Europe’s Interaction with Africa, Asia Essay Example for Free

Europe’s Interaction with Africa, Asia Essay In the mid-15th century, European nations started sending merchants, explorers, colonizers and missionaries to various parts of the world. Historians often referred to this phenomenon as the Age of Discovery, an era in which unknown seas were traversed, new lands and peoples were discovered and an astounding new phase in global encounters was initiated (Sanders, Morillo and Nelson 3). The Age of Discovery played an important role in the political and economic development of Western Europe. Some of its key legacies included colonization, the development of large-scale horticultural industries and the spread of Christianity. The Age of Discovery, however, is usually portrayed as exclusively European and historically unique. It must be made clear that such a description is misleading and incomplete. Exploration and expansion are not historical novelties, and neither are they uniquely European. Furthermore, they have other motivations, attitudes and cross-cultural perceptions apart from the desire to discover other lands (Sanders, Morillo and Nelson 3). Muslim and Chinese explorers and traders have been traveling across Asia, Arabia and Africa centuries before Christopher Columbus set out from Spain in 1492. The journeys of Ibn Battuta in the mid-14th century, for instance, took him through the vast extent of the Islamic world. Zheng He, a fleet admiral who lived during the Ming Dynasty, sailed as far as the coast of east Africa in the mid-15th century (Sanders, Morillo and Nelson 3). Tunisian philosopher and historian Ibn Khaldun traveled as far as Spain in the 14th century (Ahmed 102). But European and non-European explorers differed in terms of the motives behind their respective journeys. Non-European explorers traveled primarily to create extensive religious and trade networks. Muslims were partially bound by religion and commerce as a form of compensation for the near-absence of political unity in the Islamic world. Despite ethnic and regional differences, their adherence to Islamic laws and values provided them with a sense of unity and shared identity. The establishment of long-distance trading networks, meanwhile, allowed Muslim producers and consumers from different regions to communicate with one another, as well as with peoples of different religions (Sanders, Morillo and Nelson 4). Muslim traders therefore organized camel caravans to the frontiers of India and across the Sahara in Africa. They likewise established equally profitable trade routes by sea across the Indian Ocean. By the late 15th century, the commercial activity in most of the regions surrounding the Indian Ocean was almost under their control. Furthermore, certain localities in the Islamic world were gaining recognition for their excellence in specific industries. Persia, for example, was renowned in the 14th century for its exquisite glassware, jewelry and pottery (Sanders, Morillo and Nelson 4). Extensive trade and industry, in turn, provided the Islamic world with urbanized and cosmopolitan societies. Sophisticated commercial centers such as Cairo, Damascus, Baghdad, Timbuktu and Zanzibar attracted residents from distant regions that eventually converted to Islam. These new converts subsequently spread Islam and elements of Islamic culture to their respective homelands. The Delhi Sultanate of India and the West African kingdom of Mali are some examples of regions that were not originally Islamic but were later Islamized (Sanders, Morillo and Nelson 4). In sharp contrast, the motive behind most European explorations was the pseudo-revival of the Reconquista (the struggle of the Spanish and Portuguese Christians to expel the Moors from their respective countries). In the 14th and 15th centuries, anti-Moor sentiment was still strong in Spain and Portugal – it was during these periods that Spanish and Portuguese Christians successfully expelled the Moors from Iberia. But this victory soon left many knights idle and looking for new adventures. Many knights thus joined overseas expeditions, viewing these as new opportunities to vanquish the hated Moors (Sanders, Morillo and Nelson 5). Certain economic conditions in Europe during the 14th and 15th centuries were also responsible for the xenophobic attitude that many European explorers had during the Age of Discovery. In these eras, most European economies were still small, largely agrarian and geared towards meeting local needs. Muslim merchants and middlemen were the sole sources of spices and other luxury goods. In addition, Europe was politically fragmented – the continent’s monarchs wasted scarce resources and manpower in the numerous wars and conflicts that they waged against each other. Lastly, the Black Death (bubonic plague) killed millions and further weakened economies, adding to the pervasive atmosphere of dread and xenophobia (Sanders, Morillo and Nelson 5). Given the insular, backward and unsophisticated nature of Europe in the 14th and 15th centuries, it was no longer surprising that the expeditions from the continent had mostly detrimental effects. Many explorers viewed the natives that they encountered in foreign lands as â€Å"barbarians† that must be â€Å"civilized† by being subjugated to them. By the 16th and 17th centuries, therefore, many countries in Asia, Africa and the Americas ended up being the colonies of Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Britain and France (Sanders, Morillo and Nelson 5). In addition, the transatlantic slave trade occurred from the 16th to the 19th centuries. Mainstream historians had indeed painted a misleading and incomplete picture of the Age of Discovery. By claiming that the Age of Discovery was an exclusively European and historically unique phenomenon, they are implying that it was an event that was born out of Europe’s benevolent desire to discover other lands. But the truth is that the Age of Discovery should not be glorified. Exploration and expansion have already been taking place long before it happened – proof that the inhabitants of the regions outside of Europe are not savages. The Age of Discovery occurred at a time when Europe was still insular, backward and unsophisticated. Thus, many of the continent’s explorers exhibited a fearful and xenophobic attitude when it came to dealing with people not of their own race. This paranoia, in turn, led to the colonization of several nations in Africa, Asia and the Americas. In addition, slavery became a centuries-old practice. Works Cited Ahmed, Akbar S. Discovering Islam: Making Sense of Muslim History and Society. New York: Routledge, 1989. Sanders, Thomas, Stephen Morillo, and Samuel H. Nelson. Encounters in World History: Sources and Themes from the Global Past, Volume II: From 1500. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2005.

Edna Pontellier and Social Limitations in Kate Chopins Awakening Essay

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In discussing Kate Chopin's novel, The Awakening, critic Susan Rosowski categorizes the novel under the heading of "the novel of awakening" and differentiates it from the bildungsroman, the apprentice novel, in which the usually male protagonist "learn the nature of the world, discover its meaning and pattern, and acquire a philosophy of life and ‘the art of living'" (Bloom 43). In the novel of awakening, the female protagonist similarly learns about the world, but for the heroine, the world is defined in terms of love and marriage, and "the art of living" comes with a realization that such art is difficult or impossible; the price for the art is often tragic endings. Rosowski calls this female awakening "an awakening to limitations" (Bloom 43). Rosowski's reading of the novel emphasizes the role gender plays in shaping a male narrative versus a female narrative. If read as a suicide, then Edna Pontellier's last swim is a consequence of her awak ening to the limitations of her femaleness in a male-dominant society. But on a metaphysical level, especially from the Buddhist perspective, The Awakening's final scene can be seen as Edna's ultimate gesture in trying to grasp the essence of her being.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In my research, I found no material that connects Buddhism with The Awakening. There are, however, some things written about the book based on Christian theology. The criticism is that Kate Chopin's novel glorifies extramarital sexual relationships, relegates humans to the level of amoral animals, and generally denies the supreme importance of Christian doctrines' role in one's life. While I shook my head at the idea that religion can be taken so seriously that literature is seen only under the narrow light that a god casts ... ..., and first reincarnation. It is as if Edna is retracing her reincarnations to go back to the empty space from which her first attachments came and created her self. And thus we come to the end of Edna's spiritual journey. Works Cited Bercholz, Samuel, and Shearb Chà ¶dzin Kohn, eds. Entering the Stream: An Introduction to the Buddha and His Teachings. Boston: Shambhala Publications, Inc., 1993. Bloom, Harold, ed. Kate Chopin. Modern Critical Views. New York: Chelsea House Publishers, 1987. Chopin, Kate. The Awakening and Selected Stories. New York: Penguin Books, 1986. "Nature." The New Shorter Oxford English Dictionary. 1993 ed. Saddhatissa, Hammalawa. Buddhist Ethics: The Path to Nirvana. London: Wisdom Publications, 1987. Schuhmacher, Stephan, et al., eds. The Encyclopedia of Eastern Philosophy and Religion. Boston: Shambhala Publications, Inc., 1989.

Catch Us If You Can” by Catherine McPhail Essay

Based on the novel† Catch Us If You Can† by Catherine McPhail. I have studied many characters that can be more responsible to what they do. The main character is a responsible person. The main character is Rory that a boy in this novel. Responsible can be described as a work that we must do it by ourselves. Now, I will discuss to all of you about the character that has shown responsibility in his actions. It is the main character, Rory. Firstly, let me move on with my first argument that show the main character, Rory is a responsible person. It can be shown from chapter one, at the clinic. Rory brings Granda for medical check-up. Granda afraid to meet the doctor and Rory tries to calm down his as well. The same time, Granda can’t be a mature person. He acts such as a child at there. Rory asks Granda to behave himself. This can be proving at chapter one, page 2, at last paragraph â€Å"I pulled him back to our seats. â€Å" Now sit down, Granda, and behave yourself†. After that, Granda helps a lady with opens the door to her. Granda puts on fire and Rory has to throw water all over Granda to put out the fire. When they meet Dr. Nicol, Rory asks the doctor about Granda health. Dr. Nicol gives a suggestion to take a home help but Granda be the first person doesn’t agree with it. From the point that I view, I knows that Rory is a responsible person even he just a boy that must need some love. Rory beings responsible with brings Granda to the clinic for a medical check-up. Rory also asks Granda to behave himself because he wants Granda in good condition. He also never forgets to give Granda the pill every day. He is more caring towards Granda. He does it because he loves Granda very much. He loves Granda because Granda is the only person that takes care of him since he is young. He thinks that Granda is the only father and mother in his life. He can’t through the life without his Granda beside him. From all the points I have mentioned, I strongly believes that Rory is a responsible person even he just a young boy. Next, let me move on to the second point that show Rory is a responsible person. It has be shown at the Rachnadar. It is the first time Rory sees his Granda cries even his late gran die. Rory feels guilty when he sees the condition of Granda at Rachnadar. Granda asks him why they bring him there but Rory doesn’t know what to say. Granda hugs Rory and holds the Rory’s hand tightly but Rory brings her eyes to the outside. The next day, he plans to rescue Granda from Rachnadar and Darren supports it actually Darren also gives the key of his mother’s caravan to Rory. He asks Rory to stays there for a while. Rory goes to the Rachnadar and enters it through the exit door. He asks Granda to be quite and he will ring Granda outs from there. The same time, he takes Granda’s pill because he knows that he will need them. This can be proving at chapter thirteen, page 62, at second paragraphs â€Å"His teeth were on the beside table. Better not forget them. And his he aring aid, not that it did him any goods he usually forgot to switch on†. From the point that I view, I know that Rory is a responsible boy towards his work. He never forgets to plan it extremely and completely because he wants the plan works. Rory beings more responsible when he plans to rescue Granda from Rachnadar. He feels that it is his dutys to save Granda from a suffer life. He can’t seeGranda cries anymore and he wants Granda makes a freely life moments. He also is responsibles to what he plans. He takes Granda’s pill when he goes to Rachnadar and saves him. He does it because he knows that he will need the pill or the equipments at another time. From all the points I have mentioned, I strongly believe that Rory is a responsible boy that rescues his Granda from a suffer life. Lastly, let me move on to the last point that shows that the main character, Rory is a responsible boy. It can be shown at chapter three, at the field. Mr. Hood invites Rory to join the football team. But, Rory tells Mr. Hood that he can’t play football. After that, Darren comes to ask him again but Rory still in his decision. Rory also tells Darren that his musts look after his Granda. This can be shown at chapter three, page 6, at last paragraph â€Å"Anyway, you know I can’t get to football practice. How would I get to the games? Who would look after my Granda.† Later, Darren asks him to send Granda to Rachnadar, and then Rory is angry and nearly kick Darren’s leg. He also tells Darren that Granda doesn’t want to go to Rachnadar. Lastly, he runs off before Darren can say another word. From the point that I view, I know that Rory is the main character that be a responsible in his life. He is more responsible when he knows that his musts look after Granda. He can sacrifices anything even he just a young boy. He thought that he must takes the responsibility towards his Granda because Granda doesn’t has any person that may takes care of him. Furthermore, Granda is forgetful person. Rory also loves his Granda, because of that he willing to make that job. He doesn’t have any biological parents in his life; he just has Granda as a father and a mother to him. He also feels guilty towards his Granda. If he plays the games, he can’t imagine that Granda will get sicker than before. From all the points I have mentioned, I strongly believe that Rory is responsible person. He cans sacrifice his joyful to take care of Granda. As a conclusion, the main character, Rory is a responsible person even he just s young boy that needs more love from adults. He makes Granda as his parents because he doesn’t have a mother or a father. From the event, we can know that Rory can be a mature person and he cans think likely an adult. Rory becomes more responsible to what he does and be responsible to every person especially his Granda.

School Uniforms And The School Uniform Policy - 964 Words

Educators and parents alike want safe and respectful learning-oriented schools for their children. In 1996, President Bill Clinton challenged schools that â€Å" †¦ if it means that teenagers will stop killing each other over designer jackets, then our public schools should be able to require their students to wear school uniforms.† (Boutelle 36). As a result, the Manual on School Uniforms was issued by the government to provide guidelines for those considering establishing a school uniform policy. Ever since, proponents and opponents of mandated school uniforms have been at odds, both sides actively supporting their views. Uniform requirements can vary among schools requiring specific colors, styles, and types of clothing, ranging from white shirts and ties with blazers with school logos to simple pants and shirts in school colors. According to the report, Indicators of School Crime and Safety: 2013. by the National Center for Education Statistics, nearly 20% of all pub lic schools have adopted school uniform mandates in the school year 2011-2012. This essay supports the position that mandated school uniforms may resolve several problems facing public schools today. One advantage of mandatory school uniforms may be improved school safety. According to assistant superintendent Linda Rondeau, many educators believe â€Å"school uniforms promote school safety and enhance the learning environment, and diminish the clothing competition.† (qtd. by Boutelle 36). Supporters believe thatShow MoreRelatedSchool Uniform Policy And School Uniforms999 Words   |  4 PagesWhen my son started school in 2007, he was not required to wear any type of uniform for almost two academic years. As soon as he started first grade, he noticed a big change; a new dress code which makes him wear the same color of outfit as his classmates, a uniform. Many schools in the world use uniform in schools. Brunsma a sociologist at the Virginia university stated in his book tha t: â€Å"The idea of requiring public school students to wear uniforms was first envisioned in the 1980s by then-WashingtonRead MoreSchool Uniform Policy1670 Words   |  7 PagesEvery year there is a new debate going on in the public schools about whether or not school uniforms are necessary. Some parents think that school uniforms should be enforced, as they feel it brings structure, safety, modesty and a lack of ridicule to our children. On the other hand, there are parents that argue that it takes away a child’s freedom of expression, independence, free spirit and individuality. Both of these arguments are valid, I hope to help give some insight into this subjectRead MoreUniform Policies in Schools Essay1038 Words   |  5 PagesWhether or not school uniforms should be required by schools has been debated for quite some time. School uniforms would be vastly helpful to both schools and students. School uniforms would bring students closer together and decrease trend based distractions and bullying. The debate over uniforms in public schools is a much larger issue than simply what children should wear to school. It touches on issues of school and overall grade improvement, freedom of expression, and the culture wars. AlthoughRead MoreThe Implementation of School Uniform Policies649 Words   |  3 PagesThe institution of mandatory uniform policies in schools across the United States would prove advantageous in a myriad of areas such as violence and crime prevention, cost effectiveness, as well as academic performance and unity within the stude nt body. Schools and school districts that have implemented such ordinances have experienced exceedingly satisfactory outcomes. Violence and crime rates have radically diminished. Parents who are feeling the effects of the economic recession have been ableRead MoreSchool Uniform Policies Within School Systems Essay1474 Words   |  6 Pagesdebate over the implementation of school uniform policies in school systems has been seen widely across the United States The decision of uniforms being implanted in school systems is based off the state or the individual schools policy. The school either can make uniforms mandatory or voluntary. Schools have policies that convey the expectation of acceptable appearance, such as going to school in a properly dressed manner. In 1996 the percent of schools that had uniforms was 3%. As a result of this lowRead MoreSchool Uniform Policies Around The World905 Words   |  4 Pages High school students are seen walking down their school’s h allways wearing baggy sweat pants, tight revealing clothing, or outrageous piercings and hair colors. Would you feel confident in your student’s principle wore fitted tank tops and joggers whenever he or she pleased? Approximately one in five schools enforce a dress code, becoming common in America in the mid-1990s (â€Å"School Uniforms.†). Regulating what is acceptable for students to wear is a growing issue, because of the new society basedRead MoreSchool Uniform Policy And Student Achievement939 Words   |  4 Pagesthe current school uniform policy literature offers descriptions of potential strategies to achieve successful school uniform implementation. After reviewing all literature, the finding provide some support on school uniform policy and student achievement. Survey No.1, student survey indicated that combined with both schools, more girls participated in the study than boys. The results were very similar in both school results that most males and females did not agree with the uniform policy. SpecificallyRead MorePublic Schools Should Adopt A School Uniform Policy889 Words   |  4 Pagespublic schools should adopt a school uniform policy, and there is a paragraph with a counter argument with school uniforms. There is a discussion on how the crime rate decreases amongst students, how uniforms save the families money, how gang related activities have decreased, and how there is less stress between students and parents. By the time you finish reading this paper, you too should agree that all public schools should adopt a school uniform policy. All Public Schools ShouldRead MoreThe Debate over the Implementation of School Uniform Policies in our Schools:743 Words   |  3 Pageshave been many debates over the implementation of school uniform policies in our schools. Opinions are formed about the appearance of uniforms powerful effects on the way in which a student should dress. This significant role of attire relates to how students could relay a message to themselves and others. In addition, uniforms are one of the most serious administrative concerns in our public school system. I strongly favor the fact that school uniforms are perfect because they assist in helping studentsRead MoreWhy The School Uniform Policy Is Such A Bad Idea1980 Words   |  8 PagesMeyer College Writing 1 10 December 2015 Ban School Uniforms There are so many reasons why the School Uniform policy is such a bad idea. Even though uniforms were recently imposed in certain locations, uniforms have been in existence for several centuries now. The first type of school uniform that was documented was a standard garment in 1222. In 16th century England, children in the Christ Hospital Boarding School were the creators of modern school uniform. They wore blue cassocks and yellow stockings;