Both the American political and economic climate get a lot of attention from my American family and friends. Truth be told, even my friends, family, and strangers talk a lot about the political and economic news of America. Although news of the hegemon’s political and economic climate should objectively remain highly prioritized news, “less breaking” news should be prioritized news as well. For example, Argentina’s political and economic crises aren’t being covered because they have existed for DECADES. People should know about the state of the rest of the world, just as much as they should know about their own. There is a lot to be learned from others. To take a more current approach, maybe by learning about what a lack of moderate political representation does to a country’s political and economic history, America would make it a priority to elect more widely likable candidates in each committee.
CapStone:
- What did you do over the summer and what was your interest? (Introduction)
- My interest, this summer, was based on exploring human rights in Argentina. More specifically, how the human rights movement has established itself and progressed. To discover more about the topic and its progression, I worked with three different organizations. I worked with a local school, discussing human rights in technology, collecting my findings, and presenting them in a digestible way to the students. I worked with the government, local foundations, and the urban servants at the homeless dining hall, each night, to help serve food and empower citizens. Finally, I worked at Campo La Ribiera, a clandestine center turned museum, to help keep the memory of what happened during the dictatorship alive. In working closely with all three organizations, I got to explore Argentina’s human rights climate and culture.
- Explanation of community-based interest (Literature Review–done during the Spring)
- In summary, my literature review spoke about Argentina as a strong example of the human rights movement, due to many historical reasons, and how they have since kept the activism alive. In person, I wanted to explore more about this history of what called for the movement, and the nature of the movement today. Essentially, the dictatorship, political unrest, and the economy sparked global interest in Argentina’s human rights. However, decades have since passed and the international focus is no longer on Argentina. I wanted was noteworthy today, and what news I could bring of their success or demise, after researching the country through my literature review. Furthermore, examine what about the initial need was true, how do Argentinians feel about the movement, and how has Argentina kept the movement alive?
- How did you explore it? (Methods) progress through language
- I explored my literature review through simple experience, curiosity, and reflection. Throughout my time I have gotten an unbelievable first-person perspective. When curious, I ask the people around me questions. The language surrounding the current culture and history of the movement is truly an unbelievable source of life. However, I also like to preserve my outside perspective. The combination of the two has created a tremendous exploration opportunity.
- How did your experience shape your understanding of your interest? (Discussion)
- My experience completely shaped my understanding of my interests. Of course, my prior research was helpful but if I had come here with no knowledge, I believe I would still have the same perspective. My research, to a great degree, did reflect the truth, but my in person experience was better. This is due to the amount of exposure to the subject my internship has given me. Overall, my previous knowledge did coincide with my first-hand experience, but the first-hand experience was so much more impactful than anything I could read in a book.
- How does this shape your plans for your time at FSU? (Conclusion)
My experience will undoubtedly affect my time at FSU. Beyond the academic inspiration I have taken from the experience, I will carry it with me in my everyday life. My perspective has shifted and grown so much. Even in thinking about American politics, life, and culture, I tend to compare them to my Argentinian experience. I hope to continue to reflect everyday and find academic outlets where I can continue to use my new knowledge.
References
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17448689.2015.1045698
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1467-9663.2007.00425.x
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