At this point, I'm really not sure how I feel about this class. Well, that's not true. I'm excited for the learning part- I can't wait to learn more about the city I'll be traveling to this summer. And obviouslyyy I am super pumped to go to Jerusalam!
It's the technological aspect to the course that scares me a little bit. Well, a lot of bit, actually. Computers hate me. And to be honest, I am not that fond of them. They like to crash on me or start randomly speaking German at me (yes, that really happened) and so I avoid them for the most part, facebook being the obvious exception. Duh. However, so far this doesn't seem so bad, so maybe I will survive.
The video blogging, though? Superrrr weird. And scary. I don't like people looking at me in general, and through an unflattering lens this idea sounds even less appealing. Am i supposed to do my hair and make-up before every class? I don't want to make a bad impression on the middle east.... man. I feel pressured. I also wonder about possible language barriers? And I hope they can find people on both sides to participate- it would really lessen the experience if we didn't have a basically equal representation of both sides. Would kind of defeat the purpose, actually.
It's also strange to know that other people will be reading this. That you guys are reading this right now. woah. weirdddddd. hi! ...weird.
as for whether this blog should be open or closed, I'm not really sure what the best option would be. I like the idea that our discussions could be seen and could possibly influence (hopefully in a positive, open-minded sort of way) the minds of others. But would this blog really reach anybody besides us? on the other hand, i would never want what happened to the girl last quarter to happen to anybody else. So I guess if nobody else objects to it being open, I am ok with it too.
I am interested in this class for two main reasons. The first is that I am a Security and Intelligence major, and an arabic minor. I am really interested in the Middle East and hope to work there/study the area in my profession. This is a really volatile, interesting and important place in the Middle East, and it would be great to learn more, and I'm sure it would be useful to me in the future, even in general reference. And also, I'm currently dating a Palestinian guy. Even though he was born here in Columbus, his parents immigrated from Palestine and he has close ties and alligances there. I used to think I was pretty neutral in the Israeli/Palestinian debate; i could see both sides and recognize both positions. Hearing, though, of the particular injustices done to Palestinians, including the unjustified Israeli murder of his relative's family, including a 9-year-old child, sent me over to the Palestinian side. I'm a little embarrassed to admit that, but I'm being honest. I hope that this class will help get rid of this slight bias.
Am I writing too informally? Should I try and use great grammar and impressive vocab and whatnot? Because I can, I just find it much more enjoyable to write like this, almost in stream of consciousness. It comes out much more honest and realistic this way. Let me know, I guess.
Ok well I think I'm done. This will conclude my first-ever post to my first-ever blog! epic.
feedback is welcome and encouraged, people. =)
shukran and goodnight
I don't know if I am supposed to comment on this, but I really like you reasons for taking this class. I appreciate your honesty and understand where you are coming from. I am really sorry to hear about the loss of your boy friend's relative.
ReplyDeleteI really hope that you obtain a clear understanding of the situation so that you can make the most of your trip in Jerusalem.