Jacqueline's Global Scholars Blog

Masauko Chipembere  A fascinating life story. Born in Malawi and raised in Los Angeles after his parents’ exile from Malawi due to their leadership roles in a failed coup against the dictatorial government, Masauko’s social and political messages are conveyed through the art of music. Having had the privilege to listen to Masuoka speak and play his music at Polytechnic’s GiP event last week, I gained fresh perspectives on two painful social issues that are separate yet connected in that they are both forms of oppression and in dire need of correction: racism in America and rape in South Africa.  As a first-generation black American whose parents were unfamiliar with racism since it is virtually nonexistent in Malawi, Masuoko conveyed his difficulty growing up without guidance from his parents on this topic. Unlike the majority of his African-American peers whose parents could relate and offer support, Masuoka felt isolated and inadequate in deal...

I attended yesterday evening's UNA-USA board meeting for the purpose of introducing myself to board members, presenting updates on my internship, and learning more about how the organization is run. Following the approval of the August minutes, Chapter Business related to finances were addressed. Last week's Adopt-A-Future Campaign for Refugees was discussed in light of what worked, what didn't, and how we can improve for next year. The idea of giving incentives to encourage more students to become actively involved with UNA-USA was presented. Tasks and times in preparation for UN Day on October 26th were also coordinated. Additionally, we prepared for next week's Mini Coffee Talk which will be hosted on Thursday, October 3rd from 5-6:30 at the UNA-USA Board Office on 75 S. Grand Ave. #106 in Pasadena. This event will be for members, prospective members, and volunteers to learn more about the United Nations and how to get involved in action related works for our co...

Polytechnic’s Global Initiative Program Presents Brave Girl Rising The film, Brave Girl Rising , followed by a discussion with producer Martha Adams, featured last week as Polytechnic's first Global Initiative Program Event of the 2019-20 school year. Filmed on location in one of the world's largest refugee camps in Dadaab, Kenya, Brave Girl Rising tells the story of 17-year- old Nasro, a Somali orphan living in Dadaab. Moreover, the film and insightful discussion with Ms. Adams shed light on the plight of female refugee camp victims across the global south. Lack of education, gender violence, and water scarcity were among the major problems addressed. Ms. Adams also pointed out that cultural and religious norms often contribute to the obstacle of limited education for females; this, in turn, negatively impacts wide-ranging issues including infant mortality rate, community stability, and GDP. Ms. Adams concluded the evening by urging Poly students to do things in th...

  ORGANISATION INTERNATIONALE DE LA FRANCOPHONIE (OIF) In preparation for the 42nd session of the Human Rights Council this month, the Group of Francophone Ambassadors (GAF) met with Michelle Bachelet, the High Commissioner for Human Rig hts in Geneva on August 30th to discuss objectives and challenges. According to OIF, topics addressed included: the need for further support, budget challenges, and concern over increased human rights abuses. Additionally, the many French-speaking Ambassadors present at the session emphasized the importance of strengthening multilingualism and cultural diversity in meetings as well as in the administrative offices of the High Commission.

Ukraine and the State of Affairs: A Conversation about Peace and Justice; United Nations Association USA, Pasadena Chapter; Armory Center for the Arts  August 22, 2019  Speaker: Dr. Gregory Zabacz, Associate Provost and Director of the Center For Peacemaking and Conflict Studies, Fresno Pacific University Presentation: Dr. Zabacz began with a historical overview (6th century to present day) of the Ukraine's Russification. Russification is the replacement of native Ukrainian language and culture with the Russian language and culture based on Russia’s belief that Ukraine is inherently a part of Russia. Presently, President Putin believes that Ukraine is covered in the Brezhnev doctrine, which states that Russia has the right to militarily intervene in the affairs of countries that were in the historical Soviet Union. Gregory Zabacz explained the causes of the current conflict.  He first acknowledged three of the Ukrainian government’s past errors: 1) de...

Last night's screening of Tel Aviv on Fire and discussion facilitated by director Sameh Zoabi at the Los Angeles World Affairs Council was thought-provoking. The award-winning film, which premiered internationally at the 75th Venice International Film Festival, brings to light the plight of Isreali Arabs. Neither "entirely Palestinian in the eyes of the rest of the Arab world " nor "entirley Israeli," the movie conveys the dilemma that Palestinian filmmakers must contend with when their craft is supported with Israeli funds. This dilemma is not confined to the work of artists but reflects the situation of the community at large. Essentially, both sides - the Israelis as well as the Palestinians - want to ensure that their stories are depicted from their perspective - a task that seems nearly impossible. Yet, Zoabi approaches the topic in an outstandingly fair and light-hearted manner. Rather than emphasize the horrific and inhumane realit...

China's Ire: Protesters in Hong Kong incur the Communist Party's Wrath, T he Economist, 7/22/19; Why are there Protests in Hong Kong? All the Context You Need, BBC 7/25/2019 Reading abo ut the protests in Hong Kong this week was a bit startling. Not surprising, however, given the Chinse philosophy of filial piety which emphasizes respect of authority, was the government’ s quick response and reprimand. According to reports in The Economist on Monday, a statement on the government’s website states that the demonstrators have “seriously challenged the central government’s authority” and “insulted the country and its people.”  Having had a fairly in-depth conversation with a tour guide when I was in Hong Kong at the start of the year, I had been somewhat privy to the sentiment of “Hong Kongers” and their relationship with mainland China before reading the article. The tour guide had explained that most “Hong Kongers” were not happy about the r...