Blog Week 2

POST 1

This video reports the ban in France for bikinis made for Muslim women, the burkini. The French government has responded to the feedback of this ban in saying that the burkini does not align with the ideas of the French Republic of societal _ , as this type fashion is considered an act of religious extremists which could induce terrorism.

Honestly this ban almost seem hypocritical. The French Republic stands “for social unity” however this ban affects and singles out Muslim women. I feel as though, going beyond just Muslim women, women of any kind of race would always be criticized for more being modest enough, however there is a law allowing for nudity at the beaches, but now are banning Muslim women from covering up and being modest for their religion?

POST 2

This passage starts with a quote from the British general George Macdonugh, as he talks about dividing the goods of a kill even before the object has been killed. The passage I chose was the first few pages of the chapter, as it opens with Lawrence receiving news of the passing of his brother due to battle. The passage then diverts into talk about the chaos of the war and updates over the battles that have happened. Lawrence notes how in the midst of all the chaos and the seen lack of progress, Lawrence still seemed to have hope for Arabia. Because of all the chaos and horror of the war, the idea of the war being all worth it becomes a question, in the aftermath of the loss. Looking at whether or the benefits and the outcomes of the war are positive and worth the death and destruction in order to prevent conflicting countries from fighting a pointless war. I found this interesting because this philosophy for deciding whether a war will be worth fighting for is tough to gage, in that there will be no guarantees for success. Also in that the idea of success is subjective, as in the war could be fought and be pronounced a victory, but the aftermath of the war could be just as damaging as the war itself, whether it be the loss of lives, major city and state destruction, or economic issues.

POST 3

This year’s common text’s main idea is centered around race and the strategies and approaches to how we should talk about this sensitive topic. Despite how “touchy” and difficult this subject may be to talk about, Ijeoma Oluo wants the reader to push their boundaries and comfort level in order to have productive and purposeful conversations. This book is helpful and useful as we have conversations in this class, but in a boarder sense life, as we need to learn how to speak respectfully and knowledgeably about race. The ideas introduced in the book align well with the class philosophy, both trying to help us understand the importance of respect and reflection when discussing and writing about these issues and topics in an academic space.