Weblog Journal Assignment 1

This is my first blog ever so I am kind of unsure of what I'm doing but here goes nothing!  I am very excited for this course because I am planning to go to Law School and study International Law and I feel courses discussing various conflicts and current events are crucial to my success.  Being that I know literally nothing of the current conflicts in Jerusalem, I am excited to learn and grow as both a student and a prospective attorney.  I believe the outcome of this class will be a deepened understanding of the areas of turmoil within Israel as well as opening up insight as to where members of the class stand in the various arguments.  I plan to use the blogs to comment on classmates' blog with my reactions to their thoughts, my disagreements as well as with encouragement.  Coming in to this class, my views on the city of Jerusalem are solely founded on my upbringing as a Christian.  I have found that many of my opinions on issues affecting my life are commonly rooted in my beliefs as a Christian as well as my lack of knowledge of other religions and other cultures.  I got to thinking today and my first time actually meeting someone that was/had any connection with the Muslim religion was when the boy in class stated that he had practiced as a Muslim.  This realization came as a shock to me because it makes me realize how little I know of the world and how easy it is to feel like what I see in front of me is all that there is to know.  I am most excited for this class because I know it will open my eyes to the other views and beliefs of members of both my classroom and the city of Jerusalem.  After reading some of the articles, it amazed me just how much arguing and bickering that took place over such petty issues.  For example, in Suad Amiry's article, 'Researching East Jerusalem,' she addresses a disagreement over who would take care of the shipping.  It amazes me that a tension could be so tangible as to contribute to issues that seem so minute.  In attempting to represent the entire city that is Jerusalem, the team had to focus on all areas of the city, not just the view of Jerusalem from one particular group.  This must have been hard considering the very diverse beliefs and cultures that all call Jerusalem home.  These articles were all fascinating and informative and helped me gain some insight to the current conditions of the residents of Jerusalem.