ANALYSIS
Content
Republic of the Philippines
SURIGAO DEL SUR STATE UNIVERSITY
Tandag City, Surigao del Sur
GRADUATE SCHOOL
MST- SOCIAL SCIENCE
S.Y. 2014-2015
THEMATIC APPROACH IN TEACHING SOCIAL SCIENCES
REFLECTION/ REACTION PAPER NO. 1
I. TITLE: Analysis: Singaporean Woman Starts Petition Against Sexist & Racist Pick-Up Artist
Julien Blanc
II.SOURCE:
http://mustsharenews.com/petition-against-julien-blanc/
BY THE MUST SHARE NEWS TEAM
III. DATE OF ISSUE: NOVEMBER 17, 2014
IV. BRIEF SUMMARY OF ARTICLE:
A Singaporean lady by the name of Ms. Charis Mah has started a petition that prevents
a sexist and racist pick-up artist from entering Singapore. The pick-up artist in question, Julien
Blanc, recently made headlines after his visa was revoked in Australia after a protest against his
demeaning wooing techniques.
Blanc works with a group called Real Social Dynamics, who make a “living by teaching
men how to violate women through physical and emotional abuse”. One of the most telling
examples is that Blanc has a power and control domestic violence wheel, which he uses as a
“checklist” to show how males can “make her [the girlfriend] stay” in a relationship. He also
chokes women around the world to “pick them up”. He teaches men these lessons for up to
$3,000.
It seems like Ms. Charis Mah isn’t the only one who wants Blanc to stay away. A
journalist by the name of Jennifer Li also started a petition against his seminars in the US. The
petition has 3160 signatures, with Mah hoping that it will garner 10,000 signatures. She has
even addressed this to Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean, who also happens to be the
Minister for Home Affairs, asking him to be denied entry should he try to set foot in Singapore.
V. Reflection
Blanc, who describes himself as the “international leader in dating advice,” is a selfstyled pickup artist (PUA) who travels around the U.S. and around the world, teaching seminars
to men on how to meet and seduce women. Is Julien Blanc the most hated man in the world? A
series of online petitions against him suggest he might be. Now, Ms. Charis Mah from
Singapore filed a petition to ban this man from entering Singapore. This article indeed entails
us that nobody likes an individual who is sexist and racist in nature. I find it weird upon knowing
that there are persons like Julien Blanc who makes a living by teaching men how to violate
women. Such kind of career for me is so undesirable. The courage of Ms. Charis Mah to file a
petition that prevents this sexist and racist pick-up artist from entering her country land,
Singapore, is really a great act of fearlessness. It is very alarming that this person will enter in a
country and eventually he might become a bad influence to others spreading those undesirable
behaviors of him. It is so disappointing for me as an individual who stalwartly supports human
rights and advocates of human justice against all odd forms of injustices. This move of Ms.
Charis Mah is worth recommendable and well-appreciated for it signifies her love to her country
and to its fellowmen. This act of her is worth emulating. For I believe that an individual has the
power to protect its country for the adverse effects of foreign individual who might bring a
catastrophic scenario in the near future.
VI. Conclusion
Julien Blanc, the American “pick-up artist” who has been accused of promoting sexual
assault, is to be banned from entering Singapore. It is true that undesirable people are not
welcomed. Ms. Charis Mah filed a petition to prevent this man to enter Singapore to have its
business. A true citizen who has the love for its country and its people has the formidable
bravery to defend her/his country no matter what happens. The petition of Ms. Charis Mah
against this sexist and racist pick-up artist opens and campaigns for its fellowmen to not allow
foreign individual to enter their land for it might bring an undesirable outcome. This move of Ms.
Mah entails that bad influence individual should be banned and has no place for sojourning its
country. This petition will now test how solid its people in terms of decision making, whether this
move of Ms. Mah will succeed against Blanc from entering Singapore or it will be just neglected
and become just a trash.
VII. Recommendation
The act of Ms. Mah is worth appreciating and should be acknowledged by its people and
most especially by the human rights governing bodies for she has started such move in her
country—the petition against Blanc. It is just a rare act of fearlessness coming from a typical
citizen, who simply wants to protect its people from the demeaning effects of this sexist and
racist pick-up artist and it is worth emulating character. The citizens of Singapore should work
hand-in-hand to ban this kind of person. People should sign the petition with firmness and
should ban this person from entering their country for a better cause!
Republic of the Philippines
SURIGAO DEL SUR STATE UNIVERSITY
Tandag City, Surigao del Sur
GRADUATE SCHOOL
MST- SOCIAL SCIENCE
S.Y. 2014-2015
THEMATIC APPROACH IN TEACHING SOCIAL SCIENCES
REFLECTION/ REACTION PAPER NO. 2
I. TITLE: Analysis: 4 Uncomfortable truths about teaching English in Japan
II.SOURCE:
http://matadornetwork.com/pulse/4-uncomfortable-truths-teaching-english-japan/
BY TURNER WRIGHT
III. DATE OF ISSUE: MARCH 26, 2015
IV. BRIEF SUMMARY OF ARTICLE:
There are four uncomfortable truths about teaching English in Japan. First, the overall
English proficiency of Japanese is far worse than many realize. According to the EF English
Proficiency Index (EPI), Japan currently scores #26 out of 63 countries measured, directly under
South Korea and India. For the Test of English as a Foreign Language Exam, Japanese scored
as some of the poorest English speakers in Asia. Second, Japan spends more on English
education than European countries, yet their approach has proved ineffective. The Japanese
government pays over 4,400 participants of the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme
(JET) over three million yen annually, totalling $130 million in salaries alone. Among the
thousands of teachers in public schools from the JET Program and those working in eikaiwa are
some who are properly trained and genuinely try to make a difference in the classroom by
encouraging English conversation. However, the majority of Japanese education, with or without
English, is focused on entrance examinations. Over 500,000 students take the university
entrance exam every year, and as a result, the English taught in classrooms is focused on
grammar and multiple-choice questions rather than communication. Native speakers who work
in public schools as assistants have to work within this system, which means their most valuable
skills — pronunciation, conversation, and explaining expressions and idioms — are rarely
utilized.
Third, there is still a very strong “us versus them” mentality in Japan. Japan’s Supreme
Court recent passed a ruling that foreigners with permanent residency status would not be
guaranteed to receive welfare. In the English-teaching spectrum, many instructors stay between
1-3 years before realizing they can’t advance beyond the role of teacher; some stay with their
eikaiwa and move into recruiting or minor management roles, others choose to take lateral
positions with public schools or start their own if they plan to stay in the country. Those that do
stay teachers for years on end earn considerably less than their Japanese counterparts without
the job security. Fourth, many just don’t appreciate the need for English.
V. Reflection
This article presents the four uncomfortable truths about teaching English in Japan.
Japan as we all know is a country that tries to improve its English education. It is good to know
that Japan spent more on English education; parents send their children to private English
conversation schools, all on the belief that if they continue throwing money into English
education, their children will speak as naturally as New Englanders. But sad to know that
English education in Japan is focused only on grammar and multiple-choice questions rather
than communication. I firmly believe that English education should be balanced both written and
communicative competence and it must be addressed thoroughly. Japan government should
also give importance to the role of the English teachers and should provide also the welfare, the
job security which these teachers deserve to have. The last uncomfortable truth is the all-tell
why Japan’s English fluency will not improve. Many of its people don’t appreciate the need for
English. How can Japan government promote the idea that learning English is a step towards
prosperity if majority of its citizenry lacks the appreciation of its importance? If Japan people will
not appreciate its significance then surely their English education will not improve and they will
always be the poorest English speakers in Asia.
VI. Conclusion
There have been many attempts to improve the English education system in Japan, but
still it does not compensate the efforts being exerted by its government. These four
uncomfortable truths boldly emphasize why Japan’s English education is still pitiable. Focusing
English education strictly to exams, the government seems to make students shy away from
learning the language outside the classroom and into their lives. Thus, Japan government
should establish and impart the importance of English education to its people that English is not
just for examinations but also to their lives. It is very essential so that they can learn how to
speak the language fluently and can confidently communicate the language. Knowing how to
use the English language correctly can be a great help and can be used as a tool if they want to
make a business across many countries where English is the medium of communication of
business transactions.
VII. Recommendation
This article shows the big 4 uncomfortable truths about teaching English in Japan. If
Japan really wanted to improve its English education, then its government should take a move
to reconsider these four big issues in their country. English education should be balanced both
written and verbal-communication ability. English teachers should also be guaranteed to receive
job’s security and welfare for they deserve such benefit. People mindsets must also be stressed
that learning English is not just for entrance exams purpose but also for business and to adopt
globally and be competent individuals using the English language for a better understanding
and communication with foreign individuals.
Republic of the Philippines
SURIGAO DEL SUR STATE UNIVERSITY
Tandag City, Surigao del Sur
GRADUATE SCHOOL
MST- SOCIAL SCIENCE
S.Y. 2014-2015
THEMATIC APPROACH IN TEACHING SOCIAL SCIENCES
REFLECTION/ REACTION PAPER NO. 3
I. TITLE: Analysis: Racism in the Philippines: Does it matter?
II.SOURCE:
http://www.rappler.com/thought-leaders/97514-racism-philippines
BY Vicente L. Rafael
III. DATE OF ISSUE: August 21, 2015
IV. BRIEF SUMMARY OF ARTICLE:
Racism in the Philippines: Does it matter? Today, skin color continues to serve as the
gauge of social difference and the sign of class inequality. Judging from the billboards that
populate Manila, light skin continues to be the horizon of popular aesthetic aspiration. Lightness
retains a certain socio-cultural caché, whereas darkness brings only ridicule or, at best,
indifference. Let us tackle about dealing with lower classes. The poor are often racialized,
treated as if they were a different species altogether.
Race matters to the extent that racial injustice persists. Let me mention an example that
shows why race matters. This has to do with OFWs. Among Filipinos, they experience perhaps
the most brutal forms of racial injustice, especially domestic workers. In places like Singapore or
the Gulf States, they tend to live in slave-like conditions. Unprotected by local laws, they are
subject to gross exploitation by recruiters, employers, and even Embassy personnel. They are
also vulnerable to being trafficked and sexually abused. Symptomatic of this racial abjection is
the way “Filipina” has come to be synonymous with “maid” or “care giver” in many places
abroad.
Like slaves, OFWs are held captive, their movements severely restricted and monitored.
Their employers usually keep their passports to prevent them from leaving. They are given very
limited days off, or none at all, and they are often forbidden to inter-marry with locals. Those
who escape are referred to as “runaways,” as if they were slaves. Local courts treat them as
fugitives guilty of breaking their contracts, rather than as victims of abuse. When caught, they
are subject to imprisonment and deportation.
Thus are OFWS positioned by the host country as a race apart. Their slave-like
conditions reveal with great clarity the tight chains that bind racism with the gendered
exploitation of labor that is an integral – and tragic – part of our current history.
V. Reflection
Racism is universal. The racist division in the Philippines is more on the lighter skinned
(whites, East Asians) and the dark skinned (brown skinned, Southeast Asians). This is very
obvious in our country, we admire the lighter skinned. Lighter skinned are perceived as more
beautiful, financially capable, more educated and more respectable than the dark skinned
Filipinos. So, do I believe that most Pinoys are racist? One of the mildest ways we show our
racism is in our standards of “beauty”. However, no one can deny that majority of Pinoys still
consider light skin is the go-to for the idea of beauty. On the other side, poor are usually
neglected and perceived as low class citizen and powerless. The major point that was revealed
here is our OFWs conditions, that shows why race matters. Most of our Filipino OFWs have
experienced the most brutal forms of racial injustice especially our domestic helpers. Some of
them have experienced the cruelty of their employers. Filipina domestic workers are subjected
to slave-like conditions, their foreign employers regarded them as if they are animals brutally
abused. Thus, racism is as universal as social injustice and it is very important that our people,
that every one of us, must know about this so called racism for it matters and we are subject of
it anytime and anywhere for it is universal in nature.
VI. Conclusion
Racism in the Philippines: Does it matter? One of the mildest ways we show our racism
is in our standards of “beauty”. However, no one can deny that majority of Pinoys still consider
light skin is the go-to for the idea of beauty. One thing, racist remarks, Pinoys have always been
sore winners and losers. In the end, people resort to slurs and worse just because they can’t
accept the reality of Pinoy inferiority. Racism in the Philippines really matters. We, human
beings, it’s been already part in our system and it’s been already part in our upbringing, that we
sometimes become racist and that is undeniably true. Skin complexion whether we are light
skinned or brown skinned, and of course, the type of status of living that we had, are sometimes
the bases of the people’s judgment towards us that we become victim of racism.
Filipinos are bound to be racialized especially our OFWs who are victims of ill-treated
and domestic ferocity abroad. OFWs are perceived to be low, powerless, slaves and the worst,
animals. There are no other words to describe our OFW's. They are victims of this tragic racism
before and even up to now. Thus, it really matters for us to be educated, acquainted and
exposed to this pangs of reality. Filipinos become a racist to its co-Filipinos and Foreigners too
are racist towards us Filipinos. Everyone is racist. Racism is universal. Go to any other country
in the world, and you will encounter racism. I challenge anyone to name a non-racist country. It
doesn't exist. Racism is as universal as social injustice.
VII. Recommendation
Racism is universal. Racism is as universal as social injustice. People should know the
causes of this so called racism. People should be aware of the bases why we become racialized
and why we too are racist. People should be always prepared of this racism because racism
happens anytime and anywhere. Government should find some means to halt if not to lessen
the racial injustices to our OFWs. OFWs employers’ background should be studied first by our
OFWs embassy before our OFWs work at their employers so that we can minimize the numbers
of our battered OFWs. If feasible, why not prioritize to offer employments to our OFWs here in
our country so that it can make them productive citizens to our own motherland.
Republic of the Philippines
SURIGAO DEL SUR STATE UNIVERSITY
Tandag City, Surigao del Sur
GRADUATE SCHOOL
MST- SOCIAL SCIENCE
S.Y. 2014-2015
THEMATIC APPROACH IN TEACHING SOCIAL SCIENCES
REFLECTION/ REACTION PAPER NO. 4
I. TITLE: Analysis: Chinese Buy Up Bottles of Fresh Air From Canada
II.SOURCE:
http://www.atnnow.com/chinese-buy-up-bottles-of-fresh-air-from-canada/
BY ATNNow
III. DATE OF ISSUE: December 18, 2015
IV. BRIEF SUMMARY OF ARTICLE:
It sounds funny if you think about it, but not so when you realize it’s happening now. A
Canadian start-up called Vitality Air is bottling fresh air from the Banff National Park in the Rocky
Mountains, but curiously, it started out as a joke. The joke is on them because apparently, it is in
demand in China due to rising pollution levels. According to Vitality Air co-founder Moses Lam in
an interview with Telegraph, “Our first shipment of 500 bottles of fresh air were sold in four
days.” A second shipment of 4,000 bottles are already on its way, but most have already been
sold.
Vitality Air is sold in 7.7 liter cans, which are being sold for 100 yuan (roughly P729.72),
50 times more expensive than mineral water in China. The pollution in China is a result of rapid
industrialization beginning in the 1970s. In Beijing alone, pollution levels are 20 times the limit
recommended by the World Health Organization The University of California at Berkeley
reported that 1.6 million Chinese people die each year due to heart, lung, and stroke problems
because of the polluted air.
Vitality Air started as a joke when Lam and co-founder Troy Paquette sold a plastic bag
for 50 pence (roughly P35.71) on eBay. According to Harrison Wang, the company’s
representative from China, customers are usually rich Chinese women who buy for their families
or give away as gifts. However, it is also becoming popular in senior homes and exclusive night
clubs. On Vitality Air’s sudden popularity, Lam says, “We may have bit off more than we can
chew.”.
V. Reflection
You know that Dr. Seuss book The Lorax? It might be happening now. In the book, a
forest creature named Lorax “speaks for the trees, for the trees have no tongues.” When a small
company starts cutting down Truffula trees to make a Thneed (an invention that “everyone
needs”), the company grows into a conglomerate, cutting down all the Truffulas. In the 2012
adaptation, the mayor of Thneedville sells bottles of oxygen because of the lack of trees.
Pollution in China has reached a certain critical level of absurdity. Since China's capital
city Beijing issued its first ever air pollution red alert last week, sales of bottled Canadian fresh
mountain air to Chinese customers have soared. The forewarning about air-pollution seems to
become now a horrible reality in China. Nowadays in China, fresh air is a luxury, something so
precious. This was really alarming and horrifying news and I can say that if China’s government
will not take an immediate solution, this “bottled air for sale” will become a big shot business and
will boom in China and people’s life will be at jeopardy and China’s economy will be seriously
affected.
VI. Conclusion
Last week, Beijing issued its first ever red alert because of poor air quality, closing
schools and restricting traffic. The smog in China is so bad that people are actually buying
bottled air from Canada. Hence, air in some cities now in China is not safe for the people’s
health. While pollution levels are reaching record highs in China, a Canadian start-up is finding
a way to make a profit. Vitality Air, a company that sells canned air and oxygen, says it's now
seeing massive demand from affluent Chinese customers for the “bottled air”.
We'll have to wait and see what that will be in the coming months or years, but until
then, expect to see more 'bottled air' ideas cropping up not only from Canada but from other
countries as well, maybe Philippines can create too and sale a bottled air in China.
VII. Recommendation
China’s government should make some means to lessen the air-pollution in their country
or else people’s health will become at risk. The pollution is certainly a problem and the
government should do their best to combat this problem or else “bottled air” will boom as a good
business in China and the poor citizens will be the most affected.
Republic of the Philippines
SURIGAO DEL SUR STATE UNIVERSITY
Tandag City, Surigao del Sur
GRADUATE SCHOOL
MST- SOCIAL SCIENCE
S.Y. 2014-2015
THEMATIC APPROACH IN TEACHING SOCIAL SCIENCES
REFLECTION/ REACTION PAPER NO. 5
I. TITLE: Analysis: Water: source of life and conflict in the Land of Rivers
II.SOURCE:
https://roarmag.org/essays/water-conflict-turkey-middle-east/
BY Joris Leverink
III. DATE OF ISSUE: August 1, 2015
IV. BRIEF SUMMARY OF ARTICLE:
In Mesopotamia while oil is considered to be one of the main causes for the region’s
instability water as source of conflict is often overlooked. Water is becoming scarcer, and the
struggles to safeguard a fair share are growing fiercer by the day.
On several occasions development projects on the Euphrates and Tigris rivers have
brought Turkey, Syria and Iraq to the brink of war. When in 1990 Turkey blocked the flow of the
Euphrates for nine days to fill the reservoir of the Atatürk dam, Iraq threatened to bomb the dam.
Now, tensions are high as yet another Turkish mega-dam is about to be completed — the Ilisu
dam on the Tigris river. The Ilisu dam is part of the giant Southeast Anatolia Regional
Development Project (GAP acronym) which was launched in 1977 and aims to built a total of 22
dams and 19 hydroelectric power plants by 2015, covering nine provinces in southeastern
Turkey.
The GAP project has already displaced hundreds of thousands of people – many of
them Kurds – who have been silenced, pacified and left powerless, their demands for
compensation ignored as they joined the desperate masses around the urban centers,
competing for the chance to be exploited because an unfair wage is better than no wage at all
when you have hungry family to feed. The finished GAP project will reduce water flows to Syria
by 40 percent, and to Iraq by a shocking 80 percent. This, in combination with droughts that
have hit the region over the past few years, the ongoing conflict between the Iraqi state and it
allies and the militants of the so-called Islamic State, and the millions of (internally) displaced
people in the region, has the potential to unleash an environmental and humanitarian
catastrophe, destabilizing the region for years to come.
The struggle for equal access to resources is connected across ethnic, religious and
national boundaries.
V. Reflection
Water plays a central and critical role in all aspects of life – in the national environment,
in our economies, in food security, in production, in politics. Water has indeed a special
significance for the great religions. Water is an essential element for life. Many people must
confront daily the situation of an inadequate supply of safe water and the very serious resulting
consequences.
Water, the first and foremost source of life in the barren desert regions of the Middle
East, which allowed for the world’s first civilizations to develop on the fertile floodplains between
the Euphrates and Tigris rivers, is becoming ever more scarce, and the struggles to safeguard a
fair share are growing fiercer by the day. On several occasions development projects on the
Euphrates and Tigris rivers have brought Turkey, Syria and Iraq to the brink of war. I guess that
Middle East should make synchronization, a consensus decision-making on its water source
that each state will not be affected by its project operations and the majority will be benefited
and the conflict will be resolved. Water is root for fight in many instances in Middle East, but it
also has the potential to bring societies together to build the necessary foundations for longlasting peace in the Middle East.
VI. Conclusion
The Euphrates and Tigris rivers, as many of their tributaries, are a source of life as well
as conflict. They irrigate arid plains and make life possible where otherwise none could have
flourished. At the same time, they can be exploited to push certain agendas, break up
communities, and use as leverage in political negotiations. Most importantly, however, they have
the potential to bring sustainable peace to the region.
VII. Recommendation
Water is cause for conflict in many instances, but it also has the potential to bring
communities together to build the necessary foundations for lasting peace in the Middle East.
Middle East should work together, the need for cooperation between states, and more
importantly, between communities, is now more imperative than ever. From the Marsh Arabs in
southern Iraq to the Kurds in Turkey, the struggle for equal access to the Earth’s resources is
connected across ethnic, religious and national boundaries. As such, it provides a unique
opportunity to raise awareness about the interdependence of the region’s communities, forging
bonds that transcend the interests of central governments and international powers.
Republic of the Philippines
SURIGAO DEL SUR STATE UNIVERSITY
Tandag City, Surigao del Sur
GRADUATE SCHOOL
MST- SOCIAL SCIENCE
S.Y. 2014-2015
THEMATIC APPROACH IN TEACHING SOCIAL SCIENCES
REFLECTION/ REACTION PAPER NO. 6
I. TITLE: Analysis: Japan's Controversial Security Bills Pass in the Upper House. Now What?
II.SOURCE:
http://thediplomat.com/2015/09/japans-controversial-security-bills-pass-in-the-upper-house-nowwhat/
BY Rupakjyoti Borah
III. DATE OF ISSUE: September 19, 2015
IV. BRIEF SUMMARY OF ARTICLE:
Despite loud public protest against the plan, after many days of wrangling in the
Japanese Diet and huge protests, early on September, Saturday morning, the Upper House of
the Diet passed a new package of security bills that mark a significant departure from Japan’s
pacifist posture in the post-World War II era.
The bills were passed with 148 votes in favor and 90 votes against. What does this
mean for Japan’s security outlook? First, the laws mean that Japan’s SDF can now come to the
aid of the United States and other friendly nations in case of an armed attack against them,
even if Japan is not directly under attack. It also means that SDF forces would now be able to
legally participate more actively in peacekeeping operations across the world under the banner
of the United Nations. Second, Japan will now play a bigger role in taking up security
responsibilities under the U.S.-Japan alliance. Third, the laws could mean an increase in heated
rhetoric between Japan and China with regard to their disputed territorial claims in the East
China Sea.
Critics argue that the laws could lead to Japanese troops being caught up in battles on
behalf of the United States on distant shores. There were huge demonstrations outside the
Japanese Diet on a scale not witnessed in recent times. It came to the news last month of
August 30 that tens of thousands of people gathered outside the Japanese parliament building
on Sunday, to reject plans put forth by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe that would see an aggressive
expansion of the nation’s armed forces despite a long-standing constitutional mandate for a
“defense only” military posture.
V. Reflection
Despite of a lot of Japanese protesters hold up banners reading 'No To War,' during a
rally to protest against Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's drive to enact two controversial security bills
on Sunday in Ogimachi Park in Osaka's Kita Ward. Japan’s Upper House has passed a
package of laws allowing the country’s military to venture abroad in defense of allies. The bills
were passed with 148 votes in favor and 90 votes against.
Opponents blasted the security bills on concerns that they would drag Japan into
unwanted conflicts overseas. Japanese people were worried about possible consequences of
the bills that their children would have to face. The bills, which Japanese people said ran
counter to the pacifist policies Japan has adhered to over the past 70 years, could see their
children embroiled in wars. Just like many Japanese people, I also agree that instead of
enacting such pro-war bills, I also want Japan to exert leadership roles in facilitating world
peace as has done since World War II. Now, since the bills were passed already and it’s now a
law, I do hope that Japan’s government should not let the Hiroshima and Nagasaki tragedies
happen again to its country and to any other countries. Instead Japan should advocate for world
peace that we are all wishing for. This law should serve a better purpose for Japan’s people.
Abe should protect its people and may this law serve only as a self-defense against foreign
aggressions, no more behind shady agenda.
VI. Conclusion
The law was passed despite the people’s protest. The laws mean that Japan’s SDF can
now come to the aid of the United States and other friendly nations in case of an armed attack
against them, even if Japan is not directly under attack. This means that Japan will definitely go
on to more of war footing. The end of pacifist Japan is a big problem for Japanese people. Once
again, they will face the spectre of war, something they were shielded from for so long.
VII. Recommendation
We need more countries (including the USA and ALL of NATO) to go along the path of
peace as Japan chose to do after WW2. Let this law serve a better purpose for Japan. Aside of
such pro-war bills, Japan should exert leadership roles in facilitating world peace and must learn
the lessons from the bad effects of Hiroshima and Nagasaki tragedies brought by wars. Instead
of pushing into more wars, invasions, conflicts, Japan and US should opt for negotiations and
diplomacy, which are desperately needed instead. Japan's military should be a self-defense
force. Nothing more. Nothing less.
Republic of the Philippines
SURIGAO DEL SUR STATE UNIVERSITY
Tandag City, Surigao del Sur
GRADUATE SCHOOL
MST- SOCIAL SCIENCE
S.Y. 2014-2015
THEMATIC APPROACH IN TEACHING SOCIAL SCIENCES
REFLECTION/ REACTION PAPER NO. 7
I. TITLE: Analysis: China to Launch Nationwide Scheme to Cut Global Warming Pollution
II.SOURCE:
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/china-to-launch-nationwide-scheme-to-cut-globalwarming-pollution/
BY Lisa Friedman
III. DATE OF ISSUE: September 25, 2015
IV. BRIEF SUMMARY OF ARTICLE:
Climate change is real and alarming. Henceforth, China will start a national pollutiontrading system to cut global warming emissions, and make a 20 billion yuan ($3.1 billion)
commitment to help poorer countries move away from fossil fuels. China will launch a nationwide emissions trading scheme in 2017 covering its worst polluting industries, as part of a joint
effort with the United States to tackle climate change and ramp up pressure on countries, like
Australia, to strengthen commitments. The move by China to fast-track the introduction of a
carbon market has raised hopes of a breakthrough at the United Nations climate talks in Paris
later this year.
The move by China is also more bad news for the Australian coal industry, which is
already suffering from low prices due to declining demand in China and the sluggish world
economy. President Xi Jinping and his American counterpart Barack Obama are set to
announce the upgraded commitment on Friday, according to reports by journalists from both
countries who have been briefed on the plan.
The so-called "cap and trade" scheme, under which the government places a "cap" on
annual pollution and then allows companies to trade permits to pollute, would begin in 2017.
The Chinese media have reported it will cover key sectors of the economy including power
generation, iron and steel, chemicals and cement and is aimed at halting the growth in China's
emissions by 2030.
That commitment for peak emissions was made as part of an historic agreement struck
between China and the US in November last year.
V. Reflection
China, one of the largest developing nations, joined the U.S. in a list of the biggest
historical contributors to global warming. I am glad upon knowing that China will put in place a
nationwide carbon emissions trading program in 2017 and agree to stringent transparency rules
in a new global climate change accord. I want to praise China for announcing that it will begin a
national market-based cap and trade system to limit emissions from some of its largest sectors.
Nowadays we already felt the intense of the bad effects of global warming, and such news from
China’s government is really worth-appreciating. Since we all know that China has been the
world's largest greenhouse gas (GHG) emitter since 2006. Solutions to climate change and
energy crises already exist: clean, renewable energy, energy efficiency and an end to
deforestation. With strong commitment to change from governments, business and individuals
alike, we can stop climate chaos.
Thanks for China for launching National Pollution-Trading System to Cut Emissions!
VI. Conclusion
Climate change is of critical concern to China: it is the world's largest greenhouse
gas emitter, and many of its people are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, from glacial
melting to droughts and flooding.
China has been the world’s largest greenhouse gas (GHG) emitter since 2006 and thus,
China pledged to reduce its emissions intensity by 40-45 percent from 2005 levels by 2020. In a
joint announcement with the United States in Beijing in November 2014, China announced two
new goals: peaking greenhouse gas emissions by around 2030, and increasing non-fossil
sources to 20 percent of total energy by 2030. China later included these two goals in its
intended nationally determined contribution (INDC) to the new international climate agreement
to be concluded in Paris in December 2015, along with a goal of reducing carbon intensity 60-65
percent below 2005 levels by 2030.
U.S. and China are working together. President Obama and President Xi have put a high
priority on addressing climate change, and also on the role that these two nations can play in
addressing this pressing issue—CLIMATE CHANGE!
VII. Recommendation
Climate change is real, and it's happening because of human activities – namely burning
oil, and coal. We're seeing the bad effects all around us – extreme weather events, droughts,
warmer temperatures, polar ice melting and sea level rising. But we can work to change this.
We need more countries like China and U.S. working hand-in-hand together to lessen
the carbon-gas emissions which are really great factor in destroying the Mother Earth’s ozone
layer and can cause a global warming which is a great phenomenon that will lead to
catastrophic scenario in our lives. We are urging China to move away from coal and so does
the other countries like U.S, Brazil, India and the like. We are lobbying for China to play a strong
leadership role in all international negotiations on climate change. We are pushing for China to
increase investments in renewable energy and establish strong energy efficiency standards.
Republic of the Philippines
SURIGAO DEL SUR STATE UNIVERSITY
Tandag City, Surigao del Sur
GRADUATE SCHOOL
MST- SOCIAL SCIENCE
S.Y. 2014-2015
THEMATIC APPROACH IN TEACHING SOCIAL SCIENCES
REFLECTION/ REACTION PAPER NO. 8
I. TITLE: Analysis: Tropical Deforestation Brings Economic Boom, Followed by Human &
Ecological Bust
II.SOURCE:
http://www.treehugger.com/natural-sciences/tropical-deforestation-brings-economic-boomfollowed-by-human-ecological-bust.html
BY Mat McDermott (@matmcdermott)
III. DATE OF ISSUE: June 12, 2009
IV. BRIEF SUMMARY OF ARTICLE:
A new report published in today's issue of Science which show that not only in
deforestation bad for the planet, the economic gains some ascribe to the conversion of land to
agriculture are very much short-lived. Utilizing the UN's Human Development Index as a
benchmark—which takes into account standard of living, life expectancy and literacy rates—the
team found that though areas saw improvement in all these categories in the initial periods after
land was converted to agricultural purposes or logged, once this initial period of economic
activity was over the scores returned to previous levels and were comparable to areas which
never were logged in the first place.
Chopping Down Forests Helps Neither People Nor the Planet. Dr. Rodrigues told BBC
News that, "It is generally assumed that replacing the forest with crops and pastureland is the
best approach for fulfilling the region's legitimate aspirations to development." But this new
research shows that these gains simply aren't sustained. This includes the strictly economic
gains, which were not sustainable.
Furthermore, though this study focused only on the Amazon, Dr. Rodrigues speculated
that these conclusions probably are valid for other areas of the world rapidly chopping down
tropical forests such as Africa and Southeast Asia.
V. Reflection
It is generally assumed that replacing the forest with crops and pastureland is the best
approach for fulfilling the region's legitimate aspirations to development. But this new research
shows that these gains simply aren't sustained. This includes the strictly economic gains, which
were not sustainable. As the population and demands on resources increases, so does the
damage to Earth, which includes deforestation.
Though this study focused only on the Amazon, but of course, this is also true to all
countries that engaged in deforestation that tropical deforestation brings economic boom, but
followed by human and ecological bust. This finding wants us to become an advocate of
reforestation. We need to protect our forestlands, or else we will suffer the bad effects of
deforestation. We cannot deny the fact that there’s an economic advantage in deforestation for
it booms our economy but there are more disadvantages of it and that is followed by human &
ecological bust. We have to be responsible or else we will suffer the wrath of the nature by our
cruelties.
VI. Conclusion
A new study finds Amazon deforestation fails to sustain long-term economic growth for
rural populations but this research may not only suit for Amazon but it could be true to all
countries. Deforestation generates short-term benefits but fails to increase affluence and quality
of life in the long-run, reports a new study based an analysis of forest clearing in 286
municipalities across the Brazilian Amazon.
The research, published in Friday’s issue of the journal Science, casts doubt on the
argument that deforestation is a critical step towards development and suggests that
mechanisms to compensate communities for keeping forests standing may be a better
approach to improving human welfare, while simultaneously sustaining biodiversity and
ecosystem services, in rainforest areas. It is generally assumed that replacing the forest with
crops and pastureland is the best approach for fulfilling the region’s legitimate aspirations to
development,” Rodrigues explained. This study tested that assumption. We found although the
deforestation frontier does bring initial improvements in income, life expectancy, and literacy,
such gains are not sustained.
VII. Recommendation
Deforestation fails to sustain long-term economic growth for rural populations. This
research finding is an eye opener for all loggers and to those countries that keep on deforesting
their forest. It is true that it brings economic boom but it followed by human and ecological bust.
So we have better to protect our trees to prevent the environmental imbalance. Ending
deforestation is our best chance to preserve biodiversity and defend the rights of forest
communities. On top of that, it’s one of the quickest and most cost effective ways to control
global warming. We’re campaigning for a deforestation-free future. If we’re going to stop
deforestation, we need government to do its part.
SURIGAO DEL SUR STATE UNIVERSITY
Tandag City, Surigao del Sur
GRADUATE SCHOOL
MST- SOCIAL SCIENCE
S.Y. 2014-2015
THEMATIC APPROACH IN TEACHING SOCIAL SCIENCES
REFLECTION/ REACTION PAPER NO. 1
I. TITLE: Analysis: Singaporean Woman Starts Petition Against Sexist & Racist Pick-Up Artist
Julien Blanc
II.SOURCE:
http://mustsharenews.com/petition-against-julien-blanc/
BY THE MUST SHARE NEWS TEAM
III. DATE OF ISSUE: NOVEMBER 17, 2014
IV. BRIEF SUMMARY OF ARTICLE:
A Singaporean lady by the name of Ms. Charis Mah has started a petition that prevents
a sexist and racist pick-up artist from entering Singapore. The pick-up artist in question, Julien
Blanc, recently made headlines after his visa was revoked in Australia after a protest against his
demeaning wooing techniques.
Blanc works with a group called Real Social Dynamics, who make a “living by teaching
men how to violate women through physical and emotional abuse”. One of the most telling
examples is that Blanc has a power and control domestic violence wheel, which he uses as a
“checklist” to show how males can “make her [the girlfriend] stay” in a relationship. He also
chokes women around the world to “pick them up”. He teaches men these lessons for up to
$3,000.
It seems like Ms. Charis Mah isn’t the only one who wants Blanc to stay away. A
journalist by the name of Jennifer Li also started a petition against his seminars in the US. The
petition has 3160 signatures, with Mah hoping that it will garner 10,000 signatures. She has
even addressed this to Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean, who also happens to be the
Minister for Home Affairs, asking him to be denied entry should he try to set foot in Singapore.
V. Reflection
Blanc, who describes himself as the “international leader in dating advice,” is a selfstyled pickup artist (PUA) who travels around the U.S. and around the world, teaching seminars
to men on how to meet and seduce women. Is Julien Blanc the most hated man in the world? A
series of online petitions against him suggest he might be. Now, Ms. Charis Mah from
Singapore filed a petition to ban this man from entering Singapore. This article indeed entails
us that nobody likes an individual who is sexist and racist in nature. I find it weird upon knowing
that there are persons like Julien Blanc who makes a living by teaching men how to violate
women. Such kind of career for me is so undesirable. The courage of Ms. Charis Mah to file a
petition that prevents this sexist and racist pick-up artist from entering her country land,
Singapore, is really a great act of fearlessness. It is very alarming that this person will enter in a
country and eventually he might become a bad influence to others spreading those undesirable
behaviors of him. It is so disappointing for me as an individual who stalwartly supports human
rights and advocates of human justice against all odd forms of injustices. This move of Ms.
Charis Mah is worth recommendable and well-appreciated for it signifies her love to her country
and to its fellowmen. This act of her is worth emulating. For I believe that an individual has the
power to protect its country for the adverse effects of foreign individual who might bring a
catastrophic scenario in the near future.
VI. Conclusion
Julien Blanc, the American “pick-up artist” who has been accused of promoting sexual
assault, is to be banned from entering Singapore. It is true that undesirable people are not
welcomed. Ms. Charis Mah filed a petition to prevent this man to enter Singapore to have its
business. A true citizen who has the love for its country and its people has the formidable
bravery to defend her/his country no matter what happens. The petition of Ms. Charis Mah
against this sexist and racist pick-up artist opens and campaigns for its fellowmen to not allow
foreign individual to enter their land for it might bring an undesirable outcome. This move of Ms.
Mah entails that bad influence individual should be banned and has no place for sojourning its
country. This petition will now test how solid its people in terms of decision making, whether this
move of Ms. Mah will succeed against Blanc from entering Singapore or it will be just neglected
and become just a trash.
VII. Recommendation
The act of Ms. Mah is worth appreciating and should be acknowledged by its people and
most especially by the human rights governing bodies for she has started such move in her
country—the petition against Blanc. It is just a rare act of fearlessness coming from a typical
citizen, who simply wants to protect its people from the demeaning effects of this sexist and
racist pick-up artist and it is worth emulating character. The citizens of Singapore should work
hand-in-hand to ban this kind of person. People should sign the petition with firmness and
should ban this person from entering their country for a better cause!
Republic of the Philippines
SURIGAO DEL SUR STATE UNIVERSITY
Tandag City, Surigao del Sur
GRADUATE SCHOOL
MST- SOCIAL SCIENCE
S.Y. 2014-2015
THEMATIC APPROACH IN TEACHING SOCIAL SCIENCES
REFLECTION/ REACTION PAPER NO. 2
I. TITLE: Analysis: 4 Uncomfortable truths about teaching English in Japan
II.SOURCE:
http://matadornetwork.com/pulse/4-uncomfortable-truths-teaching-english-japan/
BY TURNER WRIGHT
III. DATE OF ISSUE: MARCH 26, 2015
IV. BRIEF SUMMARY OF ARTICLE:
There are four uncomfortable truths about teaching English in Japan. First, the overall
English proficiency of Japanese is far worse than many realize. According to the EF English
Proficiency Index (EPI), Japan currently scores #26 out of 63 countries measured, directly under
South Korea and India. For the Test of English as a Foreign Language Exam, Japanese scored
as some of the poorest English speakers in Asia. Second, Japan spends more on English
education than European countries, yet their approach has proved ineffective. The Japanese
government pays over 4,400 participants of the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme
(JET) over three million yen annually, totalling $130 million in salaries alone. Among the
thousands of teachers in public schools from the JET Program and those working in eikaiwa are
some who are properly trained and genuinely try to make a difference in the classroom by
encouraging English conversation. However, the majority of Japanese education, with or without
English, is focused on entrance examinations. Over 500,000 students take the university
entrance exam every year, and as a result, the English taught in classrooms is focused on
grammar and multiple-choice questions rather than communication. Native speakers who work
in public schools as assistants have to work within this system, which means their most valuable
skills — pronunciation, conversation, and explaining expressions and idioms — are rarely
utilized.
Third, there is still a very strong “us versus them” mentality in Japan. Japan’s Supreme
Court recent passed a ruling that foreigners with permanent residency status would not be
guaranteed to receive welfare. In the English-teaching spectrum, many instructors stay between
1-3 years before realizing they can’t advance beyond the role of teacher; some stay with their
eikaiwa and move into recruiting or minor management roles, others choose to take lateral
positions with public schools or start their own if they plan to stay in the country. Those that do
stay teachers for years on end earn considerably less than their Japanese counterparts without
the job security. Fourth, many just don’t appreciate the need for English.
V. Reflection
This article presents the four uncomfortable truths about teaching English in Japan.
Japan as we all know is a country that tries to improve its English education. It is good to know
that Japan spent more on English education; parents send their children to private English
conversation schools, all on the belief that if they continue throwing money into English
education, their children will speak as naturally as New Englanders. But sad to know that
English education in Japan is focused only on grammar and multiple-choice questions rather
than communication. I firmly believe that English education should be balanced both written and
communicative competence and it must be addressed thoroughly. Japan government should
also give importance to the role of the English teachers and should provide also the welfare, the
job security which these teachers deserve to have. The last uncomfortable truth is the all-tell
why Japan’s English fluency will not improve. Many of its people don’t appreciate the need for
English. How can Japan government promote the idea that learning English is a step towards
prosperity if majority of its citizenry lacks the appreciation of its importance? If Japan people will
not appreciate its significance then surely their English education will not improve and they will
always be the poorest English speakers in Asia.
VI. Conclusion
There have been many attempts to improve the English education system in Japan, but
still it does not compensate the efforts being exerted by its government. These four
uncomfortable truths boldly emphasize why Japan’s English education is still pitiable. Focusing
English education strictly to exams, the government seems to make students shy away from
learning the language outside the classroom and into their lives. Thus, Japan government
should establish and impart the importance of English education to its people that English is not
just for examinations but also to their lives. It is very essential so that they can learn how to
speak the language fluently and can confidently communicate the language. Knowing how to
use the English language correctly can be a great help and can be used as a tool if they want to
make a business across many countries where English is the medium of communication of
business transactions.
VII. Recommendation
This article shows the big 4 uncomfortable truths about teaching English in Japan. If
Japan really wanted to improve its English education, then its government should take a move
to reconsider these four big issues in their country. English education should be balanced both
written and verbal-communication ability. English teachers should also be guaranteed to receive
job’s security and welfare for they deserve such benefit. People mindsets must also be stressed
that learning English is not just for entrance exams purpose but also for business and to adopt
globally and be competent individuals using the English language for a better understanding
and communication with foreign individuals.
Republic of the Philippines
SURIGAO DEL SUR STATE UNIVERSITY
Tandag City, Surigao del Sur
GRADUATE SCHOOL
MST- SOCIAL SCIENCE
S.Y. 2014-2015
THEMATIC APPROACH IN TEACHING SOCIAL SCIENCES
REFLECTION/ REACTION PAPER NO. 3
I. TITLE: Analysis: Racism in the Philippines: Does it matter?
II.SOURCE:
http://www.rappler.com/thought-leaders/97514-racism-philippines
BY Vicente L. Rafael
III. DATE OF ISSUE: August 21, 2015
IV. BRIEF SUMMARY OF ARTICLE:
Racism in the Philippines: Does it matter? Today, skin color continues to serve as the
gauge of social difference and the sign of class inequality. Judging from the billboards that
populate Manila, light skin continues to be the horizon of popular aesthetic aspiration. Lightness
retains a certain socio-cultural caché, whereas darkness brings only ridicule or, at best,
indifference. Let us tackle about dealing with lower classes. The poor are often racialized,
treated as if they were a different species altogether.
Race matters to the extent that racial injustice persists. Let me mention an example that
shows why race matters. This has to do with OFWs. Among Filipinos, they experience perhaps
the most brutal forms of racial injustice, especially domestic workers. In places like Singapore or
the Gulf States, they tend to live in slave-like conditions. Unprotected by local laws, they are
subject to gross exploitation by recruiters, employers, and even Embassy personnel. They are
also vulnerable to being trafficked and sexually abused. Symptomatic of this racial abjection is
the way “Filipina” has come to be synonymous with “maid” or “care giver” in many places
abroad.
Like slaves, OFWs are held captive, their movements severely restricted and monitored.
Their employers usually keep their passports to prevent them from leaving. They are given very
limited days off, or none at all, and they are often forbidden to inter-marry with locals. Those
who escape are referred to as “runaways,” as if they were slaves. Local courts treat them as
fugitives guilty of breaking their contracts, rather than as victims of abuse. When caught, they
are subject to imprisonment and deportation.
Thus are OFWS positioned by the host country as a race apart. Their slave-like
conditions reveal with great clarity the tight chains that bind racism with the gendered
exploitation of labor that is an integral – and tragic – part of our current history.
V. Reflection
Racism is universal. The racist division in the Philippines is more on the lighter skinned
(whites, East Asians) and the dark skinned (brown skinned, Southeast Asians). This is very
obvious in our country, we admire the lighter skinned. Lighter skinned are perceived as more
beautiful, financially capable, more educated and more respectable than the dark skinned
Filipinos. So, do I believe that most Pinoys are racist? One of the mildest ways we show our
racism is in our standards of “beauty”. However, no one can deny that majority of Pinoys still
consider light skin is the go-to for the idea of beauty. On the other side, poor are usually
neglected and perceived as low class citizen and powerless. The major point that was revealed
here is our OFWs conditions, that shows why race matters. Most of our Filipino OFWs have
experienced the most brutal forms of racial injustice especially our domestic helpers. Some of
them have experienced the cruelty of their employers. Filipina domestic workers are subjected
to slave-like conditions, their foreign employers regarded them as if they are animals brutally
abused. Thus, racism is as universal as social injustice and it is very important that our people,
that every one of us, must know about this so called racism for it matters and we are subject of
it anytime and anywhere for it is universal in nature.
VI. Conclusion
Racism in the Philippines: Does it matter? One of the mildest ways we show our racism
is in our standards of “beauty”. However, no one can deny that majority of Pinoys still consider
light skin is the go-to for the idea of beauty. One thing, racist remarks, Pinoys have always been
sore winners and losers. In the end, people resort to slurs and worse just because they can’t
accept the reality of Pinoy inferiority. Racism in the Philippines really matters. We, human
beings, it’s been already part in our system and it’s been already part in our upbringing, that we
sometimes become racist and that is undeniably true. Skin complexion whether we are light
skinned or brown skinned, and of course, the type of status of living that we had, are sometimes
the bases of the people’s judgment towards us that we become victim of racism.
Filipinos are bound to be racialized especially our OFWs who are victims of ill-treated
and domestic ferocity abroad. OFWs are perceived to be low, powerless, slaves and the worst,
animals. There are no other words to describe our OFW's. They are victims of this tragic racism
before and even up to now. Thus, it really matters for us to be educated, acquainted and
exposed to this pangs of reality. Filipinos become a racist to its co-Filipinos and Foreigners too
are racist towards us Filipinos. Everyone is racist. Racism is universal. Go to any other country
in the world, and you will encounter racism. I challenge anyone to name a non-racist country. It
doesn't exist. Racism is as universal as social injustice.
VII. Recommendation
Racism is universal. Racism is as universal as social injustice. People should know the
causes of this so called racism. People should be aware of the bases why we become racialized
and why we too are racist. People should be always prepared of this racism because racism
happens anytime and anywhere. Government should find some means to halt if not to lessen
the racial injustices to our OFWs. OFWs employers’ background should be studied first by our
OFWs embassy before our OFWs work at their employers so that we can minimize the numbers
of our battered OFWs. If feasible, why not prioritize to offer employments to our OFWs here in
our country so that it can make them productive citizens to our own motherland.
Republic of the Philippines
SURIGAO DEL SUR STATE UNIVERSITY
Tandag City, Surigao del Sur
GRADUATE SCHOOL
MST- SOCIAL SCIENCE
S.Y. 2014-2015
THEMATIC APPROACH IN TEACHING SOCIAL SCIENCES
REFLECTION/ REACTION PAPER NO. 4
I. TITLE: Analysis: Chinese Buy Up Bottles of Fresh Air From Canada
II.SOURCE:
http://www.atnnow.com/chinese-buy-up-bottles-of-fresh-air-from-canada/
BY ATNNow
III. DATE OF ISSUE: December 18, 2015
IV. BRIEF SUMMARY OF ARTICLE:
It sounds funny if you think about it, but not so when you realize it’s happening now. A
Canadian start-up called Vitality Air is bottling fresh air from the Banff National Park in the Rocky
Mountains, but curiously, it started out as a joke. The joke is on them because apparently, it is in
demand in China due to rising pollution levels. According to Vitality Air co-founder Moses Lam in
an interview with Telegraph, “Our first shipment of 500 bottles of fresh air were sold in four
days.” A second shipment of 4,000 bottles are already on its way, but most have already been
sold.
Vitality Air is sold in 7.7 liter cans, which are being sold for 100 yuan (roughly P729.72),
50 times more expensive than mineral water in China. The pollution in China is a result of rapid
industrialization beginning in the 1970s. In Beijing alone, pollution levels are 20 times the limit
recommended by the World Health Organization The University of California at Berkeley
reported that 1.6 million Chinese people die each year due to heart, lung, and stroke problems
because of the polluted air.
Vitality Air started as a joke when Lam and co-founder Troy Paquette sold a plastic bag
for 50 pence (roughly P35.71) on eBay. According to Harrison Wang, the company’s
representative from China, customers are usually rich Chinese women who buy for their families
or give away as gifts. However, it is also becoming popular in senior homes and exclusive night
clubs. On Vitality Air’s sudden popularity, Lam says, “We may have bit off more than we can
chew.”.
V. Reflection
You know that Dr. Seuss book The Lorax? It might be happening now. In the book, a
forest creature named Lorax “speaks for the trees, for the trees have no tongues.” When a small
company starts cutting down Truffula trees to make a Thneed (an invention that “everyone
needs”), the company grows into a conglomerate, cutting down all the Truffulas. In the 2012
adaptation, the mayor of Thneedville sells bottles of oxygen because of the lack of trees.
Pollution in China has reached a certain critical level of absurdity. Since China's capital
city Beijing issued its first ever air pollution red alert last week, sales of bottled Canadian fresh
mountain air to Chinese customers have soared. The forewarning about air-pollution seems to
become now a horrible reality in China. Nowadays in China, fresh air is a luxury, something so
precious. This was really alarming and horrifying news and I can say that if China’s government
will not take an immediate solution, this “bottled air for sale” will become a big shot business and
will boom in China and people’s life will be at jeopardy and China’s economy will be seriously
affected.
VI. Conclusion
Last week, Beijing issued its first ever red alert because of poor air quality, closing
schools and restricting traffic. The smog in China is so bad that people are actually buying
bottled air from Canada. Hence, air in some cities now in China is not safe for the people’s
health. While pollution levels are reaching record highs in China, a Canadian start-up is finding
a way to make a profit. Vitality Air, a company that sells canned air and oxygen, says it's now
seeing massive demand from affluent Chinese customers for the “bottled air”.
We'll have to wait and see what that will be in the coming months or years, but until
then, expect to see more 'bottled air' ideas cropping up not only from Canada but from other
countries as well, maybe Philippines can create too and sale a bottled air in China.
VII. Recommendation
China’s government should make some means to lessen the air-pollution in their country
or else people’s health will become at risk. The pollution is certainly a problem and the
government should do their best to combat this problem or else “bottled air” will boom as a good
business in China and the poor citizens will be the most affected.
Republic of the Philippines
SURIGAO DEL SUR STATE UNIVERSITY
Tandag City, Surigao del Sur
GRADUATE SCHOOL
MST- SOCIAL SCIENCE
S.Y. 2014-2015
THEMATIC APPROACH IN TEACHING SOCIAL SCIENCES
REFLECTION/ REACTION PAPER NO. 5
I. TITLE: Analysis: Water: source of life and conflict in the Land of Rivers
II.SOURCE:
https://roarmag.org/essays/water-conflict-turkey-middle-east/
BY Joris Leverink
III. DATE OF ISSUE: August 1, 2015
IV. BRIEF SUMMARY OF ARTICLE:
In Mesopotamia while oil is considered to be one of the main causes for the region’s
instability water as source of conflict is often overlooked. Water is becoming scarcer, and the
struggles to safeguard a fair share are growing fiercer by the day.
On several occasions development projects on the Euphrates and Tigris rivers have
brought Turkey, Syria and Iraq to the brink of war. When in 1990 Turkey blocked the flow of the
Euphrates for nine days to fill the reservoir of the Atatürk dam, Iraq threatened to bomb the dam.
Now, tensions are high as yet another Turkish mega-dam is about to be completed — the Ilisu
dam on the Tigris river. The Ilisu dam is part of the giant Southeast Anatolia Regional
Development Project (GAP acronym) which was launched in 1977 and aims to built a total of 22
dams and 19 hydroelectric power plants by 2015, covering nine provinces in southeastern
Turkey.
The GAP project has already displaced hundreds of thousands of people – many of
them Kurds – who have been silenced, pacified and left powerless, their demands for
compensation ignored as they joined the desperate masses around the urban centers,
competing for the chance to be exploited because an unfair wage is better than no wage at all
when you have hungry family to feed. The finished GAP project will reduce water flows to Syria
by 40 percent, and to Iraq by a shocking 80 percent. This, in combination with droughts that
have hit the region over the past few years, the ongoing conflict between the Iraqi state and it
allies and the militants of the so-called Islamic State, and the millions of (internally) displaced
people in the region, has the potential to unleash an environmental and humanitarian
catastrophe, destabilizing the region for years to come.
The struggle for equal access to resources is connected across ethnic, religious and
national boundaries.
V. Reflection
Water plays a central and critical role in all aspects of life – in the national environment,
in our economies, in food security, in production, in politics. Water has indeed a special
significance for the great religions. Water is an essential element for life. Many people must
confront daily the situation of an inadequate supply of safe water and the very serious resulting
consequences.
Water, the first and foremost source of life in the barren desert regions of the Middle
East, which allowed for the world’s first civilizations to develop on the fertile floodplains between
the Euphrates and Tigris rivers, is becoming ever more scarce, and the struggles to safeguard a
fair share are growing fiercer by the day. On several occasions development projects on the
Euphrates and Tigris rivers have brought Turkey, Syria and Iraq to the brink of war. I guess that
Middle East should make synchronization, a consensus decision-making on its water source
that each state will not be affected by its project operations and the majority will be benefited
and the conflict will be resolved. Water is root for fight in many instances in Middle East, but it
also has the potential to bring societies together to build the necessary foundations for longlasting peace in the Middle East.
VI. Conclusion
The Euphrates and Tigris rivers, as many of their tributaries, are a source of life as well
as conflict. They irrigate arid plains and make life possible where otherwise none could have
flourished. At the same time, they can be exploited to push certain agendas, break up
communities, and use as leverage in political negotiations. Most importantly, however, they have
the potential to bring sustainable peace to the region.
VII. Recommendation
Water is cause for conflict in many instances, but it also has the potential to bring
communities together to build the necessary foundations for lasting peace in the Middle East.
Middle East should work together, the need for cooperation between states, and more
importantly, between communities, is now more imperative than ever. From the Marsh Arabs in
southern Iraq to the Kurds in Turkey, the struggle for equal access to the Earth’s resources is
connected across ethnic, religious and national boundaries. As such, it provides a unique
opportunity to raise awareness about the interdependence of the region’s communities, forging
bonds that transcend the interests of central governments and international powers.
Republic of the Philippines
SURIGAO DEL SUR STATE UNIVERSITY
Tandag City, Surigao del Sur
GRADUATE SCHOOL
MST- SOCIAL SCIENCE
S.Y. 2014-2015
THEMATIC APPROACH IN TEACHING SOCIAL SCIENCES
REFLECTION/ REACTION PAPER NO. 6
I. TITLE: Analysis: Japan's Controversial Security Bills Pass in the Upper House. Now What?
II.SOURCE:
http://thediplomat.com/2015/09/japans-controversial-security-bills-pass-in-the-upper-house-nowwhat/
BY Rupakjyoti Borah
III. DATE OF ISSUE: September 19, 2015
IV. BRIEF SUMMARY OF ARTICLE:
Despite loud public protest against the plan, after many days of wrangling in the
Japanese Diet and huge protests, early on September, Saturday morning, the Upper House of
the Diet passed a new package of security bills that mark a significant departure from Japan’s
pacifist posture in the post-World War II era.
The bills were passed with 148 votes in favor and 90 votes against. What does this
mean for Japan’s security outlook? First, the laws mean that Japan’s SDF can now come to the
aid of the United States and other friendly nations in case of an armed attack against them,
even if Japan is not directly under attack. It also means that SDF forces would now be able to
legally participate more actively in peacekeeping operations across the world under the banner
of the United Nations. Second, Japan will now play a bigger role in taking up security
responsibilities under the U.S.-Japan alliance. Third, the laws could mean an increase in heated
rhetoric between Japan and China with regard to their disputed territorial claims in the East
China Sea.
Critics argue that the laws could lead to Japanese troops being caught up in battles on
behalf of the United States on distant shores. There were huge demonstrations outside the
Japanese Diet on a scale not witnessed in recent times. It came to the news last month of
August 30 that tens of thousands of people gathered outside the Japanese parliament building
on Sunday, to reject plans put forth by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe that would see an aggressive
expansion of the nation’s armed forces despite a long-standing constitutional mandate for a
“defense only” military posture.
V. Reflection
Despite of a lot of Japanese protesters hold up banners reading 'No To War,' during a
rally to protest against Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's drive to enact two controversial security bills
on Sunday in Ogimachi Park in Osaka's Kita Ward. Japan’s Upper House has passed a
package of laws allowing the country’s military to venture abroad in defense of allies. The bills
were passed with 148 votes in favor and 90 votes against.
Opponents blasted the security bills on concerns that they would drag Japan into
unwanted conflicts overseas. Japanese people were worried about possible consequences of
the bills that their children would have to face. The bills, which Japanese people said ran
counter to the pacifist policies Japan has adhered to over the past 70 years, could see their
children embroiled in wars. Just like many Japanese people, I also agree that instead of
enacting such pro-war bills, I also want Japan to exert leadership roles in facilitating world
peace as has done since World War II. Now, since the bills were passed already and it’s now a
law, I do hope that Japan’s government should not let the Hiroshima and Nagasaki tragedies
happen again to its country and to any other countries. Instead Japan should advocate for world
peace that we are all wishing for. This law should serve a better purpose for Japan’s people.
Abe should protect its people and may this law serve only as a self-defense against foreign
aggressions, no more behind shady agenda.
VI. Conclusion
The law was passed despite the people’s protest. The laws mean that Japan’s SDF can
now come to the aid of the United States and other friendly nations in case of an armed attack
against them, even if Japan is not directly under attack. This means that Japan will definitely go
on to more of war footing. The end of pacifist Japan is a big problem for Japanese people. Once
again, they will face the spectre of war, something they were shielded from for so long.
VII. Recommendation
We need more countries (including the USA and ALL of NATO) to go along the path of
peace as Japan chose to do after WW2. Let this law serve a better purpose for Japan. Aside of
such pro-war bills, Japan should exert leadership roles in facilitating world peace and must learn
the lessons from the bad effects of Hiroshima and Nagasaki tragedies brought by wars. Instead
of pushing into more wars, invasions, conflicts, Japan and US should opt for negotiations and
diplomacy, which are desperately needed instead. Japan's military should be a self-defense
force. Nothing more. Nothing less.
Republic of the Philippines
SURIGAO DEL SUR STATE UNIVERSITY
Tandag City, Surigao del Sur
GRADUATE SCHOOL
MST- SOCIAL SCIENCE
S.Y. 2014-2015
THEMATIC APPROACH IN TEACHING SOCIAL SCIENCES
REFLECTION/ REACTION PAPER NO. 7
I. TITLE: Analysis: China to Launch Nationwide Scheme to Cut Global Warming Pollution
II.SOURCE:
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/china-to-launch-nationwide-scheme-to-cut-globalwarming-pollution/
BY Lisa Friedman
III. DATE OF ISSUE: September 25, 2015
IV. BRIEF SUMMARY OF ARTICLE:
Climate change is real and alarming. Henceforth, China will start a national pollutiontrading system to cut global warming emissions, and make a 20 billion yuan ($3.1 billion)
commitment to help poorer countries move away from fossil fuels. China will launch a nationwide emissions trading scheme in 2017 covering its worst polluting industries, as part of a joint
effort with the United States to tackle climate change and ramp up pressure on countries, like
Australia, to strengthen commitments. The move by China to fast-track the introduction of a
carbon market has raised hopes of a breakthrough at the United Nations climate talks in Paris
later this year.
The move by China is also more bad news for the Australian coal industry, which is
already suffering from low prices due to declining demand in China and the sluggish world
economy. President Xi Jinping and his American counterpart Barack Obama are set to
announce the upgraded commitment on Friday, according to reports by journalists from both
countries who have been briefed on the plan.
The so-called "cap and trade" scheme, under which the government places a "cap" on
annual pollution and then allows companies to trade permits to pollute, would begin in 2017.
The Chinese media have reported it will cover key sectors of the economy including power
generation, iron and steel, chemicals and cement and is aimed at halting the growth in China's
emissions by 2030.
That commitment for peak emissions was made as part of an historic agreement struck
between China and the US in November last year.
V. Reflection
China, one of the largest developing nations, joined the U.S. in a list of the biggest
historical contributors to global warming. I am glad upon knowing that China will put in place a
nationwide carbon emissions trading program in 2017 and agree to stringent transparency rules
in a new global climate change accord. I want to praise China for announcing that it will begin a
national market-based cap and trade system to limit emissions from some of its largest sectors.
Nowadays we already felt the intense of the bad effects of global warming, and such news from
China’s government is really worth-appreciating. Since we all know that China has been the
world's largest greenhouse gas (GHG) emitter since 2006. Solutions to climate change and
energy crises already exist: clean, renewable energy, energy efficiency and an end to
deforestation. With strong commitment to change from governments, business and individuals
alike, we can stop climate chaos.
Thanks for China for launching National Pollution-Trading System to Cut Emissions!
VI. Conclusion
Climate change is of critical concern to China: it is the world's largest greenhouse
gas emitter, and many of its people are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, from glacial
melting to droughts and flooding.
China has been the world’s largest greenhouse gas (GHG) emitter since 2006 and thus,
China pledged to reduce its emissions intensity by 40-45 percent from 2005 levels by 2020. In a
joint announcement with the United States in Beijing in November 2014, China announced two
new goals: peaking greenhouse gas emissions by around 2030, and increasing non-fossil
sources to 20 percent of total energy by 2030. China later included these two goals in its
intended nationally determined contribution (INDC) to the new international climate agreement
to be concluded in Paris in December 2015, along with a goal of reducing carbon intensity 60-65
percent below 2005 levels by 2030.
U.S. and China are working together. President Obama and President Xi have put a high
priority on addressing climate change, and also on the role that these two nations can play in
addressing this pressing issue—CLIMATE CHANGE!
VII. Recommendation
Climate change is real, and it's happening because of human activities – namely burning
oil, and coal. We're seeing the bad effects all around us – extreme weather events, droughts,
warmer temperatures, polar ice melting and sea level rising. But we can work to change this.
We need more countries like China and U.S. working hand-in-hand together to lessen
the carbon-gas emissions which are really great factor in destroying the Mother Earth’s ozone
layer and can cause a global warming which is a great phenomenon that will lead to
catastrophic scenario in our lives. We are urging China to move away from coal and so does
the other countries like U.S, Brazil, India and the like. We are lobbying for China to play a strong
leadership role in all international negotiations on climate change. We are pushing for China to
increase investments in renewable energy and establish strong energy efficiency standards.
Republic of the Philippines
SURIGAO DEL SUR STATE UNIVERSITY
Tandag City, Surigao del Sur
GRADUATE SCHOOL
MST- SOCIAL SCIENCE
S.Y. 2014-2015
THEMATIC APPROACH IN TEACHING SOCIAL SCIENCES
REFLECTION/ REACTION PAPER NO. 8
I. TITLE: Analysis: Tropical Deforestation Brings Economic Boom, Followed by Human &
Ecological Bust
II.SOURCE:
http://www.treehugger.com/natural-sciences/tropical-deforestation-brings-economic-boomfollowed-by-human-ecological-bust.html
BY Mat McDermott (@matmcdermott)
III. DATE OF ISSUE: June 12, 2009
IV. BRIEF SUMMARY OF ARTICLE:
A new report published in today's issue of Science which show that not only in
deforestation bad for the planet, the economic gains some ascribe to the conversion of land to
agriculture are very much short-lived. Utilizing the UN's Human Development Index as a
benchmark—which takes into account standard of living, life expectancy and literacy rates—the
team found that though areas saw improvement in all these categories in the initial periods after
land was converted to agricultural purposes or logged, once this initial period of economic
activity was over the scores returned to previous levels and were comparable to areas which
never were logged in the first place.
Chopping Down Forests Helps Neither People Nor the Planet. Dr. Rodrigues told BBC
News that, "It is generally assumed that replacing the forest with crops and pastureland is the
best approach for fulfilling the region's legitimate aspirations to development." But this new
research shows that these gains simply aren't sustained. This includes the strictly economic
gains, which were not sustainable.
Furthermore, though this study focused only on the Amazon, Dr. Rodrigues speculated
that these conclusions probably are valid for other areas of the world rapidly chopping down
tropical forests such as Africa and Southeast Asia.
V. Reflection
It is generally assumed that replacing the forest with crops and pastureland is the best
approach for fulfilling the region's legitimate aspirations to development. But this new research
shows that these gains simply aren't sustained. This includes the strictly economic gains, which
were not sustainable. As the population and demands on resources increases, so does the
damage to Earth, which includes deforestation.
Though this study focused only on the Amazon, but of course, this is also true to all
countries that engaged in deforestation that tropical deforestation brings economic boom, but
followed by human and ecological bust. This finding wants us to become an advocate of
reforestation. We need to protect our forestlands, or else we will suffer the bad effects of
deforestation. We cannot deny the fact that there’s an economic advantage in deforestation for
it booms our economy but there are more disadvantages of it and that is followed by human &
ecological bust. We have to be responsible or else we will suffer the wrath of the nature by our
cruelties.
VI. Conclusion
A new study finds Amazon deforestation fails to sustain long-term economic growth for
rural populations but this research may not only suit for Amazon but it could be true to all
countries. Deforestation generates short-term benefits but fails to increase affluence and quality
of life in the long-run, reports a new study based an analysis of forest clearing in 286
municipalities across the Brazilian Amazon.
The research, published in Friday’s issue of the journal Science, casts doubt on the
argument that deforestation is a critical step towards development and suggests that
mechanisms to compensate communities for keeping forests standing may be a better
approach to improving human welfare, while simultaneously sustaining biodiversity and
ecosystem services, in rainforest areas. It is generally assumed that replacing the forest with
crops and pastureland is the best approach for fulfilling the region’s legitimate aspirations to
development,” Rodrigues explained. This study tested that assumption. We found although the
deforestation frontier does bring initial improvements in income, life expectancy, and literacy,
such gains are not sustained.
VII. Recommendation
Deforestation fails to sustain long-term economic growth for rural populations. This
research finding is an eye opener for all loggers and to those countries that keep on deforesting
their forest. It is true that it brings economic boom but it followed by human and ecological bust.
So we have better to protect our trees to prevent the environmental imbalance. Ending
deforestation is our best chance to preserve biodiversity and defend the rights of forest
communities. On top of that, it’s one of the quickest and most cost effective ways to control
global warming. We’re campaigning for a deforestation-free future. If we’re going to stop
deforestation, we need government to do its part.
