Week 2

 Part 1

“Out of Many, One”

          President Obama’s spoke to the Muslim World from Cairo, Egypt, in June 2009.  In his address, he spoke of the similarities between the American and Muslim people and the importance of harmony between traditions and culture.  Obama stated that “Islam is a part of America” and that we share common aspirations of helping our neighbors abroad with partnerships and through peaceful but patient perseverance.  Muslims have been a part of America’s story and have enriched the US.  The Islamic culture has contributed greatly and enriched the world with a wide variety of developments including:  the development of the order of algebra, the compass and the tools of navigation, majestic arches, poetry and music. I was unaware that the Islamic culture developed the order of algebra and navigational tools.  Additionally, Islam has demonstrated through words and deeds religious tolerance and racial equality.  Obama also pointed out that Islam “carried the light of learning through many cultures by paving the way for Europe’s Renaissance and the Age of Enlightenment”.  The philosophies of many of America’s founding fathers were directly influenced by the philosophers of these times and thereby incorporated into the principles of our country.

          Obama pointed out that throughout history our two cultures and nations have co-existed and cooperated in the midst of conflict from religious wars, colonialism, cold war and globalization, and as a result many Muslims tend to view the West as hostile toward the traditions of Islam.  Extremists exploit this tension.  However, President Obama said that the relationship between the two cultures can be defined by our differences, through dialogue, and by openly saying to each other “the things we hold in our hearts”.  Through listening, learning and respecting each other, we can seek common ground to form an understanding and positive relationship.  The President also endorsed human rights by stating that these rights must be supported everywhere and that governments that support these rights are generally stable, successful and secure.

          There were many uplifting and encouraging remarks made by the President.  Most centered on the theme that “we are shaped by every culture”.  I believe that this comment in the speech relates to Latin America because there are so many different Latin American cultures and traditions and they tend to overlap in many countries and societies, especially in the US, the melting pot of the world.  Just as Obama defined dialogue between America and the Muslim world, we too must define the relationships between all cultures by our differences and seek common ground through listening, learning and respect.  I believe that the importance of this type of dialogue and the relationship between all cultures is why this speech relates to interdisciplinary studies.  In spite of our differences, we must strive for peace.  As President Obama said, “The people of the world can live in peace – That must be our work here on Earth.” 

Part 2

“A Huge Success”

          Ophra Winfrey, actress, activist, TV talk show host, superstar, philanthropist, self-improvement motivational speaker and cable network producer, gave the Commencement Speech at Duke University on May 10, 2009.  In her address, she states the reason for her success is from the lessons she learned in her life.  She treats every day as a learning experience and looks at these lessons as an opportunity to grow and become a better person.  She spoke about having the ability to give back in order to contribute to someone else’s success as a road to success.  Additionally, she indicated that humility and compassion, saying kind and affirming words to those who long to hear it, and the belief in the possibility of change – in one’s self and in others will also contribute to success.  I found her statement that each person is responsible for their own happiness and for the energy they bring to everything they do in life to be profound and thought provoking.  Her television show and the decisions she makes to air a particular show based upon the energy it puts out into the world reflects this philosophy.

            In Ophra’s show, she introduces to the TV audience, individuals from all over the world who have overcome many challenging and difficult hardships.  These people share with the world how they were able to become a better person as a result of their experiences.  Oprah spoke about how she enjoys doing makeovers with people because it changes the way people feel about themselves and that they feel alive again.  This simple outward and physical change allows people to see the possibility of change in their life.

            There were many parts of the speech that stuck with me.  Upon reflection, I realized that I am impressed with how certain individuals in our world can be in positions to make a huge impact in the lives of so many people.  Ophra is one of those people.  These past few days, I’ve been following the passing of Ted Kennedy and I’ve read and watched videos and articles of some of his many contributions to bettering the lives of others.  I’ve been contemplating how some individuals have the ability to positively impact so many people and how can I better serve or give back to my own community?  Sometimes it seems to be such an overwhelming task with so many people in need of help.  Ophra’s antidote on the women who complemented her when she was a young child reminded me that we never truly know the impact we make on the lives of others.  It is in our daily lives when we meet people, and really “see” them as a person while being humble and generous with kind and affirming words, that we can make a change.  You never really know how your actions impact another so we just need to live our lives and treat all people with kindness, compassion, and sincerity, regardless of their difficulties, hardships, cultures and languages.  I believe this is how and why this video relates to an interdisciplinary approach in our studies.

Part 3

It has been fun getting to know the other people in the class.  Here’s what I’ve found out…

1. Alyssa, Logan, Michael (Mike) are Mac Users   :-)
2. Michael lives close to me… near the Petaluma campus
3. Jennifer (Jenn) uses a PC at work and a Mac at home (I do too! – Which one do you prefer?  I prefer the Mac)
4. Nancy will be moving 10,000 miles away as of November 1^st.  She works part of the year in the Middle East.
5. Michele has traveled to Jamaica and the Cayman Islands.  Love her comment, “If you take the money away, you may enrich your life with the rest of what that country has to offer.  She also wants to buy a Mac.
6. Kelsey thinks of the Caribbean as a place to get away and a relief from stress (me too!)
7. Stacy is a dancer who wants to visit Brazil and Peru, especially the Inca Trails and Macchu Picchu.  She’s not fond of texting.
8. Sarah is working on her college pre-requisite to get into the nursing program!
9. Julisa lives .9 miles from the SRJC campus
10. Most people in the class can text but only a few don’t like to or only text if it serves a purpose.