"The Silk Road has Become an Information Superhighway."

    This last week I have the privilege of hearing from Dr. Reynolds Redekopp of the University of Manitoba about the sociological ramifications associated with Global Digital Citizenship. We live in a truly global culture thanks to technology, and we are arguably more intelligent than ever before because of it. Technology has provided an avenue for scientific advancements that have done wonders for modern medicine, and it has become a saving grace during the pandemic in regards to education alone. The Silk Road has become an information superhighway. We have so much power in the palm of our hands and it's truly remarkable. However, to quote Dr. Redekopp "you cannot have the benefits of Globalization without the responsibility," or as Spider-Man says: "with great power comes great responsibility." To exemplify the notion, our class watched anBandi Mbubi's Ted Talk called "Congo Calling Back", where he discusses the evil truth behind the cultivation of tantalum, a mineral used in the production of smartphones, which has caused a 'War for Blood Minerals' in The Democratic Republic of the Congo. Mbubi says:

"Our mobile phones connect us to our loved ones and colleagues, at home and overseas. 

They are symbols of our interconnected world. But they leave a bloody trail. 

Tantalum is mined in the Congo as Coltan, for use in phones, and all sorts of medical and other equipment. The Congo consistently scores dreadfully in global poverty and health rankings, 

but the worth of the country has been estimated as over $24 trillion. The extraction of tantalum has financed and fuelled an ongoing war. It has contributed to terrible suffering – killings, rape, depopulation. 30,000 children are enlisted and made to fight in armed groups. The 

state-regulated mining industry has collapsed, so control has splintered and is easily taken by 

armed groups, who disguise the minerals and use illegal trade routes into Rwanda."

 "But don’t throw away your phones just yet."

"The irony is that this technology that has brought such suffering, has also brought the situation to our attention. The mobile phone has given people around the world an important tool in gaining their 

political freedom."

"We are faced with a paradox."

It was a lot to take in on a Monday, tbh.

    The uncomfortable truth about our smartphones is not new to me. In fact, I distinctly remember even watching a documentary in my Global Issues class my senior year called "Blood in the Mobile". I remember feeling guilty, and motivated, but it never went any further than that.

    Ironically this week, as if to cosmically complement this call to action, there was a 4 hour Science Jam live stream from the Arctic Basecamp called "Make Earth Cool Again". The Livestream featured a series of keynote scientists and celebrities, along with some musical performances all focused on informing the public about climate change. More importantly, these dignified people offered concrete ways to get involved and urged of the importance to do so right now.  'Make the Earth Cool Again' reminded us that by 2027 the earth will reach a 'danger zone' for temperature and the damage will be irreversible by 2042. Well, I'll be 50 in 2042 and I don't want to retire in eternal hellfire thank you very much. But, I am only one voice and it's fairly loud but highly incapable of saving the world. So, what could I do?                            

                                    I can inspire my students to use their voices alongside mine.

*Image by Carolyn Suzuki 

(FYI: Apparently, apple actually responds to students.) I feel so grateful to be an educator right now and I hope I get to teach Global Issues! Fingers crossed. I'll keep you posted. In the meantime, I urge you to educate yourselves more on both of these topics and find a way to get involved. I'd love to see what you come up with! 

Some resources to get you started: 

• YouTube: Blood in the Mobile (Full Documentary)
• Make Earth Cool Again (LiveStream Recording)
• Ted Talk: Bandi Mbubi "Congo Calling Back"

"Climate War" by Brooklyn artist Josh MacPhee

Lots to think about. The wisdom must steep! Get lots of fresh air this weekend, please! if you're in Manitoba it's supposed to be nice to go exploring. Drink all of the teas. Earl Grey pairs so nicely with lavender and honey, btw. 

♡

See you Space Cowboys, 

Lady C