One Year:

I presume that I’ll still be at Virginia Tech, and I hope that I am content with all of my degree choices. As I’m looking into several special studies for next semester, I hope that they have pulled through to the point where all of my courses are classes that I am excited about. Although challenging classes always present themselves, if I can arrange the timing of my schedule (which granted, is not always in my control) and the particular classes so that I have a healthy semester that I’m looking forward to taking and I’ll be content. With graduation nearing even closer, I hope that I am proactive enough with my post-grad plans so that I can look forward to graduating, rather than nervous about entering independent life. I’d like to acquire some form of international service- related internship, whether it’s located in the US or otherwise. Hopefully I will be a member of the biological sciences honor society, and I would really like to hold a position with VT international affairs, in any department. 

Five Years:

At 25, I hope to have lived and served abroad.  Whether I am currently living in the US or not, I hope have some fluency in more than two languages. As the next five years is a time frame I’ve already given myself to explore different career options, I hope that I have become more decisive and sure of a direction than I currently am. Perhaps I am perusing that now. At this point, I hope I am looking toward higher education or an equal alternative that enhances my passions as well as career opportunities.  While living abroad will pose certain challenges and difficulties, I plan on keeping music an active part of my life. I’d like to have the time and resources to keep practicing the instruments I’m already familiar with, and/or whatever new musical opportunities I come across in my communities.  I also hope that of these places I intend to visit, dwell with, and serve, I have prioritized coastline communities. Though it’s been challenging, yet rewarding, to live in the mountains, at this point I hope I managed to spend some period of time near an aquatic horizon. As surfing, and the ocean in general, has been such a positive, healing part of my life thus far, I think it could only supplement my early-twenties development as well as provide company in places that may not be easy to live in.  

Ten Years:

Now officially out of my twenties, I hope I am proud of the past decade. As a 30-year old, I hope I have stuck to my gut and followed paths of happiness. At this point, I would like to be looking toward more permanent career options that offer more benefits to utilize in the far future. I would like to be actively saving for retirement, college funds, and other living expenses, and pray to have stumbled upon a career that facilitates that while also giving me pleasure to show up at work on a Monday morning.  I’d like to either live near family, or have some sort of plan that allows for frequent visiting.  While I may still be abroad, I am not sure I will be quite as nomadic and would like to have more opportunities for visiting friends and family than temporary jobs may allow. I would like to maintain foreign language skills, musical skills, and the passion for art in addition (or within) my career choice. I’d like to have publications that I am proud of, or some form of more advanced writing that plays a part in my daily life.  I also hope that exercise and nutrition have stayed as important to me as they are in 2012, and that I have utilized them to make the most of my youth and physical capabilities. In this regard, I hope that my health (especially that which I have control over) has not prohibited me from embracing opportunities, and that I have laid strong habits and practices to lead me through the following years with relative ease. I also would love to have shared all of these interests and desires of mine with others, and hopefully use my college education to intelligently contribute to global societies in a way that creates a self-sustainable culture for regions where it is not present.  Regardless of romantic relationships or marriage, I hope to have formed lasting friendships and intimate bonds with the people I have met, and that may mean being friendly, considerate, and open to new relationships. When I turn thirty, I hope to have only added to the list of things that make me feel whole and happy, without regrets of passions forgotten or opportunities that haven’t been seized.  

I really liked this video! Not understanding much of the verbal components, the first time I saw this video I noticed the skillful video compilation. Each photo was carefully selected and strategically placed into the video.  I thought the incorporation of the cultural concepts in addition to the vast variety of people and places that were included were all very artfully collected.  I was so impressed with the extent of people, countries, regions, and lifestyles that were all included in a five- minute video.  Once I translated the lyrics, I gained an even greater respect for this composition.  I loved the discussion of nature, and the wind, sun, sea and how the artist enhances the simple elements of life in ways that generate love.  With so many pop songs about either love between two people, or discomfort from events or emotions, having a song that simply entails appreciation and gratitude for the most basic components of society was a special and unusual concept.  I really do love the variety of not only faces and places, but the artists included in the video. It took many people to make, and I think that that was truly reflected in the diversity of the piece. 

Although the end of WWII gave rise to a tourism industry that now included wave riding vehicles, the origin of the sport is open to opinion in many aspects. As with many recreational sports that have functional, practical uses, it is hard to determine at what point the actions change from work to entertainment.  Already utilizing the usage of canoes, many South American, Hawaiian, and African cultures developed the concept of riding waves as simply an effort- saving option.  When riding waves, you can conserve energy for paddling.  Therefore, those areas of the world that have access to reliable waves naturally made use of their force and thus began the concept of “surfing.”  Due to the simplicity of the concept, and the ancient developments of floating vessels, it is safe to say that surfing has been around for as long as boats have, with no clear origin.  

On many occasions, all it took to discover the recreational aspect was a change in perspective.  As soon as new explorers came through, they just mimicked the natives with their own flair, and a fun sport was born. Standing up in canoes was not that far off from standing up on a piece of wood, thus the surfboard. As a cheap and easy activity, many kids began surfing just out of accessibility.  In fact, during that transition paddle boarding was also developed.  As they stood up in a canoe, they had paddles in their hands and resembled the stand-up paddle boarder more so than the surfer.  

Personally, the water makes sense to me.  The concepts behind utilizing the already existant force of the ocean for recreation come naturally for me.  While I am not hard to please with a board or a boat, I am really looking forward to taking them out in waves. The unpredictability of the ocean consistently astounds me and I loved getting to share that with the whole class.  

Here’s our addition to the Wikipedia article entitled US occupation of the Dominican Republic (Lee, Berlin, French). While there is more in depth information on the particular economic sectors, there is little economical overview on the main page so we decided to insert some brief outlooks, and expose some of the existent dependency.

When the US first entered the Dominican Republic, the aim was to prevent communism, or as the documentation stated “protect the lives of foreigners.”  Many discouraged the involvement but with the United States’ growing power in relation to the poor Caribbean island undergoing their own national unrest, they pursued a relationship.  Although consequences surround this topic, those in the economic realm have fallen subject all around. 

Upon arrival, a free trade zone was instated beginning with factories.  Fueling their production, the United States funded their companies with cheaper materials allowing for a biased, yet employed, Dominican workforce.  While many of the struggling citizens now had an income, it did not compare with the value of their production and the exportation of goods prohibited profiting from their labor. Elaborate diction aside, the US “helped” their economy by providing them with materials for creating goods that they could then buy back, a Free Trade Zone.  However, given the financial stance of both states, the US was able to create a profitable position while keeping a country afloat.  Yet, afloat is far from independent and the relationship that formed during the US occupation the late 1960s created an unbalanced scale, ultimately shedding the Dominican Republic to the outer rim of the global economy.

Though there has been growth since that time, it is in large part due to the Free Trade Zones that were established during the US involvement.  As the value of the dollar is over three times that of the Peso, the United States is capable of selling materials and buying back the goods at incomparably cheap prices.  While the unbeatable prices are putting local companies and individuals out of business, they have formed a bond that ties the Dominican economy to the US imports by complete necessity.  Comprising over a majority of the business the Dominican receives from exports, the United States alone can be deemed responsible for the monetary well being of the Caribbean country.  Although independence is becoming more prioritized by both countries in the present day, dependency issues still exist and Free Trade Zones are prevalent in more countries around the world.

Initially, Haiti was a very successfully and prosperous country.  However, the increase in slave trade created an increase in political tension, and soon following, unrest.  As the slavery increased among the black Haitians, the cruelty increased as well.  Nearing the breaking point, a freed slave by the name of Toussaint took the reins and helped form one of the most powerful unifications of slaves in history. As an African-American leader, Toussaint rose to a level of influence beyond anyone before him,  and helped to organize the slave revolt of 1791.  The plot continues through the rise and fall of the black power in Haiti, and the ultimate termination and disintegration of the state.  With growing national strength, there was a growing retaliation in France that ultimately lead to a Napoleon reign and slavery reinstated.  Although Haiti had traveled full circle back to their original frame, the leadership, unity, and experience that they encountered along their path left them with aspirations and inspirations to add too their country’s past, and potentially their future. 

This film did not strike any nerves within me that would not have been triggered through text. Adequate actors and plausible dialogue created a reenactment that allowed me to appreciate the events and the style in which they were portrayed; however, I believe that the same reactions could have been provoked through readings instead. Preferences aside, they actions were strong enough to keep from deviating from the stories but not powerful enough to trigger any intense reactions.  Appreciating the work, I did not feel particularly moved by the method of relaying.

http://www.inmotionaame.org/print.cfm?migration=4

http://www.h-net.org/reviews/showrev.php?id=9760

In similar written fashion, the two above sights accounted for different aspects of the African-American immigration into Haiti.  Throughout this period, the country was held in high esteem and was flooded with immigrants in an effort to escape more oppressive colonialism.  Like the textbook, causes and effects are listed as well as the unfamiliar attraction that Haiti had given surrounding circumstances.  However, due to the online nature of the sources, terminology is geared at the general public in a sense that explains events rather than eloquently explaining history in a fashion that includes artistry as well as documentation. The textbook, in opposition, appears to have an educated sense that depicts the events happening as symbolic and significant, for those who are interested. Assuming the reader is interested in the Caribbean history, the different audience can allow for a larger diction palette at a more specialized level.   Between the two sources I was able to understand a bit more about the African immigration in the nineteenth century, but am excited to learn it in an interactive manner and hopefully gather inference that is not always attainable through text.

Bartolome de las Casas: http://www.theintellectualdevotional.com/blog/2010/04/16/the-black-legend-technically-true-but-thats-not-the-point/

In a calmly unbiased account of the Black Legend controversy, the first blog accounts for Las Casas’ initial encounters as well as his changing thought process throughout latter trips.  As hinted in the textbook, it was not his intentions that were debated, but his solutions.  Following in the Spaniard footsteps, he set about his Caribbean conquests prepared to dominate, or in censored terms, “better the culture.” While it is probable that his initial intentions were the result of naiveté rather than evil plotting, they changed drastically as he begun to carry out the conquests.  

Bartolome de las Casas is primarily recognized for his unusual conversion into priesthood upon experiencing the unjust cruelty that precipitated from the European colonizations. Resonating with the people, he made it a personal aim to fight for the indigenous rights in Spain with seemingly little tactic but large heart.  As he returned with opportunity on his side, he implemented African slaves- to alleviate the Indian slavery burdens.  As the blog notes, this appeared to be an unique solution to pacify both the natives and the Spaniards.    Upon further thought and exposure, the “solution” was understood to be more of a “swapping of evils” than any real fix.  The debates present themselves in terms of morality and the efficacy of Las Casas as a leader, despite his whole-hearted intentions.  

While legality allows an open door for biases on the internet, while frowning upon opinionated textbooks, both of the sources obtained on Las Casas denote moderate accounts. The author of The Devoted Intellect voices the many faces of the priests’ personality as it changes through the years, alike the textbook that appears to prioritize information over judgement.  The tone used by all authors does possess an undertone that suggests Las Casas’ naiveté and innocence in reference to the decisions he made while in a position of power.  Perhaps hindsight is twenty-twenty, in which case the voices recounting his actions were marginally harsh, however as an entire articles the two documents used very similar diction and perspective to recount both the events and the controversies within them.  

 Conquests are constantly occurring, though in less tyrannical manners than in the past.  While awareness in itself is an easy answer to the “why know” question of history, prediction may have stronger justification.  While the culture that surrounds us in the Dominican Republic is immediate evidence of past struggles, it will continue to morph and mold as identity redefines itself.  Present-day public conquests consist of heavy influence and political control more so than battle and oppression (though my no means to exclude them from current happenings), power is akin to manipulation, and as long as there is a hierarchy of states, there will be repercussions all across the board.  The acknowledgement of Las Casas decisions form a learning curve as the next roles are plated, but also an awareness of failed strategies.  Failure can be its own teacher when it leaves an impression as strong as Las Casas’,  

Taino and Carib:http://www.puertorico.com/blog/the-taino-indians-the-original-puerto-ricans

With similar customs and traditions, the Taino and Carib indians were both oppressed and subjected to the European cruelty that swept through the Caribbean following Columbus.  While the Taino were noted for their passive nature, archaeologists have deemed the Carib their ancient enemies of a more aggressive nature. Though the acknowledgement of their animosity is not refuted in the text or the blog site, the levels tend to vary with the author.  Figueredo emphasizes the Taino customs above the Caribs, while briefly noting their aggression differences.  However, the blog was more passionate toward their disagreements.  The Carib were aggressive and cannibalistic in contrast to their passive neighbors, yet their livelihoods shared more traits than would be expected of two enemies. As agriculture-based economies, the two groups heavily segregated the sexes to perform their maintenance responsibilities, yet differed in their village patterns.  Above all, both indian groups became overrun with conquistadors. 

Rather than a controversy, the two cultures are described and recognized above all.  Adding to the awareness of human existence prior to European colonialism, it is also beneficial to know the people and customs of countries (particularly ones we are living in for three months) that exist outside and apart from Columbus’ rein.  Shaping the world through human interactions, the younger generations are beginning to take control of “their” new world.  With the assistance of technology, there is potentially more knowledge circulating now than there has ever been, and easier international communication and transportation than previous decades.  The historical understanding provides a background and foundation for this new information age, and the vaster and more thorough the research the more potential we have for shaping the modern world. 

Columbian Exchange: http://charlespaolino.wordpress.com/tag/columbian-exchange/

http://environment.clevelandhistory.org/2012/01/23/the-columbian-exchange/

http://malwarwickonbooks.com/2011/08/28/1493-when-the-old-world-met-the-new-and-nothing-was-ever-the-same/

As the Spanish conquest dragged its morals, ideals, and decisions over the native Caribbean cultures, they inevitably brought some of their less desired traits.  In addition to fatal diseases in large numbers, the flora and fauna introduced also had unexpected consequences.  Frequent food shortages resulted from the foreign introductions, and some of the indigenous crops and animals became extinct as well.  Globally, many fatal mechanisms were exchanged as a byproduct of the new interactions created, Africans, Europeans, Taino and Caribs. 

This exchange still takes place on the international stage, though at a smaller impact level.  When you change environments, systems change naturally. As global powers stretch  their influence across other borders, keeping their own security in check becomes an important issue as well.  Awareness increases international power, and the more experiences we have learned from (as a worldly culture), the more we can evade the avoidable.  

Critical Analyses

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_pn12MY0Fs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evmk1V6vvy8-hunters and gatherers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bcv7-ipKErg

While we had great difficulty loading and accumulating adequate videos, we were able to join efforts and gather some documentary clips of Taino and Carib culture pre-Columbian discoveries, and elaborate on our introductory textbook knowledge.  

The Kalingo Territory video emphasized the lifestyles of the indigenous Caribs, similar to the rudimentary information in Chapter 1.  As a basic race, they primarily achieved nutrition through hunting and gathering.  While the men took advantage of rich marine for food, the women played the part of the gatherers, collecting foods such as “cassava” that inhabitants today still rely upon.  Due to its minimal soil and water requirements, this starchy plant became a valuable coastal crop that is yet to be replaced.  For a crop to sustain not only time, but weather as well, exemplifies the true significance of food within a culture.  The Carib people cultivated a crop in an unusual environment that further led to their ability to be entirely dependent on their land.  Trademark to the island lifestyle, they had no choice but to adapt to their given resources and cultivate what they could to survive.  

In addition to basic survival, archaeologists have also discovered elaborate pottery and tools constructed by the Carib people that reflect high levels of intelligence and resourcefulness.  As gatherers, conch shells were of common use for both tools and consumption.  With precision, the shells were ground against stones to create a variety of tools, while the inner creature was consumed for protein.  Though the videos mostly depict the Carib as peaceful beings, acknowledgement of their Taino enemies may hint at weaponry production akin to the clever tools.   

Discussed with greater attention in regard to Taino, religion formed a center for the cultural livelihood.  Also exhibiting spirituality toward the earth, Taino people possessed a particular gratitude and respect toward caves. Believing that man originated from caves (humans from one, Taino people from another), they would leave their clay creations inside as symbolic bounties for the gods. 

While the practicality of the Carib people is emphasized in both videos and texts, the artistic nature of the Taino is highlighted throughout.  There is archaeological evidence of Taino artwork displayed, primarily toward gods, found in their tracks.  Heavily religious, much of their hunting, gathering, and artistry were performed as sacrificial actions that symbolize their devotion through both daily actions and seemingly radical practices.  In addition to similar sustenance patterns including hunting and agriculture, the two cultures also shared a similar segregation between men and women.  Each documentation accounted for the emphasized distinctions among the sexes, within both practical tasks and seemingly unusual realms.  From daily duties related to food and shelter, to separate languages and shelters, the roles the women and men played, in both the Carib and Taino cultures, reflect a strong distinction of Caribbean culture.  Perhaps this segregation is due to sexual customs taking a backseat to spiritual practices, or perhaps their is more underlying animosity among tribes necessitating the men for combat, defaulting the women with maintenance chores and providing nutrition.  

Through art and tools, both cultures utilized their island-available resources to create a lasting lifestyle and strong faith.  Heavy emphasis on pottery further supports the resourcefulness of each culture, while also justifying particular usage to each group. While different lifestyles have been deduced from geographically and artistically unique artifacts, the two cultures both constructed cultures that withstood incredible time and conflict to become powerful and influential forces of the pre-columbian era. 

Shannon French.  I’m a student and a travel enthusiast, hence my involvement with this program. I’d rather be outdoors, and I’d rather be surfing most of the time.  While I have seen and learned bits and pieces, I am now embarking on the process of changing, helping, and serving the world, one trip at a time.  I am ready to make my international involvement more influential and dynamic as I breach new borders.  While the initial lure of palm trees and luxury did not grab my attention for the Punta Cana program, they certainly did not push me away when I realized just how perfect the fit appeared.  As both a biology and geography major, the courses add to my transcript seamlessly.  With several courses that I would have taken anyway in Blacksburg, the set-up was more than ideal.  Once all of the little details began to fall together, it became a silly idea to not go to Punta Cana.  

But now we’re here. We’re living the life we spent the last few months dreaming of, for whatever individual reasons brought us together.  After the initial Caribbean shock faded, we’re starting to develop routines, and beginning to notice more than a wealthy resort. 

Personally, I am itching to explore. I’ve seen the resort, I’ve witnessed the life of luxury, and I’ve been briefed on what lies beyond Punta Cana.  We’re in an area that is thriving on tourism to survive, but where do its effects lie?  How is the rest of the country faring, while still supporting and thriving on this isolated area?  Beyond that, what are the people like? Most of the natives I have met are in some way working to please toursits.  Their job is to say and do things to please visitors, and is that really representative of their own lives and culture?  There is so much to every culture, and I’m excited to learn and give to this personal opportunity over the next three months :)