Chapter 8

I always thought of China as a powerful force of a country. It was no surprise for me when I read about China's uprising, its "golden age." It was also not that surprising to learn about the role of women in the Song Dynasty. One thing that I also knew about was the practice of foot binding. Even though this was not nothing new that I learned, it still shocks that Chinese women went through these excruciating painful attempts to appear to be beautiful, elite women in Chinese society. Foot binding also reminds me of our society and how some people go through expensive plastic surgery to look better than what they think of themselves or more beautiful than before. Another thing that was interesting to me was how the Chinese viewed the northern nomads. The Chinese people called the nomads barbarians and viewed them as inferior, but they still used them for their own necessities like their military and luxury goods. The building of the Great Wall to keep them out sounds very familiar in today's society in this specific time. I am greatly reminded of issues, ideas, and trends in today's world and society from reading this chapter.

Chapter 9 and Chapter 10

What stood out to me from Strayer in these two chapters was how important it is to learn and understand the history of Islam and how we are "limited and shaped by our histories." I put those two ideas together because I think that what Strayer said is true in how she view history as a whole and as a society. We are limited in that we only learn so much in history and in how we are taught history concerning what is more important to know. Because of this, society today is only comfortable with their own history and how it only affects them rather than knowing other people's history and how it can affect us and everyone else as well. I think that Chapter 9 and Chapter 10 not only emphasizes the different religions and its followers, but it also emphasizes the importance of knowing and understanding how it functioned in the past so we can connect it to today's world. I agree with Strayer in that we need to see the world how others viewed it as well as thinking of other society's history as significant rather than inferior to our own history.

Chapter 7

The overall view of this chapter was very intriguing to me in that the practice of trade influenced many civilizations in different ways. Trade not only brought goods to these different civilizations, but it brought different values, cultures, and technological ideas to the societies receiving the goods. Trade influenced many civilians to change certain practices in their lives. It was also interesting to learn how trade brought diseases that greatly affected other civilizations. With trade, some civilizations had great technology that promoted commercial growth and influenced other civilizations to advance their technology. Trade also brought connections, which reminds me of today's society. America along with other countries are connected through networking and trade. Because of trade, different societies have to maintain peace with other societies in order to stay in contact and receive the goods. Therefore, trade plays a major role in politics. Foreign trade is one of the main issues in politics today. I find it very interesting that trade was a major turning point way back in history, and trade is still a very important resource in today's world.

Chapter 6

Chapter 6 was an interesting read, especially reading about the cities without states. The city of Jenne-jeno was intriguing to learn in that nothing was found of an authoritative government. The people of Jenne-jeno were smart, with their work of earth and metal. This particular city seemed to be just as successful without the authority of state. Their use of trade and exchange was important to the city of Jenne-jeno as well. The Mayans were also interesting. Throughout my years of schooling, I was always reminded of the Mayans and their smart minds. They were known for their writing system, art, and math. The Maya civilization had their political and city-state units. One of the most interesting I learned from Chapter 6 was the sudden ending of the Maya civilization. Because of its constant warfare and growing population, some of the Maya civilization took a downfall with its scarce land for the over-population that led to frequent competition. The Mayans downfall reminded me of the Roman empire and their sudden end to what seemed to be a successful and prosperous civilization. Regardless of its ending, the Maya civilization will always be known for their written texts, buildings, and mathematical ability.

Chapter 4 and 5

In Chapter 4, the Jewish religion of Judaism made me think about my own faith and religion in Christianity. I can understand how Christianity came from Judaism. In Christianity, we call God Yahweh as well. We believe in the Bible known as the Hebrew scriptures. The one thing that I noticed that was not mentioned in Judaism that is essential to my faith in Christianity is the belief that God sent his Son Jesus Christ to die for our sins and rose from the dead. However, I believe that both religions believe in the same God. Overall, I learned a lot from the reading. It was interesting learning about the civilizations' different cultural traditions, especially China's transitioned between Confucianism and Daoism. 

In Chapter 5, one part that grasp my full attention was India's caste system. It interested me in that I feel that we kind of deal with that in America. Not necessarily to those extremes, but I do feel that there is some inequalities that remind of the caste system. Sometimes, I think that certain justice issues are not dealt with fairly. Therefore, I think that our government or justice system discourages certain people from moving up in the social hierarchy. I remember in our class discussion that we mentioned some of this topic concerning America's social hierarchy and what it is based on. We named hierarchy in money and social status, race, and politics. Even though hierarchy is important to have in certain situations like government authority, I further believe that everyone should be treated fairly and encouraged to reach higher in life. 

2016 Presidential Debate https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=855Am6ovK7s

After watching about 10 minutes of the presidential debate, I realized how unorganized it was. Lester did not seem to have the proper control over the candidates going back and forth during most of the debate. In relation to the Confucius handout, I noticed many rules of the superior man that the candidates did not meet.

For example, rule XIV.29, Trump was far from modest in his speech. During my viewing of the debate, Trump bragged about his proposals and his money around 23 minutes and 36 minutes. In Clinton's case, I just feel that she does display some modesty in her speech sometimes but needs to prove her actions. Actions speak louder than words, and it would be nice to see Clinton try to implement her proposals.

Concerning rule XVII.24, Trump constantly slandered Clinton to her face about her proposals and views which is what the superior man hates. This occurred around the 25 minute mark.

In rule XIX.9, Trump's language is never firm or decided. Around every minute I watched, Trump was quick to say something offensive without thinking.

Regarding rule IV.5, Trump was quick to move away from virtue and went straight to interrupting Clinton with his comments.

XV.36, I would say that Clinton is merely firm, not correctly firm. In Trump's case, I think that he does not have a firm bone in his body.

Even though most of these rules reminded me Trump's actions during the debate, I am not saying that Clinton is an angel. I just think that it is easier and quicker to point out Trump's outburst and flaws during this election year.

Intro to Part Two and Chapter 3

One thing I found interesting in the reading was how the second and third wave civilizations were responsible for the start of philosophical and religious systems like Christianity and Confucianism just to name a few. The large and prominent Persian Empire was interesting to read about as well. Even though the Persian Empire consisted of up to 50 million people, the Persians remained to have a cult of kingship. The Persians idea of having an unapproachable monarch that makes all of the rules seems wrong but still right in some ways. It would seem impossible to hold a vote for kings with so many citizens during that time period. However, the Persians' cult of kingship makes the empire seem shallow and not for the people. I think that the Greeks idea of political life directed the path of the future of politics concerning citizen participation. Even though it is stated to be slightly different from modern democracy, political life in Greece reminds me of the start and role of democracy today.