Ali Tobin Current Event

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/06/world/americas/writer-of-times-op-ed-on-racism-in-cuba-loses-job.html?_r=0
In this article, a Cuban writer published an opinion about the racism that still exists today in Cuban society and discriminatory acts that occur against Afro-Cubans. In his article, there included acts of racism such as African Cubans not being able to purchase cell phones, stay in hotels, or sell houses and cars just for some examples. When this article was translated to English for the Times, the title was stated as "For Blacks in Cuba, the Revolution hasn't Began" and the author, Roberto Zurbano claims the article title was changed when he wanted the title to say "For Blacks in Cuba, the Revolutions Hasn't Ended". He claims this totally alters and gave a negative gist to his article that transformed his entire theme. It is also said that he was fired because of this translation since the system in Cuba is different. Cubans do not have the freedom of press like Americans do, so when the threat or disagreement with the way the Cuban government is expressed through a influential force like the press, it is not acceptable. The American translators and editors for the Times stand by their translation and say it is accurate.

After the translation confusion that occurred with Zurbano's article, do you think that the translated version that appeared in the New York Times was so different and problematic that he should've gotten fired, knowing that Cuba doesn't have the same freedom laws of the US? Explain

Ryan Seymour Current event

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2013/04/21/americans-who-distrust-muslims-are-likelier-to-back-the-war-on-terror/

A recent study was held to see how Americans feel about different racial groups. The groups were Muslims, Muslim-Americans, blacks, whites, Hispanic Americans, and Asian Americans. They were given a survey and people filled it out on a scale of 1-7, 3.5 being neutral. The four categories assessed were the following: Peaceful-Violent, Trustworthy-Untrustworthy, Hardworking-Lazy, and Intelligent-Unintelligent. After collecting data, it was discovered that Americans view Muslims to be the most violent group of people, as well as being hardworking, intelligent, and untrustworthy. It was also found that Americans do not distinguish between those who are Muslim and Muslim-American. This is largely due to the stories we hear from the media, that gives us only bad stories about Muslims. The media has created a stereotype of Muslims, that being that they are all violent.
The recent Boston Marathon Bombings are an event that only reinforces Americans stereotype that Muslims are violent, because at least one of the bombers practiced Islam. Following the bombing, game show host Chuck Woolery tweeted, "One thing for sure. Muslims can't seem to live in peace with anyone. Even each other. FACT." This tweet shows the growing stereotype, and some people are even saying that these stereotypes are affecting our policies targeted at terrorism.

Why do you think that Americans do not distinguish between Muslims and Muslim-Americans? How much of an impact does the media have on this stereotype? To what extent do you think this stereotype is affecting our foreign policy regarding terrorism?

David Sacco Current Event Post

Link to my article:http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/soccer-players-in-europe-face-10-game-bans-for-racism-uefa-says/2013/04/10/d85ac6ca-a1e2-11e2-bd52-614156372695_story.html

Racism has been a big issue in the European soccer league. Fans, players, and officials have all been accused of racist activity during games. To try and put a stop to this behavior, General Secretary of the UEFA Gianni Infantino has proposed a 10-match ban for any players or officials convicted of racist behavior. Also, for a first offence of racist abuse by fans, there will be a partial closure of stadium. For a second offence, total closure and a $65,000 fine. These new sanctions are being proposed due to the fact that old methods of punishment for racist abuse have not been working. Before these sanctions, players or officials would usually be fined for racist abuse. However this type of punishment was not working as the racist activity continued throughout the league.

Do you think that there should be more done to help prevent future racist incidents? If so, explain what type of sanctions or punishments there should be for this behavior. If not, explain how you think that the sanctions proposed (10-match ban, abuse by fans resulting in closure of stadium) will help to prevent future racist incidents.

Ford Polia Term 4 Current Event

Link to Article

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/04/arts/design/hopi-tribe-wants-to-stop-paris-auction-of-artifacts.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&ref=indiansamerican

The Hopi Native American tribe, from northeast Arizona, made several religious items that represent their spirits that were taken over time. These items were used in various Hopi rituals including coming-of-age ceremonies and harvest rituals. Many of these items were left unattended in shrines or altars and were stolen by exploring settlers. Some were confiscated by missionaries who were trying to convert the Native Americans to Christianity. Some Hopi Native Americans were forced to sell these items.

Now, these religious artifacts are being sold at an auction in Paris. There are 70 of these items that are sacred to the Hopi being sold at this auction. The Hopi's say that these items should be returned to them because of their religious significance. The objects will likely sell for between $10,000 and $35,000 each. The Hopi say that these items should not be sold for commercial value. However, there is no way for them to claim them without actually buying them.

There is no legal procedure for the Hopi Native Americans to clam these items that were stolen from them over 100 years ago. The United States has laws and treaties which allow other countries to request that cultural artifacts being sold in the United States be returned to them. However, the United States does not have any way to request that artifacts being sold in other countries be returned to the United States because there are no treaties in the reverse direction.

The director of the auction house says that these items being sold means that people are interested in learning about Hopi culture and civilization. The Hopi tribe believes that selling these items for profit is offensive to their religion. The fact that people are paying thousands of dollars for these items shows that it has a great significance to the world and not just the Hopi Native Americans.

Do you believe the United States should have laws and treaties that prevent the sale of Native American cultural artifacts, stolen or not? Why or why not?

Nicole Mooar Current Event

Currently Native Americans and Mr. Czywczynski, owner of Wounded Knee, are debating on whether or not he should sell the land to the Obgala Sioux tribe or sell it for money. Wounded Knee is very historical land from the battle that took place there in 1890. The battle killed between 150-300 non-Indians and Indians. Mr.Czywczynski, a non-Indian, bought the land in 1968 and is now trying to sell the rest of the 40-acre land for 3.9 billion dollars but the Sioux tribe does not have enough money to buy it from him. The Sioux tribe believes that they should not have to buy land that was once theirs and it should stay as a sacred land. The Sioux tribe is in at least 6 million dollars in debt. The Sioux tribe did raise 9 million dollars, by funding, to buy 1,942 acres. The Sioux tribes cannot decide if they want to keep the land and if they will have enough money to buy it.  Also, the Sioux tribes does not want someone else to buy the land because they do want buildings to profit on the land of their ancestors. But Mr.Czywczynski wants to sell the land because the Sioux has taken 3 decades to decide whether they want to keep it or not.  Mr.Czywczynski is giving them till May 1st to make a decision on the land. 

Do you think that Mr.Czywczynski has the right to sell the land even though it was originally the Sioux land or should he give it to the Sioux Tribe? If he should sell the land, do you think the Sioux tribe and Mr.Czywczynski should make a compromise?

Hannah Meyer Current Event Term 2

Link to Article

Rape on reservations has been an increasing issue with Native Americans. Rape was being questioned whether it was "legitimate" depending on if it was by a non-Native American. One in three Native women are raped over their lifetime and some don't report their rape. If a woman on a reservation is raped or assaulted by a non-Native husband, tribal courts don't have the right to prosecute him. Non-Native predators are more attracted to these areas because they know tribal courts cannot do anything. Congress rules that tribal courts can not charge non-Native rapists. A Senate bill wants to change that but officials think it is unfair for a non-Native because he isn't part of the tribal courts' responsibility. Now, if non-Natives were part of a trial, Senate gives them the right to effective counsel and trial by an impartial jury. The Violence Against Women Act is more effective since 2005 because orders of protection were added.

Do you think that if tribal courts had the right to charge non-Native American predators that it will decrease the sexual assault rate? Do you think that since the tribal courts can't prosecute a white man that this is discrimination over their power compared to our governments? Why?