WW Chap 19: "New Motives, New Means"

This section of chapter 19: Internal Troubles, External Threats, starts off by reminding us that the nineteenth century was Europe's age of global expansion. During this century, Europe became the center of the world's economy, with numerous ties of trade and investments all over the globe. This section of chapter 19 introduces us to the great expansion of the Industrial Revolution. This revolution gave rise to a newly formed economy in which there were much more productivity of industrial technology, and an economy that also found a greater need for extensive raw materials and agricultural products.

In regards to our potential midterm question, my opinion of the Industrial Revolution is very in-between. I like to think that the Industrial Revolution has its share of both positive, and negative effects towards our society and way of living. With positive results, the Industrial Revolution had evolved to form an economy that raised the standard of living. The Industrial Revolution introduced us to a time that allowed our society to grow as a whole, that ultimately shaped and affected, the way we live today. I find that the Industrial Revolution is partially positive, because without that revolution, we would not be anywhere near where we are today. Our society would not be as financially independent (excluding the current economic downfall we are currently facing today), and neither would our society be as advanced as we are today.

Although, besides the Industrial Revolution having just positive effects, I also think of this time period to be slightly negative as well. The Industrial Revolution brought upon a time period where factories and buildings were fairly new. These inventions made rise to a lot of pollution, that probably at the time, they did not know about. Because in our society today we are striving to become more earth friendly, it is partially the Industrial Revolution's fault, that the world is so polluted. If we did not have as many factories, cars or machines, our world would definitely not be as polluted as we are today.

Team Women!

For class, I have recently been "forced" to read The Declaration of Sentiments, but ultimately I am glad to have read it. For some odd reason I have never read this declaration in my 19 years of living. I found that it is not only thought-provoking, but also unfortunate to read what women in history had to go through, before they were actually considered rightful and privileged citizens. This entire declaration stood out to me because it is somewhat painful to read what women had to go through day to day, in order to be considered as equal. Women in history were not only deprived of their rights, but also titled to be irresponsible beings, denied education, and also considered civilly dead. I am all the more thankful and appreciative towards the women who stood in this declaration, and endured all the pain and suffering they went through for equality.

"The Declaration of Sentiments" also helped me to realize that every great and memorable act in history, had to have went through some sort of triumph to get to where it is today. This declaration reminded me of the time in history when slavery, the segregation between blacks and whites, industrialization, and the equality of women, were all present. Each of these triumphs went through an era in our history when life was especially hard for a certain group. It is very interesting to see how much our society has evolved.

Lastly, imagine if women in todays society lived through this time? None of us would be in college, or even would have went to elementary. Women today would pretty much be like slaves, following orders by men with no say in society. Life would be so different.

Science.... a "pimp" ?

So lately we have been discussing the scientific revolution, and this topic really interested me as I am a biochemistry major. I found it quite useful and funny to hear of science described by an acronym of "A PIMP." Though "a pimp" is totally opposite of the definition of science, I actually agree with that acronym. Science is ultimately all around us, now and even way back when. Whether we realize it or not, science influences a lot of what our society does today, and impacts not only everyone but also everything we do. As I have a great interest in science, I like to look at things in a very factual way, which probably explains why I believe in Kao Zheng's idea to "seek truth from facts."

WW Chapter 15

During this chapter, there was a part that described the significance of the fur trade during the early Modern Era. This section interested me because in one way, it is interesting to see how fashion grew from this time period. Within this section, they described fur trade to be involved with animals like beavers, rabbits, sable, marten and deer. For me, this is really weird to think about because I would never consider wearing any of these animals as a hat or jacket, or even wearing any type of fur at all. Then again, to compare this point in history with our society today, we have evolved so much that there isn't just one type of clothing anymore, but many. To be specific, just focusing on tops, today we have off-the-shoulder tops, oversized t-shirts, tube tops, long-sleeve, 3/4 sleeve shirts, and even shirts that are filled with rhinestones. It is quite interesting to see how much our society has evolved from the early Modern Era. Though, not only does the early use of fur catch my interest, also the fact that people during that time enjoyed the many different types of fur, even as it was infested with germs and diseases. That is just horrible. I guess i'm just glad that I live in todays' society, and not the early Modern Era.... although, does that make me materialistic? Sure sounds like I am.... but no, I don't think I am. :-)

WW Chap 14: The Early Modern World

(Referring to last weeks post Jan/21)

During this chapter, that was focused on the Early Modern World, I found many similarities that connect our society today with that of the "Early Modern World." Such as, in the section of "In the Land of the Aztecs and the Incas," it was read that the most distinctive feature of the two colonial societies in Mexico and Peru was the beginning of a "mestizo" or mixed race population. Within this new population came about a mix between Spanish men and Indian women, which begun because of sexual imbalance among Spanish immigrants (the book goes on to give a ratio of seven men to one women). At the time, those who were Mestizo, were mainly Hispanic in culture, in which the Spaniards often looked down upon them because they were not born of "proper" marriages and regarded them as being "illegitimate." This certain topic has a great connection to our society today. Many individuals have several different backgrounds, where it is often never looked down upon. Personally, I am made up of several ethnicities; Japanese, Chinese and Hawaiian, and I have never had a problem with this. It really just shows how much our society has grown and developed nationally, as compared to the views of the older world. Another similarity or connection that I found between our society today, and the "Early Modern World" is the topic of intermarriage. Within the section of "Making China an Empire," it goes on to describing how the Qing or Manchu Dynasty conquered China, and sought to maintain their ethnic ways by forbidding intermarriage. This has a lot to do with America's history, as intermarriage was once illegal. Although, as our society is forever changing, it is no longer illegal to practice intermarriage, but instead we face a new topic of same-sex marriages. This is another point that shows how diverse and ever-changing our society is.

Sex Trafficking

Sex trafficking is a horrible issue that everyone around the world needs to be better acquainted with. It is heartbreaking to read the danger women and girls face everyday, in what they understand to be work, and doing what is helpful for their family. As I have never really been aware with the issue of sex trafficking, I find that this is an issue greater than anyone can even imagine. Sex trafficking occurs all over the world, targeting any family who is desperate to make money and live a more comfortable life. It is extremely hard to read that the targeted families, are simply looking for a way out of poverty, but is instead surprised with the manipulation of abduction and sex slavery. What is even harder for me to grasp, is the reality of finding a way to prevent this issue, since many poverty stricken families are more than likely illiterate, and have a harder time becoming aware of the issue and risks of sex trafficking. Many families are unfortunately not able to read or even afford to read public announcements, like newspapers or magazines, that will help to inform them about potential risks. Lastly, what stuck to me the most from this article is the reality of it all. The families who are targeted, already have nothing. They work strenuous hours in "foul-smelling waste," struggling to have a meal day by day. These families are so poor, that they do not even know the basics of using soap, or using the restroom. It is hard for me to imagine what these families go through, and how horrible it must be to be tricked and manipulated, by simply wanting to make money to afford a little more food, or a piece of clothing. Sex trafficking is an issue that more people should become aware of, where the more a person knows about this issue, the more a person can help.