The Great Dying in the beginning of chapter 13 was eye opening to me. I hadn't realized the reality of what else happened when Europeans came to America. I remember as a kid learning about the Indians that were scalped and how viscous the take over was. I also remember learning about Christopher Columbus and it was taught that he was a hero. The way that I was taught in school had shaped my view for a decent amount of time. I never felt discriminatory about native Americans, but its almost as if what had happened wasn't an issue. I also remember associating Thanksgiving with the Indians, but remembering it as a peaceful merging of the peoples. This is no way how I feel now and after reading the first part of chapter 13 has made me rethink everything I had learned growing up.

It saddens and frustrates me every time I hear/read negative, justifying quotes associated with God. I am referring to pg 623, "such conditions represented the good hand of God at work, sweeping away great multitudes of the natives... that he might make room for us." WHAT? I don't understand this mindset and what's worse is this thinking was typical then regarding other races and sexes and has shaped our society across the globe. Even worse, this thinking and discrimination is seen today in the most horrific of circumstances. When will we learn it is human nature to be different but the same and it is ok. We should be equal because we are in fact only human.

There was another part of this chapter that stood out for me and it was also quite early on in the first few pages. Pg 625, "Never before in human history had such a large-scale and consequential diffusion of plants and animals operated to remake the biological environment of the planet." What a powerful statement! As a society, we are strongly focused on our immediate needs and pleasures that there is little worry or regard of the future implications. This is seen in all aspects of life and society, from global warming to obesity. I guess you can say that history is repeating itself as humans alter our planet. I wonder what it would look like if this hadn't happened. What benefits have we seen from this altering? One may say that we live longer, we are able to mass produce ourselves and our food. If humans are smart enough to alter food and the environment, how come we are not smart enough to repair and stop the damage we have done? Pg 670 talks about the need for tropical spices, I think I would have gone as well.

There are benefits to having a global economy and there are benefits of local economies. There is an influx of buy local and made in the USA market. I buy into this especially when it comes to food. Our we as a society trying to scale back from the mas import/export of the past? I would like to think so. I would like to think that I am doing myself and the world a favor by buying local. Then I think, what would it be like if the first time I ate a mango, banana, pineapple or coconut was when I was 30 years old. This is the first time I went to Hawaii. On one hand, I would be missing out on pretty amazing food and on the other, I think what a treat to taste these wonderful fruits for the first time as an adult and be captivated by the experience.

There are so many aspects of history that show the cruelty of humans. Recently, I wrote a reflection on what makes a good leader and in it I pointed out that a good leader is present. A good leader is one who is intimately involved with the people. Well, I would have to contradict myself because the reflection I read on pg 651 talks about a horrible leader who wants to set examples by instilling fear into the people. Later in the reflection, however, it talks about his tour and the way he talks with people about their crops and visits homes. According to my last paper I would have counted Emperor Kangxi as a good leader except that he executed people and their families to make examples of them. He is like the confused father that doesn't know if he is more effective by being forceful or loving. What a terrible way to lead. Lead by example, your example, not the example of killing others.