NSA AIC Feedback Reflections

            While working as Marouf al-Bakhit representing Jordan in the Arab-Israeli Conflict simulation I have come to realize how important the conflicts in the Middle East have become and how difficult it can be to negotiate with other nations. In my opinion we were powerful representatives of Jordan and diligent participents throughout the AIC website. Through participating in this simulation I developed my critical thinking skills, learned how to compromise, and became more informed about Middle Eastern cultures. We did not have an issue contacting our NSA when we were unclear or wanted something proofread. In adition, our primary goal was to do what was best for our people and our country. I initiated many mature, diplomatic compromises and trade agreements, created many alliances, and communicated with many countries hearing their ideas and thoughts about the issues at hand. We are proud of our press release, strategic goals statement, action form, and the work we have put into this simulation. I have come back from this simulationas a stronger more informed World Issues student.

Belarus: Dictatorship

            "When the people fear their goverment there is tyranny, but when the goverment fears the people there is democracy." ~Thomas Jefferson. Democracy is defined as a form of goverment in which citizens have an equall say in decisions that affect their lives and a certain amount of participation in the development and passage of legislation. In most cultures democracy is highly valued as it gives citizens a voice to be heard with. However, there are leaders around the world who still abuse their power; even under a "democracy". In our World Issues class we have been asked to read the Maclean's article "Belarus: Europe's ugly little dictatorship." and post are opinions pertaining to the issue.Ales Michalevic practiced politics in Belarus for quite some time and ran as a canidate in last December's presidential election. His rival Lukasenko won 80 percent of the vote which was difficult to beilve as Lukasenko's goverment was violent, corrupt, and economically as well as morally bankrupt. Thousands spilled into the streets in protest and Michalevic was arrested when he refused to read a text accusing other canidates for inciting mass disturbances and "hoolagaism". He was tortured in prison but released two months later and made his way illegaly to Ukraine. “It’s not about Lukashenko, it’s about what comes after. It’s not about the next dictator, it’s about a strong civil society.” said Michalevic. In Canada, laws and legislation is follows rule of law and society's rights and freedoms have been recorded in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms recognized by goverments and society.

To Act or Not to Act

Whether its fear, ignorance, or approval there are many reasons why a person chooses to become a bystander. For the following blog post we have been asked to give a brief summary of a certain incident where we have failed to act. Off the top of my head it is difficult to choose a good incident pertaining to this issue, however; I can think of many hypothetical situations where a person chooses to become a bystander. For example, someone may choose not to act out of fear for their life. It can be dangerous to approach a large group of people on your own who are singling out a victim such as a gang in downtown Toronto robbing a civilian. In my opinion the best way to react in this situation would be to call for support, such as police, who are trained and qualified to handle serious and dangerous situations. However, there are many ways you can make a stand and speak up. Following clip is a good example of speaking out against bullying.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWJut7KQhI4

It is wrong to say no one stands up against bullying. Stop A Bully is a Canada wide anti bullying program developed by a British Colombian teacher, allowing any student who is victim or witness to bullying to be able to safely report it to school officials without fear of becoming a target themselves. Julie Rousseau, the Principal of Rick Hansen Secondary, has shown that her school has made confronting school bullying and creating a safe school environment a top priority at the school, which includes using the Stop A Bully safe reporting system. Taking pro-active steps instead of reactive steps is the most effcient way to combat bullying. Students often times endure bullying because they hope it will go away or they fear a consiquencial reaction if they stand up! Creating awarness as well as NOT ignoring bullying incidents in your school and community will reduce the drastic outcomes we hear of so often. As you can see above there are many ways to proactively respond to bullying, so stand up and don't be a bystandor!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wh1jNAZHKIw

 

Interdependence

Mackenzie Morison

Interdependence is the theory that humans are mutually dependent on each other for our own well being. US President Franklin Roosevelt clearly explains this in his following quote: "We have learned that we cannot live alone, at peace; that our own well-being is dependent on the well-being of other nations, far away.... We have learned to be citizens of the world, members of the human community."

The quote directly relates to the world we live in today. Through technologies and communications countries around the world are becoming more and more interconnected everyday. For instance, the recession in one country can easily spread and affect other countries; a good example of this is the European Debt Crisis. In addition, as a global community we are all affected by and taking part in Climate Change.

Globalization

             Our world is becoming more interconnected every day. Today an extremely strong relationship exists between international trade, communication, and politics. Globalization has allowed for stronger communication to flow amongst more developed countries and developing countries. It has enabled trade to grow, capital and education flows to increase and a better distribution of resources to be met around the world.

             One of the most powerful positive effects of globalization is its impact on legal and ethnical values. Not all good practices were born in one civilization. The world that we live in today is a result of several cultures coming together. For instance, people of one culture tend to see the flaws in their culture and pick up the culture which is more correct or in tune with the times. Societies have become larger as they have welcomed people of other civilizations and backgrounds and created a whole new culture of their own. Cooking styles, languages and customs have spread all due to globalization. However, a negative aspect of globalization can be seen through its effect on culture. The western and popular culture has become dominate and destroys cultural diversity. The western promotion of global news, music, movies, and even the English language promotes this effect

What I Did This Summer:

This summer I traveled to Kenya with the organization Me to We to build a school. I got hands on volunteer experience while interacting with a new culture. Young people everywhere have a right to be free from poverty, thirst, exploitation and disease. I chose to participate in Me to We’s youth volunteer trip because they are an organization that empowers youth to remove barriers that prevents them from achieving their potential. This trip was a great leadership opportunity that allowed me to take action to improve the lives of youth across the world and to go on an unforgettable adventure. I viewed fascinating places, became immersed in a new culture, and developed many friendships. I returned home having gained many experiences and an enhanced knowledge of the world. Working to achieve positive change in the world and having the knowledge of contributing to another person’s life and dreams is the most uplifting and empowering feeling you will ever experience.