Blog 10: Leaflet tells Jews to register in East Ukraine

Summary:

East Ukraine and Russia have fallen under global scrutiny in their recent political activities, but yet another event has thrown them in the public eye.  World leaders and many Jewish groups and people are concerned with a leaflet passed out to people as they left a Passover ceremony in Donetsk.  As the people emerged from the synagogue, they were given a leaflet that required them to provide a list of the property they owned and register as Jewish or their citizenship would be revoked.  The incident has even drawn the attention of Secretary of State John Kerry, who called the leaflets “unacceptable” and “grotesque”.  Pushilin, the leader of the pro-Russian movement in Donetsk, whose name was attributed to the leaflet, denies any connection to the leaflet.  The leaflet describes documents needed to register, or states the people’s citizenship would be revoked and they would be forced outside the country.  Many of the Jewish citizens of the Ukraine are startled by the leaflet, official or not, that brings back memories of World War II era Germany.  The Jewish community has stated that they do not plan to comply to the letter.  Many people globally are questioning its validity or who is actually behind the distribution of the leaflet. 

Analysis:

One of the more fascinating effects of global historical events such as World War II is the ramifications it has on the socialization of generations after.  Everyone since the Holocaust has been raised knowing what Anti-Semitism is.  The world has grown sensitive to issues of discrimination against the Jewish people, and tends to rise up against mass anti-Semitism such as is observed in this article.  The fact that people of any religion could be singled out for what they believe highlights the sociological issue of the boundaries of government and a person’s personal belief system.  Since religion and government both play such a big role in the way people are socialized, when these forces are at direct odds with each other, they create a tension within the people themselves and the communities affected.  It will be interesting to see how this story develops further and affects the other tensions in the Ukraine and Russia.  

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2014/04/17/jews-ordered-to-register-in-east-ukraine/7816951/

Blog 9: Malaysia, Indonesia Ban Biblical Epic 'Noah'

Summary:

Malaysia and Indonesia have joined the ranks of a number of countries to decide to ban the movie Noah.  The movie is based on the biblical tale of a man who saves his family and two of every animal from a global flood by building an ark.  The movie has experienced a lot of kickback from fundamentalist Christians in America, but is now experiencing complaints from other countries, especially ones that hold strong religious ties in their governments.  Muslims make up about 60 percent of the Malaysian people, and Indonesia is the world’s most populous Muslim nation.  The film censors decided to block the movie to avoid negative kickback.  Indonesia specifically banned the movie for fear of “controversies and negative reactions”.  The Quran mentions 25 prophets by name, and Noah is beloved by many Islamic groups, such as the Indonesian Council of Ulama, support the decisions, going so far as to say films with corrupt religious teachings should be completely outlawed.  Many filmmakers are disappointed with the bans, saying that it is a step backward in development. 

Analysis:

This is a very interesting case examining the interaction of religion with both government and art/media.  What stands out about this particular case is the cooperation of the two religious groups that often end up at odds with each other.  Muslim and Christian fundamentalists seem to almost be joining forces to criticize Darren Aronofsky (who incidentally identifies as atheist) and his portrayal of the biblical account.  The censorship highlights the power of religion when it is a central influence of the government.  While it is not uncommon for American movies to be banned from other countries due to differences in ratings and what is acceptable to show, this movie has been banned solely for the misrepresentation of the biblical narrative.  This article also shows the interaction religion has with art.  Many members of the filmmaking community are claiming the censorship as a step in the wrong direction when it comes to freedom of expression and development.  Filmmaking, considered to be an art form by many, is an expression of the actors, directors, producers, and technical operators.  To censor the movie is to restrict their expression.  Many argue that religion should be an avenue to further express themselves, not restrict expression.  In such a globalized community that we all live in now, people are bound to create things that do not fit or satisfy all religious beliefs.  The task now is to decide when to draw the line of the far-reaching effects of religious belief systems into government and media. 

 http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/malaysia-bans-biblical-epic-noah-23217661#.U0gIX0sbddE.email

Blog 8: Burma census bans people registering as Rohingya

Summary:

Officials in Burma, also known as Myanmar, are conducting the first census in three decades, but they are neglecting a religious group.  The officials say that the Muslim Rohingya must call themselves "Bengali" or they cannot be registered for the census, while the Rohingya themselves feel a part of the country and feel persecuted.  This is only another step in a series of persecutions the Rohingyas have faced.  They are the target of many hostilities by the predominant religious group in the country, Buddhists.  Most recently, sporadic violent attacks have occurred against the people group, and many of the aid agencies working in the region were also attacked.  The Rohingya is described by the UN as a minority that is one of the most persecuted in the world.  When talk of Rohingya being added as an ethnicity on the census, many Buddhist Rakhines pledged to boycott the census. 

Analysis:

What seems to be most troubling about this religious persecution is the institutionalized discrimination occurring in the form of the census.  By refusing to acknowledge the group as an ethnicity on the census, it will most likely encourage the people to continue their discrimination of the Rohingya.  A big part of the discrimination comes from their Muslim religious beliefs combining with their ethnic heritage.  When people are part of an extreme minority, it is very easy for the majority to think of them as the “other”.  When a group becomes part of the “other”, it makes them seem less human and easier to target.  The further institutionalization of the discrimination adds to the persecution of the people, but also shows socially how deep the discrimination goes.  It is also interesting to see Buddhist people, who subscribe to beliefs promoting peace and harmony, act as instigators of such violent behaviors.  

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-26807239

Blog 7: Egypt prosecutor orders third mass trial for 919 islamists

Summary:

This past Wednesday, the chief prosecutor in Egypt ordered mass trials for 919 Islamists.  The people are collectively facing many charges, including murder, centering around protests against the removal of Mohamed Morsi.  Morsi was removed by the military in July which brought great uproar to his supporters, specifically the Muslim Brotherhood.  The trials are all connected to the violent aftermath of two sit-ins in Cairo.  More than 600 people were killed in the break-up, which lead to days of violent behavior.  Rioters attacked police stations, government installations, and churches in towns around Egypt, and hundreds died.  Now Egypt is holding group trials charging hundreds of people at once for the crimes.  Egypt continues to move forward with the trials even though groups from the UN, EU and US have expressed intense criticism. 

Analysis:

This is another incident when multiple social issues come to light.  In July of 2013, the military removed Morsi from power, the event that sparked the violence.  Morsi was known for making statements against other religions apart from Islam, specifically Judaism.  The Muslim Brotherhood has become one of Morsi’s biggest supporters, organizing sit-ins and other civil disturbances that progressed into violence.  The violence which sprung out of the somewhat peaceful sit-ins shows the effects of mob mentality, and gives us a clear picture of how easily peaceful civil disobedience can turn into violent riots targeting government and legislative forces.  There are also some aspects of globalization at play, with the UN, EU, and US and their civil rights groups criticizing the way the trials are being held.  There are also definite aspects of religious division at play.  The removal of Morsi, whether it was intended to be, has become an issue of Islamist support.  The mainly Muslim supporters are all being grouped together and each held responsible for the deaths and damages of the riots.  Many are seeing this as a political and religious target against these people.  The group, which has been called one of the most organized religious, political, and social groups, recently became legalized as the Freedom and Justice Party.  They had elected Morsi into the presidency.  Since their rise to power, they have been at odds with the mostly secular military.  Tensions have only recently boiled over with the removal of Morsi from his position and the suspension of the constitution. The recent trials only further the polarizing issues between radical religious-political groups and the secular government forces in Egypt. 

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/26/egypt-prosecutor-third-mass-trial-919

Blog 6: Iran's Khamenei rieterates doubts about Holocaust

Summary:

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader of Iran, has officially voiced doubts over the entire existence of the Holocaust.  Iran has not recognized Israel as a country, and has threatened to attack it using weapons from Tehran, one of the major cities in Iran working on a nuclear program.  Other officials in the government have made comments supporting the idea of the Holocaust and the oppression of the Jewish people.  Many of these supportive comments, however, have raised frustrations among people, especially those in strong support of nuclear action in Tehran.  Kahmenei made these remarks in a speech about the Persian New Year, referred to the ideas of the Holocaust as a “cultural invasion” against Islamic religious beliefs, calling out Western countries on their treatment of those who cast doubt on the holocaust.  The UN, in turn, has criticized Iran for the increase in executions, detention of dissidents, and discrimination against woman. 

Analysis: 

There are a number of sociological issues brought to light in this article, though many of them stem toward religion, or more correctly using the excuse of religion.  Many peoples in the Middle East, especially in those countries with governments tied to Islamic beliefs, dismiss Israel as its only country.  The tensions between more fundamentalist Islamic groups and Israel have been high since World War II.  This is one of the first times, however, that a country has discounted the Holocaust and called it a complete myth.  Radical fundamentalist groups in all religions have used their belief systems to justify violent acts against other religious peoples.  With this statement, the Western world is sure to take notice of the denial of history and the steps toward nuclear attack, not to mention the condemnation of Western ideology and practices.  This is sure to increase tension in relationships between nations that are already very strained.  

http://news.yahoo.com/irans-khamenei-reiterates-doubts-holocaust-180208157.html

Blog 5: Brunei sultan urges country to support Islamic law

Summary:

Brunei’s sultan is getting ready to implement a form of Islamic law that carries a high price for crime.  Under this version of Shariah, theft may be punished by amputation, and adultery may be punished by stoning, to name a few examples.  While generally the people stay relatively quiet in regard to their government, many people are speaking out, especially through the internet.  About a third of the Brunei population does not follow Islam, and many are concerned about the laws.  There is some question from international human rights groups as to the laws.  Many find the new set of laws inhumane and want the sultan not to instigate the new rules.  The Sultan, however, intends to move forward with the new laws, saying that people outside of Brunei should respect the way they are trying to live and govern themselves.  The new punishments will not be carried out until years from now, according to officials.  While neighboring countries also have laws based on Islamic teachings, most aren't nearly as strict as the proposed laws in Brunei

Analysis:

There has always been a sociological struggle between government and religion.  In particular, when harsh punishments and laws are based on religious teachings, many people get upset.  The fact that these laws could advocate the forced amputation of a hand for theft or stoning for adultery has involved many who believe in global human rights.  We can see a similar battle occurring in America in the debate over gay rights, where many laws are being passed against gay marriage, often fueled by religious beliefs.  The main difference here is that the punishments to these crimes are violent, and could easily lead to death.  This creates a sort of division, though many may be too intimidated to speak out about it.  This article also shows the globalization of our world, as concerned citizens of Brunei are taking to the internet to voice their concern.  

http://news.yahoo.com/brunei-sultan-urges-country-support-islamic-law-104418862.html

Blog 4: Thousands fleeing Boko Haram find little comfort in Niger

Summary:

This article detailed the story of a few different families affected by the Islamist group Boko Haram in Africa that have moved into Niger to escape the violence around their homes.  Boko Haram is attempting to try and create an Islamic country in the northern states of Nigeria, to the displacement of numerous people.  Gremah, a man whose family has been displaced due to the group’s attacks, says that the militia arrives in the villages, attach the government’s militiamen and members of the village.  While the government in Niger has offered the people refugee status, they are doing little to help the people, banning the construction of formal refugee camps.  The government states that they do not want to attract a great influx of people, or unintentionally create a base for the militants. 

Analysis:

This particular instance depicts further violence supposedly fueled by religious extremism.  The group, eager to make a new sort of theocracy in northern Nigeria, is using violence and force to further their control.  Another extremist group has used violent, gang-like behavior in order to enforce their ideals.  Much of American press and media is focused on groups in the middle east, though there are similar, extremist groups in other areas of the world.  There are other sociological issues that come into play in this particular incident, as well.  The government of Niger is not being helpful to the refugees apart from offering them safe passage into their country and refugee status.  This constitutes the social classification of the refugees as the “other” among those already in Niger, painting them as outsiders. This, coupled with the torment the refugees faced in Nigeria from the religious extremist militia, creates connotations of them as unwanted outsiders, which can be particularly harmful to the children in these displaced families.  

http://news.yahoo.com/thousands-fleeing-boko-haram-little-comfort-niger-143056348.html;_ylt=AwrBTztvFhBTcGQABW9XNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTExcTdidDdsBHNlYwNzcgRwb3MDMQRjb2xvA2JmMQR2dGlkA1VJQzFfMQ--

Blog 3: Christian militias invade second city in C. Africa

Summary:

There has been a high level of violence related to religion in the Central African Republic.  Recently, a mainly Muslim rebellious group, known as the Seleka rebellion, left the mostly peaceful city of Berberati.  While the group had committed widespread violence elsewhere in the Central African Republic, they did not do much harm in the actual city.  A few days after this group left, however, an “anti-balaka” group of Christians arrived to take over.  This group, originally formed to fight robbers in the country, has taken to attacking any Muslim civilians who were accused of siding with the Seleka fighters.  The anti-balaka group has killed 10-15 Muslim civilians in the area.  Now, French soldiers are on patrol in Berberati, but they are nott received kindly by the local peoples and have been the subject of more violence.  Many people, frustrated by their lives, side with and support the anti-balaka people.  

Analysis:

Sociologically, we can see that it is much easier for people to blame their problems on the “other”.  Throughout history, we can see a pattern of creating the “us” and the “them”, leading to discrimination against certain groups.  The “us” in command works to undermine and get rid of any threat from the “them” to usurp their power.  Religion is often a defining factor in creating this division.  “We” worship in a church, while “they” worship in another temple.  Obviously, “they” are the problem because it could never be “us”.  This is clearly illustrated in the changing powers in the city of Berberati.  While the Muslim group was in command of the area, the Christians were careful to follow rules.  As the Christian extremist group took over, they worked to intimidate and silence the Muslim civilians.

http://news.yahoo.com/christian-militias-invade-second-city-c-africa-155437224.html?soc_src=mediacontentstory

Blog 2: China says 11 "terrorists" killed in new Xinjiang unrest

Summary:

Friday eleven so-called terrorists in the far western part of China were killed in an attack.  The Xinjiang region is known for its violence and the high Islamic population that lives there.  A leader of the Turkic Uighur community that is in exile in the region has said that many of the attacks are in response to the domineering Chinese rule.  The Chinese government attributes the attacks to Islamist militants and separatists who are attempting to establish a separate state known as East Turkestan.  Many exiles say the unrest is due to China’s policies, which restrict Islam, the Uighur people’s culture, and oppresses the people.  Leaders in Uighar groups claim that violent provocation causes the people to resist their repression. 

Analysis:

This details a very important division we can see within a global context: the division of government and religion.  While those of us who live in Western-thinking, democratic societies are familiar with the idea of the “separation of church and state”, many countries around the world struggle with strict governments dictating the way they should live.  These dictates include the accepted or allowed religion, and often come with a strict and harsh punishment if the laws and rules are broken.  Religion seems to be a very personal and individual concept, relating to the beliefs of a person and their innermost ideas.  Having a societal pressure to conform and deny your own beliefs for the safety of yourself and your family can cause violent reactions from people.  The society in which these people live in essentially is denying their very selves.  When an individual is denied by their society, there is often a violent reaction, as seen by the “terrorist” groups in China.   The clear division of two cultural spheres, the political and religious, leads to a conflict between the often oppressive government and those struggling to practice what they believe.  

http://news.yahoo.com/china-says-39-several-terrorists-39-shot-dead-105350043.html

Blog 1: German bishops tell Vatican: Catholics reject sex rules

Summary:

This report describes the results of a recent worldwide survey within the Catholic church, specifically the opinion of most German Catholics.  German bishops reported that, when it comes to matters of birth control, premarital or gay sex, and remarriage of the divorced, public opinion varies greatly compared the Catholic Church's official stance on the issues.  While many German Catholics like the idea of stable marriages and happy family lives, they are put off regarding harsh treatment of sexual transgressions.  Because Germany is one of the most influential nations in the Catholic world, many are now turning to look toward Pope Francis to see how he will handle possible reforms to Catholic doctrine and policy. 

Analysis:

The article raised a number of interesting sociological issues.  The division occurring in the article itself was not among two contrasting religious groups or even denominations, but among the cultural ideals of a population and the leadership among the group.  While the society at large has become slowly more approving of premarital sex, gay marriage, and divorced people remarrying, the current accepted doctrines of the church reflect a more traditional view on the issues.  This displays a sociocultural shift in attitude, and the concept that the principals of a culture slowly change throughout time and generation.  It shows a need for groups and organizations to be aware of the opinion of the time and the society which they are trying to interact with.  In order for a religious group to be relevant to the society as a whole, they must understand the leanings of the culture they attempt to reach. It also shows a growing shift in the importance of religious theology and doctrine in people's lives.  While religion used to be the bases for many opinions and stances on issues, it has now become a small aspect of a person's life.  Western society especially seems to be turning away from upholding religious ideals as the lense with which they look at their world and are influenced by other factors.  

  

http://news.yahoo.com/german-bishops-tell-vatican-catholics-reject-sex-rules-193503160.html;_ylt=AwrBEiSQJfNSw1oA4RvQtDMD

Religious Division

For my blog topic, I would like to look up different religious divisions around the globe.  As someone who has been involved with a church my whole life, the differences in religion have always interested me.  I would love to examine how different religions or denominations have affected the social interactions between people throughout the world, and how the differences create divisions between people.