Think about or answer any one of the following questions this week:
How do you define nation?
What does language have to do with national identity?
What is the role of schools in inculcating national values?
Should nations require national service(military or civilian)?
U.S. Army recruiters were caught signing up future soldiers at a high school in Tijuana. How do you feel about that?
The role of schools in inculcating national values is to educate people of other cultures different from our own. History is what formed a nation, and learning how different cultures came to be because of the past, helps us understand those culturally diverse. We tend to judge those different from us, which is why we had slavery, racism, the Holocaust etc... With schools inculcating national value helps prevent these tragic events.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Annaliza! I think that history is one of the elements of national values, and I think you made a faery good point on why it is important.
DeleteI took a religious studies class about Christianity, Jewish, and Islam and it opened my eyes to understand diverse cultures.
DeleteGreat point! I agree, that the past helps understand different cultures. I personally do not believe I was really taught about different cultures more than what is in the books.
DeleteIt is interesting to see how much power lies in educating people. I believe that education can cross all barriers and help everyone.
DeleteJessica Fletcher; Thank you, I do believe history as well is an important element of national values. It keeps us from repeating history etc...
DeleteMaritsa Torres; I have always wanted to learn more about religious studies, I think its a good way to understand other people's beliefs.
Krystie Pizano; Usually books doesnt explain enough about different cultures, which is a downfall for those living far from where history took place. But I highly recommend taking the chance to visit places. It gives history a much clearer and exciting experience. You learn so much through the people, which is an experience worth having.
I also agree, I think education on our U.S. history is vital for future leaders to understand and how to grow from mistakes made in the past.
DeleteMarina Arias; EXACTLY! It is crucial for future leaders to understand history! I like that comment
DeleteI define nation as a community of people who share the same language, culture or decent and history. Language relates to national identity because it is how people in a community communicate with each other. If they don’t share the same language, it is difficult for them to share the same community.
ReplyDeleteI agree that it is difficult to share the same community because of a language barrier. I went over to my friend's house, who is from Yemen, and I felt out of place because they were talking Arabic. I never experienced the Arabic culture, so if for some reason I had to live in their house, I would not be able to because of the language barrier.
DeleteIf one language wasn't a specific language, it would be a huge barrier for communication of daily care for one's nation. I believe the nation can fall apart without a specific language. I like that you can know many languages but one is chosen for everyone to be able to communicate together as a nation.
DeleteYour definition for nation was right on the spot, I was gonna chose to define nation, but the words couldnt come out right for me. Good Job! I absolutely agree that a nation shares all these elements and that language is a way to identify themselves. Language is a part of culture and history.
DeleteI define a nation as people that come together and share the same views. In other words, it is a community that is unified by the same culture, language, and the same history. In order for all of this to be true, all of these characteristics must be in the same country. The nation must have a strong bond in identity.
ReplyDeleteI agree, it is important for a nation's citizens to have a strong bond with one another.
DeleteI believe it is difficult to define exactly what a "nation" is. For example, the United States is home to people of many cultures, so I would have to disagree that people of a nation have to be a part of the same culture.
DeleteMany times language and national identity are bundled together. For example, the official language of Spain is Spanish; someone from Spain would consider themselves Spanish. Many people group themselves based on the language they speak. I consider myself Mexican- American, my mother’s ancestors are from Mexico and my father’s ancestors are from Spain. Both countries national language is Spanish, but I do not consider myself Spanish. I think many people associate their identity based on the region they live. For example, someone from Irish decent living in the United States and only speaks English would consider themselves American, yet they are still Irish because of their ancestors. This is a though topic to think about.
ReplyDeleteI don’t think that language defines someone’s national identity. I think culture has more to do with national identity. People from all over the world speak English in different countries because it is such a universal language. However, they do not consider themselves English, unless they’re from England. I see this every day, someone who’s second language is English and lives in the United States but they’re from Mexico would associate with Mexican culture.
The word nation originated from the Latin word "birth" and refers to a country or state. I define nation as a group of people united by common descent, history, culture, etc. A nation is a cultural-political community that is aware of its unity and certain interests. Though we may never meet, we are all members of a nation that holds a strong bond.
ReplyDeleteI like how you stated that a nation is a cultural AND political community because it is so true, it can not be one without the other
DeleteI believe that language is the driving force of National Identity. It is the foundation of a nation's unity and communication. It allows for a universal guideline within each nation to behave and function as a community. However, I also believe that just because it is based on one language it is also good to know different languages. If a nation was not based on one language it would fall apart because the nation's duties revolves around the understanding of effective communication.
ReplyDeleteI agree! I think people should be bilingual. For example, there is a growing population of Hispanics in California and I think it is important for us to learn Spanish to communicate with one another to have an understanding and function as a community.
DeleteI know that in some countries, in the past and present, citizens are forced to join the military. I believe that a nation should not require its citizens to join the military. It should be up to the individual to decide if he or she wants to join the military and fight for his or her country. For many people, being a soldier out in war is not the place for them, and it would be better if they helped their country in another way.
ReplyDeleteI agree, I think that everyone should have a choice whether or not to join the military.
DeleteYes we all have choices and your completely right. I think there are a lot of people that would not be able to handle war or would be better serving in other areas. Let the people decide to sign up. The careers don't choose us, we choose them.
DeleteI also agree that people should not be forced to join the military. There are individuals that have different views in regards to the military, and requiring them to join would be immoral.
DeleteI agree with you. In many countries around the world children are forced to join armies against their will. They are tortured and beaten into shooting their own people. It is something truly heartbreaking that unfortunately we have no control over.
DeleteI disagree, I think everyone should serve in their countries military like in Korea. I think it teaches discipline. I think that certain people should be excluded like if they go to school or are unable to serve due to a medical condition.
DeleteAs I was reading which question to answer, the last one caught my eyes. I listen to the news daily because my parents tune in everyday. I have not heard anything about the United States army recruits recruiting soldiers in Tijuana. I had so many emotions running at the same time and many thoughts. I think they are trying to hide what they are doing because it was not on public news. Being a United States citizen, I find it embarrassing to see that our army recruiters went to another country to look for soldiers. I thought that the whole purpose of the United States army was to recruit people who want to defend our country. The students from Tijuana are not from our country. How do we know that these students have our country’s best interest at heart? Not only was it embarrassing to read about it, but recruiting students from another country is not very safe. There are a lot of things going on in Mexico, and students that the recruiters may be recruiting could be bad people. The United States army recruiters need to be careful as to who they recruit for the army. Lastly, I was enraged because a lot of United States citizens want to secure the borders and keep people out. Now, all of a sudden we are recruiting the same people that we want to keep out. The United States army should only recruit citizens from this country.
ReplyDeleteYeah I agree with you, we try so hard to keep the Mexicans blocked from entering the United States, but go over there to recruit them, it doesn't make sense. I haven't heard anything about this topic either in the news. There's so much that goes on that we don't know about. It wouldn't surprise me that they would do this. I think we would have enough citizens here to be in the army though.
Delete@Marina: That really does not make sense to me either.It is crazy how much goes on in our country that we do not know about.
DeleteI had no idea that this was going on!! I agree the United States should not recruit people from other countries because it should be United States CITIZENS who choose to defend our nation, not let us go to another country and recruit non-citizens.
Delete@Maritsa: It is interesting how much information is kept from us.
DeleteThe United States is the greatest collaboration of immigrants. We all come and came from a different country at one point. Whether it was our generation or ten generation ago, we were all at one time not part of this country. Of course, we want to keep illegal immigrants out of this country but I wouldn't mind if people would enlist and perform an American duty. It's ridiculous to deny someone their opportunity to come into this country and to enlist in the United States military.
DeleteI feel that it is wrong for the U.S. Army to recruit from Mexico. At the same time the more I think about it, is it? Would it be a bad thing to give these teens a better life? To instill our values into them? At the same time how would you know where their loyalty stands. Would they learn our techniques and use them against us? How do we know that they would respect us? Too much questions arise and I feel it would be in the United States best interest to only recruit from our native land. I know we have more than enough of a population to join without hesitation. People that could be trained and trusted to go to war and support us the way we should be. It's a toss up question for sure and I can see both sides definitely, but again to ensure our safety we should keep it at home.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you say. We need to keep the recruiting from citizens in the United States. Maybe the reason they are begining to recruit from Tijuana is because we don't have enough citizens who are interested? I mean, even if I had the courage to do what soldiers do, I wouldn't want to join. Think about it, they are away from their families, they risk their life, they get paid very little compared to people who have actual degrees, and if they come back hurt and can't find a great job the government gives them no relief with home payments or bills. To me, soldiers don't get what they deserve. Maybe kids from tijuana don't mind the conditions because it's better than what they are offered at home, so it's easier to recruit them? Just my thoughts, but I agree with you.. we need to keep the recruiting at home.
DeleteI agree it's a question that has both pros and cons. It's great because it provides these young people a chance at a better life, but can we give our trust and teach them all that we know and Hope they don't stray? It's such a touchy subject and one that can be argued from both point of views. For me it's a subject I would rather not get in the middle of!
DeleteI think language does identify you. Language is so different where you go, even West Coast English to East Coast English. My mother speaks Spanish and English, as do I, but she can express herself more freely in her own language. I work at the mall and I have gotten to know many of the kiosk owners who are from all different parts, Isarael, Russia, and Iran. It is amazing to hear them communicate in their language and it is interesting to see the expressions as well. Language is a beautiful form expression in every language and I do believe that this does identity you as a person and the culture in which one comes from.
ReplyDeleteI agree, language is a great tool to use for expression of feelings. It also plays a big part in the development of culture and how people interact with one another.
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ReplyDeleteI feel a variety of emotions when U.S. Army Recruiters are found recruiting at a high school in Tijuana, Mexico. For one, I feel disappointed because Army recruiters are going out of country to enlist young individuals into a military that is foreign to their country. In a way it shows that United States is desperate to raise its number of enlisted soldiers almost making the military a fool of itself. It’s hard to say this without being a hypocrite but I’m also disappointed of the U.S. citizens for not joining in the military and having Army recruiters go out of country to enlist foreign individuals. I’m also disappointed in the Army recruiters for going into Mexico and persuading 16-18 year olds to think about or join the U.S. Army when these young individuals are barely old enough to legally drive a car and vote.
ReplyDeleteSecondly, I feel appreciative, not towards the Army recruiters but toward the Mexican high school students who are ready to join. They are willing to enlist into a military that is not part of their home country but rather a country that has no relation to them. It almost seems fitting for the U.S. to enlist non-native individuals since this country is made up of immigrants from different parts of the world. These young individuals show that they are prepared to be part of another country and willing to fight for it.
I see it the same way you do!
DeleteI am with you in that it is difficult to decide how to feel about this issue.
DeleteHow do you define nation?
ReplyDeleteWhen I heard this question, it brought me to a rude awakening, even though I have heard this word many times, I did not have a clear definition of what it meant…
According to dicionnary.com, the term nation is defined as: “A large body of people, associated with a particular territory, that is sufficiently conscious of its unity to seek or to possess a government peculiarly its own.”
When I examined the definition, one word caught my attention. The word conscious which means being in an active mental state of awareness of one's own existence, sensations, thoughts and surroundings. I found it intriguing that consciousness can be singular or plural and from my analysis, the word nation symbolizes collective ideologies shared between large groups of people. Each member in a particular location, share a common interest to construct universal laws that govern the body of land regardless of nationality.
Nationality, is the status of belonging to a particular geographical location by origin, birth, or naturalization. This further leads me to understand, that many people from diverse nationalities, living in a particular territory together can share a general respect for human life.
In conclusion, the word nation is a noun, which has several meanings because it can represent a person, place, or thing. For example, the president, Washington DC, and the American flag all symbolize and shape my perception of the word nation. Consciousness of equality and humanity present in any society, ultimately creates a nation.
I was once asked, “If Africa and the United States went to war, which force I would join?”
ReplyDeleteI responded by saying that I would choose the United States because I value what this country represents.
The questions listed above are ones that are not simple, they have to be answered in a far more complex manner then just a yes or no. The questioned that struck me to be the most interesting was the one about U.S. soldiers recruiting in a high school in Tijuana. I find this to be quite upsetting because I feel as though we have plenty of candidates in the United States who are willing to fight for a country that they are a citizen of and putting their life on the line. If there was just as much effort put forward in recruiting people from our own country, then I fell as though that it would be just as successful.
ReplyDeleteAnother one of the questions that I found interesting was how much should schools be emphasizing the nation into their teaching. I feel though curriculum that informs students of U.S. history and current U.S. news is extremely important. This allows students to be proud of their nation.
I think US soldiers are always trying to recruit teenagers in all high schools. Recruiters from different branches would always come to my high school and try to recruit students. I think them trying to recruit teenagers in Tijuana is strange but in the end the students have the choice to decide if they want to enlist or not. I think they are just trying to show the teenagers of what they can get out of joining and maybe there are students there that wish to join or what more information.
DeleteThe students may also feel disgusted not just proud of their country. I know on several occasions where I have felt everything but proud for the United States. U.S. news is incredibly biased, filtered, and censored. It's difficult to get an accurate news report.
DeleteIn regards to the last question, I feel that the U.S. Army recruiting students at a high school in Tijuana shocking. I never heard of the military ever doing something like that. A friend of mine was struggling with hardships in high school, and when he had the opportunity to join the army, his life changed for the better. An opportunity like joining the U.S. Army can enrich the lives of the students like none other. Personally, I do not see it as a big deal because of the opportunity the young men get in order to have a better future.
ReplyDeleteI did not hear about them recruiting in Tijuana but i agree that joining the military can better lives in many ways. I do no know what kind of contract they struck with these students but i think it would include a right to become a US citizens and a chance to go to college giving them a way better chance at life then living in Tijuana.
DeleteI agree that it is not a big deal. Recruiters from all military branches are always trying to get high school students into joining. Students in high school is the main age group where U.S. Army recruiters will try to go and convince them to joining.
DeleteI agree that recruiting high school students is not a big deal at all. As a matter of fact a lot of people join the military right out of high school. Growing up in the military however, does make me kind of bias. But nonetheless, high schoolers have a greater opportunity to gain so much benefits. The longer they are in the military, the younger they can retire with the most benefits to care for them as they grow older outside of the military. Alot of my friends joined the military out of high school and straight out of college. My father joined the military right out of high school. Some people find it as a better path to a better life. The military pays for their school, alone with their health, dental, housing, etc... and still get paid. Which is my plan after college. Joining the military they can pay for my masters program for clinical lab scientists. Not only is joining the military good for beneficial needs, but it is a great way to experience different cultures. People live overseas which is great opportunity. And being able to do all these at such a young age is so rewarding, of course there downfalls such as going down range to war, however thats what makes them a hero.
DeleteThe question that stood out to me the most was “What does language have to do with national identity?” When I first thought about this, I thought that the language a person speaks links them to a specific country or culture. For example, people who speak English are from the United States and people who speak Spanish can be from Mexico. But after really thinking about it, I realized that someone cannot link a person to a specific country or culture just based on what language they speak. The main language of the United States is English, but not everyone who was born in the United speaks English or only English. The United States is the land of immigrants. Immigrants come from all over the world and speak a variety of different languages. The children of immigrants are typically bilingual; they can speak their parents’ native language and English. Just because someone hears someone conversing in another language, does not mean that they should automatically assume that they are not born in the United States. Someone might be speaking to their parents in Spanish and someone over hearing may think they are not American. It has happened to my family so many times. Everyone in my family is bilingual in English and Spanish, but we prefer to speak in Spanish (or Spanglish). When we speak Spanish and then speak in English we get mixed responses. Many people assume that we are Mexican just because we speak Spanish. We do consider ourselves Mexican, but most of my family was born in the United States. But not everyone who speaks Spanish is from Mexico. I know that many people’s first thoughts are Spanish=Mexico, but there are people in Central America, South America, and in Spain that speak Spanish. And each of those places are culturally distinct.
ReplyDeleteThe role of our schools in teaching national values should start with the foundations having children feel pride for their country. There is so much going on across the US and I feel like students will be deprived of being proud to live in the US. Now of days so many things are about race or culture and not about the country we live in. Eventually students wont be saying the Pledge of Allegiance or singing the National Anthem at Americas past time sport. Schools should be teaching cultural diversity and where they come from but the importance of being a proud American and not joining in on these riots across the US because a white officer killed a black man or vice versa. The standards are there in the education program to include cultural history but we as future educators should be finding a way to fight against these race wars so we do not have wide spread riots.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. Children need to be taught about different cultures in school. I feel sad about what is going on in America today.
DeleteI agree and believe that it is important for children to know and be proud of their cultures. I think they should be able to understand and accept other cultures that differ from their own.
DeleteI completely agree with you. Cultural diversity should be taught hand-to-hand with history. We often become bitter or angry towards other cultures because of atrocities that occurred before and unfortunately for some, who are still suffering the effects. Prejudice is only due to the fact we don't understand other cultures and their traditions, why they do what they do.
DeleteThere are so many topics that children are being taught in school and many of them do focus on our history, and sometimes I wonder if we should teach them on the issues that are happening now and show them how they can grow from the problems that they have to face. Too much of history is focused on their culture, but the United States is a culture of its own. I understand it is important for students to know their culture and other cultures, but they need to understand the culture they are living now. I just feel the US is separated by so many cultures and not unified by just one. if that makes any sense.
DeleteTruthfully I believe that it should be one's own choice to join the military. I understand why countries like Korea make their citizens join the military but I truely believe it should be a choice. Not every person can be a military person. Not everyone has the courage or bravery to face battle or death, and that does not make them any less of a person than someone who is willing to fight and die for their country. There are so many other ways to love and support your country other than joinging the military. One can be a policeman or a teacher or work for NASA. There are millions of way to support and love your country.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you. It should be of the person's own accord whether or not they join the military, along with which service. Forcing a person can lead to bitterness and resentment against their nation or worse, military insubordination during war's crucial moments.
DeleteI absolutely agree, that joining should be a choice rather than a demand. Gives people the freedom to be who they wanna be.
DeleteI totally agree with you. People should get the choice to put their lives on the line. You don't need to just be in the military to do something great for our country, just like you said. There are many roles that people can take on to fulfill their duties for this country.
DeleteI completely agree with you. People should have the right to decide whether the military is for them. It is their decision and that is what makes it beautiful. Some people are born to fight for our country and they are the ones who will go no matter what it takes. People should not be forced into doing something they are not passionate about.
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ReplyDeleteShould nations require national service(military or civilian)?
I believe nations should require its citizens to enroll in national services whether it be military or civilian. Ideally, a nation should allow the citizens to choose what service they want to enroll in. For example, a woman should be able to choose civilian services and use her strengths in any area to benefit others. Also, a male who is not a good role model should be allowed to choose the military instead of services to the community. Requiring citizens to enroll in national services would be beneficial to the country because everyone would be contributing to making society better. In my opinion, it would be a great idea for the nation implementing this type of requirement to give people incentives for enrolling. One way that the country can issue incentives is free education. I’m thinking if a person completes two years of military or civilian services, then their tuition cost would be waived. This type of incentive would keep the people happy and they would see required national service as something positive rather than negative. Required national services would also force every citizen in the country to be proactive with their own life, therefore lowing rates of unemployed, uneducated, and useless individuals. Everyone would be putting in some type of work to allow for a better life.
When I think about the word nation, I think about unity. I define a nation as a group of individuals that live in the same region and share similar beliefs and values. A nation is having unity amongst one another and lending a hand to each other in time of need. I think it is important that in a nation people stick together and work with each other. I think a nation can be people from different cultures yet they share similar beliefs.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree. A nation isn't about all having the same beliefs or the same religion or anything of the sort, it's about learning about other people's beliefs and ways of life and understanding others. Coming together as one even though we might not all agree on everything that everyone else wants or believes, but still learning to live with one another happily.
DeleteJessica Crow,
ReplyDeleteI agree whole heartedly on your comments. I also believe that educators should teach cultural diversity in the early stages of student development and encourage them to appreciate difference.
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ReplyDeleteLanguage plays a crucial role in national identity. To fully understand and be a part of a community requires the ability to speak and understand its national language. A nation's culture and traditions are deeply rooted to and entwined with their national language. It acts to unify a nation and to distinct a nation from others. Unfortunately, many citizens today choose to use a foreign language as their main mode of communication because they consider it to be the 'elite' language, to separate them from the nation's poor. Although it is impressive to widen one's cultural understanding by learning other languages and understanding other cultures, one shouldn't forget or replace their national language, their first language.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with you. I honestly strive to learn multiple languages and try to learn a language before I travel to a place that so I can honor their culture.
DeleteJem Lim,
ReplyDeleteVery well stated.
I think that a nation would be described as a place where people who want to have their own opinions live. Not everyone has to be of the same race or religion or even have the same beliefs, but everyone wants similar things. For example people came to America to be free. The people that live in America are a democracy, meaning that the people who live here have some type of power. We have our own beliefs.
ReplyDeleteI do not feel any particular way about the U.S Army Recruiters signing up future soldiers in Tijuana. If they can sign us up, force us to take their standardizing tests, and shovel national duty down our throats, than why should that be denied to anyone else? At least this allows children in Tijuana who want to become an American Citizen a chance rather than them coming over illegally. It is a personal choice and it is up to those high school children to decide. No one is forcing them. However, I do not think that nations should force people to serve in the military either. Not everyone is cut out for combat therefore, not everyone should fight. Sending out people who do not have the strength or mental capacity to fight is like sending these people out to die. As far as national identity goes, I can say that we are brain washed at a very young to have strong ties to our nation. I am as much proud to be an American as anyone else who lives in the U.S. We are taught at a young age that America is the best country in the world and protectors of freedom. Yet, I have been to other countries and I must say, America is not as free as they claim. I have learned to surpass national identity and identify with species. We are all Homo Sapien Sapien. I do not think it’s morally right to kill our own kind but I do believe in evolution and survival of the fittest. I just wish we didn’t use politics, religion, and nationality as an excuse to kill.
ReplyDeleteLike many of the comments before me, its very hard to choose if what the Army was doing in Tijuana was wrong or okay. There are both pros and cons to the situation, for instance giving them a chance to become an American citizen by joining the army is not a bad idea it gives them a job and basic understanding of what the United States expects from its citizens. However, then it comes down to trusting them, can we trust them with information that only the US knows? will they take it with them back to Mexico to use it against us? We are already struggling with border control and drug smuggling as it is, could they use they're new citizenship and skills to help smuggle drugs over the border? I'm not saying its not happening already, but it could become worse. This particular topic is very argumentative and could go both ways, however I like to give people the benefit of the doubt and would hope that they take this opportunity and use it to help themselves and show others what they are capable of.
ReplyDeleteLizeth, I do agree with you about the whole trust issue. In my opinion, it would be hard to trust people from other nationalities, especially those from Mexico because of all their police corruption.
DeleteA nation in my opinion and definition is a large group of people who come together and share the same common interest. These people can have the same background, history, and live in the same area or country. I believe without these particular factors which plays into having a nation then it wouldn't be able to create nation in the beginning.
ReplyDeleteMarlene, I agree with you on your definition of a nation.
DeleteThe last question about the U.S Army recruiting future soldiers in Tijuana stood out to me the most. First of all, it is very disappointing to find out that we have to go out to a different county to recruit soldiers. We have a country with great people who are willing to fight for our country and because of this, it makes our people look bad. To me it doesn't seem right that other people from a different nationality are going to be fighting for our country. It doesn't make since because like I said before, there are brave people who are willing to fight and represent us. If we have soldiers from different nationalities, they will not fight for our country the same way as our nation soldiers do.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. I feel like they will just fight to obtain citizenship, but I feel like that will be their only motivation and not really fight to protect our American citizens.
DeleteThe question that stood out to me was, “how do you define a nation?” I would define a nation as a large group of people who want the same for their country. A nation should be all about teamwork and desire to move along together and strive. I think of a nation like I would think of a soccer team. There is a captain or a ruler. There are workers and there are referees (law enforcement). They as a team, work together in order to be successful, have balance, win, and have fun doing so. The people work together for a better future. Also, a nation is one who had each other’s backs. They work together to make sure that every decision that is made helps everyone as a whole. They work together to solve problems. A nation should be unified and together. It is often hard to have a nation unified as a whole because people are opinionated and do not often agree with what the main leader is saying. A nation is one who outgrows the problems and makes the ultimate choice that will benefit everyone as a whole.
ReplyDeleteGreat way in using a soccer team as an example! I am on the same page as you are because without people working together, there is no team.
ReplyDeleteYes, and if there is no team, there is no nation!
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