I really have been trying to separate Al-Qaeda from Islam/Muslims in my head ever since this class started. It hasn't been so hard to do, because as I've mentioned before, I'm pretty ignorant about world politics and world issues and basically anything outside of this Gustavus bubble.
Anyway, this story, seen on the website USA Today as a blog post (written by 'The Associated Press') was a brief description of the Video that Al-Qaeda's new leader made, reflecting on what kind of a person bin Laden was. I can't help but get so fired up that he refers to bin Laden being so proud of the 19 men who died in the 9/11 attack all in the name of Allah (jihad=holy war). Did we not just learn that the Muslim faith is accepting of other religious beliefs? (read our assignment for tomorrow, 'Those who reject the faith' on the last page)
This is the main problem and the main reason why Muslims and Islam in general have such a negative connotation in America. I'm stating the obvious, I know. But if there was something POSITIVE in the news about Muslims or if people would attend ONE lecture that talked about how Al-Qaeda is not solely awful because they happen to be Muslims...I think that could do a lot of good for open-minded people. When only negative things are said, it's hard to think any other way.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
The 'Amma' version of bank loans
Washing Post, Social Entrepreneurship and the next generation of giving
By Melissa Steffan, November 8th 2011
All around the world (including the USA), governments are struggling to find means to support small business owners and others who might need a loan. Kiva.org, developed by Premal Shah, was created to allow people with a little extra money (as low as $25) lend it to someone in a 3rd world country, similar to how a bank would do, so he/she could start a business. It runs on an internet system similar to paypals, and just as a bank would, the loaner receives a small amount of interest once the business is successful.
I love this! I think it is such a great way to give and support other people, in a much more productive way than simply just giving a one time donation of money or food. Although those gifts are extremely helpful in most cases, this system allows another member of society to become productive and be able to support himself/herself eventually! It reminds me of Amma and her thoughts on giving to charity is the problem solver of the world. This is an example of a philanthropic act, but also a social revolution...people no longer need to solely rely on their government to start a new endeavor.
By Melissa Steffan, November 8th 2011
All around the world (including the USA), governments are struggling to find means to support small business owners and others who might need a loan. Kiva.org, developed by Premal Shah, was created to allow people with a little extra money (as low as $25) lend it to someone in a 3rd world country, similar to how a bank would do, so he/she could start a business. It runs on an internet system similar to paypals, and just as a bank would, the loaner receives a small amount of interest once the business is successful.
I love this! I think it is such a great way to give and support other people, in a much more productive way than simply just giving a one time donation of money or food. Although those gifts are extremely helpful in most cases, this system allows another member of society to become productive and be able to support himself/herself eventually! It reminds me of Amma and her thoughts on giving to charity is the problem solver of the world. This is an example of a philanthropic act, but also a social revolution...people no longer need to solely rely on their government to start a new endeavor.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Definitely not Confucius.
By Marie Jego, October 31, 2011
This article is talking about how life in Chechyna is getting 'better' after decades of blood wars. Ramzon Kadyrov is now in charge, and following in his 'father-like' Putin's footsteps. While the city LOOKS like it would be a great place to live (newly built skyscrapers, sushi restaurants, etc..), the latter half of the article is filled with citizens personal stories about the fear that they constantly live with that at any time, their leader could end their lives.
Jego, the author, didn't have to compare this style of leadership to any other style to see how violent Kadyrov is, but since we just read a lot of Confuvius' texts that state the exact OPPOSITE type of leadership, I couldn't help but compare them. The citizens of Chechyna openly admit to living in fear of their ruler. Kadyrov purposely has his 'thugs' (seriously, his men are referred to as thugs.) leak videos of them violently punishing and torturing citizens who dared to admit they didn't support Kadyrov in power. If you think about the qualities that make a 'superior man' and a superior ruler, it is being such a good person that people don't even realize you are directing them to live a certain way because they don't have anything to complain about.
Obviously it would be impossible to suddenly implement this type of Confucious leadership into a community but Kadyrov is on the completely opposite side of this spectrum. I know there are plenty of countries with awful and mean leaders, but I just came across this article and it really seems so idiotic to me that people like this still exist.
This article is talking about how life in Chechyna is getting 'better' after decades of blood wars. Ramzon Kadyrov is now in charge, and following in his 'father-like' Putin's footsteps. While the city LOOKS like it would be a great place to live (newly built skyscrapers, sushi restaurants, etc..), the latter half of the article is filled with citizens personal stories about the fear that they constantly live with that at any time, their leader could end their lives.
Jego, the author, didn't have to compare this style of leadership to any other style to see how violent Kadyrov is, but since we just read a lot of Confuvius' texts that state the exact OPPOSITE type of leadership, I couldn't help but compare them. The citizens of Chechyna openly admit to living in fear of their ruler. Kadyrov purposely has his 'thugs' (seriously, his men are referred to as thugs.) leak videos of them violently punishing and torturing citizens who dared to admit they didn't support Kadyrov in power. If you think about the qualities that make a 'superior man' and a superior ruler, it is being such a good person that people don't even realize you are directing them to live a certain way because they don't have anything to complain about.
Obviously it would be impossible to suddenly implement this type of Confucious leadership into a community but Kadyrov is on the completely opposite side of this spectrum. I know there are plenty of countries with awful and mean leaders, but I just came across this article and it really seems so idiotic to me that people like this still exist.
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