Webinar series discusses colonialism\u27s ongoing effects for Maine\u27s Indigenous populations

The University of Maine is a school that prides itself on the celebration of diversity and each individual that is a part of it. Sitting on a piece of land that once belonged to the Penobscot Nation, the university pays tribute to the Penobscot tribe and makes sure they are represented in the community. On Oct. 15 at 12:30 p.m., the Social and Marxist Studies Series hosted a webinar titled, “The Doctrine of Christian Discovery and Domination, Colonizing Indigenous Peoples, and the State of Maine,” virtually over Zoom. This public event was free and hosted by Michael Swacha, a lecturer of English and philosophy, who organized and moderated the virtual discussion. This is the second program in the series, and it is available to listen to on the Socialist and Marxist Series website

Moving beyond "Illiberal Democracy" in sub-Saharan Africa: recalling the significance of local governance

African Studies Center Working Paper No. 264INTRODUCTION: FAREED ZAKARIA'S CHALLENGE TO AFRICANISTS In a provocative article entitled "The Rise of Illiberal Democracy," published nearly a decade ago, Fareed Zakaria convincingly argued that, despite holding formal elections, liberal democratic practice in most of the world's newly declared "democracies" remained elusive.1 Zakaria warned that the holding of formal elections would now confer the formal title of "democracy" to a number of states but that many of them should not be thought of as classically liberal or free democracies in the sense of guaranteeing Lockean liberties and permitting the unhindered alteration of power. Citing the Freedom House's 1996–97 survey, Freedom in the World, Zakaria argued: Illiberal democracy is a growth industry. Seven years ago only 22 percent of the democratizing countries could have been so characterized; five years ago that figure had risen to 35 percent. And to date few illiberal democracies have matured into liberal democracies; if anything, they are moving toward heightened illberalism.2 Zakaria was asking us all to think critically of the sudden rise of democratic elections taking place in the post-Cold War context; something that could undoubtedly have profound implications for interpreting political realities in sub-Saharan Africa. Over the past decade, however, Africanists have been slow to respond to this new political reality. It is in response to Zakaria's challenge, then, that this article is written but with a new caveat: for liberal democracy to be realized in sub-Saharan Africa, policymakers at all levels must place a renewed emphasis on local governance

White Like Me film kicks off series

On Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019, in the Bumps Room of the Memorial Union, students gathered to enjoy Chinese food and watch the film “White Like Me.” The showing was the first of the new “Dine-In Discourse” series hosted by the University of Maine Women’s Resource Center (WRC)

International Coffee Hour helps spreading culture across campus

Carrying supplies, treats and decorations through the halls of the Memorial Union, members of the International Student Association (ISA), Office of International Programs and Black Student Union (BSU) gathered together to host their weekly Coffee Hour. Held every Friday at 4 p.m. in the North Pod of the Union, International Coffee Hour is a sponsored event meant to share and spread diverse cultures represented on campus. The hour of celebration also gives students and staff a chance to connect with students from different countries and backgrounds. “This event was in celebration of Black History Month, and it went better than we could have expected, with a great turnout,” Silvestre Guzman, director of the Office of Multicultural Student Life, said. “These activities expose international students to the different types of heritage months we have here in America, and also what kinds of programs and fun things we do at UMaine. It helps us build an inclusive community where international students, as well as multicultural and domestic students, can feel comfortable learning and growing.

White Like Me film kicks off series

On Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019, in the Bumps Room of the Memorial Union, students gathered to enjoy Chinese food and watch the film “White Like Me.” The showing was the first of the new “Dine-In Discourse” series hosted by the University of Maine Women’s Resource Center (WRC).https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/racial_justice/1141/thumbnail.jp

What are the Benefits of Blogging in the Elementary Classroom?

This study examined the benefits of blogging in the elementary classroom. Research was conducted in a fourth grade classroom that used student blogging on laptop computers as a part of the writing program. Data was collected through observation, teacher and student interviews, and examination and analysis of student blogs. The findings show that blogging is highly beneficial for elementary students, resulting in increased motivation, strengthened writing skills, and engagement in an authentic activity. In order to increase student learning, teachers must motivate their students by creating authentic and purposeful learning activities that involve student engagement, communication and collaboration with one another, and technology-rich experiences that bring out of school literacies into the classroom

Politics or Public Health? Sterilization During the Indian Emergency 1975-1977

This thesis examines the complex social, economic, and political climate that made the Indian Emergency of 1975-1977 and its infamous sterilization campaign possible. Factors such as caste, class, and religion impacted people's experiences and percepions of the sterilization campaign. People of lower socioeconomic status tended to experience greater sterilization pressures, but there was still variance of experiences even within similar demographic groups. Media censorship and inaccurate government reporting of events such as the Turkman Gate Incident complicate the process of unearthing the realities of Emergency sterilization. Overall, this thesis shows how public health policy can become entangled in national and international politics and does not always protect the interests of individuals.Histor

Celebrating diversity through a Multicultural Thanksgiving

On the evening of Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017, dozens of people celebrated Thanksgiving in the North Pod of the Memorial Union at the University of Maine to celebrate the annual Multicultural Thanksgiving potluck. Hosted and organized by the Office of Multicultural Student Life (OMSL) and the Student Heritage Alliance Council (SHAC), the purpose of this event was to celebrate and share the real meaning of Thanksgiving by bringing together people of all religions, cultures and ethnicities for a diverse meal. “This event is a great way to meet new people and experience foods and traditions from other countries and cultures. The wide variety and range of ethnic foods meant that there was something for everybody, and there was a great turnout,” Toni Tello, a first-year student, said

Food for Thought: Recommendations to Create a Food Pantry at Merrimack College

The purpose of this project was to explore food insecurity among college students. Research was conducted about the rate of food insecurity among college students and how higher education institutions have addressed the issue. Researchers have found that 33-40% of college students nationwide experience some level of food insecurity, and it disproportionately affects underrepresented populations of college students. With the rising cost of college education, campuses have enacted creative solutions to help improve the effects of food insecurity across this population. Upon analyzing this societal issue locally, a gap in food security resources was identified at Merrimack College. As a result, a proposal was created to advocate for a food pantry on campus. The proposal was presented to a panel of Merrimack College staff and administrators. The group provided constructive feedback in an interview-style discussion. Participants were encouraged to share their perspectives on the importance of food insecurity on campus, identify potential barriers, assess the feasibility of creating a pantry, and provide their insights about strengthening the proposal. Most participants supported the idea of pursuing the initiative and expressed interest in continuing the conversation