DBQ essay

I thought the essay was interesting. it was nice not having to know background information which is always stressful. However this essay was a little stressful itself because it is long. perhaps I wasn't as focused as I could have been but i also didn't have to make the groups and I still didn't finish. so time will be an issue. Other than that it was fairly straightforward. the template that was on the board was very useful. Im interested to see how the that goes.

Videos

When assuring the videos I think content matters most. You have to make sure you got all the material in and that you demonstrate you read and unepderstood the section clearly. It needs to be made so that those watching the video can get a majority of the information you collected and chose to present. I also think because it is a video project there needs to be some level of creativity. How did a group present the information. Was it helpful in conveying the content or distracting. There needs to be a little something so that the video isn't reciting straight facts. From the videos I watched Tj and Manas did a good job. They presented the information well it is was funny and not so boring I wanted to exit the page. So good job you two.

Christopher Columbus

As children we ave the unique ability to belive anything we are told. Many people take advantage of that and we end up with days like Christopher Columbus Day. One of two holidays named after somebody in the United States. I have never given it much thought but James Loewen's chapter on Christopher Columbus from his book Lies My Teacher Told Me, is eye opening. Not only is Christopher Columbus not really the discoverer of the "new world", evidence shows others "discovered it before him" but he isn't the hero we are told he is. Historians try to make Christopher a relatible character much like that from a book instead of giving the facts. He enslaved, raped and killed many of the Local people he met, and is far from the hero everyone thinks he is. B and Z fall short in their explanation of Christopher. They don't take two pages to describe him or try and make him relatable but they also don't talk about the aweful things he did while he was in the "new world".

Chinese are first?

 Menzies provides a very interesting argument. From what was viewed in the video I would say he does have a compelling argument. He has several maps form around 1420ish that show islands that are from the western world. These were recorded before Europeans had ever set foot in the America's. The big question is, if the Chinese did come to America why didn't they leave a lasting impression, why isn't there any clear evidence they were there. Menzies attempts answer this by citing a paper from several geneticists. Some Indian DNA is closer related to Chinese DNA than it is European DNA and what is even more interesting is each spot that this DNA was found, was in the exact spot Menzies suggests the chines landed. He also believes a mysterious road under water in Central America, is of Chinese construct and was a slip way for the ships that where caught in a storm. So there is a little evidence that the Chinese were actually present. I am about 95% on board with Menzies theory. I'm still brain washed that Christopher Columbus was the first to visit the America's. If Menzies produces 1 or 2 more pieces of evidence that the Chinese were present he will win my support. Got to get that expanded core.

Oceanic voyages

The two way voyages between Tahiti and Hawaii as well as other island in Oceana play a crucial role in the development in societies. The people who travel bring the culture from their island and spread it to the next. This can include gods and other things such as dancing. Also the introduction of new people can also lead to a new chiefly line. Not only do these voyages effect those who are visted but the people making the trip can also send back the culture from the place they have visted to their original home. Its a new way street. These voyages played a crucial role on the development of oceanic cultures.

Muslim views of europeans

 Think given time any body can work out their differences. In the time period we are discussing the Muslims view the Europeans as savage and cruel. Their ways are inhuman and very diffrent to what the Muslims do. Europeans are engaged in a conflict due to different lifestyles and different religions. Again over time they might be able to live harmoniously but these differences are going to make the process long and hard.

Africa map

Not the best but here it is.