Rise of Imperialism

With the rise of Imperialism came the need to fuel these Empires with resources. This need prompted the push to explore. Explorers soon colonized many 'new' worlds and started sending resources back to their homelands. This started the need for more workers and cheap labour, and there's no cheaper labour  than slaves. 

Since the White labour and indigenous workers didn't work out (White slaves were, well, White and the indigenous workers often fell sick and had a knowledge the land, good for escape) Europe turned to their partners in trade Africa. 

Europe wanted Africans because:

1) They were visibly different. 

2) They had a predisposition towards farming. 

3) Were unfamiliar with the land. 

It seemed they were 'tailor made' to be exploited. 

Remembering the three stages of Storytelling.

Jim Shuter (a famous comic book writer) once told me that every good story ever had three components:

1) What was? status quo

2) What happened to change it? Catalyst 

3) What was the result ? Well...the outcome. 

Since History is nothing more than the story of humanity I can assume that it (history) would share these 3 components. 

We've studied 2 of the three four regarding African history in the West. 

The result would be our present day situation, the status quo would be our study of ancient Africa. 

Since there is such a difference between the two situations.  Differences that would be considered almost reciprocal scenarios one has to ask...What happened to change the Status quo?

My answer to them is...Slavery and Colonialism. 

Writing an Essay

These are notes from the lecture on 'How to Write an Essay'. Use these as a springboard for proper essay protocol and an easier writing process. 

City of God

One of my favourite movies. City of God is masterpiece out of Brazil. It documents gang  life in the slums of Brazil and it's effect on the people living there. Why is it relevant for the class? Well. It demonstrates that life for displaced Africans is similar in most parts of the world. Their situations and lives are similar. Oppressed people behave in similar ways all over the world. It highlights the devastation and  futility of gang life. It is a very powerful film and a must see. 

African Studies Class Culminating Activity

The African Studies Class Culminating Activity brings us full circle from the beginning of the course to the end. One of the first questions asked was 'What is being Black in Canada?'.  Now that you've had the opportunity to gain a greater understanding of the cause and effect of history perhaps your answer may be more detailed and nuanced. 

Can you honestly defend Bill Cosby??

I have been a Bill Cosby fan from before I can remember. My dad's Bill Cosby records entertained the family for years. The Cosby show was a favorite in my house and gave rise to a new Black consciousness. That's why I find his situation so sad. I can't defend him. One person may be a ' money grab'. Thirty-five and counting can't be defended; at least not by me. 

Read this for more:

http://nymag.com/thecut/2015/07/bill-cosbys-accusers-speak-out.html

Chris Rock and Good Hair

One of our most contentious classes is about Black women and their hair. For the last few years I've used Chris Rock 's documentary Good Hair. I've learned that messing work a Black woman's hair will cause discussion (to say the least). It's a complicated issue that deserves a nuanced examination. Here are some of the questions I asked today's class :

Use the documentary 'Good Hair' by Chris Rock as reference for the following questions. Answer the questions in sentence and paragraph form where needed:

What is considered Good Hair?

Why do you think the term Good is used to define hair of that nature?

Why is Chris Rock interested in this subject?

Who does he interview about this subject?

Is Black hair a 'money maker' in the U.S. 

What are some of the complications in the Black hair care industry?

What is a relaxer? How does it work? Is it healthy?

What do they mean by allowing the permanent to burn?

What is a weave? How does it work?

Why do Black women get weaves?

Is getting a weave affordable? Explain? 

Where does the hair come from?