I am very surprised to see that President Barack Obama is so well-received over here! Surprisingly enough, on Inauguration Day as well as the days preceding, Barack Obama graced nearly every page of the London Paper that I picked up!
After talking to a few locals, it's clear to see that many Barack Obama supporters here recognize that it's definitely time to embrace new politics, and that a strong America will definitely contribute to a strong world. When thought about, it does indeed make sense. America, for example, consumes roughly around 75% of the world's oil, while contributing roughly around 25% (please feel free to correct me if I'm mistaken). Moreover, the U.S. faces a debt of over 10 trillion dollars, which, if estimated per capita, would amount to just of $34,ooo per person (given current calculations).
SInce trade is a key factor that keeps every country afloat, it's clear to see that stabilizing the U.S. economy would do the world much justice, hence why Britain seems to be so interested and excited for the ascension of Barack Obama to the nation's highest office. Comparatively, there seems to be an egocentric view that America possesses, for I have not known too many individuals who know about domestic issues, let alone those facing the international world. However, it seems that Britain as a whole seems to be keyed in to world affairs. Is it because America is so far removed from the world, with its western location? Perhaps it's because we have not had to be as concerned as eastern society in years preceding 9/11...
Hopefully, I will return with more knowledge of the matter.
Until the next subject...cheers!
D
Tuesday, 27 January 2009
London and Religion
When you think of Britian, what immediately comes to mind? Established, refined, conservative and the like, right? Judging by our own standards, what most likely dominates a conservative and refined lifestyle? What serves as the foundation for conservative ideologies? Religion, correct? If you agree with that notion, and if your preconceived notions of Britain were among the same lines as mine, then you will be equally as shocked to learn that Britain, as far as religious practice is concerned, is extremely secular.
Yes, it it true, ladies and gentlemen, Britain's religious emphasis, as stated by Dr. Wendy Stokes (International Politics instructor and our first British Life and Culture lecturer), has been fading for the last 50 years. During this lecture (which took place approximately two weeks ago), I learned that the average, traditional Brit doesn't attend church regularly, if at all. Currently, Britian has the lowest church-going population of any country, while comparatively, the U.S. has the highest (the U.S. reference exists purely for comparative analysis, not placing a particular emphasis on one country or another).
Don't misconstrue the message, folks in Britian are definitely aware of religion, but have more of a comparative view, thus they know and may acknowledge various forms, which is a better known practice. In a sense, this ideology is beneficial in that a breadth of knowledge helps in understanding and accepting culture, which is something that other countries seem to be struggling with at the moment...
With that said, I believe that another comparison needs to be made. Religion seems to be the centerpiece of American life, but here in the U.K., it is quite the contrary. In fact, radical christian groups (for example) don't have political representation, which may be astonishing to those of us in the U.S. who would probably undergo instant convulsion if we knew that our religious PACs weren't adequately campaigning for our rights/voice. Apparently, a clear distinction between religion and politics exists, though oddly enough, there isn't necessarily a separation of church and state...a true paradoxical situation.
There are many more things that I learned in this lecture about the history of the U.K., which bears the official name of 'the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland' (just for those who didn't already know), of which I won't plague you with in this post. Take this information and think about it...post if you feel especially inspired.
Last random fact: Most Londoners don't even live in the area...they simply work there. This is comparable to a modern day Washington D.C...watch out U.S. I've seen quite the melting pot here.
Until next time,
D
Yes, it it true, ladies and gentlemen, Britain's religious emphasis, as stated by Dr. Wendy Stokes (International Politics instructor and our first British Life and Culture lecturer), has been fading for the last 50 years. During this lecture (which took place approximately two weeks ago), I learned that the average, traditional Brit doesn't attend church regularly, if at all. Currently, Britian has the lowest church-going population of any country, while comparatively, the U.S. has the highest (the U.S. reference exists purely for comparative analysis, not placing a particular emphasis on one country or another).
Don't misconstrue the message, folks in Britian are definitely aware of religion, but have more of a comparative view, thus they know and may acknowledge various forms, which is a better known practice. In a sense, this ideology is beneficial in that a breadth of knowledge helps in understanding and accepting culture, which is something that other countries seem to be struggling with at the moment...
With that said, I believe that another comparison needs to be made. Religion seems to be the centerpiece of American life, but here in the U.K., it is quite the contrary. In fact, radical christian groups (for example) don't have political representation, which may be astonishing to those of us in the U.S. who would probably undergo instant convulsion if we knew that our religious PACs weren't adequately campaigning for our rights/voice. Apparently, a clear distinction between religion and politics exists, though oddly enough, there isn't necessarily a separation of church and state...a true paradoxical situation.
There are many more things that I learned in this lecture about the history of the U.K., which bears the official name of 'the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland' (just for those who didn't already know), of which I won't plague you with in this post. Take this information and think about it...post if you feel especially inspired.
Last random fact: Most Londoners don't even live in the area...they simply work there. This is comparable to a modern day Washington D.C...watch out U.S. I've seen quite the melting pot here.
Until next time,
D
Finally...a single post!!!! (Simply introductory, not academic)
So this post is long overdue...I've been in London for over two weeks now and have thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it, yet no one (at least no one who really cares) knows how exactly I got here (save the obvious plane ride), any trials and tribulations I've experienced, or of any positive experiences for that matter. This post shall be the one that attempts to rectify that...hopefully it will cover nearly everything. Ready? Alright, let's rock.
Oh what do I say about my trip to London? Actually, I can sum it up in one word...CHAOS. To be honest, I thought that it just wasn't meant to be. Let's backtrack. Getting to Barcelona (approximately 17 days before London began) was comparable to walking on firestones, as it took a delayed flight, two missed flights, and 7 hours after my original departure time to arrive even there. After arriving in Barcelona, I quickly realized one seemingly obvious fact...I didn't speak a lick of Spanish, and had to find my way to my designation. After catching a taxi (and failing miserably on the first attempt...) I found my way to my residence for the next day or so. From there, life in Spain began.
In 17 days, I saw nine cities (if my memory and math are correct), all of which had something unique and interesting to offer (pictures will be posted soon...I apologize for my lack or organization...one day it will be the death of me).
After the Spain trip ended, life in London began (one cancelled flight, an eight our train ride, and many hours later).
I missed the first day of orientation due to my dealy of arrival, but once I found my way to my residence (after mistaking a girls flat for my own), I eventually settled in and so begins my London adventure.
Tune in next time for the next bit of Darrion's fascinating London adventures...hosted by yours truly.
Cheeri-o!
Oh what do I say about my trip to London? Actually, I can sum it up in one word...CHAOS. To be honest, I thought that it just wasn't meant to be. Let's backtrack. Getting to Barcelona (approximately 17 days before London began) was comparable to walking on firestones, as it took a delayed flight, two missed flights, and 7 hours after my original departure time to arrive even there. After arriving in Barcelona, I quickly realized one seemingly obvious fact...I didn't speak a lick of Spanish, and had to find my way to my designation. After catching a taxi (and failing miserably on the first attempt...) I found my way to my residence for the next day or so. From there, life in Spain began.
In 17 days, I saw nine cities (if my memory and math are correct), all of which had something unique and interesting to offer (pictures will be posted soon...I apologize for my lack or organization...one day it will be the death of me).
After the Spain trip ended, life in London began (one cancelled flight, an eight our train ride, and many hours later).
I missed the first day of orientation due to my dealy of arrival, but once I found my way to my residence (after mistaking a girls flat for my own), I eventually settled in and so begins my London adventure.
Tune in next time for the next bit of Darrion's fascinating London adventures...hosted by yours truly.
Cheeri-o!
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