tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226261424957237168.post4087567861449827996..comments2023-03-27T03:42:08.190-07:00Comments on Zuck's H Zone: Middle Ages and UrbanizationMr. Zucker (aka JZ famous rapping teacher star)http://www.blogger.com/profile/01872712554246879191noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226261424957237168.post-78949825396524521202007-10-04T22:14:00.000-07:002007-10-04T22:14:00.000-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.kearney asadahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18139527695741822318noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226261424957237168.post-47874103627764500162007-09-20T22:32:00.000-07:002007-09-20T22:32:00.000-07:00I agree with some of the facts previously stated. ...I agree with some of the facts previously stated. f there had not ben cities throughout the world then many inventions that have led to futuher development of technologies, and methods of doing thins may never have been developed. As they say, necessity is the mother of invention. But i do agree that civilizations do take away form our freedoms and in many ways. I also think that it is an evolutionary instinct to live in and found cities. Once humans have a stable food and water source, on fertile ground, there is no reason to leave. <BR/><BR/>As for corruption and dishonesty i agree with Daniel Fotinich. That corruption will always exist in some shape or form, but as long as we keep any one individual from becoming all powerful, then the world can run soothly. If we do not monitor the power of one individual catastrophic things can happen (i.e. Hitler).<BR/><BR/>Malcolm Wallace<BR/>period 3Malcolmhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04494996765705177280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226261424957237168.post-64772196369829206762007-09-19T15:36:00.000-07:002007-09-19T15:36:00.000-07:00Second Response for student comments I was the fir...Second Response for student comments I was the first to comment.<BR/><BR/>Stephen explains all of the privileges we have today. We live for a lot of the things he explained. He is right, the Pheasants of the Medieval Ages had life a lot worse then us. They had no great things like we do. The Pheasants had to work all day and just try to survive, feed their family, and tend to the requirements of their lord. They were stuck with that life and that was the majority of the people. We have definitely improved.<BR/><BR/>Greg London, Period 4Londonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01668647865624471550noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226261424957237168.post-31410899391945822562007-09-19T15:35:00.000-07:002007-09-19T15:35:00.000-07:00testtestLondonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01668647865624471550noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226261424957237168.post-64515979615841553022007-09-17T21:49:00.000-07:002007-09-17T21:49:00.000-07:00ummmm, hiummmm, hib-radhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17480009049817826792noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226261424957237168.post-30439941715853908242007-09-10T14:22:00.000-07:002007-09-10T14:22:00.000-07:00testtestLondonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01668647865624471550noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226261424957237168.post-29653229476291883932007-09-08T13:22:00.000-07:002007-09-08T13:22:00.000-07:00I do not agree with you Mr. Zucker, I believe that...I do not agree with you Mr. Zucker, I believe that the creation of cities was the beginning of Western Civiliztion. Although Cities had many drawbacks, cities were where people focused their crafts-making abilities, increased the population of Europe, and created European Philosophy based on modern and ancient philosophies. The many drawbacks that European society had, were a biproduct of the advancement that took place. What would have happened if there hadn’t been any cities? Feudalism might have existed for another thousand years with little or no advancement in science, theology, farming and warfare. Manifest destiny is what drives mankind’s natural instinct to thrive and advance as a species. Advancement comes at a price, but the positive effects outweigh the negative. We as a modern society have many of the same problems that the Europeans had in the middle ages. We have waste, wars, plagues, famine, poverty etc., but we have decided that advancement (just like the cities in the middle ages) will eventually solve these isssues creating a good society. We are educated which will solve these problems. We become educated in order to make better decisions. Knowledge is power and advancement betters society. No society is perfect, but our system works.<BR/><BR/>Benjamin Coupe<BR/>Period 5B.C.https://www.blogger.com/profile/16137361207909094071noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226261424957237168.post-59448843684645996612007-09-07T23:58:00.001-07:002007-09-07T23:58:00.001-07:00andrew aaronianperiod 4andrew aaronian<BR/>period 4andrew a.https://www.blogger.com/profile/11272228654666671836noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226261424957237168.post-78302531060088490522007-09-07T23:58:00.000-07:002007-09-07T23:58:00.000-07:00I don't see how cities could be seen at best as "a...I don't see how cities could be seen at best as "a new form of living." JZ criticizes how cities have big problems, yet he hardly supports a better solution on how our ever-advancing society could be better. I believe that to say cities had a more negative rather than positive impact is absurd. Throughout the years haven't cities acted as a meeting place for people from all places to share ideas, beliefs (cultural diffussion) and trade! America is not a perfect country, no place is, but America is also a young country compared to England and China. We are dealing and have dealt with our problems and although more are bound to arise who's to say that we can't find a close-to perfect system.andrew a.https://www.blogger.com/profile/11272228654666671836noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226261424957237168.post-69025511567530933322007-09-07T22:50:00.000-07:002007-09-07T22:50:00.000-07:00I think that JZ puts up a good argument, but I dis...I think that JZ puts up a good argument, but I disagree with it. The idea that the creation of cities marked the beginning of the end is ludicrous. I agree with Tyler when he said that great civilization created important achievements, and these can be credited to cities. Cities are good for society and the advancement of mankind because they provide people with opportunities of doing great things. Even if the quality of life isn’t good in parts of New York City, isn’t this worth it for the great things the city provides? Children receive education, people can earn jobs, and order is established through law. Since we have all these huge cities in the world today, we are making more progress then ever in every aspect of life. I do agree with Mr. Zucker when he says the rich control government, and that was the reason for democracy. The common people can take control of government, but they choose not to. The rich love democracy because even though they still have control of the government, it isn’t an aristocracy because the people actually have a “voice”.<BR/> Anyone who says that life would be better back then is full of bull. Every society has problems, but it is foolish to argue that it was better back then. The Kingdom of God will never be achieved, but we can come close. Today is a better time to live in because of all of the advancements we have made in human history. <BR/> Kevin F. Hernandez period 4KFHhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11077633696888446596noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226261424957237168.post-33513018341487410472007-09-07T22:39:00.000-07:002007-09-07T22:39:00.000-07:00Mr. Zucker, though I agree with most of what you s...Mr. Zucker, though I agree with most of what you said, Mr. Daroca's argument is the one the one my feeling relate to. America is the land of the free. A land where are actions are no longer guided by the church, no longer to look up in fear at our leader. I mean, President Bush is often insulted publicly, but unlike in the medieval ages, we no longer have to worry about a knight showing up on our doorstep brandishing his sword because we have openly insulted our king. People in this day in age have a right to think for themselves where thinking and believing something isn't looked down upon by most, of course some will be haters but most will accept you as being different. And in closing I believe that though not many of us are standing up and being active in choosing our leaders and other government officials, it's the fact that we have a choice to, we can choose to get involved,like even a homeless person can get up and decide that he wants to go and vote in this next presidential election, and that is what sets us apart from those in the middle ages, the fact that we have a say and have the choice whether or not to say it, unlike those in the middle ages. Whose choices were made by those in power and only those power. <BR/><BR/>-Zachary "Sweet N' Low" Wilson<BR/>Period 4Sweet N' Lowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14910399977674524983noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226261424957237168.post-34280725101861515892007-09-07T22:27:00.000-07:002007-09-07T22:27:00.000-07:00I agree that the Middle Ages are a time when there...I agree that the Middle Ages are a time when there wasn't much activity in that time period. Since we do not know anything of what happened during that period. An example of this is in our history books students, when learning about the Middle Ages, learn more about the inactivity of this time period. People could say we are like the people in the Dark Ages, but we, as a culture and civilization have made many great advances that highlight our civilization. Such advance includes the use of the internet, cell phones, and all other technological advances. People do not look into the Middle Ages and see much advancement going on. I agree with Greg London that people are happier today then what we know of people in the Middle Ages. People in the Middle Ages are typically thought of being a bad time where people were in bad situations.<BR/>Matt Chait, period 5MC HAIThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11495709743014017147noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226261424957237168.post-2803891085635223962007-09-07T21:35:00.000-07:002007-09-07T21:35:00.000-07:00Mr. Zucker,To walk through life viewing the same s...Mr. Zucker,<BR/>To walk through life viewing the same scenery without a thought isn't truly living. The lives of the lower class in the middle ages where akin to a life repeating the same schedule day by day. As humans, we live for joy and fulfillment; that is the reason people hike, go to amusement parks, etc. A good example of the lives we would lead without this change is in Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451. In a world without knowledge, philosophy, and diversity, a person cannot live their lives to the fullest. In the middle ages, many of these thinkers where killed for heresy(Galileo for example was put under house arrest for his remaining years as an old man for going against church teachings). <BR/><BR/>As to the problem of corruption of corporations, I agree with you, but there is no solution in the foreseeable future. The alternative to this is to return to the same monotonous and static lives lived by the peasants in the manor society. <BR/><BR/>The issue of the presidency, on the other hand, is a terrible offence. Though we may not have the power to vote for the president, apathy can destroy the world. Dante Alighieri has apathy as the vestibule of hell. Indifference to a problem is to accept the problem and allow it to continue. Many Americans complain that George Bush should not have been put in office and that he should be removed, but they are the ones who put him there. <BR/><BR/><BR/>As to Trojan’s view on peasant life compared to modern society however, I strongly disagree. A lower class worker can not simply play hooky at work and fool around and eat whenever it’s agreeable to them. The lower class today works 10-16 hours a day to provide enough for their family to have a small home in an ok neighborhood with few luxuries. If they skip work randomly, they will get fired. If they spend a lot of money on useless items, they will not have enough money to pay for bills. The situation you describe is only that of high ranking officials in large companies. And even then they have work that needs to be done in order to survive in a capitalist society.<BR/><BR/>Holyman, Period 5.<BR/><BR/><BR/><BR/><BR/><BR/>WilliamsUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01709180667633138236noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226261424957237168.post-43965221667085113132007-09-07T21:20:00.000-07:002007-09-07T21:20:00.000-07:00In truth, Mr. Zucker, the idea of Western civiliza...In truth, Mr. Zucker, the idea of Western civilization is a joke, that’s right, you heard me. A JOKE!!! The entire history of our country involves us bestowing hardships, upon hardships, upon more hardships on other people. Much like Jonathan Daroca said the negative impacts that we have had are much worse than the positives. In Europe the serfs were serfs but were given a decent living and protection. Here in the United States we had slavery and treated those slaves like they were worse than dirt. The Europeans expanded old deserted towns into large cities. We on the other hand came here and killed, captured and all but enslaved the indigenous people of the Americas, just so we could expand our country from border to border. You spoke in there of us evolving from Middle Age society, we have not evolved!!! We have devolved and sunk back into such prehistoric morals even though our knowledge has advanced. However, there are a few things that did evolve from that time. In the fourth paragraph you talked about wealthy families paying off officials and fighting over turf. Say hello to the beginnings of the Mafia and eventually gangs. We took what they were doing and took it up a notch, which in this case is not a good thing. I also very much agree with you, Mr. Zucker when you were talking about how much we waste compared to the people of Medieval times. Nowadays a person has more trash in a week then the other people would in a full month.<BR/><BR/>In conclusion, I mostly agree with what you said, Mr. Zucker, but I believe that we are much worse than you say. As stated in my comment, I believe we stray so far off the path for a better future I do not know how we will fix it.<BR/><BR/>Alex Flynn Period 5Rabbihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03707426555766293605noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226261424957237168.post-78705915347909024842007-09-07T20:33:00.000-07:002007-09-07T20:33:00.000-07:00I agree with the points in your article, but would...I agree with the points in your article, but would not say that urban centers were "the beginning of the end for Western Civilization". Although cities do bring about their own share of problems we are most likely better off with them then without them. Cities today are centers of government, commerce, living, and entertainment. With this centralization that primitive Mideival Cities lacked we are able to have greater experiences and a better quality of life. People are free to make their own decisions and follow their own pursuits to wherever they take them in our capitalist society whether they may be bad or good. We do still have some of the political problems that plagued the Medieval people however, despite our educations. People do not vote in elections most often believing that their one vote won't matter, but their vote on a reality t.v. will since they feel a greater "connection" with . However, increasing technology such as "youtube debates" will help people be more connected with candidates, through asking their own questions, and have better sense of how important voting is and the ability to have a say-so in government.<BR/><BR/>I also agree with Tim Perille's comment on that globalization has caused such a large interdependences between cities/state that when one city/state's economy falls everyone is effected. Cities need to be more self-reliant and better able to take care of themselves since that is what caused many to fall in the past; the inability to adapt to changes in the environment whether it be political or environmental. <BR/><BR/>Michael Wisniewski Period 5wiznewskihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12598853323634708570noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226261424957237168.post-8904223538731107042007-09-07T19:56:00.000-07:002007-09-07T19:56:00.000-07:00Mr. Zucker,I would have to disagree on the fact th...Mr. Zucker,<BR/><BR/>I would have to disagree on the fact that urban centers started the end of Western civilization. You point out that cities caused pollution, political corruption, congestion, degraded culture, and social anonymity. I believe that that has always existed in any place with some type of organization, whether it is the city of Los Angeles or some Seljuk Turk settlement during the Middle Ages. <BR/><BR/>I don’t understand whether you are trying to say that living now is better than what it was in the past or vice versa. All I have to say, though, is that according to what I have studied up to now, life in the Middle Ages must have sucked compared to life in the 21st century. Life revolved around working, eating, sleeping, and some more working. It was like this for almost everyone; I mean there weren’t a lot of people who got the chance to kick it in their castles all day. <BR/><BR/>I have to agree with you that people are more educated now than they were in the Middle Ages. I do think it was for the better of humanity because it has allowed us to make better decisions that give us the opportunity to progress in life. Proof that people in the Middle Ages were not educated can be seen during the time of the Crusades. They fought because they believed they would get into heaven just because the pope had said so. If Pope Benedict XVI said the same today we would not fall for it, since we are all well educated and know this is a bunch of bologna.<BR/><BR/>To touch on the point you brought up about democracy, I feel that even though only thirty percent of the voting population vote, we are all influenced by the media. We don’t always vote for whom we think is right, but for whom the media considers the right choice. It’s sad, but true that we are easily convinced or brainwashed by the media. In the end I feel that citizens don’t vote for the ideal candidate, but for the candidate that has more influence with wealthy people who in turn pay the media for the exposure. They do this as an investment, knowing that they will get in return many favors $$$$$$$. <BR/><BR/>And finally I would have to agree with Philip Tostado, where he explains that the present US has made a lot of progress in comparison with the Middle Ages. It is pretty self explanatory since we no longer live in castles and kill people with arrows, but we do have a more advanced government that has tried to guide us in the right path. <BR/><BR/>Salvador Valle, Period 5trojans07https://www.blogger.com/profile/01848524684331623095noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226261424957237168.post-20601310497416127802007-09-07T19:51:00.000-07:002007-09-07T19:51:00.000-07:00Mr. Zucker:So urbanization is the bane of human ev...Mr. Zucker:<BR/><BR/>So urbanization is the bane of human evolution, eh? That a rural lifestyle is the way to go and that little to no good has come from cities? <BR/><BR/>Well, I truly beg to differ. Which means I disagree and think that you are crazy, sir. I mean not to take it personally or anything, but here is why:<BR/><BR/>Education: Well I say education is one of the defining elements of any civilization. Centers of learning will not develop where there is little to no will to learn; i.e. a rural society where farmers must work all day, every day just to live and survive. Where is the time in that to do anything better with your life? What is the point to living if you aren't advancing or making strides? Think of the great civilizations throughout time. The Egyptians, as a matter of fact, had the largest library of works throughout time, from arguments by Plato to medicine to the date at those times. The Royal Library of Alexandria, however, fell to various sackings of the city and its contents were lost forever by the 3rd century. Rome, with a population of around 1 million, which preceeded the Middle Ages by a fair chunk of time, saw advancements in medicine, philosophy, and literature just through the sheer talent available to the city by the numbers. And thus we arrive in today, the United States, making advancements by quantum leaps almost everyday. We have scientists spending every day striving to make the next best thing that will keep us alive or make our lives easier. You asked what was so good about living longer if our life is so pitiful living in cities. My answer is simple. As technology gets better and better, eventually the PS9 will BE life-like. We will be content with that, and I am pacified and "happy" if I have that. Sure it may be superficial, but as we mature we also grow happier spiritually through making decisions that are defined as right nowadays. If you do charity work, then you just feel better becuase you feel worth, pride in what you have accomplished. Our current society tries to push that on us more and more. <BR/><BR/>But how would this be different than a rural life? They could give crops to a needy begger and feel worth. They could donate crop to the clergy of the Church and feel self-worth, right? But as our society has grown into this competitive, greedy monster that you have described (which in part I agree with), it makes the simple acts performed maybe daily in the Middle Ages about 100x magnified in the modern day. We strive to revert back to that part of society, but also push forward with the new, that will make life more exciting. That excitement is what you may have referred to as "stress." I have to say, most city-dwellers as myself thrive on that element. The edge, the excitement that comes from doing as much as possible to impress, and doing it all perfecrtly. (Like balancing a busy day and writing a perfect counter argument for a certain history class and finishing just in time!)<BR/>-<BR/>Ok...lets see who agreed with Mr. Z...hm...oh, Dylan! You AGREE with this madman?!? That society is corrupt? Support that! You just say corrupt, what do you mean? Explain! Is good ole' Dubbya paying off your local mayor to raise your taxes? I think there is corruption, but in limited checked ways (like how Mayor Villarigousa probably won't be voted back in again on account on all the dirt he's gotton over his wasteful water consumption after calling for conservation of it, and also that whole affair scandal) But the high and low points of all societies? Awesome way to put it. I like that.<BR/><BR/>And on that note I think im out.<BR/><BR/>Tyler Davenport Period 4tylerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12551118752776701983noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226261424957237168.post-53514376905962799342007-09-07T19:35:00.000-07:002007-09-07T19:35:00.000-07:00Mr. Zucker, I found your argument to be very pe...Mr. Zucker,<BR/> I found your argument to be very persuasive, but I am not in full agreement with you. I think that urban centers helped Medieval Europe a great deal. Some of the first cities started by merchants were inside the walls of a castle, which right away provides the people with protection. Without these places people wouldn't have been able to meet with each other regularly without a lot of trouble. This allowed intellectuals to speak with each other and improve their society. The more brains working on the same problem the better. The moving away form traditional rule by the church and government was a good thing. The church and state was corrupted with kings appointing church officials through lay investiture and the church overstepping its legal power. <BR/> I also believe that we have come a long way since the cities of Medieval Europe. Like you said yourself our sanitation has improved immensely. We may do more work now than the peasants did, but our work isn’t nearly as demanding physically. Lots or people enjoy their jobs and like striving to learn more about space or the ocean. People nowadays have the choice of how much work they do. Everyone chooses their own job and decides how much leisure they want to enjoy. Reality TV shows may be the most popular, but we don’t get stats on how many people are reading a book, studying, or watching an educational program. <BR/> I do agree, however, with the fact that no one besides government officials seriously believe they have a say in the rule of our country. It would be unrealistic to have the millions of people who live in the United States to all have a real say in how our government works. People see this and that is why so many people simply don’t bother to vote. <BR/> I agree with what Bernardo Waxtein had to say about cities. People are able to advance, learn more, and have more free time in cities, because they can rely on each other for the things they need, from food to clothing. <BR/><BR/>Clint Rosser Period 5Clint Rosserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08044648211861232841noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226261424957237168.post-3240444281270337602007-09-07T19:12:00.000-07:002007-09-07T19:12:00.000-07:00Mr. Zucker, although you brought up many points is...Mr. Zucker, although you brought up many points issue in our society, such as pollution and congestion, I do not agree with your idea that the development of the urban center was the beginning of the end of Western civilization. The urban centers that have developed today allow people to pursue their happiness in almost any way they see fit. In the Dark Ages, those few who were not at the top of the hierarchy were mainly focused on accomplishing their tasks and trying to feed themselves and their families. Although you argue that today's improvement of life expectancies, living conditions, diet, and education are only used to mask the lack of progress in the urban center, I think these all factor to show that these urban centers have proved highly effective. They have developed so greatly that people are capable of living longer with greater benefits than those of the Dark Ages. I agree with Jeremy on the point that the problem with waste can be attributed to our population’s exponential growth, not solely the development of urban centers. You bring about the question of "Are we more free than the peasants of the Middle Ages?" I truly doubt that every peasant would not envy the lives that Americans are living today. Sure, people put in hard work and have to go to their jobs, some of which are not rigorous, exhausting manual labor, in order to make their lives and the lives of their family easier in the long run. There is no one form of societal structure that will please and benefit everything involved, but I believe that the modern day urban center is far from a prison, seeing as all (free) Americans have the right to come and go from these urban centers as they please. <BR/><BR/>Kevin M. Hernandez Period 4Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07962054152944718054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226261424957237168.post-55853022465094222202007-09-07T19:00:00.000-07:002007-09-07T19:00:00.000-07:00I am sorry to say that I agree with you, Mr. Zucke...I am sorry to say that I agree with you, Mr. Zucker. As people in the Middle Ages moved closer together, leaders became corrupt, no one trusted eachother, they couldn't even count on the Pope for religious help because he was too busy fighting for power against the king. When towns became independent, they lost their sense of nationalism, no one cared about what was happening outside of their little boxes. As you said, they polluted the place, with no underground sewage, living conditions were terrible. <BR/><BR/>Today isn't much better, lower classes complain that they don't have that much influence over the government. When we give them the choice to vote, they don't even use it. If they don't use it, then why have it at all? I think that education is not as good as it could be today in the US because of the No Child Left Behind act. Some people are naturally smarter than others, and when you put everyone in the same school level, yes, you bring the dumb people up, but you also bring the smart people down. Therefore, making everyone equally dumb. The proof is in the pudding with the TV ratings and GPA's. With all of our technology to "make life easier," society has becoms lazy and fat. With new phones that have text messaging, you no longer need to make the effort to have a real conversation, everything is abbreviated - lol, and you can browse the internet while sitting on your BIG butt. Hooray society!<BR/><BR/>Daniel Fotinich tries to argue using the American dream, but only a few thousand Americans have ever done it before. You could say, "What about Bill Gates, he didn't even go to college!" Yes well, Bill is one out of how many millions in the US? <BR/><BR/>You just got served sucka' git outta ma house!<BR/><BR/>- Benedict "Connor Sharpe" ArnoldConnor Sharpehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06051047160049242005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226261424957237168.post-86988711445750395822007-09-07T18:54:00.001-07:002007-09-07T18:54:00.001-07:00testtestClint Rosserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08044648211861232841noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226261424957237168.post-51345205005285785112007-09-07T18:46:00.000-07:002007-09-07T18:46:00.000-07:00Mr. Zucker, I have to disagree with you that the c...Mr. Zucker, I have to disagree with you that the creation of cities started the decline of Western Civilization. Yes, there are some major problems with cities like polution and political corruption but there are many good things that come from a city as well. People in cities can have more job orpurtunites because they have the support of others in the community to help them in areas there profession does not cover, like getting food. Also people come to cities to trade there goods from other places and ideas and goods are shared and cultures interact.<BR/>When the early towns were created they were placed out of the government and church but they were able to act more freely and on their own established their own government and church organizations. This let people think and organize themselves and would help the human race develop more instead of everyone always being told what to do. We also have progressed from learning from our mistakes and have become more advanced and have a stronger society now than in the Middle Ages. Some parts of society are still the same today but most people can think on their own and do as they wish and choose any proffession they like if they work hard for it.<BR/>I have to disagree though with Patrick Foster. Yes, peasants do very hard work but other people work just as hard and harder just not with phisical labor. The King, or president now for example had to work everyday and decide laws and make decisions that influence every citizen every day.<BR/>Yes, peasants have a tought job but people in cities who work hard also do a good job at their profession<BR/>-Bernardo Waxtein Period 5bernardo waxteinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08518532066369725198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226261424957237168.post-24571636498593483662007-09-07T18:45:00.000-07:002007-09-07T18:45:00.000-07:00I disagree with you, Mr. Zucker, that the developm...I disagree with you, Mr. Zucker, that the development of cities “was the beginning of the end of Western civilization. In your argument you complain that communities lost their sense of identity as towns grew. You blame this one forming governments away from the leadership of the church and kings. I believe that this was the beginning to forming a free society. At that time, the church was full of corruption and hypocrisy: bishops taking bribes from kings, popes trying to influence monarchs, etc. And what was their justification? It was their rite given to them by God. Kings did not care about the peasants; they were only interested in expanding their empire and receiving taxes. Towns were a step forward to the democracy and land of opportunity that we live in today. You also complain about extreme individualism and competition. Competition and capitalism is the foundation of a free society. If one works hard enough and seizes the opportunities available, they do have the chance to move up in society, and aspect that was not present in the Middle Ages. <BR/>I agree with what you and Matt Rude said about only the rich being able to hold high positions in our government. Many deserving people are unable to have their voice heard because they are unable to raise the money for an election campaign. I think that this is a major flaw in our society and needs to be dealt with. <BR/><BR/>Colin McGonigle<BR/>Period 5Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03486095236899522494noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226261424957237168.post-58098550560905985362007-09-07T17:42:00.000-07:002007-09-07T17:42:00.000-07:00I disagree with everything Mr. Zucker said about h...I disagree with everything Mr. Zucker said about how cities led to prisons of western civilization.<BR/><BR/>1)cities = pollution/enviromental destruction - Mr. Zucker makes the arguement that today we are polluting more. BUT this arguent should't be attributed to cities it should be attributed to population growth. More people = more waste. ALSO Today enviromenatal destruction is known now as a problem, whereas the concept of enviromental protection didn't exist back then.<BR/>Mr. Zucker states "losk at how much trash you produce in a week"<BR/>BUT look at how much trash we RECYCLE a week.<BR/><BR/>2)Education - american idol/ dancing wtih stars, you can vote more than once<BR/><BR/>3) Peasants = more free,feast days<BR/>WOW!!! to say a peasant has it easier than we do is PROPOSTERIOUS.<BR/>Now adays we can have a feast day whenever we want. Adults now could take a day off and have a feast at Mcdolnalds or something.<BR/><BR/>I agree with what jack hawley said about american idol.<BR/><BR/>I with what sukos said about you as "It seems as though through your entire argument, you are one who fears change."<BR/>If you look upon cities as bad, what do you advocate. Do you advocate FARM LIFE as a key to societal progress. Surely not. Cities are the only way in which a society can develop. Cities are key for THOUGHT and INNOVATION. Relying farmers who lack wisdom to advance a society is rubish, absoulte RUBBISH.<BR/><BR/>For these reasons, cities were key in european advancement and life today is easier.<BR/><BR/>jeremy molayem, per. 4TROJANhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09239788827496910174noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7226261424957237168.post-53602909994577344972007-09-07T16:43:00.000-07:002007-09-07T16:43:00.000-07:00Mr. Zucker, I agree with the points you presented ...Mr. Zucker,<BR/><BR/> I agree with the points you presented in your article and would like to take your theories a step further. You address how cities have destroyed modern civilization and how urbanization is bad. However I feel a more pressing issue in the modern world is the dangers of globalization. Urbanization has already occurred, cities have been built and governments established. However, it is technology, trade and our dependence on one another as a global community that will lead to our downfall. Globalization is the process of the world becoming more and more connected. With globalization, economies become overly dependent on one another and if one economy crashes the whole world feels damaging effect. Also in this evolving world, war could lead to a collapse of the economy. If two countries go to war and the loser’s economy crashes, all business dealings previously done with that country will stop, hurting the world. This relates back to your point because you argued that cities lead to our downfall. If cities and centralized governments hadn’t been created we would all live simpler lives free from the threat of globalization. <BR/> I disagree with what Ike argued in his comment. He argues that the most important thing a government can do for its people is maintain its autonomy. He comments saying, the vote, however minuscule, is important because giving the people an outlet to voice their say in politics is the foundation to a just government. However, he is wrong, I argue it is our autonomy that hurts us as a society and a government must limit our autonomy to protect us. We chose to make cities and advance; we knowingly accepted the problems with globalization and urbanization. This proves that a successful government can’t give its people absolute autonomy because with autonomy comes chaos. This relates back to what you said about us being better off if we were peasants because if we did live in a feudal society where our autonomy is very limited we would not have the choice to cause globalization or urbanization.<BR/><BR/><BR/>Tim Perille<BR/>period 4Leviathanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17140400608980664658noreply@blogger.com