Patriarchy in Athens

During class, my group was assigned to focus on patriarchy. As sad at it is, I had no clue what patriarchy actually meant so here is the definition from Merriam-Webster for all of you that are reading this and asking the same question that I did. A patriarchy is a family, group or government controlled by a man or a group of men (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patriarchy). In Athens, women had no role in political life. They were considered “infertile males” because they do not produce sperm, which is believed to be the form/soul of human beings. This part was surprising to me because women were considered passive or inactive in the reproductive process. That put me in shock when I read it because I believe that women carry the most important role in reproduction. Women’s bodies carry and nurture the baby for 9 months until it is born. The men do not have to deal with childbirth, having terrible mood swings, and aches. This part of the book was just shocking and very controversial.

Chapter 5 Documents

Looking at the Chapter 5 document and reading them were difficult to understand. It was not like I did not get what I was reading I just couldn’t believe that women would agree to put themselves down in such a way. For example, in the document Lessons for Women, the author tries to explain the principles of Confucianism to that of women in society. It was crazy to read about the ancestor’s three customs about the birth of a baby girl. One of the customs is the baby is supposed to be placed bellow the bed to symbolize that she is weak and low in status. This is saddening to think about, if I had to do this to my own child, I could never. Women had such strict and ridiculous rules that they had to lead and follow. It is just crazy comparing women today in modern  day, to that of Ban Zhao.

Chapter 4 Documents

I enjoy reading the documents in each Chapter cause it helps me further learn more about the subjects and I feel more confident in specific topics we discuss in class because these documents are primary sources, which is crazy to think about. These documents date from hundreds to thousands of years ago and are still read and studying today, pretty cool to think about.            

In the Chapter 4 documents, The Analects was the most interesting to me. I really enjoyed learning about Confucius and his teachings and principles in class. I think is interesting how the Analects was not written by Confucius, but his followers or as in the book, his disciples. It shows the great appreciation that Confucius’ followers had for him and how they truly remembered and followed his teachings and conversations. I thought it was also surprising how Confucius’ teaching and conversations were written and documented similar to how Jesus’ teachings were. Jesus’ sayings and actions were recording in the Gospels by his followers (some of them being his disciples). Just reading and analyzing this connection was just really interesting to me since it was something I never knew before. 

Chapter 3 Documents Reflection

If I had to choose to live in either the Greek, Chinese or Indian Empires, I would choose the Ancient Greek Empire. The Greeks of Athens were governed by Pericles in a democratic government. The Athenian people set good examples for another and try to stay away from rivalry. They have respect for their authoritative figures and the laws. The people seem to respect one another and his or her own property, so there is no quarrels or fights. The people of ancient Greece really seem comfortable in their country and are happy with their living-situations. For example in the passage, "...our homes are beautiful and elegant; and the delight which we daily feel in all these things helps to banish melancholy" (Strayer 147). This sounds like a place I would want to live in! Where all the people are happy and there is little violence and where people respect their country.

Chapter 2 Documents

Chapter 2's documents have been very interesting. The thing that caught my attention was the documents on the laws. Transfering from chapter 1 to chapter 2 documents is such a change. The laws caught my eye because they were so harsh and different from the previous eras we have read about. The laws are intense and most end in the punishment of death. Looking at how paleolithic peoples were compared to ancient Mesopotamia is interesting and very different. Such as the laws about gender, men are beginning to seem more superior to women and the women are seemed as more at fault and the ones who receive more punishments for specific actions.

Egalitarianism Reflection

Nisa’s story is very captivating. Her story helped show me that Paleolithic peoples were more egalitarian than laters people in wealth because when Nisa explained when she was living "in the bush," she explained how there was always enough people to share with one another, to respect each other, and did not fight. Everyone was willing to share their food and other items with others and were willing to help one another as a community. Currently in the present she explains that no one shares anymore and how people have become selfish.They follow the “what’s mine is mine” outlook, even Nisa herself following this outlook on sharing. In the beginning of her story, Nisa explains how the people now call her a “poor person” because she doesn’t own any animals and she carries her things herself. Laters people are depending on the amount of animals domesticated to show wealth, and are becoming more dependent on these animals to help with migration and traveling. I was actually really interested in reading the documents in the book. It was interesting to read the life stories and helped me connect more to the subject since it was from a primary source. 

Chapter 1: The Ways We Were...

I think it is so surprising how early human beings adapted and evolved in the World. The way they made new technology is so shocking. How they used stones and rocks to make blades and axes. If I were to look at a stone or rock on the floor I would never think, “Hmm… maybe this rock can be turned into a weapon?” I mean to me, it is just a rock. But the fact that arrows and bows, spears, axes and other hunting equipment can date back to thousands of years ago when they were first made is surprising.

When the book talked about the first human societies and I was intrigued how the small societies would treat one another. There was no oppression and no absolute power. Everyone has the same set of skills and was treated equally. Domestic abuse was never exhibited or acted upon. Our ancestors began with little violence and no cruelty. It got me thinking how did these terrible things get introduced into our World.

After reading these sections I realized how many things were influenced or invented from our past ancestors. The past is really part of our present and it also helps for our future as well.