As a monumental ruler, Charlemagne is largely remembered as the first Holy Roman Emperor who advocated Christianity and expanded the education system within his realm. As he was engaged in his ambitious military tactics and conquests while still king of the Franks, Charlemagne strategically sought to maintain his realm with a politically unified culture. Most prominent was his … [Read more...] about Music as Political Tactic to Unify an Empire
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Unweaving Africa: Exploring Voodooism
One mention of the word Voodoo and images of human sacrifice, devil worship, sorcery or perhaps the highly popularized voodoo dolls with needles sticking out of them come rushing to your mind. And who could blame you when all across the media, Voodoo has become synonymous with evil and violence? In truth, Voodoism is more than just some cultic practice. Thought by some to be … [Read more...] about Unweaving Africa: Exploring Voodooism
Stateless: Exploring the Political Dynamics of Cultural, Ethnic, and Religious Minorities Around the World This Week’s Focus–The Rohingya
The Rohingya are a minority group living in the Rakhine State of western Myanmar (or Burma). Rakhine, previously known as “Arakan” is one of the 21 administrative divisions of the country of Myanmar. The Rohingya are particularly concentrated in the northern part of the Rakhine State, where they make up the vast majority of the population. Unlike 80% of the total … [Read more...] about Stateless: Exploring the Political Dynamics of Cultural, Ethnic, and Religious Minorities Around the World This Week’s Focus–The Rohingya
Western Classical Music Tradition: A Transferable Pacifier
With the formation of Israel and its declaration as a sovereign nation on May 14th 1948, open warfare between Israel and Arab forces has been a central issue and has continuously arisen. In particular, conflict between the Palestinians of the Palestine Liberation Organization and Israel led to increasing hostility between the residing Arabs and Israelis. As Palestinians … [Read more...] about Western Classical Music Tradition: A Transferable Pacifier
Unweaving Africa: Namibia’s “Fairy Circles”
One glance out the window while flying over the Nambian desert and you might think that you are witnessing some grand optical illusion. This is because interspersed across this 1100 mile stretch of desert land are small circular patches of barren land, a phenomenon akin perhaps to Mother Nature’s take on the polka dots. These barren patches of land, dubbed “Fairy Circles” for … [Read more...] about Unweaving Africa: Namibia’s “Fairy Circles”