Catastrophes, Cultures, and the Angry Earth - Essay Example

?Catastrophes, Cultures, and the Angry Earth Question A: A key component of this has revolved around big ideas, concepts, or ways to view and better understand the reconstruction processes that follow natural catastrophes. In reading the two quotes below, what key features, themes, concepts or ideas associated with post-disaster reconstruction do these opinions represent? “The waters came and took our house and all of our belongings. Now we have returned and officials tell us that we can’t rebuild here, our land will be used for something else. This is our land, we want it back, and we want our lives back.” -----Anonymous Survivor in Aceh, 2005 “We would all love to see Tokyo rebuilt along the lines of Paris or Berlin, but do we have the resources? No! Why should people in rural areas who suffer each year, toil and sweat yet more for those of Tokyo? Rural areas need attention too, they are the foundation of the nation.” -----Japanese Parliamentarian, 1923 Answer: In the course, the main idea being taught revolves around the nature of the human society specifically during the time of catastrophes and disasters. Based on the quotation that introduced the course according to the historian Marc Bloch, calamities are instruments that help see, study, and analyze the nature of human society. This can be attributed to the fact that as a human body, society has the capacity to maintain, to operate, and to defend itself. It also has the capacity to rebuild once it had been destroyed. The only question in the process of coping with the different forms of trials and disasters is the manner by which it can be undertaken. The course is aimed to open the minds of the students to the need for larger and more holistic objectives in the society which can help understand the reason for the need for continuous improvement of the different groups in the society such as political, economic, and social institutions. Due to the continuous exposure to natural disasters, human society had learned to establish ways and means to cope with the effects of calamities and disasters. The lessons of the pasts and the technologies of the present are used as tools to plan and to cope with possible dangers in the future. Discussion of the First Quote: Calamity in Aceh The first quote was expressed by an anonymous survivor in the calamity that affected Aceh in 2005. Based on the quote, aside from the natural calamity which is the flood that affected many lives, there are other issues that hinder the process of recovery and reconstruction. Upon the return of the survivors to their land, officials prohibited reconstruction. Thus, the aside from the fact that the natural calamity took their home, the social and political issues and policies affected their land. There are different issues that can be discussed in the quote since it expressed a view of the different dynamics that can occur in times of disasters. One is the background of the disaster in Aceh. Aceh, formally known as Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam (or the State of Aceh, Abode of Peace) is considered as one of the most Islamic region of Indonesia. The culture and traditions of Aceh is strongly based on Islamic principles and practices. For that matter, religion can be considered as one of the guiding view in times of major calamities and natural disasters (Clarke, Fanany, and Kenny, 2010, p. 30). Due to the influence of Islam in the culture of Aceh, it is considered as one of the main context in terms of the study of the event of 2005. The Islamic law, or sharia, is known to affect the post-tsunami state of Aceh resulting to the question on the reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts in the area. The political policy in the state had been considered as one of the most highlighted factor in the rehabilitation problems since it is the only state in the country that applies Islamic law. The application of religious laws on political context can be considered as a point of continuous criticism since it can greatly affect the road to reconstruction of Aceh (Clarke, Fanany, and Kenny, 2010, p. 29). In the process of reconstruction specifically of housing and community after disaster, there are guiding policies. One is that the reconstruction policy should help in the reactivation of the communities specifically in the empowerment of people in terms of rebuilding their houses, their lives, and their livelihoods (Jha and Dyne, 2010, p.1). In the event that happened in Aceh, the main problem can be attributed to the conflict in terms of the implementation of policies specifically in terms of the post-disaster reconstruction policy. For that matter, the housing had not been rebuilt and the land had not been returned to the owners. One of the main reasons that had been observed in the study of the event in Aceh is the failure of the Islamic law to play a constructive role on rebuilding Aceh. The process of reconstruction can only be undertaken through social welfare and justice but the Islamic leadership did the opposite instead. After the calamity, unequal power hierarchies had even been intensified. Thus, instead of being empowered to rebuild their communities, the people of Aceh failed to have control over their own lives. Their confidence and sense of resilience was even more crushed (Clarke, Fanany, and Kenny, 2010, p. 30). Based on the event in Aceh, it is important to support and to empower the people. The sense of resilience and hope are present in every human being but are more pronounced and evident in others. Although this is the case, it is important to know that the leadership and proper reconstruction policies and the implementation can be considered as the main keys to successful post-disaster survival of the society. Discussion of the Second Quote: Japan Earthquake in 1923 The second quote explore the scenarios in the difficulties being encountered in the rural areas of Japan. It is an expression of difficulty and even anger regarding the manner by which Tokyo, the capital of Japan, was given utmost importance over all other communities and regions of the country. Although the expression came from a Japanese parliamentarian and can be considered politically charged, there is an important point in the statement that was made. The main issue in the quote is the priority of the government in terms of post-disaster rebuilding of communities. The view of the person is that Tokyo as the main city was given too much attention at the expense of the rural areas that greatly need the assistance. This is aside from the facts that rural areas have less capability to recover from natural disasters at a faster rate and that rural areas should be given priority due to the contribution to the livelihood and economy of the country. The event in 1923 Japan can be considered as the worst earthquake in the country’s history prior to the March 11, 2011 earthquake. With the magnitude of 8.3 in Kanto, Japan, 143,000 people died (Aarif, 2011). The event resulted to changes in policies in terms of the response to calamities in the country. Japan being one of the countries always struck by earthquakes and seismic activities, needs to constantly be prepared or else massive death and destruction can be observed every time such calamity would occur. Similar to other natural calamities, regardless of the inevitability of occurrence, the degree and level of preparedness can be equated to lives and properties saved. The methods of preparedness include the better and adaptable residence and business establishments. The clear planning of emergency responses is also essential to the survival of the people. Since the Kanto earthquake in Japan, great improvements in the earthquake engineering research, seismic codes and construction practices had been accomplished (Karan and Gilbreath, 2005, P. 35). But the quote explored more than the technological needs of calamity preparedness and action. In the quote that expressed the frustrations of a Japanese citizen, the political and social prioritization of the country can be perceived. Japan is known to be a country of advanced technological development. Such achievement can very well be observed especially in the urban areas. But in a country such as Japan, livelihood and economy is not solely based on the advancement of the technology but also to the contributions of the rural areas which are often neglected. Response and recovery in disasters and calamities should be aimed on making the community more resistance to calamities, strengthening disaster prevention systems and awareness, and promoting earthquake action plans (Karan and Gilbreath, 2005, P. 35). These actions should not be limited to urban areas but should clearly cover all the localities of the nation specifically the rural areas since these areas have less capability to cope in terms of advanced facilities. Based on the observations regarding the traditions of the Japanese people, the cultural mechanisms of their race can facilitate community preparedness as compared to other nations. The only thing missing is the attention that is needed to be given to the rural areas. Question B What is the most important thing that you learned from this course and why? Answer: The course that is focused on different catastrophes and disasters, human culture and society and the various occurrences and issues that resulted from the interactions of these concepts is one of the most interesting subjects personally encountered. Aside from the fact that it discusses the power of nature, it also opens up the awareness of the people on the need to be prepared and resilient in times of calamities and natural disasters. Every subject matter incorporated in the course had taught a lot of lessons needed to achieve and develop open mindedness with regards to the temporary existence of human lives. During the first week, an overview of the natural disasters, risks and vulnerability of the human society had been discussed. A clear view on the disasters, including the anthropology, definition, and effects had been discussed. The main lesson learned in the first week is mainly the clarification of terms and concepts that is important in the understanding of the subject. During the course, in depth study of different calamities in human history had been undertaken. The facts were presented and the effects were analyzed. At the end of the course, a new level of understanding had been achieved regarding the relationship and interaction between calamities and human society. The most important lesson learned in the course is the deeper understanding of the inevitable changes that occur in nature. With this understanding comes the realization of the need for preparedness and continuous awareness for all the events occurring in the surroundings. In addition, it can be generalized that the natural disasters and calamities can be compared to the fire that shapes the sword. Human society is shaped by the scorching effects of the calamities. As these natural occurrences take lives and properties, people are honed and developed to establish methods of preparedness. They are also developed to inculcate and nourish the sense of resilience. Through the whole process of realization on the importance of the subject matter, another important lesson had been observed. The lesson of critical analysis is another essential lesson learned from the course. Initially, the subject matter explored by the course can be perceived as negatively inspired, based on the focus on natural calamities and disasters. As the course progressed though, an appreciated for the manner by which the course can evoke critical thinking and analysis from the students. This is greatly appreciated since topics related to nature can commonly affect a person emotionally. Such effect often results to deeper connection to the subject matter. It can be considered that due to the occurrence of numerous natural disasters and calamities throughout the world in the past few years, studying the subject is both logical and emotional. It is logical on the basis of the need to be aware and be prepared in the possibilities of a disaster at any given time and in any given place. It is important to consider though that preparedness is as important as the post-disaster plan of action. People need to have the strength to stand up and rebuild after a disaster. The emotional aspect of the study on natural disasters and calamities can be attributed to the empathy that can be felt due to the effects of these events on the lives of people where a disaster had occurred. For example, an earthquake in Japan would have rattled other countries that are located in seismically active places. Death and lost of properties can be felt by people whom although not directly affected are considered at risk. In general, the course had a two-sided lesson. One side teaches the lesson of strength and the other side teaches the lesson of vulnerability. The lesson of strength dictates resilience and the capacity to move forward after a tragedy. This is important in the development and establishment of plans and methods to prevent, to cope, and to rebuild the effects of natural disasters and calamities. The lesson of vulnerability on the other hand pushes people to be always aware and alert. Without a sense of vulnerability, human society can be in greater danger due to the possibility of being less prepared of possible detrimental effects of the different forms of disasters and calamities. Bibliography Aarif, S.M.M. (2011). Nature’s Call Again: Are We Ready? International Journal of Students’ Research, 1(2). Clarke, M., Fanany, I. and Kenny, S. (2010). Post-Disaster Reconstruction: Lessons from Aceh. London: Earthscan. Jha, A.K. and Dyne, J.E. (2010). Safer Home, Stronger Communities: A Handbook for Reconstructing After Natural Disasters. World Bank Publications. Karan, P.P. and Gilbreath, D. (2005). Japan in the 21st Century: Environment, Economy, and Society. University Press of Kentucky. Miller, D.S. and Rivera, J.D. (2010). Community Disaster Rediscovery and Resiliency: Exploring Global Opportunities and Challenges. Taylor & Francis. Read More