Artifact Related to Maus

Artifact:



"Passage":


Here are two very symbolic images. One of the Nazi Symbol, the swastika. And the other of the Jewish star. Both depict a vastness and a sense of lonesomeness. In the artifact, the star is in the ocean. It is separated from any outside contact or major land mass. And is surrounded by a very dark ocean and sky. To present an image that looks as vast and long as it does, the painter uses a very similar angle to that in the Maus picture. Also in Maus, the author uses varying degrees of darkness. The swastika has yet another similarity in that it is a different color/shade than its surroundings in that it is white where its surroundings are black and the Jewish star is green where its surroundings are dark blue. However in Maus, the author writes that "Anja and I didn't have where to go" and "where to go ?!". This gives a sense of confusion, and also some ability to make choice. Whereas in the the artifact, it is more of a place of exile and less of a place that would have been chosen to live in. Another contrast is that the star is crumbling, falling apart and clearly not a prosperous or thriving place. The swastika on the other hand shows buildings, a factory, and transportation/movement of product. Another distinction between the two would be that the star clearly ends in points, giving the feeling that those within the star are trapped with no where to go at all and seeming even claustrophobic. The swastika does not end, however, and looks as though there is at least some chance to escape. One final dissimilarity would be that the star is devoid of people, as far as the viewer can see, and in Maus; there are multiple people.

Overall, both the artifact painting and the panel from Maus share many similarities such as symbolism, use of dark vs. light and angle of the picture. The symbols themselves represent two opposing and conflicting symbols that were tied together due to history. And it is interesting how both of the pictures have differences and similarities that tie them together and separate them just like the symbols themselves.

Artifact Analysis/Essential Question

Artifact #1:
A survivors story of escaping being shot but having his brother and sister killed.

Artifact #2
Propaganda, animal used in propaganda (fox)-cartoon, children's book.

Artifact #3:
A painting of a Ghetto hidden underground with the cracks forming a Jewish star.


Essential Question:
How can human being be capable of so much evil?

Artifact 3 really shows the inhuman treatment and oblivious nature that was capable at the time of the Holocaust. It depicts the Ghetto in a deep underground, almost hellish state. It is composed of neutral colors, mostly brown, and gives a dirty and depressing feeling. It also gives the indication that others would just walk over the ghettos without actually giving heed to what was happening. The ghetto appears to be below a sidewalk or street of some sort and gives the indication that others (Germans or anyone not in the Ghettos) would simply walk around the Ghettos. This makes it appear as though the people would avoid the Ghettos and try not to acknowledge them. This explains why people were capable of so much "evil" because it shows how during the Holocaust people were able to simply avoid and not think about what was basically going on right under their noses. By doing this, they did not have to think of the horror that was taking place, and thus they were able to more easily ignore the revulsion and shock that a normal human being would have felt had they truly known what was happening.

In artifact 1, evil actions were strongly illustrated. Survivor, Eva Galler, describes escaping the bullets that the SS men shot at her. Her brother and sister however were not as lucky. The numbness to human empathy that these SS men had is hard to imagine today. How could one shoot and kill children? In a situation like this, it is clear that there had been a severe amount of influence in these SS men likely from the time they were born they had been raised to kill and "do what was right"-or at least in their minds. The definition of evil is profoundly immoral (Oxford Dictionaries) and nothing seems more immoral than shooting innocent children on their way to be gassed to death. When a society is able to ignore simple human compassion and reach a level where completely immoral actions take place every day, it is truly evil.


Artifact 2, a children's book, portrays a inaccurate and disturbing representation of Jews. They are portrayed as ugly people that are beneath everyone else. It tells children that Jews are "ruffians" and "murderers". Comparing a jewish man to a fox on the cover of the book. This clearly demonstrates how much of an effect that something so horrible and incorrect could have. And children were being convinced of such nonsense. Most likely the author as well as many of the Germans were raised on the same sort of view and didn't find writing a book of this nature to be wrong at all. In fact, the author probably thought it would help German children to better understand the "evil" Jews. It is ironic as the Jews were not the evil ones, it was this type of mental manipulation that was truly evil. And many children that would have read such a book as this would have carried on this evil.

Current Events Week 4

Ukraine Crisis: Russia Vows No Invasion

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has announced that Moscow has no intention if sending troops into Ukraine. The US-backed plan calls for Russia to halt its military build-up on the border with Ukraine and withdraw its troops from Crimean bases.This was said after US and Russian presidents discussed a diplomatic solution to the crisis. Us Secretary of state John kerry will meet Lavrov in Paris on Sunday. Lavrov also stated that Russia was ready to protect the rights of Russians and Russian-speaking people in Ukraine, using all available political, diplomatic and legal means.

Flight MH370: Ships Draw Blank

Two ships, a Chinese and an Australian, have failed to identify remains from the missing Malaysia airline. The two ships retrieved objects from the Indian Ocean but none confirmed to be from Flight MH370. However, Chinese aircraft have flown over the area and have spotted more objects. Bad weather has impaired recent search efforts and made it hard to retrieve further objects. Meanwhile some relatives of the the flights's 153 Chinese passengers have refused to accept the Malaysian account of events and accused officials of withholding information. 

Over 1 Million Displaced By Sudan Conflict

Over one million people have been displaced from their homes by the on-going conflict in Sudan. The latest UN report warns the situation is only likely to get worse. Some have stayed within the country and some have fled to neighboring countries. The UN estimated that 4.9 Million are in need of humanitarian assistance. But it warned that the location of these people makes it hard to reach them. In addition, the UN has received only a quarter of what they need for the crisis.

Works Cited

"BBC NEWS." BBC NEWS AFRICA. N.p., 29 3 14. Web. 29 Mar 2014. <http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-26798721>.

"BBC NEWS." BBC NEWS ASIA. N.p., 29 3 14. Web. 29 Mar 2014. <http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-26797866>.

"BBC NEWS." BBC NEWS EUROPE. N.p., 29 3 14. Web. 29 Mar 2014. <http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26799326>.

Cureent Events Week 3

Russian Troops Storm Ukrainian Bases in Crimea

Russian troops backed by armored vehicles stormed  stormed a Ukrainian airbase in Crimea. Shooting and explosives were heard and at least one person was injured. The base is now said to be under Russian control. Pro-Russian militia have also been seizing navy ships. And earlier, several hundred unarmed protesters seized a Ukrainian naval base at Novofedorivka, western Crimea. The picture above is of Ukrainian soldiers given an ultimatum to leave the base. 

100 Killed in Nigeria 

At least 100 villagers were killed in Nigeria's Kaduna state in attacks linked to disputes between ethnic groups. Heavily armed men entered three villages Kaura District in the south of the state. It is unclear who was behind these attacks but residents suggest and blame herdsmen from the Fulani community. Nigeria often witnesses violence stemming from land and religion disputes. Thousands have been killed from such violence in recent years in fact. 

Palestinians Killed in Israeli Raid

Israeli security forces have shot down at least 3 Palestinians during a raid to arrest a Hamas member in the Jenin refugee camp in the west bank. The Israeli military explained that they wanted to arrest a man accused of plotting attacks on Israelis. It said he barricaded himself in his home and opened fire, injuring two soilders and was then shot dead. Two Palestinians were killed as rioters attacked security forces. US-brokered peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians have made little progress since they resumed last July, with the aim of creating state alongside Israel. 

Works Cited

"NEWS Middle East." BBC News. N.p., 22 3 14. Web. 22 Mar 2014. <http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-26695804>.

"NEWS Europe." BBC News. N.p., 22 3 14. Web. 22 Mar 2014. <http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26698754>.

"NEWS Africa." BBC News. N.p., 22 3 14. Web. 22 Mar 2014. <http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-26602018>.

Current Events Blog Week 2

Malaysia Airlines Plane Deliberately Diverted

The Malaysia Airlines plane that disappeared a week ago has had everyone wondering what could have happened, what could have suddenly taken the lives of 239 people. It is now thought to have been deliberately diverted. Malaysia's prime minister Najib Razak said that the communications of flight MH370 were deliberately disabled and that "the movements are consistent with the deliberate action of someone on the plane". Razak is not saying it was a hijacking per-say, and stating only that they are investigating "all possibilities". According to radar and satellite evidence, the plane could have even traveled for another seven hours than originally thought, making finding the plane (or whats left of it) even harder. Although, some think this news brings the families of the passengers some hope. But for now, it is just a waiting game. 

Egypt: Six Soldiers Shot Dead

In the northern Cairo suburb of Shurba al-Khayma, six Egyptian soldiers were shot dead by gunmen at a checkpoint. A security official said two bombs left behind by the attackers had been defused. Just two days earlier, another soldier was shot and killed on an army bus in eastern Cairo. This all being part of the upsurge of violence since the overthrow of Islamist President Mohammed Morsi last July. Hundreds of police and soldiers have been killed in the attacks. 

US Regulator Sues 16 Banks for Libor rigging

A US regulator has sued 16 banks for allegedly manipulating Libor. Libor is the "London interbank offered rate". It is used to set trillions of financial contracts such as mortgages and financial transactions worldwide. The regulator said that the manipulation devastated 38 US banks which were shut down during the 2008 financial crisis. Some major banks involved are Citigroup, Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase, Barclays and HSBC. The regulator has also sued the BBA, British Bankers Association, for their participation in this scheme. 

Works Cited

"BBC News." US regulator sues 16 banks for alleged Libor rigging. N.p., 15 3 2014. Web. 15 Mar 2014. <http://www.bbc.com/news/business-26584942>.

"BBC News." Egypt unrest: Six soldiers shot dead in Cairo. N.p., 15 3 2014. Web. 15 Mar 2014. <http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-26591463>.

"BBC News." Missing Malaysia Airlines plane 'deliberately diverted'. N.p., 15 3 2014. Web. 15 Mar 2014. <http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-26591056>.

 

Current Events Blog Week 1

China's Pollution

Rising pollution in China is taking its toll on the health of its citizens. Beijing raised its air pollution alert to orange, the second highest on a four-tiered system, a few weeks ago. China's smog has sent many with minor health issues flocking to the hospitals, it has shut down schools and roads, and has concealed Beijing's tallest building to the point where it is no longer viable from a distance.The picture above indicates the drastic change. The picture to the left shows Beijing on a day in 2005 after it had rained, the picture on the right shows a sunny but smog filled day. Many citizens now need to wear masked any time they must step outside, and things are becoming more and more drastic. According to Wikipedia, only 1% of the countries 560 million city dwellers is considered safe by the European Union. China is pouring billions into trying to better the situation, but for now, China remains engulfed in the smog.

Ukraine Revolution

Pro-Ukrainian activists have been beaten by pro-Russian groups at a rally in Crimea's city of Sevastopol. A BBC reporter reports they had been attacked with whips, describing very ugly scenes. During the protest, one Russian man was "kicked to the ground, bleeding". The Russians tried to get their revenge not long after by smashing a driver's windshield, who was trying to flee the scene. The a Ukrainian was dragged into the bushes, kicked and whipped by the furious mob. Even the reporters on the scene were threatened. Meanwhile leaders from Russia, the UK and Germany held urgent talks on the phone to discuss the crisis in Ukraine. The US warned Moscow that any moves to annex China would close the door to diplomacy.  

California Drought California is undergoing its worst drought in history, with less rain than any point sense 1850. Rivers are at record lows and melted snow off the mountains is only at 20% of its expected levels. California Politicians have recently announced a $687 million plan to provide help to communities parched by California's ongoing drought. Under the plan, food assistance and short term help would also be provided. However, many argue that long term water-needs need to be addressed. Such as building water reservoirs. Not to mention the impact the drought will have on America's much needed crops coming out of California.  

Citations

China's Pollution:
"China media:Pollution woes." BBC NEWS China. N.p., 24 2 2014. Web. 9 Mar 2014. <http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-26319180>.

Ukraine Revolution:
"Ukraine Activists Attacked in Crimea." BBC NEWS Europe. N.p., 9 3 2014. Web. 9 Mar 2014. <http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26503478>.

California Drought:
"California governor unveils drought assistance plan." BBC NEWS US & Canada. N.p., 19 2 2014. Web. 9 Mar 2014. <http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-26268177>.