Katherine Mesa is a second-year student at Florida International University studying Political Science with concentrations in Civic Leadership and Human Rights. She is interested in pursuing a career in the non-profit sector working on community outreach and engagement.
Photo by Katherine Mesa CC/4.0
“Growth”
Encounter As Text: Katherine Mesa of FIU, January 27th, 2023
By: Katherine Mesa
France can be considered the cornerstone of human rights and the historical hub for political and cultural revelations. This once in a lifetime opportunity to travel to France will not only be a culturally enriching experience, but will also be intellectually enlightening. When I was first accepted into the Honors College at FIU, I was immediately drawn to their unique study abroad program, so to see this dream finally embarking is very exciting. However, while thrilled to partake in this journey, I am also filled with much apprehension and nervousness, which is expected with spending a month in another country on a study abroad trip. However, despite the nerves, I anticipate this experience to be very rewarding in terms of my personal growth as it is pushing me out of my comfort zone. In addition, this will allow me to broaden and deepen my knowledge in the field of human rights.
In terms of my current knowledge about France, it is very surface level, which makes me excited to engage in this opportunity. With regard to its historical significance, France played a crucial role during World War II, and I look forward to diving in depth to gain a better understanding of its relevance during the war. In addition, in reference to France’s position in the field of art, I look forward to visiting the Louvre to gain a deeper appreciation of art’s role in cultural immersion.
France is a true juxtaposition of a history of hardship with growth and beauty. I believe the flower above truly symbolizes the multidimensional growth that comes from France’s dark past, yet expansion towards a hopeful future. I also believe that this can be applied to the significance of human rights education and its application to where we as a society, can prevent further atrocities and human rights violations. This flower can also be manifested through a different lens, as I view it to symbolize my own personal growth as I embark on this journey.
Given that my academic concentration is in Civic Leadership and Human Rights, I am interested in seeing the intersection of how human rights are manifested in policy, and how this has evolved over time. In particular, how the end of World War II led to the monumental establishment of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In terms of my career aspirations, I want to work in the non-profit sector focusing on issues such as human rights, so I look forward to this experience being very rewarding as I will be able to directly apply my knowledge and experiences into the real world.
Growing up, my family has placed great emphasis on the value of traveling, and I have always been grateful and blessed to have the privilege to do so. However, this particular trip will be a unique experience for me as it is like nothing I have participated in before. While the transition into the trip might be challenging at first, I can stay grounded, knowing how much I will gain from this experience with my peers.
Katherine Mesa: Enlightenment as Text 2023
Photo by Katherine Mesa CC/4.0
“The Art of Enlightenment”
Encounter As Text: Katherine Mesa of FIU, February 12th, 2023
By: Katherine Mesa
The Enlightenment was a time period and movement characterized by its philosophical and intellectual influences on society. There was also debate amongst academics and philosophers in regard to the theories of life in relation to religion and science, and the role they play in the government, such as through the separation of church and state. This was a period of innovation and growth, where creativity was at the forefront of the movement. France played a crucial role during the Enlightenment, and it can even be claimed that the French Revolution was a source of its inspiration, and its influences can even be seen today. One influential piece that ties to The Enlightenment was the book, C
andide, which is a satirical novel that highlights different aspects of enlightenment ideals, ranging from social and class hierarchies to the political and power dynamics of its time.
Political and revolutionary ideals were also transformed during this time, and their influences on government are still taken into account today. This is relevant in terms of the ideals of democratization and liberalization of power structures.
Some prominent philosopher thinkers of this time included Locke, Montesquieu, and Rousseau, and were heavily centered around the ideals of government. For example, John Locke concentrated his theories around the modern republican government, the social contract theory, and individual rights. On the other hand, Baron de Montesquieu focused his intellectual ideals on the separation of church and state and checks and balances. Lastly, Jean Jacques Rousseau deconstructed the philosophical ideals of human nature in relation to civil society.
However, while male political figures like the ones mentioned above were highly idolized for their work, it is important not to undermine the strong feminist leaders and philosophers who are continuously pushed under the rug. For example, Mary Wollstonecraft was a champion for women’s rights and published two novels, “A Vindication of the Rights of Man” and “A Vindication of the Rights of Woman.” She also advocated for equal access to education for women as well as implemented mixed gendered schools to ensure equity in the quality of education.
In terms of the intersection between faith and reason, this is a very controversial topic that was not only concentrated during the period of The Enlightenment, but also is even seen today. When analyzed through the lens of this being reconciled, it is essential to acknowledge the historical impact of this ideological conflict, as well as its complexity. For example, religious faiths are not one-dimensional, and are very diverse among different populations, where addressing the issue of reason and faith being reconciled is not a straightforward approach. In addition, when defining what encompasses the rationale behind reason and faith, it is also essential to recognize varying interpretations and perspectives of what encompasses rationale. For example, some may claim that faith and religion are rational approaches to life, while others may claim that scientific objections are the true rationale. This conflict will continue to progress and will never be resolved as long as individual and philosophical perceptions dictate the conflict.
Work Cited:
“Enlightenment Thinkers and Democratic Government.” Building Democracy for All, EdTech Books, 1 Jan. 1970, https://edtechbooks.org/democracy/enlightenment.
Voltaire, et al. Candide. Chivers, 2008.
Katherine Mesa: History Miami as Text 2023
Photo by Katherine Mesa CC/4.0
“Miami’s Evolution”
History Miami As Text: Katherine Mesa of FIU, March 12th, 2023
By: Katherine Mesa
This walking lecture was one of the most eye-opening thus far. Miami is known worldwide for its eccentric energy and culture, but is often overlooked for its unique yet shady history. Being a Miami-native, I expected Miami to have a history of racism and oppression, like almost any historic city, especially in the United States, but was never formally educated on its history. As a product of Miami’s public school system, I can attest that the public education system has failed at educating students on the true history of Miami. In return, I believe it is failing society’s progression by not acknowledging the continuous past and present acts of racism, bigotry and oppression. For example, when taking into account the recent Florida book bans, I believe that we as a society are only regressing. As a result of our walking tour, I really appreciate being able to engage and learn about Miami’s past through this lecture
We started our tour at the Government Center which is oftentimes considered the “hub” of Miami, and rightfully so. The Government Center is where government offices are housed, as well as the central location for public transportation. Given the urban nature of Miami, having a “hub” for public transportation is a great resource to utilize not only for the benefit of tourists and Miamians, but also a great way to help the environment and mitigate carbon emissions. As someone who is an advocate for the expansion of public transportation, I believe Miami needs to expand their scope of access in order for tourists and Miamians to become interconnected with the rest of the city. This will thus create a stronger sense of unity seen in many other cities around the world, allowing for a greater sense of humanity and interconnectedness, that is so characterized by Miami’s melting pot of cultures and people.
The United States has had a negative track record in regards to their treatment towards indigenous tribes throughout history, so it was no surprise that the history of the Tequestas was also, for the most part, suppressed from society. I was intrigued, while at the same time frustrated, by the fact that archeologists discovered Tequesta burial sites and archaeological materials throughout the downtown Miami region, yet it is practically suppressed from the public, as towering skyscrapers continue to take over. In addition, instead of further recognizing Miami’s indigenous history, a local Whole Foods remedied the situation by having a Tequesta mural in its store, which, in my opinion, is only the bare minimum that can be done to acknowledge the Tequestan history of Miami. The dystopia of having Whole Foods built on an indigenous burial site is only characteristic of the capitalistic culture of the United States, continuously disregarding its past.
It was only characteristic to have the History Miami tour conclude on an optimistic note with the Freedom Tower. This staple of Miami highlights the diversity of our beautiful city, and despite its questionable past, there is still hope. As the daughter of Cuban immigrants, the Freedom Tower is a symbol of power and hope for my family as it was the first place my parents came to when they entered the United States. Our own Statue of Liberty in Miami. Whenever we drive by this tower, my parents make a point to acknowledge it as the symbol of a hopeful future, and I am grateful and blessed for the opportunities that have arisen from their immigration to the United States and to see it highlighted in such beauty.
Work Cited:
Florida Bill Makes It Easier to Ban School Books | Miami Herald. https://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/editorials/article259300399.html.
Press, The Associated. “Indian Burial Ground Excavated in Miami.” Gainesville Sun, The Gainesville Sun, 13 Jan. 2006, https://www.gainesville.com/story/news/2006/01/13/indian-burial-ground-excavated-in-miami/31471761007/.
Katherine Mesa: Vizcaya as Text 2023
Photo by Katherine Mesa CC/4.0
“A Paradoxical Society”
Vizcaya As Text: Katherine Mesa of FIU, March 19th, 2023
By: Katherine Mesa
Vizcaya’s architectural beauty and astounding views are one that captivates the attention of any guest. Its architectural relevance resembles that of Europe, making Vizcaya a pocket of European civilization in the heart of multicultural Miami. James Deering, the wealthiest man in Miami at the time, purchased this land as a way to bring this way of life to the United States. Its European architecture is juxtaposed with that of the surrounding Miami greenery making it an ostentatious glorification of wealth breaking through a once untouched environment.
While beautiful in appearance, Vizcaya also has a very controversial, yet not necessarily orthodox, past, ranging from the use of slave labor and hostile race relations to the disregard of South Florida’s indigenous culture and history. It is also, of course, only fitting that Vizcaya be named after Spanish settlers. In addition, this imperialistic history can also be manifested through the transition of Tequesta Bay being renamed to Biscayne Bay. While it may appear that this historical disregard towards minorities is only a thing of the past, this is not necessarily the case. Systemic racism and worker exploitation are concepts that persist to the present day. While it is still not to the same extent in present-day Western civilization, we are currently seeing a regression in our society to its historically racist roots of injustice, through the lens of systemic racism, voter suppression, and efforts of union busting.
While walking through the halls of Vizcaya, I could not help but notice the aggrandizement of wealth and pretentiousness at the expense of the exploitation and abuse of these workers and its mirror on present societal issues. As the wage gap in the United States becomes starker, the rich continue developing their wealth, and the poor continue to suffer at this expense; it is interesting to see how the same societal issues are manifested differently throughout time.
For example, in the case of Amazon, founder Jeff Bezos has a net worth of over $122 billion. However, this wealth comes at the expense of employees dealing with unfair working conditions. This has led to a three year period of unionization within the company to ensure workers were not only being paid fairly, but their concerns regarding harassment, workplace injuries, and legal representation were being respected and addressed. This could be mirrored to a similar, but clearly less extent, as millionaire James Deering furthered his acquisition of wealth. At the same time, Afro-Caribbean workers were being treated terribly under his power, all at the expense of creating a gaudy mansion for a man to assert his wealth.
While Vizcaya’s beauty was truly breathtaking and admirable, it is important to acknowledge not only the worker exploitation that went into its creation, but also how it can be used as a form of education to analyze the trends of how worker rights have evolved and continue to progress to the present day. In other words, while places like Vizcaya can be admired for their beauty, the history of these establishments and forms of art should never be dismissed for their problematic pasts.
Work Cited:
Amazon Labor Union, https://www.amazonlaborunion.org/.
“Jeff Bezos.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, https://www.forbes.com/profile/jeff-bezos/?sh=3d03feb1b238.
“Vizcaya Museum and Gardensh;” Bailly Lectures, 15 Jan. 2023, https://baillylectures.com/miami/vizcaya/.
Like this:
Like Loading...
Miami in Miami 