Page 710 Response

On the basis of Equiano's account, what measures did the crews of slave ships take to ensure maximum profits from their business of transporting human cargoes?

The crews of the slave ships would go very far in order to maximize profits from their business of transporting human cargoes. For example, they would whip slaves that would not eat food - this would ensure they remained strong. Slaves would also be chained so that they were unable to commit suicide. Basically, both these methods were meant to keep slaves alive and attempted to maximize profits.

DBQ Reaction

This was probably the hardest essay in my opinion. It was probably because I did not carefully review the directions before coming in on class friday to take it. However, I was uncertain as to if I was getting points or not when I was writing. The time limit was also very constraining so that was another issue; it was difficult to write 3 well developed body paragraphs without going over the time limit. I think with practice I should be able to handle it however.

Promotional Videos

I would assess a promotional video on the basis of the information it provides and the time in which it is give. Information is the most important in a promotional video, so you actually know what you are doing or buying. However, information should not be too detailed or specific and should just underline the main idea of the subject being advertised. Next is the way in which it is given - and by that I mean how this information is displayed. Is it just a dull a boring promotional video that lacks enthusiasm? Or a video that shows people speaking with confidence. Another important thing to some people might be comedy - it sure does grab a lot of attention, but personally, it would not affect my decision on doing or buying something. The time is the next most important thing next to information, are the advertisers spending 10 or 2 minutes? A video too long or short would be bad.

Personally - I really liked Aman and Hiren's promotional video the most. They displayed a concise, confident, and informative presentation that did not stray away from the main idea of the video.

Overall I believe the two main factors that alter my perspective would be time and information given, although too much information is bad. 

Lies My Teachers Told Me - Christopher Columbus

I find Loewen's argument convincing for many reasons. First off I do not buy the fact that textbooks are trying to sympathize with Columbus. This is due to the fact that the textbooks remain very factual for the most part, and do not show any biased opinions. Bentley and Ziegler do a good job of presenting Columbus since they show how he influenced global trade. Most textbooks ignore the fact that other explorers such as the Vikings may have reached Newfoundland America before Columbus did. The bias of many textbook is evident because they leave out the fact that ancient Egyptians and Phoenicians sailed around Africa and traded with the Canary islands before any other European explorer might have. However I do like how Bentley and Ziegler portray Columbus, because they are not as biased as most textbooks and they do mention the impacts of Columbus's voyage that were unintentional and intentional.

Did the Chinese reach North America First?

Do you buy Menzies' argument that Zheng He's fleet made it to North America? Evaluate the evidence he offers and explain why or why not?

I believe that Menzie's assertion is plausible that Zheng He's fleet made it to North America, however some of the evidence he provides leaves his argument questionable. First off, he mentions that the ships of the Chinese were superior in size, however that does not mean that these ships had the ability to avoid natural disasters that would impede them. Additionally, large ships did not make a substitution for the ability of navigators to travel the ocean. However, one piece of evidence he provides that does seem reasonable is the fact that the wreckage of Chinese ships could be seen at Bimini. However, one questionable piece of evidence that Menzie provided was that Native American DNA was more related to Chinese DNA than African or European DNA. This molecular form of closer connection between Native Americans and the Chinese absolutely meant nothing to me, and makes it seem as if he was just trying to add useless coating on top of his argument. Although, I would agree his one solid evidence was the wreckage of ships at Bimini, but some of the other evidences he supplies leaves me questioning his argument. 

Not sure exactly where all this highlighting is coming from and I can't get rid of it, but I apologize if it hurts your eyes.

Pg 560 ques.

How would you characterize the political, social, and cultural significance of two-way voyaging between Tahiti and Hawai'i?

I would characterize Tahiti and Hawai'i as sharing a strong political bond, similar social structure, and culture. This strong political bond is evident when the Mo’ikeha of Tahiti was able to become the ali’i nui of Hawaii. The social similarity is also evident since both societies are patriarchal, however women did have more leeway which is depicted when Ho'oipoikamalanai and her sister were able to chose their husband. In terms of cultural signifiance, it is clear that culture was transferred between islands since the son of Mo'ikeha, La'amaikahiki travelled from Tahiti to Hawaii and brought hula dancing to Hawai'i.

Muslims on Christians

Based on reading the documents from the Muslims and examining their perspective on the Christians, I do not think it would be possible for the Muslims to have a positive view on the Christians. First off, seeing as the doctor cut into a woman's head to expel a demon would be seen as insane to the Muslims. Not only that but the Christians did not practice veiling, so this significant societal difference does suggest the distance in their beliefs. Also, the text did mention that a Christian doctor cut off someone's leg, which seemed insane. Through examination of the texts written by the Muslims, I believe that it would be difficult for Muslims to have a positive view on the Christians after reading them.