The Canopy has CANDY inside? Specifically peanut butter chocolate CANDY?

After reading Anderson’s “The Cosmopolitan Canopy,” I realize that Appiah’s “Cosmopolitanism” definitely helped me better understand the concept of “The Cosmopolitan Canopy.” Reading cosmopolitanism helped me have a better view of (…well the title and its purpose) cosmopolitanism. I learned to have more of a cosmopolitan view of things. In the cosmopolitan canopy, the writers purpose is similar, he wishes for a more cosmopolitan world. He finds a cosmopolitan vibe in places such as the Reading Terminal, a certain jazz club, and some other examples. In these places it is people, getting along, accepting one another for who that person is. And as Appiah suggests, they do not necessarily agree, but they do try to understand. It is because of Cosmopolitanism that I can interpret the meaning of the Cosmopolitan Canopy. If I did not understand the full meaning behind cosmopolitanism, then I might just think that it’s a couple races dealing with each other being in the same place as them. But it is more. These multicultural people under these canopies feel less anxiety, they let their guard down, and they even might feel safer. They strike up a conversation with someone of another race, which they might not normally do. They feel likes its okay to approach so and so person. It is from understanding Appiah’s reasoning that I can get this. Appiah tells us that we must know our obligations to others, and respect each other’s values. It is clear that in these places like the Reading Terminal that they do just that… (know the obligations and respect of values). And the obligations do not have to be a great one. Just small things that one does not normally do when they are feeling threatened or do not approve of someone else because of their race. So in conclusion, Appiah’s explanation of cosmopolitanism is definitely a good one. I can see all the things Appiah explained happening in these cosmopolitan canopies. (which thus helps me better understand where Anderson is coming from and what kind of view I should have on the situation overall). If we could get more of these cosmopolitan canopies across the world, even outside the canopy, then It would be a giant step closer to having universal understanding. (Although I don’t think it will happen any time soon lol).

Gracias :)
-This is Reecie
peace out

Your 3rd bag of Reecies already.. inside you find the cosmopolitan canopy

The definition of a cosmopolitan canopy is basically places people can go that have a closer more intimate setting and have a wide variety of race among the people that go. I definitely agree that cosmopolitan canopies are important. They are important because they offer places where people can go not just to observe and be among people of all different races/culture, but they can also go there to be free of racism and can relax in the environment. For some people like myself it might be different to think of all the racism that occurs, because I am not one bit racist. But something we have to accept is the fact that there are racists out there, many of them, not just racists but counter cosmopolitans. The main example Anderson used of a cosmopolitan canopy was the Reading Terminal. In this environment there were whites, blacks, Asians, Hispanics, and many others. He explained it as a place where people could go to relax, let loose of all the controversy of the city attitude and just enjoy and even observe. It was non-threatening. Places like this are important because it can help people understand people from another culture more, and not be so quick to judge. If you go there to have an enjoyable meal in one of the diners and you have racial views, and you are sitting shoulder to shoulder next to a person you are racist against, you might have a chance to actually talk to them in this close environment and maybe after this occurs a few times, start to change your mind about racism. It also allows an environment where you can comingle with other races without being judged. You are free to observe, chat with, or even talk about things you wouldn’t normally talk about in these environments. It is clear when Anderson mentions the occurrence of his Chinese friend’s trip on the bus that people of different race definitely do not get along and have certain places where they are not welcome. Cosmopolitan canopies are influencing people to have more of a cosmopolitan outlook. It is this cosmopolitan outlook that people take away from the experience that I would hope they bring with them to the outside world, and not just places that have this cosmopolitan canopy, but to places that do not. Can’t we all just get along? Lol

Thanks for reading ^_^
-Reecie Foxtrot
By the way.. Charlie and I have our own anti- counter cosmopolitan group for those of you who would like to join XD hahahaha
(Cadence you still cant join sorry.. you counter cosmopolitan >.>)

Second Life <---> Berry, Appiah

I would now like to discuss some connections to Wendell Berry and Appiah (Cosmopolitanism). Second Life is basically hundreds (maybe thousands, I’m not sure) communities all in one game. So there are many individual communities, each with different views, values, any everything else. I believe most of the communities were cosmopolitan communities. Most did not have that harsh of rules, such as the ECSL’s chosen community (Atlantic Waves). It was basically we accept your views and values are yours and we will have ours, they were not against what you believed. That seems just like Appiah would have wanted. Maybe communities like my own chosen one (Bogart’s) was a little counter-cosmopolitan because you had to follow their rules, and if you didn’t you were asked to leave (not murdered or anything, just asked to leave) unless you started to follow the rules and wear the appropriate attire and then you were allowed to enter. Other places like the space station, you were allowed to roam freely and explore the many different interactive stations uninterrupted. They even wanted new people of different cultures to come as you could tell from the different flags (flags of like 12 countries) that waved at the teleport spot.
Another thing I noticed was the relevance to the writings of Wendell Berry. From “A Native Hill” it talks about Berry leaving where he grew up to go to New York and other places, and later on in his life he comes back since he missed it a lot and felt that that was where he belonged. When he gets back he realized that it wasn’t the same places as it used to be, it changed just like the world around him and he would always reminisce about when he was a boy. I noticed in ECSL’s presentation they mentioned the island was started by a woman. And the island was created as a place for people to hang out. It seems to me that the island might have changed a lot since it was created because as they said the big house was there before other stuff was built. That big house could be relevant to the place Berry lived as a boy. As time went on new things were build at the Atlantic Waves and now I think they mentioned new apartments or something. So in a world full of change, it seems that even online communities can start changing with everything. Even Appiah mentions this in Cosmopolitanism.

So overall I enjoyed the Second Life presentations and I think it helped everyone see things from another perspective.
Thanks for reading
Reecie ^_^

Second Life <---> Bafa Bafa

I believe that Second Life related the most to the Bafa Bafa game. In the Bafa Bafa game we had to enter a new community where we did not know the rules of the community and had to try to communicate with this new community, but it was a bit difficult. Not knowing the rules of the Betan community, when I got there, they were showing cards in my face in a disrespectful way. It was because I did not understand their community yet. If I was there for longer I could have possibly started to understand their ways. This relates to Second Life because in the game you are an outsider, coming into a new already established community. Some of the places explored had rules that you needed to understand before entering certain places. The SL Project that related this the most was probably my own, at Bogart’s. There were the formal dress code rule, no flying rule, and human only rule that you were to understand. If you did not follow these rules and you went inside Bogart’s you would be asked to leave. It sounds similar to the Bafa Bafa game because our Alphan elder was required to ask someone to leave because she was not following our rules. Going into a new community can be fun too, it’s not always about rules and stuff, it’s about learning about a new culture/community. You just want to make sure you know of any main rules so you don’t offend their culture. So go explore a community that’s different than your own :)

Thanks :)
-Reecie

Final Observations :) .. One big Party? Grab another bag of Reecies

So I would like to have a final thought about Bogart's Jazz Club.

It really seems to just be one big party. Most of the people are there to dance, socialize, and enjoy the music. It is really fun with all the dancing, my feet are so sore! lol. A very friendly atmosphere. Everyone was very kind to me in their speaking manners. Bartenders and Hostess very welcoming. I found also that someone came to Bogart's because they felt they were born in the wrong time period! And Bogart's where her escape to be able to be in that era. And a beautiful era it seemed to be, Bogart's is very fancy with the chandaleers and goldrailways, staicases. The atmophere at Bogart's is so relaxed, I can understand why someone would enjoy hanging out at Bogarts daily! And at the same time its fun with the music and dancing and conversing! Here are some photos to show Bogart's appeal and some fun activities :)

With 2 grand staircases, red carpet, jeweled chandaleers and a huge dancefloor, its no wonder people like the way it feels in here :)

Charlie at the bar making me some drinks while the bartender was away... Bartender, ill have a martini on the rocks please.

Cadence, Charlie and I getting our groove on at the outdoor terrace.

Really white and flashy hehe

Sitting at the fountain lookin at the pretty trees and water :)

So you might see now why Bogarts is so attractive, I have had a really great time researching it :) Maybe you will check it out sometimes soon? :)

Thans for reading :)

Reecie ^_^

Delicious mixing pt. 2! Second batch! ....VOTE for Reecie!!!

Cosmopolitanism and UK… eat up!

Another passage that represents the kinds of social interactions and ethical considerations that I’ve experienced as a first year is in Chapter 9: The Counter-Cosmopolitans. There are many quotes I could take from this passage since it all talks about these (evil) counter-cosmopolitans, but one that would work for what I’m going to discuss is probably: “These counter-cosmopolitans do think that there is one right way for all human beings to live; that all the differences must be in the details.” I think a good example of how that applies to me at UK right now is probably politics. As we discussed in class, politics is one of those subjects you aren’t supposed to talk about, along with religion and…. Batman and superman? (this turned out to be true once the subject was brought up lol). I myself am not that into politics, but I do know who I am going to vote for (EVERBODY GO VOTE NOV. 4TH!). If someone wants to vote for the other party, that’s not like an issue for me because everyone has the right to choose for themselves. I am not going to convince them to vote for who I am voting for. But I know you counter-cosmos are out there…. You want people to vote for either OBAMA or MCCAIN! (by the way I am not going to tell you who I’m voting for cause I do not want to be subject to you counter-cosmopolitans!!!). You might be a counter-cosmopolitan and not realize it till reading this. But the counter-cosmopolitans are the ones who start talking your head off when you tell them who you are voting for. They are endlessly trying to convince you that you are voting for the wrong person, and the only “right” way to vote is their way. I’ve had smaller less dramatic conversations with people and have seen people arguing for both candidates, stating that only their choice is the right one, and everyone else has to have the same choice. If we would all just let each other choose for ourselves, then it would all just be peachy cream aka good. We all have the freedom to decide on our own right?

And dont forget to VOTE... November 4th!!!
Thanks for reading
and vote for Reecie! *peace sign* aka *duces*
-Reeice ^_^

The delicious mixing of chocolate, peanut butter, Cosmopolitanism, and UK

Cosmpolitanism and the University of Kentucky

A passage from Cosmopolitanism that speaks to me as a UK student is probably the final sentence of chapter 6, Imaginary Strangers. Appiah says “…the great lesson of anthropology is that when the stranger is no longer imaginary, but real and present, sharing a human social life, you may like or dislike him, you may agree or disagree; but, if it is what you both want, you can make sense of each other in the end.” This is a great example of social interactions I have experienced at UK. There are so many “strangers” here at the university. So many strangers meeting, or perhaps not meeting, other strangers every day. My new best friend could be walking by me each day and I wouldn’t even know it because they are still a stranger to me. If we take the time and make an effort to talk to these imaginary strangers, they would no longer be imaginary. They would be real and among us. Being very very shy, first coming to UK I was intimidated by all the strangers. I did my best trying to meet many of these strangers and see if I could make new friends. I began approaching people that I did not know, and made conversation. At times I made friends, and at other times we were left as acquaintances. It was not always friendship at first sight, but in the end, most of the time, we can make sense of each other. We should all have an open minded approach to meeting strangers and try to learn about them and understand them as much as we can :)

Thanks for reading :)
Reecie Foxtrot ^_^

Make sure to pass out Reecies at Halloween!!! More 2nd Life Investiga... err Observations.

That’s right, it’s Halloween at Bogart’s!
Bogart’s has added some nice decorations for Halloween. Pumpkin patches set around the island with pumpkins for sale. It makes me feel like the people on this island are very into celebration type things. As my role in the group is the passive interacter. In this role I basically walk around observing, talking to people if I see anything that strikes me as new or different and I strike up a conversation if the occasion arises. I was approached by a gentleman who seems to be looking for some chatting. I found out that he comes to Bogart’s looking to relax to the smooth jazz music. He felt Bogart’s was his place where he could just “chill out” without having to worry about being bothered by anyone. He was holding a beer, and many of the patrons also had different beverages such as martinis. I also found out he was looking for a “date” (companion… however you want to call it). This brings up the point that I have noticed a lot of romantic things at Bogart’s. Outside Bogart’s I found the first kissing “station” (blue and pink balls you can click to start kissing with your partner). Inside I found a cuddle pose station, another kissing station, and outside I found rather more passionate kissing stations as well as a hugging station (some of the cuddle poses made me say awww.. lol). It seems that Bogart’s not only allows but promote people to have some PDA (public displays of affection). On this trail I decided to search a bit more inside Bogart’s. Going to the 2nd floor, there are very intimate dinning settings… a dinner table for 2 by itself with a view of the city. I might partially regret investigating the 3rd floor, because as I have been up there before, I had not examined the 3 rooms fully. The middle room (Frank Sinatra room) is like a conference room, the only one I had seen previously. One of the other two rooms was the Marilyn Monroe room and I will just conclude my findings as saying this is a “love” room. As well as the last room. After inquiring a few people I found out that many people at Bogart’s are looking for dates to dance with, chat with, have second life dinner and drinks with, and then maybe take a trip to the 3rd floor with. Bogart’s is a very chill relaxed party vibe kind of place. People socializing, dancing, all around having a good time… and with my new findings maybe even finding the love of their Second Life. Very chill place with good music and fun people looking for a good time :D

(my groupmate Charlie and I testing out the "soulmate" pose :P )

See you in Second Life maybe?
Thanks again, this is
Reecie ^_^

Reecies SL Adventures... errr.. Observations :)

Observations of Second Life

After going about Bogart’s Jazz Club in Second Life there are quite a few things I have observed. It is pretty self explanatory as to what this island is; its main focus is a jazz club. It is themed within a period that jazz was a big hit, probably around the 20’s to the 50’s (not that it isn’t a hit today). Everything from the scenery to the clothing and music, I feel as if I am in that time period. You are greeted soon after arriving by an auto message from the island, and feel welcomed. I can name a few major things I have noticed so far. Firstly, right after I first arrived on the island I had attempted to fly and noticed that, well, I couldn’t. They seem to have created a no fly island, my assumption is that they want to keep it as close as they can to that time period, and no one was flying around in the 40’s lol. Secondly, when you reach Bogart’s you notice a big sign under the title of the club that says “Humans only please.” Again I suspect that this is to keep Bogart’s with a certain reputation, which is to stay in the era they are portraying. Next as you move closer to the entrance door, there is a message you receive that states the dress code; formal (ball gowns, tuxedos, etc.). It begins to feel a little strict with all these “rules,” perhaps they want me to follow a certain lifestyle while I am here? As you enter Bogart’s properly dressed, there is a club greeter standing at the door. She/he is a greeter and dress code enforcer, but all have been very nice. I notice the club is centered around the dance floor and 2 large staircases (that seem to ask you to walk upstairs). The 2nd floor is less popular and more secluded, and it has many pictures of old actors, singers and musicians. The overall environment seems friendly and social. Many people talking, greeting, and dancing. I place I am growing to like a lot :)

This is Reecie
See you in Second Life ^_^

You are now finishing ur first bag of Reecie's Thought Pieces; Cosmo. Ch 10

In this chapter, Appiah discusses “basic human rights.” His examples are things such as health, food, shelter, education, freedom to move, have children, express ideas, etc. Reviewing the UN Declaration of Human Rights I see many of Appiah’s examples stated in this document. I see human rights of all kind like that of equality, no discrimination, no objection of unnecessary torture, freedom, and many many more. I believe this document was created in order for there to be a statement that these “rights” should be followed, and do not cost anything except for those to understand them. That these basic needs are exactly that… basic, and should just be aiding, not harming. In order for everyone to obtain these basic rights, Appiah gives 3 examples of obligations that should be met. The first comes from the nation-state. The acceptance of this means we have responsibility to our own but also making sure other states are caring for their own. Secondly, in our obligations, we must do our own fair share, but we are not required to do more. We shall do as we see fair then know we have done our part, and that is all we can do. Thirdly, we cannot put all the obligations of the world on ourselves, nor can we put these obligations to others before the obligations we have to ourselves. As Appiah says, “I cannot be required to derail my life to take up the slack.” Overall I think that “basic human rights” are for the good of man, but it seems that it might be impossible to get the world to share the same belief about this.

Appiah states that a cosmopolitan is “responsive to what Smith called ‘reason, principle, conscience, the inhabitant of the breast.’” To start describing who at UK would be fitting of this description given by Appiah, I would have to begin by saying they would be someone with awareness of our obligations to others. Someone who knows that if they can help someone else they will, but it does not mean they can’t live their own lives to the fullest. The Adam Smith example explains that it is basically a natural instinct to look out for ourselves first. This UK cosmopolitan would think reasonably about globalization, and with principles. As for obligation to others, they would think of a stranger not quite as they think of their friends and family, but still would have cosmopolitan concern for the stranger. This means they do not necessarily “feel” for these strangers, but that they owe them they same general obligations as another human being. So if a UK student is kind and courteous to their friends, they would feel it was an obligation to others (strangers) to also be courteous. This also goes back to understanding (not necessarily agreeing to) another’s values rather than pushing their own idea only. There most likely many cosmopolitans at UK that I’m waiting to meet :)

Hope you enjoyed my thoughts on Cosmopolitanism
Thanks :)
-Reecie Foxtrot ^_^

Choco Reflection on Cosmopolitanism Chapter 9

The Counter-Cosmopolitans
In Chapter 9 of Cosmopolitanism, Appiah talks about a “counter-cosmopolitan.” If I was to describe a counter-cosmopolitan (here at UK for example) I would start out by saying they would have to have the idea of unity, but would go about it in a non-cosmopolitan way. Appiah states that counter-cosmopolitans “do think that there is one right way for all human beings to live; that all differences must be in detail.” The problem is that counter-cosmopolitans want to (and maybe can’t wait to) trample on our differences. These counter-cosmopolitans have a clear and direct sense of what it is they believe in. They do not have a certain “look” because anyone can be a counter-cosmopolitan. The way they would talk might be normal until you start talking about beliefs, then they might start trying to persuade you to follow their beliefs for what they believe to be a good reason. Which also is similar to the way they would act; they would be persuasive in the way they would try to get you to follow their beliefs and they would be against the beliefs you have if it is different than their own. There probably are many counter-cosmopolitans here at UK, and it might take a discussion of values for you to find out their true persona.

Appiah mentions that the challenge to cosmopolitanism is “the belief that [people] don’t matter very much”, and not “the belief that other people don’t matter at all.” Everyone can agree that people have some obligations to others, but that is the extent of the agreement. The question is if people do need to intervene in others’ situations, and what types of situations need intervening. When is it right to stop a culture from what we believe as wrongdoing. It might even go back to the disagreement of the “golden rule”; that we do not know if doing unto others what you want done to you is right because they don’t necessarily want the same things as you do. Overall the challenge is based on the questions: how much do people matter to you? Are you willing to believe that you have an obligation to these people? How much of an obligation?

Over and out
-Reecie Foxtrot ^_^