The world is rapidly changing. Every day, I flip to the different news applications on my phone and see the new breaking news, the new catastrophe, or the new global crisis. It's because of this that I think having so many readings is important. Even though the readings themselves don't necessarily cover the specific current events that are covered by the news daily, they do give me a great background on the history of the Middle East and the overarching themes that tend to be the root of most conflict. I feel that they are a really good way to stay in touch with the Middle East outside of the classroom and news stations.
Speaking of the new breaking news, I just finished reading an article about the military headquarters blasts in Syria. It's almost overwhelming to watch violent act after violent act unfold on the news every day. This terrorist act is not an isolated event, or at least that is how the news makes it seem. I almost wonder what it would be like to live in the Middle East; whether the news' portrayal of life there is what life really is like. I highly doubt it.
Another piece of news that I read today has to do with Iran and it's education system. The article mentioned that Iran was banning women from majoring in 77 different majors. It's interesting to me that Iran seems to be taking a step back socially in terms of gender equality. The 36 universities that have banned women from taking classes are facing, rightly, a lot of protest from human rights groups. It's interesting and confusing to me as to why the universities implemented this sexist rule in the first place.
On a slightly different note, I feel like I'm learning a lot about the world around me in many of my classes, including this one, but I'm not learning a lot about the community that is directly surrounding me. To me, there are basic levels of analysis: community (AU), city (Washington DC), country (USA), and international. In class and on campus, it feels like I am sufficiently learning about my immediate community and the international world. However, I feel like I am missing out on the community surrounding me. It is odd to me that I am studying in a small community on such a global scale. I'm not quite sure what to make of it, but I'm definitely going to start making more of an effort in getting involved in life outside of the community.
Speaking of the new breaking news, I just finished reading an article about the military headquarters blasts in Syria. It's almost overwhelming to watch violent act after violent act unfold on the news every day. This terrorist act is not an isolated event, or at least that is how the news makes it seem. I almost wonder what it would be like to live in the Middle East; whether the news' portrayal of life there is what life really is like. I highly doubt it.
Another piece of news that I read today has to do with Iran and it's education system. The article mentioned that Iran was banning women from majoring in 77 different majors. It's interesting to me that Iran seems to be taking a step back socially in terms of gender equality. The 36 universities that have banned women from taking classes are facing, rightly, a lot of protest from human rights groups. It's interesting and confusing to me as to why the universities implemented this sexist rule in the first place.
On a slightly different note, I feel like I'm learning a lot about the world around me in many of my classes, including this one, but I'm not learning a lot about the community that is directly surrounding me. To me, there are basic levels of analysis: community (AU), city (Washington DC), country (USA), and international. In class and on campus, it feels like I am sufficiently learning about my immediate community and the international world. However, I feel like I am missing out on the community surrounding me. It is odd to me that I am studying in a small community on such a global scale. I'm not quite sure what to make of it, but I'm definitely going to start making more of an effort in getting involved in life outside of the community.
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