Sunday, December 5, 2010
Looking Back
I've grown curious of African History because of the course. I want to know more about the culture that I was separated from. I think that my newfound interest and appreciation for my ancestry is the best thing that I've taken from this course. I look forward to the classes I'll take in the future to expand the foundations of my identity.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Becoming Part of a Legacy
As I look back on this semester I see that I have changed in many ways. I have become accustomed to life as a college student. I am living on my own now in a new city. I am now a proud part of a rich tradition and the legacy that is Howard University. Freshman seminar has helped me to take a new look into the history of Africa and how that relates to me. In any given one hour session of this class I learned more about African and African American history than I have in any other class I have ever taken. This class has helped me to learn about the history of my ancestors and how the beginning and basis for civilization all stem from ancient Egypt. I am happy that this was a required class and I would have taken it even if it weren’t. The lectures were all informative and I was able to take something from each one of them. The trip to New York also allowed me to learn about the American history that isn’t taught in schools. Overall freshman seminar has helped me to evolve into shaping the person and character that I look forward to one day being remembered as.
The N Word
The N word has been a part of society for hundreds of years. The use has changed and much like many other words in the English language that evolve over time. Over the years there has been much controversy over the use of the word and several attempts to “kill the word.” White slave owners created the word nigger as a derogatory term to describe their African slaves. Since then the word has evolved and different forms have come from the word. Nigga is the most common of these and has long been a part of African American culture. It can be seen in music, movies, and everyday conversation between fellow African Americans. Some argue that it is still the same word no matter how you say it. I disagree with this, as the English language is full of words that sound very similar but carry with them completely different meanings. Many people who believe that we should stop using the world is because of the original meaning that is still carried along with the word when someone of another race uses it to describe an African American and African Americans become offended. This could be compared to the use of the word ese among Hispanic cultures. It is acceptable for Hispanics to call each other ese but offensive when someone uses the term in reference to a Hispanic. African Americans generally reach a consensus that nigger is offensive even when used amongst themselves, and that Nigga is acceptable only amongst themselves. Although I am not against the use of the word I feel that to some extent the word is another example of how the tactics described in the Willie Lynch letter are still being used today to pit African Americans against each other.
Higher
The topic of one group’s presentation was marijuana. The members of this group were proponents for the legalization of marijuana. They reviewed the facts of the harm that marijuana does and found that there were no adverse effects and no deaths that can be directly attributed to the use of marijuana. The group also explored the benefits that marijuana would have on our society if it were legalized. The legalization of marijuana would save millions of dollars in law enforcement and would also generate millions in new revenue from the sales of marijuana and marijuana related products. I agree completely with the views of this group. I feel that the legalization marijuana would prevent the incarceration of many young African Americans who are arrested more time for possession of amounts used for personal consumption than users of crack and heroine. If America follows countries that have legalized and regulated use such as the Netherlands, or even federal decriminalization such as in many countries throughout the world people will be free to continue to use a drug that is as socially accepted as alcohol and more accepted that cigarettes. Personally I feel that too many people view marijuana as taboo due to propaganda and misinformation about it. If Americans are proper educated about the topic instead of making ignorant assumptions the people will know that there is nothing wrong with marijuana. Marijuana isn’t physically addictive like most other drugs the only addiction comes from the psychological dependency that can come from anything such as eating or watching tv. Marijuana is not the enemy it is here to stay and even when our president has publicaly admitted to smoking weed we must open our eyes and realize “because everything’s better when your high”-Wiz Khalifa.
Lost World
Before the trip to New York I was most excited about the chance to explore one of the greatest cities on earth not so much to visit a burial ground. Things changed after I saw the monument and then learned the history about the burial ground from the museum. This burial ground was the place that the slaves in the area were allowed to have something that was theirs. They built traditions here and preserved their heritage through the rituals performed at the burial ground. When outside and I heard the story about how the ground was discovered and then the struggle that was made to get the grounds declared a historical site and national monument. When walking through the monument and learning the story of the design and selection of the symbols surrounding the inner chamber I felt a feeling of connection to the history that took place beneath the ground that I was standing on. When looking down and seeing the inscriptions of the remains that were found I had a feeling that I cant explain. It was like being there in the past like I was a part of history. This had been a place that was forgotten for hundreds of years a part of my African ancestry that was lost in time. I am pleased that today our ancestors that were laid to rest here now have a place where they can be honored and people can come and learn about the history of this burial ground. The trip was a touching experience that allowed me a chance to visit a place that history was made and now is being preserved.
Research
The lecture given by Dr. Williams turned out to be very helpful when working on our group project. She helped to outline the steps that should be taken to perform effective research and be able to transform that into our presentation. In review of the scientific method we walked through the steps of conducting the research strating with discovering what is to be researched. By going through the different steps Dr. Williams helped me to see the different approaches that can be taken in doing a research topic. The different methods of compling and presenting information gained in research not only helped me in working on the group project, but will also help me in future research projects that I will be a part of.
A Definition of Self
Dr. Gbadegesin’s lecture was one of my favorite ones of the semester. The main focus of this lecture was a person’s character and how that defines who they are more than anything. He started by telling us of how the Egyptians formed many basic principles that we should live by. From Ma’at the Egyptians learned and practiced truth and justice while maintaining order, balance, and harmony. Through Ma’at the Egyptians lived virtuous lives. By following the principle of Ma’at a person builds good character. Character can be explained through Egyptian beliefs through the story of Iwa. By taking care of Iwa a person establishes their self as a person of good character. I agree with what the Egyptians had to say about character. A person’s character is the defining of who they truly are. I person with strong morals and a strong set of values will make good decisions and will be a person that can be trusted. A person that has no value or is inconsiderate of others will not be a person of strong character and overall not a good person to associate with. Character exists on two levels. They are based on responsibility to one’s self and responsibility to the community. Character is what people will remember you by after you die. What you establish as your character while you living will forever go on to be your legacy after you are no longer here. After hearing this lecture I thought hard about what my legacy will be after I die. Since then I have worked to build my character to be a person of strong character and moral integrity that will establish a strong legacy for myself in the future.
Fighting for Freedom
The lecture that was presented by Dr. Cain Hope Felder enlightened me on some of the African Americans that have fought for freedom and justice. One of the most notable people that Dr. Felder spoke to us about was Sojourner Truth. Sojourner Truth is a woman that I knew of prior to the lecture but I didn’t really know a lot about her. Curious to learn more I did some research. I learned that she was born a slave and that escaped to freedom. After becoming free she sought justice for the freedom of her young son in court. She was one of the African Americans to successfully win a case against a white person in court. Sojourner Truth is just one of many African Americans who has fought for the civil right of herself and others. When learning about the stories of people like her I am thankful for the work that they have done and the progress that been made in securing equal rights and fair treatment for African Americans. Just like the greats who have come before us it is now our turn to carry the torch and continue to strive for freedom and justice for all people so that our children will be able to live better lives just as Sojourner Truth wished for her children.
team thermond howard substance abuse
Drinking is most common. The effects of alcohol are loss of focus, heavy loss of memory. According to this group most unplanned, unprotected sex occurs after a night of drinking, and that most date rape happens while drunk.
The drug of choice according to mcchilders is marijuana. The first thiing they tried to do was to debunk the positive sterotypes that are attached to weed. Tey told us that unlike what some say there are no acedemic advantages to marijuana. That it causes people to lose focus, loss motivation, apathy and lathargy. The reason they told is this is because some people are under the impression that it inhances your creativity so they would use marijuana thinking that it will help them with school. Many of these substances block neurotransmitters. Street drugs like cocaine unfortunately become a physical need. It make people unable to function without the drug because it becomes the norm for them.
the fight against aids
Treatment for HIV/AIDS as evolved. Back in the 80s it was a death sentence, but now there are plenty of people living with HIV but the problem is to stop the spread of the disease. 2.7 million people were diagnosed with HIV last year. Another thing talked about was that Washington d.c is known as the aids capitol of the country with ¼ people have HIV. 1/10 Howard students are currently living with HIV as well.
According to GLADS Q Education seems to be the best way to combat the problem. People need to be informed about the risks, statistics, and the protection measures that they should be taking. Statistics show that sex education has caused a significant reduction in AIDS cases. They informed us about Wold Aids day. At the end of the day what they stressed was the need for protection while having sex as well as the benefits of sex education in preventing future cases of HIV.
A Legacy of Eloquence
The day that Dr. Benjamin came to our class to speak the topic we learned about was ancient scribes. Dr. Benjamin focused mainly on the Egyptian scribes. In ancient Egypt the scribes were some of the most respected and highly educated people. This was because the scribes were the ones who recorded history and interpreted the writings so that others would have an understanding of the past. We also learned a lot of background history of Howard University and how we are now a part of rich tradition. Dr. Benjamin showed us several prominent figures in Howard history and the buildings that bear their names. We were taught the relation to early scribes and how ancient Egypt still plays apart in our lives today as members of the Howard legacy. I learned from Dr. Benjamin the history behind most of the buildings on campus. I also learned the significant impact that the namesakes of the building had on establishing the legacy of Howard and helping to build the rich tradition that I am now gladly a part of. I learned from this lecture that in order to establish a base in history for yourself you must be able to have your own legacy written down so that it may last for future generations to build upon.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
A Look Inside: The Human Genome
Dr. Georgia Dunston visited our clas to speak to us about the human genome. The human genome is essentially the complete identity of a person on the most basic level. The human genome preserves the history of our ancestors and provides the key to the past of each individual person. I was excited to learn that our genetic makeup preserves the history of our ancestors. When she spoke about how each person's genome is specific to them and has its own unique story I wanted to learn more about my own. Through the research done by Dr. Dunston she and others have been able to decrypt the code that is embedded in our genome to allow us to take a glimpse into the past and learn about our heritage. Through future analysis of the human genome it may become possible for each and every person to have his or her ancestry and lineage rebuilt. Dr. Dunston has already done incredible research that has led to many new discoveries into our pasts. Another development that may someday be derived from the study of the human genome is the cure and possibly the abolition of many genetic diseases. Through studying our genome we can continue to learn new things about our past and also to one day make advancements to give ourselves a better future.