Talk: When Does Aftermath Begin?
November 06, 2016
Discussing and looking at the photos of the Aftermath exhibit really opened my eyes to the tragedies happening over sees. I learned that a person's aftermath can vary and the effects of it can be felt for a lifetime. Most of the people impacted by terrorism and political stability within Syria and Islam have fled to other major areas. Most have located in Lebanon and other areas where there is better healthcare to treat injuries as well as opportunities for a new life. One art piece that stood out to me the most was a digital display showing the background as a desert with small stick figures moving along the mountain. It gave off a timeless feeling which symbolizes the long journey the refugees have a head of them as they try to rebuild their life. I felt Dr. Jacobs was very engaging with the audience and encouraged us to ask any questions or share with the groups are feelings on the art pieces. Most of the veterans that come back from overseas are not the same because the events that occurred are a part of them, and it was moving hearing the personal stories his previous students who were vets shared with him.
Conflict Café
February 23, 2023
Attending Conflict Café was a very unique experience in that we were able to listen to the Mr. Mario Rodriguez, the speaker spoke about the political situation in Colombia and even chat with him at our table to discuss our opinions as we ate Colombian dishes. Mr. Rodriguez, a current Santa Fe instructor for Colombian history was very warm and inviting as he spoke passionately about the need for peace after a fifty-year civil war with the FARC. This guerilla military group was established in 1948 after the assignation of a political figure. This event shaped Colombia into what it is now. He’d grown up in Colombia always knowing violence was nearby and that the people most hurt were civilians during the conflict. European countries and the U.S. now consider the FARC terrorist group. They are essentially supported with drug trafficking, kidnapping, etc. In 2012, there was peace talks with President Santos and agreement with the group in 2016 was reached for a peace treaty. In the elections Mario recounted how it was astonishing only 66% of Colombians vote in favor of the peace treaty with the FARC and that a decision could not be reached even still. Over 35 million people were eligible to vote, but only 12 million did. The reason for this is that many people still hold resentment towards the FARC for the killings of innocent, destruction of property, and other problems in Colombia that they should be punished for before peace talks. Other people have decided to accept the consequences and would like the country to move forward.
I definitely gained a wider perspective of the world globally. Moreover, other countries issues mirror our own in a way if we take the time to reflect. For example, the elections that are currently influencing the lives of many like in Colombia. Not enough people are voting and are allowing their opinions to be influenced by biased propaganda that hinders the country from moving forward. I listened attentively to every point Mr. Rodriguez raised and offered him insight into how to better diffuse the situation. My suggestions were to have discussion on how to integrate FARC members back into society who were born into the war and no longer wish to be a part of the organization. Also, interview people to understand what resources they would have needed to go out to vote. During the peace talks, I feel that the Colombian people were left out and that is why the election was a shocker for most of the elected officials. If peace is to occur, everyone must be involved. Hearing Mr. Rodriguez speak was very enlightening and I hope I’m able to participate again next year.
Documentary: "Death by a Thousand Cuts" Filmaker Jake Kheel and UF Alum Dr. Yolanda Leon
November 17, 2016
Recently I have become interested in Haitian culture with the amount of new friends I’ve met since beginning college who are from a Haitian heritage. Similarly, the island of Haiti has been in the news headlines from the great earthquake a couple years back and the aftermath Hurricane Matthew left in its wake in October. However, the biggest issue the country faces is the control and use of its where 90% of the country has been deforested for charcoal production. To survive, Haitian natives cross the Dominican Republic as well to burn some of the trees in hopes to sell for profit to support their struggling families. Others do it for the lucrative business it brings in, though it is illegal and has many negative effects on the surrounding environment. Melaneo Eliago, a park ranger from the Dominican Republic was killed after he caught Pablo Tipal producing coal illegally. He’d suffered many lacerations to the neck and the rest of the body. Years has passed and Tipal has not been caught for the crime and Melaneo’s family are still angry with vengeance.
Watching the film was emotional hearing the Haitian Natives saying they had no other special skills for employment. This made me think of the low availability of jobs in the U.S. currently even with a college education. Another scene that moved me was hearing how the Dominican natives has burned down Haitian homes in retaliation of the charcoal production and the death of Melaneo. They even went as far as calling for the mass deportation of illegal Haitian migrants too from the country due to the high levels of racism. Hearing incidences such as these still happening around the world makes me reflect even more on how equality and freedom are two important pillars that needs to be upheld or else we risk the possibility of turning to mass genocide next. Though tension is believed to subsided, it is still there even if society chooses to not believe it. Even in the United States and other countries around the world, people are being discriminated against. My hope is that other students in the International Scholars program and the public are able to view this impactful film to gain a global perspective of the world
The Other Europe Film Screening and Discussion
October 04, 2017
Dr. Barbara Mennel, Interim Director of the Humanities and Public Sphere, gave a brief introduction to the film, “The Other Europe”. The film provides a cross-section of the immigrant experience, from successful to disastrous, in Spain, Germany and England. It argues that Europe is putting out a contradictory message to immigrants: the economic system says we have plenty of jobs and will pay you more than you could ever earn at home; but the political systems warns we don’t want you.
Watching the film felt very emotionally moving as I thought about the personal difficulties of my grandparents migrating to the United States from Jamaica. The U.S. during the early 50s and 60s were not a pleasant time for minorities with the segregation laws still in effect preventing them from having a life of equal opportunity as those who were more highly favored in society. What made this cultural film unique is that it portrays something so normal yet suspenseful, as we observe the lives of immigrants. In a reenactment of a case in 2004, involving the deaths of over 25 illegal Chinese immigrants who drowned performing cocker job work as the tide came in heavily. In the documentary, it was reported over 5 million undocumented workers are in Europe and the police have gathered in full force with the intention of deporting them. However, closer examination reveals the hole of Germany, Italy and Great Britain hiring illegals for labor. Many feel they’ve been overrun by foreigners even within remote areas as seen in England. The Vice President of the European Union voiced great displeasure of this growing trend. However, there seemed to be a major split that audiences notice. The political system states that there not welcome there illegally, but the economic system welcomes them open heartedly because of the cheap labor they provide compared to the natives.
China during 2004 was devoid of young people since many go abroad for work to support their family back in their home country, even those from parts of Africa. My reaction to seeing the shanty garage filled with immigrants trying to avoid detection was very astonishing with many as 8 people sleeping on top of one another in the very tight space. It made me truly realize the weight of their self-sacrifice for their loved ones, but it made my fear worse as they risked their lives by working even after darkness has fallen and the tide coming in. The lifeless bodies being pulled up from the cold murky waters was more chilling than seeing the dozens of illegals running in the dead of night from immigration patrol a few weeks ago.
After watching the film, more attention needs to be paid to the shadow economy. Particularly, the people hiring them and who are at fault for jeopardizing the lives of the illegals. Additionally, it made me more grateful for my grandparents and ancestors for persevering through many life obstacles so that my generation can have a better chance at life.
