2012 Political Predictions

• I think that the totalitarian government in Korea will continue as it was, especially since the new leader essentially trained under his father for the last three years.  I think any attempts to unify the two states will be largely unsuccessful, due to political differences and their new leader trying to remain strong and patriotic
• I think the economy in Europe will continue to go downhill, and the EU will be dissolved
• I think 2012 will be the highest grossing year in film ever, and citizens spending more over the summer may help improve the American, and therefore Canadian, economy
• Oh and the world won't end (trust me, I'm a psychic)

World Issues - Lyric Analysis

What You Don't Know (Theme from Dollhouse) by Jonatha Brooke

What you don't know won't hurt you,

Maybe the lies are true,

Try to remember, try to forget,

Those yesterdays bleeding through

I believe this verse says a lot about ignorance and human nature.

The first line, "What you don't know won't hurt you," shows how individuals turn away from issues that do not affect them.  They likely don't want to hear about all the horrible things happening in the world; but it also shows that people will not take action against something that doesn't immediately affect them.  Why risk judgment, pain or punishment if it wouldn't affect you anyways?  This is why man seems reactive, as compared to proactive: if there's nothing affecting you, ignore it until it does.  This is why we choose to remain ignorant to important issues.  We believe our lives will be simpler.  "Ignorance is bliss," as they say, and it definitely rings true.

The second line, "Maybe the lies are true," shows how passive we can be, as well as commenting on corruption.  Whether those in power are corrupt and lying to us doesn't matter, as long as we don't have to deal with the issues our selves.  We choose to be passive and accept a corrupt society to remain ignorant and, therefore, seemingly happier.

The last two lines, "Try to remember, try to forget,/ Those yesterdays bleeding through," can be interpreted as a comment on loss of innocence.  Once one becomes aware of the injustices and corruption in our world, they cannot forget it.  They cannot move past it, and may feel guilt over their inaction upon gaining awareness.  No one wants to live with this, and instead, we, as a society, choose to remain ignorant, only acting when necessary.

Belarus' Corrupt Democracy

What does the situation in Belarus say about democracy and its flaws?

Although democracy functions very well in theory, human nature is to do anything in order to gain an advantage in life.  Lies.  Corruption.  Violence.  These are all inevitable in politics.  However, in a democracy, these issues are often brushed aside, scoffed at.  Behind the smoke are manipulative, scared individuals, who can easily create any persona they want just to be admired by their people.  No one knows their true nature.  Alternatively, when one's true psyche is known, they employ the other old magician's trick: mirrors.  It's so easy to a politician to say, "This is all your fault, you voted for this.  This is what you wanted," and we are expected to live with it, because our only alternate is to be accused of disrupting the state, causing political unrest, etc., etc.

Occasionally, if the individual is corrupt enough and society wants change enough, politicians will employ both smoke and mirrors, and blatantly lie.  Lukashenko did not win 80% of the vote, and his opposition didn't win less than 3%.  These are fabrications, poorly spun tales.  And when someone tries to untangle them; reveal the truth?  Arrest.  Torture.  Being forced to flee.  You don't even have to be aggressive.  Michalevic was arrested after the election, prior to, he hadn't even been inappropriately accusatory or insulting.  This is mankind at some of its worst.  They are manipulating and torturing and doing horrible things to ensure one man stays in power, therefore ensuring economic unrest for all his people.  That is not right at all.  That's not democracy, however it is possible because of it.  It's all just smoke and mirrors.

"Think Twice, Canada, Before Attacking Tehran" Response

On November 22, 2011, the Globe and Mail published an article, written by Paul Heinbecker, entitled "Think Twice, Canada, Before Attacking Tehran."  The article discusses the controversy over Iran's rumoured nuclear development, and wether Canada should take military action or not.

Definitions:
Cassus Belli: A justification of war, an amoral or obscene act that instigates and give grounds for violent offense

Impunity: Freedom given in place of punishment for a malicious, violent or harmful action

Unilateral: An act provoked by a single country

Questions:
Many have the mentality that the 'needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.'  Does this justify an attack on Iran, as entire nations could be saved if there are nuclear weapons in development, even though many soldiers and even citizens are likely to be killed?


Would Canada's decision to militarise actually improve our relationship with Israel and, consequentially, the United States?


Is there a way to investigate the situation, and find out if there even are nuclear systems in development before attacking?

Opportunities

Today we were asked to blog about a time when we had the opportunity to help.  To make a difference.  To save someone.

Off the top of my head, I actually can't think of anything big or heroic, but I do try to make a difference in peoples' day to day lives.  Even if I'm just trying to cheer someone up, or letting them vent their problems, I think it makes a difference.  After all, life isn't necessarily about the big things that happen.  It's the little moments that shape who we are and influence what we do.  These little moments eventually lead to the big ones, however.

One conversation comes to mind: two summers ago, I was an LIT (Leader in Training) at 'my' summer camp.  There was one little girl, let's pretend her name is Anne, who was always protesting and disrespecting her counsellor's rules and ideas.  She complained about how must she wanted to go home, and had horrible, violent, tantrums.  One night the the leadership group below LIT held the annual 'Carnivale,' where campers go for junk food, activities, music, dancing, and (hilarious) skits by staff members.  Carnivale is always a lot of fun and is also mandatory.  However, 'Anne' decided she did not want to go.  At all.  Under any circumstances.  Being her LIT, I was supposed to go and supervise her while she waited back in the cabin.  She wasn't enjoying herself there, and I wanted to go to Carnivale, so I figured I may as well talk to her.  Besides, she was on the verge of being sent home, maybe I could help her change her mind.

I don't even remember what we talked about, but after some screaming and then a lot of crying, 'Anne' and I had a really great discussion.  I won't say what about, because that's not my story to tell, but after that we went on down to Carnivale.  With a fresh slate and new state-of-mind, 'Anne' was willing to talk to some of the other campers and take part in a lot of the activities.  After words she said 'thank-you,' and that she had a lot of fun.  The next morning she told me she was going to stay at camp after all.  For the remainder of her stay, she was noticeably happier and was much more cooperative.

Even though we just had an honest and kind conversation, I think 'Anne' realised that her opinions mattered and that people respected her more than she thought (that was a big part of her initial anger).  She enjoyed herself more and decided to stay at camp.  I'm just happy that I was able to improve her night, and then eventual stay at camp.  I don't know what ever happened to her, but I hope I was able to improve her summer over all, and maybe she'll remember that others respect her a lot more than she expects.

RIP Ashlyn Connor ~ Society NEEDS to Change

Update:  I spelled her name wrong, it's Ashlynn, with two N's.  My apologies.

This was not a prompted blog post, however one I feel very passionate about.  I believe it says a lot about modern society, and shows that we must do something about bullying and discrimination in general.

I recently learned that a ten year old girl named Ashlyn Connor was bullied to the point of suicide.  I immediately wrote about it on my Facebook.  There are quite a few typos, since I was very emotional at the time, however I believe it captures the passion I feel towards this issue.

"RIP Ashlyn Connor

A ten year old girl shouldn't be bullied to suicide- I am disgusted right now. Everyone is unique and HUMAN and should try to respect one another and realize the weight of their actions.
I'm going to try and be kinder and more accepting from now on, and I suggest others do as well
Bullying is getting worse, and we need to (and can) change this pattern

"Every one has been talking about a documentary Finding Kind, and I intend to check it out and I suggest others do as well.

Also, look into the charities To Write Love On Her Arms and the Sophie Lancaster Foundation, the latter of which isextremely close to my heart. The story of Sophie Lancaster's murder made me cry when I first heard it a few years ago, and the circumstances under which is occurred disgusts me.

As a society we need to change our thinking pertaining to popularity and subcultures. Everyone is amazing. I love everyone, even of I don't like them, because they are all amazingly complex individuals. I don't always show it, but I truly believe it. Also, people should stop saying everyone is 'perfect the way they are'... This is wrong. We are all imperfect, but that is what gives us humanity and an identity. Without it we wouldn't need to develop relationships, we wouldn't experience passion (without which, I believe, we would be truly dead) and there would be little worth living for. It's our IMPERFECTIONS that make us LOVE one another.

I am do saddened to hear about this suicide; RIP, and may your story inspire society to change, even if our revolution begins with only a few individuals. God bless..."

That was all I've posted at the moment, however I've spoken about the Sophie Lancaster case and foundation before.

I can't think of any realistic way to shift society's views, since I'm still extremely devastated, however I know that I can start with myself.

I encourage everyone who reads this to tell their friends and family about it.

RIP Ashlyn, may you never be forgotten...

Interdependence

"We have learned that we cannot live alone, at peace; that our own well-being is dependent on the well-being of other nations, far away... We have learned to be citizens of the world, members of the human community."
-Franklin D. Roosevelt, Former US President, 1945

I believe that we cannot survive alone in modern society.  Of course, in theory one could, however it would be a lonely and unfulfilling existence.  Not only does human interaction give us joy and a reason to live (helping others, emotional attachment, etc.), but it greatly improve our way of life.  Think about how easily we, in Canada, can access information, or food and other resources.  Instead of growing your own fruit, own cattle, own everything, we can just stroll on up to the corner store and buy everything we need to live.  We are also so dependent on technology.  Without cooperation and collaboration, we could not be as advanced as we are today.  Everyone contributes to the whole.

Of course, there are downsides to this.  Not only does it seem we need more to survive, since people obviously weren't addicted to Facebook a few hundred years ago and they got by just find (nowadays, things are slightly less plague ridden), but it means we are influenced by everyone.  Since we are so dependent on one another, we are willing to do anything to 'fit in.'  I personally believe 'normalcy' doesn't exist, and we shouldn't change to fit society's image of a 'productive member of society.'  We shouldn't always comply.  Of course, we can't live in complete anarchy.  However, every advancement in society, in art, in science... has come from individuals questioning what we know.

There is a flip side to this: those who are willing to look for deeper meanings and (incoming cliché in 3... 2... 1...) think outside the box are now able to collaborate on the matter.  Everyone can bring their own unique skill set and point of view to the project.  If we recognise that there is room for improvement, and are therefore willing to challenge and change society, while collaborating and working as a global community... society will become the best it's ever been, and we can achieve things previous generations never could've imagined.

To quote one of my favourite films, The Prestige,
"Man's reach exceeds his imagination."

Thoughts on Globalization

I have been very interested in the continuing globalisation of the world.  The concept and its consequences present great opportunity for many around the world.  However, the idea has always frightened me a bit.  It seems so easy for one to gain influence and power now.  Well, I suppose this is better than, say, pre-revolutionary France (unless you were nobility, at least).  I'm not even sure what it is that frightens me.  I think it's more the rate at which everything is changing.  Even though I grew up in the 90's and 2000's, a time where communication and technology was rapidly changing, I have never been able to cope well with great change.  Perhaps I'm afraid technology will become more powerful than human knowledge, or that traditional forms of communication will become even more obsolete.  Whatever the reason, I think we can agree that globalisation is both exciting and intimidating.

Now, let's look at the bright side...

I understand that aspects of globalisation, such as outsourcing, can be compared to colonisation: an attempt to take another culture and introduce Western culture and sensibilities.  However, 'colonisation' has somewhat of a negative implication nowadays (I've even heard it compared to brainwashing), even though it is what influenced our modern way of life.  I believe that the 'colonisation' caused by globalisation is largely positive.  Other countries, and even individuals, can make their presence known and communicate with the 'rest of the world' (read: the United States).  This will bring great change to the economy, as individuals and corporations from other regions, therefore possessing different perspectives, can bring great innovation and change.  The United States may no longer be seen as the most powerful country; globalisation and given so many other countries a chance and economical and political power.  I believe this is a great thing, giving opportunity to so many others.  Although many in developing countries don't have the means to such communication (i.e. e-mail, internet), I believe it may still help decrease poverty.  I understand this may be a stretch, but I truly believe the economic 'playing field' will be flattened, therefore giving so much opportunity to those who's potential may have otherwise gone unrealised, and forced to lead a life of poverty.

AIC Simulation - Early Thoughts

I have found the AIC simulation very interesting, albeit quite stressful.  There are so many small decisions one must make daily, and I couldn't imagine having this responsibility in real life.  This simulation has definitely been humbling and has also given me a greater appreciation for political leaders.  Even if they make poor decisions and may be corrupt, they are still making very important decisions while trying to please their people.

I have been representing Israel, and the other 'players' who frequently communicate with me are the United States and France.  The U.S. has been a great support, so far, and has expressed interest in a missile defence system (Obama and I are currently negotiating this).  France, on the other hand, wants Israel to surrender, in a sense, and allow Syria to gain access to Golan Heights.  Although (our interpretation of) Israel wishes to invest monetarily in Syria, as a sign of cooperation and future peace, the country is not willing to sacrifice this land at the moment.

Throughout this simulation, I have learned how much Israel is investing in their Western image.  This has apparently worked out well, since Benjamin Netanyahu is very popular in North American and the United States is still a great support of the country.

Speaking of Netanyahu, he is my 'character' for the simulation.  In real life, he is an excellent communicator and therefore has made many allies.  However, he is also known to be quite corrupt.  It will be interesting to see how these traits influence other nations communications with 'me' over the course of the simulation.

Brigitte's Summer

My summer... was actually quite uneventful.

There was so much I wanted to do, it's a real shame I didn't follow through.

Let's see... I wanted to write a screenplay.  The problem was, every day I wanted to right a different story!  One day would be a minimalist drama (think Sofia Coppola), the next a post-apocalyptic epic, the next a quirky comedy.  Obviously, this made actually sitting down to write one quite difficult.

Apparently... I'm supposed to relate all these events back to world issues.  Let's see: Film is an extremely influential medium with a well established position in society.  The films we see define who we are, and also send a message to filmmakers about what we want to see more of.  Audiences can learn so much by watching provocative political dramas, historical accounts, and documentaries.  Or... we can watch Transformers (bad idea, Michael Bay shouldn't be allowed to direct).

I wanted to work out and practice dance all summer.  Nope.  Didn't happen.  At all (blame the TV).

The world issues relation?  Dance is a great way to be cultured, as the genre, or style, of dance varies greatly within cultures.  Dance is also a beautiful way to tell stories and express emotions.  And, of course, dance often goes hand-in-hand with music.  The kind of music one listens to says a great deal about their beliefs, interests, and culture.

Instead my summer ended up revolving around Harry Potter.  I got early access to Pottermore (I'm MoonWolfsbane106), saw Deathly Hallows Part 2 at the midnight premiere (dressed as a Gryffindor student, naturally), went to the Wizarding World and Universal Studios Orlando, and went to a sci-fi/fantasy/comic/horror (the list goes on and on) convention, once again in costume, to meet Tom Felton.

The most obvious world issues connection here, I believe, is my trip to Orlando, Florida.  This not only demonstrated the tourism in the state, but I was also able to see the security measures taken at the borders.  I also spent a great deal of money, so I suppose this could be related to the economy.


I believe my Pottermore efforts demonstrate what a global village we have become; I have been able to interact and chat with fans from all over the world.


Finally, Harry Potter is British.  I wish I was...


Did I do anything 'productive' over the summer?  I worked at my dance studio, teaching dance and drama to campers aged 5-12.  It was stressful at times, but I enjoyed myself.

Once again, dance is a cultural phenomenon, and I was proud to teach the art to others.  I also believe that I was able to add productivity and meaning to their days, as opposed to the older ones running around on the street (engaging in some less-than-appropriate activities).


Seeing as class is done, and that is about the extent of my summer activities, I shall bid you all fare well.

Have a great day, lovelies.

-Brigitte

Welcome from Brigitte

Welcome to Brigitte's World Issues!

This blog was created for a grade 12 course, and will feature posts pertaining to and analyzing current world issues.

Posts will be posted inconsistently, as needed for the course.

I hope you will enjoy this blog and learn from it!

-Brigitte