Please join us on Tuesday May 8th, from 7:00pm-8:00pm at the Waltham Public Library for a discussion about how to create a safer community for and with victims of domestic and sexual violence.  

 

Specifically, we will be discussing Bill S918 which protects the employment rights of victims of domestic violence by providing 15 days of unpaid leave to plan for their safety.

 

This event, being organized by Brandeis Senior Marla Merchut and Brandeis Junior Becca Miller is in conjunction with the Waltham Representative Thomas Stanley as well as

REACH and Jane Doe Inc. This event is an out growth of the legal studies class Advocacy for Policy Change. We believe this is an event and topic very important to the Brandeis community and we would appreciate your support and attendance.

http://www.sc-sl.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=by3HPDDiFTM%3d&tabid=53

Hello everyone! I know it has been a while… I am currently part of the Brandeis in the Hague program! It has been so much fun

(You should apply for the summer or the spring program!) 

If you have been following the election, you may have heard about Rick Santorum's statement about euthanasia: Check out the video here.

He claims that 

1. Euthanasia is 10 percent of all deaths in the Netherlands. 

2. Half of those people are euthanized involuntarily in hospitals, because they are older and sick.

3. Elderly people in the Netherlands don’t go to the hospital. They go to another country because "they’re afraid because of budget purposes they will not come out of that hospital if they go in with sickness.”

4. The Dutch wear bracelets saying, “Don’t euthanize me".

I have asked several of my Dutch professors at the University of Leiden, and they have all told me the same thing. Only about 1-2% of the population are euthanized. Euthanasia is only administered upon request (so the individual must be conscious, family can not make the decision) and have to be approved by TWO doctors. The patient must be in control of all his or her mental faculties and repeat the request several times before it is considered. Both doctors have to diagnose that the patient is experiencing physical "unbearable agony", and that the patient is beyond medical care to recover. A commission of a jurist, doctor, and ethical expert must draw up a report. The majority of patients who ask for euthanasia have been diagnosed with terminal cancer. They may only live a few weeks or months if they continued receiving medical attention. 

Elderly people DO go to Dutch hospitals, and they do not wear bracelets saying “Don’t euthanize me". Suicidal individuals are not allowed to request euthanasia. I have also learned that doctors who do not consider euthanasia morally acceptable to not have to take part in the process. 

Although some Dutch do not personally approve of euthanasia, they understand it can be a kindness for those living with terminal illness. Brandeis, what do you think? Should euthanasia be legal if there are many precautions and procedures? Should Santorum have to apologize to the Netherlands? Let me know in the comments! 

"Brandeis has been offered the opportunity to have our students (YOU!) participate in a pre- and post-experience assessment survey in a study on the effects of study abroad. 

This study is funded by the Teagle Foundation and is directed by the Great Lakes Colleges Association (GLCA) and the Associated Colleges of the Midwest (ACM)."

Most of the survey asks to what extent you mixed with the natives of the country you visited, so I've been interpreting "native residents" to mean Chicagoans and "native tongue" to mean English.

Part of me regrets that my "study abroad" program (as Brandeis considers it) took place in Chicago because it means I missed out on a lot of uniquely international experiences. However, I think to say that you only experience "cultural immersion" while truly abroad is ignorant: I still interacted with people of different cultures and had to adapt to living on my own in a new city, adjust to new fields of study, and more.

So maybe this survey wasn't quite intended for me, but I just like filling things out too much to resist.

The exciting part of the survey comes close to the end, with a series of role-playing examples! Some of the answers seem very obviously biased (I can hear them being said in an arrogant "American" voice) and I think I can tell which answer the survey thinks I should select if I am a culturally-enlightened human being, while others are more ambiguous. 

Because there are 24 of these role playing situations, and each is pretty long, I've included the one I like the most directly below, and you can click the "see more" tab if you want to read the rest.

92. During the last 30 years the Chinese government has implemented a strict one child per family rule in order to keep the population under control. The latest figures have shown the male to female ratio is becoming unbalanced with a ratio nearing 1.2:1. This has been caused by increased abortions of female fetuses. The largely patriarchal history of China, which valued males for helping the family’s economic prospects, has contributed to this trend. What should China do at this point?

76. Two executives, one from Japan the other from the United States, both working in a foreign office, were discussing how to host an important dignitary visiting from the local country. The Japanese man insisted the group must go out to a luxury restaurant for dinner. The American thought it would be best to give the visitor some privacy after work and give him some unscheduled time. Both men were insistent upon their plan and neither would agree with the other. Whose plan would be best in this situation?

77. Bjutu, an exchange student from Zimbabwe, was living with the Campbell family in central Ohio in the United States. One Saturday Bjutu and the Campbells went to the local mall to shop and hang out. Eventually they all went their separate ways but had decided to meet back at the entrance by 5 p.m. to go to dinner and then a movie. At 5 p.m., everyone was back except for Bjutu. It was not until 5:35 that Bjutu finally arrived back at the meeting place. The Campbells were terse. How might you expect Bjutu to react to the Campbell family?

78. You are enrolled in a campus class on criminology. One day the professor lectures on capital punishment (CP) and its effects as a deterrent to crime in a number of countries including the U.S. The professor cites several recent studies showing that the use of CP lowers violent crime rates. In one example the professor cited the low use of illegal drugs in Singapore where the punishment for drug use is death by hanging. Several students object to this information and, though they cannot cite a specific study, are certain that cultural differences and not CP impact the overall crime rates. What do you think about this topic? 

	The professor has cited specific studies and holds a PhD in criminology; he is likely right.
	The professor is likely just manipulating the data to prove his point, because it is too difficult to compare crime rates across different cultures.
	I prefer to do further research myself and decide based on my findings.
	Since culture impacts crime, it is difficult to separate these two issues.
	It is possible that the professor and students are both right, but hard to know.
	Regardless of ones cultural beliefs, capital punishment is wrong.

 

79. In the country of Nepal, poor families often sell their daughters into indentured servitude for monthly payments to the family. The girls are taken from their families and they often work for years. The girls get no payment and usually work long hours in conditions that many say amounts to slavery. During their servitude, they forgo any education and work continuously until the contract has been terminated by the parent or the proprietor who purchased their services. Which of the following best describes your position on this issue?

	If the parents and proprietor agree to the arrangement then it is completely acceptable.
	This is a violation of child labor practices and have long been condemned by civilized society.
	Since the culture of Nepal has condoned this practice for centuries, I see little reason to interfere.
	If the girls are not being physically abused, and payment is being made for their services, there is little harm in this arrangement.
	I would need to know more about the culture to condemn or condone this practice.
	Although this may be a cultural issue, the girls should be protected based upon common human rights.

 

80. You are in a market in rural China and you see a man and his wife bartering with a farmer for a chicken. The farmer says something to the wife, the man yells at his wife, and the wife drops her head, turns, and walks away. What cultural dynamics do you see occurring in this scenario.

	The woman may have shamed the man as he was bartering with the farmer.
	The farmer did not want to barter with the wife and the husband told her to leave.
	The woman was embarrassed by her husband’s yelling.
	‘a’ ‘b’ and ‘c’ are equally possible, but it is hard to know.
	The Chinese society is a patriarchal society so ‘a’ or ‘b’ are most likely.
	Need more information about the culture to answer.

 

81. Imagine you are invited by a friend, the oldest son of a local business owner, to dinner with his family. You arrive at the same time as another local guest. As the two of you enter, the local guest greets the grandfather, greets the father, and then greets the host. It is now your turn. How would you proceed? 

	I would greet my friend and allow him to make introductions.
	I would greet the grandfather, the father, and then my friend.
	I would wait and take my cue from my friend the host.
	I would wait for the family members to each introduce themselves.
	I would greet the family the same way the guest before me did.
	I would greet all of the family at once and not individually.

 

82. Imagine you have been hired by an employer who has offices worldwide. You are initially assigned to work in the domestic division of the corporation. You work with several college friends and enjoy the comfortable environment of the office. After having spent six months training and working in the domestic division, you are notified you will be transferred to the international division on the other side of town. In your new position, you will work with a multicultural group composed of colleagues from various nations around the world. Which statement do you think would best describe your reaction?

	I would be excited for the opportunity to work with a group of culturally diverse people.
	I would agree to go but might find it difficult to work with a culturally different group of people.
	I would likely try to find a job working with people more like myself.
	I would approach my employer and ask that I not be transferred, that I am happy where I am.
	I would be both excited for the new opportunity and sad to leave my friends and family.
	I would give the new position a chance, but if I was too uncomfortable I would find another job.

 

83. There are many global issues requiring attention in the near and distant future. These include global warming, terrorism, world economic policies, poverty, immigration, human rights abuses, renewable energy production, etc. Which statement below best characterizes your current actions to become involved in the resolution of one of these issues?

	I am actively involved in several groups whose purpose is addressing similar issues.
	I would like to become involved in addressing global concerns, but I am not yet sure how.
	There is really nothing any one person can do at this point.
	I am involved with a group that sometimes works to address these issues.
	I may become involved at some point in the future, but not at this time.
	I have been investigating or exploring ways in which I can help, individually or through a group, to address certain global issues, but have not decided to take any action.

 

84. You are looking for a restaurant in a major city in a Middle Eastern country. You pass a woman and ask her for directions. The woman turns and walks away without saying anything. Which of the following is most likely?

	The woman may have been unable to understand you.
	The woman does not like Americans.
	The woman was afraid.
	It is inappropriate for a woman to talk with a stranger.
	Do not know.
	Need more information about the culture to answer.

 

85. Beth, a medical doctor, was visiting an international colleague, Lourdes, in Philippines and was asked to attend dinner at Lourdes’s home. After arriving and being seated, a servant brought out dinner and began serving. Beth, interested in the unfamiliar culture began to ask the servant some questions. The servant simply smiled and nodded, avoiding eye contact. Lourdes answered the questions for the servant. At one point, the servant accidentally dripped a small amount of food on the table while serving. When asked a question Lourdes could not answer, the servant responded with a brief answer. Lourdes quickly spoke to the servant in a harsh tone. The rest of the dinner proceeded, but in a tense atmosphere. What dynamics caused the tension?

	Need more information to know.
	The servant offended Lourdes by dripping on the table.
	Lourdes might have been upset that the servant had spoken.
	I do not understand the culture well enough to say.
	The servant might have been embarrassed by the questions, especially in English.
	It is possible that servants are not supposed to speak to guests in Philippines.

 

86. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified child/youth immunization as one of the critical areas of health needing to be addressed with urgency. Millions of children each year die from preventable diseases. The mortality rate in Africa and many Asian countries is deplorable. Which statement best characterizes your feelings about this issue?

	I agree with WHO and intend to find some way to help.
	WHO should be going after large foundations like the Gates Foundation to help with this issue, though if there are ways I can make a difference, I certainly will.
	I have contributed to similar organizations working on this problem.
	The world population is so large that this is nature’s way of preventing overcrowding on our planet.
	I have actually volunteered my time to an organization that helps address health challenges around the world.
	The health problems of most of these countries is a result of corrupt government and could be addressed if the governments chose to do so.

 

87. Frank is an executive temporarily living in Turkey. He is responsible for doing employee evaluations for an office in Istanbul. He is assigned to work with a female colleague, Akshita, who is Muslim. As they work together, Frank develops a great respect for Akshita and her good work ethic. However, Frank begins to find it difficult to perform his job due to certain customs Akshita follows. One includes never being alone with him, even when they are discussing confidential employee evaluations. 

	Frank should ask another employee to be assigned to replace Akshita.
	Frank should request to be replaced by a female counterpart.
	Frank should explain the importance of confidentiality to Akshita and ask her to make an exception.
	Frank should work with Akshita to create a reasonably confidential environment where Akshita can still abide by her customs even if it requires others to be present.
	Akshita should understand the nature of confidentiality and remove herself from the evaluation task.
	Frank should fire Akshita since she cannot carry out her responsibilities.

 

88. One of the greatest crises the world will have to address is the depletion of oil reserves and the development of sustainable energy. For the United States, oil depletion could hurt our economy, but since we have huge reserves of coal we can maintain our current economy until new energy sources can be developed. Of course, this will mean contributing even more green house gases to global warming. Many other countries, which are just now developing their manufacturing resources, are beginning to contribute to green house gases. The situation is likely to get much worse as these countries continue to develop their manufacturing economies. What should average citizens do, given the dilemma we face?

	We should demand that our government immediately begin cutting our green house gas emissions and put greater resources into developing new, clean energies.
	We should support all those groups that are educating everyone about the negative effects of industrialization.
	We should take the lead in setting an example by reducing our emissions while also educating the world.
	There is little that the average American citizen can do.
	Science and technology will find the answers sometime in the future; we need not do anything at this time.
	Average American citizens are already doing a great deal; we should just continue to make it an issue for politicians to do our part in reducing emissions.

 

89. An article discussing the history of India made a case for its prominence in the world. The article contrasted many of India’s practices over its long history to those of the Western world. In comparison to the United States, the article concluded that India could be considered one of the great nations of the world. What do you think about the articles comparison? 

	India and the United States are both great nations, but cannot be compared fairly.
	India and the United States with their distinct cultures provide an intriguing comparison.
	It is not a good comparison to examine the United States and India; they are too dissimilar.
	The similarities and differences between India and the United States may be difficult to compare, but the analysis could provide interesting insights into both countries.
	The cultures of these countries can be compared, but in modern comparisons, the U.S. will likely be seen as superior.
	The U.S. is a developed nation and India a developing nation; this makes a bad analysis.

 

90. In many societies around the world women take on different roles. In some societies, a woman’s main role is to be subservient to the man. Some societies expect women primarily to take care of the home (raise children, cook, clean, etc). In other cultures, women work side-by-side with men in egalitarian roles. In still others, women are given elite status and men must serve the needs of women. What do you think the role of women should be?

	Women’s roles should be equal to men’s roles in every way, because the western world has shown that works best.
	It depends on the situation and the individual; the dominant role would change depending on the skills, knowledge, and physical capabilities of the people involved.
	The roles of men and women should be universal across cultures because men and women are the same across all cultures.
	Men, being physically stronger, should typically be in the superior role, because they can work harder and protect the family.
	Men have dominated most cultures throughout history since strength was necessary for survival; in modern times, women should be given the lead since strength is no longer an issue.
	Since women and men have different strengths and weaknesses, their roles should depend on those attributes that the culture values most.

 

91. Jack, a student from England whose father is a wealthy entrepreneur, attends a college in Qatar. This college has single sex dorms and prohibits members of the opposite sex from spending the night. The policy is very strict and violators will be expelled. Jack was lucky enough his sophomore year to get a single room in one of the dorms. On Valentines Day, he and his American girlfriend decide to spend the night together in his dorm. Very early the next morning, as Jack was escorting his girlfriend out, the RA, a Qatar student, caught him and realized he was breaking the visitation rule. As Jack’s friend, he asks you how he should discuss the situation with the RA. What would you tell Jack to do?

	Acknowledge that the RA should report the incident even if it might mean Jack will be expelled.
	Ask that the RA give Jack a warning but not report him because expulsion is an extreme punishment.
	Advise Jack to tell the RA to look the other way and not deal with it.
	Have Jack request that the RA privately record the incident but keep it ‘under wraps’ unless Jack has another violation.
	Tell Jack that he should work within the system and challenge the policy if he believes it is wrong.
	Advise Jack to tell the RA to look the other way and he will owe him one.

 

93. A documentary produced by a Russian filmmaker described the history and politics of Mongolia, one of Russia’s largest neighbors. The documentary described the greatness and size of the early Mongolian empire under Genghis Khan, but was quick to criticize the early society because of the atrocities that occurred under their barbaric leader. As the documentary moved to modern times, it described the Mongolian people as peasants, still very nomadic and barbaric in their ways. The narrator referred to the civilization as one that would do well to adopt more modern ways.

 

94. Many cultures have a history of arranged marriages where the parents of children decide early in the child’s life who they will wed when they reach a specific age. The dominant western culture, however, does not adhere to this cultural practice. As the world becomes more and more integrated, there are many immigrants to western societies, who still practice arranged marriages. What is your thinking about this practice?

	Although my views are influenced by western culture, I think arranged marriages are wrong.
	People who immigrate into a new culture should adopt the customs of that culture, because it makes life easier for them.
	It does not matter what I think, this should be decided by the individuals.
	Arranged marriages are fine because they are historically rooted in certain cultures.
	I need more information about this practice to make a decision.
	The point is immaterial, because no one can be forced to marry someone they do not wish to marry.

 

95. You are in a small village in the southern part of Africa and you see a father and child sitting at a table with a bowl of fruit. You watch as the father strikes the child who has just taken a grape out of a bowl. Which of the following is most likely?

	The father is excessively abusive.
	The child deserved being struck.
	This might be the appropriate cultural response.
	Need more information about the culture to answer.
	Do not know.
	‘a’ ‘b’ and ‘c’ are equally possible.

 

96. Throughout history, people have developed legal systems and followed laws that often vary drastically from one culture to another. Most legal systems are rooted, at least partially, in the religious beliefs of the culture. While some cultures have outlawed certain acts that are deemed cruel and unusual, many cultures still use various practices that some call torture in order to gain compliance within a legal investigation. How would you best describe your position on this issue?

	The Western world is always trying to push its values onto other cultures and perhaps it should just stay out of this issue.
	The cultures that include acts of torture in order to gain compliance are within their sovereign rights.
	Societies should be allowed to use any practices they deem necessary on criminals and uncooperative citizens.
	Every individual should have certain rights of protection from cruel and unusual practices regardless of their culture.
	Perhaps the United Nations should create certain legal rights that countries must adhere to in order to be members.
	I am not sure where I stand on this issue.

 

97. For thousands of years the dominant form of government was some form of monarchy. In the last several centuries, an increasing number of governments have been popularly elected. Even popularly elected governments can vary widely, ranging from republics to near dictatorships. Some countries still believe in the power of divine control. With which of the following do you most agree?

	Monarchies are best because they typically have a history of success within the country.
	Any popularly elected form of government is best for the people, because they most resemble the system in the U.S.
	Any form of government with strong central authority is best because there is less conflict in policy decisions.
	Republics are best because they may spread the power, and allow better representation of the people.
	It really depends on the culture and the people being served, because every culture has different needs.
	There is no one best form of government; it depends on the history and tradition of a nation.

 

98. An economist on World News Today was being interviewed about the differences and similarities between the United States (US) and the European Union (EU). The economist said the structure of the EU, with its constitution and goal of allowing freedom of worker movement across borders, was very much like the US and would likely create strong competition to the US economy. On the down side, however, she was quick to point out the difficulties of overcoming the various nationalistic attitudes, which the US did not have. Overall, she thought it would be interesting to see how the two economies would compete.

	The European Union likely has a better economic system than the United States.
	Two more-dissimilar economic systems may have been a more valuable comparison.
	The United States has a better economic system that the European Union.
	The contrast and comparison of these two economies, while difficult, could be useful.
	It is difficult to compare economic systems with much accuracy or value.
	This comparison is a valuable exercise in understanding how similarities and differences can be analyzed across cultures.

 

99. A large multinational corporation was seeking to open an office in the capital of Nigeria. The formal process called for the company to submit an application to the ministry of commerce. One of the executives for international operations completed the application and submitted it. Several months went by with no response. The executive decided to meet with the administrator, but had a difficult time getting an appointment. After trying several times, the receptionist implied that a “gratuity” (money) would help get an appointment. The executive was outraged at the thought of a bribe and left. What should he do next?

	The executive should immediately report the receptionist to a government minister.
	The executive should let some time pass and see what happens next.
	The executive should learn whether paying the gratuity is a cultural custom.
	The executive should advise the corporation that it should immediately abandon its plan for the new office since this country is corrupt.
	The executive should explain to the receptionist that bribes are not permitted by his company.
	The executive should hire a local person to deal with the cultural complexities of doing business in the capital city.

 

That our country has a secret prison where we 'detain' people for indefinite amounts of time without trials.

It's called Guanatanamo Bay, and it's been open for 10 years.

According to the New York Times, in January of 2009, Obama issued an executive order instructing the CIA to close down Guanatanamo within the year, calling the secret prison camp "a damaging symbol to the world."

Three years later, the New York Times reports that 171 prisoners remain there now. You can read a docket listing the prisoners' full names. Many of them have been held since 2002, when the prison opened.

Help put an end to this unfair treatment by signing Amnesty's petition to Obama, participating in Amnesty's National Day of Action Against Guantanamo on January 11th in D.C., or simply becoming better education on the situation, for instance by reading Poems from Guantanamo Bay, poems written directly by the prisoners and edited by Marc Falkoff.

The full text of Amnesty's e-mail is included below:

January 11, 2012 marks the 10th anniversary of "war on terror" detainees at Guantanamo. We're not going to let this day pass quietly.

Sign Amnesty's global petition urging President Obama to finally follow through on his promise to close Guantanamo. Help us meet our goal of 100,000 signatures worldwide — signatures we plan to deliver straight to the White House door. 

We haven't forgotten President Obama's pledge to close Guantanamo, one of his first acts as president. Nearly three years later, the President has failed to keep his end of the bargain.

Even worse, President Obama has yet again relented to extremists in Congress. On New Year's Eve, he signed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) into law, along with its appalling detention provisions.


We lost that fight, but there's reason for hope. The battle over the NDAA united activists across the ideological divide, who put differences aside and came together to oppose the NDAA. 

January 11th isn't just any anniversary. This year, it's acritical moment to rise up against a shameful decade of human rights abuses perpetrated in our name. We can't let the recent outrage against the NDAA simply ebb away — help us channel this passion into a movement rededicated to closing Guantanamo! 


Guantanamo is a costly human rights catastrophe. Military and intelligence experts have repeatedly asserted that Guantanamo and the violations it stands for are immoral, illegal and counterproductive to US national security. 


There is a simple solution to closing Guantanamo — either charge detainees and give them a fair trial in US federal court, or release them. 


Sign our petition to tell President Obama that we are tired of his excuses. Guantanamo must be closed. 

For many, the New Year holiday embodies humanity's hopes for the future. Here's to 2012 — and with your help, this could be Guantanamo's final year.

Sincerely, 
Zeke Johnson
Director, Security with Human Rights Campaign
Amnesty International USA

P.S. It's not too late to join us in Washington, DC on January 11th for a National Day of Action Against Guantanamo. Lend a hand to our human chain! 

This video is a really nice example of an "average American" sharing his voice in government.

I think he does a good job.

Zach Wahls Speaks About Family

Description on Youtube.

"Zach Wahls, a 19-year-old University of Iowa student spoke about the strength of his family during a public forum on House Joint Resolution 6 in the Iowa House of Representatives. Wahls has two mothers, and came to oppose House Joint Resolution 6 which would end civil unions in Iowa.



The fight to to keep marriage equality in Iowa continues, help us support Iowans like Zach. 



http://www.actblue.com/entity/fundraisers/12424"

The resolution passed in the House but did not make it to a vote in the Senate.

I don't and never have had an iPhone, but I still know who Siri is. Friends love showing off that they can talk to a phone and get a response from it, although that's what phones were invented for in the first place. It goes back to some primal urge to control other humans, which is why scientists are developing human-like robots.

Anyway, Siri is pretty impressive. She can look things up, answer jokes with witty retorts, and more. But, people are discovering that she is still limited by what her designers want her to say, and some of these pre-programmed responses seem to have a specific, anti-choice agenda behind them.

"The recent illustrations of Siri, the iPhone 4S voice-recognition based assistant, failing to provide information to users about abortion, birth control, help after rape and help with domestic violence has gotten a lot of notice."

-http://amaditalks.tumblr.com/post/13513981784/siri

As the above site demonstrates via screenshots, ask Siri  about birth control, where you can get an abortion, or even type in the address of a specific abortion agency, and Siri will not have any answers.

Apple's defense, according to a BBC News article, is that Siri is still in her developing stages, and does not have all the information yet to answer everyone's questions. However, Siri's lack of knowledge on specific, controversial subject matters has led to speculation that this is more than just the beta stage. Is it right for Apple to push a moralist, anti-choice agenda on iPhone users if this is true?

Since I don't have an iPhone I can't run a test myself, but I urge you all to ask Siri questions relating to pro-choice options and see what she says.

And if you think Siri should be updated to include information for pro-choice resources, go to Apple's website and fill out a user feedback review saying exactly what Siri is missing.

Sure, 1 a.m. near a college campus there are bound to be drunk people fighting. But, what do you do when you think it might be serious?

As my friend and I neared the guy and girl, I heard her yell "Why would you do this to me?" and grab his shirt and push him.

He tried to pull away and said "I'm calling the police. I'm going to call the police." 

She seemed drunk and he seemed sober.

What do you do?

I keep repeating that because I honestly don't know.

Maybe they were a couple and had just had a trivial fight. Maybe she was taking things way out of line. Maybe he was going to call the cops and it would all be fine. But how do I know?

As we walked by, I turned and said to them "Are you guys alright? Do you need help?"

The guy responded with something along the lines of "She's drunk. She won't let go of me…We're okay."

I can't remember what he said, but it sounded like he was dismissing me.

So I left.

When I entered my lobby, next door, I told the security guards that a guy and girl were yelling at each other on the sidewalk, in front of the restaurant next door. 

The security guard's response?

"If it's past the black pillar, it's not our problem."

By this, he meant the square of sidewalk directly in front of the lobby, cordoned off by two pillars supporting the awning. Never mind that my suite is above the restaurant, my building management doesn't consider that their responsibility.

I was taken aback, but can also understand why he wouldn't want to break that up. So I asked "What should I do then?"

And he said something along the lines of "It's not our job."

What do you do?

So I looked at him with disappointment and went upstairs with my friend. 

As soon as I got to my room I realized that I could still hear them yelling downstairs, since I live directly above where they were standing.

I called my mom and asked her for advice.

She said I should call the police if it keeps going on and if I'm worried.

This scared me though. Involving the police makes it serious. I've never called the police before so I wouldn't know: Will they ask for my name? Will they dismiss my call because I don't know enough about the situation? Let's say I call them and the guy and girl have already left?

These questions, plus the idea that I could get these people in trouble for being drunk on the street, when really all they were doing was having an argument, stopped me from calling. 

I've had similar experiences with friends on Brandeis' campus, especially with the debate over whether or not to call BemCo (Brandeis Emergency Medical Corps) for a drunk friend. Will my friend be grateful I called for help, or will she hate me the next morning when she finds the ambulance and hospital room bills, along with a confession she has to make to her parents? If someone says they don't need help, who am I to think I know what's best for her? 

So, I waited it out, and after about 10 minutes, I stopped hearing yelling. From my window I couldn't see if they'd left or not, but I could see other people walking by, so I assured myself that if it really had escalated, someone would have intervened. (Bystander effect)

I fell back on old stereotypes, like: If the guy were the one doing the pushing, I would step in, but what harm could she really do to him?

Another odd habit that's been hard to break is not to refer to them as a couple. Throughout this post I kept finding myself writing "the couple seemed…" But the truth is, just because a guy and a girl are together does not make them a couple.

The real danger lies in assuming that because they were a couple, they were at less risk (from each other). Couples fight like that, so I don't need to intervene. That's just their relationship. It's their business.

Phrases like these are what allow domestic violence to take place. And no, domestic violence doesn't just take place in married couples, in homes, in private. It can happen right in front of your eyes. Because as long as you don't do anything to stop it, the abuser knows s/he has the power, and s/he can keep doing it.

What I wanted to tell the security guard was "If that girl gets raped tonight, YOU are the one who is responsible."

Not that the situation would necessarily lead there. In fact, SHE looked like the aggressor in the situation. But saying THAT might have made him do something about it.  And that's all I wanted.

And, really, all of us are responsible. Not just him. Me too. And the other people that walked by and didn't say anything.

I know there are people out there who will read this and say I'm overreacting to just a little fight. And maybe that's all it was: an argument. But the fact of the matter is we don't know.

And if something about that situation bothered me enough to:

1. Ask if they were okay
2. Tell the security guard
3. Call my mom

then I think that I should have stepped up. And pursued it. And have a right not to be told that my concerns are over-blown, or none of my business.

I will have to accept that I didn't intervene. And I'll hope for the best. But maybe next time I'll do more than just hope. And I wonder, what would you do?

Now for a wonderful video from Breakthrough's "bell bajao (ring the bell)" campaign galvanizing people to stand up against domestic violence.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=o1h_UaPJlhY

Please check out this e-mail to support the Turkish relief effort.

To whom it may concern,

I am contacting you to inform you of a new campus initiative. This student- run initiative is a group of concerned students with the goal of helping with Turkish relief efforts for the recent, devastating earthquake through raising funds and general campus awareness of the situation. They are doing this in conjunction with Project Nur and help from the Department of Community Service and this semester are beginning to sell bracelets and Turkish food. Additionally, they hope to continue through next semester with fundraising and the following years with cultural awareness through reinvigorating and renewing a currently obsolete club, Turkish Students Association. This could be a really great news story about how to make obsolete clubs worthwhile and about the discussion of clubs on Brandeis in general. It could also be a great way for this club and their efforts to be publicized and hopefully grow. Rozi Levi is spearheading this effort and would love to be able to provide interviews for any op-ed or news story that you would like to publish. I really hope that you consider writing about this new initiative, and if you have any questions or comments please just email me back or contact Rozi.

Thanks again for your consideration and please let me know if you’re interested in pursuing this,
Tamar Schneck

Due to a combination of the economic recession, EPA regulations, businesses embracing environmentally-friendly innovation, and more,

"We are now looking at a situation where the seven percent decline in carbon emissions since the 2007 peak could expand to 20 percent by 2020, and possibly even to 30 percent. If so, the United States could become a world leader in cutting carbon emissions and stabilising climate."

This article's, from Nation of Change, strength is in its analysis of the social and economic trends which have led to America's environmental progress.

AVODAH: The Jewish Service Corps whose primary focus is "the Jewish community's fight against the causes and effects of poverty in the United States," is coming under fire for sponsoring a trip to Israel. 

"We do this by engaging participants in service and community building that inspire them to become lifelong agents for social change whose work for justice is rooted in and nourished by Jewish values."

AVODAH, which has a close relationship with Brandeis, and currently has 6 Brandeis alumni participating in work across the nation, had stayed out of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict until now, keeping its focus on problems in the U.S.

However, the organization's recent decision to sponsor a service-learning trip to Israel, run by the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, is provoking a response from many involved who view the trip as a pro-Israel, anti-Palestine statement.

People against the trip have created an open letter and petition to AVODAH asking it to alter the trip's focus to include Palestinian points of view, reject grants which would necessitate a similarly one-sided trip again, and open a public discussion on what AVODAH's stance on the issue should be.

One excerpt from the letter:

"It is grossly irresponsible for AVODAH to whitewash Israeli policies while still claiming to stand for social justice."

Although I do not have a great understanding of the Palestinian-Israeli politics at the moment, and know this is contentious ground, I agree with many of the points expressed in the letter, especially that of a call for a community discussion concerning AVODAH's stance on the topic, and mandating that trips be as objective and inclusive as possible to all interested participants.

To form your own opinion, read the full text of the letter below and sign the petition if you so choose.

An Open Letter to AVODAH from Alumni, Participants and other Community Members

Sign the letter now!

 

We, AVODAH participants, alumni, donors, and community members oppose AVODAH's recent decision to sponsor a trip to Israel through its alumni program, Pursue. In yielding to partisan pressure from wealthy funders Charles and Lynn Schusterman, AVODAH has strayed from its stated mission of focusing on domestic poverty, while also neglecting its core commitments to Jewish pluralism and social justice. 

As a domestic-focused service corps, AVODAH has thus far refrained from addressing the potentially contentious issue of the conflict in Israel-Palestine. Yet AVODAH has chosen sides by accepting a grant that requires sponsorship of an Israel trip, bringing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to the forefront of our community's discourse. As a social justice organization, AVODAH is committed to addressing the root causes of poverty and inequality. This service-learning trip, run by the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, lacks any engagement with the military occupation of Palestine, one of the primary causes of poverty in Israeli-controlled territory. The trip does not include visits to the occupied West Bank, Gaza Strip, or East Jerusalem, where ongoing human rights violations have economically and politically disenfranchised over four million Palestinian people. It is grossly irresponsible for AVODAH to whitewash Israeli policies while still claiming to stand for social justice. 

This recent decision – made without any community input – is part of a systematic marginalization of alternative voices within the institutional Jewish community. While AVODAH was previously a space where all political viewpoints on Israel-Palestine were welcome, the organization may now alienate a growing generation of Jews who see Israeli policy as inconsistent with Jewish social justice values. In sponsoring this trip, AVODAH has taken a political stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, violating its own commitment to pluralism. Many in the AVODAH community oppose Israel's occupation of Palestine, and some even support the economic and cultural boycott of the State of Israel. These participants, alumni and prospective applicants feel abandoned by the organization, which has chosen to engage in one-sided, uncritical programming. 

This decision will set a precedent by which AVODAH leadership prioritizes funders over the values of their own community. This is why we demand that AVODAH publicly commit to: 

1. Modify the trip itinerary to incorporate significant critical engagement with Israeli policy in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem. This must include visits to occupied Palestine and interactions with Palestinians who live there. 

2. Never sponsor another Israel trip in this way again. 

3. Never accept money from the Schustermans, or any other group, if it necessitates AVODAH or Pursue's engagement in one-sided programming on Israel-Palestine. 

4. Begin a community-wide discussion on how AVODAH and Pursue should handle the question of Israel-Palestine as a Jewish organization committed to social justice. 

We are awaiting your reply.

 

Sign the letter now!

Dear All,

As many of you might have heard on the news, the city of Van, located on the eastern part of Turkey has experienced a devastating earthquake with the magnitude of 7.2. As of now 550 people have been reported dead and 2300 wounded. Death toll is expected to rise because there are lots of people trapped in collapsed buildings and the cold weather makes the situation much more difficult.

Believing in the community spirit we have here at Brandeis, we wanted to ask for your support on this matter.

Here are 2 easy ways to make a contribution to the relief efforts:

1- Turkish American Cultural Society of New England Website allows you to make non-taxable donations through PayPal, at the desired amount

http://www.tacsne.org/earthquake-van/index.html

2- Global Giving website allows you to make $10 donations through just a TEXT MESSAGE or you can also make a donation at the desired amount from the website.

http://www.globalgiving.org/projects/turkey-earthquake-relief-and-recovery-fund/

Thank you all for your awareness and your support.
Email rozi...@brandeis.edu if you have any questions or if you’d like to help to further fundraise at Brandeis.

The Coding Challenge sounds awesome, but I don't know much about computer coding so I recommend you guys check it out- I'm here to post about the former event.

Right now, I'm at the Chicago Meetup branch event of Wikipedia Loves Libraries.

Basically, this is a project coordinated by individual wiki users, and it's aim is to bring people from all walks of life together to use public libraries' resources to update Wikipedia pages relevant to that region.

The Chicago event's focus is Barack Obama: The Chicago Years, and it intended to include "primary articles Early life and career of Barack Obama, Illinois Senate career of Barack Obama and United States Senate career of Barack Obama."

When I went to the 6th floor of the Harold-Washington Library Center (a huge, beautiful library), an hour ago, I didn't see any groups of people around so I asked someone who works at the Circulation desk where the Wikipedia event was being held.

She did not know what I was talking about*, but said some groups reserve private rooms, so directed me to the Northernmost study room. I walked to a locked study room with 2 people inside on laptops. When I knocked, they let me in, and much to my relief, they were in fact the group I'd been looking for.

They said that a few others had been participating but had left. Since I didn't have a laptop, they said I could edit articles downstairs on one of the open internet computers, which is where I am currently.

Because I'm somewhat intimidated by the grandeur of this library, don't know much about how to edit wikipedia articles or where to find the information I should find, and have to run as soon as my friend arrives(we're going to Hyde Park!), I might just follow up on one of the participants- Tony's -suggestion, and edit the grammar of a few Obama articles.

Which means anyone can participate in this. Why not, in honor of Loving Libraries and Relying on Wikipedia for All Your Research Papers Even Though You Can't Cite It, edit some grammar or put in a few facts you know abour Wikipedia articles today?

This turned into more of a call to action than I intended, but go for it! That's why it's user-based!

*=Note of interest: On the Meetup page it says:

"The topic that was proposed to the Chicago Public Library who will be publicizing the event on Tumblr, Twitter and Facebook was Barack Obama: The Chicago Years"

However, they did NO publicizing, and further down in that same paragraph it says:

Note that the library will not be publicizing this at their website because it is not an official library event. It is a wikipedia event held at the library.

So, who's behind this event then? I'm confused.

in WELCOMING A VERY SPECIAL SPEAKER FROM INDIA

*Swamini Sadvidyananda Saraswati*

This Thursday, October 13, 9 pm-10 pm
at the Peace Room in Usdan Student Center
(1st floor, Gluck Entrance near Levin ballroom)

The Swamimi is a disciple of Swami Dayananda Sarasvati. She has studied Vedanta (Hindu philosophy) & Sanskrit for more than a decade in United States and India. She makes the teaching of Vedanta clear and enjoyable. She is connected with the ancient Gurukulam system of learning. She is also a Sanskrit scholar, giving her direct access to the original texts and their commentaries. She is a member of the Hindupedia (the online encyclopedia of Hindu Dharma) Editorial Board. For the last nine years she has been teaching in Gujarat, India and makes an annual tour in the US.

The visit was organized by Brandeis Catholic Chaplain Rev. Walter Cuenin.
For more information, email cue...@brandeis.edu