Forum #9: African Culture - Mr. E's Forum: 2006-2007

Date: Mar 15, 2007

Forum #9: African Culture

Date: Mar 16, 2007

Nigeria
Culture
-Second Largest circulation of newspapers in Africa.
-Nigeria is considered "the heart of African Music" because it played a big role in developing palm-wine music and West-African highlife.
-Two main religions in Nigeria are Christianity and Islam.
-Films made in Nigeria often have something to do with a moral dilemma that is in Africa today. People-President - Olusegun Obasanjo-Vice President – Atiku Abubakar-The largest ethnic groups in Nigeria are Yoruba, Fulani, Hausa, and Igbo. History-During the oil boom in the 70s Nigeria got some profit from the Niger Delta.-There were two periods of time where Nigeria was under a dictatorship.-Nigeria declared itself a federal republic in 1963 and their first president was Nnamdi Azikiwe. Uganda Culture-Theatre Limited was a group formed that studied and performed traditional Ugandan music.-The Langi tribe from Uganda plays the okeme which is a thumb piano and some form of rapping is also sung when the okeme is being played.-Rajat Neogy was from Uganda and he is the founder of Transition Magazine.-Okot p’Bitek was from Uganda and he is famous for his poem Song of Lawino which was a poem about how hard being a rural African whose husband wants the country to be westernized. People-President – Yoweri Museveni-Prime Minister – Apollo Nsibambi-Most of the people who live in Uganda are Asians who came from India. History-Bantu speaking peoples entered the country between 2000 and 1500 years ago and brought with them ironworking skills and social and political organization.-Nilotic people entered the country from the north around AD 120 and they were skilled farmers and cattle herders.-Uganda became an independent nation in 1962 and their king at the time was Edward Muteesa II.

Date: Mar 16, 2007

MADAGASCAR-
~4 Aspects of Culture~
1. Salegy is a popular music form
2. Culture is both of Africa and Asia
3. Their ancestors are looked at like gods
4. Unmarried people are looked at as abnormal because it's very important for woman and men to leave descendants.

~2 Aspects of People~
1. Philibert Tsiranana-Madagascar's first president
2. Didier Ratsiraka, a former president who changed the constitution.

~3 Aspects of History~
1. After 1960 Madagascar had a french inspired divison system.
2. From 1975-1991 Madagascar was divided into 5 levels of government.
3. Madagascar became a french community with full independence in 1960.

SUDAN-
~4 Aspects of Culture~
1. Clothing-mostly arabic garb, colorful, women must cover their heads, men wear ankle long white gowns.
2. Henna paintings
3.The musical harvest festival Kambala is a major part of their culture

~3 Leaders~
1. Hasania-members of the muslim tribe of Arabic origins.
2. Ababda-Nomad tribe
3. Azande-a tribe of north/central Africa

~3 Apects of History~
1. Three ancient kings of the Ku****e kingdoms exsist in Northern Sudan
2. During the 1500's the people called Funji conquered much of Sudan
3. From 1924 to 1956 the British had a policy of running Sudan as 2 seperate policies, from north to south.

Date: Mar 16, 2007

Culture
- Chad is a very culturally diverse nation.
- There are a large number of languages spoken in Chad.
- The two official languages in Chad are Arabic and French.
- There are also more than one hundred tribal languages spoken and a dialect of -Arabic known as Chadian
Arabic is the closest thing the country has to a national trade language.
History
- Chad officially the Republic of Chad, is a landlocked country in central Africa.
- The area that is Chad today was once inhabited by politically disconnected groups and tribes.
- In 1900, after the battle of Kousséri, Chad became a part of France's colonial system this was colonial
possessions in various forms.
- After WWII a process of decolonization began, in which the southern-dominated Chadian Progressive Party
prevailed.
- decolonization refers to the achievement of independence following WWI
- the Chadian Progressive Party was the first African political party created in Chad. It was active from 1947 to
1973
People
- Few Chadians other than the educated/traveled elite speak literary Arabic.

- Each society in Chad (smaller than the groups described above) has developed their own religion, music, and
folklore.

- The largest ethnic group in Chad, the Christian/animist Sara peoples living in the south, only makes up 20% of
the population.

- Chad comprises two distinct, and often hostile, population groupings. In the south, where the bulk of the
population is concentrated, live sedentary agricultural peoples, including the Sara, Massa, Ngambaye, and
Moundang; most are Christians, but some follow traditional religions. In the north are seminomadic and nomadic
Muslim peoples, including Arabs, Tuareg, Hadjerai, Fulbe, and Toubou. French and Arabic are the official
languages, but more than 100 languages and dialects are spoken throughout the country.

Date: Mar 16, 2007

#4 Ghosts of Rwanda

The Rwanda Genocide, which took place in 1994 was a war between the Tutsi and Hutu's that claimed the lives of approximately 800,000 and 1,000,000 victims. The militia was 30,000-one militia for every ten families. Some militias were able to carry AK-47's, grenades, and machetes.

Genocide-the elimination of a race. There's no doubt that every country in the world has their own problems. To try to solve everyone's problems isn't only impossible but it's not the right thing to do. However, there comes a point when other countries need to step in. An example of one of those times is the Rwanda Genocide or The Holocaust. Thousands of people were being executed for who they are; their race, their religion, or their culture. How can other countries just sit back and know what's going on-but not really do anything about it?

One of the lingering questions is whether or not this could happen again. I think it could, because as long as there are people in the world who are prejudice to that extent it’s possible. The Rwanda Genocide happened 13 years ago, but what reasons do we have to say another genocide couldn't take place somewhere in the world?

Date: Mar 16, 2007

3. African PBS
Source: http://www.pbs.org/wnet/africa/
Background: Learning about Africa itself could take a lifetime. Some people do just that: study Africa. Many are cultural anthropologists (people who study culture for a living). Journeys into Africa tell them much about the world that we came from as well as it does about the one we are living in now. Africa presents a collection of societies as old as humanity, brimming with potential and depth. Whether it is music, art, dance, religion or literature, the people of Africa have much to share with the world.
Assignment: Imagine yourself as a cultural anthropologist. You have just graduated with your masters degree from a prestigious university and have been hired by a Chicago Museum of Culture to spend two years in Africa, studying the culture of the people there. Using the ‘Explore the Regions’ and ‘Photoscope’ sections of the website, collect five case studies of African people and culture. Each case study should be a paragraph long and explain what you learned (or saw, by including pictures) about the people of Africa and their culture.
_________________________________________________________________

The Ethiopian Highlands: The Ethiopian Highlands are surrounded by 80% of the world’s tallest mountains, which kept the Ethiopian people from any foreign conquest. Ethiopia is the only African country never to have been colonized and is the second country to adopt Christianity as their official religion. According to legend, angels helped carve a series of 13 churches out of rock in Lalibela, which is now one of Christianity’s most important sites. Ethiopia also has one of the highest famine rates in the world. After over 7,000 years of agriculture, Ethiopia is running dry. The Rainforest: The rainforests in Africa are home to most of the world’s population of plant/animal wildlife. Due to the building of roads, deforestation, and slash-and-burn farming, the rainforests are slowly deteriorating. (About 90% of West Africa’s rainforests) Soon, we will see the extinction of the world’s rainforests; including the Amazon and Congo Basin. It has come to the point that the governments of these rainforest countries are torn between saving the dying forests and the wildlife, or increasing the need for money and jobs due to growing populations. In 1999, the six countries of the Congo Basin pledged to try and keep the rainforests out of danger by setting up a watchdog-like system. The people of the rainforest countries are from a hunter-and-gatherer type of life. These people are known as “pigmies”. There are between 200,000-250,000 different tribes in these areas in the Congo Basin. Each has their own name, language, religion, and customs. However, each on of these tribes is under the dangers of deforestation. The Swahili Coast: For centuries Arabs, Portuguese, Indians, and more came to the Swahili Coast in search of slaves, ivory, spices, and riches such as gold. All of these explorers left their impression in the culture of the coastal region. Some of these influences include architecture, cuisine, music and language. The people of the Swahili Coast trace themselves back to Arab or Indian countries. Most Swahilis are Muslim and practice Sunni Islam. Their customs are very much gender based. Marriages are all arranged, and men even have up to four or five wives. As well as Muslim, they practice some parts of African culture. They believe in spirits, called jinni. Jinni can be very good or very mischievous, depending on the circumstances. The Swahili language, Kiswahili, is a blend of Arabic and Hindu languages, as well as Bantu; one of the most widespread languages in Africa. The Sahara:
The Sahara is the world’s largest desert and covers about 25% of Africa (about 3.3 million square miles). Being the world’s first gateway into Africa, the Sahara is known for its Camel Caravans. These caravans were run by Tuaregs and Arabs, and were looking for gold, ivory, grains, salt, and slaves. For over 500,000 years the Sahara desert has attracted people from North Africa. The early people of the Sahara came when it was gleaming with wildlife and a lush environment. Today, there are only 2.5 people per square mile in the Sahara. The Tuareg people of the Sahara slowly adopted the Islamic religion, but they still kept their own supernatural beliefs strong. The Savanna:
The Savanna is most known for its wildlife. Its most famous land is the Serengeti, it is the only place where vast, annual migrations of wildlife still occur. The first people in the Savanna originally came for food. Today, they are still hunter-gatherers and are in the form of the Dorobo tribes of the Serengeti. They survive by hunting for small animals and collecting honey and wild fruits and vegetables.

Date: Mar 16, 2007

The first blog was based in Botswana. Angela and Bryan the reporters were first in Gaborone where they thought it best to leave out the details because it was uncomfortable and long. The highlight of there trip was a bus ride to the Johnasseburg airport along the tarmac to the tiny 48-seat, Canadian-made dash propeller driven plane. After the long journey, they were met by Chillie, an employee for the WUSC. They were both surprised by the quality of the roads and the cleanliness of everything. For the next couple of days was full of multiple instructions and went by as a blur.

Angela began working near the end of the road and it was the most unique work environment either of them had ever seen. Godisa is one enterprise within the larger group of Camphill trust, which is like it’s contained community within the village.

Date: Mar 17, 2007

Senegal
~4 Aspects of Culture~
1. The official language of Senegal is French.
2. Senegalese music is distinct from ancient Mande music.
3. Immigrants have brought Senegalese restaurants to many world cities, where its popularity has been growing.
4. They are often served with fresh fruit and are traditionally followed by coffee or tea because that are mostly what the french was known for is there tea.

~2 Aspects of People~
1. The current president is Abdoulaye Wade, re-elected in March, 2007.
2. Abdou Diouf was president between 1981 and 2000.

~3 Aspects of History~
1. Senegal has had a varied cultural history of kingdoms, brotherhoods and colonial struggles.
2.In January 1959, Senegal and the French Sudan merged to form the Mali Federation, which became fully independent on June 20, 1960.
3. Senegal joined with The Gambia to form the nominal confederation of Senegambia on February 1, 1982.

Malawi
~4 Aspects of Culture~
1. The Malawi was known for there national football team, nicknamed The Flames.
2. Malawi is known for there music because they traveled a lot so it spreed across Africa.
3.The Malawi language is the english language so it is the same as ares.

~3 Leaders~
1. Bakili Muluzi, leader of the UDF, was elected President
2. king Zwangendaba.
3. Luba Empire

~3 Apects of History~
1. On April 15, 1961, the MCP won the elections for a new Legislative Council.
2. Malawi saw its first transition between the democratically elected presidents in May 2004.
3. In 1883, a consul of the British Government was accredited to theKings and Chiefs of Central Africa it was known as a big thing.

Date: Mar 17, 2007

Heather Roy wrote:

#4 Ghosts of Rwanda

The Rwanda Genocide, which took place in 1994 was a war between the Tutsi and Hutu's that claimed the lives of approximately 800,000 and 1,000,000 victims. The militia was 30,000-one militia for every ten families. Some militias were able to carry AK-47's, grenades, and machetes.

Genocide-the elimination of a race. There's no doubt that every country in the world has their own problems. To try to solve everyone's problems isn't only impossible but it's not the right thing to do. However, there comes a point when other countries need to step in. An example of one of those times is the Rwanda Genocide or The Holocaust. Thousands of people were being executed for who they are; their race, their religion, or their culture. How can other countries just sit back and know what's going on-but not really do anything about it?

One of the lingering questions is whether or not this could happen again. I think it could, because as long as there are people in the world who are prejudice to that extent it’s possible. The Rwanda Genocide happened 13 years ago, but what reasons do we have to say another genocide couldn't take place somewhere in the world?

What would you have done to stop what they did do you really thinbk its going to happen again?

Date: Mar 19, 2007

Algeria

Culture-
1) The official language of Algeria is Arabic, but 20% of the population speak Tamazight which has been recognized as the national language, and Frech is a popular foreign language in the country.
2) The main religion is Islam and influences much of the culture.
3) Modern literature is written in both Arabic and French and it is influenced by the country's recent history.
4) The popular music abroad is known as rai, but in Algeria itself older chaabi music is more popular.

History-
1) In 1517 Algeria was brought into the Ottoman Empire by Khair ad-Din and his brother Aruj, who set the modern boundaries in the north.
2) It was invaded by the French in 1830, because of the French conquest 1/3 of the population was lost. The conquest, however, was slowed down by the resistence of Muslims and in 1962 Algeria gained its independence.
3) In 1976 the constitution of Algeria gave control of the media to the government and outlawed all political parties other than FLN.

People-
1) Although Arabic is the official language, most Algerians are Berber in origin, not Arab. This leads to much racial conflict in Algeria.
2) Rachid Mimouni, a popular novelist in the 1980s later became the vice president of Amnesty International
3) There was once a large European population, but it is now less than 1%, there are also Roman Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish groups in Algeria.

Burkina Faso

Culture-
1) In order to produce sacrifices to the gods and animal spirits around villages, masks are used.
2) Theater is very popular, the country hosts a Pan-African film festival in its capital every year.
3) The population is largely Muslim (50%), but it also has many Christians (30%), and there are some who practice traditional African religions (20%), such as Animism, some also practice a mixture of Animism and Christianity.
4) French is the official language of Burkina Faso

History-
1) It was taken over by France in 1896, the eastern and western regions, however, were taken over in 1897 due to a stand off.
2) The people of Burkina Faso were drafted to fight on the European fronts during World War 1.
3) In December of 1958 the country gained self government and became a republic and a member of the Franco-African community, it did not gain full independence until 1960.

People-
1) In Burkina Faso boys get preference schooling and girls do not receive good education and girls have very low literacy rates.
2) It is the most illiterate country in the world, only 12.8% of the whole country is literate.
3) It has one of the highest risks of AIDS in the world, the average person lives to be under 50 years old and the median age for the country is 17 years old.

Date: Mar 19, 2007

Four Aspects of Tunisian Culture:

1. Religion The national religion is also the faith that represents ninety-nine percent of the 10,029,000 population. Islam dominates Tunisia’s religious demographic, and is intertwined closely with every other aspect of Tunisian culture. To younger generations, Islam preaches tolerance, acceptance, and peace. Tunisia takes pride in its religious tolerance, and even though the number of non-Muslims in the country has diminished to less than 50,000 in little over the past half-century, this stance has mainly remained true.

2. Sports and RecreationPresently, Tunisia is one of the latest countries to be hit with “football” fever, and by football I mean soccer. To add to their list of successes, Tunisia is the current Champion of Africa, a competition similar to the Champion’s League of Europe. It’s been said, the world’s most beautiful game has found a home in Tunisia, and believe it or not, the sport has played an important role in the demand for satellite television. Handball, golf, rugby, and wild boar hunting are still significant traditions within Tunisia. Contrary to the misconceptions of other Arab nations, women are encouraged to participate in sports, and participation usually begins early in childhood.

3. Music Among the oldest and most popular music in Tunisia is the Nouba. Similarly, the Chghoul and the Bachraf are also classic forms of Tunisian song. These genres all are characterized by their rhythmic variety and diverse modes. The best known artists of these types are Khemais Tarnane, Raoul Journou, Saliha, Saleh Mehdi, Ali Riahi and Hedi Jouini.

4. EducationPreviously only available to the privileged, education in Tunisia is now mandatory for both males and females. Language is emphasized in Tunisian culture immensely. In childhood, Tunisian youth are taught both classical and Tunisian Arabic. Later in development, French, the language of commerce, and English are introduced. Of the entire population, it is estimated that only 74.3% are literate. In females specifically, that number drops to 65.3%. This is a problem the government is keen on solving.

Three Aspects of Tunisian People:

1. Women:Gender equality is hardly an issue in Tunisia, an Arab nation who as early as 1956 passed a Code of Personal Status based on equality of rights. The series of provisions that accompanied the code included among others; the abolishment of polygamy, setting the minimum age for marriage at 17 for girls, and providing that they must consent to the marriage, and equal right divorce. From then on the fight for total gender equality has never slowed or dwindled. In 2006 99.9% of six year old Tunisian girls are enrolled in school, and female students make up 58.1% of students in higher education if Tunisia. Women also constitute: 27% of judges, 31% of lawyers, 42% of the medical profession, 72% of pharmacists, 34% of journalists. The line dividing rights of the two demographics is ceasing to exist, and in my opinion, other Arab nations should follow suit.

2. First RepublicHabib Bourguiba was the first President of the republic of Tunisia, and during the ‘50s, a staunch supporter of the Independence of Tunisia. After the second Great War, Bourguiba began his fight for Tunisan Independence. In July 1957, Bourguiba succeeded in his goal; Tunisia was finally a republic, abolishing the monarchy consequently.

3. Artists:Two of Tunisia’s most significant artistic figures are Albert Memmi and Mahmoud Messadi. The authors, who wrote in French and Arabic respectively, have helped influence Tunisian literature with works such as the Stopping, and the Statue of Salt.Three Aspects of Tunisian History:

1. Arabic Influence:Like most of northern Africa, Tunisia was conquered by the Arabs in the 7th century. The Muslim occupation is still eminent centuries later, when Muslims make up 98% of the population.

2. French Presence:Officially, on 1880, Tunisia became a French colony, or protectorate. Under French influence, Tunisia became a sight of major operations between the Allied Powers in World War II, and the scene of a battle that would help forge an alliance.

3. Independence:Despite the benefits the country enjoyed under French rule, the citizens of Tunisia strived for independence. After years of struggling for independence France granted Tunisia self-government in 1955, and finally, full independence in March of 1956. Sources: http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-46606/Tunisia, http://www.tunisia.com/Tunisia/Culture/Tunisia-Religion, http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-257570/Tunisia, http://www.tunisia.com/Tunisia/Culture/Tunisia-Sport, http://www.tunisiaonline.com/, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_Tunisia, http://schome.open.ac.uk/wikiworks/index.php/Education_system_in_Tunisia http://www.tunisiaonline.com/women/index.html, http://forum.tunisia.com/tunisian-celebs-famous-tunisians/

Date: Mar 19, 2007

Examples of Culture:

1. Religion: Religion in Benin isn’t dominated by any particular faith. Indigenous beliefs comprise 50% of the population, while Christianity and Islam make up 30 and 20 percent respectively. One of these indigenous beliefs is vodun, or, as Americans know it, voodoo, which was introduced to the Americas as part of the African Slave Trade.

2. Health Concerns: In the 1980s Benin’s society was plagued by health issues. For one, less than 30% of the population had healthcare. Secondly, the nation’s infant mortality rate was approximately 203 deaths for every 1000 live births. In 2006, that rate has dropped to 79.56 deaths/1,000 live births. The welcome change came with the introduction and implementation of the Bamako Initiative. The formal statement’s reform of the established healthcare extended to all areas of the nations healthcare system. Today, Benin’s AIDS population is among the lowest in Africa.

3. Music: Stemming from the post-independence period, Benin’s vibrant musical scene is among the most influential in all of Africa. The music was innovative and capturing, so much so that in the past the government has instituted curfews to inhibit suppress the artistic expression. Despite this, the country’s blend of folk and innovation is still one of the most important on the continent and home to some of the most successful out of Africa also.

4. Languages: Benin’s official language is French. Along with French, several tribal languages, and also Fon and Yoruba, are spoken throughout the African nation.

Aspects of Beninese People:

1. Female Writers: Benin’s rich oral tradition has, for quite a while, been influenced by female writers and critics. Almost every era of Benin’s literary history has been affected by women authors. In the 1960s are notable for the writing’s denunciation of society. The 70s brought about an atmosphere of reform, with a two party system forming among revolutionaries and those against it. The women in Benin’s history have made profound contributions to the Beninese literary field.

2. President: The current president of Benin is Yayi Boni. His April 2006th victory over Adrien Houngbedji has pushed Boni to the forefront of Beninese politics, a democracy praised and acclaimed as a “model democracy in Africa”. A Muslim and University of Paris alumnus, Boni is bent on ridding the country of crime and corruption, and making poverty a thing of the past.

3. A Marxist Leader: Mathieu Kerekou was Benin’s first president and founder of the People’s Republic of Benin. After over a decade of existence, Kerekou abandoned the Marxist government in favor of a republic. His leadership and parliamentary capitalist system has guided Benin through the years. His numerous stints as president ended in 2006, as he chose not to alter the nation’s constitution so that he could remain in office or run again. For this, he garnered much praise, since many African leaders have done so.

Three Aspects of Beninese History:

1. The Kingdom of Benin: A progenitor of the nation of Benin today, is the great African kingdom called Dahomey. The Kingdom, through the African Slave Trade, established good relations with the exploring Europeans.

2. Colonial Benin: Like many other African nations, Benin was colonized by the French in the late 19th century. Power struggles within the kingdom gave way to French control, whom under, Benin became industrialized. Railroads were built as well as school communities, and the Roman Catholic Church was keen on missions within the country.

3. There Will Be Blood…: European observers commentate on the extreme practices of human sacrifice within the Dahomey. Thousands of slaves and prisoners of war at a time would be slaughtered on holidays and special occasions.

Sources: https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/bn.html, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_of_Benin, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benin, http://aflit.arts.uwa.edu.au/CountryBeninEN.html, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4835336.stm, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benin#Culture

Date: Mar 21, 2007

Assignment #2: African Travel Blogs

1) Botswana- In Botswana they have a very high risk of AIDS, but they, however, have very good programs to promote AIDS prevention and to care for those with AIDS. The streets of Botswana have livestock walking around and drivers have to avoid hitting them, so to prevent killing the livestock or themselves. The people in Botswana sometimes travel in dugout canoes called Makoros, which are made from what is called a “sausage tree”. To help them get around, they are poled down the waterways of the Delta by the locals of Botswana. The water of the Delta is very clear and beautiful, traveling on Makoros and being in the water of the Delta is very relaxing. Botswana is very beautiful and has a lot of interesting wildlife, while there you can see zebra, giraffes, and jackels among other exotic animals.

2) Zimbabwe- Many people feel that Zimbabwe is a dangerous choice in traveling because of the financial problems which have occurred there. Their local currency has gotten out of control and their exchange rate is 250 zim to one U.S. dollar, so it is very expensive in some cases. A big attraction to Zimbabwe is the chance to raft on the Zambezi River, which is beautiful but dangerous, many rafts are tipped over. While near the river, elephants and hippos can be seen on the banks. Travelers also have the chance to see lion cubs who live in a lion breeding facility near Zimbabwe. Travelers can join in the “lion walk,” which the money rasied from is used to support the breeding facility, and they can go up close to the lion cubs.

3) Mozambique- Mozambique is a beautiful country, with amazing, clear oceans. Many of the people who live there speak Portuguese as their second language which they learn in the local schools. There you can find beautiful, brightly colored art, such as handmade wallets with intricate, bright designs.For travelers in Mozambique it is popular to buy fish in the markets and bring it to a restuarant where they will prepare it for you at fairly cheap price. However, some of the cities in Mozambique are not very nice, they have poor streets that are filled with trash and some of the beaches there are also not very clea, not all of the beaches are like this though, some have clean white sand, clear water and palm trees.

4) Mali- The culture of Mali is amazing, with locals in incredable masks made of wood and painted in bright colors. The mosques there are also very beautiful, they have great designs and look almost as if they are made completely of sand. The clothing of the locals is one of the most stunning things that I saw in the pictures, they have bright and colorful patterns on lovely fabric. Some areas are very poor and do not look very beautiful compared to the others areas in Mali, but the land and wildlife is amazing. The ancient sights are also very interesting, such as the ancient village of Teli.

5) Ethiopia- The churches in Ethiopia are beautifully designed with great art work, one such church is St. Mary’s Church. Ethiopia not only has churches but there are many mosques because of the high concentration of Muslims in some areas of the country. There are also hyenas and travelers are able to get close to them and feed them. Other than hyenas, Ethiopia has mountain nyala and maribou. Ethiopia is a country with a very interesting culture and people with fascinating traditions.

Date: Mar 25, 2007

#3 PBS AFRICAN

1.) History of Sahara: Sahara has a group of people called the Tuareg. A semi-nomadic group known for their salt caravans and distinctive blue veils are the region's best-known people. They were thought to descend by Berber nomads. They appeared in the 7th Century as the nomadic herders of camels, goats and sheep. Tuareg was considered the most lucrative profession: the trans- Saharan trade caravans. Tuareg raided and ran. The caravans bearded gold, salt, ivory and slaves to the Arab in the north. They were known as fierce warriors and highly skilled camel riders. Sahara has attracted people from throughout North Africa. Early residents came when the Sahara was lush and teaming with wildlife. The region became desert, and the Sahara's residents turned to livestock herding. They traded commercial goods and metals to the south. There is now only 2.5 people per square mile, besides their culture exist Arabs, Berbers, Bedouins, Fulani, Nubians and Tuareg. Sahara’s Culture:

The Tuareg adopt to native beliefs of Islam. The supernatural world of Sahara has been mixed with the Tuareg Islamic beliefs. Spirits called “djinns” and “kelessuf” are believed to inhabit isolated areas of the Sahara that can take up human and animal form to bring good or bad luck to the tuareg.

2.)History of Sahel:

Sahel boasted some of Africa's most influential civilizations. A narrow semi-arid band of land south of the Sahara is Sahel. It is attracted to the Arabs. Sahel is the region that is one of the poorest and most environmentally damaged places on Earth. Parts of the region like Mali's legendary Timbuktu are now more Sahara than Sahel. Sahel’s Culture: Sahel attracted both to Arabs who look for gold from Sudan and Europeans, and look for slaves from West Africa. The two influences merged with native ones, creating a culturally complex area. The Sahel is widely a French-speaking cukture. Their Islamic and take the name ("shore") from the Arabs. Dakar (Senegal), Ougadougou (Burkina Faso), Niamey (Niger) and Bamako (Mali) now hold about 25 percent of the Sahel's population and each year grow by another five percent. 3.) History of Ethiopian Highlands: The Ethiopian Highlands home of 80 percent of Africa's tallest mountains, its highlands has helped shelter the Ethiopia from foreign conquest and preserve one of the world's most distinct cultures. Ethiopia is the only African country never to have been colonized. It is also the second country after Armenia to have adopted Christianity as its official religion. The northeastern highland city of Aksum, is a leading civilization of the ancient world. It’s the resting place for the Ark of the Covenant. To the east, Lalibela is a former capital that contains one of Christianity's most important sites in history. It has series of 13th century churches carved out of rock. They believed that angels helped them according to legend. Ethiopian Highland Culture: The Ethiopian highlands have preserved their cultures largely intact from outside influences. The Amharas have been the most influential among the highlands' many ethnic groups. 1,000 years, they have been the driving force behind Ethiopia's history, religion and language. Their neighbors, the Gurage, offer an example of a traditional culture trying to survive in the modern world. 4.) History of Savanna: The people of Africa's vast savanna are united by their strong identity with plains that surround them. Originally, these pastoral groups came to the savanna looking for food, scavenging after leftover game killed by large predators. In today’s society they are original hunter-gatherers that exist in the form of the Dorobo tribes of the eastern Serengeti. They survive by hunting small game and collecting honey and wild fruits and vegetables. Culture of the Savanna: The Maasai are the tall, dark skinned herdsmen in striking red cloaks and beadwork have come to symbolize the face of Africa's savanna people to the outside world. The Maasai share the plains with the Kikuyu, traditionally a nation of farmers, who now form the backbone of Kenyan society.

5.) History of the Swahili Coast:

The sandy shores of the Swahili Coast have long been a magnet for East Africa's inhabitants. In the 1st Century of B.C. Arah Dhows and Indian shipsbegan arriving on the coastline of Tanzania, Kenya and southern Somalia which they brought bananas, cinnamon, cloves, and peppers. They left with gold, ivory and slaves. Swahili Coast towns became mini city-states governed by sultans. Culture of the Swahili Coast: Some of these people came by choice and others came in chains. Those who stayed assimilated with the cultures of the Arab and Indian merchants working in the region. The result was the unique ethnic mix called Swahili. There is a mixture now of Arab and African ancestors which trace their origins of trading relationships. The Swahili use a language of Bantu related with Arabic words.They practice Islam, and enjoy music and food which is distinctly African. Swahili Coast towns became the mini city-states that was governed by the sultans. Their culture reached the pinnacle of power at the height of the 19th Century slave trade. The religions political importance, and the power of the Swahili people have diminished greatly.

Date: Mar 25, 2007

#3 PBS AFRICAN CULTURE

1.) History of Sahara: Sahara has a group of people called the Tuareg. A semi-nomadic group known for their salt caravans and distinctive blue veils are the region's best-known people. They were thought to descend by Berber nomads. They appeared in the 7th Century as the nomadic herders of camels, goats and sheep. Tuareg was considered the most lucrative profession: the trans- Saharan trade caravans. Tuareg raided and ran. The caravans bearded gold, salt, ivory and slaves to the Arab in the north. They were known as fierce warriors and highly skilled camel riders. Sahara has attracted people from throughout North Africa. Early residents came when the Sahara was lush and teaming with wildlife. The region became desert, and the Sahara's residents turned to livestock herding. They traded commercial goods and metals to the south. There is now only 2.5 people per square mile, besides their culture exist Arabs, Berbers, Bedouins, Fulani, Nubians and Tuareg.

Sahara’s Culture:The Tuareg adopt to native beliefs of Islam. The supernatural world of Sahara has been mixed with the Tuareg Islamic beliefs. Spirits called “djinns” and “kelessuf” are believed to inhabit isolated areas of the Sahara that can take up human and animal form to bring good or bad luck to the tuareg.

2.)History of Sahel: Sahel boasted some of Africa's most influential civilizations. A narrow semi-arid band of land south of the Sahara is Sahel. It is attracted to the Arabs. Sahel is the region that is one of the poorest and most environmentally damaged places on Earth. Parts of the region like Mali's legendary Timbuktu are now more Sahara than Sahel. Sahel’s Culture:Sahel attracted both to Arabs who look for gold from Sudan and Europeans, and look for slaves from West Africa. The two influences merged with native ones, creating a culturally complex area. The Sahel is widely a French-speaking cukture. Their Islamic and take the name ("shore") from the Arabs. Dakar (Senegal), Ougadougou (Burkina Faso), Niamey (Niger) and Bamako (Mali) now hold about 25 percent of the Sahel's population and each year grow by another five percent. 3.) History of Ethiopian Highlands:The Ethiopian Highlands home of 80 percent of Africa's tallest mountains, its highlands has helped shelter the Ethiopia from foreign conquest and preserve one of the world's most distinct cultures. Ethiopia is the only African country never to have been colonized. It is also the second country after Armenia to have adopted Christianity as its official religion. The northeastern highland city of Aksum, is a leading civilization of the ancient world. It’s the resting place for the Ark of the Covenant. To the east, Lalibela is a former capital that contains one of Christianity's most important sites in history. It has series of 13th century churches carved out of rock. They believed that angels helped them according to legend. Ethiopian Highland Culture:The Ethiopian highlands have preserved their cultures largely intact from outside influences. The Amharas have been the most influential among the highlands' many ethnic groups. 1,000 years, they have been the driving force behind Ethiopia's history, religion and language. Their neighbors, the Gurage, offer an example of a traditional culture trying to survive in the modern world. 4.) History of Savanna:The people of Africa's vast savanna are united by their strong identity with plains that surround them. Originally, these pastoral groups came to the savanna looking for food, scavenging after leftover game killed by large predators. In today’s society they are original hunter-gatherers that exist in the form of the Dorobo tribes of the eastern Serengeti. They survive by hunting small game and collecting honey and wild fruits and vegetables. Culture of the Savanna: The Maasai are the tall, dark skinned herdsmen in striking red cloaks and beadwork have come to symbolize the face of Africa's savanna people to the outside world. The Maasai share the plains with the Kikuyu, traditionally a nation of farmers, who now form the backbone of Kenyan society.
5.) History of the Swahili Coast: The sandy shores of the Swahili Coast have long been a magnet for East Africa's inhabitants. In the 1st Century of B.C. Arah Dhows and Indian shipsbegan arriving on the coastline of Tanzania, Kenya and southern Somalia which they brought bananas, cinnamon, cloves, and peppers. They left with gold, ivory and slaves. Swahili Coast towns became mini city-states governed by sultans. Culture of the Swahili Coast: Some of these people came by choice and others came in chains. Those who stayed assimilated with the cultures of the Arab and Indian merchants working in the region. The result was the unique ethnic mix called Swahili. There is a mixture now of Arab and African ancestors which trace their origins of trading relationships. The Swahili use a language of Bantu related with Arabic words.They practice Islam, and enjoy music and food which is distinctly African. Swahili Coast towns became the mini city-states that was governed by the sultans. Their culture reached the pinnacle of power at the height of the 19th Century slave trade. The religions political importance, and the power of the Swahili people have diminished greatly.

Date: Mar 26, 2007

Grades updated - March 26th

Date: Mar 28, 2007

#4 Ghosts of Rwanda

The Rwanda Genocide, which took place in 1994. It was a war between the Tutsi and Hutu'sthat claimed the lives of almost 800,000 and 1,000,000 victims. The militia was 30,000-one militia for every ten families. Some militias were able to carry AK-47's, grenades, and machetes, for protection.

Genocide-is the elimination of a race due to hatred for one another. There's no doubt that every country in the world has their own problems. To try to solve everyone's problems isn't only impossible but it's not the right thing to do. However, there comes a point when other countries need to step in. An example of one of those times is the Rwanda Genocide or The Holocaust. Thousands of people were being executed for who they are; their race, their religion, or their culture, that is wrong!Howcan other countries just sit back and know what's going on-but not really do anything about it?

One of the lingering questions is whether or not this could happen again. I think itcould, because as long as there are people in the world who are prejudice to that extent its possible. The Rwanda Genocide happened 13 years ago. I can and will happen again inthe near future. The question is can we stop it?

Date: Mar 28, 2007

Morocco:

Four Aspects of Culture:

Morocco is considered an Arab-Berber country.The official language in Morocco is still Arabic even today. There are many different dialects of the language that are actually spoken in Morocco. Three of the main dialects spoken are Tachelhit, Tamazight, and Tarifit. Those three dialects of the Berber language are all considered chelha in Arabic.
Traditional clothing for men in Morocco is called djellaba, which is a long loose garment, sort of like a robe, with full sleeves. For special occasions men are known to wear fez hats.For shoes men primarily wear baboosh, which is a type of low-heeled sandal that is usually in yellow. Women wear almost the same thing but they wear high- heeled sandals and they are usually in either gold or silver tinsel.
Moroccan food is considered one of the most diverse forms of cuisine. Its cuisine is a mix of Berber, Moorish, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and African cuisines. It has been influenced by the Moriscos when they left Spain, Turkish cuisines from the Turkish people and Mediterranean cuisines from the Arabs and Jewish. Spices are a very important part of the preparation of the different dishes that are made and prepared in Morocco. For Moroccans, the main dish is the midday meal. Chicken is very widely eaten as well as beef and lamb. Salad is the first part of the meal, followed by bread, and then either chicken or lamb is served, and then comes the couscous (very famous in Morocco), which is usually topped with meats and vegetables.At the end of the meal tea is most often served.
Moroccan literature is usually written in Arabic, Berber, or French. Most of the pieces of literature are talking about the history of Morocco and the development of the Moroccan culture. The French and Spanish have often shared their love of literature with each other and their love of Arabic literature.

Date: Mar 28, 2007

Rwanda:
Four Aspects of Culture:
1. Roman Catholic 56.5%, Protestant 26%, Adventist 11.1%, Muslim 4.6%, original beliefs 0.1%, none 1.7% (2001)
2. Rwandan music is very much similar to what we call folk music. Ikinimba is a very important part of their culture. It is a dance that basically gives the history of different heroes and kings that lived in Rwanda. Different instruments that are used in playing this music are ingoma, ikembe, iningiri, umuduri, and inanga. The most famous Rwandan musician goes under the name of Cecile Kayirweba. Hip hop has also recently become very famous in Rwanda.
3. Most of Rwandan literature is told orally. The works of literature were often separated into two different classifications. There were the important and formal documents and then there were the informal and most popular form of literature. Not many of the different writings were actually written in the Rwandan language of Kinyarwanda but rather they were written in French. Many books and stories were written during the Aftermath of the Rwandan genocide.
4. The three main groups of people living in Rwanda are the Hutu people, the Tutsi people, and the Twa people. The first two groups of people were the two groups directly involved in the Rwandan Genocide that took place in 1994.

Date: Mar 28, 2007

African Culture: I am exploring the one of Africas region, Sahel, which is just south of Sahara.
The Sahel brings in more both Arabs looking for gold from Sudan and Europeans looking for slaves from West Africa. The two influences combined with native ones, creating a culturally complex area. The Sahel is widely French-speaking, Islamic and takes its name ("shore") from Arabic. The region is one of the poorest and most environmentally damaged places on Earth, it has deep troubles.
In the 1970s when drought and famine killed close to 200,000 people it got international attention. Although the conditions have improved ever since, it has been deserted, less soil, forests gone. Parts of the regions like Malis legendary Timbuktu are more like Sahara then Sahel. The environment there has suffered a great deal, with less income, less herder, and farmers. Now rural workers are now heading to cities instead of lands. Dakar (Senegal), Ougadougou (Burkina Faso), Niamey (Niger) and Bamako (Mali) now hold about 25 percent of the Sahel's population and each year grow by another five percent. Open sewers are common, and electricity, running water and trash collection all too rare. International development agencies believe that to keep the lands good, they need to be restored. Now trying to bring back the Sahel land back to life its a great challenge.
Assignment:
Africa has the highest of refugees and displaced people in the world. Approximately 25 million. Many kids live in abandoned cars. They frequently flee civil war or ethnic violence, and with shelters and orphanages in short supply they have little or no money at all so they end up in poor town with little to give them. These children, who are most likely orphaned, were displaced during the Rwandas 1994 genocide.

South Africas housing conditions are very poor. It looks like seas of cardboard and ridged iron. Cape Towns Philippi Township has had in recent years refugees fleeing poverty and war in Somalia, Angola, and Mozambique. Frequently called "informal communities," the townships are cheap and largely tolerant, making them attractive to refugees. One of South Africa's fastest growing cities, Cape Town is also one of the most violent, with gangsters controlling large portions of the townships.

"See Further . . . The Internet." Thats that translation on a billboard right over a lettuce grower in Abidjan, Cte d'Ivoire's largest city. For those urbanites who can afford it the Internet, opens Africa up to the world. Internet use in Africa is growing fast. But over 70 percent of the continent's 5 million Internet users are in just two countries: South Africa and Egypt. Africa Online, one of the continent's largest ISPs, is staking its business on sub-Saharan Africa, where the digital divide remains enormous. In Cte d'Ivoire, for example, only 8,000 people, out of a population of 16.2 million, have Internet accounts.
To take a train going to Kinshasa in Democratic Republic of the Congo you do not need a reservation, the commuters just squeeze their ways inside the train and on top of it. It is estimated that half of sub-Saharan urban dwellers are rural residents who came to the city in search of work and money. Unregulated growth means services such as electricity, water, sewers and public transportation frequently fail to keep up with demand. Mostly in Congo, where more than 3,000 miles of railroad have been commandeered for transportation of war material and troops.

Trying to get the best price for vegetables is very hard. A woman tries to bargain at an open-air market in Lagos, Nigeria. Even though supermarkets are slowly moving into African cities, the traditional bazaar is still many Lagosians' first choice for food and other household items. The self-employed or traveling workers who are in charge of the stalls make up a crucial part of Lagos' economy. Here, city residents can negotiate prices - a crucial advantage in this resource-strapped city of 13 million people that Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo calls "an urban jungle."

Date: Mar 28, 2007

Mozambique- Mozambique is a beautiful country, with amazing, clear oceans. Many of the people who live there speak Portuguese as their second language which they learn in the local schools. There you can find beautiful, brightly colored art, such as handmade wallets with intricate, bright designs.For travelers in Mozambique it is popular to buy fish in the markets and bring it to a restuarant where they will prepare it for you at fairly cheap price. However, some of the cities in Mozambique are not very nice, they have poor streets that are filled with trash and some of the beaches there are also not very clea, not all of the beaches are like this though, some have clean white sand, clear water and palm trees.

History of Savanna:The people of Africa's vast savanna are united by their strong identity with plains that surround them. Originally, these pastoral groups came to the savanna looking for food, scavenging after leftover game killed by large predators. In todays society they are original hunter-gatherers that exist in the form of the Dorobo tribes of the eastern Serengeti. They survive by hunting small game and collecting honey and wild fruits and vegetables. Culture of the Savanna: The Maasai are the tall, dark skinned herdsmen in striking red cloaks and beadwork have come to symbolize the face of Africa's savanna people to the outside world. The Maasai share the plains with the Kikuyu, traditionally a nation of farmers, who now form the backbone of Kenyan society.

History of Ethiopian Highlands:The Ethiopian Highlands home of 80 percent of Africa's tallest mountains, its highlands has helped shelter the Ethiopia from foreign conquest and preserve one of the world's most distinct cultures. Ethiopia is the only African country never to have been colonized. It is also the second country after Armenia to have adopted Christianity as its official religion. The northeastern highland city of Aksum, is a leading civilization of the ancient world. Its the resting place for the Ark of the Covenant. To the east, Lalibela is a former capital that contains one of Christianity's most important sites in history. It has series of 13th century churches carved out of rock. They believed that angels helped them according to legend. Ethiopian Highland Culture:The Ethiopian highlands have preserved their cultures largely intact from outside influences. The Amharas have been the most influential among the highlands' many ethnic groups. 1,000 years, they have been the driving force behind Ethiopia's history, religion and language. Their neighbors, the Gurage, offer an example of a traditional culture trying to survive in the

History of the Swahili Coast: The sandy shores of the Swahili Coast have long been a magnet for East Africa's inhabitants. In the 1st Century of B.C. Arah Dhows and Indian shipsbegan arriving on the coastline of Tanzania, Kenya and southern Somalia which they brought bananas, cinnamon, cloves, and peppers. They left with gold, ivory and slaves. Swahili Coast towns became mini city-states governed by sultans. Culture of the Swahili Coast: Some of these people came by choice and others came in chains. Those who stayed assimilated with the cultures of the Arab and Indian merchants working in the region. The result was the unique ethnic mix called Swahili. There is a mixture now of Arab and African ancestors which trace their origins of trading relationships. The Swahili use a language of Bantu related with Arabic words.They practice Islam, and enjoy music and food which is distinctly African. Swahili Coast towns became the mini city-states that was governed by the sultans. Their culture reached the pinnacle of power at the height of the 19th Century slave trade. The religions political importance, and the power of the Swahili people have diminished greatly.
Bantu history-speaking peoples entered the country between 2000 and 1500 years ago and brought with them ironworking skills and social and political organization.-Nilotic people entered the country from the north around AD 120 and they were skilled farmers and cattle herders.-Uganda became an independent nation in 1962 and their king at the time was Edward Muteesa II.

Rhwanda Genocide!!!!!!!!

The Rwanda Genocide, which took place in 1994 was a war between the Tutsi and Hutu's that claimed the lives of approximately 800,000 and 1,000,000 victims. The militia was 30,000-one militia for every ten families. Some militias were able to carry AK-47's, grenades, and machetes.

Genocide-the elimination of a race

I think that the genocide was somehthing horriable because it killed many innocent poeple i think hutu or tutu what ever they are all poeple just like here in america we cant be treated different because of you nationallity relgion or background everyone belives in what they want to. EVeryone should have a choce NO ONE should be obey to do somthing they dont want to because in the end we all have the same feelings . Could this ever happend again yes it is possable but i dont belive that it can happen again but i do belive that poeple will not change because of prejuice i think that no matter what we do they will always be descrmination.

There's no doubt that every country in the world has their own problems. To try to solve everyone's problems isn't only impossible but it's not the right thing to do. However, there comes a point when other countries need to step in. An example of one of those times is the Rwanda Genocide or The Holocaust. Thousands of people were being executed for who they are; their race, their religion, or their culture. How can other countries just sit back and know what's going on-but not really do anything about it?

Date: Mar 29, 2007

Three People having to do with Rwanda:

President Paul Kagame- He is the current president of Rwanda. He came to be the president after he gave some aid to the Tutsi people during the Rwandan Genocide that took place in 1994. He is also the leader of the Rwandan Patriotic Front which was actually first started in 1985 in Uganda. The invasion by this Patriotic Front was actually what officially ended the genocide when they took victory over the Hutu army, which at that time was controlling Rwanda.
Hutu people: This is one of the three major groups living in Rwanda. Most of the time this group of people is known for the massive destruction and killings they committed during the Rwandan Genocide of 1994. This group of people, at first, was sort of the peasants in Rwanda with the Tutsis on top. But eventually they came into power and rebelled against the Tutsi people and began to kill all Tutsis living in Rwanda. The current president had actually lived through many dangerous and violent encounters between the Hutu and the Tutsi people as a child growing up in Rwanda. So he knew first hand the constant dangers the Tutsi people were in. The Hutu people were responsible for the killing of almost 800,000 Tutsi people.
Tutsi People: This is another of the three major groups living in Rwanda. As I already mentioned almost four times they were directly involved with the Rwandan genocide. In the Wikepedia website there was a part that said that almost 77% of the whole Tutsi population was completely lost during the genocide so that right there shows the massiveness of the genocide. The Hutu showed that they were in control and wanted it to remain like that so thats why they tried to eliminate a whole group of people. It was easy to see the difference between both groups because of how they were in class. Those that were better off would often be referred to as a Tutsi, meaning that most of the time they owned more than ten cows and Hutu would mean someone who owned less than ten cows. So basically it was very easy for a Hutu to be a Tutsi and vice-versa. That was in the beginning but then they were certain physical differences that could also tell them apart. It was very uncommon to see a Tutsi or a Hutu marry someone outside of their group.

Date: Mar 29, 2007

Three people in Morocco:

The current king of Morocco is Mohammed VI. He came to be the king in 1999 and still reigning presently. He took the place of his father who was king of Morocco just before he was.
The Prime Minister Driss Jettou came into office in October 9, 2002 after Abderrhamne Youssoufi. He was appointed as prime minister by the king of Morocco in 2002.
The Moroccan Parliament is located in Rabat. There are two parliamentary chambers which are the Assembly of Representatives, which is the lower class and elects almost 325 members directly to serve for five years, and then there is the Assembly of Councilors, which also known as the Senate and they are elected indirectly to serve for nine years.

Date: Mar 29, 2007

Three aspects of History of Rwanda:

After World War II Rwanda became a territory of the United Nations which at that time was led by the Belgium people.
In 1985 the Rwandan Patriotic Front was formed and in 1990 were involved in an invasion to Uganda. The Front was soon later led by Paul Kagame, which would later become the president of Rwanda.
The Rwandan Genocide took place in 1994 that led to the killing of almost 800,000 Tutsi people by the Hutu army.

Three aspects of History of Morocco:

Morocco gained its independence from France on March 2, 1956 but it wasnt until April 7 of that year that France officially gave up control of the territory.
During 1956-1958 certain Moroccan controls over the Spanish was also restored during this time.
On March 3, 1961 Hassan II became king of Morocco.

Date: Mar 29, 2007

Mr. E,
I'm pretty sure that i passed in the second part of Forum #9. I believe i did the one on the travel blogs. But i think i passed it on a piece of paper because the forum wasn't working that day. Maybe i'm wrong but is there any way that you could check please? Thank you!!

Date: Apr 1, 2007

Grades updated 4/1/07