La Tomatina

     This concerns that particular event that has sparked a heated debate across the nation. Hundreds of youth gathered to celebrate the seemingly delightful occasion by squandering a valuable food commodity – an endeavour that is the latest en vogue. This is none other than the ‘La Tomatina’ in Lahore – an occasion that has found its way into Pakistan. 

     The very idea of soaking in a tomato bath and dancing to funky music is alluring to the extent that the youth is lavishly engaging in it and fritting away tomatoes in enormous quantities. According to my judgment, the whole notion of drenching in tomatoes is wholly off the wall. What good is our education if we cannot learn to value precious commodities? In the process, innumerable tomatoes have been dribbled away only for the sole purpose of deriving enjoyment.

     It is dismaying to witness how shallow our society has really become. Even while watching Hrithik Roshan’s “Zindagi Na Milegi Dubara”, I did not entertain an affirmative view regarding La Tomatina. Is it so that our cultural merriments are lagging behind in offering sufficient gratification? Honestly speaking, what has our cultural heritage not got to offer? Our adored revelries such as Eid, Basant and several others are pleasing enough.

     La Tomatina is just a gross imitation of another culture, let alone promoting a callous attitude towards those trapped in the poverty cycle. Ultimately, we are only losing our cultural heritage and self-identity.

     An advice to the current generation is using their loaves wisely. We are privileged with an excellent education of which the unfortunate people – living below the poverty line – can only dream of. We should safeguard our literacy and educate ourselves to become productive, civilized members of the society, in order to contribute to its betterment. Value your lineage, customs and identity. If we refuse to comply, our distinguished culture will be gradually shredded to pieces by the modern culture vulture. Heaven forbid, should we ever get to see that dreadful doom! 

Analysis on Carol Rumens' 'Carpet-Weavers, Morocco'

     British poet, Carol Rumens, was born in London, England. Most of her poetry is inspired by places she has visited. The satirical poem ‘Carpet-weavers, Morocco’ recollects her experiences in Morocco. In Morocco – a poor third-world country – children of school-going age are sent to cottage industries. Rumens talks about the cruelty of child labour and the harsh conditions children have to bear. Children are not even aware of the injustice they are going through. Instead of being sent to school, they are sent to work in industries.

     Walking down the streets of Morocco, Rumens sees children of different Ages and heights, weaving carpets. During this process, they weave a picture of a garden of Paradise. Their only source of entertainment is watching flickering knots of thread flying into the air while weaving carpets.

     The children are performing an activity which will be cherished forever. In the process, they are learning the hardships of life and invading time. ‘School of days’ sadly evokes school days. The children are meant to be at school. The unsightly facet of child labour is that children are denied their due rights and compelled to work in factories to earn livelihood.

    Most children their age enjoy watching television; whereas these children are fabricating a world of their dreams and hopes which is denied. They can only access the world of desires through their imagination, which serves s a key to their lost hopes. The patterns they weave on the carpet are their only source of entertainment.

     The carpets will be sent to mosques in Islamic nations on which Muslims will prostrate. The children weave the ‘garden of Islam’ – a satirical image implying that many people are entering the web of Islam; hence, more children would be forced into child labour to make more carpets for worshippers. The spread of Islam would demand more carpets which would lead to a proportional increase in child labour as well. Children learn to think that labour of today might bear fruits tomorrow.

     The poem was written to make the world realize and take notice of the predicament of third-world countries – the miserable plight of child labour. It infuses in our minds and spirits that steps should be taken to stop child labour, to allow children across the globe the bliss of education, liberty, luxury and their due rights.  

Analysis: Caged Bird by Maya Angelou

      Maya Angelou, “America’s most visible black female autobiographer”, was born on April 4, 1928. Being a poet, memoirist, actress and an imperative figure in the American Civil Rights Movement, she is known for her series of six autobiographies, starting with ‘I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings’.

     ‘Caged bird’ evokes her early 11 years of life. It represents a bird that is chained inside a cage and is succumbing to the bonds of slavery. Its freedom is curbed and it has no option but to sing. The bars of the cage signify the ‘bars of rage’, which restrict and deny freedom.

     Its clipped wings symbolize an independence denied forever. It cannot escape from the unending night of cruelty. He can only voice his anger and frustration by singing the song of freedom. The caged bird is in the light of the poet’s African – American community suffering at the hands of the white people. Their voice is to cease totalitarianism.

     The bird’s “fearful trill” instills a spirit of terror into the hearts of the listeners. He is the mouthpiece for all subjugated humanity enduring the yoke imperialism of the white man. He does not know what freedom is as he has never experienced it. He agonizingly yearns for freedom. His song, symbolic of despotism, is carried far and wide for humanity to acknowledge.

     Angelou has presented a stark contrast between the free bird and caged bird. A free bird is born and bred in absolute freedom. It thinks of another breeze, climate, environment and the vastness of sky – which signifies unbounded freedom. On the contrary, the caged bird is merely obsessed with the concept of freedom. All it thinks about is depression and suppression. The free bird has everything available at its disposal. He can choose to do whatever he wants. He is privileged and never has to vex over anything.

     The life of the caged bird is a living nightmare. The bird stands on the “grave of dreams” – which is emblematic of lost hopes, continual anguish and an everlasting night of oppression, to which there is no dawn. The dreams of Afro-Americans have died down forever. Grave connotes death of hopes, dreams and life.

     When he opens his mouth to shriek, the bird sees his shadow, reflective of his soul, desperately pleading for liberty and screaming against repression. His scream has created a spooky and ghostly atmosphere that has infused fear all around.

     Freedom, being a basic human right, is denied to the caged bird. Although he has never felt freedom, he is aware of having been denied something. Maya Angelou wrote ‘Caged Bird’ as a symbol of suppressed humanity in order to raise awareness. This is her spokesperson to voice the feeling of her community. She expresses the views of black people to herald tyranny of the white rulers. 

Psychology presentation: personality disorders

Blog posts 21 – 40

Blog posts 1 - 20

Air polluter: Carbon Monoxide

Climate change in USA

     The planet Earth has been experiencing climate change since the Ice Ages. However, this trend has been taking place at a rapid pace since the Industrial Revolution of Europe. Owing to a speedy increase in industrialization, human activities have meddled with the composition of atmosphere by releasing greenhouse gases and causing them to become increasingly compressed in the ozone layer; hence, trapping and filtering heat and causing global warming. There are several countries amongst others that possess the greatest share in contributing negatively to the environment. One such country is the United States of America.

     Currently, U.S.A has been experiencing a wide array of environmental predicaments. The most prominently damaging of them all are climate change, conservation, deforestation and pollution. As a result of these issues, more than thousands of people residing in the U.S.A have had to endure the negative consequences.

     Where climate change is concerned, U.S.A is the second leading country that emits a large amount of carbon dioxide by burning fossil fuels. The enlarged concentration of the greenhouse gas in the atmosphere has ultimately led to extreme incidents across the country. There are frequent heat waves, cold waves, storms, heavy rainfall, floods, droughts and increased precipitation which are detrimental to health and infrastructure. Coastal areas are particularly at risk because of rising ocean levels.  The catastrophes that occur cost the country millions of dollars which affect the economy.

     USA has also been facing challenges to its wildlife conservation. Already, the North American megofauna and Passenger Pigeon have become extinct due to human activities. The American Bison and California Condon are endangered due to poaching and wholesale hunting activities.

     Deforestation has also been occurring gradually, mainly due to illegal logging of forests, cutting and transporting timber and producing wood chips on fields. The amount of pollution has also reached its peak. In terms of air pollution, Los Angeles is the most contaminated – it even won the “smoggiest city” award quite a few times. Toxic chemicals in the air lead to cancer and pregnancy complications. The waste emitted from industries imposes high costs as well as haphazardous effects on health, particularly causing strokes.

     The rivers, lakes oceans surrounding the USA have been hard-hit by toxic waste. Drinking water of Washington D.C was found infected with lead which made thousands of children vulnerable to health illnesses. Furthermore, cruise ship is one of the highest grossing industries in USA. However, a large amount of toxic and solid waste along with oil was discovered in oceans. Blood and entrails were found dumped in the Bubby Creek by nearby meat-packing businesses. The Love Canal, upon sale to Niagra Falls and construction emitted toxic waste which massively compromised public health. Moreover, Greenpoint oil spill is one of the largest oil spills to pollute land. Over 17 million gallons of oil were leaked into the soil.

     The impacts on people are numerous. In terms of territory, residents are restricted by reservation boundaries to relocate. This alters their welfare and it becomes hard to cope with impacts on resources, cultivation and ecosystems. Southern and western regions are prone to storms, droughts, air pollution and heat waves. The mountainous west is affected by water scarcity and wild fires. Arctic populations confront rising ocean levels due to melting ice caps.

     During disasters, the handling capacity of people diminishes. Poor people have limited financial resources to cope with changes. Old people are prone to health problems owing to extreme temperatures, hurricanes and droughts. Young children are specifically vulnerable as their immune systems are still in developing stages and are therefore prone to catastrophes.

     Urban settlements absorb more heat – a large number of people will be affected by heat waves, tropical storms and droughts. Extreme temperatures affect prices of air, energy, water quality, welfare and health. There is also a lot of damage caused to infrastructure.

     Lastly, the lifestyle of agricultural communities is dependent upon weather. Due to unstable weather conditions, crops such as wheat, cotton and corn might disappear and will have to be imported. Tourism will also be greatly affected. With lesser snowfall, skiing and snowmobile activities are affected. Wildfires affect hiking and leisure in parks. Soil erosion due to rising sea levels also negatively affects exotic beaches. Overall, the economy will face the downside of climate change.  

Global Warming

     Global warming is defined as the proliferation in the average climate of the earth. Since the abrupt end of Ice Age, the earth’s climate has been through phenomenal changes and these changes are considered to be more anthropogenic rather than a part of the natural cycle. It is a very grave environmental issue that has sparked attentions and concerns.

     The consequences of global warming are apparent in all parts of the world. Most countries are more hard-hit than others because of the amount of greenhouse gases [GHG] they release into the atmosphere. These manifestations are obvious in the form of melting ice glaciers, rising sea levels, severe droughts, unusual weather patterns and wildlife extinction.

     The melting of ice caps is one of the serious impacts of global warming. Owing to an increase in the world climate, ice caps of North and South Poles, Antarctica and Greenland are gradually disappearing, along with mountain glaciers. NASA reported that ice caps are melting at the rate of nine percent per decade. Also, ice thickness of the Arctic has reduced by forty percent since 1960.

     Rising sea levels is another grim issue. This is happening due to the melting of ice caps and as well as thermal expansion of oceans. Low-lying coastal areas and islands are particularly vulnerable to disappearing under water.

     Global warming also increases the frequency of droughts. Evapotranspiration makes dry areas drier; hence, there is decreased precipitation, cultivation and little or no rainfall.

     There are also periods of unusual weather pattern in many parts of the world. Warm temperatures increase likelihood of droughts and with higher evaporation, more wild fires are likely to break out in forests. Moreover, there are higher possibilities of powerful rainstorms. Warm ocean water propels energy into tropical storms, making them dangerously intense and catastrophic. There is also heavy rainfall in many parts of the world which inundates infrastructure and destroys life.

     Last but not the least, much of wildlife has gone extinct as a consequence of climate change and it is predicted if the issue is not curbed, animals could die out forever. Animals are adjusted to a certain climate. With a drastic change in temperature, their bodies become incapable of habitation; hence, they either migrate or die. Animals such as the dodo, mammoth and Eastern Couber have become extinct. Polar bears in Alaska are forecasted to die out by 2050 if global warming does not cease. 

Is climate change irreversible?

     Scientists claim that the issue of climate change has amounted to such an extent that it is now irreversible. In this respect, there are always two sides to a coin. The statement can be agreed upon to a certain degree as well as rectified if the role of the government and civilians all across the globe is performed just right – which means preserving our environment by reducing our emissions.

     We are late in the sense that there has already been a lot of irremediable damage done to a few facets of the environment. Melted ice caps cannot be reconditioned to their former solid form. They have led to a significant increase in sea levels and people will continue to be harmed by natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods and cyclones. In addition, the ozone layer has been precariously destructed, many forests have been cut and burned down and global temperatures have risen by a substantial amount. These issues take considerably many years to be resolved – during that time future generations will eventually suffer the disastrous consequences.

     Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere will continue to expand with new and more advanced technology and increased production to fulfill sky-rocketing demands of the growing population. According to ABC news, more damage will be done even if industries cut down on carbon emissions. Jasper Knight of Wits University, Johannesburg and Stephen Harrison of University of Exeter, England, claim that government attempts to reduce carbon emanation are too late and they have “little relationships to the real world.” We are totally unaware of ways to deal with the issue.

     The other side of the coin holds that if we truly resort to change our lifestyle that is best suited to the needs of our environment, we can change and improve this planet for the better. The damage that has been done is irreversible. However, they can be minimized. Global warming is unalterable so we have to look for ways to deal with the consequences. These impacts can be reduced if we just play our parts well in order to conserve the environment before Mother Earth starts cleansing herself of everything that is creating an imbalance. 

Climate change

     The phenomenon of climate change is a major environmental problem that has garnered considerable attention over the last few decades. The issue is defined as an alteration in the average climate of the Earth - changes in temperature, wind patterns, precipitation and rainfall.  The advent of the Industrial Revolution of 18^th century in Europe further aggravated climate change. There are scores of underlying evidence that average climate of the Earth has been unusually warmer over the past years.

     The prominent manifestations of the trend of climate change are rising sea levels, increase in global temperatures, ocean warming and acidification, melting ice caps, droughts and heavy rainfall. During the past years, these occurrences have significantly increased all across the globe. Climate change is believed to result from an increased emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere which trap and filter heat and cause temperature of the planet to increase during the long-term course.

     This trend is referred to as global warming - the increase in the average climate of the Earth. The newspapers, almost on a regular basis, publish articles on bizarre incidents that are associated with global warming, such as: the intensity of hurricanes Sandy and Katrina and severe droughts.

     The core cause of global warming is claimed to be increased carbon emission through fossil fuel combustion and energy utilization. Carbon dioxide is the primary GHG that contributes to global warming and has grave environmental impacts. According to scientists, humans are responsible for global warming as carbon is emitted via factories, cars and desertification which initiate irrevocable damage to the environment.

     In conclusion, it can be said that after having observed the severe impacts of human activities around the globe, which were not present in the last century, climate change is indeed taking place. Global warming is happening all over the world and the root cause of this is emission of carbon dioxide.

IHL Presentation

International humanitarian law presentation from RK92

International Humanitarian Law

What is it?

     International Humanitarian Law - IHL, also applied as the ‘law of war’ or ‘law of armed conflict’, is a combination of conventions that restrain the adverse aftereffects of armed conflict. It provides protection to those people who dissociate from enmities, including the ailing, injured, hostages and civilians. Moreover, it standardizes the channels and schemes of struggle.

     The decree consists of the Geneva and Hague Conventions. It is an integral ingredient of the international law – which is an array of rules that administrate relations among states. The International Law composes of agreements – conventions and treaties – among states.

 IHL associates with armed conflicts. It does not restrict a country from making exercise of force. The aspect of using force is regulated by the charter of United Nations. (Cross)

Inauguration

     IHL was initiated across the globe in the 19^th Century – when states obliged to rules of conduct in warfare. The Geneva Convention of 1864 established the foundations for IHL. The rules of the convention generated a sense of balance between philanthropic apprehensions and military requirements of the state. Owing to an increase in populations around the globe, countries have made significant contributions to the improvement of those rules. (Law?, 2004)

The four Geneva Conventions of 1949 are the following:

1)   Convention 1: This convention was established as an Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded in Armies in the Field. It looks after the victims of armed conflict.

2)   Convention 2: This convention was set up as Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded, Sick and Shipwrecked Members of Armed Forces at Sea.

3)   Convention 3: This convention was set up as Treatment of Prisoners of War. It resorts to looking after prisoners of war.

4)   Convention 4: This convention was named Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War and it sought to safeguard civilians during war. 

The rules of IHL were further amended by the Additional Protocols of 1977, which protect victims of armed conflict and are as follows:

1)   Protocol 1:This seeks to protect victims of international armed disputes.

2)   Protocol 2: This aims to protect victims of non-international armed conflicts.

3)   Protocol 3: Adopted in 2005, this is Adoption of an Additional Distinctive Emblem.

Other than the aforementioned treaties, the IHL is also based upon the following agreements.

·         Convention for Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict and its 2 protocols – 1954.

·         Biological Weapons Convention – 1972.

·         Conventional Weapons and its 5 protocols – 1980.

·         Chemical Weapons Convention – 1993.

·         Ottawa Convention on anti-personnel mines - 1997.

·         Optional Protocol to Convention on Rights of the Child and involvement of children in armed conflict – 2000.

(Cross, General problems in implementing the Fourth Geneva Convention)

Application

     IHL is relevant to armed conflict. It disregards internal criminal and violent activities. It is applicable only when a conflict has commenced. Moreover, it differentiates between international and non-international armed conflict. International armed conflicts involve 2 states that have to comply with the rules embarked upon in the 4 Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocol 1. On the other hand, non-international armed conflicts are confined to the borders of one nation. They could consist of armed forces or groups fighting each other. The rules that apply to internal forces are ordained in Article 3 of 4 Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocol 2.

(Cross, GENEVA CONVENTIONS, 2010) (International Committee of the Red Cross, 1977)

Coverage

     It encompasses 2 areas. Firstly, it protects those who are detached from conflicts. Secondly, it regulates the means and methods of warfare – including certain weapons and military strategies.

Protection according to IHL

     IHL has laid down certain conditions on terms of protection for civilians. These are as follows:

·         IHL protects those who do not participate in hostile activities. These include civilians, medical practitioners and military personnel.

·         It offers protection for those who have stopped getting involved in conflicts, such as: the injured, captives, sick, stranded and combatants.

·         People who fall into the above-mentioned categories are “entitled to respect for their lives and for their physical and mental integrity.” – ICRC. They are to be sheltered and provided with humane treatment regardless of circumstances.

·         IHL prohibits injuring or murdering an adversary who cannot fight or surrender; the sick and wounded are to be cared for by their ruling authority. Protection and security must be provided to hospitals, ambulances and medical personnel.

·         A regulation was laid down on the condition for detention of war hostages and treatment of civilians under the control of enemies. The terms of these conditions included food, shelter, healthcare and permission for communication with families.

·         There are particular symbols that can be used to identify protected people, such as: Red Cross, Red Crescent and others that symbolize properties and civil defense facilities.

(Cross, International Humanitarian Law - Treaties & Documents)

Prohibitions on weapons and strategies

     IHL restricts all means and methods of warfare that are: firstly, unable to distinguish between those participating in combats and those who do not, such as civilians. The purpose of this is to safeguard citizens and their properties. Secondly, it prohibits tactics that result in injuries or torment. Thirdly, it restricts those tactics which are detrimental to the environment in the long-term.

Defiance and compliance

     Through the course of history, many forces have operated against the IHL and a large number of civilians have become victims of war. On the contrary, IHL has also brought about a positive impact in safeguarding captives, civilians, sick and wounded. It has also succeeded in limiting the usage of atrocious weapons. (Cross, RESOURCE CENTRE, 1998)

Implementation

     IHL should be given the respect that it deserves because it, undeniably, serves and promotes humanity. Nations are responsible for raising awareness concerning IHL’s rules to armed forces and general public. If any individual is found to be violating the IHL, he should be punished. Laws should be enacted to punish those who violate the law – anyone defying the law is committing a war crime. States must pass laws in order to preserve the Red Cross and Red Crescent.

     Measures have been undertaken on a global level to punish violators of IHL. For instance, tribunals were generated to punish conflicts that took place in Yugoslavia and Rwanda. Furthermore, Rome Salute set up and international court in 1998 to curb ‘inter alia’ war crimes.

(Cross, GENEVA CONVENTIONS, 2010)

Conclusion

     In conclusion, every individual has a duty to perform in order to contribute positively to the IHL. That is how a positive change can be brought about in societies and the world can become a harmonious and peaceful place to live in.

Reasons to maintain a nutritious diet

    

1)     Reduced risks of health illnesses – cancer, obesity, diabetes, constipation etc.

2)    You remain active

3)    You feel hydrated and energized

4)    Beauty comes from within. Appearance reflects inner health.

5)    Skin problems – acne, oily skin etc. – decrease

6)    You naturally look good when healthy

7)    Good food combats anxiety, depression and stress.

8)    You stay alert

9)    Brain power improves dramatically                           

10)  Becomes easier to focus on regular tasks

11)   You feel happy

12)  Your self-esteem increases. You feel confident.

13)  Boosts immunity system.

14)  You age gracefully – less wrinkles and so on.

15)  Larger life span.

16)  Able to enjoy everyday activities.

17)  Attendance increases.

18)  Better relaxation

     19)  Low blood pressure [BP], cholesterol levels and all the rest.

     20) You’re worthy of being comfortable in your own skin. Maintain a balanced appetite. Consume everything in moderation. Excess of anything is bad.  Remember: YOU ARE what you EAT!

List of reasons to exercise: why I perform yoga

    1)     You remain healthy, active and fit.

    2)    It keeps the heart and body in good shape

    3)    It reduces stress

    4)    It improves memory

    5)    It increases concentration on everyday chores. Keeps you alert.

    6)    It significantly reduces risks of illnesses

    7)    It assists in weight loss.

    8)    It speeds up metabolism.

9)    Makes you feel good about yourself.

10)  Improves appearance and tones body.                              

11)   You sleep well and deep.

12)  It strengthens your bones.

13)  It makes you feel energized.

    14)  Boosts immunity system.

    15)  Slows down aging process.

    16)  You regret missing a session.

    17)  It uplifts your mood.

    18)  You are definitely worth it.