Religiocentrism

In arguing against missionaries' strategy of attacking the faith and previous religious actions of investigators a couple of post-enlightenment themes come to mind--nationalism and ethnocentrism.

• Ethnocentrism (religiocentrism) - It would be wrong to relate the problem with ethnocentrism, since it does not really have anything to do with ethnicity, but it is associated with its relative--religiocentrism, which is defined as "conviction that a person's own religion is more important or superior to other religions." It is important to our religion that we believe that ours is the only true church on the earth, but we often take that a step too far and make it seem that we believe that other churches have no truth or no good in them.

I think this was a problem during the 19th and 20th centuries on a very much larger scale with ethnocentrism and nationalism. In supporting their own countries and become unified, and in believing that their country and ethnicity was the best, they would take it a step further often and believe that other countries and ethnicity were no good. The best example of this was the Jews in Germany. Because a few Germans were angry over a few things concerning the Jews (like blaming them for not giving enough funds for WWI and causing Germany to lose), they took it too far into believing that they were no good and should be eradicated. 

The Past is the Past

My call for change deals with the development of the internet. My position is that people who make the web and those who use it need to move with the times!

Industrialism pushed the world forward. Many were overrun by it and that was bad but today we overwhelmingly view it as a good thing because we've moved so far forward. Its the same thing with pushing the internet forward. Some will get left behind but we'll all be so grateful for it in the future. Case in point of not following this philosophy is a recent decision by Microsoft to stop support the now ancient operating system, Windows XP. But, some client companies of Microsoft complained and offered Microsoft a lot of money so they didn't stop support. That's too bad and I've not doubt they'll regret it later.

Nationalism isolated groups of people as they moved forward. It allowed them to take pride in their country and make some advances that wouldn't have been able to happen otherwise. Its the same with the internet - if too many people get involved in the development of this great technology we all get bogged down. Let there be different "nations" pursuing different paths to success and may the greatest win. Which leads me to my next connection...

Darwinism - May the greatest technologies survive and all the other ones die ignominious deaths. For those of you who are curious as what exactly ignominious means I found the definition: deserving or causing public disgrace or shame.

Those should tie in well.

The Evolution of Social Media

• The Evolution of “Social Media” over the 19^th, 20^th, and 21^st centuries
• My call to change of how social media has taken over many of our lives can find its root from as early as the 19^th century.
•  The invention of the steam press in the early 19th century, and the emergence of mass-market newspapers such as the New York Sun marked a profound shift. The new technologies of mass dissemination could reach large numbers of people with unprecedented speed and efficiency, but put control of the flow of information into the hands of a select few. For the first time, vertical distribution of news, from a specialist elite to a general audience, had a decisive advantage over horizontal distribution among citizens.
• This trend accelerated with the advent of radio and television in the 20th century. New businesses grew up around these mass-media technologies. In modern media organizations, news is gathered by specialists and disseminated to a mass audience along with advertising, which helps to pay for the whole operation.
• In the 21^st century, the internet has disrupted this model and enabled the social aspect of media to reassert itself. In many ways news is going back to its pre-industrial form, but supercharged by the internet. Smartphones and social media such as blogs, Facebook and Twitter may seem entirely new, but they echo the ways in which people used to collect, share and exchange information in the past.
• Craig Newmark, founder of Craigslist said, “Social media is nothing new, it's just more widespread now.” He likens John Locke, Thomas Paine and Benjamin Franklin to modern bloggers.
• This leads me to conclude that social media has technically been around for a long time. We don’t understand how we lived before smartphones, but we did. We can coexist with social media, but my call to change is to get us to not let it overtake us. It is still growing, and pretty soon we will have to check 10 things before we can do anything. If anything, my call to change will help keep us socially aware of our surroundings, and how we must wisely use social media to better this World, and not just for the betterment of ourselves.

Credentialing's Connections to 18th, 19th, and 20th Century themes

Initial thoughts

-Considering: Depending on the difficulty of the assignment, I may take a more general approach to the dogma of credentialing, rather than focusing just on Actuarial Credentialing.

-I really like Macey's comparison to mercantilism on this topic. Credentialing shouldn’t be the mark of someone’s success or ability, it should be their output and what they can do for the company/person/position/etc. More certifications shouldn’t be the key sign of someone being better fit for a job, task, or position.

New Ideas

-Liberalism

                I think the idea that was expressed in the Drogin text of “self-development without interference” is very key to the problems that credentialism causes. With the focuses becoming more on the piece of paper, or the letters before or after someone’s professional status, the real goal of learning or achieving what is truly desired is lost somewhere in along the way when someone realizes that in today’s world it doesn't matter how much you learn/accomplish you don’t get the piece of paper or professional designation.

-Romanticism

                Explore the ideas of originality and genius as causes why there should be less effort spent credentialing and more effort developing talents and valuable skills.

When Did Consumerism Overrule Democracy?

So much happened during the renaissance,
Any ideas how it can relate to Voting?

Voting

Renaissance-

??? Anyone have an idea?

Enlightenment-

The French and American revolutions were fought because the people wanted to have a say in what the government does to them.

Industrialization-

Marx thought that capitalism failed, and thus the government would need to take the power away from the people. Take power away from the people means taking away their vote.

1800’s-

Poll taxes were introduced to prevent poor people (mostly the recently freed slaves) from voting.

WWI-

Women were given the right to vote after showing how much they could help during the war.

Early Modern-

Calvin Coolidge said that an americans importance to his country is not as a citizen but as a consumer.

Modern-

Consumerism swells while the percentage of registered voters who vote abates.

Am I allowed to change my topic?

Courtesy of: Drake, but From: CEA

I'm changing my topic from Credit to Translation. So, please comment with any examples of post-Enlightenment ideas that connect to Translation!

WHY TRANSLATION IS NOT A COMMODITY *Post-Enlightenment*
Industrialism and Consumerism	■ The rise of consumption of things brings broadening into foreign markets. ■ Increased immigration to work in emerging markets and industries. ■ Things (like utilities) become common place for people (not just speakers of one language).
Transportation	■ Transportation becomes easier bringing the 4 corners of the earth closer together ■ Mass production of vehicles means workers and consumers need translations (Industr & Consum)
Science and Arts - Cinema	■ Advances in the sciences and arts are desired by more than just the original country/language (Consumerism)
Intergovernmental organization - League of Nations	■ World wars bring governments together with responsibility to keep the world safe. ■ Working together as a global community
Elitism and Nationalism	■ People bond together because of common ideals and values which separates countries.  ■ Countries are evaluated and compared ■ Languages become elite, valuable, common, and exotic (learn my language to live in my country)
Social Equality	■ Individuals should have equal access regardless of gender, race, LANGUAGE, etc

Looking Back

• In the early 19th Century women began to call for reform. Being positioned in the home and becoming the keepers of virtue, women were positioned in a unique position to initiate change. They began fighting against prostitution and the derogative atmosphere  that was prevalent in saloons. This is where people really began to fight against impure images and destructive atmospheres.
• The women in a sense returned to a theme from the renaissance through a form of humanism. They saw that all had great potential and could accomplish great things if they just had some guidance.
• Positive liberty was needed to encourage them to be their best selves.
• 
  In a way it is a revolution. Like the scientific revolution changed the way that people thought about the sun, progressivist changed the way we think about virtue and today we have a different perspective on what is helpful and what is harmful. The women were willing to question the dogmas of the past that led to change.
• Looking at the movement from the 19th Century from and enlightenment perspective women challenged authority. They stood up against the authority of men and spoke up.
• From a current outlook we see a split between those who want to protect virtue and those who want to do whatever they want, in similar ways as it was in the early 19th century.
• limitations need to be set on what is allowed to permeate social media.

It's up to you now

Pictured is the treaty with the Delaware Indians

Chief Seattle gives his address shortly before the purchase of his tribe’s lands and territory by the United States of America.  He reminds his people of the overwhelming tide of the ‘palefaces’ sweeping over their lands with powerful imagery.  His most commonly used tool in his rhetoric is imagery and simile.  He connects the powerful struggles in nature with his own people’s trial as they are overcome by the invading white men.  With these natural and even elemental comparisons, it is easy to relate with the native tribe as they are overpowered by these forces. 

And the Thunder Rolls

When the colonists landed in the new world, they were eager for the opportunity at a new life. A whole world lied ahead and possibilities seemed endless. However, upon exploration, the colonists realized that although the land was new to them, it was not a new land at all for the Native Americans had long dressed the land. Though colonists sought to push the Indians aside, Chief Seattle warned them to deal justly with his people.

The tone of this piece is a great representation of the spirit and nature of the native tribes. Echoing like the thunder of an impending storm, Chief Seattle alludes to the fact that if the “white men” do not deal justly, a storm will come. References to the land and Earth being on the side of the “red man” helps to further give life and power to the warning of the Chief.

Prior to the oration, colonists were very much imperialists in the sense of extending their power and diplomacy on that of the Native Americans. However, though it may not be considered a formal nation, nationalism rings true in the veins of the “red men”. The land in which they dwell is more than just land, it is “the ashes of our ancestors and their resting place is hallowed ground.” With an emphasis on the sacredness of the land, we can presume that the Native American’s will go to great lengths to protect it now or in the next life for according to Chief Seattle, “there is no death.”

Chief Seattle’s use of rhetorical questions and logic also gives light to the poor treatment of the natives as is. Logical questioning is what is helps Chief Seattle emphasize that it is the “white man” that needs to find the peace in his soul. 

Colors of the Wind. I mean. War.

"Let him be just and deal kindly with my people, for the dead are not altogether powerless."

I love the style of Chief Seattle's speech. There is a beautifully stabbing irony between his words and his real tone and intention. In response to the greetings and pleasantries of the President (who he entitles "the great...white chief"), he says, "This is kind...This indeed appears generous..." As the time-machine listeners, we think, My! what a civil man we have here. 

The real deal is laid down, however, as we read closer and further. Chief Seattle can only "presume" the white chief to be good as well as great; after all, his people "no longer ha[ve] rights" respected by the white man; though, the Chief's people could own the blame of this "somewhat." Clearly, Chief Seattle isn't so pleased as his pastry-sweet compliments may imply.

Then, he launches into this idea of the DEAD. DEAD, DEAD, DEAD, everywhere we turn. But boy, does it help his argument. We've declined so much in numbers, he mourns. But guess what? We respect our ancestors. We want to be able to visit their burial grounds.

And you?

Well, you left England and all your ancestry behind "seemingly without regret." Nice goin' there. Joke's on you, though, because "the dead are not altogether powerless."

How his speech relates to the day! Not only is he addressing the absurd type of imperialism going on within his own country, but he also presents ideas contrary to nationalism and militarism (at least those of the white man).


With NATIONALISM: At this time, America was expanding completely separate to native America. Their "nationalism" didn't include the red man. Chief Seattle's solution is leveling in more ways than one: not only does the same fate await all of America, but all the world--we are all brothers in death.

With MILITARISM: "Revenge is considered gain" the Chief wisely proverbises, but old geezers know the truth--war is anything but the romantic heroics that this generation believes in.

The White God

Washington State Demographics

Chief Seattle said, "There was a time when our people covered the whole land as the waves of a wind-ruffled sea cover its shell floor. But that time has long since passed away with the greatness of tribes almost forgotten." A quick look at the demographics in Washington state schools will confirm Chief Seattle's remarks. As it turns out, he was right. But his speech addresses a way in which his heritage could be preserved.

A Declaration in the Midst

Thomas Jefferson. A founding father. The third president of the United States. Say his name and the American Revolution comes to mind. As the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, many are unaware that Jefferson’s articulate writing abilities were evident prior to the drafting of that famous document. In 1774, Jefferson earned his reputation as a skilled writer with his work, A Summary View of the Rights of British America.

Context

Before the Declaration of Independence was written, the Thirteen Colonies were still under British rule and facing many oppressions. This document goes into detail the rights that British America should have over the colonies and he argues that the colonies were founded independent of British America and have rights to be governed independently. This work in particular was presented to the First Continental Congress. Unfortunately, Congress was not convinced and the document was brushed aside until it was printed in pamphlet form and distributed throughout London, Philadelphia, and New York.

Logos, Pathos, Ethos

Overall, Jefferson plays most strongly to the idea of logos. He draws upon the past experiences of the Saxons breaking free from Northern Europe and eventually establishing their own rule to establish the logic behind why the Thirteen Colonies will eventually break free from British rule. His argument is very orderly and methodical, seamlessly flowing from one point to another. Jefferson also uses the idea of natural born rights to further establish his logical argument as to why Britain cannot maintain their power. Pathos is also used in the focus of the oppression of the Colonies to increase the emotional appeal as to why they needed to break free. Although ethos was not used in this document, it was this pamphlet that established Jefferson as an authority in the sector of political writing. This very document gave him to authority he needed to go on and publish the Declaration of Independence.

Past and Future Fact

One of Jefferson’s strong arguments is that of the Saxons. Prior to the establishment of Great Britain, the Saxon’s were ruled by Northern Europe. However, eventually, the Saxon’s separated themselves into new lands and Northern Europe lost their jurisdiction over them. Jefferson alludes to the past fact that this has happened before and the future fact that it will happen again. Looking on the past also helps Jefferson to understand how it can be done in the future as well. 

Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen

The year 1789 was an important year for human rights, first producing the Bill of Rights in the United States constitution, followed a few months later by the French's own official penning of the rights of the men of their country, titled The Rights of Man and of the Citizen. It followed the storming of Bastille by the citizens, and was introduced into the general assembly that only a month before had abolished feudalism. The document was introduced by Lafayette, and was greatly influenced by Thomas Jefferson, whom the general had worked with during the American Revolution.

Nature's Policy

“What is tolerance? It is the consequence of humanity. We are all formed of frailty and error; let us pardon reciprocally each other's folly - that is the first law of nature.” -Voltaire

            Voltaire (1694-1778) was among the most influential writers in France during his life. As a free-thinking philosopher, poet, and playwright, Voltaire constantly challenged and subverted the repressive measures used by the Church and State of both France and Europe. Given his strong opposition to these forms of repression, it doesn’t come as a shock to read his derogatory argument against mankind in his essay titled “Policy” (or “Politique”).

Bloody Knuckles, the War Has Already Started!

Russia was at war with Japan, and Japan was soundly defeating the Russians. Even though the Russians were badly losing, their tsar Nicholas II refused to end the war. Many soldiers were needlessly dying. On top of that, the working class of Russians were being treated very poorly.

Lenin blames the rich capitalists for every ill of society. Without regard to anything else, he piles hate on top of them, blaming them for “rivers of blood”, exploitation, and making “the government and army their servants….” Blood is strongly alluded to in this piece. Being engaged in a war, the people of Russia would have very tangible ideas associated with blood. Lenin refers to the capitalistic, rich owners of capital as “blood-suckers.” Imagine having an enemy shed the blood of your son or brother, how would you feel about being oppressed under a “blood-sucker”?

The Discourse on Inequality (The Discourse) by Rousseau

In France in the 1950’s as an entry to an academy essay competition, Rousseau wrote his discourse on inequality in answer to the theme question: “What is the origin of inequality among men, and is it authorized by natural law?” Surprisingly, Rousseau did not win the essay competition, but he did win the attention of almost every major philosopher of the 18^th century (your essay would have to be pretty influential to be called throughout modern history “The Discourse”).

Rousseau’s essay is just that, an essay. It’s not really a typical revolutionary writing at all, but it is included with other writings by revolutionaries because it set the groundwork for those future writers. Revolutions almost always try to resolve the issue of inequality in society, and in this essay Rousseau tries to get to the root of the issue, and on the way challenges every major assumption of society, government, and politics.  In answering the question of whether inequality among men is authorized by natural law, he asks the question (and outlines the historical debate) of what is nature, and what is law; what is the nature of man, or man in the natural state?

As I said, The Discourse is not of the typical revolutionary genre. It was not written for the general public, but was written for scholars. This is evident in the style of writing. It is not elevated or written in a grand style. It does not appeal as much to pathos and ethos as it does to logos. In the end he does not call for a specific change, or really change at all, rather he argues that change is possible. He argues that the way society got to where it is now did not have to be, and therefore society does not have to be the way it is now. He does not exactly define a better way, but rather lays the foundation of thought that leads to the logical conclusion that a better way could exist. In this way he provided the parchment on which future revolutionaries could design their new societies.

Isn't he such a pleasant-looking man?

Accomplishing Something by Doing Nothing

As British rule grasped the national throat of India the people progressively became more and more leery of English control. With the blood of many Indian citizens on the hands of British citizens due to the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre and increasing economic hardships among the common man many citizens of Indian became opposed to English rule. Emerging as a proponent for a better life, Gandhi proposed a solution that would sever England’s control over the people of India. Although Gandhi’s proposal of non-violence eventually digressed into violence, he was ultimately successful in motivating the people of India to act through his logical appeal to seek a better life.