s a normal tradition. And the best part of it is that time doesn’t even matter, because the music carries on until the early hours!

Maybe if you think about the way that you typically use to meet people in your culture this might seem a big promiscuous to you or perhaps it might seem as a great option. But try to imagine if you would have any sort of relationship with anyone in a tradition like this.

The most famous matchmaking festival is organized by Mr. Will Daly, who is known for having facilitated around 3.000 marriages (no official record) and having attracted 60.000 people in the last matchmaking festival. In his festival, new things started to happen such us gay, bisexual and transgender weekends, but despite the fact that Mr. Daly is an elderly person, he said that “everyone should be in love, all their lives.”

Exotic species in New Zealand

Besides the incredible landscapes that make New Zealand a major tourist destination stands out also, in my opinion, the fauna that exists there, since it has unique species of animals in the world, among them is the “Kiwi”. The kiwi is not fruit commonly known because is a native nocturnal flightless bird with a long curved beak of the island, which is the official mascot and national symbol of the country. Its wings are only about 3 centimeters long and are useless, completely hidden under the feathers. The kiwi has no tail but does have very strong, muscular legs, which make up about a third of the bird’s total body weight, that are used for running and fighting.

In the same country also has the tuatara, are among New Zealand’s most famous animals, second only to kiwi. They are representative of ancient reptile that lives on earth today. They are called living fossils because they can live over 100 years, but are only found on offshore islands. 

The weta is an endemic insect with 190 million year old fossils, they look scary and are good fighters, but are not dangerous to humans. The weta have become icon for invertebrate conservation in New Zealand because many species are threatened or endangered. There are more than 70 species of weta in New Zealand, 16 of which are at risk.   

On the marine life we can find Hector’s and Maui’s Dolphin that can only be found off the Northland coast, recognisable by their rounded black dorsal fin. They are the most endangered marine mammal with less than 100 survivors and also they are the most smallest dolphin in the world.  Maui dolphins and Hector’s dolphins may look identical, but they are physically and genetically different from each other. Maui dolphins have larger skulls than Hector’s dolphins overall, and a longer, wider rostrum.

Well, it is true that there are many more species of animals in New Zealand, but these are the ones who most caught my attention.

Rastafari movement in Jamaica

The Rastafari movement is originally found in Jamaica and was founded by Leonard Percival Howell in 1932. Is a religion and a lifestyle that involves every aspect of the follower.

Rastafari began with Leonard P. Howell and his street preaching to lift the spirits of the enslaved black men and women from Kingston to St Thomas. He spoke out against the wrongs of the crown and colonial Jamaica against the men women and children of Africa stolen, sold and enslaved in Jamaica for hundreds of years.

The Rasta believes in peace and they are constantly trying to preach down violence. This want for world peace is heard often in the Rasta’s Reggae music. Another important thought is the protest against authority and structure.

A lot of people’s understanding of Rasta only goes as far as to think that Rasta are people that live in Jamaica, smoke weed, and have Dreadlocks. Buy with this research we can see that is so much more than that and we can leave all the stereotypes that we had. In reality is a way of life, a social movement, as well as a mindset.

Say goodbye to stereotypes:

1. Not all smoke marijuana.
2. Don’t call them “Rastafarians” you see, Rastafari actually don’t like being referenced that way at all. The reason for this stems from their philosophy. Rastas believe that “ians” and “isms” represent the corrupt system that oppresses people all over the world.
3. You have to black to be a true Rasta – This is an absolute myth! Many Rasta are of “mixed race” many Rastafari are Caucasian, some Asian, some African, some East Indian. Rastafari comes from all ethnic backgrounds!
4. They take care very much of their body because they believe that their body is a temple.
5. They don’t use long hair because is a style, they deeply believe that their hair is a connection with the mother earth.

The United State of America- Discrimination problem against black people

Discrimination problem against black people 

The racial discrimination has been an issue since 1954, where it was created the “separate but equal “doctrine, this doctrine justify discrimination and segregation towards black people, having white and black people the same “service” , for example the school , but they had to be separate . A few weeks ago, I saw a movie called “The butler”, in this film I noticed the segregation against these people, in one of the scene from this movie, a group of black people came into a cafeteria and sat down in the place that was for white people, a waiter from the cafeteria say to them that they can´t sit down in that place so they have to change to be served. This group wasn’t changed of place, instead they held up in them sites, while the white people attacked them, shouted at them and threw them things.

It was surprising to me, what people did to others, treating them as if they were trash just because they have different skins colour, different beliefs, etc. The whole world is globalizing, and that means we have different cultures all over the world, I can understand why people continue to segregate others for being different, we all born like human being. Nowadays, people can´t stop talking about the conflict where a police officer killed an African American boy in the south of California because the police officer thought that this African American guy had a gun, but when this boy said to the man that he hasn´t got a gun, the police officer just shout him for no reason, my questions are, where are the limits in this situation? Is really necessary kill a person because a don´t like them? , how can we live in a world full of anger between human kinds? , why we put our envy against humanity? 

This topic always called my attention, because this discrimination problem is not only in the United State of America, but also in other countries, Chile one of them. The society was change since a few years ago and still has this issue. We need to change our mind, our way of thinking, we need to respect and love the person next to us, we all are human, we make mistakes and we are not perfect. We don’t need a civil right to treat a person better; we need to treat a person better because we are human beings.

Scotland & The thistle

The thistle is a spiny plant that has a pink flower, this plant is very common in the world, even existing in our country Chile. This flower as been chosen how the national flower of Scotland, national symbol and also this plant takes part of the old order of chivalry Scotland, call “ the order of thistle”. But, why is this simple plant something so important for the Scottish?

The history or legend, because we don´t know if is 100% true or not, it says that near of the 1263 in a battle that was for recovery of territories by Scots, territories that in this moment was property of the Norwegian. The Norwegian army decided attack at the Scottish army in the night and in a cowardly way by easy victory, so for not to make noise, they decided take off your shoes and walk barefoot in the direction of the opponent, but they couldn’t imagine what would happen neither the flora that there had, a men of the Norwegian army stomped one of the million the thistle that there had, this thistle provoke that the men felt a lot of pain that made her scream very strong, this cry alert at the Scottish army that the Norwegian pretended attack silently, so they could react in time and win the battle.

Now, imagine us if in Chile we were to be guided by this tipe of events for choose national symbols, we would be full, for example: if we using the “Fenix Capsule” that rescued the 33 miners, if using smalls “Esmeraldas” because it was part of win in the “Battle of Iquique” or maybe pictures of “Farkas” because he “help” in all catastrophe of Chile... Just imagine!

The Caribbean - Steel Pan Drum

Steel Pan Drum 

The steel pan drum is a idiophone instrument invented in the country of Trinidad and Tobago in The Caribbean, originally it’s made of a 55 gallon drum of oil, by sinking the bottom of the drum into a concave shape with different clefts that makes the different notes.

The first steel pan drum were invented in 1800’s by native slaves which played it in the Carnival in the island, since then the instrument is evolving until now.

In that time the colonialists thinks that with the steel pan the slaves send secret messages to each other to make a revolution, so the colonialists banned the instrument.

In the Second World War the Carnivals were forbidden and with that the first pannists could make changes in the instrument, tuning the sounds, etc.

Nowadays the steel pan drum is a very important instrument, in fact is the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago, and now exists different types of pans with different sounds and notes. There exist the High Tenor (soprano pan), Low Tenor, Double Tenor, The Double Second Pan, The Quadrophonic Pan, The Guitar Pan, The Cello Pan, The 4 Pan Bass or Six-Pan Bass. Each one of those are used to make different sounds in a  Steel Band the make different rhythms and play different songs, including vocals but just with steel pans’ sounds as you can see in this video: Sounds of Steel - Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough (Steel Pan Drum)

I hope you enjoy the video and realize that this instrument is very important to the culture of The Caribbean is old and it was made by the slaves of the island and it’s important because in the time of colonialism, there was many slaves in the island and this is a instrument  that evolves with the salves and now is part of the Caribbean people. Also is the principal sound in Calypso music.

By: Katherine Peña Villavicencio