Noticias Week 10

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Who Ordered Killing of Honduran Activist? Evidence of Broad Plot Is Found

Malkin, Elisabeth. “Who Ordered Killing of Honduran Activist? Evidence of Broad Plot Is Found”. New York Times, 28, Oct. 2017.

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http://bertacaceres.org/ 

Berta Caceres was a Honduran environmental activist. In the middle of the night in March of 2016, two men broke into Caceres’s house and murdered her because of her activist messages. Caceres was not the first or last environmental activist to be murdered in Honduras. Caceres was 44 years old when she was killed. Before her death, Caceres had gained global attention for her leadership against the construction of a dam in her small indigenous town. Because of her international acclaim, Caceres’s murder has also gained international attention. A team of international lawyers studying the case have deduced that a group of executives who ran the company that intended to construct the dam conspired to have Ms Caceres killed. The lawyers also believe that state officials may have been involved and that the killers will probably never pay for their crime.

Currently, there are eight suspects being investigated as part of the investigation of the murder of Ms Caceres. While this is good, the government has not indited any of the people responsible for planning the murder despite text messages showing that they were involved with planning the murder and linking them to the murderers. This is a huge problem because it demonstrates the weak rule of law in Honduras.

This article is very interesting because it seems to portray Honduras in a negative light while simultaneously portraying the common people of Honduras in a positive one. This is good writing because instead of talking about the Hondurans as one people they are careful about criticizing only the people they are trying to criticize (corrupt officials and corporate executives). This kind of separation is important in media coverage of Latin America, especially countries like Honduras. Honduras has a whole lot of problems including the highest murder rate in the world and lots of corruption however the article did not talk about these problems because they were not relevant to the subject. Many articles will bring up these negative points even if they are irrelevant.

The even portrayal of Honduras and its people in this article is good for the identity of Honduran citizens. The subject matter in this article is not good for the people of Honduras. The extremely weak rule of law in Honduras probably makes Honduran citizens feel insignificant and afraid. This kind of fear discourages activism and self advocacy. The fact that the government is involved in these horrible killings and helps cover them up for economic gain probably makes the people of Honduras feel even more unimportant which is extremely damaging to personal identity.

Noticias 10/30/2017

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The article I chose this week is called, “Mexico’s Day of the Dead Parade Pays Tribute to Quake Victims.” I chose this article because I feel as though we describe Dia de los Muertos as a fun and exciting festival and although it can be, it is important to remember it’s purpose, which is to honor the dead. Mexico suffered an intense earthquake in September that killed hundreds of loved ones. This year’s Day of the Dead emphasized this tragedy during the parade. The article describes the common traditions associated with the parade, which include face panting, performances, giant sculptures with beautiful marigolds, and cultural artwork. This year, participants honored those specifically killed in the earthquake by wearing shirts with the words, “#fuerzamorelos” or “Be Strong Morelos.” (Morelos is a state that was affected by the 7.1-magnitude earthquake.) Another group wore fluorescent aid-worker vests and marched with fists in the air. This was a tribute to the rescuers who had demanded silence as they listened for desperate survivors in the rubble from the second quake. Then article also mentioned that Day of the Dead is also a celebration of life and a symbol of unity in Mexican culture.

The article portrays Mexican people as heartbroken for the immense loss of their people, buildings, homes, and land from the 7.1 magnitude earthquake that occurred just a month ago. But the article also shows how resilient and strong the Mexican survivors and residents are after the disaster. Despite the traumatic event they are still able to come together and unite to celebrate life and their lost loved ones.

I believe this article relates to our course themes because this week we are specifically discussing Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead. This holiday is significant to Mexican culture. It portrays their dedication and emphasis on tradition (since Dia de los Muertos has been celebrated since Mesoamerican festivals.) The article stated that more than 200,000 more people attended this year’s parade in comparison to last year’s. This shows the fierce pride and unity Mexican people possess. I think it is important to study other culture’s traditions and holidays as we celebrate ours. It’s interesting to see how we compare and contrast in relation to Latin American countries.

Noticias 10/30

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Gillespie, Patrick. “Venezuela’s dreams are Dying”

http://www.cnn.com/interactive/2017/politics/state/venezuela-maduro-crisis/?iid=EL

VIEWER DISCRECTION FOR THE PICTURE

This CNN article explains how the slow collapse of the Venezuelan government is affecting the people. It begins with talking about a dying child who cannot receive any medical treatment to improve his condition because the hospital does not have the supplies to complete the surgery. The hospital is running low on basic things such as gauze. Gillespie shares jarring statistics such as there has been a 76% increase in Malaria cases, but Venezuela eradicated Malaria more than 50 years ago. Gillespie explains that the Venezuelan government is in serious debt and as a result they are not giving hospitals proper funding which is causing people to die.

Gillespie explains how the government got themselves in this predicament and basically, it’s because they were spending too much. Also, their biggest natural recourse is oil and since the spending spree began, the oil prices have fallen. Venezuela cannot afford to pay back their debts and, not only are people dying, but they are leaving the country. There has been an increase in Venezuelan immigrants in other countries, but especially in Colombia. Gillespie also explains how there is rapid inflation in Venezuela and as a result a jar of peanut butter costs 80,000 bolivars which means one bolivar is worth less then a hundredth of a penny. People are waiting in line for hours to first, get many from the ATM, and then to try and by groceries.

Gillespie argument is for the countries of the world to not let the Venezuelan people suffer any longer. He has quotes from Venezuelans who wish their president would give up power to someone who can fix their problems. Gillespie writing style itself is very persuasive to try and help. He talks about a boy who is dying from kidney failure, then explains the countries problems and such, and goes back to say that the boy died. Gillespie makes the reader connect to the child by saying the child wanted to be an international journalist and by having quotes from the child’s mother. Gillespie also explains how the mother cried several times during the interview and how later he cried. Gillespie also expertly uses the photo of the boy (see below) to also show how real the situation is. This provokes sympathy in the reader to try and help the children if nothing else and in turn has the reader completely on board with his argument.

This article can relate to the course theme of identity. Right now, the Venezuelan people are feeling abandoned, lost, and scared because their government is not helping them. Venezuela is falling apart and as a result the people feel unstable and lost. Because of this article I now understand the hardships and uncertainty the Venezuelan people are facing.

Mexico’s Day of the Dead Parade Pays Tribute to Quake Victims

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The day of the dead(Días de Muertos)is one of the biggest festival across the Mexican mainl. It is widely celebrated asthe national holiday by most of the Mexicans and people with Mexican ancestry in the U.S. It is also recognized by other countries as well. During this day, people will build private altars and use calaveras or the favorite food of the departed to honor the dead. People believe that the the dead will temporally come back to life on this day.

Yesterday, in Mexico, they held the annual festival of the day of the dead. Only one thing is different this time, people also paid their tribute to the people who had been killed during the 7.1 magnitude quake that almost causes the tsunami. The quake resulted in more than 500 people getting killed. People were feeling low and sad. But the tragedy did not stop the people from attending the parade. One of the person who had joined the parade says that the “parade could be a distraction, a way of escaping”. Thousands of onlookers had shown their spirit with the casualty and demonstrating the resilient characteristics of the Mexican people. More than 300.000 people have joined the parade, up from 200.000 last year. People painted their faces as skulls and bodies that ensemble the skeletons. 

This news is corresponding to our course theme: identities in latin America. This tradition is a great way to show that the unique culture shared by the Mexican people and its mental relief over people.  Participants demonstrate their resilient and unbroken characteristics even in the time of extreme conditions. “Be Strong Morelos,” said of one of the participants, Reuters reported.

This Year’s Day of The Dead Parade

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Times, The New York. “Mexico’s Day of the Dead Parade Pays Tribute to Quake Victims.” The New York Times. October 29, 2017. Accessed October 30, 2017. (Link)

The Impact of the Earthquakes

The annual Day of the Dead Parade in Mexico City was initiated this past Saturday afternoon. However, the celebration carries a little bit of a different meaning this year because of the recent earthquakes that have devastated the country. The powerful 8.2 and 7.1-magnitude earthquakes killed approximately 700 people, destroyed buildings, and left the whole country in mourning. However, 300,000 people attended the parade this year (100,000 more people than last year) with over 700 people dressed in costumes parading along El Paseo de la Reforma, the 4 mile journey the participants march on. A common symbol throughout this year’s parade is a fist. Many paraders either walk with their fists in the air or wear shirts/costumes with similar significance. The fist is “a tribute to the rescuers who had made the gesture to demand silence as they listened for desperate survivors in the rubble of the second quake” (Times). The elaboration of the parade remains the same: faces are painted with intricate detail to resemble skulls and very festive costumes are worn. However, the emotion is rather different this year. One participant remarks that the parade may be a distraction or a way of escaping the tragedy that has so deeply affected the country.

Segment of the Parade

What does the Celebration Mean?

This article written by The New York Times briefly describes the history of the holiday. The Day of the Dead can be traced back to Mesomaerican festivals many years ago that believed that the dead returned temporarily to Earth. El Día de Los Muertos can be described to be a more positive way to look at death. Life is being celebrated, which I believe to be a much healthier outlook on a person’s passing. Flowers, food, music, color, and remembrance brings this festival to life. This year, in particular is an especially important time to celebrate life by coming together and remembering all those who lost their lives in the Mexican earthquakes. As one participant puts it, “We’re not only here to celebrate and dance, but also when there’s a disastrous situation we come together to help” (Times). A stronger element of human compassion comes into play with this year’s festival.

Costume Example: Elaborate Headpiece With Skulls and Face paint

The parade demonstrates that despite the grave events that have recently taken place in Mexico, the country has united to celebrate life in a very positive way. The Day of the Dead is a holiday that is mostly relevant to Mexico, so it can be said that it makes up a large part of Mexican identity. It is unique to Mexico and its impact on those of Mexican origin is even greater this time around. As opposed to the violence and drug trafficking that is commonly associated with Mexico in the media, readers can see a lighter side of Mexico in this article, one that is thoughtful, optimistic, and hopeful.

The tradition of The Day of The Dead has expanded to not only other Latin American countries, but to The United States as well, demonstrating that the holiday has had a global impact. In fact, I learned about the holiday when I was in my sixth grade Spanish class and was retaught it every year since that time. The event is undoubtedly one of great importance and more and more cultures every day are implementing it into their traditions. The holiday itself has encountered many different people, countries, and cultures over the years. So, this week…

Let us honor those who have died and not mourn their passing!

Wikipedia Peer Review Summary + Response

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My Wikipedia article is on the Common Alternative Revolutionary Force, the disarmed political party that is FARC. The notes I received on my proposed edits were to add more sections and background perhaps, as well as adding some scholarly sources to the article, as it didn’t have very many to begin with. Jonah agreed with my plan to maybe add a section on political opposition and also party ideals/political alliances. Adding to this page is important because Colombia has a presidential election and a parliamentary election next year, and the Common Alternative Revolutionary Force intends on partnering with the Colombian Communist Party to win some seats in the parliamentary election. I found the comments made by my peers to be helpful in thinking about what to do going forward and where I should concentrate my efforts.

Response to Suggestions in Response to My Suggestions in Response to Wikipedia Article

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I will take Fish’s advice to include a history about Cobra Mansa’s history that gives insight on his influencers. Although the article includes the names of those who have influenced Mestre Cobra, the article is worded in a way that does not make this clear. I am also going to reword other parts of the article that contain plagiarism, copied directly from Cobra Mansa’s website. There is a significant amount of plagiarism in the article, so it is important that it is removed as quickly as possible. Tanaka’s advice to find a second source to strengthen credibility of the article’s content is important to ensure all information on Wikipedia’s article is accurate and not plagiarized. The second source I will include comes from the review titled Capoeira Angola from Salvador, Brazil. Grupo de Capoeira Angola Pelourinho by Mestre Cobra Mansa, Heidi Rauch from a collection of reviews called Ethnomusicology by Kathleen O’Connor. This article contains a description of the organization Mansa co-founded named Grupo Capoeira Angola Pelorinho or GCAP for short. This source was found through JSTOR, rendering it a reliable source of information.

 

Source to be included:

O’Connor, Kathleen. Ethnomusicology 41, no. 2 (1997): 319-23. doi:10.2307/852622.

Post About Wiki Advice

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The advice I received was too elaborate more on the information I was adding and use sources that were relevant to the information I wished too add. As well as adding a section on the origin of Macumba, and comparing two of the other religions mention in the article. Which I will also incorporate.

Summary of Peer Reviewing

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My peer reviewer mentioned a few things about my sources which I think are incredibly important. Dr. Holt noted that two of my sources are not very scholarly though they have interesting information. My peer reviewer pointed out that my sources may be biased in some respects so I have to make sure to leave that out of my article, and I have to make sure I represent all viewpoints. Also, because my peer reviewer admitted that she didn’t know much about the DSL, I think it will be important for me to make sure the people reading my article know what I am talking about. I think that if I make sure my introductory paragraph is solid, readers will understand what I’m talking about, so I’ll be sure to make my introductory paragraph at the beginning of the article informative and easy to understand. Lastly, my peer reviewer noted that because I am working on a brand new article as opposed to a preexisting one, I need to be sure to stay on topic, because I have so much freedom with what I can write. I will be sure to keep this in mind as I write my article. I found my peer reviewers comments to be beneficial and practical.

Wikipedia Feedback

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Learning points

The feedback I received on my wikipedia talk page was extremely helpful. My evaluators made recommendations that I make my intended changes and plans clear from the onset. Initially, I had gone straight into improving the article without setting out a plan for my improvements. I plan to lay out a plan first before making my improvements. I was also advised to give some background on the edits I intend to make, to give them more context.  I intend to do so, particularly with reference to the part of the wikipedia page that will explain immigration of people of German descent in South Africa, Namibia, and Rhodesia who emigrated to Latin America- specifically Brazil, and Paraguay. The challenge I expect to face is that some of this information may not be readily available in the public domain, and may require original research, which may be at loggerheads with Wikipedia policies.

I also received useful ideas for how to proceed with my research, specifically, evaluating the impact these immigrants had on the receiving communities. I feel this would be a very interesting area to examine as it may incidentally help me explain prevailing attitudes and sentiments around immigration around the world today.

Expectations

I may consider exploring this as a research topic as a separate project later on as it may make the scope of my current project too wide to effectively accomplish. Another challenge I expect to face is that some of the information I may require for this project may not be readily available in the public domain, and may require original research, which may be at loggerheads with Wikipedia policies.

Gratitude

Thank you very much to Fish and CaraTop. Your advice was amazing, and you guys are the realest.