Rn 9 korean refugees in china by sapana punjabi

North koreans refugees were not accepted by china and they could'nt return back to their home country in korea as it would guarantee their imprisonment and torture .In china korean people were not accepted as china's government would penalize citizens of their country who offer help to korean and reward people for turning them.
The phrase that shows their plight Seung-young lee, humanitarian organization "Their flight to china is their last resort for survival not as a means to accumulate wealth".Kenkichi nakadaira."Testimony before subcommittee." 22 june,2002.
The following issue can well be compared to the issue of Dominican explusion of Haitian immigrants.REFERANCE:http:/www.nchr.org/rmp/OASappeal.htm.
The same issue can be compared with my own example of my family in which my great grand fathers were thrown out of pakistan and they have to hide and leave ,while leaving their country some of my relatives have died. Another example is of the indian movie" refugee" which have discuseed the issues relating to not accepting people of other community. This issuses have to be taken seriously as they question our humanity and our belief in god. If we believe in god ,then our deeds are not reflecting the sole aspect of humanity.

Reading Notes 9

Baghdad Burning’s writer, “River” is attempting to document her experiences since the first days of American occupation in Iraq. Some of the social injustices that she encounters surpass the information given to us on American television. This means there is a gap between what is reported to us on our news stations and what a citizen of Baghdad is currently experiencing. She claims that even reports of abductions of women and children are not accurate to the American news stations because a good portion of abductions are not reported-the families choose to take it upon themselves to find their daughter, sister, or wife. It is one of the many situations that first hand she understands from experiencing and writing about it independently and anonymously on her blog.
The themes in this reading selection offer an inside look from the point of view of a girl who has been affected by the war her and her people have not asked for. There are day to day living choices she must make to keep her safe. From choosing only her necessitates to pack to get relocated info a safer place to restricted attire when leaving the house. She tells stories of her cousins losing jobs because of damages from the occupation of their factories and the irony of the military action being called “rebuilding Iraq” or “operation Iraqi freedom” when so many of the homes have computers, many go to school, and it is not a stereotypical truth but a myth that , as she says, “prior to occupation, lived in little beige tents set up on the sides of little dirt roads all over Baghdad. The men and boys would ride to school on their camels, donkeys and goats. These schools were larger versions of the home units and for every 100 students, there was one turban-wearing teacher who taught the boys rudimentary math (to count the flock) and reading. Girls and women sat at home, in black burkas, making bread and taking care of 10-12 children.”
I feel a very strong connection to Anne Frank and her diary writings. Although a different war, the family members of this girl and she herself face hiding places everyday. They are not living comfortably as they used to and must take very special precaution when leaving their household in whatever they do. Privileges are suspended, River tells that she has not driven in so long for fear of being abducted. Its as if these people were alienated and cannot call their house their home because of the war going on around them. It is just a structure to protect them from the outside.
Even though River speaks her mind, it is very dangerous. Why do you think she chooses to expose her feelings although there is a high risk for her?
What is River’s perception of the media? How does it differ from what the media may say about citizens like River’s family?
Research Topics:
Current citizen conditions in Iraq in 2008, re-location and refugee areas for Iraqis and their response to the movement, comparing Iraqi tradtions 50 years ago, pre war, and post.’
Unknown Words:
Glitterati-wealthy or famous people who conspicuously or ostentatiously attend fashionable events.
Expatriate-to withdraw (oneself) from residence in or allegiance to one's native country

rn9 north korea have very little of making choice....

Elizabeth Millan

                                                                                                             Rn 9

North Korea citizen have very little choice making

The thesis that I have gather form this reading is that the citizens from North Korea do not have any decisions among themselves and can not make any type of decisions. I fill so lucky because we do have the freedom to be able to make our own choices while in other country’s they do not have that freedom. This really calls up my attention like I mention we do have our freedom of choice.

            The injustice that I see is that the Korean government manipulates their citizens.

            This reminds me of when I was taking anthropology we read a book called la sandunga (it was called something like that) that there was also injustice.

            Some ideas that I have are

                        If you were to live in North Korea what would you do to avoid this?

                         If you had the power to change this rules what would you do about it?

            The topics that I would use to expand this reading are

If you were to interview the president of North Korea what would you tell him?

                        If you where the president what changes would you make?

RN #9 Baghadad Burning

Name: Chintan Patel
ENG 102 Rn# 9
1) There are people who are living without electricity. Perhaps us we don’t even spend a day without watching television. Also they had a radio whenever they put it on, they hear American radios. Even though they were so used to hear planes voices and bomb of missile, AK 47. Some Iraqis do not have television; however some people got their old televisions. There were people when they take out and clean it, that channel will get disconnect. As we saw that at the end author ask us question that what will the US do about Iran? That question is really something to think about it. There are innocent people are dying for no reasons. They have done nothing wrong. Whoever lives in this world everyone deserve happiness in their lives. People who are hardly surviving in Iran and Iraq, they also wants to peace in their country. If this governments not going stop, fight will go very long. Now Iran has 150 000 American Hostages with them. If American government tries to do anything to Iran, they will give hard time to American Hostages. Now in this case what why should those 150000 American hostages should get predicaments? This world has gone to further. Now murder, violation, crimes and all is become so common to everyone. No one cares about others’ feelings. When a one person from family members dies it means half of them family members lives go away. After looking at and reading this all we can say that we need to take action immediately.
2) It is obvious that it is being so unfair to innocent people. People who have done thing why do they get this all punishment? Why cannot we just live peacefully? We all need to understand that Every human is same. No one has right to take away each other’s lives. Countries are fighting Iran is saying if America does anything they will kill American hostages. And if America does something in Iran, no one else but only innocent people will die. If we going to get still further like this, what will happen to this world, everyone need to understand this. Governments has silly ideas, if they will not take steps to stop this then we could call them idiots.
3) I have read a one article about people who are in Kashmir. Kashmir is a heaven of India, it is in North India. Pakistan also wants it, legally it’s in India, and India deserves to have right on it. However Pakistan wants it because it’s heaven and they could make lot of money from tourist. India and Pakistan has done lot of fights for this, however Pakistan is still not stopping. More than 75 people are dying in Kashmir. Muslims are killing Hindus. I read one article it was about there was a one small family living there and they had two young kids. Father of the family went to get grocery, did not ever return, same day mother went to see him so she at least can feed her kids, she did not even return. But some people brought home her dead body. Ten year old kid got responsible to take care his 6 years old sister. Now in this case we have to think what will happen to those kids? Where should they go? Who would feed them? Those innocent kids also deserve a happy life same as those rich people’s kids. There are people who are suffering from all this. We have to stop this in any case.
4) I would ask following Question
· what would you do if you have to be in that situation?
· What would you do if you are one of that American Hostage? how would you feel about American Government
· If you get a chance to solve this all, would you go up, help and try to solve this mess
5) I would research on following things:
· Life of innocent people who are surviving in Iraq.
· Life of a soldier who are in Iraq
· Kids who are in Iraq living without a parents.
6) WORDS
· Ceased : to stop something:
· Carcasses: the body of a dead animal, especially a large one that is soon to be cut up as meat or eaten by wild animals
· Plastered : extremely drunk
· Stunned: to shock or surprise someone very much
· Saluted: to make a formal sign of respect to someone, especially by raising the right hand to the side of the head

Real Baghdad

Reading Notes # 9 Razi

This reading contained articles or posts that relate to the war with Iraq and in Iraq. These are truly sad stories to read, however they do inform us of some reality from people who experienced many of those atrocities closely. The reason many of these bloggers are trying to inform and mend each other in some kind of support is because they feel lost and helpless and definitely outraged. Articles from these bloggers show only one thesis a war that is overdone.

The feeling of being oppressed has long surpassed the civilians of Baghdad. Many of these articles give a sense of hopelessness in regards to the “Supposed Help” Iraq is supposed to get. American troops firing from one side, the big external power control itself and on the other hand are waiting the sectarian militia that gives no regard to a fellow citizen. Theme is very clear in these blogs, its all about powerlessness. Not only have the Americans started a war that is unleaded and without a specific motive but they began to commit atrocities on local civilians such as open firing, bombing by a mosque, rape and the list continues according to many blogs. And then they allowed or initiated sectarian militia, which is among the ruthless of militant groups on the globe. This whole genocide of a whole generation of people began with the divide and rule ideology of the Americans, just to quench the immediate thirst for fuel is very “Ugly”.

I have heard something similar of methodologies being used to control India by the Britisher’s during the 1940’s. They used similar tactics to diverge attention of people and cause a religious war for more than a decade. However, the method was identified, which is why it didn’t work so far and India gained independence from British control. These blogs open up a number of discussions such as whether the US soldiers really want to be out there and shoot people? Meaning if they even care about what they are doing? My project about similar stories would be about Psychology behind military soldiers or history behind the genocidal conquering in the modern world. I did not find any unfamiliar words that are so uncommon.

Poverty and religions ?!!

Poverty means “Is being without things, having little money, not many material
possessions and in need of essential goods”
Religion means “a pursuit or interest followed with great devotion”
Devotion means “love, loyalty, or enthusiasm for a person or activity”

So, according to these meanings, a religious person should have love, loyalty and enthusiasm to his/her prophet’s ideology despite of the prophet that person worships.
Now, what all prophets have in common? undoubtedly, all of them bring some rules and teachings to persuade mankind to be more gentle to his spices, be more human, more helpful, more kindness, and less cruel to others. So, we will definitely find the same ideas toward helping others, especially, about the poor in all religions which have been dispread around the world. In spite of all differences that every body can clime about religious, nobody can say that the prophets did not mention anything about giving charity to people is “in need of essential goods.”
Therefore, if we were religious person or even we were not a religious person but believed in humanity there should be no any poor person existed in this planet. So, when we see million men, women and children die of hunger or illness or lacking a shelter in winter, it is an evidence that not only we are not a religious person but also we are not even human beings because if we see all this pains around us and being indifference, show that we are a selfish creatures who want every things just for themselves. Actually, we are inattention all those properties will stay here and we will be buried just by a simple cloth and none of those luxury cars or houses or gold and jewelries will help us to leave longer. Finally, just try to be less selfish and be more human or be more loyal to those things we believe in.

Baghdad Burning RN # 9'-<

Baghdad Burning was one of the most souls inspiring context that I have read as a documentation project in this class. In fact, I found this writing not just as piece of evidence for all injustice that happen to those people in that particular location, but also as a reality in human beings’ life and as a proof the history repeat itself over and over again.
In deed, I could feel deep sorrow and distress in her writing. The feeling that does not merely belongs to this person but it is common sense for entire people who had the same situations in their life. The feeling of all people who were forced to leave their homes, their memories, and all things gathered during their life and even their identity, as she mentioned too “having to leave everything you know and love, to some unspecified place for a future where nothing is certain” because they are looking for one of the fundamental basis of human right “right to live”; they have to enter to an unknown world with title of refugee. Refugee may be is the best description for those dispreads people who experience the bitterest moment of their life. They are individuals who are victims of our ill world system that still after more than two millennia, ambitiousness of particular group of people “political, religious, the rich leader” make life miserable for the rest of mankind.
Undoubtedly, reputation and wealth are the first priorities for this powerful minority which use the rest of people “the majority” as slaves and are executed those one who try to stop this slavery. This slavery system that use human force toward its purposes always has a same rule as the jungle rule which powerful people speak loudly and other powerless individuals should be silent and marginalized, if not, should be eradicated by violence. You may think that minority tries to help mankind and provide more secure and pleasurable life for the majority, but after a while every body understand they just manipulate people for their purpose in a very clever way. The result always are predictable; some reach to their aims that is more money and power in society, some are victims of the fist group ambitions and some who have been manipulated to help these injustices become angry but silent, and surprisingly some even do not understand that are used by those power to facilitate their ways.
Generally, this process repeats itself for thousand years. Therefore, even in this era that technology has passed all borders and people become more aware of this planet’s issues, they still let those injustice evils use them like slaves as their army to reach to their selfish aims by applying most horror in all part of the world. In contrast, we response to these problems by being indifference and make themselves busy with routines even though we are witness of all evil’s work which is happening in our territory “planet earth” and let some minority govern us toward reaching the most pleasurable life just for themselves and not for the Marjory. Now the question is:

Why do we as the majority let this evil minority use us to reach their evil purposes and applying so many terrors all over the world for many decades?

Why does the powerful stream in our society allow themselves to think instead of us and manipulate us as their army to kill others with different religion, language, color, culture . . . ?

How many years should pass until we decide to stop these indifferences and stop this slavery system?

Why do we always think, there is somebody else can help victims whereas everybody else is thinking in the same way?

Why do we think, living in a powerful society make us much preponderant people that can apply pressure on others?

Why have humanity and love been replaced with money and power?
Have prophets come to reverse this process?
If yes, do not you think power and money in religions make people unsure about religion concept and prohibit religious leaders to lead people toward the holy purpose of all prophets which is establish love and humanity in the world?

RN #9

Evdoxia Georgakopoulos

RN #9

September 26, 2008

The thesis in this blog is obvious, it is about war. She explains in many ways about her experience in the war. She describes her country and how she views it, as well as how others view it. She stated that the first weeks were something of a cultural shock. It too her at least three months to work away certain habits that she had acquired in Iraq after the war. “I had resigned myself to the fact that we were refugees.” She called herself a refugee due to the fact that her and her family had to flea their town. It’s sad to see how a country like this can fall into the wrong hands and make everyone’s life a living hell. So many innocent souls were lost and beaten from their pride and heritage.

The different themes I see in the blog are the different time periods she went through. When I mean by time periods I mean, each of the days she wrote for the blog. People that were refugees from their homes were striped for everything they owned. They had no were or no one to turn to. “We live in an apartment building where two other Iraqis are renting. The people in the floor above us are a Christian family from northern Iraq who got chased out of their village by Peshmerga and the family on our floor is a Kurdish family who lost their home in Baghdad to militias and were waiting for immigration to Sweden or Switzerland or some such European refugee haven” she said.

What really caught my eye in the reading was the story of the woman who was raped. It was the most inhumane thing I have ever read. This poor woman was striped form her dignity and tortured worse than an animal. She states, “The men who raped her are those same security forces Bush and Condi are so proud of- you know- the ones the Americans trained,” this is very interesting. I say this because, Mr. Big time president Bush is suppose to be sending men out there to supposedly find weapons of mass destruction, but instead their sitting there raping innocent women. It’s sad to see how some ignorant people don’t find this wrong. This is mainly because she is an Iraqi woman. How pathetic!

Why are people so evil?

What has the government done wrong for hatred to get so far?

What can we do to avoid our society getting worse?

I would research the role of Iraqi woman during the war.

I would research the statistics and ratios of American-Iraqi soldiers.

I would research the stories that were told by the soldiers who raped the innocent women, I would see what they have to say about this.

I have no unknown words. I can’t say I have an idea either. There can not be an idea in stories like these. I feel sorry for the women, children, men, etc. that have been put through this retched war. It is unfair and inhumane for innocent people to suffer for others wrong doings. This is what happens when rich people have nothing to do with their money and time. Thank Bush! – ha!

Freaking out . . .

Two of you have e-mailed me to express confusion about the homework. Just skim different entries of the blog, especially from the first year of postings. Then: write a RN based on whatever you read.

HW Resources

Few weeks ago I found this video which shows cruel but true idea of human kind on this planet. If I have seen this video some years earlier I would probably feel angry. The humans are compared to infection or parasites of some sort. The source of oppression is humanity itself. Once we spend all of our resources we are going to kill off one anothe. You and I will never live to see that time. What does humanity hold for the human kind?
Watch the video and judge it from your own perspective.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7981877452343814798&ei=5ubfSPqPM4qK_QG2mLCYCw&q=earth+humans&vt=lf&hl=en

question about RN#9

i am confusing about RN#9 it says very first year of posting. so from where i start!!!!!!!!! start from the end? tuesday may 2, 2006 TO what ???????????

And we also gone post this RN 9 on the blog right?

RN # 8

Derrick Reed 09- 24-2008



RN # 8

1. This is a sad testimony. I know china isn’t the richest country in the world, but to turn your back and to completely ignore another country that share borders with you is wrong. China a country of the same region ignoring North Korea. The articles main focus was about the harsh lifestyle the Korean people was going through. Kids was sleeping in alleys, on roofs, and begging for food night and day. I think besides China, the Korean government was messed up too. How can you make it illegal for your citizen to flee the country. In a time of need the North Korean government is worrying about their pride. These people are going through a crisis and they should be allowed to seek all the help that is needed. The Korean women was exploited. They was used as wives for Chinese farmer, Sex slaves, and subject to hard labor when they reached China.

2. The thing about these people is they are starving. Everybody is hungry. They all wanting something to eat. The Korean people flee to China in hope of survival. In China they all are exploited. All the Koreans want to do is to survive. The harsh Chinese government look at these Koreans as nothing more than economic migrants.

3. After reading the chapter all I could think about was Pearl Harbor. Rather it was the movie, a whole book, an article, or chapter in our history book it was all the same. Putting Asians in concentration camps because they supposed to be a threat to America. We all know that only the worst can happen when you push people off to the side and throw them in cages like they are animals. In both situations, with Pearl Harbor and in testimony of these North Korean refugees these people lived in harsh conditions. These conditions caused starvation, diseases, overcrowded camps. All these conditions led to some unnecessary deaths.


4. A.) Why do you think China treated these Korean Refugees the way they did?
B.) Do you think it‘s an overseas Countries job to get involved like The United States?
C.) Do you think these people had other options, other than fleeing to China ?
D.) Compare and Contrast the Korean Refugee situation, to the situation of Pearl Harbor? Do you believe one was treated worst than the other?

5. Questions I would like to know
A.) How did the United States and Japan government helped these people?
B.) How was the situation fix?
C.) And if anything at all, what was done to China?

Conferences

Conferences are in CLS 2084

M Oct 6
9 Fernando
9:20 Jazmin
9:40 Samantha
11 Sapana
11:20 Huda
11:40 Lia
12 Chintan
12:20 Janette
12:40 Mehrnoosh

T Oct 7
11 Vanessa

W Oct 8
9 Connie
9:20 Evie
9:40 Erik
11:20 Christine
11:40 Sanel

1:40 Marta

F Oct 10
9:20 May
9:40 Jessica

Does anyone?

Does anyone want to volunteer to be a discussion leader on Friday? About "Baghdad Burning"?

The homework:

http://riverbendblog.blogspot.com/

Especially look at the first year of posts.

Wow

Feel free to comment on anything here. Excellent work.

North Korean citizens have little choice in making life decisions-from the way they dress to the content of what they write and speak. All of their actions are closely monitored by the government, that also follows them in a very symbolic way in terms of image. Their leader, Kim Jong Il, has photos and accomplishment papers littered in every building, a propoganda the North Korean people cannot run from. No one wants to challenge their lifestyle or how they are treated because they live in absolute fear that they will disobey and have to pay for it. Although a call to action is completely eveident under this nation, the government is so vast and has power over all that it is a very large obstacle for outsiders to reach.

An important theme is drawn one frame in the comic strip that has the illustrator looking into a mirror but because of a framed photo of the Communist leader, he beleives he sees the leader in the mirror instead of his own reflection. Although it was the angle of the mirror and it was only a mistake, it is a physical metaphor for how much of the North Korean's identity is stolen. They are unaware of what they can become or void of free will, it is stolen by the brainwashing and taking of their leader.

Running away at 18, my father escaped from Poland to Austria to escape Communist rule. There were horrible resource rationing conditions, the education was turning slowly into more propoganda, and speaking or critizing the government was at a high cost. I beleive that there were Refugee camps in Austria because they were aware of these conditions and felt the need to lend out a hand to ones that wanted to get out.

Why do you think that the government also controls outside journalism or published items from other countries? Can they control anything else past it?
Are there aany hidden implied messages behind the comic? What and why?

You could research a topic such as communist rule, the leader Kim Jong Il, or current news topics on the situation.

Religion and Poverty

What is the best possible relationship between religion and solutions to poverty, in modern life?

I believe that religion can be used as both a solution and a problem. Religion is something that provides as a foundation of a person’s humanity towards all creations. When we do not respect the boundaries or our limitation that are expected of us, we break down, we commit acts that are not just bad but they are the total opposite of what a moral religious person would do. And this is where the solution or problem occurs, when people aim to achieve a personal goal by following a religion, they have difficulties following it, because they are not willfully doing a good deed but they are rather following instructions to achieve a certain something they want. If they would in fact follow religion willfully they would stay sturdy and help others, not to feel good but because they understand the difficulties of poverty from a moral, emotional point of view as well. And this type of understanding I think is crucial for people to have, to eliminate poverty by providing assistance in all forms. It can be information about patience and difficult times or may be even money but the understanding or the feeling needs to be there to keep the link between these two faces of life.

Reading Notes # 8

The Sad Reality

The readings and the comic both reveal the history of the North Korea to a point where it is evident to world how sadistic and horrendous of acts have been committed against the people of North Korea. It is very clear to gather thesis from the information, because it shows how all other countries backed up when the citizens of N.K were inhumanely treated. The story is real ofcourse and conveying a message about Human rights and how greatly politics influences humanistic affairs.

The word Oppression can definitely be used to describe theme in these articles. N. Korean citizens are being exploited in all ways; it is evident that these people were treated far less significantly because the extent of control method used is not carried on something valuable, which shows cultural imperialism and also for many other reasons such as communism, powerlessness is greatly experienced by the N. Korean’s when the rest of the world marginalized these people and ignored them when they were shouting for help. Women were treated as if they were dispensable. Children orphaned and men killed brutally. This is a shout for humanitarian assistance.

All the horrific events experienced by people in time line where these atrocities were not ended in the chapter of human life, because similar events did occur. In countries like Bosnia, Germany, Poland these events have become a part of their history as well. In Bosnia, Serbian military was attacking the civilians of Bosnia, being powerless against the Serbs; Bosnian residents were forced to leave their homes for survival. However, the only difference is that after a great number of appeals and requests the United States granted refuge for these victims.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bosnian_War

This can definitely open a discussion to oppression and the ideology behind it. I would research the reality from the eyes of N. K victims, criteria for refuge and human rights involvement in human crisis. I was not sure what a Décollete was, which is a strapless or low-necked dress.

RN # 8->

The underlying thesis of the Testimony Submitted by Suzanne Scholte and the comic story about North Korea condition is that a call for action toward one of the most injustice situation that is illustrated in both cases. In fact, Scholte give us a broad view of Korean peoples’ problems in a totalitarian government. Besides providing a good history of all difficulties and injustice in that country, she explains how people, who got tiered of those situations, tried to save their life by leaving their country and risking with their families’ lives. Then she mentioned those frustrated people who just looking for basic needs of human right “enough food and safety” face with unbelievable unkindness from neighboring countries especially china. She describes how a wrong policy of these countries “Korea and china” makes the life miserable for thousand innocent men, women and children. Also, she has included five resolutions for this situation and result of not paying attention to this vital case is thousand refugees faced with death every second that we negligent them. In addition to her broad explanation, the comic book illustrates the situation of peoples’ life in Korea. He could show clearly how people should think, act, wear, and even see life under control of a dictatorship which imposes by its government.

The common themes that can understand is the story about how the others live in this planet which they require an immediate action because every minute delay in this process is equal more death people as a prisoner or as refugee or as hunger person in society that try to keep up his dictatorship by spreading terror.

The Korean refugees remind me the situation of people in New York city in Riis book. I see powerlessness and marginalization in both groups. In fact, both of them show a social injustice against men, women and especially children who are victims of our negligence toward the necessity of international support for rescue them from those inhuman activities impose by political leaders.

We can discuses about: if the refugees camps establish that is invite more refugees?
Also, is it more reasonable that UN provide international support for these kinds of cases rather than individual countries like USA? In addition, should we support the United State’s government to intervene in other countries by military force in such cases happens?

I am interested to find out how much international budget has allocated for refugee in the bush’s government? Also, I am interested to know is there any Korean community in Chicago to provide support for Korean refugee? It would be interested to know how is the peoples’ situation in Korea after passing eight years from this testimony. Do we have any improvements toward this social injustice or not?

Interestingly, I find out the same rule in all dictatorship and totalitarian countries like Korea which is people get information about their own countries from outside broadcasting not inside. This is true for all other same situation all around the world that government put a hundred percent control on all aspect of its citizen and does not let anybody think and act against the government interest.

Following link give good news about the situation of Korean refugee who can find a chance to apply for asylum to the United State.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4981294.stm

What is the best possible relationship between religion and solutions to poverty, in modern life?

Well...I believe solutions to poverty comes from religion. Because unless you are Bill Gates, and you are helping cure diseases without a religion, you are most likely doing something because you were taught to through your religion. Whether you are a follower or practicer now or not, still when you were younger your mother, or religious leader told you that in your religion things are done a certain way. So when you grow up and start to form your own beliefs and ideas about things consciously or subconsciously you still have that in the back of your head where you were told to for example, give your spare change to a homeless person while walking down the block. Or another example can be that in my religion ever since i was a child i was taught that even a simple smile can be considered an act of charity, so even now with everything thats going on in my life, with all the stress of school and other things, and not getting enough sleep consciously or subconsciously i try my best to smile, even if I'm having the worst day ever. Keeping this in mind that maybe if I smile, I will help someone else who is having a maybe even a worse day than I am smile, because smiles are contagious. In the same sense when a person sees a type of poverty infront of them, they immediately have a reaction. whether they agree or disagree, and i think that that has to do somewhat with the religious background they come from.

RN#8

The thesis that i gathered from the reading was that when the North Koreans needed help the whole world turned their back on them. When they were being tortured enough to have to leave their home country no other country welcomed them into their homes. This is really sad because no one would ever want to leave their country unless they really have to, for whatever reason that may be. Whether its for, religious reasons, better job opportunities, or even freedom to have a voice. Its hard enough for those people to have to leave their whole life and generations worth of memories behind, but to know that no matter where you go no one is going to accept you in must be even harder for them. The readings are telling us to take actions. The Testimony actually even has a plan as to what they want us to do.

This reading focuses more on poverty and injustice, and how the North Koreans were in poverty while they were in their home country and in injustice when they left.

The situation with the North Koreans sounds similar to the situations like the Holocaust with the Jews, how they were tortured in their country until they were forced to leave and when they tried to flea to another country like the "free" America they were rejected entry and sent back to Europe from the ports. They came in search for freedom and they were rejected that, who is anyone to decide who gets freedom and who doesn't.

I know we already talked about this in class but I also know we can expand more on this. My question is: Is poverty present today? and if it is who decides whether the people experiencing poverty get freedom or not?

One topic I could expand this assingment into a larger project about would be whether poverty is something that can be avoided, even after knowing about all of these incidents in world history.

"First, we should end all aid to North Korea unless we are there to see it consumed." I felt this was a horible thing to say because again here comes the issue of who are we to make decisions for the Koreans. If we are going to give aid to the Koreans it should come from the good in our hearts and we don't need to invade their country and squeeze in just to make sure that we are keeping and eye on how our aid is being consumed.

My Answer to Prof. Cronk's Question

What is the best possible relationship between religion and solutions to poverty, in modern life?

The best possible relationship would be to get the two mixed in together. Religions claim to be about peace and love. They ask people to help others who are suffering. Do good deeds and the Gods will reward you! Seriously though we have people in churches praying in order to be accepted into heaven. What a better way to show you are a good person with a good heart than to share what little you have to someone who has nothing. I think religious leaders should step up and pitch in more to people outside of their religion and country. However their budgets might not suffice for such projects. I mean, but is it necessary to have a great big church every three blocks or can some money be saved to help some of their more unfortunate followers? I read an essay last year where they compare Bill Gates to Mother Theresa. It reported how Bill Gates has given millions and millions to help disease. Bill Gates is an atheist so he does this not believing in God. Mother Theresa offered her services to help end poverty too, but with a goal which was to end up in heaven. So who is more selfish? I know, it's messed up but the essay as a whole was very interesting.

RN#8

The thesis I have gathered from the comic strip and the online testimony is that North Korea is making a point to make their citizens suffer greatly by controlling everything they do. The comic depicts the people of North Korea as zombies created by their government. The government’s leaders pretty much tell the people how to think and when to think it. It makes them seem like a weak society that allows their government to have full control. This definitely is a call for action. The online testimony speaks about how these people are suffering and getting turned back by bordering countries. Even South Korea turns these refugees back knowing they will be brutally punished. It said, that it has come to the point where they flee not caring what language the other country speaks like Spain. This is similar to stories I have read about Cuban refugees. Many Cubans try to flee their communist island by making home-made rafts risking their lives to try to reach the United States. The thing is that if the U.S. Coast Guard makes contact with them in the water then they must send them back also knowing that Fidel Castro will punish them for trying to leave his country. However, the U.S. government has said that if a Cuban refugee reaches U.S. soil then he/she is granted political asylum and can be made permanent residents. So what are Cubans, who have decided to escape from their country, doing now? They are pointing their makeshift rafts west to Mexico. Although the trip to Mexico is also very dangerous, they do not have to worry about the U.S. Coast Guard stopping them and sending them back. Once they reach Mexico all they have to do is head north to the border and state that they are Cuban refugees. The link to this story is as follows:

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/16/world/americas/16cuba.html?scp=8&sq=cuban%20refugee&st=cse


Themes found in these stories are Communism, brain-washing, and lack of any civil rights. I would further research North Korea history to see if any trends are present. I would also research the North Korean leader’s history to see how he was brought to be the kind of person he is today.

Do you think you could be made to think a certain way too?

Would you say larger groups are easier to manipulate?

What should be done to change the situation in North Korea?

Reading Notes #8

1. North Korea is one of the very few countries in the world that still has communism. Guy Delisle reflects regular day in such a society. He first begins to explain how there are pictures and paintings of the ruler, Kim Jong Il. Proceeding with how a man and a woman should dress. Guy explains that anything is possible if I keep at. He was referring to about how he would like a bike. He was told that everyone in North Korea is healthy. There is no one that is unhealthy. There are also strict rules that if a picture or a painting of the ruler is on a wall nothing else can be put up on the same wall. I believe that such a society is almost impossible to live in. Where every move you take is constantly being watched over. Where you don’t make your own schedule, but someone else does it for you. Wake up at this time. Go to the bathroom at this time. Have breakfast at this time. Go to work at this time. Go home at this time. Eat dinner at this time. Go to bed at this time. For me I would find that exhausting and depressing all at the same time. Such a society can’t properly function. Different families have different lives. How can you possibly stay within these guidelines and stay sane.

2. The main theme in this story is powerlessness. The people that live in North Korea have no power when it comes to making decisions about their roles in society. If you work for a large corporation and you're a secretary to a CEO or a large figure, you don't get an opinion on how things are run. You do your job and that's it. No ifs, ands or buts about it.

3. This comic strip reminds me of how people in Poland were treated during WWII. They had no power over their rights. They were told what to do and if you didn't cooperate you would be tortured and then killed. That was a time in the world's history that should never be repeated.

4.

• Question 1: Do you believe people live unjustly in North Korea?
• Question 2: Would you ever consider to live in North Korea? Why?
• Question 3: Do you believe the U.S. would ever have the same government system as North Korea?

5.

• - Topic #1: North Korean leaders
• - Topic #2: Social living in North Korea
• - Topic #3: Differences between North Korea and South Korea

6.

• Treatises - 1: a systematic exposition or argument in writing including a methodical discussion of the facts and principles involved and conclusions reached 2obsolete
• Décolleté - 1 : wearing a strapless or low-necked dress 2 : having a low-cut neckline
• Maltese - 1 : a native or inhabitant of Malta 2 : the Semitic language of the Maltese people 3 : any of a breed of toy dogs with a long silky white coat, a black nose, and very dark eyes

RN 8

While the comic book story and testimony from the North Korean Refugees website use different styles of writing, they both grasp the political and social events that are occurring in North Korea. North Korea’s government is keeping their citizens isolated and providing them with a poor standard of living. Suzanne Scholte, writer of the testimony, represents the voice of the United States. She speaks for our country in hopes to help the North Korean refugees in North Korea and those who leave to China. While she informs the reader of the details of North Korean refugees in China, her words call for action to help them. Guy Delisle’s comic strip, on the other hand, provides us with a more satirical commentary on the N. Korean government. He gives us the scenario of how it would be like to spend a day there. His words and pictures call for action in a different way, by showing us the injustices N. Korean leaders get away with.

North Koreans’ are powerless when it comes to surviving. They depend on their government for everything and with the famine occurring, they cannot even feed themselves. Delisle demonstrates this malnutrition and poverty in his comic strip when the U.S. reporter observes a citizen picking fruit. The translator becomes nervous and he brushes the topic away. North Koreans are struggling to survive that they take advantage of all their available resources. Another theme that arises from the comic book story is the containment of information and secrecy. The U.S. reporter says, “You find out more about the country from the outside than inside. People here don’t even know their dear leader has children” (Delisle). The reporter realizes this when he converses with Richard, the only one with cable in his hotel.

I took a course on Indigenous Cultures last year and in class we studied NGOs and the help they provide indigenous people. While many are helpful, some only do so by changing their culture and teaching them “Western ways” among other things. In the testimony, Suzanne Scholte mentions the NGOs involvement with North Korean refugees. While their participation is important, the many things I have learned about NGOs in Central and South America have changed my views about these organizations. I am biased and feel they do not take into consideration the cultures and traditions of the communities they help.

Will the refugee camps be successful for North Korean refugees? Do you think other countries should do more and help these refugees? How can you relate this to Elie Wiesel’s topic of indifference?

I would research more problems that have occurred because of North Korea’s government and what their standard of living is like. I would also study South Korea’s government and how it differs to North Korea. It would he helpful to refresh the history of the Korean War.

Repatriate-to restore or return to the country of birth, citizenship or origin.
Subjugation-to bring under control; conquer

ANSWER TO OLIVIAS QUESTION

What is the best possible relationship between religion and solutions to poverty, in modern life?



The whole idea behind religion is compasison for others. In our modern life we can attack poverty or we can cure poverty with compassion for others. Those who are suffereing by helping thy neighbor.

RN # 8

Evdoxia Georgakopoulos
Eng 102
September, 24 2008

READING NOTES #8

I believe the theses of the stories are the testimonials that I have read. The readings convey the suffering and injustice of the North Korean government. Many people are suffering because of communism in their country. In the testimony it states that it is a crime in North Korea to leave the country without permission or to complain about the different situations that are going on. If that is one hundred percent true, then that means everyone has committed a crime.

The themes I believe are the stories that are told. It’s funny to see how a country that is some what powerful can be in this situation. Many North Koreans are trying to flee to other countries for freedom. They are not looking for wealth or to take over another country, they just want to be free. In the testimonial it is written that if any person in China finds a North Korean refugee they are to turn them in for a reward. If a Chinese person is caught helping a refugee they will be penalized.

In a way I believe the North Koreans are in a shit hole just like us here in the United States. It is obvious that we are not a communist country but we are suffering as well. Poverty levels have gone sky high and many people are going bankrupt. Houses are being foreclosed and people thrown on the streets. It is very sad to see what the government in China is doing to these poor refuges that are only looking for a better life. What happened to helping others in need? Then again, communism is what blinds people and is a very bad way to rule a country.

Why have poverty levels risen?
What can we do to avoid this from getting worse?
Do you believe that history repeats itself?

I would research the difference between North and South Korea.
I would see how the North Koreans can adapt to the environment in China if they do not get caught by the Chinese government.
I would also research the poverty levels in each country in Asia.

Effigy- a representation of a person, especially in the form of sculpture.
Décolleté- Wearing a garment that is low-cut or strapless

From Olivia to English 102:

I just had a chance to give your recent entries a thorough, thoughtful look. Thank you for doing such great posts. Huda has taken the lead, here, by composing a response to an Oral History. And it is a pleasure to read. Every time that you respond or create a post, you get 5 points journal credit (it adds up, my friends). The Oral Histories (whether given to me in class or posted here) were worth 20 points. Please keep adding information; it also helps to follow up on conversations we've been having in class. I thought I would start introducing some of our un-discussed questions: Today's question comes from last week:

What is the best possible relationship between religion and solutions to poverty, in modern life?

From Sapana, pt. 2

Response to open letter written by Jessica. L.Schoeben
The letter by Jessica to Bonnie Dawson about whom she read in studs book is quite inpressive . Jessica describes the life of women in chicago. The life of women in chicago runs between job and taking care of kids. I can quite relate to bonnie as same is the life of mine where i go to job , study and also work. Every coins has two sides. One side women has become work oriented and stressed out on the other side she is independent taking her own decesion ? Thats reason why America is at the verge of development compared to any other country.One thing that makes me happy as a women is that the lives of women have improved compared to the previous decades.To conclude, i say " If you educate a men you educate an individual , but if you educate a women you educate a family." I like her essay as it was relative to my life and also i can also personalize the things.

From Sapana

oral history with my brother.

The oral conversation happened with my brother ,when we were having a cup of tea after we both returned from our job at 5.40pm on last friday
My conversation started casually as how stress free life we had in our home country India, compared to here where its running between job,and studies.
I asked him bro " Do you remember the days you had in india?
He jovially replied " oh ya why not. They were the most beatiful and luxurios days of my life".He just kept quiet for a moment as if dreaming about his past days.
Then i broke his silence "hello" ." Are you lost somewhere
Then he kept on discussing his life that he had in freshman year of high school.. I just reminded him about his one of the most memorable incident of his life.
suma(my bro) " Do you recollect the day when you ran off from the N.C.C military camp to home as you were not comfortable with the sanitary conditions in the camp."
He was like "Oh!ya"
I asked him "Were you not caught by the N.C.C officer".He replied " No dumbo".

Then he started boosting himself that he was so smart that he would leave the camp when the officer would go at night to sleep. Camp was located near to our home. He would return in the morning before the N.C.C parade started. In this way he fooled the officers. Another incident that could'nt get off his mind was when he was in 3 rd grade my dad got late to pick him from his school and he got so hyper that he came home alone and school is far 1 km from the home. He threw his bag outside the door without knocking the door to find if somebody is in house. He started walking all alone to my fathers shop and on the way one of my relative caught him and ask him what was he doing here and he replied "I like to go to my fathers shop". My relatives took him to there house and called my mom that he was with them at their house . My mom just took a deep sigh as she already got information that my brother was not in school as my dad got late to pick him from school. Afterwards my mom called my dad to give news that my brother was in safe hands. This incident was the most memorable one and unforgetable one. We were just giggling and the conversing further about the incident and conversation was interrupted by my dad's phone. Later we started with got engaged in our own activity.

RN 8 N. Korea Regime

In world eyes people are dying everyday and all heads are turned other way intentionally. Dictators who should be striped of their ruthless powers are still in power over weak. The sick ideology of North Korea government has instilled fear into their people who are cruelly punished, sent off to prison camps and are dying from hunger.

Governments like China don't care. They are turning away refuges who are escaping the North Korean regime, because of hunger and dire life conditions. Once they are turned back to North Korean government they are automatically punished and sent off to prison camps where only few survive. Chinese citizens are suppose to turn in N. Korean refuges for money reward and ones who aid and don't report in refuges are being punished. Mr. Delisle has seen how is Kim Jong-il calligraphy displayed, rooms full of rice while people are starving in the streets.

It is ridiculous that even cartoons are considered extremist propaganda in Russia. Why can't people make decisions on what to watch or what to say. http://cbs2.com/entertainment/south.park.russia.2.812695.html
If people allow to be treated as children than perhaps they deserve the government they have.
Also I think that U.S. should attack North Korea since they have nuclear weapons and ruthless regime.

Is Apocalypse near according to how we have become impersonal and careless? Who benefits from all of this? Do some countries take national pride too far?

I would be interested if major world powers are considering of taking down the North Korean regime and saving people. I would like to know if there are secret rebellious political parties who are working on freeing the North Koreans. What are the reasons that Europe is not more involved in North Koren current situation?

I did not know that humanitarian aid ends up feeding the Kim Jong-il military while people die of hunger?