Author Archives: ALYSON BROWN

by

Alyson Brown- Blog 2

Topic 1: The Fall of American Education

Within the past decade, American students have remained stagnant or regressed in grades and skills. In the name of equity, the American school system has made mediocrity its mission, thus giving rise to anti-intellectualism in the United States.

Article: “40 years ago ‘A Nation at Risk’ warned of a ‘rising tide of mediocrity’ in US schools – has anything changed?”

https://theconversation.com/40-years-ago-a-nation-at-risk-warned-of-a-rising-tide-of-mediocrity-in-us-schools-has-anything-changed-201748

A Nation At Risk was a book from 1983 that gave a bleak look at the future of American education. It lamented that the educational foundations of society would be eroded by a rising tide of mediocrity. This article is about if the book’s prediction truly came to fruition.

Juicy Quote: “The inability of policymakers at higher levels – such as states or the federal government – to meaningfully change school practice partially explains why other major reforms have failed to achieve real results”

Topic 2: Neo-colonialism in Africa(and Jamaica)

Through investment, loans, political influence, and migration, China is utilizing an inventive form of neocolonialism on African nations that continues the cycle of underdevelopment, rendering the citizens of these nations mere pawns for China’s gain.

Article: China in Africa: Soft Power and the Development of Neocolonial States

https://journals.library.cornell.edu/index.php/CURJ/article/view/716/673

China’s colonialism does not mirror the tactics and strategies of the Europeans before, but instead creates the façade of partnership and trust. Instead of China forcefully taking over, the population is giving up their own autonomy.

Quote: “China sees  Africa as a method of shifting the structure of its economy.  It  moves away    from    labor-intensive    and    pollutant industries,  as  labor  costs  continue  to  increase domestically,   and   relocates   those   industries to  Africa  (Hanauer  &  Morris,  2014).”

Topic 3: American Individualism

We live in an era where the phrase “I don’t owe anybody anything” seems to be life’s new motto. However, this mindset seems, not only counterintuitive but destructive to the mission of empathy and community everyone seems to have. While it might have been helpful in the forming of this nation, modern-day American individualism is preventing true unity in this country.

Article: We Have Put Individualism Ahead of the Common Good for Too Long

https://time.com/6269091/individualism-ahead-of-the-common-good-for-too-long

by - 3 Comments

A Christmas Drink for the Beginning of Fall

Merry Christmas! Wait, hold on— I mean, Happy September! Throw out your Eggnog because after you try this recipe, you’ll never want Eggnog again. My mom immigrated to the United States from Jamaica in the 90s, so of course we keep many Jamaican holiday traditions, like making Sorrel. Sorrel is a traditional Christmas drink made from the Roselle plant. The Roselle plant is a type of Hibiscus plant that bears a crimson-red accessory fruit that we call Sorrel. Every year my mom makes this tasty drink for our Christmas dinners, and when I was little, I’d pretend to be none the wiser when she gave me a small taste of the rum-filled serving reserved for the adults. Despite my more formal example, Sorrel is a very versatile drink. It can be served at your boss’s office party in hopes that he finally gives you that promotion (let it go), or if you’re anything like my family, you’re going to be sipping a glass in the living room as you complain about the newest line of Hallmark Movies. Regardless of where you choose to drink it, I hope this Sorrel can bring as much joy as it has brought me.

You will need:

  • Sorrel (You can find it in your closest Carribean store).
  • Ginger (Preferably Jamaican Ginger. Trust me it’s better).
  • Pimento (Allspice) Berries
  • Cinnamon (Leaf or Stick)
  • Wray& Nephew White Rum (Optional, and you can only use this brand).
  • Sugar (Preferably Brown Sugar, but do whatever floats your boat).
  1. Add the Sorrel to a pot of water along with the other spices and heat to a boil. You don’t need too much water, just enough to balance out the amount of Sorrel you have used. (Which should be the entire packet). Once the liquid comes to a boil, turn the heat down and let it simmer for ten minutes.
  2. Turn off the stove and let it steep overnight, or at least twelve hours.
  3. Strain and sweeten to taste.
  4. When it comes to rum, I believe the more, the better. However, you can add as much or as little you like.

It is best served cold with Ice.