Saturday, October 3, 2015
SJS 2 - "Sharpeville Revisited"
Source: De Gruchy, John W. "Sharpeville revisited." The Christian Century 112.14 (1995): 447. Student Resources in Context. Web. 3 Oct. 2015.
Author Credentials: John W. De Gruchy, the author, is a Robert Selby Taylor Professor of Christian Studies at the University of Cape Town in Rondebosch, South Africa. The information written from this writer is reliable considering his position as a professor in a high ranked university and his background knowledge on South Africa.
Summary: On March of 1960, precisely 69 blacks were killed by the police. The people where protesting the passed laws that prohibited Africans in urban areas. This massacre symbolized racism as well as the anti-apartheid conflict. The Pan-Africanist Congress, African National Congress, and South African Communist Party were outlawed. Now on March 21st, the holiday known as the Human Rights Day represents the freedom of many Africans. The first event that was launched after this holiday was a service which took place in St. George's Cathedral with the appearance of Queen Elizabeth, Prince Phillip, and President Mandela. After the second appearance of Queen Elizabeth it represented the reuniting of South Africa and Britain. During the second event, South Africans and World councils of churches were united for recognition and settlement within the community and local police. Churches were then greatly involved in the resolution of the apartheid and in moral construction.
Analysis: This author greatly represented the Sharpeville Massacre with the extensive facts and details providing the reader with a straightforward understanding of the massacre. This article also contributed the reader with specific names of groups and people which was beneficial. Lastly, this article contains reliable information because the author mostly likely received higher education due to his position as a professor in the University of Cape Town.
SJS 2 - "Cities and Economic Transformation"
Source: Amoako, K.Y. "Cities and economic transformation." African Business Mar. 2015: S97. Student Resources in Context. Web. 3 Oct. 2015.
Author Credentials: K.Y. Amoako is the President of the African Centre for Economic Transformation, which is also known as ACET. He mainly researches and tracks the growth of economics within Africa.
Summary: The article mainly tries to answer the question; Are African cities, in their current state, as effective as they can be as organs of economic growth? The author answers no. He talks about how changing into "organs of economic growth" takes hard work and determination. He uses the example of Angola. How the country was able to reach success and has proved that economic transformation is possible. K.Y. Amoako also states that the building block of an economic order that can continue into economic growth for years is taking measures to move rural areas into cities. They key of doing so is determination towards change, planning, and bold execution.
Analysis: It was a very interesting source and gave ideas how Africa's cities can transform economically. He does use Angola as an example of this transformation, but if he would have use more examples it would have been easier to show changes. The author also could have given more information as to why some events lead to other events (Ex. Specialization leads to industrialization). Otherwise, the article was very well written and full of useful information
Author Credentials: K.Y. Amoako is the President of the African Centre for Economic Transformation, which is also known as ACET. He mainly researches and tracks the growth of economics within Africa.
Summary: The article mainly tries to answer the question; Are African cities, in their current state, as effective as they can be as organs of economic growth? The author answers no. He talks about how changing into "organs of economic growth" takes hard work and determination. He uses the example of Angola. How the country was able to reach success and has proved that economic transformation is possible. K.Y. Amoako also states that the building block of an economic order that can continue into economic growth for years is taking measures to move rural areas into cities. They key of doing so is determination towards change, planning, and bold execution.
Analysis: It was a very interesting source and gave ideas how Africa's cities can transform economically. He does use Angola as an example of this transformation, but if he would have use more examples it would have been easier to show changes. The author also could have given more information as to why some events lead to other events (Ex. Specialization leads to industrialization). Otherwise, the article was very well written and full of useful information
Friday, October 2, 2015
SJS 2 - "Africa's Struggles for Decolonization: from Achebe to Mandela"
Source: Zeleza, Paul Tiyambe. "Africa's struggles for decolonization: from Achebe to Mandela." Research in African Literatures 45.4 (2014): 121+. Student Resources in Context. Web. 1 Oct. 2015.
Author Credentials: This author is qualified to write this journal because he is a professor at Quinnipiac University. Because of this title and status, he can be relied upon for accurate information, since professors commonly dedicate their life's work to their area of expertise.
Summary: This journal focuses on the struggle of Africans in developing their states into more efficient, recovered systems after the end of European rule. Beyond this, the author included Pan-Africanism was a prime example of the diversity between the different nations in Africa, since the movement was able to exhibit the extent to which individuals disputed about the social construct of race and its reflection upon one's status. Nationalism was also addressed in the journal, and the text identified how nationalism contains cultural components. The author also analyzed Achebe and Mandela's works in society, stating that Achebe was able to encompass the large variety of cultures in Africa into a single novel, inspiring many other Africans to write literature as well. From there, the author discusses Mandela's key role in the repeal of apartheid and how, as a popular South African leader, he was able to negotiate terms in which the white minority rule would end.
Analysis: The author of this journal made a strong argument to support his thesis, and included extensive evidence to further prove his position. The difference between fact and opinion is explicitly clarified, as much of the text is factual evidence on African history and the evaluation of two important African leaders. This journal is a reliable source because the author is certified to write on the subject of the document and cites an extensive list of sources from which he collaborated his argument.
Author Credentials: This author is qualified to write this journal because he is a professor at Quinnipiac University. Because of this title and status, he can be relied upon for accurate information, since professors commonly dedicate their life's work to their area of expertise.
Summary: This journal focuses on the struggle of Africans in developing their states into more efficient, recovered systems after the end of European rule. Beyond this, the author included Pan-Africanism was a prime example of the diversity between the different nations in Africa, since the movement was able to exhibit the extent to which individuals disputed about the social construct of race and its reflection upon one's status. Nationalism was also addressed in the journal, and the text identified how nationalism contains cultural components. The author also analyzed Achebe and Mandela's works in society, stating that Achebe was able to encompass the large variety of cultures in Africa into a single novel, inspiring many other Africans to write literature as well. From there, the author discusses Mandela's key role in the repeal of apartheid and how, as a popular South African leader, he was able to negotiate terms in which the white minority rule would end.
Analysis: The author of this journal made a strong argument to support his thesis, and included extensive evidence to further prove his position. The difference between fact and opinion is explicitly clarified, as much of the text is factual evidence on African history and the evaluation of two important African leaders. This journal is a reliable source because the author is certified to write on the subject of the document and cites an extensive list of sources from which he collaborated his argument.
SJS2- "The Price of South Sudan's Independence"
Source: De Waal, Alex. "The Price of South Sudan's Independence." Current History (2015): 194-196.
Print. 2 Oct. 2015.
Author: Alex De Wall is executive director of the World Peace Foundation and a research professor at Tufts University's Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. He is the author of The Real Politics of the Horn of Africa: Money, War and the Business of Power (Policity Press, 2015).
Summary: The article describes South Sudan's battle for independence and also covers how the new government has failed over the past few years. It describes about the hate that the South felt from the North and that it is the main reason that they decided to pack up their bags and form their own new state. Then it details how Salva Kiir becomes a dictator and runs his new country dry after three short years he is in a political fight which turns into a violent battle and genocide simillar to what became the reason for South Sudan's leave from Sudan. Finally the UN, the AU, and the IGAD step in to try and prevent more violence. They suceed in having the two parties sign a document to end the violence and make it another battle of words setting South Sudan back of for violence.
Analysis: De Waal does an excellent job in providing evidence to support his point that history is repeating itself. He demonstrates how Sudan broke into a civil war between the northerners and tthe southerners. Then he uses this evidence to show how South Sudan is currently tearing itself apart and following the pattern that its mother country, Sudan, had. He keeps this a very concise topic targeting specifically Sudan and South Sudan however he makes his topic comparable to other countries in the fact by describing that political wars do not only happen in one country but happen all over the world. This makes him an excellent writer because by making his work more universal it is easy to compare to other situations which can help a reader to better understand his argument.
Print. 2 Oct. 2015.
Author: Alex De Wall is executive director of the World Peace Foundation and a research professor at Tufts University's Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. He is the author of The Real Politics of the Horn of Africa: Money, War and the Business of Power (Policity Press, 2015).
Summary: The article describes South Sudan's battle for independence and also covers how the new government has failed over the past few years. It describes about the hate that the South felt from the North and that it is the main reason that they decided to pack up their bags and form their own new state. Then it details how Salva Kiir becomes a dictator and runs his new country dry after three short years he is in a political fight which turns into a violent battle and genocide simillar to what became the reason for South Sudan's leave from Sudan. Finally the UN, the AU, and the IGAD step in to try and prevent more violence. They suceed in having the two parties sign a document to end the violence and make it another battle of words setting South Sudan back of for violence.
Analysis: De Waal does an excellent job in providing evidence to support his point that history is repeating itself. He demonstrates how Sudan broke into a civil war between the northerners and tthe southerners. Then he uses this evidence to show how South Sudan is currently tearing itself apart and following the pattern that its mother country, Sudan, had. He keeps this a very concise topic targeting specifically Sudan and South Sudan however he makes his topic comparable to other countries in the fact by describing that political wars do not only happen in one country but happen all over the world. This makes him an excellent writer because by making his work more universal it is easy to compare to other situations which can help a reader to better understand his argument.
SJS2- "All Eyes On Africa"
Source: Pham, J. Peter. "All Eyes On Africa." YaleGlobal Online (2014). Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 2 Oct. 2015.
Author: Mr. Pham has his Ph.d was the director of International and Public Affairs at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, now he is the director of the Africa Center at the Atlantic Council in Washington D.C., his areas of expertise include the majority of the African countries, and as can be seen he is an expert in foreign affairs.
Summary: This article discusses the numerous problems that have been or are currently plaguing Africa, such as the actions of Boko Haram, the article then proceedes to discuss the first U.S.-Africa Leaders summit, and the numerous policies that Obama and the African leaders discussed as well as the policies that Obama wants to implement to allow trade, aid, and resources to exchange from the hands of Africans to Americans and from the hands of Americans to Africans.
Analysis: The author gives strong evidence in the way of saying that Africa is stronger and more confident then ever, by bringing up the policies that were talked about between the African leaders and Obama he portrays it as such that there can be no doubt that the policies were talked about with insight given from both sides, whether they be American or African, he is a reliable source because as the director of the Africa Center at the Atlantic Council, his area of expertise is Africa and African relations, as well as the fact that he has his Ph.D he is a recognized scholar.
Author: Mr. Pham has his Ph.d was the director of International and Public Affairs at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, now he is the director of the Africa Center at the Atlantic Council in Washington D.C., his areas of expertise include the majority of the African countries, and as can be seen he is an expert in foreign affairs.
Summary: This article discusses the numerous problems that have been or are currently plaguing Africa, such as the actions of Boko Haram, the article then proceedes to discuss the first U.S.-Africa Leaders summit, and the numerous policies that Obama and the African leaders discussed as well as the policies that Obama wants to implement to allow trade, aid, and resources to exchange from the hands of Africans to Americans and from the hands of Americans to Africans.
Analysis: The author gives strong evidence in the way of saying that Africa is stronger and more confident then ever, by bringing up the policies that were talked about between the African leaders and Obama he portrays it as such that there can be no doubt that the policies were talked about with insight given from both sides, whether they be American or African, he is a reliable source because as the director of the Africa Center at the Atlantic Council, his area of expertise is Africa and African relations, as well as the fact that he has his Ph.D he is a recognized scholar.
Monday, September 28, 2015
PDP 2 "The Question of South Africa"
Author Summary: Desmond Tutu was elected the first black Archbishop of Cape Town in 1986. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 for seeking racial justice in South Africa. Not too long after receiving the Nobel Prize, he gave the speech, "The Question of South Africa." He spoke optimistically about the future of race relations within South Africa.
Date/Context: This speech was given by Desmond Tutu in 1984 shortly after he received the Nobel Peace Prize. This is during the time that South Africa was suffering. It was a highly volatile land whose inhabitants were on the verge of disaster.
Summary: In this speech, Tutu basically spoke of how South Africa was deeply polarized. It was separated by the black and white citizens. There were many deaths of innocent children. Black children were boycotting school because they were receiving an education inferior to the whites. He speaks lowly of the South African government and the way that it is treating its people. He dreams of a non-racial, democratic society, that citizens can trust to protect them. He concludes by saying that true freedom is possibly and achievable.
Key Quotation:
-"When you use the army in this fashion, who is the enemy".
-"We dream of a new society that will be truly non-racial, truly democratic, in which people count because they are created in the image of God."
PDP2- Travels in Africa
Author Bio: Muhammad Ibn Abdullah Ibn Buttuta, the author, describes his long lasting journey traveling along Asia and Africa.
Muhammad originated in Tangier and kept traveling for 24 years after the age of 25. He passed all of the Muslim states and is now recognized as a center of information toward African and Muslim civilization during this time period (1364 C.E.) Throughout this article, Muhammad describes his adventures up to the empire of Mali. He mentions the desert crossings, camels, as well as the caravan routes. Toward the end of the article he portrays the good and bad acts of the Sudan such as their lack of oppression in which he agreed upon. However, disagreed with the fact that female servants, slave girls, as well as little girls show up naked in the appearance of men.
Date/Context: This document fits with our understanding of imperialism due to the diversity of cultures and religious obligations. One of Muhammad's points in this article was, "...their assiduity in prayer and their persistence in preforming it in congregation and beating their children to make them perform it. If it is a Friday and a man does not go early to the mosque he will not find anywhere to pray because of the press of the people. It is their habit that every man sends his servant with his prayer-mat to spread it for him in a place which he thereby has a right to until he goes to the mosque. Their prayer-carpets are made from the fonds of the tree resembling the palm which has no fruit" (Buttuta 151). A second point the author mentioned was a part of their culture, where the ladies would appear fully naked in the presence of men.
Summary: Muhammad admired their lack of brutality, their security measures within the country, their denied interference with the death of rich white man, strict religion and culture practices, white clothing on Fridays, and lastly their memorization of Koran. However, some of the acts he disagreed upon where the naked woman and children in front of men, the women's presence toward the sultan's, and lastly their choice of food such as dogs, monkeys, and carrions.
Key Quotation:
Much of the information that he provides is unique, but all of it is shaped by his own background, religion, and sense of cultural superiority.
The association of women with men is agreeable to us and a part of good conduct, to which no suspicion attaches. They are not like the women of your country.
Muhammad originated in Tangier and kept traveling for 24 years after the age of 25. He passed all of the Muslim states and is now recognized as a center of information toward African and Muslim civilization during this time period (1364 C.E.) Throughout this article, Muhammad describes his adventures up to the empire of Mali. He mentions the desert crossings, camels, as well as the caravan routes. Toward the end of the article he portrays the good and bad acts of the Sudan such as their lack of oppression in which he agreed upon. However, disagreed with the fact that female servants, slave girls, as well as little girls show up naked in the appearance of men.
Date/Context: This document fits with our understanding of imperialism due to the diversity of cultures and religious obligations. One of Muhammad's points in this article was, "...their assiduity in prayer and their persistence in preforming it in congregation and beating their children to make them perform it. If it is a Friday and a man does not go early to the mosque he will not find anywhere to pray because of the press of the people. It is their habit that every man sends his servant with his prayer-mat to spread it for him in a place which he thereby has a right to until he goes to the mosque. Their prayer-carpets are made from the fonds of the tree resembling the palm which has no fruit" (Buttuta 151). A second point the author mentioned was a part of their culture, where the ladies would appear fully naked in the presence of men.
Summary: Muhammad admired their lack of brutality, their security measures within the country, their denied interference with the death of rich white man, strict religion and culture practices, white clothing on Fridays, and lastly their memorization of Koran. However, some of the acts he disagreed upon where the naked woman and children in front of men, the women's presence toward the sultan's, and lastly their choice of food such as dogs, monkeys, and carrions.
Key Quotation:
Much of the information that he provides is unique, but all of it is shaped by his own background, religion, and sense of cultural superiority.
The association of women with men is agreeable to us and a part of good conduct, to which no suspicion attaches. They are not like the women of your country.
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