As you move into the next phase of your life, how will you try to effect change in the world regarding the issues studied in this course?

I will be attending university in the fall and I hope to effect positive change through scientific research as well as community (Hamilton) and global service (Dominican Republic).  Compassion must be the force to drive human advancement if we are to succeed in the years to come. I have seen inescapable poverty throughout my travels to India and Africa yet I’ve realized that care and compassion can have a powerful and positive impact.

I hope to one day be at the vanguard of medical/biological research and to solve some of the most dire challenges facing those less fortunate at home and abroad. Never, in the existence of mankind, has it been more imperative to understand critical issues facing us to advocate knowledgeably. 

What is the most important skill that you’ve learned through your participation in this course, and how will you use it as you move on with your life?

Skills acquired in this course such as communication, critical thinking, researching information and diplomacy were valuable and will serve all of us well in any of our post-secondary studies and future endeavours.

The most important skill I learned was developing the ability to think about current issues from different perspectives - especially debating on a side that was against my personal beliefs. This was a challenge during the corporate globalization debate – it is difficult to take a pro-business stance when you are an environmentalist/humanitarian at heart.

I will now 1) not be so quick to judge the actions of others until I obtain more information 2) weigh both sides of an issue or argument and 3) understand that issues are complex and do not always have clean-cut solutions.

I thoroughly enjoyed participating in the World Issues Conference held at HSC last fall and hope that this will continue for middle school students. It is important to engage kids early in global issues and to have them interact in face-to-face discussions – this is how the skill and art of diplomacy is learned. It is my hope that younger students will become interested in Model UN as they begin their high school years.  

What was the central theme for this course? Why? How does your choice relate to…(insert one issue as an example)…?

The main theme for this course focused around the need for education to raise awareness in communities and beyond around the globe. Everyone can benefit from ‘knowing something about the world’ – the more we know, the more we learn, understand and empathize with humanity…awareness will eventually lead to sustainable solutions.

 

We can effect change by learning history so we do not repeat errors of past generations, by learning about the natural world so we care for the environment and by learning about the policies of our political leaders in order to vote responsibly.

I was particularly interested in looking at the causes of global hunger and poverty. Biotech companies such as Monsanto are controlling seed supply for GMO crops in developing countries and this is ruining small farmers who can no longer use organic, traditional methods of farming. Sadly, GMO cash crops along with food dumping are not helping the poor and hungry people in developing nations.  We need to re-educate small rural farmers about the benefits of organic methods of farming so they can save their own seeds and preserve some biodiversity again.   

If you lived in America today, where would you be on the gun issue? How does your choice relate to… insert one issue as an example)?

If I lived in the U.S. today I would support gun control.  I felt terrible for the families of the Newtown massacre and angry that the Senate did not vote for reform.  This sends the message that the National Rifle Association (NRA) holds the power in Washington (they support many Republican senators) and that lives are not worth protecting.

The U.S. needs a national solution not just one through state legislation where some states such as Connecticut have tightened controls and others do not.  Reform may have deterred more potential criminal activity if background checks for gun purchases were expanded to include gun shows and online sales. Banning Rambo style assault weapons and high capacity magazines should be easy because it is just common sense!  There are other ways to protect oneself without resorting to this ‘wild west’ mentality.  Law abiding citizens who want to purchase guns for sport or collections should not mind tighter controls – no matter how inconvenient. 

What are the factors that contribute to the ‘creation’ of a modern ‘terrorist’? What can be done by human civilization to mitigate these factors?

Modern terrorists do not attack with explosive devices but instead use computer viruses.  Cyber terrorists use information technology for personal gain or widespread damage.  This is frightening because computer networks (intelligence -military, government, financial and mass media) could all be vulnerable to attack.  

Cyber terrorism is appealing to criminals because they can remain anonymous while launching an attack from anywhere in the world especially from a basement computer without warning – it is fast, easy, inexpensive and can cause extensive damage with fatalities.

We have to work together to build successful counter cyber terrorist programs by sharing intelligence and new technologies. Individuals may have to give up some privacy as well to ensure more cyber security – this is the new reality. 

Does religion, or religious principle/ethics/morals have any place in government? Should government create laws based on these norms?

The separation of religion and state is a core feature of Western democracy but religion does play a large role in politics.  Fundamentalist movements, such as the religious right in the U.S., and Islamic movements in Islamic states, have had a significant impact on domestic politics (Fox and Sandler, 2005).

 I believe that government should not create laws based on religious principle- many Islamic states in the Middle East, for example, also have religious minorities who would not have a say as to what role Islam should play in the government. Islam, many argue, is not compatible with democracy.  It makes no separation between religion and state and because of this Islamic law becomes the law of the land so there is no room for public participation in lawmaking.  Also, not all citizens have the same rights.  Non-Muslims are not accorded the same rights as Muslims, and women do not have the same rights as men.

Religious attitudes still continue to influence Western democracies especially in the U.S. concerning its political agenda (party affiliation and voting as well as religious issues such as abortion) however, the U.S. seems to limit the ability of these attitudes to infringe on the constitutional separation of religion and state.  

What is food dumping, and how does it contribute to the cycle of poverty and dependence among the world’s poorest people? – also, offer a solution to the problem…

One way that developed countries ‘help’ the less fortunate nations of the world is by offering aid in the form of food.  This approach to aid has been criticized by some as ineffective at best, and criminal at worst. 

As I mentioned in Blog Post # 8, food aid can be destructive on the economy of a recipient nation and can contribute to a cycle of more hunger and poverty in the long run.  Food dumping (free or subsidized food) below market prices hurts small local farmers, who cannot compete and are driven out of jobs and into poverty again and again. Wealthy countries that provide foreign aid (not emergency relief) contribute to underdevelopment by encouraging a dependent culture – this does not give local communities motivation to find sustainable solutions.

The U.S. Congress has been under attack by the World Trade Organization (WTO) because the U.S. has been dumping agricultural surpluses (disguised as food aid) in an attempt to create new markets for its exports. Below is a quote from an Oxfam Briefing Paper that illustrates the plight of a small rice farmer in Indonesia:

‘I harvest my rice usually two times per year, but it depends on rain because my land is rain-fed. Last year I sold my rice at Rp 2,600–Rp 2,700 [approx. $0.25] per kg. This year, however, its price was only Rp 1,500–1,700 [$0.15] per kg due to the flooding of rice from the social safety net programme to the local market.... Some people said that rice came from the US.’

—Wagino, 42, farmer and father of four children, Boyolali Regency, Central Java Province, Indonesia, June 2001

‘Meaningful and immediate increases in food aid now could mean the difference between survival and financial disaster for rice mills in this region.’

— Thomas Ferrara of Greenville, Mississippi, USA, Chairman of the Rice Millers’ Association, July 2001

It appears that food aid is not driven by need.  There are three types of food aid:  program (sold on recipient country markets to generate cash), project (promotes agricultural/economic development, nutrition, food security – mother/child nutrition centres) and emergency (war and famine). 

We need new rules for agricultural trade with the goal of reducing agricultural dumping and fostering economic development. In many instances where food aid is desirable, cash donations may be better than food donations, as they allow food aid to be purchased locally and delivered more quickly and cheaply.  

What does the recent arrest of two people who are suspected of planning a terrorist attack on Canadian soil mean to you? What impact does it have on Canada? What impact does it have on how people think about Islam? What motivates people to turn to terrorism in Canada?

I don’t think the shock of the VIA Rail plot has really sunk in yet.  Naïve as it may sound; I view Canada as a tolerant and welcoming place for immigrants. The reality is however, that homegrown Islamic terrorism is on the rise here as well and it will be important to protect public safety even if that means security searches not only at airports but also at train and bus stations. We will have to give up on some civil liberties to be safe - this was apparent when Anti-Terror Bill S-7 was passed in the House of Commons last week in order to give law enforcement the means to respond more effectively to terrorism.

 

So why would two Muslim men, who were educated and living well in Canada, want to destroy it? Hatred and anger from persecution elsewhere is difficult for refugees to leave behind no matter how long they have lived in Canada.  Raed Jaser and his family were classified as stateless Palestinians and sought refugee status here in 1993. They lived in Markham, ON and tried hard to blend in with suburban life while still being open about their Muslim faith (McLean’s, May 6, 2013). Chiheb Esseghaier, was a gifted medical researcher, who published a few papers on nanotechnology and its use in medicine. Apparently, they both had family ties in Montreal (where Esseghaier worked) and according to the RCMP, received direction and guidance from an unspecified al-Qaeda element in Iran.

The Muslim community is working hard to educate Canadians about misconceptions they may have concerning Islamic beliefs - only very few Muslims are radical extremists. In fact it was a Toronto Imam who first warned the RCMP about Jaser.

Experts who study trends in the motivation behind Islamic extremism have pointed out that it is not just a desire to strike back at the West for its atrocities in Muslim countries but it may develop due to a personal crisis (anger, desire for collective revenge- to join a warrior elite) as well.  Brian Michael Jenkins, a leading terrorism expert, says “ideology has become a conveyor of individual discontent” (McLeans, May 6, 2013) especially amongst young Muslim males. 

What long-term impact will the terror attacks at the Boston Marathon have on western civilization?

It is not new that throughout history religious ideas have been used to promote violence. It is difficult for Americans to accept that Islamic radical fundamentalists are living amongst their warm and welcoming communities. The Boston Marathon attacks may not drastically alter anyone’s lifestyle however I fear that it will only intensify racism towards Muslims who call the U.S. home.

We are used to reading about wars and political unrest in the Middle East and elsewhere abroad, but since 9/11 we have realized that we are vulnerable to terrorist acts as well.  Attacks can happen anywhere at any time – even at the Boston Marathon…

So, the question is “Does terrorism challenge the liberty of democratic states?”  Yes - in the long term it will be difficult for Western democracies to find a balance between terrorist countermeasures and the protection of civil liberties.

U.S. drone strikes: What’s the big deal? Good idea or bad? Why?

Last year our model UN team studied the use of U.S. drone practices in the FATA (Federally Administered Tribal Areas) region of Pakistan – this is where most drone strikes occur and target the killing of terrorists in the northwest of the country. The drone strike issue is a big deal because innocent civilians are being injured and killed.  It seems the U.S. government rarely acknowledges civilian casualties so the death toll from these strikes is underreported.

Drones hover twenty-four hours a day over communities. They also strike homes, vehicles, and public spaces without any warning.  Their presence terrorizes men, women and children and causes psychological trauma among civilian communities.  The practice of striking one area multiple times has also killed rescuers - this makes humanitarian workers afraid or unwilling to assist injured victims. 

The U.S. needs to rethink current targeted killing practices because the number of high-level targets killed as a percentage of total casualties is extremely low-estimated at just 2% (www.livingunderdrones.org). I don’t think this approach is really keeping the U.S. safe from terrorists - which was the purpose of using drones in the first place.

North Korea: What would you do if you were President Obama?

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is a tyrant and is using the same leadership style as his father (the late Kim Jong Il).  He is exercising military might at home to create a sense of crisis with aggressive military tactics aimed at South Korea (with a newly elected President-Park Geun-hye), Japan and the United States. Kim Jong Un does not care about the welfare of North Koreans (money is spent on the military but many citizens are starving). The Pyongyang regime is ignoring U.N. Security Council sanctions in response to its Feb. 12^th nuclear test (Time Magazine- Ramzy March 2013). North Korea dropped its recognition of the armistice that ended hostilities in the 1950-53 Korean War and has threatened to carry out a nuclear strike against U.S. “aggressors.” It warned it was pulling out of all non-aggression pacts with the South. Are all of these threats a way for an inexperienced leader to direct the world’s attention away from the country’s failed economy and poor living conditions? It looks that way.

President Obama and his administration have to take what any government says seriously even if this is all hot air – so far there are only plans for a limited response. They feel that North Korea does not possess long-range missiles that would allow it to hit the U.S.

If I were in President Obama’s shoes it would not only be necessary to strengthen U.S. missile defenses in the area (to show support for South Korea) but it would also be important to recognize China’s role and how much it could influence North Korea’s behaviour.  Beijing was upset about North Korea’s nuclear test in February; however, this did not deter China from investing in its infrastructure in the border region – they plan to build five new bridges to North Korea to improve trade (Lefkowitz and Whiton-April 12, 2013 The Washington Post). China’s lack of pressure on North Korea has been disappointing…there are no quick solutions.

The sexualization of mainstream society – Is it a problem?

Yes - the increased use of technology and social media has made the distribution of harmful content extremely easy so it seems that pornography has become the new norm. In fact, popular culture is becoming porn culture. This is harmful because the lines between our private and public lives are becoming blurred. Very young girls (6-8 yrs), for example, are still learning (from many media sources and boys) that their value is based on sexuality and physical appearance. This mindset often leaves young people susceptible to mental/physical health issues, predatory behaviour and harassment.

A porn culture is dangerous because it allows men to think that objectifying women is how it is supposed to be - it turns a woman into a ‘thing’ that is only there to satisfy a man’s sexual urges (only for hook-ups).  This attitude eliminates any need to connect with a partner either emotionally or intellectually.  I think that this will have serious consequences for many long- term relationships in the future (if any will exist at all)….

Perhaps media literacy studies (early middle school) could be used as a tool in empowering young people to think more critically about the media they consume and to take control of their online persona and real life behaviour.   

What role should the wealthy nations of the world like Canada and the United States play in easing the suffering of the world’s poorest people? What responsibility do the wealthiest people have in tackling global poverty?

On a recent trip to southern Africa (Zambia/Zimbabwe) I encountered many people who were starving and living in deplorable conditions. I have often wondered whether foreign aid has succeeded in making Africa better or if it deters progress.

 I think that wealthy countries need to involve the people of recipient nations about decisions concerning poverty reduction with foreign aid. Research on this complex issue has exposed the fact that money sent to combat poverty is often channeled to other areas such as managing the environment, controlling illicit drugs and the AIDS crisis instead. It has been shown that aid from abroad seems to promote dependency on others and creates the impression that the emergence from poverty depends on external donations rather than on people’s own efforts and motivation. Sadly, widespread corruption, political instability and war in many African countries, is standing in the way of the good governance that is needed for long-term sustainable solutions. 

Wealthy countries that provide foreign aid need to stop encouraging a dependent culture that fuels corruption and contributes to underdevelopment- this instigates conflict in Africa (Moyo, 2009).  Food aid, for example, can be destructive on the economy of a recipient nation and can contribute to more hunger and poverty in the long run.  Free or subsidized food, below market prices undercuts local farmers, who cannot compete and are driven out of jobs and into poverty. It seems that some powerful nations have used this as a foreign policy tool - for dominance that guarantees economic failure in poor regions rather than real aid. 

Let’s start helping Africans with the right kind of aid in a culturally sensitive way so they can improve their standard of living and begin to make it on their own.  

Israeli Settlement Building: Do You Agree With Israel’s Decision to Resume Settlement Building in the E1 Zone? Why?

In March 2010, Israel announced the approval for plans to build 1,000 units of housing in the E1 Zone east of Jerusalem (New York Times:  Nov. 30, 2012). This is a sensitive area of territory in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Settlements next to East Jerusalem would bisect the West Bank and would sabotage plans to create an adjacent Palestinian State.

 I oppose Israel’s development in this region because this is an aggressive plan that would make it more difficult to resume peaceful negotiations or achieve a two state solution.

Construction in E1 should be cause for alarm for both Israelis and Palestinians.  A new settlement bloc is not worth jeopardizing any chance of a solution (James Levine - Dep’t of Political Science: University of Toronto). There will be serious consequences – it is time for a new path where peaceful negotiations can help stabilize the region.

Connecticut School Shooting – What Does This Event Teach Us About Violence in Society?

How many tragic deaths have to occur before politicians take action on gun violence in society?  In a recent Globe and Mail article (Jan. 9, 2013) it has been reported that the United States suffers far more violent deaths than any other wealthy nation due its widespread possession of firearms and the practice of storing them at home in a place that is often unlocked.  Americans have a culture that considers arms ownership a basic right  (Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution) and many insist that law- abiding citizens should not be forced to give up guns. Sadly, The National Rifle Associations (NRA) response to the Connecticut tragedy was to place ‘armed guards’ at schools instead of banning any guns. Adam Lanza, who committed the worst school massacre in U.S. history, did so with his mother’s arsenal – guns she introduced to him in order to teach a sense of responsibility and independence.  Being a Canadian I do not understand why these important life lessons cannot be taught another way. 

If the Obama administration does not take action against the ownership of assault weapons they will be sending the wrong message to youth that the ‘right to bear arms’ without restrictions and giving in to the gun lobby is more important than protecting society from these lethal weapons.  Take a minute and imagine how you would feel if you lost a child to the senseless violence in Newtown.  

World Issues Conference – November 16, 2012: Reflection

On November 16, 2012, our school, Hillfield Strathallan College, hosted a World Issues Conference for grade eight students to discuss pressing global issues of the 21^st century.  The main themes were sustainability and "the land." Delegates were from many areas and schools around the Golden Horseshoe and covered topics ranging from the U.S. election, overfishing worldwide, climate change in the Arctic and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. Mr. Marc Kielburger, founder of Free The Children and Me to We, also gave a keynote address that was inspirational for many attendees.  

I had the privilege of mediating this mini middle school model UN as a grade 12 facilitator, and along with Gazal Kukreja, participated in two small group discussions around the issue of “The Hijab.” After a few icebreaker activities, two grade eight delegates led discussions about what the Hijab is, what it represents, why women choose or are forced to wear it and how it is misunderstood in Western eyes. This was a wonderful forum for students to practice their public speaking skills, ask questions and to exchange ideas about issues such as prejudice and women’s empowerment.

I hope that this initiative will continue again next year so that younger students can learn the importance of face-to-face dialogue and diplomacy. Our aim was to inspire students to take an interest in world issues so that they will continue to remain involved and engaged in current events during their high school years through extracurricular activities such as Model UN and service. This will give our generation the tools that they will need to effect positive change in the world.  

Gapminder World: Identify an indicator of global concern and discuss why you feel it is globally important?

The health and wealth of nations are important indicators of global concern (eg. for international development - Gapminder 2012).  This map clearly shows that many African countries have the lowest per capita income per person and as a consequence, they also have the lowest life expectancy (mainly due to the HIV/AIDS epidemic that is prevalent throughout the continent). I have personally witnessed the devastation of this disease while visiting Zambia and Zimbabwe last summer. Sadly, many international aid organizations were attempting to set up orphanages for hundreds of children in these countries who were now without parents or other adult relatives to care for them. 

Higher income usually gives greater access to the goods and services that promote health such as better nutrition, access to safe water, sanitation and good health services. I have read recently, however, that another possibility has emerged. The causal link between income and health may run the other way from health to income (Science 18 Feb 2000).  Healthier populations can work more and attend school longer, thus an increase in education levels results in higher incomes and alleviates poverty.  Health status (measured by life expectancy) can be a significant predictor of economic growth as well. Health improvements can elevate an impoverished disease prone country into one that offers its people a much higher quality of life (eg. East Asia).