SIMUN

I thought SIMUN was a great experience. I thought I did okay; I honestly could’ve done better. The first day I thought it was a good idea to just watch and have an overview of what it was all about. My country was only directly involved in one scenario through a newsflash. The scenario was about the Mexican drug wars, and the killings of Americans and innocent Mexican citizens and police officers committed by the drug cartels. The newsflash said something along the lines of 50 people were killed on a spring break trip, those spring breakers were from the European countries of Italy, Germany and France.

When it came time for a caucus I would talk with Germany, France, and Denmark. We would all share opinions and once we returned back to our seats we would raise our placards and would asked to be put on the speakers list so we could share our opinions with everyone else.

I prepared myself for SIMUN by researching my allies, and background information on my country. We also were assigned topic papers in Mrs. Bergeski’s class, giving us scenarios on certain issues going on throughout the world today. We had to research different sources and write a response answering the questions that were given to us. These papers helped a lot with the SIMUN scenarios because they related to the issues we had to solve during SIMUN. The research we did gave us background information on these issues.

I thought it was a good experience because it was brand new to me and probably most of the freshmen in Global Ed now. I think it helped us not only make friends with the other delegates in our groups but grow as speakers and help with our problem solving skills, instead of taking the easy way out and resulting in violence, I learned there are many different tasks that can lead to a more peaceful outcome.

Next year for SIMUN I will better prepare myself by, knowing a little more background information on my allies and my country as well. I think next year it’ll be much easier to get more involved because you have a better idea on what to speak about, and what to ask questions on. I will also try to get as involved as possible, like get on the speakers list more, and ask questions more, write recommendations, and even give my opinion to my allies.

SIMUN blog

Responding as a delegate from Italy:

I agree that the United States should take control of the situation in Pakistan. If nuclear weapons get into the wrong hands, like the Taliban or Al Qaida it would result in un-necessary violence. Italy believes that it is necessary for someone to step in and help Pakistan gain the control of their government back, with the extra support it would decrease the chances of the terrorist groups taking over.

According to www.npr.org's article “Unsecured Nuclear Material Poses Risks” One of the United States biggest problem is Pakistan “ An unstable government, enough material for 60 to 100 weapons, strong Islamic influences in the military and intelligence.” Al Qaida is not located too far from a nuclear base in Pakistan, the nuclear base is secure, but their government is not, making it much easier for them too have access.

This isnt only a problem for Pakistan but other countries all over the world as well. Other terrorist groups may get ideas and try to do the same to their countries. Also if these nuclear weapons get into the hands of Al Qaida or the Taliban we could be looking at one of the worst wars possible. Pakistan would obviously fire nukes at their enemies, as well as getting the idea that if they can take over Pakistan, they can take over any country.

If Pakistans nuclear weapons get into the hands of the Taliban or Al Qaida, countries all around the world will have to come together and try and fight back. Yes, it may not be the best solution to the problem, but if we dont apply force they wont take us seriously. If something breaks out suddenly I will have an army prepared and ready to go.

Free Write: Memoirs of a Geisha

The women’s role in Memoirs of a Geisha differs very much from women’s roles here in America because, a Geisha is known as very successful in Japan and young girls look up to them. Geishas visit from teahouse to teahouse where there are a couple of men in attendance along with the director. When the Geishas arrive they tell stories, perform dances, and pour tea and sake for the men. Geishas are known as beautiful, wearing long kimonos, and their makeup starts with a lead based white pant covering their face and neck, so that the main things that stand out to men are their bright red lips and in Chiyo’s case her unusual pale blue-gray eyes.

Geishas training are known to be cruel and very long, they attend a school at their young ages which teach them how to pour tea or sake correctly, they learn how to play the shamsien, learn the beats to music so that they can dance along and follow the pattern of rhythm. After completing their schooling Geishas usually look to find a “big sister” or a successful geisha who has a lot of experience. That will take them in and teach them all the basics, like how to put on their makeup, how to correctly wear their kimonos, how to flaunt themselves and show themselves off towards men. When the big sister decides that the time is right, and her little sister is ready, she will take her along to teahouses and while be named an “apprentice geisha” or known as a “novice geisha”.

If we had this in America, citizens would frown upon it. We value children much higher than other countries do; Parents wouldn’t put their children through grueling school hours to teach them how to dance and pour tea when they are higher paying and more respectable jobs in America.