Blog 8: Chicago Reflection and Video

I really enjoyed the trip to Chicago. Our sequence was lucky to have the opportunity to take a trip to Chicago as many sequences do not have dedicated trips outside of the classroom. It was interesting to apply the content we learned in class to what the museum showcased. The place where we ate lunch at was delicious and I would definitely like to go back someday. My favorite museum was the Mexican art museum because they had more on display and they were much more parallels to what we learned in class. For example, La Catrina was discussed in class and also by the tour guide. I was able to see some of the indigenous art that we analyzed on display at the Mexican art museum. By far, my favorite piece of art was the large mural at the end of the Mexican art museum tour because there were so many elements in it. I could stare at it for hours and still find new details which I thought was pretty cool. Also, it was so beautiful and symbolic that all the different elements overlapped over the heart of the map.

I took video with my 360 cameras throughout the trip. I had to stitch all the images and videos together and then edit them into one. I used Final Cut Pro on my MacBook Pro and created my own background music in Logic Pro. The 360 effect views better on phones as it uses the gyroscope and allows for more natural movement. Enjoy for those who missed

Blog 7 Reaction: Johnny's Blog

Johnny,

I really enjoyed reading your post. Your summary of Che Guevara life was helpful to my understanding of who and how he developed into the person he is remembered as. You bring up a good point about the Che Guevara store, it basically against everything he stood for. The commercialization of his ideas for profit is a perfect example of how capitalism twisted his ideas. I believe that he would not want this store to sell merch of him.

I totally agree with your perspective but I would like to play the role of the critical thinker. On the other end, by selling his merch his life/legacy continues to live on. His ideas will never die. He will always be remembered as a hero in history by putting him on merch. It gets to a point where his ideas and himself, as a person, becomes trendy. Buying the shirts allows people to take a stance and show their support for him.

Blog 7: Corruption

In class on Monday, I asked the question about why Latin America has had a problem with corruption. This created a short in-class discussion in which we talked about how there is corruption everywhere. In Latin America, it is more visible/discussed throughout history and in the news. I wanted to expand this discussion further in this weeks blog post.

The Webster dictionary defines corruption as dishonest or illegal behavior especially by powerful people (such as government officials or police officers). This definition of the word can help explain why countries like the United States are not associated with corruption like Latin America is. Lobbyists promote their own agenda to Congress which seems unfair and fraudulent but it is legal. Although lobbying is legal, I still believe lobbying is corrupt based on my own understanding of the world. It is not fair/equal/democratic for money to weigh heavier than a individuals voice. It makes me wonder how to classify something as being corrupt? Society is like a balance beam as choices that benefit one's personal gain, impact/take away from the overall group. This kind of thinking closely relates to communist ideas, however, communists experiments so often end in corruption and oppression. The answer I have been given to why this occurs is that humans are selfish in nature (survival of the fittest) and put their needs first. I believe this answer is overly simplified and there just has to be more.

Thinking deeper into the idea of corruption through history and present day captivates and challenges my prior knowledge of the world. I am interested to hear others thoughts and interpretations of corruption.

Blog 6 Reaction: Johnny's Blog

I really enjoyed reading your post. I would love to visit Cusco and see how it compares to what we learned in class. I found it interesting that your friend saw a large American influence in the region. I am glad you brought up the "frozen in time" idea because that is how I imagined it to be in real life. I also thought it was interesting on how the Cusco people welcome tourism and it makes me wonder the impact tourist have in the area. Are tourists disrupting the historical and cultural past in the region? Finding a good balance between creating immersive experiences and preserving the past needs to be consistently discussed/monitored.

Blog 6: Immigration

Why is immigration such a controversial topic in the United States? Clearly, there is a desire in people to come to the United State for a "better" life so what's the big deal.  There are plenty of land available for people to settle down. There are plenty of jobs available—no one is stealing jobs. I get there is the idea of public safety but on the other side, Mexicans are not dangerous. While I understand that drug trafficking is a huge challenge along the border, but those participating in these activities are in the minority.

I just wish there was an easier process for people to enter this country. There is a reason why people enter this country illegally—if they could enter legally, they would do so. I really hope that in the future there will be some reforms in the immigration laws that will allow for easier immigration into the United States. 

After taking this course, I have gained a greater sense of respect for Latin American countries, more specifically Mexico. I wish that I could share this gained knowledge and this new feeling inside with all of America. I strongly believe that once more people are educated on Latin American history and culture, there will be greater acceptance and understand. Whenever I go home, I always share the knowledge learned in class with my parents and family. They usually are surprised to hear what I have to say and have changed their views. Moving forward with my knowledge of Latin American history, I will be an advocate for this often skipped a section of history and immigration. 

Blog 5 Reaction: Sydney's Blog

Tangled is one of my favorite Disney movies!  This is a great connection between the evil stepmother and Diaz. Throughout Tangled, Rapunzel appreciates the high structure that the evil stepmother imposed because it was an easy life for her. Later on in the movie, she realizes that the structure was not in the interest of herself but the evil stepmother. The stepmother wanted her to be hidden so she could use Rapunzel's magical hair to stay youthful. This is similar to Diaz imposing political stability. While Diaz created political stability, the Mexican people realized that their interests were not being prioritized. I really like how you connected Repunzel's escape and adventure outside of the tower to the Mexican Revolution.