Internationalism's Role in A Current Dispute: The Greek Economy

Hegemonic, Liberal & Revolutionary Internationalism Applied to the Economic Crisis in Greece

By Naomi Hill

As Greece’s economy continues to falter, the entire world wonders how to help. Greece used to be a fairly independent nation, but this economic crisis has caused a lot of people concern, both in and outside of Greece. A news article from late 2010 discusses the issue of children. Currently, parents are leaving their children at hospitals and churches. The article also spoke of a small girl who was sent to daycare with a note from her mother. It simply stated that the mother would not be picking the girl up, and that the daycare needed to find her a new home.

In terms of internationalism, this could apply to three types: hegemonic, revolutionary, and liberal. Liberal internationalism is the idea that liberal nations should intervene in other sovereign nations and their problems. Revolutionary internationalism is the idea that in order for change to occur, there must be some kind of revolution. It could be slow or quick, violent or non-violent. It’s simply a revolution. Hegemonic internationalism is the idea that one nation has more power or control than all of the other nations. While this may be untrue, it is still a concept that must be understood.

When applying these concepts to the current economic crisis in Greece, all three could apply. It just involves a little creative thinking. In terms of revolutionary internationalism, the people are unable to revolt at this time, but it could happen in the near future. If the economy continues to tank, it’s a very real possibility. With hegemonic internationalism, the supposed “superpower” nations of the world are trying to help. The European Union got involved, but nothing was really resolved. Greece’s economy still suffers. Liberal internationalism would have one believe that it’s a good idea for the world to intervene. Perhaps all Greece needs is to be left alone to pick up the pieces of their economy. Perhaps not. If all three types of internationalism are applied, maybe there will be a solution. Only time will tell.

How Do You Know You Exist?

When asked this question in my Humanities 20-1 class, one word came to mind:
Existentialism.

• A philosophical attitude opposed to rationalism and empiricism, that stresses the individual's unique position as a self-determining agent responsible for the authenticity of his or her choices.

I think that the fact that I am able to make choices makes me human, and therefore proves my existence.


Another thought that came to mind was the fact that I can feel. Not only can I feel things physically, by touch, but I can also show emotion. I can have joy, but also sadness. I can be heartbroken, and extraordinarily happy. 


The biggest thing for me was that I have the capacity to love. I do not think that if I were a well-thought out story or dream that I would have that capacity. However, I do. It's an incredibly strong capacity, and without it, I think I would be lost. I love unconditionally and wholly, without restraint. If I were not human, if I did not exist, I would not have that ability. 


This question made me think a lot more than I expected. I questioned my existence, but only for a moment. I found solace in my religious beliefs, in the fact that I was told that I am here. I do exist. It's hard to explain exactly how I know this, and I could probably do it better in person.


Like Descartes said, "Cogito. Ergo. Sum."


"I think, therefore I am."

A Modern Day Lady Macbeth: Patricia Blagojevich

Rising Tension Phase:

• established career as a real estate agent
• married Rod Blagojevich, a political man involved in the state of Illinois
• daughter Anne born soon after Rod was sworn in as Governor of Illinois
• supported her husband and father in all that they did politically
• reported to have assisted her husband in some of his deeds that caused his federal corruption charges
• scrutinized by public, decided to join cast of reality TV Show, "I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Outta Here!"
• continues to be scrutinized by public as husband's trial continues
• stands solidly at husband's side as he is impeached and removed from office
• husband's bail posted at $450,000.00-lower than what public had hoped for; Patti was forced to list both of their homes for sale as collateral
• written up in article as the Lady Macbeth of American Politics

Climax:

• husband found guilty of 17/20 charges (including fraud, federal corruption,and attempted extortion and conspiracy)

Denoument:

• gave up real estate practice
• sold both homes
• paid husband's bail
• tries to avoid politics 
• is attempting to stay out of the public eye

Individual Assignment 7: Loyalty and Values (Nationalism)

What is the role of patriotism?
The dictionary defines patriotism as,"devoted love, support, and defense of one's country; national loyalty". The role of patriotism is that of loyalty to one's nation. 


What are the contending loyalties you experience on this topic?
What this question should ask is where the line is between loyalty to one's nation and loyalty to one's core values(family, religion, etc.) For example, let's say that an individual's family member commits a crime. Where do the allegiances of said person lie? It would depend on the situation. If the family member committed a crime such as murder, perhaps the individual would side with the nation. It would depend on the severity of the crime committed. A prime example of this contention is World War I and World War II. Canadian men and women were forced to fight. A pacifist would believe that fighting is not necessary to gain peace. The government would still force said pacifist to fight, and they would have to find their own balance between their loyalties. 


What are the benefits and drawbacks to Canadian loyalty?
One of the benefits to Canadian loyalty is that you always have Canada to fall back on. Being loyal to Canada means that you have those social programs and government-run initiatives that you need or want. One of the drawbacks is that in some cases, your national loyalty has to come first. You have to do what's best for your nation, even when its not what's best for you. 


A current global issue that demonstrates this is the situation with the European Economy. Greece is having to vote on a bailout package, that if chosen will eradicate its social programs. Education, among others, will be cut. Some religions highly value education, and if your national loyalty has to come first, you are going against your religious loyalty by deciding to vote for that bailout package. 


The truth is that the line between loyalties is a fine one, and it takes a lot of thought to make decisions that truly satisfy all parties involved. 

Introducing Me: A Draft of My Introductory Speech

This Is Me

          My name is Naomi. I’m 16 years old, and the oldest of three kids. I have two brothers, Thomas and Harrison. They are 14 and 11. I live with my parents, who are still happily married, even after 18 years.  I’ve lived in Lacombe for 4 years.  

I don’t think that I’m interesting, but I have a lot that I am interested in. I love scrapbooking. That’s how I document my life, and all the things that happen to me and my family. I love to bake. Cookies, cakes, cupcakes, muffins, buns, pastries, breads, all of it. I love to read. I can’t stop. When I was younger, my teacher had to pick books out especially for me because I was so far ahead of everyone else. By the end of grade 1, I was reading at the level of a college graduate, so reading is also one of my strengths. I also love to write. I love it so much that I write essays for fun. I’m not lying. When I discovered blogging last year, and got the hang of it, I did it a lot. You could say that writing is one of my strengths, and on a good day, I might agree with you. Above all, I LOVE music. I play the piano, and I sing. I can relate to music more than anything in the whole world. It’s one thing that’s always there for me. When I feel completely alone and unwanted, I can listen to music, and feel okay again.

As for my strengths, I’ve already listed two. I can read and write quite well. I can think creatively when forced. I work well in groups. I’m super organized. My locker is in alphabetical order, and my binders are immaculate. I can’t be unorganized. It’s honestly impossible for me. Someone told me it was because I was undiagnosed OCD. I tend to agree with them.

I chose this class because it compliments my strengths, and I did really well in it last year. It was my best course, and I just really like it.

When asked about my future goals, I’m never sure if the person wants goals for my immediate future, or my 10 year plan, so I’ll share a little bit of both. I want to do well this year. This semester will be tough. Not only do I have this class, but I have all three sciences as well, but I’m going to work the hardest I can, and I’m going to succeed. If I stay positive, then I can do it. I want people to be aware of my goals for Students Union, and the position I hold. Those will be announced later, but for now, I’ll just say that I’m going to be incredibly dedicated to that. For university, I plan to go to the University of Lethbridge, and get a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology. Anthropology, for those that don’t know, is the science that deals with the origins, physical and cultural development, biological characteristics, and social customs and beliefs of humankind.

I didn’t mention before that I love history. I think that there’s something for all of us to learn, somewhere in history. Maybe your life lesson can be found in the story of Joan of Arc, or the story of Anne Frank. Maybe Helen Keller or Martin Luther King Jr. can teach you something. If people would pay attention to history, but also understand it, the terrible things that happen in this world wouldn’t necessarily happen. Maybe there doesn’t have to be a World War III.

So there you have it. That’s me in a nutshell. 

Individual Assignment 5: Collective Consciousness

	What was the basis for each nation’s identity?	How do they define nation and nationalism?	How are the different and/or similar?
Quebecois	-needed to be distinguished from the people of France -political/linguistic distinction from the English population & from Francophones elsewhere in Canada	Nation: separate from one’s country---divided Canada, almost as if they didn’t accept the ideas behind a nation Nationalism: Exclusivity---didn’t want to be a part of the Canadian nation----saw themselves as a separate nation, one which should get special rights	Differences: more separatist, not as united in ideals as other nations Similarities: very proud of the Quebecois nation
First Nations	-needed to be separate from the “new” people of Canada -many different nations	Nation: see themselves as slightly separate from the rest of Canada, because of different cultural, spiritual, political, etc. Practices -individual nations have different beliefs Nationalism: united people -each nation has a different idea of nationalism	Differences: made up of many nations, rather than just one; mostly united in beliefs and values Similarities: proud of nations; feel separate(like Quebecois)
Americans	-founded through immigration -diverse backgrounds	Nation: a nation of culturally diverse, with similar values and beliefs Nationalism: very patriotic, love their country -united through their patriotism, which has many of the same values as nationalism	Differences: larger nation; united in “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” Similarities: pride(patriotism)

Editorial
How should Canadians identify themselves?

I was raised in the understanding that Canada is a diverse nation. We are all different, but we are all special in our own way. We may have different cultural backgrounds, but deep down, we all want the same things. We want to live our lives in peace, and be happy. Through experiences that I have had, I have learned to accept the differences of others, rather than berate or belittle them because of those differences. It is my opinion that we should identify ourselves with our differences, rather than our similarities. While our similarities might be important, our differences far outweigh those. We were born to be special. What would Canada, and the world, be like if we were all the same? Herein lies our answer. Identify yourself as a part of that diverse nation. Celebrate your differences, and love them.

Expressions of Nationalism

The flags represent my ethnicity and race, but the Canadian flag also represents my geography. I'm of English descent, and I was born and raised in Canada. My family's coat of arms is also part of my ethnicity. The quote represents my language. The recycling sign represents my relationship to the land, as I try to be ecofriendly. The Conservative logo represent politics. I am strongly Conservative. The Book of Mormon/Bible represents my religion and spirituality, as does the picture of angel Moroni. The image as a whole represents my culture, as culture is the sum total of the pieces of my life.