Please join us on Tuesday May 8th, from 7:00pm-8:00pm at the Waltham Public Library for a discussion about how to create a safer community for and with victims of domestic and sexual violence.  

 

Specifically, we will be discussing Bill S918 which protects the employment rights of victims of domestic violence by providing 15 days of unpaid leave to plan for their safety.

 

This event, being organized by Brandeis Senior Marla Merchut and Brandeis Junior Becca Miller is in conjunction with the Waltham Representative Thomas Stanley as well as

REACH and Jane Doe Inc. This event is an out growth of the legal studies class Advocacy for Policy Change. We believe this is an event and topic very important to the Brandeis community and we would appreciate your support and attendance.

Herbie is talking about the difficulties that are involved in serving on the Student Union.

-"The Student Union is a group of volunteers….Just the fact that we are volunteering, that is what really counts." -H

-Many students don't care about the S.U. or feel it's not doing enough. That's OK. Student life shouldn't revolve around S.U.

-More Hoops for Haiti jokes, reflecting on his Emma Watson e-mail, April Fools Day e-mail, "free beer" in e-mail subject lines, penchant for sending out e-mails (and youtube links)

S.U. Achievements

-Hiatt Career center fashion show

-Student Union senate BBQs, mixers, etc

-Influential People series

-Talks, presentations, forums

-SEA Earth/Food Dau

-2 Midnight Buffets (fed over 1000 students at each)

-Pool Opening

-DeisImpact

-Student Advisory Committee got input from over 500 students at start of semester (online @ http://www.brandeis.edu/strategicplanning/)

Kate's Social Justice Center proposal- getting snaps. Herbie urges student to check it out/get involved.

Dan Lee (Treasurer) is one of the "most hard-working SU members"

F-Board and Treasurer should be more transparent, create student-friendly guide

New Amendements Passed Yesterday

• New constitutional amendement (passed yesterday) will have a Student Activities non-voting rep on F-Board.
• Elected Alumni position no longer elected- FAB will decide
• Judiciary responsible for changes to constitution, easier to amend
• Campus Operation Work Group passed- student group to deal with facilities

-Tuition- need more accountability, students talking with administrators

-Improve SU institutional memory

• Herbie and other graduating seniors creating student union manual to be passed on through generations

Changes for Next Year

• Commuter rail service will remain accessible for students (prices may go up)

• Dining Services Review

• Imani Williams and Todd Kirkland (both on Student Advisory Committee) will be serving on Strategic Planning Committee in Herbie's stead

-Flagel approved committee to have input on budget (put together by SU and SDS)

-Pachanga will hopefully be brought back

-Lawrences moving into Watch Factory

-Ricky new executive senator

Closing Remarks

-Herbie is wrapping up, thanking administrators, SU Executive Board, Senate, other SU members, friends who put up with him, list of SU seniors (most not present).

-"Don't say we didn't do anything this year, at least we tried."- H

-Hopes SU will respond to students

-Hopes students will voice concerns, work with SU more collaboratively

-"I'm not going to cry." -H (and he didn't)

-Shoutout to his dad, who is in audience

-Touching personal story

-"Thanks for letting me be me, and viva la Brandeis!"- H

(Standing ovation)

Swearing in of Todd Lee Kirkland

-Herbie made him state his middle name

(Hug)

-Both Herbie and Todd were waitlisted here, both were secretary before becoming president

-Todd speaking off the cuff, thanking Herbie for training him

(Drops cell phone)

-Todd's going to be here this summer, will be prepping

-New officers sworn in (standing, raising right hands, ominous)

http://www.sc-sl.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=by3HPDDiFTM%3d&tabid=53

Round 2 of elections will be held Thursday.

A black man's only use is to dispense candy to white women, and when he fails to do so, he must be kicked until he works again.

This Skittles commercial blatantly promotes reliance on racist stereotypes and behaviors.

It reminds me of BlackJerry, except without the astute political commentary.

Really, Skittles?!

Hello everyone! I know it has been a while… I am currently part of the Brandeis in the Hague program! It has been so much fun

(You should apply for the summer or the spring program!) 

If you have been following the election, you may have heard about Rick Santorum's statement about euthanasia: Check out the video here.

He claims that 

1. Euthanasia is 10 percent of all deaths in the Netherlands. 

2. Half of those people are euthanized involuntarily in hospitals, because they are older and sick.

3. Elderly people in the Netherlands don’t go to the hospital. They go to another country because "they’re afraid because of budget purposes they will not come out of that hospital if they go in with sickness.”

4. The Dutch wear bracelets saying, “Don’t euthanize me".

I have asked several of my Dutch professors at the University of Leiden, and they have all told me the same thing. Only about 1-2% of the population are euthanized. Euthanasia is only administered upon request (so the individual must be conscious, family can not make the decision) and have to be approved by TWO doctors. The patient must be in control of all his or her mental faculties and repeat the request several times before it is considered. Both doctors have to diagnose that the patient is experiencing physical "unbearable agony", and that the patient is beyond medical care to recover. A commission of a jurist, doctor, and ethical expert must draw up a report. The majority of patients who ask for euthanasia have been diagnosed with terminal cancer. They may only live a few weeks or months if they continued receiving medical attention. 

Elderly people DO go to Dutch hospitals, and they do not wear bracelets saying “Don’t euthanize me". Suicidal individuals are not allowed to request euthanasia. I have also learned that doctors who do not consider euthanasia morally acceptable to not have to take part in the process. 

Although some Dutch do not personally approve of euthanasia, they understand it can be a kindness for those living with terminal illness. Brandeis, what do you think? Should euthanasia be legal if there are many precautions and procedures? Should Santorum have to apologize to the Netherlands? Let me know in the comments! 

315 Students voted for the amendment

52 students voted against the amendment

10 students abstained

(We needed 2/3 of the votes in favor of the amendment in order for it to pass)



Thus, we now set our sights on a future election.

We have two seats open in the Student Union:

1. Midyear Senator Seat (only current 2015 Midyears are eligible to run)

2. Charles River Senator Seat (only current residents of Charles River are eligible to run)



If you are interested in running for either position, please email me at tki...@brandeis.edu



The election will be: Monday, February 13

Ever wanted to do that over a free lunch?

If so, this may be the event for you.

Social Justice in the Brandeis Curriculum

Wednesday, February 8, 12 – 1:30 p.m.

Alumni Lounge, Usdan



Professors Gordon Fellman (PAX, SOC), Laura Goldin (ENVS, AMST), Tim Hickey (COSI), Sue Lanser (ENG, WMGS), and Melissa Stimell (LGLS) will lead small group discussions about the following topics: What majors, courses, and programs contribute to advancing social justice, and in what ways? How could other majors and courses contribute more to advancing social justice? How do we define social justice, and how do we interact if our definitions differ? Lunch will be served.



Sponsored by the Office of the Dean of Arts and Sciences; American Studies; Computer Science; Department of Sociology; English; Environmental Studies; Legal Studies; Peace, Conflict and Coexistence Studies.



For more information: Dean Elaine Wong

Will we get (or at least vote on) a midyear senator this year?

Way back in the fall of 2009 (my first semester) there was a whole big controversy over the Student Union Secretary at the time, Diana Aronin, not submitting a constitutional amendment to the student body for a vote. 

Aronin was ultimately impeached and removed from her position, only to run a write-in campaign in the next election and won her title back!

What was the amendement, you ask? 

It proposed the creation of a midyear senator.

Yesterday we received and e-mail from Secretary Kirkland stating that President Rosen has re-introduced this amendement, and it will be voted on by the student body on February 1st.

Here's to learning from history!

Kirkland's full e-mail, including the text of the proposal, provided below:

The Student Union president, Herbie Rosen, has proposed a midyear senator position.  The Student Union senate approved the proposition.  As a result, there will be a student vote on February 1st.  Below is the proposal.

If there is any student that has an argument against this proposal, they can submit it to me. 

Amendment Proposal:

The establishment of a Mid-Year Senator

Sponsor: Herbie Rosen ‘12, Student Union President

Proposal Concerning: Article II: Union Senate, Section 2

Current text of Section 2

The Union Senate shall be composed of the Union Vice-President, two Union Senators at-large, each elected by the membership of the entire Union, two Union Senators from each graduating class each elected by the members of his/her class, one Union Senator from each residential quadrangle elected by Union residents of his/her residential quadrangle, one Union Senator from an off-campus residence elected by Union members living off campus, one Union Senator for Racial Minority Students, and one Union Senator for Transitional Year Program students elected by members of the Transitional Year Program.

The term of each position shall be one year, as defined in Article IX.

The Senate shall be the sole judge of what constitutes a residential quadrangle for the purposes of Union representation, and who qualifies as a resident thereof.

The Union Senator for Racial Minority Students shall be elected by a majority vote of all Union members who have declared themselves to the University as being racial minority students.

Proposed change:

The Union Senate shall be composed of the Union Vice-President, two Union Senators at-large, each elected by the membership of the entire Union, two Union Senators from each graduating class each elected by the members of his/her class, one Union Senator from each residential quadrangle elected by Union residents of his/her residential quadrangle, one Union Senator from an off-campus residence elected by Union members living off campus, one Union Senator for Racial Minority Students, and one Union Senator for Transitional Year Program students elected by members of the Transitional Year Program. There will also be one Union Senator elected by members of the most recent Mid-Year class to enter Brandeis as of January that academic year.

The term of each position shall be one year, as defined in Article IX, with the exception of the Mid-Year Senator position. At the beginning of the spring semester, the newest Mid-Year class will elect their representative to serve for the rest of the academic year.

The Senate shall be the sole judge of what constitutes a residential quadrangle for the purposes of Union representation, and who qualifies as a resident thereof.

 

The Union Senator for Racial Minority Students shall be elected by a majority vote of all Union members who have declared themselves to the University as being racial minority students.

The BSF was started in the spring of 2010 after being put to a student vote. It funded 5 projects in its inaugural year (2010-11), to the tune of $48,738.62. This year it chose 3 projects to fund (of the 5 that applied), granting a total of $19,681.58. 

One attribute the BSF has adhered to very well since its inception is transparency. If you follow this links included at the bottom of the post (or through the BSF's website), you can see PDF's of all of the student proposals, an update on last year's projects, and keep track of the finances the BSF posesses. This kind of transparency is useful for students who are interested in proposing projects, and allows students to hold it accountable for the money they are paying to fund these programs.

Below are the descriptions of the projects the BSF has decided to fund for Fall 2011, courtesy of Janna Cohen-Rosenthal, Brandeis' Sustainability Coordinator.

 Congratulations to those who came up with the projects!

 

 

greenbean recycling machine!: $15,968

Project Leader: Taylor Early '15

Greenbean recycling machine aims to increase recycling rates and promote how easy and accessible recycling can be by installing a reverse vending machine in Usdan Student Center. The machine collects plastic and glass bottles as well as aluminum cans and offers a 5 cent deposit on those that fall under the Bottle Bill Law in Massachusetts, and the refund can be either sent to a PayPal account, a charity, or a WhoCash account (tbd).

It's A Breeze: Drying Racks $2,226.58 

Project Leaders: Philip Lu '11,  Katharine Glanbock '14

To cut energy used on laundry, drying racks of various shapes and sizes will be available for free through a rental program on a per semester basis. Public drying racks will also be placed in laundry rooms throughout campus for residents' use

Windowfarms: $1,487.00 

Project Leader: Eve Markvardt '13

Windowfarm is a vertical, hydroponic growing system that allows for year-round growing in almost any window. Three windowfarms will be installed in the Village Quad and provide students with fresh herbs and vegetables for the use in shared kitchens.

The following project applications were invited to reapply in the next round of funding:

• Solar Hot Water: Have engineering and feasibility studies done with a more specific price range
• Pedal Power: Reduce cost of project, finalize logistical details, and clarify environmental and educational benefit

In addition students may start the 2012 application process by submitting an Expression of Interest/ Ideas Form.  A BSF board member will work with you to develop your project to be successful. We hope by starting early in 2012 we can get many projects off to a great start. Project funding maybe available in Spring 2012 for projects invited to reapply and new ideas in a rolling process (depending on how much is allocated of the remaining yearly funds) and a more formal process will begin again in Fall 2012 with the newly collected funds. 

Information: 

• Copies of the original applications online. 
• Copies of the original Expression of Ideas List

As President Rosen's latest e-mail announces, "the Linsey Pool at Brandeis University is back up and running," with an opening ceremony scheduled for this Saturday.

This is a great accomplishment! Here's to the petitions members of the Brandeis community created, the e-mails they sent, the articles they wrote, the surveys they took, all of which added up to a strong plea to the Board of Trustees to renovate our pool!

From a BrandeisNow article published on March 31st, the day the Board of Trustees approved the renovation:

Student surveys showed that the pool was one of their top priorities, past members of the swimming and diving team strongly advocated for the facility and alumni lobbied both former President Jehuda Reinharz and President Lawrence.

Changes to expect from the pool when you go there, as reported by BrandeisNow? (If you were here long enough ago to remember the old pool.)

Senior Vice President for Administration Mark Collins said the project includes new mechanical and electrical infrastructure, new locker rooms, repairs to the pool and pool deck, a new entryway and updates to the lobby.

Go activism! Be proud, all those who campaigned for a new pool! Here is your dessert!

Elaine Wong
Senior Associate Dean of Arts and Sciences
MS 120 Brandeis University
PO Box 549110
Waltham, MA 02454-9110

"Brandeis has been offered the opportunity to have our students (YOU!) participate in a pre- and post-experience assessment survey in a study on the effects of study abroad. 

This study is funded by the Teagle Foundation and is directed by the Great Lakes Colleges Association (GLCA) and the Associated Colleges of the Midwest (ACM)."

Most of the survey asks to what extent you mixed with the natives of the country you visited, so I've been interpreting "native residents" to mean Chicagoans and "native tongue" to mean English.

Part of me regrets that my "study abroad" program (as Brandeis considers it) took place in Chicago because it means I missed out on a lot of uniquely international experiences. However, I think to say that you only experience "cultural immersion" while truly abroad is ignorant: I still interacted with people of different cultures and had to adapt to living on my own in a new city, adjust to new fields of study, and more.

So maybe this survey wasn't quite intended for me, but I just like filling things out too much to resist.

The exciting part of the survey comes close to the end, with a series of role-playing examples! Some of the answers seem very obviously biased (I can hear them being said in an arrogant "American" voice) and I think I can tell which answer the survey thinks I should select if I am a culturally-enlightened human being, while others are more ambiguous. 

Because there are 24 of these role playing situations, and each is pretty long, I've included the one I like the most directly below, and you can click the "see more" tab if you want to read the rest.

92. During the last 30 years the Chinese government has implemented a strict one child per family rule in order to keep the population under control. The latest figures have shown the male to female ratio is becoming unbalanced with a ratio nearing 1.2:1. This has been caused by increased abortions of female fetuses. The largely patriarchal history of China, which valued males for helping the family’s economic prospects, has contributed to this trend. What should China do at this point?

76. Two executives, one from Japan the other from the United States, both working in a foreign office, were discussing how to host an important dignitary visiting from the local country. The Japanese man insisted the group must go out to a luxury restaurant for dinner. The American thought it would be best to give the visitor some privacy after work and give him some unscheduled time. Both men were insistent upon their plan and neither would agree with the other. Whose plan would be best in this situation?

77. Bjutu, an exchange student from Zimbabwe, was living with the Campbell family in central Ohio in the United States. One Saturday Bjutu and the Campbells went to the local mall to shop and hang out. Eventually they all went their separate ways but had decided to meet back at the entrance by 5 p.m. to go to dinner and then a movie. At 5 p.m., everyone was back except for Bjutu. It was not until 5:35 that Bjutu finally arrived back at the meeting place. The Campbells were terse. How might you expect Bjutu to react to the Campbell family?

78. You are enrolled in a campus class on criminology. One day the professor lectures on capital punishment (CP) and its effects as a deterrent to crime in a number of countries including the U.S. The professor cites several recent studies showing that the use of CP lowers violent crime rates. In one example the professor cited the low use of illegal drugs in Singapore where the punishment for drug use is death by hanging. Several students object to this information and, though they cannot cite a specific study, are certain that cultural differences and not CP impact the overall crime rates. What do you think about this topic? 

	The professor has cited specific studies and holds a PhD in criminology; he is likely right.
	The professor is likely just manipulating the data to prove his point, because it is too difficult to compare crime rates across different cultures.
	I prefer to do further research myself and decide based on my findings.
	Since culture impacts crime, it is difficult to separate these two issues.
	It is possible that the professor and students are both right, but hard to know.
	Regardless of ones cultural beliefs, capital punishment is wrong.

 

79. In the country of Nepal, poor families often sell their daughters into indentured servitude for monthly payments to the family. The girls are taken from their families and they often work for years. The girls get no payment and usually work long hours in conditions that many say amounts to slavery. During their servitude, they forgo any education and work continuously until the contract has been terminated by the parent or the proprietor who purchased their services. Which of the following best describes your position on this issue?

	If the parents and proprietor agree to the arrangement then it is completely acceptable.
	This is a violation of child labor practices and have long been condemned by civilized society.
	Since the culture of Nepal has condoned this practice for centuries, I see little reason to interfere.
	If the girls are not being physically abused, and payment is being made for their services, there is little harm in this arrangement.
	I would need to know more about the culture to condemn or condone this practice.
	Although this may be a cultural issue, the girls should be protected based upon common human rights.

 

80. You are in a market in rural China and you see a man and his wife bartering with a farmer for a chicken. The farmer says something to the wife, the man yells at his wife, and the wife drops her head, turns, and walks away. What cultural dynamics do you see occurring in this scenario.

	The woman may have shamed the man as he was bartering with the farmer.
	The farmer did not want to barter with the wife and the husband told her to leave.
	The woman was embarrassed by her husband’s yelling.
	‘a’ ‘b’ and ‘c’ are equally possible, but it is hard to know.
	The Chinese society is a patriarchal society so ‘a’ or ‘b’ are most likely.
	Need more information about the culture to answer.

 

81. Imagine you are invited by a friend, the oldest son of a local business owner, to dinner with his family. You arrive at the same time as another local guest. As the two of you enter, the local guest greets the grandfather, greets the father, and then greets the host. It is now your turn. How would you proceed? 

	I would greet my friend and allow him to make introductions.
	I would greet the grandfather, the father, and then my friend.
	I would wait and take my cue from my friend the host.
	I would wait for the family members to each introduce themselves.
	I would greet the family the same way the guest before me did.
	I would greet all of the family at once and not individually.

 

82. Imagine you have been hired by an employer who has offices worldwide. You are initially assigned to work in the domestic division of the corporation. You work with several college friends and enjoy the comfortable environment of the office. After having spent six months training and working in the domestic division, you are notified you will be transferred to the international division on the other side of town. In your new position, you will work with a multicultural group composed of colleagues from various nations around the world. Which statement do you think would best describe your reaction?

	I would be excited for the opportunity to work with a group of culturally diverse people.
	I would agree to go but might find it difficult to work with a culturally different group of people.
	I would likely try to find a job working with people more like myself.
	I would approach my employer and ask that I not be transferred, that I am happy where I am.
	I would be both excited for the new opportunity and sad to leave my friends and family.
	I would give the new position a chance, but if I was too uncomfortable I would find another job.

 

83. There are many global issues requiring attention in the near and distant future. These include global warming, terrorism, world economic policies, poverty, immigration, human rights abuses, renewable energy production, etc. Which statement below best characterizes your current actions to become involved in the resolution of one of these issues?

	I am actively involved in several groups whose purpose is addressing similar issues.
	I would like to become involved in addressing global concerns, but I am not yet sure how.
	There is really nothing any one person can do at this point.
	I am involved with a group that sometimes works to address these issues.
	I may become involved at some point in the future, but not at this time.
	I have been investigating or exploring ways in which I can help, individually or through a group, to address certain global issues, but have not decided to take any action.

 

84. You are looking for a restaurant in a major city in a Middle Eastern country. You pass a woman and ask her for directions. The woman turns and walks away without saying anything. Which of the following is most likely?

	The woman may have been unable to understand you.
	The woman does not like Americans.
	The woman was afraid.
	It is inappropriate for a woman to talk with a stranger.
	Do not know.
	Need more information about the culture to answer.

 

85. Beth, a medical doctor, was visiting an international colleague, Lourdes, in Philippines and was asked to attend dinner at Lourdes’s home. After arriving and being seated, a servant brought out dinner and began serving. Beth, interested in the unfamiliar culture began to ask the servant some questions. The servant simply smiled and nodded, avoiding eye contact. Lourdes answered the questions for the servant. At one point, the servant accidentally dripped a small amount of food on the table while serving. When asked a question Lourdes could not answer, the servant responded with a brief answer. Lourdes quickly spoke to the servant in a harsh tone. The rest of the dinner proceeded, but in a tense atmosphere. What dynamics caused the tension?

	Need more information to know.
	The servant offended Lourdes by dripping on the table.
	Lourdes might have been upset that the servant had spoken.
	I do not understand the culture well enough to say.
	The servant might have been embarrassed by the questions, especially in English.
	It is possible that servants are not supposed to speak to guests in Philippines.

 

86. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified child/youth immunization as one of the critical areas of health needing to be addressed with urgency. Millions of children each year die from preventable diseases. The mortality rate in Africa and many Asian countries is deplorable. Which statement best characterizes your feelings about this issue?

	I agree with WHO and intend to find some way to help.
	WHO should be going after large foundations like the Gates Foundation to help with this issue, though if there are ways I can make a difference, I certainly will.
	I have contributed to similar organizations working on this problem.
	The world population is so large that this is nature’s way of preventing overcrowding on our planet.
	I have actually volunteered my time to an organization that helps address health challenges around the world.
	The health problems of most of these countries is a result of corrupt government and could be addressed if the governments chose to do so.

 

87. Frank is an executive temporarily living in Turkey. He is responsible for doing employee evaluations for an office in Istanbul. He is assigned to work with a female colleague, Akshita, who is Muslim. As they work together, Frank develops a great respect for Akshita and her good work ethic. However, Frank begins to find it difficult to perform his job due to certain customs Akshita follows. One includes never being alone with him, even when they are discussing confidential employee evaluations. 

	Frank should ask another employee to be assigned to replace Akshita.
	Frank should request to be replaced by a female counterpart.
	Frank should explain the importance of confidentiality to Akshita and ask her to make an exception.
	Frank should work with Akshita to create a reasonably confidential environment where Akshita can still abide by her customs even if it requires others to be present.
	Akshita should understand the nature of confidentiality and remove herself from the evaluation task.
	Frank should fire Akshita since she cannot carry out her responsibilities.

 

88. One of the greatest crises the world will have to address is the depletion of oil reserves and the development of sustainable energy. For the United States, oil depletion could hurt our economy, but since we have huge reserves of coal we can maintain our current economy until new energy sources can be developed. Of course, this will mean contributing even more green house gases to global warming. Many other countries, which are just now developing their manufacturing resources, are beginning to contribute to green house gases. The situation is likely to get much worse as these countries continue to develop their manufacturing economies. What should average citizens do, given the dilemma we face?

	We should demand that our government immediately begin cutting our green house gas emissions and put greater resources into developing new, clean energies.
	We should support all those groups that are educating everyone about the negative effects of industrialization.
	We should take the lead in setting an example by reducing our emissions while also educating the world.
	There is little that the average American citizen can do.
	Science and technology will find the answers sometime in the future; we need not do anything at this time.
	Average American citizens are already doing a great deal; we should just continue to make it an issue for politicians to do our part in reducing emissions.

 

89. An article discussing the history of India made a case for its prominence in the world. The article contrasted many of India’s practices over its long history to those of the Western world. In comparison to the United States, the article concluded that India could be considered one of the great nations of the world. What do you think about the articles comparison? 

	India and the United States are both great nations, but cannot be compared fairly.
	India and the United States with their distinct cultures provide an intriguing comparison.
	It is not a good comparison to examine the United States and India; they are too dissimilar.
	The similarities and differences between India and the United States may be difficult to compare, but the analysis could provide interesting insights into both countries.
	The cultures of these countries can be compared, but in modern comparisons, the U.S. will likely be seen as superior.
	The U.S. is a developed nation and India a developing nation; this makes a bad analysis.

 

90. In many societies around the world women take on different roles. In some societies, a woman’s main role is to be subservient to the man. Some societies expect women primarily to take care of the home (raise children, cook, clean, etc). In other cultures, women work side-by-side with men in egalitarian roles. In still others, women are given elite status and men must serve the needs of women. What do you think the role of women should be?

	Women’s roles should be equal to men’s roles in every way, because the western world has shown that works best.
	It depends on the situation and the individual; the dominant role would change depending on the skills, knowledge, and physical capabilities of the people involved.
	The roles of men and women should be universal across cultures because men and women are the same across all cultures.
	Men, being physically stronger, should typically be in the superior role, because they can work harder and protect the family.
	Men have dominated most cultures throughout history since strength was necessary for survival; in modern times, women should be given the lead since strength is no longer an issue.
	Since women and men have different strengths and weaknesses, their roles should depend on those attributes that the culture values most.

 

91. Jack, a student from England whose father is a wealthy entrepreneur, attends a college in Qatar. This college has single sex dorms and prohibits members of the opposite sex from spending the night. The policy is very strict and violators will be expelled. Jack was lucky enough his sophomore year to get a single room in one of the dorms. On Valentines Day, he and his American girlfriend decide to spend the night together in his dorm. Very early the next morning, as Jack was escorting his girlfriend out, the RA, a Qatar student, caught him and realized he was breaking the visitation rule. As Jack’s friend, he asks you how he should discuss the situation with the RA. What would you tell Jack to do?

	Acknowledge that the RA should report the incident even if it might mean Jack will be expelled.
	Ask that the RA give Jack a warning but not report him because expulsion is an extreme punishment.
	Advise Jack to tell the RA to look the other way and not deal with it.
	Have Jack request that the RA privately record the incident but keep it ‘under wraps’ unless Jack has another violation.
	Tell Jack that he should work within the system and challenge the policy if he believes it is wrong.
	Advise Jack to tell the RA to look the other way and he will owe him one.

 

93. A documentary produced by a Russian filmmaker described the history and politics of Mongolia, one of Russia’s largest neighbors. The documentary described the greatness and size of the early Mongolian empire under Genghis Khan, but was quick to criticize the early society because of the atrocities that occurred under their barbaric leader. As the documentary moved to modern times, it described the Mongolian people as peasants, still very nomadic and barbaric in their ways. The narrator referred to the civilization as one that would do well to adopt more modern ways.

 

94. Many cultures have a history of arranged marriages where the parents of children decide early in the child’s life who they will wed when they reach a specific age. The dominant western culture, however, does not adhere to this cultural practice. As the world becomes more and more integrated, there are many immigrants to western societies, who still practice arranged marriages. What is your thinking about this practice?

	Although my views are influenced by western culture, I think arranged marriages are wrong.
	People who immigrate into a new culture should adopt the customs of that culture, because it makes life easier for them.
	It does not matter what I think, this should be decided by the individuals.
	Arranged marriages are fine because they are historically rooted in certain cultures.
	I need more information about this practice to make a decision.
	The point is immaterial, because no one can be forced to marry someone they do not wish to marry.

 

95. You are in a small village in the southern part of Africa and you see a father and child sitting at a table with a bowl of fruit. You watch as the father strikes the child who has just taken a grape out of a bowl. Which of the following is most likely?

	The father is excessively abusive.
	The child deserved being struck.
	This might be the appropriate cultural response.
	Need more information about the culture to answer.
	Do not know.
	‘a’ ‘b’ and ‘c’ are equally possible.

 

96. Throughout history, people have developed legal systems and followed laws that often vary drastically from one culture to another. Most legal systems are rooted, at least partially, in the religious beliefs of the culture. While some cultures have outlawed certain acts that are deemed cruel and unusual, many cultures still use various practices that some call torture in order to gain compliance within a legal investigation. How would you best describe your position on this issue?

	The Western world is always trying to push its values onto other cultures and perhaps it should just stay out of this issue.
	The cultures that include acts of torture in order to gain compliance are within their sovereign rights.
	Societies should be allowed to use any practices they deem necessary on criminals and uncooperative citizens.
	Every individual should have certain rights of protection from cruel and unusual practices regardless of their culture.
	Perhaps the United Nations should create certain legal rights that countries must adhere to in order to be members.
	I am not sure where I stand on this issue.

 

97. For thousands of years the dominant form of government was some form of monarchy. In the last several centuries, an increasing number of governments have been popularly elected. Even popularly elected governments can vary widely, ranging from republics to near dictatorships. Some countries still believe in the power of divine control. With which of the following do you most agree?

	Monarchies are best because they typically have a history of success within the country.
	Any popularly elected form of government is best for the people, because they most resemble the system in the U.S.
	Any form of government with strong central authority is best because there is less conflict in policy decisions.
	Republics are best because they may spread the power, and allow better representation of the people.
	It really depends on the culture and the people being served, because every culture has different needs.
	There is no one best form of government; it depends on the history and tradition of a nation.

 

98. An economist on World News Today was being interviewed about the differences and similarities between the United States (US) and the European Union (EU). The economist said the structure of the EU, with its constitution and goal of allowing freedom of worker movement across borders, was very much like the US and would likely create strong competition to the US economy. On the down side, however, she was quick to point out the difficulties of overcoming the various nationalistic attitudes, which the US did not have. Overall, she thought it would be interesting to see how the two economies would compete.

	The European Union likely has a better economic system than the United States.
	Two more-dissimilar economic systems may have been a more valuable comparison.
	The United States has a better economic system that the European Union.
	The contrast and comparison of these two economies, while difficult, could be useful.
	It is difficult to compare economic systems with much accuracy or value.
	This comparison is a valuable exercise in understanding how similarities and differences can be analyzed across cultures.

 

99. A large multinational corporation was seeking to open an office in the capital of Nigeria. The formal process called for the company to submit an application to the ministry of commerce. One of the executives for international operations completed the application and submitted it. Several months went by with no response. The executive decided to meet with the administrator, but had a difficult time getting an appointment. After trying several times, the receptionist implied that a “gratuity” (money) would help get an appointment. The executive was outraged at the thought of a bribe and left. What should he do next?

	The executive should immediately report the receptionist to a government minister.
	The executive should let some time pass and see what happens next.
	The executive should learn whether paying the gratuity is a cultural custom.
	The executive should advise the corporation that it should immediately abandon its plan for the new office since this country is corrupt.
	The executive should explain to the receptionist that bribes are not permitted by his company.
	The executive should hire a local person to deal with the cultural complexities of doing business in the capital city.

 

Many have protested this narrow definition for its gender-specificity and focus on physical force over the years. Now, CNN reports, the Justice Department released a statement saying they will be updating and broadening the definition.

"The crime of rape will be defined as "penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the victim."

Change.org, an online activist site that allows users to draft petitions in order to provoke change, e-mailed out a list of changes that have taken place in the past few months, including a petition urging the FBI to update their definition, in which they have been involved. 

Read below for the full text of the e-mail and consider starting your own petition today.

This is big. For the past 80 years, the FBI has used an extremely narrow definition of rape that led to massive underreporting of rape and insufficient federal funding for police departments to fight violence against women.

But after months of sustained pressure, including 140,000 messages sent via Change.org, Director Robert Mueller announced this week that he gave final approval for the FBI to update its official definition of rape!

That means you moved the FBI. And that’s not an easy thing to do.

Director Mueller’s decision is the most recent proof that when people band together to make change, no institution is immovable.

Just in the past few months, a 22-year-old nanny named Molly Katchpole used Change.org to force both Bank of America and Verizon to roll back newly proposed fees. A Women’s Professional Soccer player got U.S. Soccer to save her league when it was in danger of disbandment. And a grad student forced the Discovery Channel to commit to airing a documentary on climate change that they’d tried to pull from their line-up.

People are using Change.org every day to make real change. You could be next.

Start your own petition by clicking here.

Thanks for being a change-maker,

- Shelby and the Change.org team