BLOG #5

In Chapter 14, I found interesting how the Portuguese created a "trading post empire". Their products were not attractive in the Asian markets so they saw an opportunity to take control of the Indian Ocean. They were advanced in naval technology and warfare so they easily took over the Indian Commerce. They established several key locations to control the Indian Ocean. It amazes me how countries throughout history always want to gain control of people, land and things. Does it really mean that controlling everything will make you the best? The trading post empire didn't last long because soon enough came another nation to take it over.

                

BLOG #4

Ch 9 (Worlds of Islam)
It is interesting how like, Buddha and Jesus, Muhammad also had a religious experience in the mountains. This makes me wonder about the mountains and the significant part it plays with these influential people. Muhammad became the messenger of Allah's word recorded in the Quran. The word "Muslim" means "one who submit" I find this is really true to this religion. Not that other people don't submit to their religion but from what I read and know they truly give their life. I say this because of all the people that have taken their lives in the name of Allah. Also a couple of blocks from my home is a mosque and around certain times during the day is overflowing with Muslims. They are gathering for their daily prayers.

The five requirements of believers, known as Pillars of Islam are the following: 1)"There is no god but Allah; and Muhammad is the messenger of God". 2) Ritual prayer 3) Demand for social justice 4) Fasting during Ramadan. 5) Pilgrimage to Mecca. Another requirement for believers was an interior personal effort against greed and selfishness. These requirements make me wonder how many terrorist do things in the name of Allah. Osama Bin Laden was Muslim and terrorized the United States many times. No matter who you believe in, I don't think the killing of innocent people is part of that religion. 

BLOG #1

WW Prologue & Part 1: Intro, Ch 1 (First Peoples), Ch 2 (First Civilizations)

                  

The prologue made me feel conflicted. I was conflicted because I was raised believing that God created the universe and the world. I know this is my belief but it also make me wonder how everything really went down. According to the textbook the universe was created 13.7 billion years ago with the Big Bang but nobody really knows how everything happened. It reminded me of the first class and how we were talking about how history was subjective. Reading this chapter was really interesting because it made me visualize us around the tree on the first night. This made the chapter a lot more visual and exciting.

                

 In chapter one, I was surprised that early societies treated woman and men as equals. I’m not sure if it was because woman gathered 70% of the food and men only 30%.  I think even today, men are still considered superior to women. Not just in our country but all over the world. In the United States we have not had a women President, while in other parts of the world there are women in these roles. I’m interested in discovery when the shift of men being superior occurred.