1. Thoughts, questions, reactions to Blood Diamond Videos ...
2. Choose 4 questions for the Cameroon video:
a. Why wouldn't the World Bank object to the implementation of the Pipeline?
b. Who benefits from the pipeline?
b. Who are being undervalued?
c. What can we do to improve this situation?
d. How can a company/organization/person understand the reality of a foreign location?
e. What other examples can you think of that relate to this type of undervalued compensation?
3. Discussion Continued from Oil Presentation:
Respond to 2 of these questions and 2 of your classmates:
- Does the world revolve around oil?
- When did oil become a commodity?
- Are Americans dependent on oil? is the world?
- What’s in a barrel of oil?
- Do you think we need to put a high priority on reforms for offshore drilling?
- How can you do your part to help give aide to the Gulf regions most effected by the Oil Spill in April? Will this effect those local businesses? Tourism?
- What about the billion dollar fishing, shrimping, boating communities?
- What are your thoughts on renewable, clean energy? What can you do to participate in the movement?
- Would you in the future purchase a hydrogen fueled vehicle?
- What are your thoughts on oil prices? is there a link between oil prices and war?
1. The blood diamond videos are so sad to watch. They abducted people only to enslave them. The people they abducted were forced to work under terrible and inhumane conditions. They weren't allowed to eat until told, or use the bathroom, or even sleep. And if they did they would be killed. Others were amputated forcefully. Their hands and legs were cut off for no real reason. A war over diamonds and minerals is causing people in Africa so much harm and yet those in the world around them have no idea. People in Europe or the United States think its a luxury to have these diamonds coated over their necks and hands. They spends thousands of dollars on these pieces of torture and know nothing of their true origins and what people go through to find the diamonds and the fact that they are paid very little to nothing for doing so.
ReplyDelete2. a) The world bank would not object to the implementation of the pipeline because they say that the project will go for about 20 to thirty more years on top of the 7 that have already been done, and that it will benefit everyone. If Cameroon or Chad oppose the pipeline, the world bank will stop the funding to the countries, and they can't afford that.
b)It seems to me, the only ones benefiting from the pipeline are Exxon. Maybe Chad, a little bit.
c)The villagers of Cameroon are definitely being undervalued. Their land and their crops were taken away. They were promised jobs and a better life and none of it has actually happened.
d)The only way a company or person could understand the reality of a foreign country is to actually go and live there for some time. And I don't think a couple of weeks is enough time.
3. 1)I never really realized it but yes, the world does revolve around oil. At first, I thought it was only for our transportation but after seeing everything that is made with oil I see that the world does revolve around oil... All kinds of plastics and even contact lenses!!
10)Oil prices are ridiculous! They are a game... of course there is a link between the prices and war. Every time there is some kind of chaos stirs up, the oil prices rise. When things calm down, the oil prices drop.
1) It was truly disgusting to see the extent of human misery brought about by the diamond mining industry. The total disregard for human suffering and overwhelming lack of compassion shown by the RUF forces was incredible. As if enslaving people to work non-stop day and night was not bad enough, they then amputated the limbs of thousands of innocent people for no apparent reason. A man was shown in a make-shift "hospital" with his left forearm hanging by a thread. Another man had no hands. Even a mother and her infant child's limbs had been severed. I love diamonds and I always will, but I will be sure that the next ones I buy are certified as conflict-free. I do not think that the general population, myself included until now, even realizes that this is a question that should be asked. Most people would never suspect what types of horrors are carried out in the quest for their diamonds. Sickening.
ReplyDelete2) The obvious benefactors of the Chad/Cameroon pipeline are of course those at the Exxon/Mobil Corporation and, to a lesser extent, the government of Chad who only had to agree to the project, and take whatever compensation was given, but did not suffer major environmental damage as a consequence of it. The big loser was Cameroon and, more specifically, the residents of Bume who basically lost an entire way of life. The laying of the pipeline in this village destroyed an entire coral reef. The fishermen are now barely able to catch enough fish to feed their families. The destruction of the coral reef has led to a huge decline in the number of fish in this area. The villagers also lost agricultural land as well as forest to the pipeline. The promises of reduced poverty in association with the laying of the pipeline never materialized and these people are worse off now than they were before the pipeline.
The native population is being greatly undervalued in as far as the degradation of their standard of living. The irreparable damage to their environment, especially in the loss of an entire coral reef, cannot be recompensed.
A company/organization/person can understand the realities of a foreign location only by actually going there and observing the conditions for themselves.
Other examples of undervalued compensation that come to my mind are those of the coffee workers who are paid just pennies on the pound for the laborious production of coffee.
3) 5-I do think we need to put a higher priority on reforms for offshore drilling. The repercussions of a disaster are just too high to ignore. Our oceans, and the marine life in them, are faring poorly enough without the added burdens of trying to recover from massive oil spills. The pictures of all these poor birds and animals covered in oil are heartbreaking. I think we need these companies to have a "proven" plan of action in place should a spill occur prior to granting them rights to ocean drilling. The inability to contain a spill for months at a time, while millions of gallons of oil spill into the ocean, is unacceptable.
9-I would definitely be willing to purchase a hydrogen car in the future. I think that as these new technologies become more available commercially, at a price people can afford, there should be no reason that there would not be a ready market for them.
In response to Monica Henriquez: I totally agree with you that there is a link between oil prices and war. It does seem like some sort of game being played without the rest of us knowing the rules.
1.) The Blood Diamond Videos were extremely saddening. I think that everyone is aware that diamonds and mines cause conflict, but it is nearly impossible to imagine the extent of conflict that it causes. The people that we saw in the videos were treated like slaves and forced to work without stopping. In addition to the workers being extremely mistreated, innocent people were getting their arms and hands cut off in this conflict. It is really sad that the people living near mines have to live in fear of getting a body part cut off or being killed. Diamonds cause pain and suffering of those who mine them, but represent the wealthy and affluent people of other countries. People wear diamonds without thought of how many people were injured or killed in the process of getting the diamond from the ground to around their neck or on their finger. It is sad that people are aware of some of the pain that comes from diamond mining, but we still associate diamonds with the rich and are proud to wear them.
ReplyDelete2.)b. I think that Exxon benefited most from the pipeline. They got to look like they were being extremely generous by helping out people in Cameroon by implementing the pipeline. To the rest of the world they looked like they were giving a gift to the people in Cameroon, while in all reality; they hurt these people and made their life even more of a struggle than it already was.
b. The people of Cameroon are definitely being undervalued. It seems as though they are being treated as less than people. Their way of life was almost destroyed by the disappearance of fish, and their land was taken from them with little compensation. The compensation they did receive wasn’t in cash, as they weren’t thought of as smart enough to handle money. Just because they don’t live in a developed country seems to be enough of a reason for some to think that the people of Cameroon don’t have the same value as other people.
c. I don’t know if anything can be done to improve this situation. The pipeline has done so much damage to the people of Cameroon that it would be nearly impossible to completely fix everything it caused. I think that a new place for fishing should be implemented, but not a small one like tried before. It should have a very close watch kept on it to make sure that it will be successful this time. Also, I think that the people of Cameroon should receive more compensation in cash, so that they can spend it how they need to.
d. I don’t think that a foreign company can really understand the reality of a foreign location unless they have lived in the shoes of people from the location. Without living in these people’s shoes, there is no real way to fully understand how they would be affected by a project of any kind. Most developed countries tend to believe that their way of life is the best and only way to live. But they fail to realize that their way of life simply won’t work in other places. For example, the way that we farm won’t necessarily work in other places because of the climate differences. But developed countries don’t understand that other places have their way of life that works for them, and our way of life simply won’t make everything better for them. They know how things work in their country, and for that reason, I think that a company should have to send a few representatives to a foreign company to live like the natives for a year before they try to implement any project.
3.) 8. I think that renewable, clean energy is the only way to go. With non-renewable energy, there will always be conflict over resources because there is a limited amount. While the earth’s population is growing, the amount of resources on the earth will not ever grow enough to meet our needs forever. We have to use renewable energy because we will run out of other energy before too long. I can participate in this movement by supporting whatever clean energy is available at the time. It is becoming easier and easier for the average person to be able to purchase such things as solar panels, and use them in their lives. I see that in the near future, we will be able to convert our homes to being solar and wind powered.
ReplyDelete9. In the future, I would definitely purchase a hydrogen fueled vehicle. I realize that they would be much more expensive than a regular car, but I think over time the car would save me money worth the difference. Also, I think the benefit it has to the environment is worth the extra money.
In response to Monica: I agree with what you said about oil prices and war. I think that a lot of the time, the general public gets lied to over what war is actually about. I think oil plays a larger part in wars than we are aware of.
In response to Lisa: I agree with what you said about offshore drilling. It seems as though we are starting to care more about getting oil than the safety of our animals and pollution of our oceans. We need to take more responsibility for our earth, because when we ruin it with pollution and kill all of the animals, we won’t have anywhere else to live. This is our only option, but we are treating the earth like it is disposable.
#1)My reactions to Blood Diamond videos is that most people are unaware of the role diamonds play in bringing real benefits to people in the countries around the world where diamonds are sourced. Nowhere is this more evident than Africa. Also it’s in Africa that this same resource has been used to fund conflict. The Blood Diamond is so sad for me to watch. A blood diamond called a conflict diamond or a war diamond is a diamond mined in a war zone and sold, usually clandestinely, in order to finance an insurgent or invading army’s war efforts. In the videos Blood diamonds are diamonds that are sold to profit a war. For example, say a group of people revolting against the government in a country sell diamonds from their mines to raise money to buy guns to kill people in their revolution. Though their cause may be just, the diamonds have nonetheless been sold improperly and have been sold to raise money used in killing people. That’s how they get to be called Blood diamonds. There are diamonds for sale that have exchanged hands in this manner, but there are many more out there that have a valid history and come with a number that corresponds only to that diamond so you can make sure that your diamond did not sponsor anyone’s death.
ReplyDelete#3(4) A barrel of oil is oil is its crude, unrefined state. The standard barrel contains 42 United States gallon of crude oil. The refinement of a typical barrel is that the 42 gallons of crude oil will result in more than 44 gallons of petroleum products. In other words, during the refinement process, there is actually an increase in the volume of product realized. This occurs because there is a reduction in the density of some of the original crude oil as different petroleum products are created during the refinement process. For example, have seen the final effect of the high price of a barrel of oil each time you pull into the local gasoline station to fill up and perhaps half way your automobile tank
#3(10) Therefore oil is a major part of our lives. My thought is that when the gas prices raising up it has no affected on how much I drive every day. The prices soaring out of control are affecting everything we touch and do. Inflation is going to go through the roof even more so than it already has. People are losing jobs every day. Companies, especially small ones are closing every day. People are losing their homes because they can’t make the mortgage payments because they live too far from work and the cost to commute has gone out of control. People have to decide if they will pay their bills or feed their family. So far, I don’t see an upside. I agree that we all need alternative energy. But, I think it is a travesty that it took a situation like this to get people interested in actually doing something about it. People’s lives are being destroyed in the aftermath of this problem. So, no I do not believe high oil prices are not a good thing. Because its sucks to hear that lots of people have to suffer for it.
#2 (a) The World Bank would not object to the implementation of the pipeline because it’s has rejected campaigners demands and concerns expressed by its own internal advisory panel and approved the continuation of the $4 billion Chad- Cameroon pipeline project. But the finds of the panel will lead to improvements in the ongoing implementation of this challenging project, which has enormous potential to bring great benefits to the people of Chad and Cameron.
ReplyDelete#2 (b) the villagers of Cameroon are definitely being undervalues. It’s partially responsible for the “natural order of things” which specifies that the men of the village reside in the square houses and the women in the round houses. For example, Woman is carrying water vases on their shoulders.
#2 (B) the benefits from the pipeline are Exxon Mobil, Chevron and maybe Chad.
#2 (d) my though I think company or person should understand the reality of a foreign country is actually should at least try going visit, and communicating with the people in different culture language. For example, typically you learn another countries language out of interest. This interest may include but not be limited to: learning more about their culture, hoping to one day visit/move there, to help people which speak another language to better understand your own. I think knowing more than one language is a sign of intelligence because learning a new language before going to foreign country will open you up to the cultural identities of those that speak that language.
1. It saddens me that people have to work so hard, day in and day out, panning for diamonds, against their will, that were then being sold to finance war efforts. I’m not sure how many of you have seen the movie, “Blood Diamond” with Leonardo DiCaprio, but it’s eye opening as well. Honestly, for me, diamonds are not worth the struggle and pain that others go through to mine then. How do we know where exactly the diamonds that are sold in America come from? or the conditions in which they were extracted? I read this article about the diamond industry and it said, “Global diamond trade bodies developed the ‘System of Warranties’, a voluntary industry scheme which encourages companies to place a statement on invoices declaring the enclosed diamonds to be conflict-free. But a statement simply assuring consumers that diamonds are not from conflict sources is meaningless unless it is backed up by measures to verify that the information is true.” They go on to talk about “conflict” and “clean” diamonds and how it is extremely difficult for customers to know if they are truly buying a clean diamond, due to the weakness in the Kimberly Process (diamond certification process) and the lack of self-regulation by the diamond industry.
ReplyDelete2. Cameroon Pipeline
The World Bank wouldn’t object to the pipeline because they thought it would bring prosperity to the people and the villages of Chad and Cameroon. Plus, they knew it would bring money/wealth and that ExxonMobil would be able to make good on their loan agreements, which brings money/interest to the World Bank.
The oil companies benefit, led by ExxonMobil, they make billions off the pipeline. The people of Chad and Cameroon are the undervalued. Their food supply has diminished drastically and many are suffering because of the pipeline when they were told they would prosper because of it.
I don’t know exactly what we can do to improve this situation. The damage has been done to the environment already. I suppose we could encourage the compensation of the village people. We could also have them restock the two ponds within the village and train the people on how to keep a fish pond active so that they can have a lucrative food supply.
I don’t think any company, organization or person could understand the effects a foreign location has on the indigenous people, animals and environment. I would say if they spent at least 2 years in the area/village doing observation (somewhat like an anthropologist) to see the pros and cons of a foreign project in their particular area.
3. Oil Questions
2.)Oil became a commodity when the US could no longer produce as much oil as we were consuming. This was due, in large, by mass transportation. That’s when we turned to foreign oil to compensate, and as our dependence grew, oil became the most sought after commodity in the world.
8.) I’m open to renewable energy. I think we will all need to take more of an aggressive approach in utilizing this clean form of energy. I’ve look into solar panelling and I’m open to the future of hydrogen fueled vehicles.
In response to Lisa Martinez, I agree when you say “The pictures of all these poor birds and animals covered in oil are heartbreaking”. I remember seen something like that on TV and reading article online and it’s was very heartbreaking for me to see lots of these birds and animals pass away and didn’t get any warning that oil are spreading around the ocean where they live and survive.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Staci Darden, I’m happy for you that you have some interest in thinking to purchase a Hydrogen fueled vehicle in future. To be honest with you I personally never ever seen the Hydrogen vehicle commercial on TV telling people to purchase the vehicle in future. I drive a ECHO Toyota and have it for like 5yrs. One of the reasons I bought it in the first place was good gas mileage, even when gas was so expensive it’s has no affected on my car.
1) so sad... I had no idea that all this went on just to get diamonds. That is crazy! Poor people suffer so that diamonds can be sold for money. There is so care for human life anymore. People have become so selfish just to succeed and make a living and do not think about how it effects the others.
ReplyDelete2)
b. I think Exxon probably benefits most...
c. The Cameroon people are being undervalued for sure! so sad... Everything has been taken from there including their dignity.
d. the only way to know is to go there and to spend time in their shoes. A couple of days observing would not be enough but it is necessary to be COMPLETELY submersed into this way of life and crisis. Then maybe they would understand... but maybe not even then completely.
3)
#1 Yes I do believe the world revolves around oil heavily. I had no idea all of the things we use that require oil, but after the presentation i am now very sure that the world revolves around oil. It will be interesting to see what happens when we run out.....
#3 Yes, Americans are dependent on oil. As I said previously, we use oil for so many goods now. We use so much oil, and so much plastic. And oil is even used to make plastic. We just use, use, use all these resources. Who knows what is going to happen when our source runs out!? It is a scary thought. I don't know if the world is as dependent on oil as we are, but I'm sure many other countries are.. at least, a little bit.
To Staci: I would love to purchase a hydrogen- fueled vehicle, as well! I agree that it would be worth it.
To Yan: I agree that it is awful to see so many people suffering and nothing being done about it :( Makes me so sad.
Its really upsetting to see that diamonds where actually put above people. To see the people suffering and hearing them talk about how if they would stop to rest they would get killed just lets you know how this world is . Money is everything and people well do whatever they have to do even if it means sacrificing others, but hey what do they care? it does not affect them , all they see is $$ , what a shame .
ReplyDeleteWho benefits from the pipeline? i believe that Exxon benefits the most. They made it seem as if though the pipeline was going to help , making Exxon look really good , but instead it did the opposite.
Who are being undervalued? The people from Cameroon are the ones being undervalued. They seem like they are not being treated equal or in other wards are being treated less then a human should be. They had a way of living where 80% of the population relied on fishing. When the pipeline came in , it really hurt the people. What they once relied on , they could no longer do so because the noise scared the fish off, and the reef was destroyed. With frustration they try and turn to the government but it does no good because the government pretends that everything is okay.
What can we do to improve this situation? what can you really do when something so important(reef=fishing) has been destroyed? they would have to find someway for the people to make a new living on .
1.Are americans dependent on oil ? YES americans are dependent on oil. There's so many everyday things that require oil to function that we don't even realize.
2.It's not just Americans but the World as a whole . The world doesn't just rely on oil for things to function but also because the benefit of the money.
in response to Staci , i agree that buying a hydrogen car well be worth it and is a great idea.
in response to Madalyn i also agree that there is little care for human life anymore.
1. I always heard of the blood diamonds and how ended up with that name through slaves who mined for these diamonds. These videos go more in depth which showed the brutality some of the slaves had to endure by the rebel tribes. It shocked me that the diamonds from these wars can still be found in the market today with no one really knowing that there origin comes from wars in Africa.
ReplyDelete2. The World Bank was profiting from this venture that’s why they didn’t object to this project and the harm it would bring to the people in the regions this pipeline passed through. ExxonMobil, World Bank is benefiting and the government of Chad where the oil comes from. This oil extraction harmed the people whose villages the pipe line ran through in Cameroon and the environment as parts of the rainforest and destroyed a natural reef because of the loading terminal in place for ships at sea. They promised people the ability to get out of poverty by creating new jobs but this wasn’t the case in turn the people of these towns ended up with simple jobs that only lasted 2-3 weeks because they didn’t have the skill level to do them. To fix this matter at hand we would have to talk to ExxonMobil into giving back more money from their large profits to the people of the places they have their pipeline located and not with just the places the oil is pumped out of such as the government in Chad that has given little back to Cameroon.
3. I believe the world relies heavily on oil because it is in all of our everyday products just the gas we place into our vehicles and machinery. This has also made us and the world very dependent on oil because we have used it to make so many things that we use like plastics, shoes, household products, candles, and etc. I think we will have to come up with something else to put in these products to make them what they are to allow us to move away from using oil.
I agree with Monica Henriquez comment on how the oil industry is a game and how its controlled.
In response to Madalyn Mae, it is a shame how people have to go through that type of torture but it also makes me wonder if the people that cause the harm are doing it to survive as well and to make a living for themselves and their family whether it is right or not. Also every time I see a woman with a new diamond ring or a guy who has the diamond earrings is going to make me think does she know where that came from or for anyone who buys and wears diamonds.
1. The blood diamond videos were very sad to watch. The conditions in which these miners are living in and more especially working in are unimaginable. They are inhuman. They wear no protection or have any equipment to help them in their labor. Along with this there is also the young children that rebels abduct to work in these terrible conditions. It is unfathomable to me how so much hatred and evil exists in the world. I mean even if there is war going on children should be spared. Before this video I personally had no idea all this hate was behind diamonds. I have no idea how these types of things are allowed to happen? So much injustice and mutilation? It's extremely sad.
ReplyDelete2.
2b: The only ones that really benefit from the pipeline is the company that put in the pipeline: Exxon. They are truly the only ones that are getting richer while the lands they are exploiting are living in misery and poverty.
2:2:b: The people of Chad but, mostly of Cameroon are being undervalues. Companies like Exxon think that just because impoverishing countries who's people have not had a proper education can be exploited and treated less. What they don't realize is that these people they are exploiting are just like them they are also human beings. It enrages me to see that video and learn all the injustices of the world well no not the world of big companies! The people of Cameroon are not getting what they were promised in fact they are loosing what they had.
2d: The only way a person/company/organization can truly and honestly understand the reality of a foreign location is by visiting the site and interacting with its inhabitants. They must live how they live and do what they do and use only what they use. They must put themselves in their shoes.
How does one have fun? One must get up and join in not just hear or read about it or watch a video. One must actually physically get up and participate. It is the same with understanding one must actually go through what others do to understand to the full potential.
2e: Other examples I can think of that relate to this undervalued type of compensation is coffee. The people or farmers who grow coffee are also seriously undervalued. They are paid next to nothing and work with minimal innovation if any and live in terrible conditions. They to are undervalued. Another example would be the people from Sierra Leone miners. Although their situation might be more brutal because of wars going on. They are also treated horribly and work in terrible conditions and get paid almost nothing. They to are alone and not heard. It's sad to think that an American company in which we like to think of ourselves as being so very civilized can cause so much harm and almost as much as compared to a country that has not been educated and is uncivilized.
3. 1: Does the world revolve around oil? Yes. The world definitely revolves around oil. First, almost every product that we use daily from our vehicles to the products we use on our face contain oil and oil products. Second, every one is trying to get their hands on oil. Countries are fighting for it even right now to this second. Oil is a very treasure commodity. He who owns oil owns most of the power for trade or negotiation.
ReplyDelete3.9: I think I most definitely purchase a hydrogen car in the future provided I have enough money to do so. Coming up with an alternative to gasoline is a very big innovation. I would like to help or get involved in any way I can. If owning a hydrogen car is the way to do it I would be more than happy.
-In response to Monica Henriquez
I most definitely agree that there is a link between oil prices and war. Whenever there is even talk about a political conflict or possible war or war gasoline prices begin escalating and as soon as tensions are loosened they start to drop. This sometimes even occurs within hours. At say three o'clock it can be something and by six o clock it could have changed drastically.
-In response to Lisa Martinez
I totally agree with you about putting a higher priority on reforms of offshore drilling. The pictures of animals covered in oil is enough to make me cry but also angers me because they are the least that benefit from the product but yet are the most affected. Companies need to have safer standardized rules and regulations and be more aware of the ecological problem they are causing.
1. When I see diamonds I don't automatically assume they're blood diamonds. Young kids are being abducted at the age of 17 while most of us are enjoying high school with our friends. It just amazes me that so much goes into these beautiful diamonds but we don't even know it. When I was watching the video about the war crimes my mouth literally dropped at how many injuries and deaths were involved. Words can't even describe how bad this makes me feel. The harsh mining conditions, the war, young children and all the amputations..everything that plays apart in this situation bothers me. What makes it worse is that we can't do anything to help. I mean somebody has to do it..right? Half of the miners didn't even know what they were digging for (coltan, cassiterite, and gold) started the war. One guy said if he would have known that he wouldn't of been digging but my thing is do they have a choice? I could go on forever so I think I'll stop here!
ReplyDelete2a. Why wouldn't the World Bank object to the implementation of the Pipeline?
The World Bank wouldn't object to the implementation of the pipeline because they would benefit from it. They thought the oil would bring benefits to the people of Cameroon and that the oil could alleviate poverty and improve the lives of the poor Africans. This was the biggest infrastructure in Africa so of course it was going to be a big investment to them as well.
b. Who benefits from the pipeline?
I think Chad benefits from this because a large percentage of the oil is there. Not only them, but the World Bank as well. If it had not been for them there wouldn't have even been a pipeline.
b. Who are being undervalued?
I think the people of Cameroon are being undervalued. Since the pipeline, the people of Cameroon have been struggling ever since. It feels like the World Bank got what they wanted and just left the people hanging. It's not fair and it's not right.
d. How can a company/organization/person understand the reality of a foreign location?
I don't think a person can understand the reality of a foreign location unless they've lived it for themselves. I think we can empathize with them and see where they're coming from but as far as really understanding their living conditions and what they go through on a daily is unreal. We can go visit the country and get a glimpse of what life is like but we'll never really understand it until it has happened to us.
3. Does the world revolve around oil?
I don't think the world revolves around oil but I think we are very dependent on it. It's how we're able to transport from place to place whether its by car, plane, or train. It's a major commodity that plays a major role in our lives. Some items such as contact lens, our linings, clothes, combs, etc. have oil in them and I had no idea! So I say we have to be dependent on it but I don't think the world revolves around it.
Would you purchase a hydrogen fueled vehicle?
I'm not sure if I would purchase a hydrogen fueled vehicle unless it's just something I HAVE to do. I would have to compare and contrast the good and bad of having a hydrogen fueled car verses gasoline in my car. I would have to weigh out my options and see what's best and more beneficial to me at that time.
1. This video was really sad! It made me realize how hard all of them work just to get us diamonds. Not to mention this is really dangerous for them. They could have one slip-up with something, and potentially get really hurt. I think that they deserve better.
ReplyDelete2. b). I think that exon benefited from it most.
c). The Cameroon people are getting treated horribly. It seems like nothing right will go for them.
d). The only way we can understand them is by actually going over there and be in their shoes. Once they do that, then they could eventually figure out something.
3. 1) Yes the world revolves around oil in general. Almost everything we use in made up of oil.
2) Yes we as americans are super depended on oil. If we had some sort of oil shortage then who knows what would happen. It is kind of scary to think about.
In response to Monica Henriquez, I agree with your statement on how oil is controlled and linked to war somehow.
ReplyDeleteIn response to llsse Rodriguez, I think another option for gas is a major step from where we are now. If that option was available I would consider buying a hydrogen fueled car.
Blood Diamond
ReplyDeleteThese videos were sad because you see the conditions those people are put through and for basically nothing. People are working all day long in terrible conditions for 2 or 3 dollars a day. Young kids are abducted and forced to work. They were cutting off people’s limbs for no reason at all which is scary to think about people that would actually do something like that. Just like the video said, I never would have thought about where a diamond someone has here in the US might have come from and what people in Africa had to go through for people in the United States to have those diamonds. Also the conditions the miners work in are terrible. They have no safety equipment at all, and work long hours in bad weather.
Cameroon
a)World Bank didn’t object because they thought it would help Cameroon. They thought it would bring in more jobs and money, but it did not.
b) Exxon are the ones who really benefit from this. Chad does gets some benefits and they get a lot compared to Cameroon. Chad is where the oil source is at, so they get more of the benefits because the pipeline just goes through Cameroon.
b) The people of Cameroon are being undervalued because they had to give up some of their property and environment and they are not getting compensation for that. They can no longer catch the fish that they needed to survive because of the damages that have been done.
d) I think it is hard for foreign countries to understand the realities these countries are facing because they do not actually live there, so they do not see if for themselves. I think it is hard for anyone to imagine the conditions in some foreign countries. Even though we may think we understand, it is really hard to do that without actually being there and seeing it.
Oil
3. I think Americans are defiantly dependent on oil, considering that so much of every day things we use are made out of oil, and we use it for gasoline for transportation. I think most of the world is dependent on oil.
8. I think that renewable, clean energy is something that we should be looking into because we do not have an unlimited supply of oil, so it is time to start thinking of other sources of energy.
In Response to Cory Hodson: I agree that we are going to have to come up with an alternate ingredient, other than oil, to put in the products that we currently use. If no alternate ingredient is found that will maintain the products we have in their present condition, or improve them, then I think it will be very hard to move away from our dependency on oil as people are normally not willing to give up what they have or what they are used to.
ReplyDelete1. The blood diamond videos were very touching and sad to watch. I think that it is horrible how these people are abducted and then forced into slavery. These helpless people are forced to work in the worst inhumane conditions. No human being should never be treated in such a horrible way. This silly war over diamonds and minerals is affecting the African people in a way that most Europeans and Americans don’t realize. These people are thinking they are making a fashion statement but do not realize the affects it has on African people.
ReplyDelete2. The obvious beneficiaries of the Chad/Cameroon pipeline are those at the Exxon/Mobil Corporation and even the government of Chad who only had to agree to the project, and take whatever money was given, but were not truly affected by this at all. They look like they are being helpful but they are doing the most damage.
3. I honestly don’t feel that anything can be done to improve these horrible and inhumane situations. With the damage of the pipeline there is really no returning to the way of life these people had before. Also, I think that the people of Cameroon should receive more reimbursement in cash, so that they can spend it how they see fit.
4. My thoughts are that companies and people should realize where certain things come from. With the horrible things that these foreign country people go through should make people and countries want to reach out and try to speak with these people.
5. I do not think in the future I would be a hydrogen run vehicle at least no right away. As a project from another class, I had the ins and outs of hydrogen vehicles and many studies have shown that many hydrogen run vehicles produce more toxic gases then a regular vehicle. There are also not ay hydrogen infrastructures which would make the price to fuel these vehicles more expensive than a regular car.
6. I do believe that the world revolves around oil. The world is very dependent on oil whether people realize or not. Even if many people do not believe it the world is and will always revolve around oil.
In the videos from blood diamonds it affected me a lot. Diamond trade is the highest in the world and is the worst condition in the world, and is like slavery and suffering mining. We think there's no slavery today and is over but there is this is a form of cruel slavery and there is diamonds everywhere. This makes me think twice and makes me feel really sad towards the people in Africa. It brought war crimes by mining because of the conflict of towards diamonds
ReplyDeleteVideo Cameroon
a. Why wouldn't the World Bank object to the implementation of the Pipeline? Object to the pipeline because they thought it would bring prosperity to the people and the villages of Chad and Cameroon. Plus, they knew it would bring money/wealth
b. Who benefits from the pipeline? The oil companies/ governments
b. Who are being undervalued? The people/the villages’
c. What can we do to improve this situation? Not let their government deal with it
d. How can a company/organization/person understand the reality of a foreign location? It is very hard to understand because one is not there experiencing it every day but If they see if they are getting the right things offered and being helped by our own government, visit the exact projects themselves to see how bad of damages is causing.
Oil
2. It became an important community for transportation
3. In each barrel it contains gasoline and we consume it the most!
In response to tiara yes I agree the world does not REVOLVED around oil but we are DEPENDED on it.
In response to Kristen yes I agree that we should look into renewable clean energy because like most of the important dependent thinks it is running out and we should do something about it.
1. Watching the Blood Diamond videos is really disturbing. The workers were treated horribly, basically slave labor in dangerous conditions just for diamonds. People in the videos were shown with missing limbs and horrific injuries that would not be tolerated in the United States. It really makes you question the value of a diamond. Is looking wealthy really worth the pain and suffering that another person endures just to get a diamond?
ReplyDelete2. B. The oil company, Exxon, benefits from the pipeline while the people around it live in misery.
B. The residents of Cameroon are being undervalued because they were never compensated and their land was either taken or destroyed by the pipeline.
C. In order to improve the situation I think every town affected by the pipeline should receive some sort of compensation. Like the one town where fish ponds were set up but not even used. The oil companies need to follow through and make sure the people are well off they can return to a good life.
D. I think a person can understand the reality of a foreign location by simply putting themselves in the shoes of the people that live there. Think about how a project like that pipeline would affect your life if your land was needed for it to be constructed.
3. 1. Yes the world revolves around oil. The majority of things we use are made up of oil. The main reason is transportation. Without oil we couldn’t travel to work, and no work means no money and money makes the world go round.
9. I would purchase a hydrogen car in the future. In the video we saw the Hydrogen 7 by BMW and I really think it looks just like a regular gasoline car. So I would buy it real quick, if its affordable.
In response to Ashley T. I agree that the world not only revolves around oil for it use but also for its profit.
In response to Cody. I agree that the World Bank was profiting from the Pipeline Project which made it easy for them to overlook the negative aspects of it.
1. Thoughts, questions, reactions to Blood Diamond Videos ...
ReplyDeleteIt saddens me to think that this wave of violence and slavery is going on in the world and there are so few that know about it. I myself own only one piece of jewelry with any real value and I would hate to think that it was spurned from conditions like those presented in these videos. My major concern now is how this information could be expressed in mass to the general public. And what can we do as a group of caring individuals to help the plight of the people in countries such as Africa’s Sierra Leon? I know we are in an economic hardship as a nation and it would be not be advisable to stretch our resources too thin but there must be something we could do to rally support to demobilize the horrid conditions the documentaries depicted.
2. Choose 4 questions for the Cameroon video:
a. Why wouldn't the World Bank object to the implementation of the Pipeline?
The World Bank and the people dealing with this project seemingly got into this project with false hopes and aspirations of doing good for humanity as a whole. What may have begun as a utilitarian deal in which the people in the area of the pipeline and all the people receiving the resources of the land were to have benefited (economically) has proven to be more troublesome for the people of the area than ever imagined. There was also a comment made suggesting that the world trade bank had a moral obligation to support the pipeline because if it had not it would not have any power to help supervise the environmental and economic situations at all.
b. Who are being undervalued?
It is clear from the film that the people from the surrounding areas of the pipeline are the individuals bearing the brunt of the hardships brought to the area by the project. Many were saying that they lost their way of life either in farming or fishing, and many are still waiting for basic resources and compensation for their losses. There aren’t enough people or resources willing and able to help in this situation and something must be done.
3. Discussion Continued from Oil Presentation: (Respond to 2 of these questions and 2 of your classmates)
Are Americans dependent on oil? is the world?
Yes Americans are dependent on oil because so much of our lifestyles revolve around oil and the use of oil to get what, where, and how we live. We use oil when we gas up our vehicles to get to and from our work, schools, and homes. We use oil in factories to produce the products and energy resources we use every day. We use oil in almost every facet of our lives almost without even knowing it. This is one of the biggest problems with the oil crisis and the world as a whole needs to work together to get it under control and release our dependence on oil.
What are your thoughts on renewable, clean energy? What can you do to participate in the movement?
I believe that renewable clean energy is the admirable goal we should all be aspiring for but I also know that it more expensive and often difficult to know how to access/use it. I think furthering our own knowledge and passing on that knowledge about renewable energy is one big step we can all take towards this movement. I also believe that using oil at a minimum and using alternatives can also be a great way to start participating. For example whenever possible it would be advisable to walk wherever you need to go or possibly carpool or ride on public transportation (encouraging others you know to do the same would also be making a small impact). I think that the more we know and the more resources we have access to the greater our chances of making a change gradually to our nation and ultimately to help preserve our world.
1. The blood diamond videos were very sad and heartbreaking. Its hard to believe people are being forced into slavery from sunrise to sunset and that they work under such horrible conditions.
ReplyDeleteThe war for diamonds and minerals is affections Africa but they are more interested in fashion.
2. a) The World Bank thought that oil development represented Chad's best interest and perhaps its only chance to prosperity.
b)Exxon Mobil, its partners and the government are the only ones who really benefit.
c) The people living in Cameroon and their land are being undervalued. They were promised jobs and now they don't have jobs and they lots their lands because of the pipeline.
d)I don't think a company/person can really understand the reality of a foreign location unless they have studied that location very closely by living there, at least for a couple of months, to really understand all aspects of the location and that not everything works for every location.
3. 2) Oil became a commodity for transportation when automobiles were invented.
3)Yes, Americans are dependent on oil for gasoline. Like we learned we are the number one consumer of gasoline
Response to Monica:
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, we really are dependent on oil,like you said we just learned that many things are made from oil, so we don't only depend on it for gasoline. And, yes gas prices are very linked to the war.
Response to Kristen:
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you said about us having an unlimited supply of oil, we should be looking for alternatives, and renewable, clean energy is a really good option.
1. The blood diamond videos were really surprising to me. I had heard about how much trouble one diamond can cause, but I never really thought about it. I'm like most people with the "out of sight, of of mind" mentality. Seeing the videos and seeing first hand all of the horrible things that goes into making the beauty of a diamond. It's really shocking that something as horrible as that can go on and more people aren't aware of it.
ReplyDelete2b) Chad and the oil companies benefit from the pipeline, while Cameroon has most of the negative benefits with less money.
2b) The small communities and individuals in it are being undervalued. They believed the pipeline would help them and solve economic problems, but it just made them worse. Like the community that depended on fishing and is no severely hurt since the pipeline drove away their main source of income.
c. Like the one American person from the World Bank that was interviewed said, the government of Cameroon should try to renegotiate their terms so they are being compensated fairly. They are only getting a tiny sliver of the profits of the pipeline and should be receiving so much more. But, this is a simple solution and cannot be achieved very easily without help. That is why an awareness from others can also help bring attention to the problem.
e. The blood diamond videos were definitely another example of undervalued compensation. The people that had been living in the area where the diamonds were found were dramatically driven out of their homes. They lost everything, even their lives and body parts, just so someone else could get the diamonds.
3. Oil Discussion:
1. The world definitely revolves around oil. As we just saw in the Cameroon video, it can change the whole economy of a country. It can ruin communities or help them prosper. It is the basis of many people's daily life.
3. Americans are definitely dependent on oil. Like we saw in the presentation in class last Tuesday, there is oil found in so many products that we weren't aware of! We have oil in our lives and we don't even know it. Not to mention that it is our means of getting around. It is what our individual freedom of transportation.
In response to Hayley, I totally agree with you. It'd be crazy what to think would happen if there was an oil shortage. There would have to be a drastic change in everyone's lives.
In response to Tiara, interesting how you made a distinction between revolving and dependent on. I still think that the world revolves around oil because it is the basis of everyday life of everyone. Even those who may not be aware of it, it is effecting their lives in some way. And if oil was to be taken away, the balance we have found would be thrown off completely.
1) Thoughts, questions, reactions to Blood Diamond Videos ... The blood diamond video's were very sad to watch. The fact that rebels kidnap these innocent people and these poor people are forced to slave their lives away in horrible frightening conditions is just awful.
ReplyDelete2. Choose 4 questions for the Cameroon video:
a. Why wouldn't the World Bank object to the implementation of the Pipeline? The world bank wouldn't object to the implementation of the the pipeline because the length of the pipelines construction had already been in progress for many years and so many people will benefit from this pipeline.
b. Who benefits from the pipeline? Pretty much only exxon.
c. Who are being undervalued? The people who live in Cameroon. They are being taken advantage of and being promised better lives. But in reality, this is not happening and promises are being broken.
d. How can a company/organization/person understand the reality of a foreign location? Really the only true way to understand and relate to a foreign location is to immerse oneself in the foreign location. Not just visit for a couple days, but actually live for months at a time in this location in order to truly experience what is happening.
3. Discussion Continued from Oil Presentation:
Does the world revolve around oil? Yes, definitely! Oil is a top commodity not just in the US, but all around the world. People rely on oil for so many things. I don't think the every day person really realizes how much we on a global level depend on oil.
2)Would you purchase a hydrogen fueled vehicle? Honestly I'm not really sure, I would have to really compare the differences and between the hydrogen fueled car and gasoline fueled car before making my final decision. But the initial thought of purchasing a hydrogen fueled vehicle sounds great.
In response to Elida, you're right the world does revolve around oil and yes, I totally agree with you on not jumping straight in to purchasing a hydrogen fueled car! Especially since it is kind of a new thing. I really feel like I would need to do more research on it. And in response to David, yes the new BMW hydrogen fueled car does look nice but the price! That would definitely be another determining factor for me as well.
ReplyDelete1.) It was very hard watching the video! I mean we all love diamonds and agree that look absolutley amazing but it's crazy to see what is really behind that precious stone. I have always had an idea I guess about how diamonds are made, but never has it been put into perspective for me. Being an education major, it saddens me to see people especailly children go through harsh and unfair conditions. Most people here dont even think twice about what they are buying and where it is coming from, they could care less! I did like how the video showed us the real meaning behind the diamonds we wear. It makes me wonder if things will ever change? I have to say no, the diamond is something we value here. It would be almost impossible to change that.
ReplyDelete2.) (1) Exxon benefits the most from the pipeline (2) The people of Cameroon are the ones who are undervalued. You could even say they are hardly treated like human beings at all, little by little they are only suffering more. (3) The only way to fully understand exactly what they are going through is to be put in their shoes and I highly doubt that anyone is willing to endure the conditions that are forced upon them (4) Watching these videos made me think of our coffee presentation. The conditions are different, but the overall picture is the same. People from third world countries are being forced to live under harsh living conditions and we are seeing no signs of positive change.
3.) (1)Yes the world most definitely does revolve around oil, it may not all be visible but from the videos are chapters we have read almost all and everything we do has to do with oil. (2) To be honest I'm not to sure I would buy a hydrogen fueled vehicle, only because we all know that cars can be costly; it cost money to maintain and fix them. Hydrogen fueled cars would still be fairly new Im sure and it would be difficult to find someone who knew how to work on them for an affordable price. I like to get cars where a good majority knows how to fix them.
In response to Ilse: I did not even think about how the stuff we use on our face contains oil. It crazy how we are so unaware of these things.
In response to Kelsi: I agree with you the hydrogen fueled car. To me it would be too risky!
It upsets me to know that this kind of stuff is happening in Africa and there isn't much the people can do for themselves. It's either death or slavery. Living their life just mining for diamonds or other rich resources can be hard and life threatening but for the people that kidnapped them, they dont care. They just want their money. Its sad to know that even when the slaves need to do "personal" business they are being watched in those moments too. It's something we all would like to change about africa but we just can't do it alone.
ReplyDelete2a) Because the world bank is funding the pipeline and if they stop then they can't get their oil.
2b)Exxon
2c)The town people. They got everything taken away and were promised better lives but none of it has happened yet.
2d)By experiencing it for themselves. Seems to me like these big companies just want to make money and dont care about how hard it is, they take someone else's word for it and act from that. If they truly cared for these other countries they would see for themselves the conditions of the place and act upon their own experiences.
3-1)As much as people would deny it, yes the world pretty much does revolve around oil for many luxurious reasons.
3-3)Yes Americans are very much dependent on oil, they want running cars and their expensive products. Many don't care where it comes from as long as they get it. I would assume the world is just as dependent on oil as everyone else because oil is used for many things, and well everyone wants to make money.
1.)I think its hard to see the conditions that children go through in the diamond mining industry. I think that most people would not think twice about what goes into the diamonds that they wear on their fingers. Most people would just take the entire industry for granted. Its sad that people are working in those ridiculous conditions but I honestly do not see the industry changing anytime soon. I think that the diamond is too hot of a commodity for it to change at any time.
ReplyDelete2.)(1) Exxon benefits the most (2) The people are treated extremely unfairly (3) There isn’t any real way for us to understand what other people are going through (4) People from third world countries are being forced to live under harsh living conditions and we aren’t seeing any true sighs of change for the near future.
3.)(1) Yes the world absolutely resolves around oil. (2) I kind of like the idea that car industries are trying to change the car industry and make us not rely on the oil industry so much. I think that if we didn’t rely so much on the oil industry then other countries and governments wouldn’t be able to control us so much.
Kristen – I agree that it would be super hard for us to understand what other people are going through. The conditions that they face daily we will never truly understand.