Banning the Burkini: Thoughts

France has recently banned he burkini, which is the Islamic full-body swimsuit. This item of clothing is not intended to be a hostile threat, rather it allows females who chose to wear the hijab to also enjoy the leisure activity of swimming. Muslim women wear it is to maintain modesty, but some non-Muslims wear it to protect themselves from the sun. This new legislation has sparked a controversial debate among people. This law was first passed in Cannes, as it has been said to be a health hazard and does not follow French values. Anyone who wishes to disregard this law will be fined, asked to change or leave the beach. However, the debate is whether this ban is secularism or security.

Many French people suggest that this ban is regressive, as it does not promote equality between men and women. However, Muslims claim otherwise. Muslim women willingly wear this hijab as a symbol of modesty that opposes ostentation, and in Islam males are also required to cover themselves. The burkini is intended to allow these women to enjoy themselves and is not intended to be a symbol of radical Islamism and terrorism. This decree, rather than promoting freedom and equality, has now restricted Muslim women from swimming.

However, I understand the tensions are high in France after 85 civilians were killed in Nice on Bastille Day. But, it is imperative to recognize the motives behind the burkini, and recognize that there is a large population of French Muslims that do not impose harm to the community.

A taste of Mykonos, Greece

The islands of Greece are so perfectly photogenic with those sugar cube houses and azure colored waters. The contrast of white and blue combined with golden sand and pink sunsets makes the visit all the more beautiful. The aura at the beach in the daylight is idyllic and tranquil. Just sitting on a sunbed by the beach can assuage all the stresses from the IB. The soothing zephyr and the view of the crystal clear water is simply unfathomable. The sound of the undulating water as it hits the shore is one that cannot be replaced. One will just get lost in the rhythmic percussion of the waves in the sand. At night, the views continue to emulate inimitable beauty. The incandescent sun begins to drool across the horizon. The luminescent clouds start to illuminate with hues of pink, orange and magenta. The sunset view is aesthetically pleasing to the mind and soul.

Aside from admiring the ineffable beauty, Mykonos offers a plethora of activities to enjoy. The beaches are facilitated with multifarious restaurants that allow you to indulge in palatable Greek flavors. The waiters tend to be young adults that have a loquacious nature and like to get to know their customers. At the beaches, hit songs are played throughout the day and night. The zealous people are there to party after sunset. The ebullient environment encourages the people to dance and enjoy their time. The crowds loved my baby brother, his young age and cute aesthetics encouraged people to approach us and speak to my family and I. He gave us an opportunity to confabulate with individuals from across the globe.

Many of the beaches in Mykonos offered water sports. A personal favorite is the sofa ride that involves thrashing the waves and a lot of screaming. Another popular place to visit is the city center. This area is a series of small lanes and beautiful bunting wherein individuals can chose to eat or shop. The buildings are no taller than 10 meters and are painted white with colored wood windows and stairs. A myriad of people enjoy socializing at this area as it has activities that please the horde, from seaside restaurants, to high end stores, to more affordable stores, to gelato stands, jewelry shopping, authentic Greek food, art stores, friendly people and so forth. There is a stone path that runs throughout the city, that is has white outskirts around each stone, which adds to the character.  

Finally, the hotel staff were indefatigable and always put in the extra effort to ensure that we enjoy our stay. They were ardent and readily conversed with their guests. They, too, were fans of my younger brother and all personally said good-bye to the little boy. Mykonos is the epitome of beauty and enjoyment. Albeit the island was rather exiguous, there was always something to do. If only my stay was not so ephemeral, as there was much more to explore.

Hope to see you soon Mykonos!

Practice IOC

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5PjQy2qRuoKTFI5M21LYWxCcUE/view  

Guiding Questions 

1. In what way does this extract from Coriolanus foreshadow subsequent events in the play?
2. What does this extract reveal about the relationship between Aufidius and Coriolanus?

Act IV Scene 7

AUFIDIUS	I understand thee well; and be thou sure,
	when he shall come to his account, he knows not	20
	What I can urge against him. Although it seems,
	And so he thinks, and is no less apparent
	To the vulgar eye, that he bears all things fairly.
	And shows good husbandry for the Volscian state,
	Fights dragon-like, and does achieve as soon	25
	As draw his sword; yet he hath left undone
	That which shall break his neck or hazard mine,
	Whene'er we come to our account.
Lieutenant	Sir, I beseech you, think you he'll carry Rome?
AUFIDIUS	All places yield to him ere he sits down;	30
	And the nobility of Rome are his:
	The senators and patricians love him too:
	The tribunes are no soldiers; and their people
	Will be as rash in the repeal, as hasty
	To expel him thence. I think he'll be to Rome	35
	As is the osprey to the fish, who takes it
	By sovereignty of nature. First he was
	A noble servant to them; but he could not
	Carry his honours even: whether 'twas pride,
	Which out of daily fortune ever taints	40
	The happy man; whether defect of judgment,
	To fail in the disposing of those chances
	Which he was lord of; or whether nature,
	Not to be other than one thing, not moving
	From the casque to the cushion, but commanding peace	45
	Even with the same austerity and garb
	As he controll'd the war; but one of these--
	As he hath spices of them all, not all,
	For I dare so far free him--made him fear'd,
	So hated, and so banish'd: but he has a merit,	50
	To choke it in the utterance. So our virtues
	Lie in the interpretation of the time:
	And power, unto itself most commendable,
	Hath not a tomb so evident as a chair
	To extol what it hath done.	55
	One fire drives out one fire; one nail, one nail;
	Rights by rights falter, strengths by strengths do fail.
	Come, let's away. When, Caius, Rome is thine,
	Thou art poor'st of all; then shortly art thou mine.
[Exeunt]

Essay Outline: The personal history of Chinua Achebe

Thesis: The personal history of Chinua Achebe, as a product of hybridized Anglo-African culture, was used as a means for catharsis, which is apparent through his attempt to illustrate a holistic view of both cultures.

Topic Sentence 1: Achebe reveals the apparent Manichaeism in each culture, in order to express his identity and unveil his internal conflicts as a product of hybridized Anglo-African culture.

Topic Sentence 2: Achebe depicts the merits and demerits of Igbo society, as he utilizes the sullen character of Okonkwo to portray the malignant faults in Igbo culture, yet juxtaposing his traits through the use of Uchendu.

Topic Sentence 3: Achebe illustrates the Christian society in an akin manner, as he portrays holism in their culture through utilizing Reverend Smith as the culprit and Mr. Brown to display the benevolent aspects of Christian society.

Essay Outline: Gender in Things Fall Apart

Thesis: Things Fall Apart may render gender ambivalence and withhold prominent gender roles, which if understood will enlist a greater understanding surrounding the contextual connotations of the novel, and the salient values of Igbo society.

Topic Sentence 1: In order to fully adhere to the themes, motifs and conceptual understandings pertaining to Things Fall Apart, an understanding of the gender roles embedded in the novel must be established.

• Discuss how gender roles provides a greater grasp regarding the motifs and themes within the novel.

Topic Sentence 2:  Moreover, an understanding of the patriarchal Igbo society will ultimately broaden the reader’s apprehension of Igbo social structure, values and political system.

• Discuss how an understanding of the patriarchal hierarchy in Igbo society allows the readers to conceptualize an enhanced understanding of Igbo politics.

Topic Sentence 3:  Henceforth, contextual and cultural knowledge surrounding the text can be achieved through appreciating the role gender and belief plays in their society.

• Discuss how the authentic elements of Things Fall Apart can be unraveled when appreciating gender roles within the text.