Laws, Ordinances, and regulations...boring

Reading King Moctezuma I, Laws, Ordinances, and Regulations  is no surprise of how social class was treated or regulated during the 15th century. In regards to tradition, hierarchy of society and order at the time was imperative during that time. There rules/regulations is no different from the beginning of time (when they could read and write) and the sense of gaining power is to create laws that in my mind don't make sense... for example, Kings are to only be present/seen in public when "the occasion is extremely important and unavoidable"--meaning, what? When their war or disagreements, or when they are looking for a bride etc. There isn't any specific reason of when and where a king should be present. Also their attire is also written, I don't see our constitution have anything to say what our President should wear. Overall, the 15th century is somewhat boring to me because it's just another time in history that is similar to the beginning.

The Mongols

The Mongol Empire, the second largest empire in history. Temujin (aka Genghis Khan) who came from a small tribe and vowed in his youth to bring the world to his feet. He almost did--he united many nomad tribes, destroyed cities to gain more land, and resources, he killed men, women and children, with no remorse, he exploited skills of highly developed tribes in warfare, and most importantly they were clever enough to adopt policies that would "spare technicians, musicians, singers, dancers, artisans, engineers" etc.... all to enrich their lives/culture and able to maintain some sense control and power.

In my opinion the Mongols were brilliant and yet ruthless. I mean how they were able to conquer a world that didn't know its potential, the ability to trade magnificent treasures with other tribes, communites etc. was safe and I think the most significant part of the Mongol Empire was their ability to be open to new ideas. For example, religion. There was no set rules to what belief everyone is should have but the be open. 

Overall, the Mongols is an Empire that should be recognized for their effort to become a super power. 

Documents Islam

1.) Students can think about how they would feel if they were to follow the Quran. 
As a Christian and applying my feeling to the Quran would be somewhat similar to my feeling to the Bible. I can't say that I don't like the Quran because I don't know much about the teaching of Muhammad but I do know that it teaches or talks about peace, love and compassion. Which in some way the Bible says the same thing. With gender role between the two texts, I think it's similar to where there is a hierarchy--men above women. I think the Quran is as important text to Islam as it is the Bible is important for the Christians.

2.) Students can think about what jihad means to them. 
The word "Jihad" is a term that have been miscommunicated between the Islam and the West. The misconception of a Jihad is viewed most by westerners as terrorists but the actual meaning is "exerted effort or struggle." The struggle can include suppression of the lower self in order to gain higher consciousness with God which leads to a pure soul. Unfortunately, this concept isn't communicated to the west due to the lack of knowledge and in my opinion, the fear of getting to know a new group of people/religion. The word Jihad is construed due to media influence and not understanding the word is why their is bad rep. on certain population in US.

3.) Students can think about what impression they get of Islam and Muhammed and how do these impressions compare to feelings they get when they see religious paintings of Jesus or Buddha.
My impression of Islam and Muhammed is similar to how I feel about Christianity. Neutral. 

What is important? (Chapter 6)

How do historians choose what is important or irrelevant. Strayer presents five ways that some historians use for criterions to evaluate the past:

1. Duration: The longest period in history should be the main focus.

2. Change: Then change that has happened to humans either directly or indirectly.

3. Population: the amount of humans occupying a certain region 

4. Influence: Religion and philosophies that have become important to us

5. Location: the location of historian and his or her audience.

I always wondered how authors/historians choose to insert certain facts, stories, etc in my textbook and now I know. I wouldn't say-- I understand them totally but I understand that their is a lot of facts, research in history and they are here to tell/share. 

Changes (Chapter 4)

Christianity. A religion that has spread across the globe with many followers to the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth and still to this day it's getting bigger. I like that the authors addressed the difficulty of addressing the topic and made a point that I think is important is how "religion present themselves as timeless, partaking of eternity or at least ancient practice (195)." I do think that religion changes within time. For example from personal experience with my denomination. I attend a very traditional Tongan (Church of Tonga Houeiki, 1920) church and after couple years; members of the church branched out to form another church where the rules, and roles aren't so strict.

Empires (Chap 3)

The fall of the Roman Empire and the Hun dynasty has me questioning our country (U.S.A) is ability to stay power in a world that resources, money and influence is becoming less affective-- in terms of U.S.A power. 

We have military power but how long would that last? Will our power decline and become like Europe-- a country who is still have some soft power because of their rich history, culture etc. and no real power. If history does repeat itself...then I think we as a nation might diffuse to smaller nations. For example, Texas earlier this year petitioned to secede from the U.S. and wanted to create their own government. Instead, United States said no. 

That is just an example how we as humans do change in response to power, wealth and what we may see is necessary for our rights. This chapter of Empires made me think about our "empire."

Writing (Chapter 2)

The idea that I'm capable of writing and expressing how I think or feel in words is in some way elevating. The invention of writing and the importance of it is amazing to me. It has become one of our (American history) most important way in society to share, express, critique each other. This form of communication is important. If I didn't know how to write--how would I even express myself in this blog.