#zA's Endemic Historicality

[zenosanalytic]

I've been thinking about how to articulate a thought I had about a possible Doylist/non-diegetic reading(EDIT: I originally wrote "Watsonian" here, which is the opposite of what I meant X| X| Brain, you Tricksome Jester *shakes entirely metaphorical fist*) of Eridan's Trollian handle, caligulasAquarium, in response to a post of @mmmmalo's, and I think I've got it.

Ok So: the popular perception of Caligula is as a "Mad Emperor". One of the points used in this depiction is his "War on the Sea", which is taken as obvsl absurd and empty and irrational(and possibly hubristic). Eridan chooses to call himself "caligulasAquarium" and he lives in a wrecked ship(a feature commonly put in aquariums)... on the surface.

So like: maybe the title is meant to be taken by the audience as ironic. Eridan's claim to an "Aquarium" is as absurd and empty and irrational as Caligula's claim to have warred upon the sea(in the common understanding of those events; as a matter of history this seems to be a Telephone distortion, from the sources I can find).

A few more points that have occurred to me since I started writing this:

Caligula "Made War on the Sea"; Eridan wants to "Make War on the Surface" by Killing All Landwellers, carrying forward the themes of inversion btwn Alternia and Earth.

Also: "Kill All Landwellers", "Kill All Humans": he's lampshading common evil-alien-overlord tropes

...Which in itself is sort of dunking on HIM, since Eridan is nobody's overlord he's just some GUY. Like: Yes, he's "Nobility" due to blood-caste, but he has no influence, no power, no RESPECT from anyone we meet, no friendships let alone alliances with other socially powerful individuals(other than Feferi, who seems to have foresworn all that to monastically care for G'lybgolyb) that he could USE to have influence; he's just a loner with his grand-dad's gun and allot of pretension.

...which you could argue furthers his parody of USian internet white-supremacists? Like: He is THEM: a gun-humping loner who only feels comfortable talking to the people he claims to hate, with no idea how unpleasant he makes himself to interact with, and even less interest in introspection or self-awareness, fetishizing past genocides as a way to claim for himself a "Glorious Past" he had nothing to do with.

As Feferi(and possibly other characters I'm forgetting) point out, Eridan's ambition to Kill All Landwellers is more than a little absurd. He's never really DONE anything to plan or prepare for it, and aside from Fef he exclusively hangs out with and befriends Landwellers, as well as LIVING ON LAND(well: a sandbar or reef). This could be taken as furthering the Caligula "War on the Sea" parallel.

Expanding on the last: Caligula, THE EMPEROR OF ROME and Grandest of Nepo-babies, was rather notably disdainful of and hostile towards the Roman nobility and inherited wealth/rank. This connects to Eridan in two ways I can think of: 1) his avoidance of other seadwellers, and 2) his philosophical hostility to landdwellers while Being, in practice, A Landweller. Basically: both Hate things about themselves shared by others.

Reinforcing #3: the choice of Caligula, a Troll-Emperor. Again: Eridan is Just Some Guy; he does not command armies, he does not command society, he can't even command Equius, who GETS OFF ON being ordered around. This is Pretension.

...which, I guess, you could connect AGAIN back to Caligula via the popular memory of him wanting to be treated "As A God", but it should be noted that 1)everyone who wrote anything about him hated the guy and was explicitly dunking on him, so we don't know how accurate these charges are, and 2)in the Roman context, while legal apotheosis was reserved for after death, imperial Divinity was already de facto given that sacrifices and prayers to the Emperor's health and success were legally mandated civic religious duties, AND 3)that classical Greeks and Romans, contra the Abrahimic societies which would later create this popular memory, considered apotheosis a real possibility for notable individuals.

[southrift-galaxy-safaris-blog]

12 Reasons to visit Zanzibar

The name Zanzibar immediately conjures up images of an island paradise with soft-sand, white beaches and shimmering azure waters. But, the Zanzibar Archipelago is so much more than romantic coastlines and blissful sunsets - these islands offer a kaleidoscope of sights, smells and tastes which feed your soul and leave you wanting to return again. Zanzibar is without a doubt a tropical dream destination, ideal for getting away from it all, but it is also a fascinating destination from a historical and cultural perspective, as well as being a top adventure and eco-tourism destination.

Here are our top 12 reasons to visit Zanzibar Islands:

1. Blissful beach destination Zanzibar is the home of idyllic beaches, balmy weather & warm tropical waters. This archipelago is renowned for clear warm waters, coral reefs and rich marine diversity making it a perfect under-water destination for snorkelling and diving. If it is lazy days along white sandy beaches that you are after - Zanzibar is hard to beat. But, in addition to the perfect beach destination, Zanzibar is also full of options for nature lovers, culture vultures, and adventurers. 2. Unique and vibrant culture and architecture Zanzibar is fairly undeveloped and enjoys semi-autonomy from mainland Tanzania. The colourful history and rich heritage can be seen in the strong Arabic, Indian, African, Persian and European influences and adds a vibrant dimension to the island. Exploring the cobbled alleyways of historic Stone Town’s old quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you encounter a captivating blend of diverse architectural styles in the mosques and houses interwoven to create this charming destination. Old mansions and palaces, such as the House of Wonders, the old Turkish Baths, as well as lively bazaars, market stalls, and shops all, overwhelm the senses with their energy and detail; which tell the story of a long and tumultuous history. Zanzibar is predominantly Islamic and this is evident in the lifestyle of the locals and the design of everything from furniture and fabric to jewelry and crafts. Look out for the famous carved teak Zanzibar doors. The Dhow Countries Music Academy is a great place to get a feel for the local music style known as Taarab - which is a blend of classical Swahili poetry, percussion, and rhythm infused with a myriad of influences from the Middle East, Africa, India and the West. 3. Exotic spices Zanzibar Island is well known as the Spice Island due to the farming and processing of aromatic spices like cloves, turmeric, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemongrass and black pepper. Visit spice plantations to learn about the process and history of these crops, their medicinal and culinary uses. Follow the aromas and sample the delicious blend of flavours in the market street food and traditionally prepared dishes.

4. Romantic getaway

Not just aromatic, but also romantic - it's an ideal place to spice things up. With some of the most beautiful lodges and settings in the world, how can the archipelago not be the perfect place for romance? It's the perfect place to take long walks on the beach, relax beside the water and drink cocktails as the sun sets. Zanzibar is, of course, a popular honeymoon and wedding destination. 5. Breakaway - escape the crowds and do your own thing For those looking for something even less populated and developed the neighbouring islands of Pemba, Mafia, Chumbe and Mnemba make wonderful destinations where you are likely to have entire stretches of beach all to your self. There are more than 50 smaller islands that make up this archipelago and many beautiful lodges to choose from. Rent a��scooter (moped) to explore the narrow streets and beautiful coastline at your own pace, away from the crowds. The roads are rough in places and the traffic can be a bit hair-raising, but it is the perfect way to enjoy the beautiful weather and go on tailor-made adventures to the lesser-known corners of the islands. 6. Diving Mecca and water lover's paradise Zanzibar has some of the world's most beautiful dive sights and is a well-loved destination for those wanting to explore the underwater world.

Zanzibar has a long list of offerings for the outdoor water enthusiast - from scuba diving and deep-sea fishing to kayaking and sailing on traditional wooden dhows. Swim and snorkel in search of tropical fish amongst the coral, or go windsurfing, kite-boarding water-skiing or island hopping. 7. Rich flora and fauna - Red colobus monkeys in Jozani Forest, butterflies, Kizimkazi dolphins, tortoises and turtles Another great reason to visit Zanzibar is the Jozani Forest Reserve, home to the endangered Red Colobus Monkeys - one of the rarest primates in Africa. These monkeys are endemic to the island and with conservation efforts, are slowly recovering from the brink of extinction. The mature forests of Jozani form part of the island's only National Park, where you can also see hundreds of different butterflies, numerous birds and a variety of interesting plants and animals. Zanzibar Butterfly Centre (located 1km from Jozani Forest Park) is an environmental community project that has trained local people from the community to farm butterflies sustainably. The project aims to create income for the locals and conserve the local forest by running one of Africa's biggest butterfly sanctuaries, as well as by exporting butterfly pupae. Visitors can participate in an interactive tour with one of the knowledgeable guides in the lush, netted gardens where hundreds of butterflies, all native species to Zanzibar, fly freely. Kizimkazi on the south coast of Zanzibar Island is a popular location for going in search of dolphins. A short boat ride from the village takes you out into the big blue to hopefully see the schools of bottle-nosed or humpback dolphins often found in the area. Spotting these wild dolphins in the crystal clear waters of Zanzibar is an unforgettable experience. The Miza Miza Caves and the oldest mosque in East Africa can also be found in Kizimkazi and are well worth a visit.  At the northern tip of the island, you will find Mnarani Natural Aquarium where Zanzibar's turtle conservation is centred. Created around a natural tidal pool the aquarium not only cares for the injured Hawksbill and Green turtles but also ensures the safety and well-being of hatchlings. It is a community conservation project that focuses on educating locals and fishermen about the advantages of protecting these ocean creatures.

Prison Island, once a prison for errant slaves, is a small island found about 5.6 km off the coast of Stone Town. The island now provides sanctuary for the endangered Aldabra giant tortoise. Listed as highly vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, these giant tortoises are constantly under threat from poachers. This population has grown from the four tortoises originally gifted by the Seychelles government in 1919. 8. Local markets and fresh seafood

The local markets and restaurants also offer a feast of fresh seafood - a treat definitely worth experiencing. There are many ways to enjoy these culinary delights - from fresh fish cooked on open fires on the beach to Lobster Thermidor at one of Zanzibar’s hotels, or spiced and served with traditional flavours and twists. Your taste buds will be awakened and constantly tantalised by the variety. 9. History and traditional Dhows

Zanzibar has a long and complex history having been the biggest slave market in East Africa, as well as a base for voyaging traders. It became well-known as the Spice Island for its aromatic spice offerings and was also an important player in the ivory trade. Zanzibar has been diversely influenced by the British, Arabs, Portuguese, Indians, Persians and Africans, all of whom have passed through the island and left their mark. Enjoy a trip on a traditional hand-crafted wooden dhow - a remnant from the trade history of the area and still in use daily for transport and fishing.

10. Friendly locals and festivals The people of Zanzibar are known for their friendliness - the locals are generally helpful and welcoming towards visitors. There is an island vibe outside of Stone Town's bustle, a laid-back slow pace to life, and travel is relatively safe. Remember to be respectful of the Muslim norms, by dressing appropriately and not drinking alcohol in public places. Zanzibar has a few interesting festivals– Sauti za Busara (an African music festival takes place annually in February), Jahazi (Jazz and Literary festival usually in September) and Mwaka Kogwa (a four-day festival held in July to mark Nairuzim - the Shirazi New Year). People from across the African continent participate in these gatherings seeing a cross-section of cultures, ages and backgrounds celebrating together. The Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) is the largest cultural event that takes place in June and July. The festival showcases cinema, music and performing arts from a diverse range of races, classes and religions, drawing a large audience. 11. Budget-friendly and easy to explore Zanzibar has something for everyone - from exclusive five-star experiences to family-friendly affordability. Suit yourself and your budget - whether it is ultimate luxury that you are after or a laid back beach shack - Zanzibar offers something for every taste and heart's desire.   Getting around in Zanzibar is simple and easy to do on your own, giving you the freedom to explore at leisure.

12. The perfect add-on to wildlife safaris in East Africa

The magic of Zanzibar is that it is a multi-faceted destination, offering a unique blend of idyllic beaches, intriguing history, cultural diversity, tasty cuisine, exotic spices, and rich flora and fauna. Zanzibar is easily accessible from Dar es Salaam by boat or by air and is a perfect add-on to African safaris in East Africa, giving you the best of both worlds. To browse the multitude of tour options for Zanzibar, view our upcoming Dar es Salaam departures or upcoming tour departures from Nairobi in Kenya. RELATED POSTS Easter Holiday offers for you   Top Self Drive Holiday Deals in Kenya If you think you have to travel far to enjoy a nice weekend, you may never get away. Besides, you can enjoy a beautiful weekend right here in Kenya. There are countless wallet-friendly Kenyan self drive getaways that won’t even break your budget. Don’t spend your weekend, doing absolutely nothing at home. Whether you are looking for romantic destinations, pristine beaches, and adventurous outdoor activities, there are plenty wallet-friendly getaways that will satisfy your weekend desires. Malindi & Watamu Self Drive Deals Mombasa South Coast Self Drive Deals Mombasa North Coast Self Drive Deals Masai Mara Self Drive Holiday Packages Lukenya & Machakos Self Drive Meru Holiday Self Drive Deals Mt. Kenya & Aberdare Self Drive Holiday Deals Nyeri Holiday Self Drive Deals Samburu Holiday Self Drive Deals Top Outdoor Activities in Kenya Outdoor activities in Kenya are a great way to experience Kenya, Choosing where to start in Kenya can be overwhelming. The country has many different outdoor activities, ranging from adrenaline-pumping adventures to more meditative outings. Kenya is always a fantastic destination for family bonding. Spending time with the family on weekend is a great opportunity to re-connect and communicate while having fun. Outdoor activities are perfect for those who want to experience a relaxing and refreshing weekend in an amazing place. Do something fun this weekend and spend worthy time with your family. For great weekend bonding, we present to you 6 fun outdoor activities for the family. These outdoor activities are great adventures for you and your family. Hike To Ol Donyo Sabuk & 14 Falls, Thika Chaka Ranch Day Trip – QuadBikes, PaintBalling Ngare Ndare Day Trip Hike (Nanyuki) Kereita Zip Lining & Hiking Day Trip Top Madaraka Express SGR Holiday Deals 2 Nights Malindi & Watamu holiday with SGR 2 Nights Amboseli Holiday With SGR 2 Nights Tsavo Holiday With SGR Sa 2 Nights Voi Holiday With SGR 2 Nights Mombasa North Coast With SGR 2 Nights Mombasa South Coast With SGR Read the full article

[safaribookingsblog-blog]

12 Reasons to visit Zanzibar

The name Zanzibar immediately conjures up images of an island paradise with soft-sand, white beaches and shimmering azure waters. But, the Zanzibar Archipelago is so much more than romantic coastlines and blissful sunsets - these islands offer a kaleidoscope of sights, smells and tastes which feed your soul and leave you wanting to return again. Zanzibar is without a doubt a tropical dream destination, ideal for getting away from it all, but it is also a fascinating destination from a historical and cultural perspective, as well as being a top adventure and eco-tourism destination.

Here are our top 12 reasons to visit Zanzibar Islands:

1. Blissful beach destination Zanzibar is the home of idyllic beaches, balmy weather & warm tropical waters. This archipelago is renowned for clear warm waters, coral reefs and rich marine diversity making it a perfect under-water destination for snorkelling and diving. If it is lazy days along white sandy beaches that you are after - Zanzibar is hard to beat. But, in addition to the perfect beach destination, Zanzibar is also full of options for nature lovers, culture vultures, and adventurers. 2. Unique and vibrant culture and architecture Zanzibar is fairly undeveloped and enjoys semi-autonomy from mainland Tanzania. The colourful history and rich heritage can be seen in the strong Arabic, Indian, African, Persian and European influences and adds a vibrant dimension to the island. Exploring the cobbled alleyways of historic Stone Town’s old quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you encounter a captivating blend of diverse architectural styles in the mosques and houses interwoven to create this charming destination. Old mansions and palaces, such as the House of Wonders, the old Turkish Baths, as well as lively bazaars, market stalls, and shops all, overwhelm the senses with their energy and detail; which tell the story of a long and tumultuous history. Zanzibar is predominantly Islamic and this is evident in the lifestyle of the locals and the design of everything from furniture and fabric to jewelry and crafts. Look out for the famous carved teak Zanzibar doors. The Dhow Countries Music Academy is a great place to get a feel for the local music style known as Taarab - which is a blend of classical Swahili poetry, percussion, and rhythm infused with a myriad of influences from the Middle East, Africa, India and the West. 3. Exotic spices Zanzibar Island is well known as the Spice Island due to the farming and processing of aromatic spices like cloves, turmeric, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemongrass and black pepper. Visit spice plantations to learn about the process and history of these crops, their medicinal and culinary uses. Follow the aromas and sample the delicious blend of flavours in the market street food and traditionally prepared dishes.

4. Romantic getaway

Not just aromatic, but also romantic - it's an ideal place to spice things up. With some of the most beautiful lodges and settings in the world, how can the archipelago not be the perfect place for romance? It's the perfect place to take long walks on the beach, relax beside the water and drink cocktails as the sun sets. Zanzibar is, of course, a popular honeymoon and wedding destination. 5. Breakaway - escape the crowds and do your own thing For those looking for something even less populated and developed the neighbouring islands of Pemba, Mafia, Chumbe and Mnemba make wonderful destinations where you are likely to have entire stretches of beach all to your self. There are more than 50 smaller islands that make up this archipelago and many beautiful lodges to choose from. Rent a scooter (moped) to explore the narrow streets and beautiful coastline at your own pace, away from the crowds. The roads are rough in places and the traffic can be a bit hair-raising, but it is the perfect way to enjoy the beautiful weather and go on tailor-made adventures to the lesser-known corners of the islands. 6. Diving Mecca and water lover's paradise Zanzibar has some of the world's most beautiful dive sights and is a well-loved destination for those wanting to explore the underwater world.

Zanzibar has a long list of offerings for the outdoor water enthusiast - from scuba diving and deep-sea fishing to kayaking and sailing on traditional wooden dhows. Swim and snorkel in search of tropical fish amongst the coral, or go windsurfing, kite-boarding water-skiing or island hopping. 7. Rich flora and fauna - Red colobus monkeys in Jozani Forest, butterflies, Kizimkazi dolphins, tortoises and turtles Another great reason to visit Zanzibar is the Jozani Forest Reserve, home to the endangered Red Colobus Monkeys - one of the rarest primates in Africa. These monkeys are endemic to the island and with conservation efforts, are slowly recovering from the brink of extinction. The mature forests of Jozani form part of the island's only National Park, where you can also see hundreds of different butterflies, numerous birds and a variety of interesting plants and animals. Zanzibar Butterfly Centre (located 1km from Jozani Forest Park) is an environmental community project that has trained local people from the community to farm butterflies sustainably. The project aims to create income for the locals and conserve the local forest by running one of Africa's biggest butterfly sanctuaries, as well as by exporting butterfly pupae. Visitors can participate in an interactive tour with one of the knowledgeable guides in the lush, netted gardens where hundreds of butterflies, all native species to Zanzibar, fly freely. Kizimkazi on the south coast of Zanzibar Island is a popular location for going in search of dolphins. A short boat ride from the village takes you out into the big blue to hopefully see the schools of bottle-nosed or humpback dolphins often found in the area. Spotting these wild dolphins in the crystal clear waters of Zanzibar is an unforgettable experience. The Miza Miza Caves and the oldest mosque in East Africa can also be found in Kizimkazi and are well worth a visit.  At the northern tip of the island, you will find Mnarani Natural Aquarium where Zanzibar's turtle conservation is centred. Created around a natural tidal pool the aquarium not only cares for the injured Hawksbill and Green turtles but also ensures the safety and well-being of hatchlings. It is a community conservation project that focuses on educating locals and fishermen about the advantages of protecting these ocean creatures.

Prison Island, once a prison for errant slaves, is a small island found about 5.6 km off the coast of Stone Town. The island now provides sanctuary for the endangered Aldabra giant tortoise. Listed as highly vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, these giant tortoises are constantly under threat from poachers. This population has grown from the four tortoises originally gifted by the Seychelles government in 1919. 8. Local markets and fresh seafood

The local markets and restaurants also offer a feast of fresh seafood - a treat definitely worth experiencing. There are many ways to enjoy these culinary delights - from fresh fish cooked on open fires on the beach to Lobster Thermidor at one of Zanzibar’s hotels, or spiced and served with traditional flavours and twists. Your taste buds will be awakened and constantly tantalised by the variety. 9. History and traditional Dhows

Zanzibar has a long and complex history having been the biggest slave market in East Africa, as well as a base for voyaging traders. It became well-known as the Spice Island for its aromatic spice offerings and was also an important player in the ivory trade. Zanzibar has been diversely influenced by the British, Arabs, Portuguese, Indians, Persians and Africans, all of whom have passed through the island and left their mark. Enjoy a trip on a traditional hand-crafted wooden dhow - a remnant from the trade history of the area and still in use daily for transport and fishing.

10. Friendly locals and festivals The people of Zanzibar are known for their friendliness - the locals are generally helpful and welcoming towards visitors. There is an island vibe outside of Stone Town's bustle, a laid-back slow pace to life, and travel is relatively safe. Remember to be respectful of the Muslim norms, by dressing appropriately and not drinking alcohol in public places. Zanzibar has a few interesting festivals– Sauti za Busara (an African music festival takes place annually in February), Jahazi (Jazz and Literary festival usually in September) and Mwaka Kogwa (a four-day festival held in July to mark Nairuzim - the Shirazi New Year). People from across the African continent participate in these gatherings seeing a cross-section of cultures, ages and backgrounds celebrating together. The Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) is the largest cultural event that takes place in June and July. The festival showcases cinema, music and performing arts from a diverse range of races, classes and religions, drawing a large audience. 11. Budget-friendly and easy to explore Zanzibar has something for everyone - from exclusive five-star experiences to family-friendly affordability. Suit yourself and your budget - whether it is ultimate luxury that you are after or a laid back beach shack - Zanzibar offers something for every taste and heart's desire.   Getting around in Zanzibar is simple and easy to do on your own, giving you the freedom to explore at leisure.

12. The perfect add-on to wildlife safaris in East Africa

The magic of Zanzibar is that it is a multi-faceted destination, offering a unique blend of idyllic beaches, intriguing history, cultural diversity, tasty cuisine, exotic spices, and rich flora and fauna. Zanzibar is easily accessible from Dar es Salaam by boat or by air and is a perfect add-on to African safaris in East Africa, giving you the best of both worlds. To browse the multitude of tour options for Zanzibar, view our upcoming Dar es Salaam departures or upcoming tour departures from Nairobi in Kenya. RELATED POSTS Easter Holiday offers for you    Read the full article

[itsiotrecords-blog]

http://ift.tt/2sqmxc3

There is a chance you’ll be shocked at the sad state of the Congo. As bad as the media has presented it, it is much worse in reality. The physical and invisible conditions which its citizens are subject to are shared by a number of countries across the globe, but few have each and every one of them. There are a few root causes for the Congo’s dystopian daily life, but each of them can boil down to just a couple of historical events; one of the most egotistic people in the world and a particular Belgian King. The Democratic Republic of the Congo may have the most problems of any country in the world. The silver lining is that some of the problems which they deal with aren’t quite as prominent as various media outlets would have you believe, some of the ones you never hear about are even more disturbing. From things as minor as poaching to warlords to worse, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has a number of challenges in its path towards success. The country is in complete and utter turmoil and many seem content to leave it that way. Humanitarian aid only goes so far, especially when it is on the proverbial backburner. The country can move on from the issues listed below, but a concerted effort will be needed from all involved parties.

#1 Poverty The Democratic Republic of the Congo is one of the reasons why most people think of Africa as being poor; they are one of the most impoverished countries in the world. This has led to mass starvation and poor quality of education and housing, particularly when you move further away from the capital, Kinshasa. Power, roads, and access to basic medical care are functional luxuries which many Congolese are unable to afford. The country’s GDP per capita is just over $700 with a wide gap between the haves and the have-nots. This situation has caused a lot of issues inside the country. The rampant poverty is a major source for almost all of the country’s social ills. The rampant poverty in the Congo makes it only preferable to only a handful of countries around the world. The only good news is that it’s slowly improving thanks to steadily rising foreign investment.

#2 Forced Labor Although it is recognized internationally as a crime against humanity, forced labor and enslavement are commonly practiced throughout the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is perpetrated by not only rebel groups operating in the most remote parts of the country, but by the government, the military, and many private citizens. The Congo is rated as one of the worst places in the world for forced labor. Not only does it permeate throughout society, it is a huge portion of the economy! Children are the primary victims of forced labor, particularly by rebels and private individuals. The reason that children are preferred to adults in many of these cases is simply that they are less likely to try and escape, and they are able to work in more enclosed environments. Coerced labor has served as the backbone of the mining industry in the country for many years, all the way back to the early Mobutu period; it is also how many roadways are built. There has not been much international pressure to alleviate the plight of bonded workers in the country and until that happens, it will continue with great force.

#3 Human Trafficking What is arguably the most horrifying part of this list, human trafficking is almost normal to the eastern and southern reaches of the country. For a nation dealing with massive problems regarding human trafficking, it is quite surprising to know that there are no laws which specifically outlaw the practice. The heartbreaking reality of this situation is that there seems to be a lack of willingness on the part of the central government to stop the sex and slave trade. The main areas in which human trafficking takes place are in the Ituri, Kivu, and Katanga regions of the country. These areas have high rates of ethnic violence and are rife with separatist sentiments. The Kivu region has the worst instances of this. The only silver lining in this is that the government has taken some initiative in passing acts which criminalize sexual violence.

#4 Cannibalism Although cannibalism is more prevalent in the Democratic Republic of the Congo than other African countries, it affects only a small percentage of the population. The main source of cannibalism in the Congo is in folk medicine and witchcraft. A belief which is shared among a number of people in the easternmost portions of the country is that albinos possess magical powers and that the consumption of their flesh will grant it to the consumer. That is pretty scary, but the scariest cannibal activities revolve around the Pygmies of North Kivu. The Congo Pygmies are an ethnic group who are reviled by just about everyone in the region. They are subject to extreme harassment by the government and village forces and are hunted as animals by various armed militias. The most prominent of the “pygmy hunters” are Les Effaceurs, or “The Erasers,” and the Movement for the Liberation of the Congo; the latter group is a part of the transitional government. The pygmy population is viewed as subhuman and little more than apes by many of the denizens of the region. Much like the albinos, they are sometimes believed to have magic in their flesh and bones. The disgusting situation that the Congo Pygmies are victims to can be resolved, but it is going to take a lot of international support and a willingness on the government to end the violence.

#5 Poaching Since the Congo is one of the most biodiverse regions of the world, it is without any surprise that it has some of the largest concentrations of endangered species! Poaching is a severe blight on the country as it has a negative impact on both its economic and environmental health. Most people who engage in poaching do it because they need to get money for their families, villages, or rebel groups they belong to. The black market trade in exotic animals and animal skins has caused many species to go extinct. The nature reserves in the country are where the largest share of the poaching takes place. The further east you go in the country, the more likely you are to find poachers. The rhinos and gorillas are the main victims of the poaching endemic to the country. Poaching also serves as a way to clear out dangers to illegal mining operations within the Congo.

#6 Internally Displaced Persons As a result of a long series of wars and government sponsored terror attacks, millions of people have been internally displaced. The largest wave of internal displacement in the country came about as a result of the Second Congo War when many regional armies and militias invaded the Congo. The extreme violence which has plagued the land for as long as memory holds has produced a problem with homelessness and shanty towns which cannot be fixed for some time. The millions of internally displaced people in the Congo are subject to extreme victimization and have high rates of HIV/AIDS. The horrible conditions which they live in are major contributing factors to the slow advancement of the country. In many of the refugee camps and shanty towns near the cities, soldiers, gangs, and regular civilians take advantage of the people. They are often the subject of rape, theft, forced prostitution, and other social ills. Among the most ostracized groups are former child soldiers.

#7 The Legacy Of Mobutu There is a giant ghost which haunts the Congo, much like the boogeyman, and its name is Mobutu Sese Seko. The former US-backed dictator was one of the most brutal and extravagant to lead a country. His own megalomania was manifested in the name he took for himself, Mobutu Sese Seko Kuku Ngbendu Wa Za Banga, which means “The all-powerful warrior who, because of his endurance and inflexible will to win, goes from conquest to conquest, leaving fire in his wake.” The gargantuan ego of this man saw him steal billions upon billions of dollars from the country. His government based on theft and extortion helped to establish the country’s poverty. He had turned the military from one of the best in Africa to being little more than a highly organized gang. The exact extent of the damage that he caused to the country remains a mystery and his style of rule continues to be seen somewhat in the present administration’s attempts to strong arm dissenters.

#8 Ethnic Conflict There are two things you think about whenever you think of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the first is extreme poverty and the second is an ethnic conflict. The country has not had a single day of peace since the 1970s as some form of insurgency or war has gripped the country since then. The most infamous of these wars was the Second Congo War which was the deadliest one since World War II! Presently, the main groups rebelling in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are found in the Ituri and Kivu regions; most being ethnic Hutus. The present conflicts in the Congo are some of the last proxy wars of the previous century. The largest foreign supporter of any of the armed groups in the Congo is Rwanda, supporting ethnic Tutsi militias in the Kivus. There does not seem to be an end in sight to the bloodshed.

#9 Arbitrary Arrest And Detention The first rule in the Congo is “Do not even look like you broke a rule in the Congo!” That is pretty much how the police and military forces of the country operate. According to the Congolese Constitution, such activities are illegal; too bad the authorities don’t really care. For little more than simply not being liked by the local magistrate, you may find yourself locked in a cell with ten other guys. In the Congolese context, this tends to be used against political opponents and for petty reasons. Police officials often times will use this as a way to extort money from locals and foreigners. Thanks to this being a major source of funding, many of those in law enforcement have turned blind eyes to the phenomenon. The arrests and detention of people for little more than base suspicion has impeded justice from being carried out. With so many people being on the payroll of one official or another, a tremendous amount of innocent people may have been sentenced to many years at hard labor…or worse.

#10 Deforestation The Congo is a land rich in natural resources and wonders, and among those resources are its rainforests. Jungle wood is a popular commodity, particularly for furniture, and so the dense forests of the Democratic Republic of the Congo are quite attractive to international corporations. The jungles of the Congo are some of the most biodiverse in the world, especially thanks to the many rivers. The exotic jungle wood market is only one of the reasons why deforestation takes place. The principle reason that deforestation takes place is growing populations and the need for farm and grazing land. People and livestock need to eat, so the forest has to go when push comes to shove. This is not something that is solely isolated to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, but there are fewer regulations there than elsewhere. Poaching is another major issue which causes mass deforestation.

#11 Privacy Is Not A Right  There is no right to privacy within the Democratic Republic of the Congo, something which is more than abhorrent to the majority of us. Mail, the Internet, and all manner of communications may be subject to extrajudicial surveillance at the behest of the local magistrates and law enforcement officers. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is rated as one of the worst places in the world for privacy for this reason. The excuse that is generally given for this is that the country is having to deal with large rebel movements. That would make more sense in the regions of the Kivu, Ituri, or even Katanga, but throughout the rest of the country, it just seems to be terribly overreaching. The fact that there is not a guarantee to privacy serves as a means to support the rampant political corruption. There is a level of irony to this as there are no access restrictions placed on the internet within the Congo.

#12 Child Soldiers Home to the largest number of child soldiers in the world, the Congo has one of the greatest humanitarian crises in the world. Throughout every conflict that has been fought in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, child soldiers have played a major role. From all three conflicts that Laurent-Désiré Kabila fought until the present Kivu Conflict, child soldiers have been a mainstay. The most famous case of child soldiers being used in the DRC has been by Joseph Kony, the leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army. In all cases where children were used as combatants in the Congo, the same method of raising a village and kidnapping them has been followed. Not only have child soldiers been used by rebels, the actual government has utilized them! Efforts have been implemented in an attempt to reintegrate a number of those kids into society. There has been resistance to this as many former child soldiers are ostracized and face retribution for what they were forced to do. The scars of their ordeal often go well beyond the violence of the battlefield.

#13 Assault The Congo is not only one of the poorest places in the world, but it has some of the highest rates of sexual violence and rape in particular. The problem is so bad in the province of Katanga, that it is sometimes referred to as the rape capital of the world. From what few reliable sources that exist on this subject, it appears that almost half of all women in Katanga have been subjected to rape or sexual violence of one form or another. Children and men are also victims of sexual violence as it is used as a weapon by both rebel groups and the Armed Forces alike. One of the common victims of rape and sexual assault in the Congo are current and former child soldiers. They are treated as such because they are easy targets for predators, especially since they often feel ashamed of the things they have done. The United Nations has supported measures to eliminate the occurrence of the mass rape endemic in the country.

#14 Extrajudicial Killings By Government Forces Although the Democratic Republic of the Congo has not performed a state-sanctioned execution since 2003, military and police forces have taken it upon themselves to be judge, jury, and executioner. The Congolese forces do this for a variety of reasons, mostly to keep people from rebelling or demoralize rebel forces. There have been numerous incidents in Ituri of Lendu villages being burnt to the ground by government forces or government-backed forces. This is one of the oldest tendencies of the various governments which have ruled in the Congo. Although the number of killings remains extremely high, they are nowhere near as bad as those under Mobutu Sese Seko or under Leopold II. During the Mobutu period, the dictator sought to have any and all resistance to his personal regime eradicated like roaches. This saw an increase in the use of rape as a weapon of the state and the forced seizing of farm operations within the country. During the Congo Free State, under the absolute rule of the Belgian King Leopold II, at least 10 MILLION people were massacred. To some, it may be strange to think about but so many were killed during that period that it still has some effect on the country today.

#15 Entrenched Corruption Whenever people think of the Congo, images of untamed gorillas, vast jungle, civil war, and poverty come to mind. One of the darkest facts of life in the country is that it is rife with corruption. Corruption is found throughout every level of government in every corner of the country. It is so prevalent that it directly affects the livelihood of the vast majority of the people. What is perhaps the most blatant expression of this despicable practice is the military selling their weapons to various rebel groups. The fact that you can buy an AK-47 in good condition in the Congo for as little as $25 is frighteningly evident of this. The selling of resources and business licenses in the Congo is exceedingly rampant. The political corruption within the Democratic Republic of the Congo can be seen at the consistent refusal of President Kabila to step down from the office.

Source: TheRichest

[zenosanalytic]

Currently watching The Native Bigfoot by Trey the Explainer and, beyond the fact that claims of a Pan-American tradition of Native Bigfoot stories are wildly exaggerated(i.e: made up by Euros), I think we should consider how this Euro desire to LOOK for shared mythological and religious beliefs is ITSELF a cultural artifact of European history.

Like: with the Interpretatio Graecae, the Romans carrying forward that practice in their OWN religious imperialism, the LONG history of Christian evangelical syncretism with local cult and custom(by this I dont just mean claiming the holy sites, days, and deities of indigenous traditions as secretly Christian, but also the tendency to include local european deities as evil spirits within a christian cosmology); Europeans have a good 2000 years, at LEAST, of this universalizing, ecumenical behavior, and we ought to consider how this Euro impulse to assert commonalities in mythologies and religions may be expressing itself through the mythmaking about "the native bigfoot".

[zenosanalytic]

Art History and Names

This is my Own Damn Fault for never caring to look of course, but just found out(via This Video Essay by Snappy Dragon. plz Watch :>) that the Pre-Raphaelites were NOT, in fact, Pre-Raphael but POST Raphael, by ALLOT, like "Romantic 1850s English Victorians" Allot; they just liked medieval art and ~blamed~ Raphael for aspects of contemporary art they didn't LIKE; and Dear Readers I am FUMING!!!!

Also, upgrading this from the tags cuz it's Vital Public information, 'Raphael Sanzio de Urbino' is Raph's full name, which you can absolutely read(I think) as "God Has Healed the Saint of the City" and DAMN that name is Fly as Hell XD XD

[zenosanalytic]

Empire of Cotton: A Gloss

So I got Empire of Cotton: A Global History by Sven Beckert last year, and I finally started reading it after finishing The Fifth Season earlier this week and, while I’m not far into it yet, there’s just so much important stuff in here that needs to be understood and there’s this one particular section which I think really encapsulates that with its sheer Density of plain-spoken busting of capitalist myths, but it’s a bit long, so I’m just going to share it below the cut, and say my piece:

“...For decades, representatives of the chartered European East India companies had complained about the ability of Indian weavers to sell their goods to competing European companies, competing Indian banias, traders from other regions of the world, or even to private European merchants who operated independently of the companies, creating competition that raised prices. Profitability could be increased only if the Europeans could force weavers to work for their respective companies alone. Monopolizing the market became the way to drive down weavers’ incomes and drive up the selling price of particular goods.”

So just keeping score, according to these cotton merchants, the actual “founders” of global capitalism let us not forget: Open Markets, Competition, and Free Labor = Bad; Monopolies and Compelled Labor = Good. So much for the foundations of Capitalism.

“European traders were helped in securing cotton cloth in the quantity and quality they needed, and at the price they desired, because their business practices were reinforced with political control of increasingly extensive Indian territories. They came not just as traders, but increasingly as rulers. By the 1730s, the Dhaka factory, for example, hosted a contingent of military personnel and arms to protect the company’s interests. Most dramatically, by 1765 the British East India Company---a group of merchants---ruled Bengal, and in the decades thereafter expanded its control over other South Asian territories. Such territorial dreams were furthered by British merchants’ increasing investment in the raw cotton trade between India and China by the late eighteenth century, which made them hope for the integration of western Indian cotton tracts into East India Company territories as well. This assertion of private political power by a state-chartered company over distant territories was a revolutionary reconceptualization of economic might. States shared sovereignty with private entrepreneurs.”

Two Points: 1)Local states(many of them aristocratic private states of their own) lacked the strength or integrity(military, economic, and institutional), and the UK government lacked the interest, to resist or restrain the East India Company, and so it came to dominate, it established its own Private State, and the “British Empire” eventually rose from this process of private conquests eventually ceded to an initially quiescent, though tacitly supportive, central government. Private States thrive where Public States are weak. 2)The EIC could never have succeeded at this without the tacit approval of the UK central government, expressed in; allowing its inactive soldiers, sailors, and ships to sell themselves as mercenaries to the EIC; allowing its armories to sell arms and ammunition to the EIC; allowing the EIC to use its charter to do things which its charter did not authorize, such as selling shares(which means issuing debt; the two are the same thing on a balance-sheet) to generate funds to then bribe local polities, either to fight for the Company, or “just” to corrupt local governance. A possible larger takeaway: Wealth sickens societies as much as it does individuals.

“Among many other things, this new combination of economic and political power enabled European merchants to gain greater control over textile manufacturing, especially by increasing control over weavers. Along the Coromandel coast the influential Indian merchants who acted as brokers between Indian weavers and European exporters increasingly were replaced by agents who were under much greater control of the European companies already in the seventeenth century. In Surat, which, like Bengal, would fall under company rule in 1765, the Board of Trade of the governor-general expressed in 1795 its dissatisfaction with

“the system in practice hitherto of having a Contractor who has not himself any immediate connection with the manufacturers or weavers, but engages in subordinate contracts with a large number of Native Merchants of little property or probity and though bound in responsibility, are not competent to pay a penalty if forfeited, and than in fact the goods never came into their possession, and apprehend that the difficulties now existing, will not be removed but with its abolition or very material alteration”

Removing the Indian middlemen promised foreign merchants better control over production and the ability to secure greater quantities of piece goods. To that end, the East India Company tried to bypass independent Indian banias who had historically connected them to the weavers by giving that responsibility to Indian “agents” whom they put on their payroll. The Board of Trade in London instructed the governor-general in great detail how to recast the system of purchasing cotton cloth, hoping thereby to “recover to the Company that genuine knowledge of the business,” and thus acquire more cloth at cheaper prices by implementing the “grand Fundamental principle of the Agency System.”

So here we see that private EIC state in South Asia dictating, through its “Board of Trade”(on-the-nose, I know, but reality’s writers have never been all that subtle), that India’s natural level of cotton production(how much cotton its growers&weavers choose to make at the price on offer) and natural balance of trade re: cotton(how India’s merchants choose to distribute that production to buyers based on the prices they offer) is neither high enough nor enough in the favor of British Industry(meaning: “willing to sell cotton and cotton-products to the EIC at artificially below-market prices”). Here is that private state of the East India Company(chartered by the UK central gov as all corporations are chartered by their governments. Because they are legal creations) stating its desire to force the people of India to act contrary to how they choose to act through law and regulation, solely because it would increase the profits of the East India Company in the cotton trade, and colluding with the central government back in England on how to do so(based, in part, on their similar promotion/subjection of the weaving trades in unguilded Lancashire). Tell me again how Capitalism loves Free Markets and Choice, and hates Bureaucratic “Red-Tape”.

“Through its Indian agents the company now made direct advances to weavers, something the British had not done in earlier years, which was greatly aided by territorial control and the attendant political authority. While weavers had always depended on credit, the novel insertion of Europeans into these credit networks along with the efforts of European merchants to monopolize economic control of particular parts of India made them ever more dependent on the company. Already by the middle of the eighteenth century, European companies sent these agents deep into the manufacturing centers in the countryside near Dhaka, agents who increasingly set the terms of production and thus succeeded in lowering prices. In the 1790s the East India Company even encouraged weavers to relocate to Bombay and produce cloth there---all with the goal of being able to supervise them better “without being extorted by the servants of the Rajah of Travacone”.”

First: Yes, modern Capitalism did not invent credit[1]. Second, India’s cotton industry initially worked on a “putting-out system”(the book deals with this in greater detail; this was the basic system for cotton production everywhere) and European capitalists sought to dismantle this system(as opposed to supporting its development, as in Lancashire. Again; the book deals with this in greater depth) explicitly because they did not control it, Indians did, and so could not use it to abuse labor. Third, here we see how credit and materials-access can be used to control people and restrict their choices, especially when those extending credit(specifically to access materials) also dictate your access to customers[2]. Fourth, considering how all of this was about controlling the native cotton industry of India and stealing from India producers and merchants its profits: Tell me again how India was an “Underdeveloped”, “Uncivilized”, place and culture, “Unimproved by Science or Art” that needed “The White Christian Man” to save it from its own “Benighted Backwardsness”.

“The encroachment of British power on the subcontinent meant that weavers increasingly lost their ability to set prices for cloth. According to the historian Sinnappah Arasaratnam “they could not produce for any customer they chose; they had to accept part of their payment in cotton yarn; they were subject to strict supervision of the process of manufacture by the Company’s servants who were located in the village.” Weavers were now often compelled to take advances from particular merchants...

...To further their goal, the company now employed its coercive powers toward the weavers directly. The company hired large numbers of Indians to supervise and implement new rules and regulations, in effect bureaucratizing the cloth market. Extensive new regulations attached weavers legally to the company, making them unable to sell their cloth on the open market. Company agents now inspected cloth on the loom, and endeavored to ensure that the cloth was, as promised, sold to the company. A new system of taxation penalized those weavers who produced for others.

The company also increasingly resorted to violence, including corporal punishment. When a company agent complained that a weaver was working illegally for a private merchant, “the company’s Gumashta seized him and his son, flogged him severely, painted his face black and white, tied his hands behind his back and marched him through the town escorted by seapoys [sic] [Indian soldiers in the employ of the English], announcing ‘any weaver found working for a private merchant should receive similar punishment’.” Such policies produced their intended results: Indian weavers’ income fell. In the late seventeenth century, up to one-third of the price of cloth might have gone to a weaver. By the late eighteenth century, according to historian Om Prakesh, the producer’s share had fallen to about 6 percent... By 1795, the company itslef observed an “unprecedented mortality among the Weavers”.”

And all of this for what? To alienate the weavers and spinners of India from their labor and transform the compensation they ask for their labor and materiel from a Price to a “cost of production”. To steal from them the product and value of their own work through brutality, humiliation, injustice, and illiberty; to deny them the natural right to decide, or even so much as negotiate, the worth of their work, and who they will share, give, or sell it to. And for no reason other than the stuffing of the Company-men’s own greedy pockets.

To call this “Capitalism” makes it more complicated that it really is. It asserts a theoretical and philosophical basis it doesn’t really have, and grants it a practical rigor it doesn’t really deserve. It’s just powerful people doing whatever they can to make themselves richer. It’s just amoral, overriding greed. “Capitalists” don’t care about free markets or piracy or competition or contracts or Rights or “the invisible hand” or any of the rest of their claimed values and, as any history of “Capitalism” shows, they never did. It’s always just been about getting more however they can, and no matter how much suffering they inflicted to accomplish it. It’s always just been about building themselves up by grinding other people down.

[1]though I’d argue this less means credit predates capitalism than that capitalism is a much, much older system than we tend to think of it as. Or maybe that capitalism is rooted in and grew out of far older behaviors and mindsets which tend to get ignored in this discussion, depending on how you prefer to look at it. Like: reciprocity, and what you might call “delayed reciprocity”, has been a part of human cultures since, very likely, before they were human; the recontextualizing of that into commercial/financial terms as “debt” and “credit” is, to me, a sort of “capitalification” of reciprocity, morality, and social existence. Debt: The First 5000 Years was a useful book to me on this subject.

[2]This seems Quite Relevant to the modern USian question of Net Neutrality which: Tell me again-again how Capitalism loves Free Markets and Choice, and hates Bureaucratic “Red-Tape”.