Chapter 4

Germans
The British effort to assist the German Rhinelanders was a galant effort, but obviously not everyone saw it that way. It makes sense that the London poor of that time protested because even though they were poor, they were still British citizens. I can understand how it would feel for your coutry to basically tell you that you're not worthy of aid and that you're the lowest of the low. The government probably should have thought that through. Also, I like how the author included the part about the origins of the word refugee since it didn't exist until about 70 or so years after this conflict.

Browning of America

http://www.clutchmagonline.com/2012/06/despite-the-browning-of-america-things-may-not-still-b-equal/

Chapter 3

Our book tells us that the African people came from matriarchal societies for the most part. Many of the Native American societies did too. Both these matriarchal societies lost those values and practices through the European patriarchy. The Europeans thought it was ridiculous that women had the ability to control agriculture or anything that has to do with the public realm. In response, the Europeans imposed their culture people these peoples to "civilize" them amongst other things. It makes me sad because perhaps women wouldn't have suffered under adversity as much through the years and they would have seen as equal citizens. Even today, women are still fighting for equal rights.

Yay-Done!!!

Racism

Racism is still alive today in the US, even though it’s not what it uses to be. During election time usually race isn’t a huge factor, but the last two elections 2008 and 2012 elections race has held a significant percentage of voters because of the fact the nation has had a black candidate. With much effort to make sure minorities got out and vote it worked US has a black president. Some citizens can’t fathom the idea of our country being ran by a black male. America is known as the land of the free and everyone wants to obtain the American dream. America is a melting pot and with the diversity of the nation one would assume that racism wouldn’t be as huge as it is. Unfortunately racism is what this country was founded upon. Whites have always had a sense of entitlement and also put down minority and haven’t had to answer to anyone.  Most would say that racism died after the civil rights era.

Racism is still alive just recently in Morgan Hill; Ca there was a racist from of expression toward president Obama. The piece included a chair with two watermelons on it and a noose hanging from the side. Within a couple of feet there was a sign that read,  “Go back to Kenya.”  One may say how can we assume that this was referencing president Obama? Well that’s exactly what it is an assumption because it was during election time and also there was a Romey for president billboard extremely close, also the President is half Kenyan. So realistically whom do you think it was for?  Also lets just breakdown everything that was there the watermelon. Watermelon dates back to slavery, maters would grow watermelon and slaves would steal it. Watermelon is also one of the most stereotypical things you can say all black people eat. The noose it’s self represents hate, racism, and murder.  Lynching started in 1790 Virginia by a man named Charles Lynch, he practice this horrible killing system in his front yard. 

The reason why he would lynch black humans was because they would break laws.  Lynching was more commonly a death system for blacks, which was done by a noose and a tree hanging them until they died.   According to the History is a Weapon, there were about 3436 humans lynch in the year of 1889-1922 (HW).  All these humans who were lynch were all Blacks.  The reason blacks were lynch was because they were accused of rape, murder, robbery, and rioting etc.  However, even though the whites courthouse did not have prove of it they would still lynch them.  The blacks did not have rights or freedom, as one can see “Investigation as to the guilt or innocence of the accused is never made”(HW).  “The simple word of any white person against a Negro is sufficient to get a crowd of white men to lynch a Negro” (HW).  This history and facts prove that this display in Morgan Hill is a display of racism.  The noose itself represents pain, for many African Americans because there are countless cases in history of innocent Blacks being lynched just because of their skin color.   The note stating “Go back to Kenya” speaks for it’s own, it’s very clear that this individual does not want any colored human running the government. Last but not least telling a person to go back to their motherland is just plain racist.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving has a lot of different meanings to every one, well to me and mine Thanksgiving is all about family and being in each others company. Yes we use the excuse of food to bring us together but in my family food is of importance and the more people that are around the table the more love that is in the air. My family has certain traditions when it comes to Thanksgiving dinner, Grandma usually does most of the cooking and of course the prayer. My Grandpa use to be the one that would carve the turkey but when he passed away that responsibility moved on to my uncle now he takes that on. We all gather around laugh and talk basically just enjoy each others company. No matter how much we may argue and bicker with each other in the end its all love. One thing about the Holidays that my family can always count on is that you will at least see one family member that you haven't seen in years, thats always fun. I love my family even though we don't always get along I wouldn't trade them for anything in the world

The meal is ready.

Grandpa sits at the head of the table.

Grandpa's right hand is Grandma,

she also has the seat of that honor.

Grandpa's left hand is Mom and the son he never had.

It is they that are responsible to keep the old man's future safe.

They sit in the seats that befall that honor.

The future sits on before him,

youth full piss and vinegar sit there.

My brothers and myself.

Table politics and chair priorities are learned each year this tradition unfolds.

Grandpa carves, Dad passes the dishes,

Grandma receives the praises,

Mom is the high chief and judge of the manners and conversation.

Grandpa sits at the head of the table, smiling over the events of the day. Heritage and memories passed on to be remembered in the future by the future.

This is the old man's feast. This is why the old man gives thanks.

I sit at the side of the table,

this is my place,

my home and my way.

Watch and learn is what I am told.

For in the future,

I will sit at the head of the table,

on this,

the most thankful of days.

The table is cleared.

Dishes washed and put away.

Naps come soon,

more stories and memories passed.

This is why,

on this faithful day,

we give thanks and praise the lord.

Together we stand,

divided we fall.

Family together on this most thankful day.

Source: Company Of The Bread, Thanksgiving Poem http://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/company-of-the-bread#ixzz2CqGYbQIR 

www.FamilyFriendPoems.com 

Polynesians in the West!

I found it really interesting how the mixtures of the cultures and different backgrounds came together to a new culture that would stick around forever. I was debating within myself when cultures assimilate usually one tends to die off but here they all stayed alive.

This really was a difficult reading