Geographical enlightenment in the US: Czech is not Chechen

As you have already noticed the issue of the Boston Marathon bombing has got a new dimention: Some Americans confuse Chechnya with the Czech Republic. During yesterday determined statements appeared on Twitter, including those of declaring war on us. This provoked some of the Czech users to fight for their country’s name and started explaining the difference between the Czech Republic and Chechnya.

Yesterday it seemed that only Czech media are interested in this topic, today the news touched even some American websites. The Czech Ambassador in Washington has also made a statement explaining the difference betweeen the two countries. Has a geographical enlightenment in America been started?

Gun control blocked

Fifty-four senators supported the gun bill (a ban on assault weapons and a ban on high-capacity gun magazines) but they did not manage to overcome the 60-vote treshold. Opponents of this bill argued that it would violate the right to bear arms and “that passions (especially the Newtown massacre) had no place in the making of momentous policy.“

Here are several interesting comments:

President Obama : “a pretty shameful day for Washington.” (abou Wednesday when the bill was blocked) "Most of these senators could not offer any good reason why we wouldn't want to make it harder for criminals and those with severe mental illnesses to buy a gun."

Gabrielle Giffords, former Arizona congresswoman : "These senators made their decision based on political fear and on cold calculations about the money of special interests like the National Rifle Association, which in the last election cycle spent around $25 million on contributions, lobbying and outside spending"

Patricia Maisch, a survivor of the mass shooting in Arizona: “Shame on you.”(she shouted from the Senate gallery after the bill was blocked)

Terror at Boston Marathon

I was shocked to see the news about the Boston bombings. Due to explosions during the Boston Marathon, 3 people are dead and more than 140 people are injured. "As authorities try to figure out who triggered the deadly bombings Monday at the Boston Marathon, which killed an 8-year-old boy and two others, many are at a loss to explain why anyone would target the annual event that celebrates thousands of runners from around the world."

Read the article, there are also some videos, e.g. the scene from the attack and the response of Obama, who said: "We still do not know who did this or why. But make no mistake - we will get to the bottom of this... Any responsible individuals or any responsible groups will feel the full weight of justice".

It is sad. You really never know what can happen...

Banned Books Vs. Guns

In case you do not have Facebook, Ms Bilanová shared this article on our department page. I find it really interesting because I must say that America won't stop surprising me. After you get over the initial reaction to the picture because you're kinda getting used to the American's skewed view of what is right and wrong, especially when we're talking about the safety of children, then you find out the reason why this fairytale - Little Red Riding Hood - was banned. Not because of the potential violence (both the grandma and the little girl are eaten by the wolf) but because “one of the refreshments for her grandmother that Little Red Riding Hood carried in her basket was wine.” It's the same thing with movies - children can see blood, gore, etc...but there are strict policies, and very specific ones, on what part of body can/cannot be seen in a PG13 movie (even if it is shown in an artistic way). Now this - children mustn't read about wine because it's alcohol? I think that maybe they need to sort out their priorities.

"Explain why Jews are evil"

"You need to pretend that I am a member of the government in Nazi Germany, and you are being challenged to consider that you are loyal to the Nazis by writing an essay convincing me that Jews are evil and the source of our problems." Such instructions were students of a New York state high school asked to follow while writing their essay. The teacher responsible for this now faces the threat of reprimand or dismissal.

What do you think about this issue? Do you think a possible reprimand would be enough?

"One-third of the students refused to complete the task." What would you do if you were one of the students?