Englisch Abitur LK Hessen 2022

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America by mistake. "First letter from a new World" written by Columbus in 1492 evokes the idea of the new world as an earthly paradise. Main message is the discovery of America. Mayflower Compact (1620) First political document • loyal subjects to the king • God Describing a perfect society Temporary earthly self-government (out of necessity) Tight-unit community ensure survival Frm a body politic > just survive City upon a hill (1630) Religious document • loyl servant to god tight-knit community to be a role model in faith • set an ideal example for christianity new social order > (comparison to Mayflower Compact) > religious exceptionalism The term is attributed to the early puritan John Winthrop who is said to have spoken these words in 1630 when he and his fellow Puritans were about to sail to the New World. The term has come to emphasize the American belief that the country is an example to the rest of the world. Ladder of fortune (1748) Economic dimension (B. Franklin) > work hard do not waste time or money (time is money) • be trustworthy keep an account of your expanse/ income > balance in warning of credits become an honorable citizen being frugal and industrious French-Indian-War (1754-63) England vs. France fighting for more territory in the US. England wins because of their strong navy but is deeply indebted. Proclamation (1763) End of War beginning of the American Revolution • border seperating Indians& colonists • End of Benign Neglect (an attitude of ignoring an often delicate situation that one is held to be responsible for dealing with) • New colonies • new direct rules > taxation • Pontiacs War > War of native American tribes against british domination in North America • Treaty of Paris (ended the war, France gave up all its territories in mainland, NA confirmed Englands imperial dominance in NA) > Americans felt suppressed, unheard, ignored 1770 Boston massacre, first act of violence. With an unification and the finding of an identity taking place within the United States by setting up committees of correspondence 1772 and their first continental congress 1774,a seperation from Great Britain was inescapable. 1775-1783 • Revolutionary War The American War of Independence was a war between GB and its 13 colonies in America. Whereas the Americans see the process as Revolution, the British see it as a Rebellion. Declaration of Independence (July 4th 1776) > turning point • Replaces a monarchical System with a ("pseudo") democratic system • 5 dimensions: political, religious, social, economic, individual This document announced all 13 American colonies independent from the british Empire with whom they were at War. It seperates America from GB and transforms America into a free, independent country due to the justification of natural laws. E pluribus unum> out of many one Part 2- Beliefs: "We hold these truhts to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator, with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness" (>link with american Dream) Part 5- Declaring Independence: "We declare, that these united colonies are, and of Right ought to be free and independent States" #independent #equality Novus ordo secolorum > new world order (no king...) #libertyordeath #endoftyranny #pursuitofhappiness #ownrights The American Constitution (1787) political human made democratic document • new order "novus ordo secolorum" forming a more perfect union "translatio imperii" (Herrschaftsübertragung auf ein anderes Volk) delineates the national frame of government fndamental rights, federal system, seperation of powers > checks and balances, flexibility of the constitution • Bill of Rights (first 10 Amendments): offers specific protections of individual liberty and justice and place restrictions on the powers of government. We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic Tranquillity, provide for the common Defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterty, to ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. Westward Expansion (1820-1900) 1. Land (westward) 2. Freedom (political) 3. Mission Civil War (1861-1865) The Civil War originated from unsolves differences which inevitably lead to a climax where northern and southern stats fought for different unbridgeable values such as the southern identity or an eternal Union. Both states were focusing on individual goals which caused a catastrophe America has yet not overcome. What are they fightig for?: North, The Union: Well established manufacturing and industry -freedom -abolish slavery south -Union = constitution While the North fought for the Union, peace and equality, the South fought to free themselves of Northern oppression and to keep their traditional way of living. Ghettysburg Address: Lincoln declares that the living can honor those who died in the civil war no with a speech but rather by continuing to fight for the ideas they gave their lifes for. Emancipation Proclamation (1862/1863) South, confederate States: Economy based on a system of large-scale farminh that depended on the labor of black slaves > yet north had even a richer, more varied agriculture than -DIXIE, their way of life >ulterior motive "official reading"> free slaves Why?> union needs soldiers How? > obliging southern slaves to join the northern army to fight the southern rebellions from within New Colossus (1883) Emma Lazarus' sonnet glorifies the USA as a country of immigration that welcomes all, in particular those "exiled" for a new life. Mother of Exiles > symbolizes the US as a nation for immigrants #motherofexiles #newsociety #protectionofpoor #immigration #welcomingeveryone #peace #comparingtwostatues #tolerantstate Manifest Destiny (theory in 19th century) The idea implied that the American people had the God-given right to extend their democratic principles and thus expand their political and territorial power over the American continent and beyond. > Americans see themselves as gods chosen people, which justifies their persecution of the Native Americans expansion westwards. #godgivenmission #individualfreedom. Vietnam War (1955-1975) political belief in system is shaken cultural - trauma vietnam is the only country to defeat the US • the failing of a system in a useless war • why did they enter? > help the french& stop communism #tragedy #trauma #progress #chosenland #disgrace #division Civil Rights Movement (1955-1968) consistent process active + many participants • unstoppable + no compromise non-violent activities, marches • Rebellion • EVOLUTION #newera. #democraticsystem Rosa Pars changed the minds of the blacks- not the whites COURAGE+ UNITY+ SUCCESS = CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT #disparity #inhumane Rosa Parks (1955) • having no seat on a bus> sat down in the white area& and didnt want to give up her place for the whites • Protest?/ provocation?/ simple unplanned action > bus boycott = unconstitutional > WIN #superior #equality #brutal #traumatizing #lawsofnature #westwardexpansion #devaluation #disasterous fight for equal rights in treatment of African Americans aspired to social, legal, political and cultural changes to prohibit discrimination and end segregation as well as exclusion • decades long struggle by African-Americans to end legalized racial discrimination, inequality and racial segregation Black community leaders formed the Montgomery Improvemet Association (MIA) led by baptist minister Martin Luther King Jr., a role which would place him front and center in the fight for civil rights. After the Civil War and the abolition of slavery in the 1860s, the reconstruction amendments to the US constitution granted emancipation and constitutional rights of citizenship to all African Americans. African Americans voted and held political office, but the were increasingly deprived of civil rights, often under Jim craw laws, and subjected discrimination and sustained violence by whites. August 28, 1963: the march on washington for jobs and freedom > peaceful march with the main purpose of forcing civil rights legislation and establishing jon equality. Kings speech: he called for civil and economic rights and an end to racism in the US by exposinf the American public to the inustice of racial inequality and to persuade them to stop discriminating on the basis of race. > brought even greater attention to the Civil Rights Movement Malcolm X > force/ violent > peaceful ineffective > seperate: white/black > islamic only religion (own state, system) > whites should be punished for their crimes (all of them) > violence is justified through them treating us violently > black panther Black Power #unityandharmony While King advocated non-violent direct action and passive resistance to achieve equal rights, Malcolm X was the spokesman for the Nation of Islam, the Black Moslem Movement which violently rejected white America and its christian values, and preached the supremacy of blacks over whites. Racism #freedom #equality Martin Luther King > peaceful > brotherhood A southern fertile grounds > crops big farms cheap/ uneducated workers > freedom = equality > diversity + tolerance > people need faith - god. > equality = everything > I have a dream #justice B middle #force Racism is a characteristic that evolved in human nature out of various reasons that unfortunately established in the ongoing process of human evolution and history creating factors like the lack of self-esteem, positive distinctiveness or survival. #deeplyrooted #cynical #oppression #seperatebutequal (1896) Why is racism (particularly towards blacks) so deeply ingrained in the US culture? Colonies #whitesguilt с northern industrial + religious companies highly educated/ skilled "Born on the Fourth of July" (1989) The central message of the story "Born on the Fourth of July" by Ron Kovic focuses on the pride of the Marine serving the United States. Furthermore it illustrates their confidence as well as their superiority mentioning they were the first in everyhing. In addition to that the Marine has high standards on their budding recruiters only looking for the best. Iraq War (2003) • Invasion occured as a part of declared War against terrorism and its sponsors under the administration of George W. Bush (9/11) Result: Iraq government deposed, occupation of Iraq until 2011, new Iraq government established, beginning of the Iraq War • Trigger was Iraqs failure to take a "final opportunity" to disarm itself of alleged nuclear, chemical and biological weapons that the US and british officials called an immediate and intolerable threat to world peace She was never about those huddled masses (2009) Criticizing Emma Lazarus' poem, Roberto Suro reveals the actual meaning of Lady Liberty whose original name is "Liberty enlightening the world". He claims that she refers to the roots of the American history alluding to the Declaration of Independence. In contrast to that, the poem illustrates immigration as a smbol of Lady Liberty. Over all the statue should represent US political values the rment of humanity as well a friendship between the American Dream The American Dream is the ideal by which equality of opportunity is available to any American, allowing the highest aspiration and goals to be achieved with hard work > The dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for every man, with opportunity for each according to his ability of achievement. #pursuitofhappiness #multiculturalism Promise of American Dream: "You can make it!" Black American Dream They want to be seen as Americans > EQUALITY #BLM, cool-pose culture (1863), white washing (1964) not represented • prejudices • unequal education • job situation social exclusion • police brutality poverty/ ghetto #equality #individuality White American Dream > focuses on economic dimension and exceptionalism Hispanic American Dream> family and cultural identity HYPHENATED > Latin - Americans under God > religion. one nation> unity liberty > personal freedom justice for all > equality, fairness indivisible > mythical, eternal America the beautiful Pledge of Allegiance "I pledge allegiance to theflag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under god, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." > ideal, indoctrination, subsumizes the American belief #liberty #proress #paradisical The song "America the beautiful" written in 1913 encapsulates the concept of America as being a free country and idealises the way of living in it. #glorifies #ideal #hope #promisedland #man&nature #perfectlyharmonious Living in the American society Multiculturalism- concepts salad bowl: > integration = variety > accepting difference. > creating "superculture" > keeping their cultural identity melting pot: > assimilate = same values > homogeneous mass > many - one > loss of individuality& identity Melting pot myth The promise to transform all immigrants into Americans turned out to seperate multicultural society struggling to immigrate without speaking english. Core values of the United States: Issue: Immigrants are unwanted in the US but they also search for employees to do work Americans wouldnt do. American cultural values: liberty, self-government, equality, individualism, diversity and unity • independence, privacy, informality, competition, time and efficiency, consumerism individual freedom and self-reliance • equality of opportunity and competition the American Dream and hard work Pluralistic, multicultural society that will hold on to some core ideas about citizenship and captalism, but with little meaningful interaction among groups (integration) The promise that all immigrants can, in a crucible of democracy, freedom and civic responsability, be transformed into Americans. This country can transform people of every color and backgrounds into "one America" (assimilation) Contra legalization: • adverse effect in depressing the wages of low skill workers come to the US outside the law Migration Problem: 11-12 Million undocumented workers in the US, illegal immigrants came outside the law& take away work opportunities Legalize them or deport them? Pro legalization: immigrants are doing work, Americans wouldnt do • better opportunities for a better life Solution stronger border security/ control Unguarded Gates >opposing open/ unlimited immigrants. -threat, unknown, danger New World -enchanted -majestic -wide open -living gold -lordly -rich -proudly -later Eden Old World -unknown -trampled -featureless -strange American Citizens: • selfless • soldiers/ heroes brotherhood idealistic • patriotic • love their country more than themselves. strive for freedom America: • paradisical • rich noble glorified gods chosen country 5 dimensions: 1. social dimnsion: classless society, "novus ordo secolorum" 2. economical dimension: ladder of fortune (B. Franklin > industry, frugality, honesty), new AD: rags to riches, wealth distribution political dimension: revolution, Declaration of Independence, Proclamation 1763, "e pluribus unum", Mayflower Compact religious dimension: Manifest Destiny, Exceptionalism 3. 4. 5. individualism: selfmade-man, new AD Selfmade-man (when settling to America): no past, individual choice, free, self-governed, independent, lives up to his potential Social Mobility • individual, family or group moves up or down in the social hierarchy • America: little to no social mobility social inequality Unequal opportunities and rewards available to different groups within society it can influence different areas such as health, education, jobs... social class • grouping of people according to their social economic status (lower, middle, upper class) • affected by income, wealth, family background, education attitudes and hopes The Mobility Myth - Poverty in the US Myth mentioned in the AD that the equality of chances for all Americans exist • big gap between rich and poor • Dream: rags to riches (e.g. Clinton) cant accept their failed fate stobborn& optimism • imaginary world (propaganda, indoctrination) Working poor > oxymoron In juxtoposition to the old, original American Dream, where honesty, frugality and industry were seen as the most important points, the new American Dream has nothing to do with prudence or morality but more with luck, to maybe someday become rich without any real hard work because you wait until youre discovered. Reality: the America nightmare, because the AD is delusional, fictional, misguiding To kill a Mockingbird To kill a mockingbird, a novel by the author Harper Lee, published in 1960, takes place in the southern traditional town of Maycomb, a tight-knitted community in Alabama, during the horrific Civil War as well as Great Dperession. By introducing the narrator "Scout", Lee initiates the deeply ingrained issue of gender inequality as revealed by the girls- upon this time- inappropriate tomboyish behaviour. Evidently the central message is portayed in the quote "its a sin to kill a mockingbird" whih embodies the injustice strongly made by society towards outsiders referring to Tom Robinson and Boo Radley as a reflection of innocence. Consequently they are discriminated and accused do to racism along with prejudices. Themes Race: • racism exists in Maycomb for many generations • whites feel superior to blacks racial prejudices (Tom Robinson trial) The black characters in TKAM contribute to the development of the white characters rather than appearing as individuals in their own right. To kill a mockingbird suggests that racism is learned, so it can be unlearned. Justice and judgement: • in TKAM justice is a privilege, not a right • criminal court system in Maycomb is broken > white men already decided on the case before they entered the courtroom Woman and femininity: • by the examples of Aunt Alexandra and Miss Maudie, Scout learns to be a lady • Scout wants to grwo up by her own terms > sees femininity as a trap • TKAM suggests that questioning the southern womenhood could undermine not just gender attitudes, but racial ones as well Family: • family is destiny • family matters > individuls cant overcoe being born into bad families Society: • Maycomb is divided into different classes (through Scouts POV) Outsiders > Its not a self-choice to be an outsider! All the important characters the story depends on are ousiders/ mockingbirds! All of these characters are mockingbirds in their very own way. Mockingbirds are harmless and shouldnt be hurt in any way. Atticus: He is defending a lack man an therefore is called a "Nigger-Lover". Atticus also reads a lot which is unusual. Scout: She doesnt act like a girl and is more of a tomboy since Jem is her role model as she lost her mother. Calpurnia: She is seen as a black in the white world she works in and is seen as a white in the black world because she works for them. Boo Radley: There are rumors about him which is why hee is called a phantom. Hes never seen and never comes out. Tom Robinson: He is a black man and a defendant. The Cunninghams The Ewells Scout • intelligent tolerant, open-minded kind to Boo loyal innocent, naive • natural tomboy • her brothers a role model for her • honest • fearless Raised by a single parent in the spirit of free thinking and forming her own moral judgement by considering oter peoples POV. Scout as the narrator of the book Narrative Perspective: first person, limited, unreliable ! Role of Gender! > has short hair > wears overalls > tomboyish > doesnt identify with her biological and social sex at first Scouts function in the book is to encourage people to face new people without prejudices and to always see the good in people. Boo Radley ! People of Maycomb only know Boo by what others say about him! "Malevolent Phantom"/ "Urban Legend" • misunderstood > the story is told autobiographical through the eyes of a six to nine year old mistreated by his father • lives in a dark house (never seen = ill) Mockingbird/ Outsider attempts a friendship between him, Jem and Scout Function: leaves room for myth illustrates social structure links first main characters creates tension and diversion shows how Maycomb deals with outsiders. A Mockingbird symbolizes innocence and harmlesness As a ghost-like figure, Boo also symbolizes aspects of the towns past, such as intolerance, inequality and slavery! Atticus Finch • "white-knight" defends Tom Robinson (attorney) fights against racial prejudices non-judgemental hero of the book. moral backbone • rolemodel • instilled his children with a strong sense of morality and justice Courtroom ! The courtroom represents the TRUTH and the southern ID ! > reveals that there are only two kind of people in Maycomb: blacks and whites (town believes white is right) > reveals the truth about Mayella being abused by her father and Tom being falsely accused of raping her Plot POV Scout: first person, limited, unreliable Background: > Civil War Maycomb: old/tired, taditional, tight-knitted Outsiders: Scout, Boo Gender change: > chapter 8: fire, snow, coolest night > chapter 9: new approach = racism p.85: Introduction > insult at school, playfully through the eyes of a child Jail > Great Depression Courtroom/ trial Toms death good vs. evil !change in atmosphere = negative foreshadowing! Q2 Great Britain Great Britain- past and present: the character of a nation Tradition and change The wording United Kingdom implies a country united by its history throughout its different classes and social milieus. The term Great Britain indirectly hints at the conviction of a proud, superior country which is obsessed with power and influence on the whole world and is tacitly implying a conjucted empire consisting of mighty countries, states and citizens, shich in point of fact contradicts with recent historical events and the fragile division of Great Britain. The British Empire: • originated with overses possesions and trading posts established by England between 16th& 18th century • as its height used to be the largest empire in history • for over a century foremost global power, 1/5 of world population, covered almost a quarter of the earth land area as a result its political, legal cultural and linguistic legacy is widespread • matches Americas sense of superiority and exceptionalism unmatched military strength royalty, hierarchy destined to be ruled by god ruler of the world, wealthy, majestic, invincible justified by god, tradition Rise: commerce/trade . global import and export/ slavery > one corner of the trade triangle = FOUNDATION • rivalry; involvement of monarch > rise of the age of imperialism • formal british government and administration - Indian financial crisis > british take over (Shooting an elephant) - Emperor of India TRADE, ECONOMICS, POLITICS, AMBITION, RELIGION, ADVENTURES AND CURIOSITY Demise • dominions demanded the right to govern themselves (rebellions in India) DECOLONIZATION - ongoing, complex process; ended with the independence of the colonies (e.g. India in 1947) • growing nationalism and demand for independence in various states (e.g. Ireland, Kenya) • conscription: citizens of british dependencies were expected to fight for britain during the two world wars, many colonies rejected • economic reasons: after WW1, independence was given to some colonies to ease the financial strin on Britain > fall left british disillusioned > devolution of power is devolved into smaller pieces, unit not existing anymore, not one nation/ empire/ kingdom Legacy of the Empire for former colonies: • british culture; political/ social structures survived Legacy of the Empire for the mothercountry: • large numbers of immigrants from former colonies - political/ economic ties to former colonies > COMMONWEALTH > one sided relationship The monarchy - outdated relique of the past? Pro -Charities, Diana drew attention to AIDS -unites the kingdom and society -stronger defense -balance, transfer of power is smoother -cheaper Con -positive image on Britain > securing trade deals -making britain attractive (representative) -no guarantee of competency -difficult to stop power -requires minors What remained of the Empire? Although the Empire has ceased as a political unit ... ... the idea of exceptionalism and hierarchy remains ... the concept of colonization still has an impact on the former british colonies today ... its impact from the past still undeniably present ... it still functions as a mental concept which implies happy memories the citizens stronlgy depend on ... it continues to den its weakened state in a narcissistic attempt to regain its former image of superior glory ... remained as an (idea, concept, pattern, blueprint) of lost glory and still immanent greatness in the mind of todays citizens Colonial Concepts Orientalism: Imitation of aspects in eastern world. A racist, outdated narrative of how west aces Asia as inferior. Self serving images reducing orient to projectionsfrom white mas imagination. Prejudiced outsider interpretations of eastern world, shaped by the cultural attitudes of european imperialism. Eurocentrism: Denotes a world view, which implicitly or explicity posits european history and values as "normal" and superior to others, thereby helping to produce and justify europes dominant position within the global capitalist world system. Imperialism: Policy of extending a countrys power influence and dominion especially through colonization, by use of military force or other means. Always involves use of power, therefore has often been considered morally reprehensible. New Imperialism: In historical context, characterizes a period of colonial expansion by western european powers. The period of featured and unprecedented pursuit of overseas territorial acquisitions. Humanitarianism: Promotion of human welfare and biggest motivation behind New Imperialism "civilizing" the "lower" calss people in Africa and other undeveloped places. religious motive for christian missionary described in white mans burden Social Darwinism: Individuals are suspected to the same Darwinian laws as plants and animals. Class stratisfaction is based on natural inequalities among individuals. Biological superiority applying evolution concepts of natural selection to human society. Postcolonialism THE LEGACY OF THE EMPIRE/ THE SHADOWS OF COLONIALISM/ INDIGENOUS PEOPLE The british provided a stable government, uncorrupt public administration, peace, the rule of law, free trade, the abolition of slavery and in every colony nurtured its native people towards running their own countries once they were ripe for independence. > immigrants as puppets in a puppet theatre, cut off from great city life, pointlessness of their lifes/ the great journey > assimilation - overthrowing old identity, bitterness, silenced Question of IDENTITY& BELONGING Post-colonial Problems integration vs. assimilation culture what is our culture? identity. • how to deal with the past (colonial past): 1. ignore/ forget/ refute/ delete 2. fight against it 3. accept it > After the explosion of the colonies, the "white supporters" immirated to Great Britain hoping for priviledged life. Post-colonizers lost their status, their national identity and opened an even lower class of nonaccepted culture. Therefore, its not usual to live through an identity crisis of not knowing where you bellong. White mans burden - Rudyard Kipling Take up the White man's burden Send forth the best ye breed Go bind your sons to exile To serve your captives' need; To wait in heavy harness On fluttered folk and wild - Your new-caught, sullen peoples, Half devil and half child. • duty of white men to bring civilization (education, salvation) to people around the world that he deemed uncivilized • some suggest its racist • urged US and Britain to take up the burden and civilie the fromer colonies White Man -challenge, impeeded -civilized -manhood -self-centered -narcisistic -reckless, arrogant -hypocrits -perceive themselves as superior -hard working -convinced of their beliefs XY Man -childish, wild, devilish/evil -dangerous. -wild, uncivilized -dumb -in need of support in order to develop - ignorant, foolish -ungrateful • dual identities have been common een before large scale immigration • britishness is not one single culture, not assimilation but integration -in need of help -submissive, inferior -lazy, unworthy -ruin themselves, need to be saved Ethnic Diversity Great Britain as multicultural society - Auswirkungen auf colonial past Multiculturalism Means many different things! • no culture is perfect therefore benefits from critical dialoge with other cultures > have to be open and self-critical 1. Every culture has the right to exist (negative tolerance) no thread that holds society together > destructive 2. Diversity, positive acceptance > peaceful, equal coexistence but there is a common thread of britishness to hold it together Britishness must be part of multiculturalism. Britain has always been a multicultural state and society composing of England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales made up of diverse range of cultures and identities. > for GB = loss of national pride and one central element of identity (Empire and self-concept) > for colonies = necessity to re-create or create a ational identity, parts of population are "hybrid" • MC always has been part of the british identity, with fall of Empire just includes different ethnicities and loss of former greatness • hard to accept for british ! Commonwealth with Nationality Act lead to fluent immigration ! loyalists reasons or the hope of better living conditions immmigrants helped while there was labour shortage after the world wars civil war creates a mindset of expectation for peaceful coexistence and integration • immigrants: "taking jobs away" - constant reminder of failure (british pride..) Integration vs. Assimilation Integration: • means that everyone in a given country has a part in the whole world, no matter where they come from or which religion they believe in the process of immigrants becoming self-sufficient members of society and retaining their rich cultural background combining one thing with another so they become a whole • tapestry Assimilation: • individual decision to adapt. Problems arise when states try to force minorities to adapt has aimed for one homogeneous culture to become similar to something > the important distinction is cultural preservation Issue of immigration/ integration: Story: Pair of Jeans • integration on the surface/ outside but inner conflicts on the inside and struggles with identity, torn between two isolated cultures > HYBRID Story: My son the fanatic • rootlessness (Ali) leading to concnetration of extremism in society issues lay in the system Clash of cultures • describes the differences caused by different lifestyles and the resulting social problems • loss of identity on the homeland: immigrants are afraid of becoming too british > they stop adapting • racism and discrimination: some Britons are of the opinion to be superior • confusion due to overlapping identities: sense of unbelonging among second generation immigrants • traditional role expectations lead to exclusion from society, arranged marriages: based on social standing, appearance or income, children are held captive in the retrogressive era > xenophobia emotionally controls people Which issues is Britain facing today? • public depth increasing • past glories do not equal present reality not so great anymore, has to rethink its role in the world. • has to adapt to foreign standards • britains overtaken by the reality of foreign pressure leaving them • not changing the system, not getting rid of classes • rigid social calss and social mobility obstruct integration and reaching higher social class Speeches: Positions and Concepts of MC Chicken Tikka Masala - Robin Cook - foreign secretary: Suggestion: Immigration and MC to strengthen a renew british ID, salad bowl • british have always been divers their "sheer pluralism of their ancestry" is not a "burden" • chicken tikka masala perfectly illustrates the way british absorbs and adapts external influences and is an example for the opportunity which diversity and MC presents • CTM indian dish but sauce added to make it more appealing to the british > british have become accustomed to exotic spices Yet a shared framework of values and institutions is neccessary > acting as a unified force • british = collective of all kinds of people with different backgrounds pluralism is welcome and a benefit • identifies thread of british society: arrival of immigrants - continued membership in EU - devolution of power Rivers of Blood - Enoch powell 1968 - membe of british parliament: Suggestion: Critic on mass immigration (Commonwelath), immigrants out Central Message: addresses the fear of losing a pure british identity which is intensified through strong arguments of warning Functions as future warning with the aim to convince british • annual inflow of 50000 immigrants must not be permitted advocates voluntary re-emigration xenophobia - fear of fears discrimination against native population > control of immigrants necessary or clash of cultures will result in violence > presents a valid view that reaches out to the emotional argumentation vs. immigrants > segregation (fish&chips) Concept: - immigrants are going to replace/ substitute the natives (jobs, social, healthcare) - integration is an ILLUSION > impossible to accomplish, caused by physical distinction > conclusion: exclude immigrants to prevent MC-MC is INNECESSARY, dysfunctional, delusional, unnatural, a thread David Cameron: MC has failed Central message: States responsibility of creating a feeling of belonging and identity in the UK in order to prevent islamic extremism, leading to terroristic attacks distinguishes peaceful practice of islam from radical islamic extremism west and islam are not compatible yet some experience rootlessness, failing to identify with british culture. • general seperation of cultures leads to loss of a common purpose and feeling of belonging • filling emptiness wih extremist ideologies supported by media immerses into radicalization Camerons Solution: confronting extremism and strengthening the threa of community in order to creating a feeling of belonging Concept> new salad bowl: the bowl representing the common set of values that are protected and enforced by the state and shared by every british citizen. Yet - simultaneously accepting and welcoming culture heteronomy and diversity, presented as the metaphorical SALAD. No to extremism through identification with core values and yes to a peaceful islam. > MC has failed (example ALI) Why is multiculturalism difficult for Great Britain? • fears that nature of "britishness is under thread" - seeing secular values in jeopardy • anxiety of Great Britain of a devolution of power • means loss of Empire as mental construct How can multiculturalism function? building stronger societies • not only passive tolerance but active liberalism (Cameron) • salas bowl concept - variety of cultures seen as enrichment Advantages > allows citizens to express themselves and keep ID > increased cultural variety, broadened horizon > more tolerant society, open-minded > prejudices reduced > linguistic variety, makes GB more attractive for global companies > contribution to the remaking of britain after world wars Social class Common objections > loss of distinct culture > no feeling of common culture > exploiting welfare state - lower income of britains > immigrants stealing jobs > becoming minority in own country > might not be any feeling of community if there is no common culture • status inconsistency • cultural capital (skills, behavior, education) > many parallel societies lead to: - behaviors and values that run counter to broader society (extremism) • Related to income, wealth, social status, cultural capital, social capital Definition: group of people who hold a particular social ad economical status • economic status defined by wealth and income • social class linked to social status, US "white collar jobs" • social capital (social assets acquired through relationships that grant access to power) - cann be passed down in family even if MC is successfull, social class hinders equality • classes are more subtle and have sme effect of structuring societies which best represents itself in language • social class skills are not taught, you need contacts is a cause of discrimination • labours government strategy to ceate new meritocracy > redestribution and education reforms britains secret: class still matters. • for joining group you need their behavior and have to adapt • creates barriers • manners and skills remain obstacles > manners include proper use of language > social startisfaction results from structural inequalities among social groups > unequal access to material, education, money etc. > social hierarchy (gender, age, race ethnicity, religion) are markers of social inequality > in india caste system does not allow upward mobility, class determined by birth > all societies have system of organization that results in different classes Ireland Identity complex and mental construct unique, dynamic sense of self composed of various internal and external circumstances • perpetually affected by ones social environment, groups one interacts with are basics of social ID and the source of ones self-esteem generalization/ categorization (division in "them and us") influences ones personality and self-perception National Identity attempt to generalize an entire nation, vague construct • common values, history, language or traditions. neither individual nor dynamic local identity as a threat (federalism in US) subject to continuous renegotiation - loose importance (germany) - reinvented as multicultural identity (kind of britain) - becomes an ideology > MC destroyed common values, traditions, enemies, language, culture Irish Identity • conflicts in belfast > history equals present (history has been passed onto next generation) definded by culture and traditions > music, dancing, national St. Patricks Day, immigration MC, cultural diversity = not english • Irish Diaspora, remarkably large and widespread, famine as the origin has impacted irish ID, people live in Diaspora yet having a strong bond to home country • Religion: strct catholicism, some protestants • Violence against constant oppression becomes part of ID, young people affected by this, conduct riots and revolts Language • part of cultural ID marker of social class differentiation from others/ distinguish or creating a connection reflection of society • empowers people to express themselves defines ones identity • overcomes barriers or creates them The Great Famine (1845-1849) > starvation (english people potatoe crop failed, hard winter) • one million peope dead and same number emigrated mostly to England and US > fall of population by almost a quarter still scrutinizing wether to blame english government due to no adequate reaction, yet even accusing them because they exacerbated the irish situation > scapegoating Starvation effect on individual: hostility, trauma, dominating all thoughts, value of food, overconsumation short term effects: diseases, emigration, hatred long term effects: part of their identity, powerless, anger, scapegoat/blame > Famine highlights all the problems that have been there before as a nationl stigma underscoring loss of religion, language, belonging as well as self-destruction, civil war, finally forcing the disintegration of the cultural ID, lets nation suffer through it repeatedly Famine O'Connor • emotional approach to the great hunger, undescores irish POV of suffering, anger, frustration highlights that famine was evitable illustrates issues impacting Ireland: loss of religion, language, traditions, belonging • blame held towards the english, irish culture disintegrates, losing history > children dont learn irish anymore> no ID as consequence • psychological effects of oppression: self-destruction, alcoholism, drug addiction, suicide, child abuse • gives insight of future perspective: healing requires remembering, grieving, firgiving, knowledge, understanding Sniper • portays atrocities of fanatical civil war, captures essence of the psychological impact of irish history • sniper impersonation of fanatism • cold-hearted killing for an ideology, murders own brother = unconscious seld-destruction, catastrophe in the end • killing: factual description, no emotional attachment, machine-like, not satisfactory • reasons for killing: revenge, honor, compensation, own survival, ones nation, fanatism • horrors of war impacts human behavior, confronted with violence and death > ne hesitation while killing • biblical reference: cain and abel> cursing, worst biblical sin > irish history has immense ideological impact on irish mindset, it shapes fanatic convictions, divides society, leads to death Zombie - Cranberries Message: stop being a Zombie! > driven by primitive thinking "your, their">possesive pronouns = "them&us" > shows the ideological black & white conflict between irish and english motives: murals, soldiers, children, golden singer cruelty of war being passed on to next generations woman covered in gold in front of a cross: stake • drums and guitars = bombs and sirens • innocent children = representation of unresolved trauma, no peaceful future, grow up confronted with Northern Ireland conflict > biggest victims of war, no perspective intention: invoking reconciliation Sex education and abortion (referenda) cultural battlegrounds modern shift of values opposes strict traditions rooted in religious convictions rigidly held onto by catholic church church dominates culture, 90% of schools unde control of the church > implying religious POV on topics like homosexuality, gender, abortion • dichotomy between modernization and traditional religion • abortion can either be murder/ crime/ sin or chance/ ac of self-determination/ choice/ hope > highly emotionally connotated topic, predestined judgement abortion referenda: > 1983: irish voters voted for adding an amendment to constitution outlawing abortion completely as a fetus is considered to have equal rights to live like its mother > 2018: second referendum legalizing abortion again > transformation Gaelic (Tony Harrison - Them&Uz) re-invention if Ireland, illustrates independence • own identity • preserve history • creates a new self-image "protest" > Uz = slang, degradation (not real english) - oppression of language > shift from external identity to an active voicing of their own (internal locus) Higgins speech on MC MC in Ireland: government supports and demands multiculturalism • Ireland as a supporter • multiculturalism is already existing > should be in the state as well • offers apology to those prejudiced difference is a recourse (richness) in favor of diversity • judged (on MC) Ireland is not the paradise Higgins depicted it as but more accepting than other countries Multiculturalism "abstract" Old Ireland > monocultural Celtic Tiger [uz] goed in que M IRELAND SHIFT • economic growth > because of low taxes, EU, immigrants, foreign investment, globalization, politics, deregulation • positive for irish economy and irish people (seen as own achievement) • not positive for lower class people and EU community • Ireland is turning a blind eye to taxation > attractive for companies Celtic Tiger is a nickname for Ireland during its boom years between 1995 and 2007 when its economy was growing rapidly. The tiger is a global symbol of power and energy. The tiger is also associated with passion, ferocity, beauty, speed, cruelty, and wrath. The "Celtic" part of the nickname denotes Ireland as being one of the Celtic nations. web mominantly found reasons: - catholic church (break) - delayed industrialization economic boom - migration - nationalist forces PATRICK 3 tope almost tom Current Ireland > multicultural Speer NORTHERN GBINE RN IRELAND GREAT BRITAIN [THEM] Short stories Shooting an elephant (1936) - George Orwell Demise of the Empire Read against thebhistorical background of the british rule in india during the 1930s, George Orwell's short story "shooting an elephant", published in 1936, encapsulates the demise of the british empire as told through the eyes of a british police officer stationed in india. While opposing the dehumanizing concept of colonialism he is part of, the officer is forced to uphold his authority towards the natives he sympathizes for, putting himself in a position of acting against his own morals. The officer: man vs. self: • dirty work of the empire • "as for the job i was doing, i hated it" stuck between hatred for the empire and rage against the people "only an absurd puppet pushed by the will of natives" does not want to shoot the elephant The people: "evil-spirited little beasts" • has no weapons; helpless uncvilzed "yellow faces" hate the officer, laugh at him • "happy and exited" about seeing the elephant get shot The Elephant: 1.Empire > slowly bleeds out = painful death > majestic, strong, powerful > old > implodes: kills itself > painfully rising and falling > uncontrollable 2.oppressed people > usually peaceful > innocent > many > fear of striking back > uncontrollable > break free A pair of Jeans (1988) - Qaisra Shahraz Britains colonial heritage: identity crisis Portraying the post-colonial phenomenon of hybridity by the example of a young second generation immigrant named Miriam in her short story "A pair of Jeans", published in 1988, Qaisra Shahraz focuses on the cultural obstacles immigrants descendants are confronted with. Although Miriams pakistani-british mother supports the western culture and consequently lets Miriam behave and dress in a western way, which is here represented by the Jeans, Miriam clashes with her future parents-in-law, who expect her to be entirely eastern. Triggering a nearly schizophrenic identity crisis, these expectations deprive the former content Miriam of her peaceful identity consciousness consisting of the coexistence of western and eastern values. Miriam: • question of identity> 100% western AND eastern (outside: fully "culturally" integrated > language and values) educated: goes to university "(in her home) she felt different" under the influence of western fashion and values "she had embraced a new set of values • torn; identity crisis (adapting to both worlds, at home in both worlds) > both sides COLLIDE traditional vs. modern: • pair of jeans (modern western piece of clothing) vs. sari (traditional eastern) Miriams mother usually accepts miriams western side, but not in the presence of Miriams future in-laws "educated, the so-called moderm girls" arranged marriage: eastern match "times had indeed changed" east vs. west: • "this was not the miriam they knew... a western version of miriam" "such girls want a lot of freedom" "she felt like a trator" male vs, female: • "he seemed to tower behind his wife" "docile, obedient and sweet"> stereotypical view on woman "his voice supremely autocratic" "the rile demanded of her" Multiculturalism: aftermath of the Empire concept of hybridity > life between two cultures • first generation vs. seconf generation immigrant "the generation and culture gap" no coexistence of compromise of values First Ending > passive eastern Miriam -Miriam accepts the situation -Miriams mind screamed, but she uttered not a word • Miriams mom receives a call from her in-laws • Begum: "she had hated herself every minute of that conversation and the role she had been forced to play > even Begum doesnt want to do it once Miriam is alone: takes the jeans off& throws them onto the floor (she is only slightly active, when shes alone) Miriams parents (Fatima) > only the mother is mentioned in the story > "more" western > integrated, liberal, less patriarchical Second Ending > active, more western Miriam -"rebellion surfaced again" -Miriams calls her fiance (activity, independence) -"angrily" - ignores her mother Miriams in-laws (Ayub+Begum) > authoritative > cultural identity as central element > refuse western culture. > patriarchical relationship > Begum (inner conflict) = emotion vs. culture/husband Farook is obedient and at the sime time rebellious to his parents, while accepting and loving Miriam. My son the fanatic (1994) - Hanif Kureishi Post-colonialism: radicalization Narrating the tragic story of a second generation immigrants radicalization, Hanif Kureishis "My son the fanatic", published in 1994, gives an insight into an extremly ambivalent father-son relationship as a result of the sons unsucessful unclusion into the western society, Ali radically transforms his cultural attitude from an integrated western one to an eastern one without exceptions. Underscored by the contempt Ali feels for his western-oriented fellow citizens, which finally even overshadows his love for his love for his father, Kureishi displays the fatal consequences dysfunctional multiculturalism might potentially cause. Ali (son): > hates his father, accuses him and insults him • 100% west turns into 100% east second eneration immigrant from pakistan • gives up his previously western life (friends, sport) develops a sharp tongue (aggressive) turns into religion: prays grows a beard, believes in paradise rejects western culture • first vs. second generation immigrant isnt critical about his religion • wants to die as a martyr and support convicted islamists Parvez (dad): > his philosophy: "you should enjoy yourself" • first generation immigrant from pakistan taxi-driver • he paid for his sons education entirely integrated (but still not fully part of the english society): has friends, drinks alcohol religion: avoids it (he made bad experiences in pakistan); doesnt believe in paradise • relationship to Ali: loves his son, desperately tries to understand him Bettina: • prostitute > wears short clothes and makeup best friend of parvez is at peace with herself and confident (she reacts angrily Alis insults) > epitome of western values caring, not judgemental, kind • serves as a brisge between parvez ans Ali, behaves neutrally Eats vs. west: > East: limited, traditional, hasnt greatly evolved in the last centuries > West: free, materialistic, self-critical • eastern view on the west: "hypocrites, homosexuals, drug users, prostitutes" • "You are too implicated in western civilization"> Ali to Parvez - materialism: > for Ali the Western world lacks a philosphy and purpose > Ali gives away his belongings > "fleeing from the hate of the western materialists ("Papa, how can you love something which hates you" The Embassy of Cambodia (2013) - Zadie Smith post-colonialism Illustrating the unembellished reality of dysfunctional multiculturalism by the example of a young woman named Fatou from the Ivory Coast who immigrated to the UK, the short story "The Embassy of Cambodia" by Zadie Smith focuses on the rigid class system in the UK post-colonial immigrants like Fatou find themselves in while powerlessly being unaccepted and oppressed by society, which here is metaphorically described as a shuttlecock, that is smashed around. Emphasized by the contrasts Fatou encounters throughout the story, such as poverty and wealth for instance, the exclusion the young immigrant is confronted with adequately mirrors Britain miserably failed colonial heritage. Fatou: Ivory Coast London • emancipated: rejects Andrew > "are you a feminist now?" - andrew to her resilient, tough, a little rebellious questioning, disillusioned • round character: develops through talking to andrew • isolated religious destiny Andrew: kind, caring, helpful, thoughtful educated belitting "know-it-all" towards Fatou religious • "He was a dreamer" superior (yet: changes when Fatou teaches him swimming) proud ("Fatou held out a hand to him, but he pushed it away") attracted to Fatou > touchy Society multiculturalism and classes: • post-colonialism ignorance. oppression> exploitation of Fatou (Slave?) parallel societies> "The Bengalis would not talk to her" Motives: Embassy > suffering, Cambodian genocide • wall> racial and social exclusion shuttlecock Fatou game of badminton > power structures • structure = game score > Fatou loses (0-21) Q3 Elizabethean Era 1558-1608 time period named after queen elizabeth 1., queen = prime mover golden age, height of english renaissance clear hierarchy, tyranny, everything is ranked (chain of being), gods order, religion England experienced peace and prosperity while te arts flourished • internal peace after reformation and before battles between protestants and catholics age of expansion and exploration abroad, economic growth • conditions of commonwealth harmonize > differ from, but depend on each other Elizabethean world view • clear view of the functioning of gods creation and of mans position within this creation no individuality > determined: organized, ordered by higher instances, law/ power of nature • cannot change fate, against revolution/ change/ mobility/womens rights 4 Humours (theory how human body works) Thesis: an excess of imbalance of any of the four distinct fluids in a person directly influences their temperament, personality& health BLOOD > courageous, generous, optimistic > sentimental, peaceable, lazy, calm PHLEGM BLACK BILE YELLOW BILE > pessimistic, worried, despondent > aggressive, choleric, violent, short-tempered Healthy = balanced Othello - The Moor of Venice Othello is a tragedy about a man who killed his wife. Othello, a tragedy about a gullible black man being manipulated and therefore questioning his womans faithfullness, not only adresses the issue of a predestined hierarchical order which forces Othello to his downfall, but it continuatively outlines further aspects like gender inequality, incorporated by the relationship between Othello and Desdemona ans Iago and Emilia, as well as the powerful emotion of hate being the motive of almost every action executed by Iago - the embodyment of underlying social conventions such as sexism, arrogance and racism. The identity of the valiant moor Othello, who embodies the tragic hero of Shakespeares play, begins to crumble as he loses his reputation and subsequently his rationality, driven by jealousy and the pure urge to take revenge on his obedient wife, which is initiated by the manipulative, two-faced devil of the tragedy: Iago, who manages to utilize Othellos insecurities for his won evil purposes. Shakespeare ultimately succeeds in approaching all these topics by combining them through various characters. Othello plot • MAJOR CONFLICT: (A1 > exposition, setting: Venice = cosmoploitan city, catholic, multicultural, Scene 1 introduces characters) Othello and Desdemona marry and attempt to build a life together, despite their differences in age, race and experience. Their marriage is sabotaged by the envious Iago, who convinces Othello that Desdemona is unfaithful. • RISING ACTION: (A2 > change in setting: Cyprus, Storm = foreshadowing, rising action) Iago tells the audience of his scheme, arranges for Cassio to lose his position as lieutenant, and gradually insituates to Othello that Desdemona is unfaithful. • CLIMAX: (A3> Relationship between O&D = broken, turning point A4 > Iago = control over O's mind, actions weak, imbalance) The Climax occurs at the end of Act 3, scene 3, when Othello kneels with Iago and vows not to change course until he has achieved bloody revenge • FALLING ACTION: (A5 > catastrophe, O = hateful, not emotional anymore, he's aware of the consequences) Iago plants the handkerchief in Cassios room and later arranges a conversation with Cassio, which Othello watches and sees as "proof" that Cassio and Desdemona have slept together. Iago unsuccesfully attempts to kill Cassio, and Othello smothers Desdemona qith a pillow. Emilia exposes Iagos's deceptions, Othello kills himself, and Iago is taken away to be tortured. Characters ! Language reflects character ! Othello (the moor) • sounds kind • "noble moor" = noble language register • confident • relaxed • Act 1 Scene 1 > balance of all four humours (until evil overtakes him) • untouchable • inevitable high rank general in military changes throughout the story (round character) • weakness love for Desdemona JEALOUS Iago > "I am not what I am" > "I follow him to serve my turn upon him" > "heaven is my judge" > "we cannot all be masters" > "to love the moor" > "tis the course of service" > "I have already chosen my officer" > "as masterly as he" Roderigo sexualy content driven = vulgar language painting pictures with his words wants to have control interupts • doesn't want to be seen if anything goes wrong>wants action but doesnt want to do anything • presents himself with a mask on > people dont see it • HATES Othello& Woman "puppet-master" Iago's henchman/ puppet • easy to manipulate • love-sic • emotional • bad employee Duke • duke - sexist, racist - revengeful, sneaky, overthrowing his master - independent, confident, self-centred Brabantio • senator ruthless - inhumane, convincing, egocentric, utilizes people - intelligent - two-faced, villain "devil", arrogant, manipulative - jealous, disappointed sends othello to Cyprus respect for Othello being a good leader (war skills) • reconcile Othello/ Brabantio > feels betrayed because of secret marriage desdemona's father • treats daughter like an object (role of woman) elizabethean way of living/ thinking > rules of nature, gender, race Desdemona • Othello's wife • loyal • victim tragic stands her ground. • well spoken • yet naive, girlish innocent, inexperienced • submissive, obedient, demure, traditional, subserving Emilia Iagos wife, Desdemonas mistress • loyal honest servant • intelligent • own will stands up for Othello& distrusts lago • feminism, feministic by equalising men and woman = years ahead of her time • rebellious of social norms Bianca • is used and abused only seen in relation to men always in a vulnerable position prostitute, sex object shares some of D's and E's qualities affectionate and genuine partner • accused falsely of treacherous behaviour • she has no power admires Cassio Cassio • Othello's Lieutenant respects Desdemona • feels ashamed after demotion good manner gentleman • weakness reputation Themes Jealousy: > motivates central conflicts • Othello's suspicion of Desdemona's unfaithfulness • Iago decides to seek revenge by using jealousy as a weapon against Othello > suffer • Desdemona trying to convince Othello of Cassio after he had fired him (Othello is jealous) • Roderigo helps Iago out of jealousy (love to Desdemona) Manipulation: > Iago manages to batry Othello by letting him believe his wife is unfaithful breaks Othello's balace of all four humours > Iago manipulates Roderigo, assures him to achieve Desdemona's love since he admires her, uses him to kill Cassio > Iago manipulates Brabantio to hate Othello > Iago uses Emilia to steal the handkerchief > Iago, in fact, controlls everyone Identity: > Iago = two-faced, villain, scape goat master (pretends to be trustworthy but actually betrays, manipulates, utilizes people) > Othello struggles with identity as soon as his balance breaks, Iago leads him on the wrong path Sex/gender: (link with TKAM, Pair of Jeans) > perception of woman ind the elizabethean world picture woman are made for cleaning, cook, family care > woman cheating (rumour), woman = object > Iago uses, offends his very own wife Emilia > Iago hates woman, clear order, subordinate (link with era) > psychoanalytical/ feminist criticism Love: > Othellos weakness = love for Desdemona (not accepted by Brabantio)-marriage put to the test due to Othellos absence while fighting > Othello and Desdemona = healthy relationship, Iago and Emilia = toxic relationship Race: > Brabantio doesnt consent with the wedding - black man = inadequate, moor, social belief of shakespeares time - shakespeares use of antithesis "black ram" against "white ewe" = hell and heaven - express conflict (elizabethean way of thinking) > marriage of black man and white woman = "against all rules of nature" > racial stereotyping - Morr = barbarious, Othello dehumanized > Iago takes advantage of Othellos imbalance > cultural materialist criticism The woman in this play are hapless victims; Bianca, the least powerful figure in this play, is -ironically- the only female survivor! Hate sexual references. LOVE (central motive, but not main topic) Othello > jealousy > reputation reputation (questioned) Othello&Desdemona > interracial = breaking the order > against patriarchical advice (from father) RACISM physical Roderigo > object of lust name replacement (moor) Iago's Scheme: 1. snitch Othello in Venice by telling Brabantio about the secret marriage > didnt work 2. Iago needs Othellos trust, scape goat, trigger, evidence, trap > cause Othellos imbalance, Cassios demotion, gaining Othellos trust > Cassio is dependent = revenge for choosing Cassio over Igao 3. Destroy Othello (reputation/love), Othellos love to Desdemona is his weakness > jealous of Cassio and Desdemona, implanting an idea/ creating doubt, manipulating him passively, Othello believes he is in control because Iago acts submissive Mapping the future Utopia A dream-life futuristic-paradisical imagination of a place or state in form of a contrafactual positive abstraction of reality. Image of a world not yet in existence better than the world we inhabit now function: hope, motivation, freedom of thoughts (think outside the box) Dystopia A imagined state or society in which there is great suffering or injustice, typically one that is totalitarian or post-apocalyptic function: raise awareness, cause action, fear > important because without a vision of an alternative future, we can only look back nostalgically to the past or unthinkingly maintain what we have, mired in the unholy apocalypse that is now Technology = irreversible one way street of constant improvement > human nature, cant go back to a simpler life again Horrors of Utopia • Title is self-contradicting Utopia is relative/ individual (justice) • no alternative and no major change in todays system ("the end of history") necessity of satisfaction in neoliberal capitalism Utopia is politically necessary critisism is contradicting belief of Utopia • Utopia is optimism Profit-driven industrialization and the headlong rush towards universal consumerism is hastening the ecological destruction of the planet; the world is a mess > widespread dissatisfaction with the currents system because people do not agree with it but are convinced there is no alternative. The songs Imagine (John Lennon) > utopian > absence of nations, religion& violence > unity > Utopia is individual Internet It is ... endless, controversial, anonymous, free, non-optional > ambivalent, contradictory, conflicting, uncertain A global computer network providing a variety of information and communication facilities, consisting of interconnected networks using standardized communication protocols. #connected #lossoffocus Sound of Silence #possibilities #indispensible > dystopian > accusation of society > no communication among society > creation of new god #research #efficiency #newideas #fun/community Modern social media satisfy an anthropological necessity - unfortunately insufficiently. Digital Revolution • irreversible one-way-street, self-driven, accelerating reality is overthrown • uncertain future/ development digital natives (born into technological advancement) • two worlds merge into one (no distinction) • digital immigrants (born before digital revolution) Ready Player One (Ernest Cline) The fictional story portrays a contest between the allure (verlocken) of virtual reality and the seemingly awful life on a desolate planet earth, where people would rather spend their lives in a simulation than deal with the reality of their physical existence. Dystopian vision of the future only focusing on the inherited desire of humans to improve ones current position in life as fast and effortless as possible even if that means pushing moral borders aside, but it also channels the egocentric behavior of humans when it comes to money and enrichment. > not a dystopian future but a reality we live with today Message: virtual reality and technology shouldnt consume your life when life itself needs your attention because being alive is too good to choose virtual reality over the virtues of reality in which we actually exist. major technological advancement (Oasis) access for all, entertainment, escape from reality, equal education system • technology is good and offers possibilities • companies/ commercializing endangers freedom of internet. • human greed is criticized Connected (Ms. Moem) • connected, yet lonely (superficial friends) • ambivalent relationship to technology social media as form of escape echochambers are created own life loses relevance you can not disconnect! • digital connection recuces physical connection Connectivity • connected > passive construct, fromer user becomes object > in a digital age its socially impossible to disconnect digital and physical worlds merge into one - for digital natives = no distinction anymore> creates distance for non-natives Living in a wonderland (T.L.Friedmann) > The more we are connected in the virtual world, the less in the real world > simultaneously dividing and uniting (closer& more distinct) > offers new possibilities, withholds old ones > physically absent in virtual world > connectivity is defined newly > Friedman attempts to raise awareness > digital connection reduces physical connection The Four Freedoms (Franklin D. Roosevelt) Four essential human freedoms • freedom of speech and expression - everywhere in the world • freedom of every person to worship god - everywhere in the world • freedom from want will secure to every nation a healthy peacetime life - everywhere in the world • freedom from fear; no nation will be in a position to commit an act of aggression against any neighbor - everywhere in the world Technology Technological advancement always comes at a (social) cost. There's always two sides for and ideal-looking world 1984 (George Orwell) • totalitarian state based on surveillane and uniformity propaganda is used past is eradicated Big Brother is watching you • NEWSPEAK, THOUGHTCRIME, DOUBLETHINK, MUTABILITY Slogan: War is peace, Freedom is slavery, Ignorance is Strength - Irony Balance between safety and freedom is not static • Examples like China "Citizen Score" Dystopian vision of the future, criticizing the potential opportunities for abusive utilizaionof technologies, while a totalitarian regime practices absolute surveillance on its citizens to maintain in power and save social orders by interfering in private spheres even accessing the minds as last unpenetratable fortress of individuality to ensure total control. > tragic illustration of what the world would be without the freedom to think (thought crimes), linguistic control; only big brother is allowed to reason and decide = big brothers conquest of the minds. Big brothers will: subdue citizens into a mindless mass Message: Totalitarianism will be the destruction of society because it'll lead to an elimination of freedom, the loss of a free will and self- governance. A political novel to warn of serious danger totalitarianism poses to society. Declaration of Independence of Cyberspace Allusion to the Declaration of Independence • Internet is declared free and independent Liberty, Equality, no fear, golden rule no government laws in the internet (borderless) contrasts (them and us) accusation at the tyrants (self-evident) • ensures power by usage of violence self-evident Spotify > recommendation by sensors (personifying) > less privacy > automized music selection (algorithms) > personal data for entertainment. deal Wearable Book > simulation > creates new experience > changes physical condition > merges reality and fantasy (object of given illusion) Wristband > monitoring instrument > welfare protection > teaches children about essential tasks > loss of autonomy, ability to learn (outside the box) is hindered Conclusion: Privacy is new currency (data), ambivalent, comes at cost, dehumanizing element, atters perception. ! Technology impacts happiness solemnly positive ! Modification modification creates classes (how well modified/ not all modified) • end of evolution (>designer babies) = splits rich and poor immensly, as designer babies become status symbols. • creates a line of defining nature and could be considered "playing god" • modified life displaces nature, causes natural disasters and monocultures > necessity for feed humanity? Destroynature Brave New World (Aldous Huxley) • absolute uniformity (by modification) fertilization by usage of oxygen, chemicals and hormones society based on a class system Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon inflicting pleasure happiness, human perfection and technology as a cycle • Slogan: stability, community, identity (staying in your naturally predestined place) > evoke a sense of loyalty towards the caste and the greater society Dystopian, futuristic vision in which the government retains control by making its citizens so happy and superficially fulfilled with their determined lives despite being contused in a caste system, showing how state control imprisons humanity by trespassing basic human rights to ensure stability in a community. > Life is pain free but meaningless because your identity is prdestined, intelligence levels are determined based on caste through various levels of oxygen deprivation to the fetus, size, stature and physical strength are determined through growth hormones; developing lies and dislikes to serve the community • people are mass produced and predestined into the role that'll best serve society • happiness vs freedom? • caste system, pyramidical: place-given, stability, purpose, well-organized Genetic Modification Technique to change the characteristics of a plant, animal or micro-organism by transferring a piece of DNA from one organism to a different organism. This is done through targeted removal of the desired genes from the DNA of one organism and adding them to the other organism > moral?, crossing a border, safety? Ignorance! > FEAR Technology and genetic modification presumably help(ed) us to enhance ourselves and pur environment. Thia was due to the conditio humana (limited, biological disadvancement) and our relationship towards the environment (destructive, exploiting). In both cases the human being remained subject and in control of the process (at least in theory). Artificial intelligence - human-machine-hybrids > the science of making machines do things that require intelligence if done by humans or learn us to believe that they're intelligent Natural Intelligence > limited (by connectivity input, references, storage) > emotional (+/-) > theory + reality = connected Artificial Intelligence > self-increasing > evolved from Natural Intelligence, assisting > based on algorithms (set of specific instructions) =everywhere, even though most elemis remain hidden from us > computer processing speed will overtake that of a human brain (input-output-learning) Genetic engineering Process of using recombinant DNA technology to alter the genetic make up of an organism > Humans manipulated ! Technology& GM persumably helped us to enhance ouselves. This was necessary due to the conditio humana and our relationship with/ towards nature ! Gender Gender Expression The way a person communicate their gender identity to others by the way they dress, act or refer to themselves. Gender Identity A persons internal sense of being a man or a woman or anything in between. Orientation/ Attraction A term to describe sexual and/or romantic attractions to others. Sex The labels, male, female, or intersex, given to someone at birth based on their body parts. Maternal instinct obedient/ submissive Girl emancipated supportive need of protection loyal good looking patient taking care of household smart Stereotypes > based on prejudices Masculinity Don't really need to put effort into themselves. Toxic: Sonnet > individual Masculinity (but is not) Seen as biological determiner you have/posses it from birth on > boys will be boys strong protective industrious/ hard-working fearless gentlemen loyal values independent ambitious tall/athletic respectful intelligent TOXIC negative for the individual Boy > society > hand on poem, count the lines (14 lines = sonnet) > central message mostly in the last two lines > rhyme scheme Femininity Social accepted, need to put effort into themselves. > relationship = ! Works together perfectly! ! headline! Femininity Seen as process of adapting bringing out (effort) > girls can be woman Othello&Iago = toxic masculinity hierarchical view on woman SEX (biological predestined) Parsons model: woman = expressive men nstrumental Gender Roles: categories in which society shapes our perception of what it is Gender inequality: individual self-perception and acceptance Gender formation: nature vs. nurture Problems: > biological > evolutionary = family, peers, media > biological, gender fluid, non-binary, predestined sex > queer, intersex, trans > expected to conform > model of double burden changing gender roles: equality, double burden, equal pay, patriarchical structure Gender, sex and identity dont always match together = exclusion from society > sell the thought of change > clothes, size& brand - money, emotional stability etc. > prejudices > media= negative influence (role models) society, marketing, advertisement GENDER Beauty (Shakespeares sonnet about beauty) By referring to the circle of life, Shakespeare appeals to either procreate children or otherwise die alone since you leave your unique beauty in your grave behind unless you pass it on to your very own descendants. (social construct) chosen/assigned > manifests itself: behaviour, clothes, speech, body language predetermined conformity beautiful socialization > observation > imitation > social reinforcement DICHOTOMY > family, peer pressure, social construct > beauty doctor - possibility to change outward appearance > body positivity - accept yout body& biological predestination > false self-perception > reduction to an object/ subject > toxic standard individuality ugly Poems Leda and the Swan (W.B. Yeats) > innocent, majestic, beautiful Central message: Yeats metaphysical idea of a 2000 year old antithetical circle culminates in "Leda and the Swan" by him choosing the seduction on a stating point of a new circle being mirrored in his central question of parttaking in HIS knowledge. reducing woman to their sexual bodies. • hierarchy describes toxic feminity as normal, justified, honor Rape: (link with TKAM) > objectification > instrumentalization > gender roles, inequality ! sexual content! > Myth of Zeus seducing Leda ! Language reflects extreme violence ! Leda and the swan perfectly encapsulates the subconscious patriarchical interpretation of classical mythology. Being reduced to a surrogate mother without an own ID, Leda embodies the classical attributes to toxic femininity - yet, glorified as standard. Mona van Duyn: > Zeus is never mentioned (opposite to yeats) Yeats > degradation > got a child from Zeus > Zeus is reduced to pronouns (doesn't matter who/ what he is) > Leda in focus - creates new own language structure > rape is never taken out of the poem > Leda takes control of her own narrative putting her in focus classical (patriarchical) reading ▸ not following classical sonnet structure overcoming patriarchical structure Leda= new focus, new narrative (hers), not a myth anymore - everyday Misandry: hatred of men Misogyny: hatred/ prejudice against woman sexual harassment: sexuelle Belästigung domestic violence: physically or psychologically LEDA feministic reinterpretation freeing Leda Orpheus and Eurydice > Greek myth about love, passion& weaknesses of the human spirit and the swan anthropomorphizing, discredity presentation of Zeus as a sex offender and Leda as an innocent victim Her Big Days > female perspective > emancipation > deconstructs mens ideal of woman > rejecting social expectations > seak independence > interdependent relation between singer& song > overcomes gender barriers > woman should write their own song = pursuit of happiness > FEMINISM The poem "Her Big Days" by Tessa Foley stresses the overruled beliefs society used to represent which needed to be fulfilled in sequence to be and accepted woman in the social, hierarchical system overpowered by men. By refering to fairytales she ponits out stereotypes deeply rooted in our society even in childrens books representing a limited view on womans opportunities. Foley encourages woman to stand up for themselves and to take matters into their own hands by rising from the maid to the maker, focuding on their education in order to achieve complete independence/ emancipation in their future life.