Erik D. Vogel
Dr. Jeff Dories
Cultural Assignment
April 12, 2013
Clothing in Africa

Traditions are what hold many nations, cultures, and families together and the stories that are told are woven through many of the traditional clothing in Africa. African clothes have brought meaning to event such as wedding. Furthermore, there are many clothing options for both men and women. Lastly the western world has had an effect on the style of the new and modern world of Africa.
When learning about any type of subject it is important to understand it history and clothing in Africa is no exception. Dating back to 2000 B.C. people started to weave many of the clothes that you still see today (History of Clothes). Even before 2000 B.C. civilization and tribes have worn some type of clothing from the animals they hunted to the native plants. Furthermore, many nations, and other cultures have made incredible impressions of many of the unique styles of clothing that are worn today. Lastly the greatest impact on clothing started in the 20th century from trading with the western culture. History doesn’t have to be thousands of years old but could just have happened a few years ago. Trading with the western world has created a new future from past connections with others outside of their country and their comfort zone.
Tradition in culture plays a vital role in the lives of many Africans, but clothing still remains a center fold for the traditions played out. African citizens today continue to wear various types of clothing for various rituals and special events that celebrate life and so much more (Kichura, 2). As traditions flourish so does the many unique styles of clothing which are becoming more bold and beautiful. A popular hand woven fabric in Africa called oke, it is a popular outfit which is for special ceremonies, and is very intricate in design and can be expensive. Tradition also mean showing of a person figure in Africa which many clothing do. Such as the flamboyant dress the African Queen does not only show style but the figure of a women (Kichura).

Works Cited
“Clothing and FashionEncyclopedia.” Clothing and Fashion RSS. N.p., 17 Feb. 2010. Web. 10 Apr. 2013. .
“History of Clothes.” ThinkQuest. Oracle Foundation, n.d. Web. 09 Apr. 2013. .
Kichura, Venice. “Information on African Clothing.” EHow. Demand Media, 30 June 2009. Web. 10 Apr. 2013. .
Nwokedi, Felicia. “African Fashion – A Cultural Expression.” BBC News. BBC, 29 June 2005. Web. 09 Apr. 2013.
“Traditional African Clothing.” Traditional African Clothing. N.p., 2000. Web. 11 Apr. 2013. .

Condensed paper two / paragraph

Female Genital Mutilation is a violation of the female human rights and should be eradicated, with the understanding, and compassion of the culture in which it represents. Female Genital Mutilation is a controversial topic within the western world today and is becoming controversial all over the world. Many have argued the topic has become a human rights violation and that the western world is impeding the rights of many who practice this ritual; furthermore, many have also argued that the practice is acceptable in the culture. Many who practice this ritual of girls entering women hood believe in the false “truths” that this procedure will cleanse or free these girls of impurities and so much more.
Knowing the history of FGM is the first step in stopping this historical problem. No one actually knows when female circumcision started, but what we do know is that it has occurred for thousands of years and not just recently. Even since the time of mummies during Egyptian times Female Genital Mutilation has occurred (Kouba, 1985). This evidence shows that it has been a culture practice in Africa for many years, which explains its deep roots in the African heritage today.
To understand the argument of FGM, one must understand the four types of circumcision to make a decision that FGM is a human rights violation. In addition to knowing the types, know its complications to help bring FGM to light. Knowing how the procedure is completed is a major step in the fight against these crimes.
The First procedure or Type one consists of the excision of the skin surrounding the clitoris with little or no excision of the clitoris (Jaeger, Caflishch, Hohlfeld, 2009). This type is the most common among infants and young children which have the entire clitoris removed at this age. The second or type two this procedure involves the complete removal of the clitoris and part or all of the labia minora. This part of the procedure is completed with thorns, or stiches to control the bleeding. Type three which is also known as infibulation; furthermore, type 3 is considered the most severe (FGM American Academy, 1998). Lastly at this point of the third type the labia majora are brought together only leaving a small opening for menstrual bleeding and urinating. Type four uses all types one through three, but introduces corrosive substances. All types include immense pain; furthermore, they all are accompanied with severe medical issues.
There are many complications that help the argument against Female Circumcision in Africa. Many problems that the child may suffer are from general infections due to not cleaning the treated area; furthermore, infections from the utensils not being clean that were used during the procedure. Many types of disease can be contracted from the procedure including HIV and Hepatitis B (Jaeger, Caflishch, Hohlfeld, 2009). In addition to the many diseases there are also urinary tract infections, infertility, sterility, sexual dysfunction and so much more. Putting aside the matter of the procedure even taking place, it is understanding that the child is contracting diseases from the dirty knifes, rocks, glass, and unclean hands that are being used.
Some people believe if you understand the other side of Female Genital Cutting your argument becomes invalid, but in fact it still remains an even stronger argument. Some reasons are that the practice will increase fertility, promote purity, increases marriage opportunities and prevents still births (Sipsma et al 2012). The problem with these beliefs is that it decreases fertility, negatively effects marriages and increases still births.
As families use their cultural background, religious beliefs to continue FGM, it is known that education in this case is key to eradication. 140 million girls and women worldwide have undergone some form of FGM (Wallis, 2005) and at least 3 million are at risk this year alone (UNICEF, 2009). This is a problem that needs and can be solved; many women and girls will one day have to face the horror that one day may befall them. FGM has no place in the world when there is already so much senseless violence, civil wars, and threats in the world today. When there are four terrifying ways that a woman can be mutilated with no medical or psychological benefit this becomes an international problem. It’s a problem that can be solved with words and actions from the many that are willing to stand up against this awful cultural ritual. FGM has a history dating back to the time of the early Egyptians, and let us not continue to allow this crime to go unnoticed, unpunished, and especially unheard.

In Africa many stereotype the common knowledge of the African peoples clothing, believing they are out dated with no meaning. But many of the clothes are traditional outfits that many where to special events. There are many where unique clothing such as the Dashiki worn by men; clothing are worn for various events such as a wedding, funeral etc. With the many traditional outfits you are able to gain an appreciation and understanding through reading this paper.

Homework 8 paper condensed

Conservation in Different Worlds
Conservation among many countries is considered important, but many do not have the structure or man power to maintain the laws created by their government. Kenya and the United States are both countries that are trying to save the earth’s environment and the wildlife in it. They both have similar laws that protect nature yet contrast each other by the way these two countries have protected nature in a physical sense. Many parts of our worlds’ land needs protection from the growing urban sprawl by humans. In any country nature is being pushed to its limits, but thanks to laws and policies, there is hope for the flora and fauna of this world.
The United States and Kenya may be oceans apart, but the laws they have created are not so different. In fact, they both have policies in place for the preservation of wildlife and their habitat. The United States has laws such as the Endangered Species Act and National Forest Management Act (Locke, Harvey, 1004). Since these laws were implemented many species have come back from the brink of extinction in fact there are over a 110 species that have survived (Success 1). Two great examples are the United States bird the Bald Eagle and the Black-footed ferret. Both of these animals are a symbol of what the amazing things laws can do. Laws such as these have created protection and preservation of wildlife and their habitats here in the United State then and today.
Laws do not only create protection from destruction that could be created by humans, but also the country’s economy. People were employed to manage, maintain, and protect wildlife (Geist 17). Men such as U.S. Cavalry, and wildlife managers were employed to police illegal acts against wildlife such as poaching (20). Furthermore markets, controlled hunting and hunting licenses were created to prevent over hunting and more revenue for the U.S. With the United States gaining revenue from these items it generates employment and awareness for wildlife. When a country benefits in an economic sense from laws created to protect wildlife, people become more environmentally conscience thus laws become effective.
Looking at Kenya compared to the United States conservation laws, Kenya is a nation that has been transforming over time. It is mindful of its wildlife by implementing laws to prevent its natural heritage from disappearing from its land. One of the earliest laws was in effect since 1976 (Bashir 1). Kenya has created a 95 page document of how conservation laws are to be conducted in the country. Furthermore, the wildlife (Conservation and Management) Act provides paperwork for those interested in hunting. This provides a framework and infrastructure to these parks; this is so that park rangers may complete their jobs with the help of laws that are created to protect the wildlife in Kenya’s parks. Laws bring order especially when it comes to hunting wildlife. When a government such as Kenya creates laws to protect something as precious as nature, the world watches and learns the true value and importance of the world’s environment.
Poaching is mainly well known for its killing of elephants for their ivory, but any animal creating any destruction to human property will be killed in the fields of Kenya. “The overall attitude of the rural communities in the region toward wildlife is generally negative. The people with a positive attitude toward wildlife are those who are considered the elite” (Sifuna, 1). This statement reveals a critical concept that many communities are not educated on wildlife and how to protect themselves and their property. Poaching will continue to live in Africa as long as the people continue to disregard nature and the biomes of the world.
Poaching in Africa has created a divide between the United States and Kenya because in the United States, Americans take pride in protecting its environment. Across the United States history even dating back to Teddy Roosevelt, the environment was a priority by maintaining the natural habitat and its wildlife. Kenya has produced many laws to try to mitigate the impact that many people have on the natural environment. Unfortunately, without the help of its citizens, the laws contain no value. Without education, many will never be able to understand the vitality of the wildlife in Africa. This is also why the United States conservation laws are doing so well. There are many systems and avenues of education in America. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) or World Wildlife Fund (WWF) all has ways of teaching citizens by using camps, brochures, and programs. Kenya and the United States are comparable but not the area of total involvement. As long as poaching exists, Kenya can never be a leader in conservation the way America is today.
Wildlife laws have been in place to aid in the protection, and the preservation of the world’s native and exotic wildlife populations. Both the United States and Kenya have produced common laws to protect its wildlife. Many laws helped even bring some species back from the brink of extinction. Unfortunately, poaching has created great concern in Africa and the strain it has placed on the wildlife there. Poaching and logging have no place in the world just as many thought the American Bald Eagle had no place. What would the United States be without our national bird today, and think what could Kenya be without poaching and logging tomorrow.

This had to be one of the hardest assignments since I felt everything was considered important. It was hard for me to take what I thought was important, but this condense version I think sums up the major points with out the heavy jargon and laws.

Marriage hw 7

I would not consider an arranged marriage for one good reason, I’m married already. If I was not married I still would not like the idea of it for a couple of reasons. First I wouldn’t like it because you would not have the knowledge of the girl presented to you. This means, does she go along with the same ideas as I do? Or does she have the same religious beliefs as I do? Lastly would she be verbally or physically abusive. Lastly I wouldn’t like it because of I would be unsure if the marriage would even last because of the above factors and I do not agree with divorce, a marriage is for a lifetime not a lease. It would be an advantage “if” they were looking to gain power or wealth for the entire family, but disadvantageous because if the couple decides to get a divorce it create problems between the families not just the couple.
The circumstances that led my parents to marry was first they had three kids out of married and they felt obligated to be married and second they felt the pressure of the family telling them to get married. I believe that they truly thought it was best for the entire family if they did get married, furthermore I think they not only did it because of us kids but because of love.

Abusharaf, R. (1998). Unmasking tradition. Sciences, 3822-27.

Female genital mutilation. American Academy of Pediatrics. Committee on Bioethics. (1998). Pediatrics, 102(1), 153-156.

Kouba, L. J., & Muasher, J. (1985). Female circumcision in Africa: an overview. African Studies Review, 2895-110.

Jaeger, F., Caflisch, M., & Hohlfeld, P. (2009). Female genital mutilation and its prevention: a challenge for paediatricians. European Journal Of Pediatrics, 168(1), 27-33. doi:10.1007/s00431-008-0702-5

Nnamuchi, O. (2012). “CIRCUMCISION” OR “MULTILATION”? VOLUNTARY OR FORCED EXCISION? EXTRICATING THE ETHICAL AND LEGAL ISSUES IN FEMALE GENITAL RITUAL. Journal Of Law & Health, 25(1), 83-119.

Sipsma, H. L., Chen, P. G., Ofori-Atta, A., Ilozumba, U. O., Karfo, K., & Bradley, E. H. (2012). Female genital cutting: current practices and beliefs in western Africa. Bulletin Of The World Health Organization, 90(2), 120-127f. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.2471/BLT.11.090886

Utz-Billing, I. I., & Kentenich, H. H. (2008). Female genital mutilation: an injury, physical and mental harm. Journal Of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 29(4), 225-229. doi:10.1080/01674820802547087

Wallis, L. (2005). When rites are wrong. Nursing Standard, 20(4), 24-26.

UNICEF, (December,15,2009). Female genital cutting fact sheets. 03/15/2013. http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/female- genital-cutting.cfm

HW# 6

One stereotype is taking care of our elders, I believe that may do take advantage of our elders but I believe that there are far more students and friends my age that are in college that truly care about what happens to their parents and we are not just people that look the other way. Primarily looking at those in retirement homes and how many are treated. My gram was in a home and I would visit her all the time. Second when he said about treating people as potential criminals and enemies rather than guest I believe again that is untrue. I see more and more people caring for your newly found members of society ever day whether arab or not Americans I believe are become more open to immigration. Unfortunately there are people such as my family who are racist and are against immigration, but that too is common in America.
When Allen wrote this portion I believe once we have visited an area without an American lifestyle with our luxuries we then see our true self and how we live. To look in the mirror you have to go across the bedroom or stand in front of it to see what you look like. It’s the same with America we need to walk across an ocean or maybe even our backyard to see not what we have but how we treat what we got. The two ways I have seen the media act as a mirror than a window is first, to see how far from the middle class or even the struggling class the media has come. By this I mean they act like they [the media] are for the everyday person, but in reality if there pay was reduced or they were laid off from their work they too would understand that value of our hard work. Second the media also presents photos, personal stories, and videos of other counties. This shows what we do have and furthermore, what we don’t want. Both of these situations show Americans the true side of what we are, over consuming, greedy people with always wanting more and once we get it, its never enough. I speak from experience where others say don’t talk bad about America when they themselves have never stepped foot outside the United States.
Allen make what I thought were generalizations about Americans in the text first being our women in the US. They were tight miniskirts and teetering high heels. Even though I do think its sexy I also know that is not the reason why I was attracted to my wife. I believe that many women dress appropriate today and even some cover with beautiful clothing that shows their style not their skin. The Second is the section where it talks about the purely Muslims world with the blackclad crowds. I believe my generation is learning more to self-think than to have others thoughts pushed on us. I think our generation is become more wise to what others say and we analyze what they say and make our own decision which is the smartest thing to do.
I believe that its just politics mean the government no longer represent the people any longer. The government is out for their greedy selves [including government car, gas for the car, flights paid for etc.] I know I don’t believe that government does not match my ideas and I hope other countries don’t take their anger out on me. I feel the same way about them I understand that may counties can’t help what the government does and doesn’t reflect the people’s ideas either.

I will be writing on the argument of female genital cutting in Northern Africa. I will discuss the factors of health, the mental issues and religious issues of the effects on cutting. Female genital cutting has been used for various reasons and it is my hope to bring awareness to the issue. Furthermore, I hope to look at both sides of the argument give the other side a benefit of the doubt. Female genital mutilation is a horrible outdated act committed by people who are uneducated in this peripheral world.

HW# 5

Two benefits or positives I found in the reading were first the veiling not only indicated status and wealth, but they also have some religious sanction, and protect women from the world outside the home. Next, women can be uncriticized because of the veiling. The reason is no one knows who is who, so you don’t know if you’re talking to the minister’s wife or a slave. All levels of women as equal. (I am really unsure but this is my thought)
A negative would be the fact that intruders have no care on who they decide to do harm to. Again everyone is equal to these people eyes. Unfortunately a negative is the stereotype of terrorism. Many people I know become very defensive when they see a veiling calling that person a terrorist. Since 9/11 the few Muslims gave all Muslims a bad name.

I’m not sure if it’s a western practice but in the Brethren Church where my wife and I attend every Sunday we participate in the love feast communion. Women wear white cap over the top potion of their head. This is symbolic for many reasons but one that sticks out is it acts a type of wedding band. I am married women don’t try to get with me.

I believe it could be all three items at different times, places, and events. I could be oppressive, a symbol of religious devotion, or a cultural statement depending on who is around. First it could be oppressive depending on how the husband portrays his wife. Is he using it as a tool to make her inferior to him or a tool to undermine women in the country as a whole? So yes it could an instrument to create an unequal status in their society. Next it could represent their religion in their country or home. We see today that many religions can live on one street in America and I’m sure it’s the same way in the Middle East or even parts of Northern Africa. Lastly, the article of clothing today is definitely used as a cultural statement. Using different colors, beads, etc… creates a unique style for a woman, just as jewelry is worn by women in America.
I believe that America has a unique culture always setting trends, and always putting out new clothing, music, and even science. As American I believe we have a lot to draw inspiration from, thus giving us motivation to create something new every day, and generation. This is our custom [being different] and displaying for the world to see, and how the world reacts shows that we must being doing something right. For women standing up demanding rights even just for clothing sends a message that America has amazing transferable qualities.

HW # 4 Dreaming in Chinese

1. The funnies example of how fallows used Chinese body language to get through a tough situation is when they were at the overpass and fallows wave her arms. This gained the attention of other people which made the solder back down and allow the people to pass.
2. I would suggest to a Chinese person that it is not all body language but how you present you self when you speak to someone. Speaking kindly or rudely to someone can get you somewhere or in a lot of trouble. For example I am 26 years old and look like I’m 12, I tried to get into Pittsburgh casino with my mother [for her birthday] and I forgot my ID 2 ½ hours away at home. I tried to ask the guard kindly but when he upset me I called him a 10 year puss and walked out. Needless to say I got nowhere in that situation speaking like a jerk.
3. One rule did not stick out in my mind but how they figured the system out is what was strange. It seemed that breaking the law was abiding the law. Such as getting on to the train station or short changing the bus, they were all acceptable. It seemed that when they tried there hardest to please the system this is when they got caught or yelled at.
4. One of Americas strangest rules would be for what I consider strange would be my pet peeve littering. Everywhere I go there is do not litter signs but people through their garbage on the ground and they thinks it ok. I really hate when people through their cigarette butts on the ground. The laws is there but no one it there to enforce it.
5. One rule I thought was selectively enforced was the Passover as I stated before. For someone to just step in front of a crowd and tell them to hike a ½ mile I figured to be ridiculous.
6. Two rules that are [I think] selectively enforced is speeding someday you can go well over the speed limit while other day you can be going slower than your previous day and still get pulled over. Another rule that’s selective is drinking. People that are under 21 can definitely get drinks. Many people do this on many occasions, I just know that person is never me.

MLA Workshop

MLA Workshop
The MLA work shop’s main objective was to have a quick review of how not to plagiarize, cite your work, and create a work cited page. The MLA work shop covered the essentials of MLA from quoting sentences to signal phrases. Furthermore, the speaker discussed why you also need to sight not only quotes but images, tables and graphs. The speaker also talked about indirect sources, block quotes and ellipses. The speaker talked about the work cited page and when to italicize works and when to use quotes. Larger works such as books, newspapers would be italicize and smaller works such as chapters, articles from a newspapers get quotes. The MLA workshop gave a lot of insight of what goes into a paper.
The workshop was to help students that may have needed a quick review, but not a complete understanding of MLA. I think the workshop went way to quickly to even take notes, with it last only fifteen minutes I believe they could have took their time and gave more examples or just slowed down. I also understand that these are student that may have anxiety about speaking in front of people. Over all it did help by giving me a better knowledge of what I already knew.

HW # 3

The first topic that would be thought as rude would be personal life. The reason for this would be we are unfamiliar with the person and we don’t know much background about the other person. Maybe there are issues in your family that you don’t want to speak about such as divorce, death and so on. Second topic would be someone’s financial income. We consider this personal since people earn a variety of salary. One person may be embarrassed that they lost their job. I know I was upset when I lost my job and could no longer support my wife and I did not tell anyone for a long time. Lastly family matters are usually a very uncomfortable topic to speak about especially if you don’t know the person. You begin to feel as if your personal space is being invaded and as I stated before there maybe issues that you would uncomfortable speaking about such as divorce, sex, or other hot topics.

I find that the statement in the reading is sadly true. As I watched my grandmother grow old with Alzheimer’s, family members grew quickly impatient with her. Soon after living with several family members she was placed in a home and her personal belongs and home were quickly put up for sale without myself and some family members knowing. I would visit my gram very often until she passed away. I know by just hearing from my own grandmother “back in my day families took care of each other” and I know this is true for other cultures from previous class that taking care of the elderly is a priority.

One incident that would be considered strange compared to other cultures is moving out of their parent’s house before graduating high school and not see the family for two years. This is what happened to me as a 19 year old senior in high school. As you could imagine, moving in with one of my high school teachers while dating my now wife was a bit overwhelming. While many kids going off to college I went off to work. I worked two full time jobs and took a class in the evening at my community college. I know that other culture/ families try to help their children get to college and graduate, basically they would have an awesome support system. Today I’m 26 and have been in college going on eight years when most students graduate in 3 to 4 years. If it wasn’t for my wife working as hard and being as supportive as she was and is I would not be where I am today. In my family we were to leave the nest as soon as possible where others embrace the idea of having family around for a very long time.

HW #2 & 7 cites

1. Speaking from experience I have learned that money will show if you have a real concrete relationship with a friend or not. Yes, the introduction of a money-based economy has distorted relationships between people because we as humans want to get that top paying job with the thought “No matter who is in my way including friends”. We try to go behind backs of friends to make an extra buck. We become dependent yes on material items but more so on the thought of ourselves. We us the word “I” such as I need this or I have to worry about what is going to happen to me. The reason why I said this is we used to think of family and friends first and how could we help them out, and we have strayed from the concept of relationship to what can it do for me. Lastly on a barter system its only trade your gain nothing because you also losing something. However the money system you are able to just gain material items, you never have to give something up with the exception of time.

2.I believe that the Ladakhis were better before the introduction of money. Yes money from outside of this community introduces them to the global economy but at what price. The people had to start working in the city to pay the workers that they hired to gain a greater crop yield. Before money came in to play the barter system was in place and people exchanged goods for other goods. Once pleasure material items came in to play this made the community under pressure to gain more profit to support their new life; whereas before it was get what you need.

Works Cited
“AllAfrica.” AllAfrica.com: Kenya: Make Enlightened Wildlife Laws or You Will Lose It All (Page 1 of 3). N.p., 15 Nov. 2011. Web. 08 Feb. 2013. .

“U.S. Conservation Laws.” U.S. Conservation Laws. N.p., Feb. 2013. Web. 08 Feb. 2013. .

Lisa Seales, et al. “Conservation And Development In Latin America And Southern Africa: Setting The Stage.” Ecology & Society 17.2 (2012): 400-413. Environment Complete. Web. 8 Feb. 2013.

Sifuna, Nixon. “Soap Box Use Of Illegal Methods In Kenya’s Rural Communities To Combat Wildlife Damage: A Case Study Of Laikipia.” Human-Wildlife Interactions 5.1 (2011): 5-8. Environment Complete. Web. 8 Feb. 2013.

Ipara, Hellen I., Joshua J. Akonga, and John S. Akama. “The Tenure Factor In Wildlife Conservation.” International Journal Of Environmental Studies 62.6 (2005): 643-653. Environment Complete. Web. 8 Feb. 2013.

GEIST, VALERIUS. “How Markets In Wildlife Meat And Parts, And The Sale Of Hunting Privileges, Jeopardize Wildlife Conservation.” Conservation Biology 2.1 (1988): 15-26. Environment Complete. Web. 8 Feb. 2013.

Keiter, Robert B., and Harvey Locke. “Law And Large Carnivore Conservation In The Rocky Mountains Of The U. S. And Canada.” Conservation Biology 10.(1996): 1003-1012. OmniFile Full Text Mega (H.W. Wilson). Web. 8 Feb. 2013.