Respecting the Mongol Empire

There is definite evidence for the Mongols to be considered a respectable civilization. Based on the debate we had in class, there was a disconnect in the concept of respect. The discrepancy was the respect given to growth and conquest as opposed to acknowledging the immoral methods used to acquire their power. Raping and pillaging is never something that deserves praise, but the class discussion was not a a debate on morality. The Mongols made their major impact on history only for a small time, yet like Professor Andrews mentioned, “The seed of Genghis Khan” can be found all over the world. The small period of time that the Mongols did have their power, really showed how much can be done in a short time span. To the point where no one could physically stop them, essentially the only thing that could was, the Bubonic Plague. Respecting the Mongols is like respecting a lion, a species living off the land, not having a stationary home, but having to acquire resources by force. Placing fear into those around them, yet having a loving bond for each other.

Within the conquered empires that the Mongols sacked, there was not a culture change for the overthrown nations and cities. Like said in class, the Mongols respected the heritage of those they conquered, and even grew accustom to the certain religions and lifestyles. Because of the Mongols, there was a spread of certain religions among Asia, including Christianity, Buddhism, and Islam. I find it very respectable that the Mongols did not force their cultures onto others, and that they adapted to people according to their regions and traditions. That is much more compelling than only thinking of the Mongols as brutal warriors.  

Muslims: The Negative Stigma

For my senior year of high school we were required to all write a research paper, notoriously known as the “Senior Research Project.” My topic was Muslim Extremism. Given that we are Americans, and in reference to the history of “terrorist activity” we have a negative connotation towards Muslims. Where little is actually known and understood about the religion, yet fully judged to the Extreme. Our media has deliberately put a Negative stigma on the Muslim religion, associating the followers and the ideals from only an extremist perspective. That in my mind is out of line and unfair to Islamic followers. Not everyone you see praying to Mecca, or who wears a turban, has fantasies of blowing up an airport to acquire “eternal paradise.” There are Muslims who are Americans, have similar goals, wish to better their lives, just like anyone of us. Also there are even Muslims at our school here at NDNU, also I’ve even had professors, and in fact a good friend of mine is Half- muslim. There are some violent and scary passages in the Qu’ran, in which extremists take too far, and then act on them. However, there are also very beautiful passages of religion, that have peaceful connotation. 

Foot binding: Painful Beauty

The concept and establishment of foot binding is both discomforting, as well as unnatural. Coming from a 21st century perspective, it is hard to find beauty from something that looks similar to mutilation. Physically it is insulting for a woman's natural beauty, by altering their natural and biological physique. Emotionally, it puts men in this nasty and misogynistic standpoint, in which they control the women. From merely submitting the bottom piece of their body, they disable their ability to essentially walk away from their partner. In a sense they are bound to their men, as well as to their bindings themselves.