Asia's Missing Girls: A Photoessay

Chaeli Mycroft

Tem B.
Humanities
Per. 6 and 7                                 Chaeli Mycroft
Ms. Podorsek
29 Oct. 2012

“I see it as my gift that I can share the message to the world, that disabled people are still people, who have the same needs and the same rights.” In the year 2011, 17 year old Michaeli Mycroft, also known as Chaeli, was chosen as winner of the year’s Children’s International Peace Prize. Chaeli was born with cerebral palsy, meaning the use of her arms and legs are limited, causing her to be bound to the wheelchair for her entire life. When she was 9 years old, she decided that she wanted a motorized wheelchair, therefore she, her sister, and friends started a project to raise money for it, later becoming The Chaeli Campaign. The Chaeli Campaign now focuses on helping children with disabilities under the age of 18. Chaeli is fighting for the rights and hope of disabled children.

Chaeli fights for opportunities for disabled children. This includes therapies, education, counseling, assistive devices, sports, arts, as well as support youth development. Chaeli believes strongly that disabled children should have just the same opportunities as any other to succeed in life, in what they want to do or be. “It is important to me that children with disabilities are given all opportunities in life to succeed and I think that’s the most important focus of the Chaeli Campaign.” Chaeli acknowledges the importance of the abilities of disabled children and that they are no less than any other children. They show how she notices that disabled children can also think of amazing plans and carry them through if they were given the chance. These disabled children aren’t given the opportunity to express what they want or can do, and there for needs help. “...people with disabilities are the minority. The minority is hardly listened to and what makes it more difficult is that a large part of the minority is unable to voice their opinions due to their disabilities.” Because of the lack of attention ordinary people have for the disabled ones, Chaeli finds that she needs to fight for these people so that they’re voices are heard and opportunities are given to them.

Along with opportunities, Chaeli believes that things can’t be entirely possible if there were no hope. Chaeli was able to progress on in her own life and make such a difference for so many people’s lives because of hope. And hope didn’t come all by itself. It was also brought from her family and friends. “Hope is what keeps us going,” Chaeli said in her speech. “It’s what keeps us striving for the lives we deserve. I have hope for myself, but I also have hope for all other children with disabilities.” Chaeli herself believes in other children, and also believes that she too can pass on the hope to them. “I think we need to make a conscious decision to see the light in every person we meet. I think we need to be more positive about each other. If we see the light in each other, I believe we would live in a much brighter world.” She believes that through hope, disabled children will see the light and the way out to a much brighter, positive, and meaningful life.

The Chaeli Campaign continues to help children with disabilities to take a step forward in both their rights to opportunities and hope. To be who they can be, instead of who people say they are. Chaeli’s efforts in improving the phsycological states of disabled children help them to see the light that guides them to the door, leading them to a life worth living. Helps them to see that they deserve a life that’s meaningful, because disabled people are still people.

Sources:
Chaeli International Childrens Peace Prize 2011 - YouTube." 2012. 1 Nov. 2012 <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCuEg-WoMlU>
"2011 Chaeli Mycroft - Childrenspeaceprize." 2011. 1 Nov. 2012 <http://childrenspeaceprize.org/childrens-peace-price/2011-chaeli-mycroft/>
"The Chaeli Campaign | Hope in Motion." 2005. 1 Nov. 2012 <http://chaelicampaign.co.za/>

Identity Poems - What's Worth Fighting For?

Why/how is one's personal identity worth fighting for?

One's personal identity is definitely worth fighting for. Each person has something that is them, something that is unique. That one quality is like an ID number or a barcode, differentiating it from the rest. This means that, whether big or small, poor or rich, everyone can make a difference of their own, in their own way. So isn't that worth fighting for?

Understandings

Consider the following statements:

• A good leader considers the will of the people. 
• To maintain control, you must have power.
• Standing up to oppression takes great individual courage.

In view of what we have learned in our unit on the Middle Ages, choose one of the above statements and justify it through examples from our unit and if possible with examples from modern day society. 

I chose....      'To maintain control, you must have power.'

I think this is pretty pretty straight forward. The definition of power is 'the ability to do something or act in a particular way'. To be able to control something means that you have the power to control it. Power doesn't necessarily mean political power, though it is something related.   The power that we usually refer to would be the power earned from a certain position, for example, king, president, school principle, etc. For example, King William taking control of England in 1066, or the power that the church had over the people at that time. A modern day example could be a position in our school here, like Mr. Chmelik being the school principle. But that's not the only type of power that exists. According to the definition from the dictionary,  it could also be power in the sense that you have the ability to conquer the hearts of a person or many people. Of course, to keep control over a group of people, you need to gain trust and respect from a reasonable amount of people. Controling something can also be as simple as having the power to control yourself. Ironically, it's probably one of the hardest to do!

The Feudal System

 Father Francois, you are my honoured guest. Please allow me to explain the Feudal System to you before you ask any questions of me. I am but a simple farmer. 

The King makes an agreement with a vassal (who makes an oath on the holy Scriptures/Bible) to give away land for his vassal to use in return for military service. The vassal can use the land for living and earning money by using peasants. Once he is rich, he can also become a lord by doing the same thing with other nobles. However the land still belongs to the King.

The Events of 1066

1066: Who had the best claim?

Harold Godwinson                          Duke William of Normandy                    Harald Hardrada of Norway

In my opinion, Harold Godwinson had the best claim among all three. It might seem like his only argument was that he had been chosen as successor, but that is the key point of why he is most fit to be King of England. Duke William of Normandy's argument was based on oaths and promises; that Edward had once mentioned William to be his successor, that Harold had once took an oath to help William be crowned King of England. Many believed the Duke. However Harold had been forced to make the oath, upon his capture at Normandy many years ago. As for William, he was king, and he had the right to choose. If William's claim was true, Edward must have changed his mind because of some important reason. Edward's decision was surely made according to England's future, and he must have been the one who could have best foreseen this. Harold Godwinson must have proved himself through the many years while Edward was king, therefore Edward came upon the conclusion that Harold was best suited for the thrown of England. Now f might have had the support of Harold Godwinson's brother, Tostig, but it was disfavor that Tostig felt for his brother, probably because of some personal issue between the two. Harald Hardrada's argument was that his ancestor, King Cnut, was once an English king. However that does not define his eligibility for the crown. This brings us to the conclusion that Harold Godwinson is most righteous to the throne of England.

Values and Choices

Think about a time you witnessed bullying/ostracism/peer pressure/exclusion/discrimination/violence. How did you respond? How do you wish you had responded? What stopped you from responding that way?

Not long ago, about a week ago, I was back in Thailand. I went out with my aunt to buy some fruits. The market was just round the corner of our street, so we walked there. On the way back, we saw two kids, probably siblings, a boy and a girl. The girl was about four years old, the boy was about 2 or 3 years older. They were fighting over a bag of sweets or something, so, as kids always do, they start getting louder and louder until they were nearly shouting at each other. What happens next is so cruel, I was completely shocked by it. A man, probably in his 50s, came out with a stick and beat the 4 year old girl, on the head, until the stick broke. 4 year old girl. On the head. Until the stick broke!!! Of course, the stick wasn't that thick and strong, and the girl didn't collapse or get hurt badly or anything, but still.  And you would think it at least didn't inflict any severe damage to the girl, but no, it did. Maybe not physically, but mentally. What do you think would happen to the girl, her mindset? Do you think she would be able to go around and still have the self confidence that she deserves? I'd say no. I think that any human being that could even think of doing that is just....I don't know....insane? Or what? Inhumane? Yes. Inhumane. Absolutely.  I bet there were many others that witnessed it, but the whole incident couldn't have took more than a minute. Other than just standing there with our mouths gaped open in shock, none of us really had the time to react properly, and throw in the fact that I was about 20 metres away on the other side of the street. I guess we could have shouted for the man to stop, that way we could've gotten some help from people close enough to actually do something, if only our brains could've just worked. Looking back, I don't know how I could stand there so impassive, so muted. How I could stand and watch that innocent little frail girl get abused so badly. How no one stepped in to the aid of such an impeccable 4 year old. I wish I did something, just anything, really, to protect the two kids. Even if I were closer, it wouldn't be wise for me to go right in and say 'back off' to a fifty year old man with a stick, flushed with anger. And if someone had the nerves to do it, go in and simply lead the kids out, even though it meant receiving a few smacks of the man's rage from the stick. Which I can promise that I'd never have the guts to do it. If I were close enough, though, there was one thing I could do for the boy. That is, cover his eyes and ears, so that if some damage was to be inflicted, better it be on only one than two. So that he wouldn't have to bear with the horrible world from his early childhood. Because by simply not doing that, it might result in another child discouraged and being unreasonably vulnerable and daunted to the world.

Where have we seen examples of bullying/ostracism/exclusion occurring in texts studied so far this year- factual as well as fictional?

Earlier on in this school year, upon studying Greek myths, we read a book called The Shadow of The Minotaur. This story demonstrates a lot of bullying between Steve Adams and Phoenix and his friend, Laura. In real life, Phoenix and Laura are often bullied by the big bully, Adams. In the game his dad created, The Legendeer, Phoenix and Laura again encounters with Adams, but here I'd say it's rather between the game itself and the real world, because of how The Legendeer is tricking people into their world through computer games.
The Hunger Games is another novel that we read, and this shows ostracism. In this book, District Twelve is the farthest from the Capitol, and therefore the poorest district in Panem. It is largely ignored by the Capitol and its government.
For exclusion, this is where the Holocaust comes in. The Jews are excluded from the Germans and shipped to concentration and death camps. Why? Simply because they or even their grandparents were Jewish.

                  EVE SHALEN: THE IN GROUP

Select one line/phrase/group of sentences that are significant to you. Explain why.

"Differences between did not cause hatred. Hatred caused the differences between us." This statement caught my attention pretty well. Normally, people are often classified as outcasts in the popular group because of their differences. But here, in Eve's class, there were no large differences, at least not enough to make certain people become the topic of gossips. Hence, there weren't really anything to gossip about, which, for teenage kids, is just somehow not right. I was a little surprised of the feeling felt among the kids, which was the need for something or someone to talk about. I thought, well, if it were me, that would be the perfect class, with everyone having something in common, things would be fun. There wouldn't be any cases of bullying or anything. Instead, Eve's class felt the need for these issues to occur and actually found a way to make it happen.

What’s familiar about the incident Eve describes?

I think this happens in every school, in one way or the other. Here in my school there are plenty of issues to gossip about. Embarrassing rumors are spread. It happens everywhere, so it's not much of a new thing. We each want to be accepted by others, and because people are desperate, it has caused us to take the shortcut, or the wrong way to achieve our goals.

What surprised you?

Something that surprised me was how Eve reacted when she was invited over to 'something that she wouldn't want to miss'.  At first, as she was telling the story, I thought she would make some kind of argument and stnad up for the girl. When she said she found her voice blending in with the others, it took a long moment for me to relize what she means. I had never expected that to come. Not from her, who was once a victim herself. But yes, I can see why she did it now.

How does Eve’s story relate to bullying? Was she bullied? Did she bully? How would you explain her behavior?( perpetrator/bystander/victim?). Make sure you justify( back up your answer.

Eve's story is actually about bullying, although not directly. Gossiping would fall under verbal bullying, only it's done behind someone's back. Although she did not know why, Eve was once a subject of the girls' gossips. She was a victim, because she was the outcast, the one being mocked about by the popular ones. This, unfortunately, caused her to feel left out, wanting to find a way of her situation. She therefore felt the need to belong to this group of popular people, so she ended up mocking others herself. I guess she was bystander when she hear some other people telling jokes on someone's expense and didn't stand up for the person, but when she actually joined in the conversation, she turned herself into the perpetrator by actually telling those jokes.

Schindler's List

Reading 12             Schindler's List

What makes a person 'heroic?' Does a hero possess certain qualities? Or is a hero defined by his or her actions? Was Schindler a hero?

        This reading is about Oskar Schindler, a person who at first pretty much held the personality like that of a businessman. He was able to convince the Nazis to let him take over a failed cookware factory. By using low-paid Jewish workers from a ghetto the Nazis had built, his profits from selling mess kits to the German soldiers were exceptionally high. One day, he and his friend went horse riding up in the hills that overlooked the city of Cracow (Krakow). From here, the two friends could see everything that happened. Of course, what they saw was total chaos. Soldiers storming around, people running and wialing for help, citizens of all ages, from baby to the elders, trying to hide, some being shot, spilling blood all over the streets. Schindler could never have forgotten this awful picture, and that was all it took to change him. Instead of worrying about making money, he now used enormous amounts of his money to help his Jewish workers, so that they are safe. He turned his factory into an official subcamp of a new labor camp in Plazow. When the Nazis demanded that both camps were to be closed and relocate the Jews to Auschwitz, he refused. He used his money to ship about eleven hundred Jews that he claimed to be his workers. He bribed the Nazi officials a decent amount to bring back the women in his factory that had been transported to Auschwitz by mistake.
        In my opinion, there are two factors, or qualities, that a hero requires. Thought and action. First of all, a hero must have their own thoughts and opinion in whatever situation it is. Here, in Schindler's story, he disagrees with the Nazis on what they're doing to the Jews. Then, secondly, he or she must be brave enough to take action, despite the fact that it might result in him/herself being punished. So here it is - Schindler, a businessman who cooperated with the Nazis, had now turned his back to them and decided on helping the Jews. And indeed, this was a dangerous step. He could have been arrested and put to court. It doesn't matter if the hero succeeds or not, neither does it have to be in public. As long as they know what they're doing and they have that bravery that is needed, they are considered hero. So yes, I would say that Schlinder is a hero, because he has achieved all of what it takes to become one; Thought, consideration, bravery, and action.

Sonia Weitz - In Memory of My Mother

In Memory to My Mother by Sonia Weitz

 This poem was one of the two amoung three poems that appealed to me. The other poem that got my interest was Victory. Somehow, I ended up with this one, In Memory to My Mother. I annotated quite abit, although at first it took some time to get the meaning out of it. The first thing that approached my mind was sadness. Sadness and misery. Sorrowful and mournful. Hopelessness and despair. It was merely filled to the brim with grief. Sonia Weitz did a wonderful job expressing her feelings, especially when this is a true story, and she's been there herself. This poem is about the death of her mother and her feelings and scars that the horrible event left her with. It starts off with some very touching questions that introduces the whole picture and mood of the poem. The author uses many phrases that adds to the feeling of misery, such as "that rainy autumn day". Throughout the poem, the author used many similes and metaphors, as well as many phrases that emphasized on the mood. There were 2 parts that I felt were my favourites. The first is "You tell the world, my child." This was a sentence spoken by her mother before she died. This simple sentence here, six words, has a mixture of resentment, and indignation, but at the same time, love and desperation. "You tell the world" to me, is a bit similar to saying "avenge us". When "my child" is added to the phrase, it now carries the sense of desperation and love as well. Sonia's mother is putting all her hope and dreams onto her daughter, whom she loves so much. This feeling is repeated again in the second part of the poem where it says "I promised I would tell the world". Only that this time, it's shown through the daughter, Sonia Weitz herself, not her mother. The second part I favored was the phrase "It pierced my heart, and squeezed it dry." This is another example of how the author really expresses the feeling in the poem. "Squeezed it dry" is describing how the Holocaust had left a severe damage in her, and how it took everything away from her, even the ones whe loved most. I can't really make connections with this Sonia's experience since it was no where near anything I have ever experienced, or will ever experience at all. But my worst moments I remember were when my grandparents passed away. It's the feeling that you're losing someone so important, someone that you care, but have never really had the chance to spend much time with them. The death that affected me most was probably my grandfather (father's side) which was pretty recently, last year on the 5th of October. I guess it was because I was grown up enough to understand love, and what it meant. My grandmother (mother's side) passed away when I was about 5 -6 years old, and at that time it didn't affect me as much, until now I really start to miss her. Sonia Weitz's poem was emotional, and I believe only her and her fellow friends that went through it with her could explain it this well.

The Rise of Hitler - Germany 1918 - 1933

We have been studying about Nazi Germany and the rise of Hitler. Now let's think back and recall what factors helped Hitler to rise to such great power. Well let's start off with the conditions that Germany was in. I'd consider that Hitler was very, very lucky at that time. The Treaty of Versailles had put Germany in a bad state, causing the hyperinflation, which next lead to the Great Depression. People had no way to go, and all they needed then was someone to come and take them out of this state. Hitler saw this chance and immediately stepped up and promised the people that if they elected him, he would abolish the Treaty of Versailles, which the majority of the people disliked. This was a very clever move, because it made so many people turn round to him; it brought the Nazis 33% of the vote, when they had only started off with 2%. What a huge increase!! Because so many people wanted Hitler, the Weimar Republic decided to appoint Hitler Chancellor. Hitler's next lucky event was when President Hindenburg died. After his death, Hitler was able to win the hearts and trust of the people, and became the legal dictator of Germany. Last, but not least, the Reichstag Fire. For this, Hitler seized the oppurtunity to blame it all on the Communists and other political parties, which were a threat to him. Using propaganda, Hitler managed to persuade the people to believe that whatever he was doing was completely fair and just. These propaganda were spread all around through poster, radio, newspapers, leaflets, and speeches. Propaganda worked out so well for the Nazis (thanks to Joseph Goebbels, Minister of Propaganda). Hitler's speeches were so strong and persuasive that the people of Germany believed that he would be a strong and smart leader for them. And because of all these reasons, they elected Hitler to be their leader.

The Nuremberg Laws

The Nuremberg Laws

Who could now be defined as a "Jew"?

People who had three or four Jewish grandparents were all considered Jew, regardless of whether they themselves were Jews or not.

What was meant by "Aryanizing" Jewish Businesses?

This means that all the businesses owned by the Jewish people were taken over by the Germans (non - Jewish) and all the workers and manages were kicked out of their jobs.

How were Jews who were professionals restricted?

The Jewish lawyers were no longer allowed to practice law, and the Jewish doctors were not allowed to treat the non-Jewish people.

What did Jewish identity cards needed to include now?

Jewish people now had to have a red 'J' stamped on their identity cards as well as a middle name for those that didn't have a Jewish name in the first place. For men it was 'Israel' and for women it was 'Sara'.

What was the "Law for the Protection of the Hereditary Health of the German people"?

This law requires people who are getting married to have a certificate certifying that he or she is in fit health to marry. These certificates were given by the public health authorities. Requests for certificates would be denied for those that have hereditary illnesses or contagious diseases and those planning to marry that are in conditions against the Nuremberg Laws.

Hitler Takes Control

Hitler Takes Control: Targeting the Communists and other Political Parties

What are Civil Rights? What are some that we have?

Civil Rights are rights that civilians hold. These rights may include the right to vote, the right to freedom of speech, right to equality, etc.

Why might some of Hitler's measures in abolishing personal freedoms and Civil Rights be seen by some as a positive or necessary move?

I think that some of Hitler's acts in destroying personal freedoms and civil rights may have been seen by some people that it was necessary. This is because at that time, Germany was falling apart; there were many people who were going through depression, many that were wounded and injured from the Great War and hadn't recovered, people who had survived through the war but were still in a state of shock or panic, not being able to forget the terrible memories from the war, etc. With all this trouble, there would have definitely been some chaos caused and everyone was in need of some to just come and get things right. And Hitler had promised them that, which at that time many people trusted him. They might think that if the government has access to some personal calls, mails, and other form of communication, it would lower the chances of crime being caused and everything would be under control. But there is also another reason. When the Reichstag was burned down, Hitler seized the opportunity to get rid of his opponents by blaming it all on the Communists. Everyone now thought that these Communists should be punished, and this was a way to make things safer so that they won't be able to communicate with each other secretly and find a chance to rise against and overthrow the government.

The Treaty of Versailles

Was the treaty as you understand it fair or unfair to the government and the people of Germany?

In my opinion I'd say that overall, the treaty would be considered unfair, although there were some parts that were very reasonable. For example, numbers 80, 81, and 87: "80. Germany will respect the independence of Austria.""81. Germany recognizes the complete independence of Czhechoslovakia.""87. Germany recognizes the complete independence of Poland." These three rules were fair because Germany should have respected the independence of Austria in the first place anyway. They were independent before the war, and should have received respect from other countries. And although Germany did not start the WW (it was the Austro-Hungarians that did and the Siberians that triggered it), but it did have a big part in it and was responsible for alot of the damage caused. That is why I think that giving Poland and Chzechoslovakia their independences were a reasonable punishment for Germany. However, numbers 231 and 233 were way too much:"231. Germany and her Allies accept the responsibility for causing all the loss and damage to the Allied Powers.""Germany will pay for all damages done to the civilian population and the Allied Governments. (The figure was later set at $33 billion)." Germany did not cause all of the damage!! It was a world war, and everyone was responsible for the damage caused, in one way or another. Why blame it all on Germany? They didn't even start the war! Some other issues I thought were very unfair were numbers 159, 118, 198:"159. The German military forces shall be demobilized and reduced not to exceed 100,000 men.""118. The German navy must not exceed 6 battleships, 6 light cruisers, 12 destroyers, and 12 torpedo boats. No submarines included.""198.The Armed Forces of Germany must not included any military or naval air forces." I mean, what can Germany do with only that much? It's not even enough to defend themselves. And what rights do other people have to restrict Germany to so little? And the last is number 119:"119. Germany surrenders all her rights and titles over her overseas countries." That is also way to much. Germany didn't even claim these rights and titles during the war. I think that yes, Germany had a big part to blame, but everyone fought in the war and all are responsible for their acts. They should not throw all the heavy load of responsibility onto Germany for her to carry on her own.