Blog topic #4

The movie, Slumdog Millionaire, starts in the location of Dharavi. Dharavi is most likely one of the largest, if not the largest slum in India. It is centered in the middle of India's financial capitol, Mumbai. Dharavi was once a village that thrived on fishing. Today, it resembles nothing close to that. It has turned into a city within city housing a population of just over one million. With dense streets crammed with people and sewage, Dharavi is the land of those who struggle to live and those who live in the struggle.

Blog topic #2

Australia Day
Previous to Australia Day, nonwhite migrations to the country were strongly limited by the White Australia Policy. This promoted the immigration of Europeans and Americans. The policy lasted only a few years ending in 1973. The Whitlam government used Australia Day as a way to ease off the White Australia Policy. The Migration Program then offered visas to people based on their educational background for a higher potential in economic success. This in turn, brought families from all over the globe including Africa, China, India, Malaysia, and many more. In today's society, Australia celebrates the changing step that lead to its multicultural lifestyle. With so many more immigrants coming into the country, is Australia still Australian or is it simply a flat surface on our globe where there is no defined "type?" (text 646-47)

Immigration
While immigration started a booming economic trend, it has actually fallen quite significantly since that time. Over the past year, the annual number of migrants has plunged by a record 35%. This greatly affects the economy itself because there is less and less talent and education needed for certain job positions. The Prime Minister's desire for the campaign ''a sustainable Australia, not a big Australia'' and a minority of expressive native-born whites that resist the current cultural blending movements are now causing restrictions on migrant inflows and are pushing up wages and prices. (text 646-47)

Blog topic #3

Asian elephants have been a sacred figure throughout Thai history. The elephants have impacted the culture and history of the Thai people. Ranging from aspects of war to duties of work, they have shared the land alongside people. Elephants were once used to log Thailand's forests, but since logging bans have taken affect there significance and sheer numbers in Thai society have diminished . Both the Mahouts (elephant handlers) and the elephants themselves need a steady job. It turns out, seeing the ancient cities of Thailand atop an elephant is quite an appealing opportunity for tourists willing to pay for an adventure. The Mahouts rely on the elephants and vice versa for a living. In order for the Mahouts to save themselves, they must save the elephants. The sacred wedding ceremonies not only help populate the elephant numbers, but represent the struggle of the people. For those who know very little about this part of the world, maybe a tour on an elephants back isn't a half bad idea. Save the people. Save the elephants. Learn, grow, and experience life.

Blog topic #1

Globalization has a larger influence on our lives than most people probably think. Through our fast forward progress in technology, travel and communication have become a stepping stone for globalization. Consumer goods are obtainable from most anywhere around the Earth. For large and prosperous American companies like Nike, it has given them a chance to promote and advertise in other parts of the world. The ability to do so increases sales and popularity among a larger group of people. There is one issue with globalization though. With the world having access to practically any and every product one may want and similar companies being found throughout the globe, certain trends, styles, and ideas are everywhere. Food and fashion styles around the world are changing. No longer will you have to change or search for the food you eat or the clothes you buy when you go on vacation to a foreign getaway because the world is blending into one color. One single color. Cultural diversity is slowly becoming a thing of the past. Maybe we're bettering ourselves. Maybe we're destroying who we are.