Africa Analysis 3 Conclusion

Here is CV's conclusion.  What are its strengths?  How could he empower it?

"Ancient Africa and its ethics and thoughts are directly connected to our modern ideas.  African studies are also very connected around ancient ideas, gods, and art.  These concepts are shown in the passages The Duel, The Chair Carrier, and Loot.  African research is basically the continuum of the search for answers that ancient people started all those years ago, and knowing the traditions and ways of those people gives excellent insight into that cause."

Africa Analysis 2

Here is an example from WSc's argument.  What are its strengths?  How could he empower it?

"Another way ancient history is vital to African studies is through sayings and proverbs.  Flags have always been important in Ghanian society, mostly in military campaigns.  However, the vivid symbolism in the depiction of the Asafo flags makes these flags special.  Each flag is connected to a certain Ghanian proverb, sending a message directed to a specific group pf [people.  One example of this is a flag that says 'When an elephant steps on a trap, no more trap' (Dueling Flags).  The proverb is a warning to everyone who may want to dethrone the chief or the one in control.   In every proverb displayed on the flags, we can learn new things about the philosophy of the people who made the proverbs.  Things that they find admirable, their way of being of themselves, and tradition dating back to the ancient times is all would up into one proverb, and indirectly a flag.  All of this ancient history formed into something tangible is similar to other things around Africa, using the ancient history and creating it into something meaningful, such as the proverbs."

Africa Analysis

Here is an excerpt from KR's paper.  What are its strengths?  How could he empower it?

"History must be studies globally, especially that of African as the rest of the world can cause profound effects on just one area of it.  The role of different groups in African particularly Europeans, has resulted in a unique African history that is still studied today,  The arguments presented in Loot show how the struggle for power within Egypt has caused much tension and shaped its entire political system and beliefs.  'Egyptians were considered too primitive to study such a sophisticated science' (Waxman 57).  This European belief caused a beautiful sculpture to leave the hands of the once great culture that created it,.  Also, the use of the English flag within certain African flags as shown in Dueling Banners is another display of the great influence Europeans had over Africa,  To study Africa without regard to the role the rest of the world played in it would be ignorant and not leave much to study seeing as how Africa was occupied by Europeans for so long.  The world caused major effects on Africa that still exist today and are major parts of its long history."

Introduction

Here is an excerpt from WJ's introduction.  What are its strengths?  How could he empower it?

"While reading the assigned documents, one may find lots of information regarding African culture and African education.  For instance, in the document "The Duel," the author narrates a story that teaches the reader about the origin beliefs of Egypt.  In the document "The Chair Carrier," the author narrates a story from his point of view.  The story describes how important faith is to the Carrier and how everyone is oblivious to his devotion carrying the chair.  From "Sundiata," the importance of the griot is revealed.  Without the griot, there would be no morals to be learned, there would be no lessons to be taught, and there would be no progress to better our world.  From African studies, one can find lessons on devotion, religion, and morals.  These three components make up the unique civilizations that we know today, and they teach us about the culture and the spiritual wellbeing of the African people."

Quote 4 Response

Here is an excerpt from WSh's paper.  What are the strengths of his argument?  How could he empower it?

'The flower looks up high to see only the light, and never looks down to see its shadow.  This is a wisdom which man must learn.'

"This proverb from Kahlil Gibran is basically a message of living in the present and focusing on potential, rather than reflecting on what you have become.  It implies that we should always strive to be more; being content will lead to mediocrity in our lives.  It could also imply that we must make memories in our lives while we can and not just remember those that have been rehashed time and time again.  I view this proverb as a sort of bang-for-your-buck type message: pack as much life into your life as you can; waiting for others and living in the past or your glory days will leave much unfulfilled.

...

This proverb also holds true for Shirin Ebadi.  Shirin was a relentless advocate for rights for all, especially women and children.  She served as a glimmer of hope for millions living lives of despair.  Shirin was the flower that saw the light even when there was none, and then she became the light for others.  Instead of being content with seeing her shadow like many other Iranian women, she refused to stick to the script and became a world-famous lawyer and activist.  She eventually won a Nobel Prize for her efforts and is a terrific living example of this proverb."

Quote 3 Response

Here is an excerpt from KR's paper.  What are its strengths?  How could he empower it?

'The eternal soul is never contented; it ever seeks exaltation.'

"Human curiosity has been a big factor in the development of the modern world.  Most people would agree that everyone is curious, even from the time of birth, playing with all sorts of toys and objects.  This nature, it can be said, is a part of a unique trait of humans that in the case is called a soul.  Even if one does not believe that humans have this spiritual soul, he must agree that all humans have this questioning nature within them.  Seeing as how that soul is never contented, it can be said that whatever it is that the soul is lacking, may be discovered in knowledge.  Knowledge represents power in the material world.  Many religions believe knowledge is just as powerful in a spiritual world.  Therefore, this everlasting soul is always desiring more knowledge because it can never truly know enough, just as the proverb states.  If humans were content with what they know, research and education would not be conducted, yet they still persist.  Knowledge is what runs the world and as a result, the human soul will forever desire it."

Quote 2 Response

Here is an excerpt from WJ's paper.  What are the strengths of his argument?  How could he empower it?

'Old age is the snow of the earth; it must, through light and truth, give warmth to the seeds of youth below, protecting them from and fulfilling their purpose until spring comes and completes the growing pure life of youth with new awakening.'

"In the article Chronicle of Solomon bar Simpson, many Jewish people are slaughtered by Christians seeking revenge for Jesus' death upon the cross, even though that act was committed many generations before these massacres.  Why did the Christians still feel the need to avenge Jesus by killing thousands of people?  Did Jesus tell them to?  No, he did not!  There are probably countless of others explanations for their barbaric reasoning,m but I believe that the one that stands out on top is just one variable: 'How were these people raised?'"

Quote 1 Response

Here is an excerpt from JDs argument.  What are its strengths?  How could he empower it?

'The eternal could is never contented; it ever seeks exaltation.'

"Kahlil Gibran said this in his Thoughts and Meditations.  I partially agree and disagree with his words.  When he speaks about the eternal soul, he is talking about our subconscious, our true desire.  Our eternal soul looks beyond expectations and decorum.  But I believe that he is also talking about our present state of mind.  He should not only speak of our eternal soul, but also our current desire.  I strongly believe that there is little difference in our sould and body, aside from exultation."