Paul Kebker's Portfolio
Paul Kebker is an experienced public school teacher in Raleigh, NC, with seven years of experience teaching in high-achieving Gifted and Talented Magnet schools in the Wake County Public School System. He currently teaches 6th-grade Science at Martin Gifted and Talented Magnet Middle School. Prior to working at Martin, he spent four years teaching 4th and 5th grade math and science at Fuller Gifted and Talented and Academically Gifted Elementary School in Raleigh, NC. He also has experience teaching online courses for academically gifted 4-6 grade students at Duke TIP as part of their eInvestigators program. Paul Kebker graduated from Slippery Rock University of PA in 2011 with a degree in Elementary Education (K-6), with minors in Middle School Mathematics and in Leadership (Army ROTC). He is certified to teach all core subjects in grades K-6, but has additional middle school certifications for math and science. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he also serve part-time as a Captain in the North Carolina Army National Guard. He commissioned as an Officer in 2011 from Slippery Rock University of PA Army ROTC. His current position is SPO Operations Officer for the 690th Brigade Support Battalion. His previous military leadership positions include 690th BSB Plans Officer, B Company Executive Officer, B Company Maintenance Control Officer, and Platoon Leader. Paul Kebker takes every opportunity to travel the world. |
Cultural Connections Project 1: Global Collaborative Project (Video Synopsis)
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Cultural Connections Project 2: Scripted Duologue Based on Meetup Group or AirBnb City Experience (GoAnimate)
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Cultural Connections Project 3: Experience-Based Travel Writing Based on Meetup Group or AirBnb City Experience (Post on Travel Blog)
The Students' Velvet Revolution Tour - an Airbnb Experience
I recently had the opportunity to participate in the Students’ Velvet Revolution Tour in Prague, Czechia. This tour was part of an Airbnb experience created by the non-profit NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) Political Prisoners.eu. Their mission is to attract the attention of the general public by sharing the stories of political prisoners of Stalinism.
The Velvet Revolution, sometimes referred to as the Gentle Revolution, was a peaceful, student-led protest that overthrew the Communist regime in Czechoslovakia and ushered in a new Democratic government in 1989. The purpose of the Students’ Velvet Revolution Tour was to rediscover the significant political contribution of Czechoslovak students in the struggle against authoritarian regimes.
I signed up for the tour because of my passion for understanding modern politics and history. I hoped to learn the methods used by the Czech students to help end the authoritarian regime. I find it essential to understand these strategies and to advocate for Democratic Governments - the least-bad form of government known to man.
The tour was to begin in a quiet area of Prague, in the Albertov neighborhood, a neighborhood with a high concentration of Charles University students. The tour began in this neighborhood because it was the starting point for the student protest on November 17th, 1989. Our tour guide, Dan, greeted exactly at 4:00 PM. There were two other people on the tour, my friend Traci, and a young man from Hong Kong named Pui. Dan, a young college student, introduced himself to the group, discussed the purpose of his non-profit organization, and explained the significance of starting this tour at this location. He explained how we were going to follow the steps of the student protesters of 1989 and relive that day moment by moment.
I was immediately impressed by Dan’s passion for the topic. As he discussed the purpose of his NGO and how all profits from the tour went towards the NGO, it became clear how important this tour was for him. I was fortunate I signed up for this particular tour, where the guide was so dedicated to his craft, over a standard run-of-the-mill tour where the tour is just a job for the guide. I knew I was going to have a good experience.
After about fifteen minutes discussing the significance of the starting point in Albertov, we then followed the footsteps of the students in 1989 and marched towards the historic Vyšehrad site. It was here that I learned that up until this point, the student protest had been approved by the Communist Party. The students were authorized to march from Albertov to Vyšehrad Cemetery, where they would gather around Karel Hynek Mácha’s gravesite, the burial place for the famous Czech poet. However, it was at this point where the student protest went off of its approved course.
We continued to move, as the students did, down towards Národní třída, where the students were suppressed by Communist authorities into Wenceslas Square. The students peacefully protested here for three days before the Communist Government finally relented and was overthrown.
My favorite part of the tour was along the walk from Vyšehrad Cemetery to Wenceslas Square. Dan recommended that we stop for a breather, we had been standing or walking for nearly two hours at this point. We stopped at a pub and ordered refreshments. I was able to order and traditional Czech beer and I also sampled Kofola, the Czech take on Coca-cola. It wasn’t until after we ordered our drinks that Dan told us that this pub was frequented by no other than Vaclav Havel, one of the leaders of the Velvet Revolution. Havel went on to become the first President of the Czech Republic. He showed us a picture that was hanging in the pub of Havel sharing a beer with other world leaders. I find Havel to be a particularly inspiring figure, so to be in one of his favorite pubs was truly a delight of mine.
Overall, the tour was an excellent experience. I learned a great deal about the Velvet Revolution. The tour gave me an opportunity to experience a unique aspect of political life in Czechoslovakia. I highly recommend this tour and encourage others to continue to advocate for free democratic governments.
The Students' Velvet Revolution Tour - an Airbnb Experience
I recently had the opportunity to participate in the Students’ Velvet Revolution Tour in Prague, Czechia. This tour was part of an Airbnb experience created by the non-profit NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) Political Prisoners.eu. Their mission is to attract the attention of the general public by sharing the stories of political prisoners of Stalinism.
The Velvet Revolution, sometimes referred to as the Gentle Revolution, was a peaceful, student-led protest that overthrew the Communist regime in Czechoslovakia and ushered in a new Democratic government in 1989. The purpose of the Students’ Velvet Revolution Tour was to rediscover the significant political contribution of Czechoslovak students in the struggle against authoritarian regimes.
I signed up for the tour because of my passion for understanding modern politics and history. I hoped to learn the methods used by the Czech students to help end the authoritarian regime. I find it essential to understand these strategies and to advocate for Democratic Governments - the least-bad form of government known to man.
The tour was to begin in a quiet area of Prague, in the Albertov neighborhood, a neighborhood with a high concentration of Charles University students. The tour began in this neighborhood because it was the starting point for the student protest on November 17th, 1989. Our tour guide, Dan, greeted exactly at 4:00 PM. There were two other people on the tour, my friend Traci, and a young man from Hong Kong named Pui. Dan, a young college student, introduced himself to the group, discussed the purpose of his non-profit organization, and explained the significance of starting this tour at this location. He explained how we were going to follow the steps of the student protesters of 1989 and relive that day moment by moment.
I was immediately impressed by Dan’s passion for the topic. As he discussed the purpose of his NGO and how all profits from the tour went towards the NGO, it became clear how important this tour was for him. I was fortunate I signed up for this particular tour, where the guide was so dedicated to his craft, over a standard run-of-the-mill tour where the tour is just a job for the guide. I knew I was going to have a good experience.
After about fifteen minutes discussing the significance of the starting point in Albertov, we then followed the footsteps of the students in 1989 and marched towards the historic Vyšehrad site. It was here that I learned that up until this point, the student protest had been approved by the Communist Party. The students were authorized to march from Albertov to Vyšehrad Cemetery, where they would gather around Karel Hynek Mácha’s gravesite, the burial place for the famous Czech poet. However, it was at this point where the student protest went off of its approved course.
We continued to move, as the students did, down towards Národní třída, where the students were suppressed by Communist authorities into Wenceslas Square. The students peacefully protested here for three days before the Communist Government finally relented and was overthrown.
My favorite part of the tour was along the walk from Vyšehrad Cemetery to Wenceslas Square. Dan recommended that we stop for a breather, we had been standing or walking for nearly two hours at this point. We stopped at a pub and ordered refreshments. I was able to order and traditional Czech beer and I also sampled Kofola, the Czech take on Coca-cola. It wasn’t until after we ordered our drinks that Dan told us that this pub was frequented by no other than Vaclav Havel, one of the leaders of the Velvet Revolution. Havel went on to become the first President of the Czech Republic. He showed us a picture that was hanging in the pub of Havel sharing a beer with other world leaders. I find Havel to be a particularly inspiring figure, so to be in one of his favorite pubs was truly a delight of mine.
Overall, the tour was an excellent experience. I learned a great deal about the Velvet Revolution. The tour gave me an opportunity to experience a unique aspect of political life in Czechoslovakia. I highly recommend this tour and encourage others to continue to advocate for free democratic governments.
Cultural Collections Project 1: Mapping Culture (Google Maps)
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Cultural Collections Project 2: Timelining Culture (KnightLab Timeline Tool)
Cultural Collections Project 3: Curating Cultural Objects (Voicethread)
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Cultural Reflections Project 1: The Last Word, Czech education article
Czech Republic Education and Training Monitor 2016
The Czech Republic Education and Training Monitor 2016 is a report published by the European Commission summarizing the current state of the Czech Republic. The Czech Cultural Connections and Reflections (CCR) cohort at NC State University analyzed this report using "The Last Word" format. Each individual in the cohort had to identify three pieces of information or quotes from the report that were particularly interesting or of great importance. Each individual then shared the information that they had selected. The other members in the cohort then had to guess or suggest reasons for why they thought the sharing individual had selected those particular quotes. Afterwards, the sharing individual revealed their reasoning for selecting those quotes. By the completion of the activity, once the entire cohort had shared their information, the report had been thoroughly summarized and reviewed, with each member of the cohort sharing their insights and observations from the reading.
The three quotes I selected from the text and my rationale for selecting those quotes are as follows:
1) "Teachers' salaries remain low compared to other countries and the teacher population is aging, requiring further measures to increase the attractiveness of the profession to talented young people...Teachers at primary and secondary level earn less than half of other workers' salaries - and in comparison with their counterparts in other countries".
Rationale: Similar to the United States, teachers in the Czech Republic have low salaries when compared to other professions with similar educational requirements and experience levels. How are the two countries addressing this issue? Can the two countries observe each other, study best practices for solving this issue and implement these best practices?
2) "Of particular concern are the estimated 72% of Roma children who leave school early, which has a significant impact on their future labour market and social inclusion prospects".
Rationale: The Roma people are a minority group in the Czech Republic. Similar to minority groups in the United States, the Roma people have lower educational levels, lower employment rates, and lower income levels. What social policies is the Czech Republic implementing to help the Roma people break the cycle of poverty? Are there lessons learned from the treatment of Roma people in the the Czech Republic to the treatment of minorities in the United States?
3) "Inclusive education of children with special educational needs, which in the Czech Republic includes children from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds, is currently subject to major reform...It now guarantees the right of pupils with special needs to free individual support measures in mainstream education".
Rationale: How does the Czech Republic define students with disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds? Does this include the Roma people, all minorities, or all individuals living in poverty? How are the free individual support measures implemented? How do these measures compare to Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) or Personalized Education Plans (PEPs) currently being implemented in the United States?
Czech Republic Education and Training Monitor 2016
The Czech Republic Education and Training Monitor 2016 is a report published by the European Commission summarizing the current state of the Czech Republic. The Czech Cultural Connections and Reflections (CCR) cohort at NC State University analyzed this report using "The Last Word" format. Each individual in the cohort had to identify three pieces of information or quotes from the report that were particularly interesting or of great importance. Each individual then shared the information that they had selected. The other members in the cohort then had to guess or suggest reasons for why they thought the sharing individual had selected those particular quotes. Afterwards, the sharing individual revealed their reasoning for selecting those quotes. By the completion of the activity, once the entire cohort had shared their information, the report had been thoroughly summarized and reviewed, with each member of the cohort sharing their insights and observations from the reading.
The three quotes I selected from the text and my rationale for selecting those quotes are as follows:
1) "Teachers' salaries remain low compared to other countries and the teacher population is aging, requiring further measures to increase the attractiveness of the profession to talented young people...Teachers at primary and secondary level earn less than half of other workers' salaries - and in comparison with their counterparts in other countries".
Rationale: Similar to the United States, teachers in the Czech Republic have low salaries when compared to other professions with similar educational requirements and experience levels. How are the two countries addressing this issue? Can the two countries observe each other, study best practices for solving this issue and implement these best practices?
2) "Of particular concern are the estimated 72% of Roma children who leave school early, which has a significant impact on their future labour market and social inclusion prospects".
Rationale: The Roma people are a minority group in the Czech Republic. Similar to minority groups in the United States, the Roma people have lower educational levels, lower employment rates, and lower income levels. What social policies is the Czech Republic implementing to help the Roma people break the cycle of poverty? Are there lessons learned from the treatment of Roma people in the the Czech Republic to the treatment of minorities in the United States?
3) "Inclusive education of children with special educational needs, which in the Czech Republic includes children from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds, is currently subject to major reform...It now guarantees the right of pupils with special needs to free individual support measures in mainstream education".
Rationale: How does the Czech Republic define students with disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds? Does this include the Roma people, all minorities, or all individuals living in poverty? How are the free individual support measures implemented? How do these measures compare to Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) or Personalized Education Plans (PEPs) currently being implemented in the United States?
Cultural Reflections Project 2: Czech Book Club
Summer Meditations by Václav Havel
In the immediate aftermath of the Velvet Revolution, also known as the "Gentle Revolution" where the people of Czechoslovakia regained their independence from Communist Russia control, Czechoslovakians were in desperate need of a leader to guide their country through this transitional period. They turned to a rebellious playwright and human rights activist Václav Havel when they elected him as President in 1989. President Havel served as the last president of Czechoslovakia and the first president of the newly formed Czech Republic, following Slovakia's separation from Czechoslovakia to form an independent state.
In Summer Meditations, President Václav Havel writes a memoir that essentially gives him an unmuted, unchallenged platform to share his thoughts on a broad range of topics and policies relevant to Czechoslovakians. Most notably is the defense for his decisions regarding the switch to a market-based economy, despite hardships and increased unemployment, from the communist-based economy that the country was accustomed to under the Soviet control, and then his advocacy for Czechoslovakia to remain a united independent state, rather than the separation of Slovakia from the Czech Republic. Written in the summer of 1992 while he was still serving in office, President Havel lays out his positions in a detailed, point-by-point method. President Havel shares his opinions, many of which are unpopular, and then makes bold statements and predictions on many of the topics in the hearts and minds of Czechoslovakians.
President Havel presents himself as a humble, "for the people"-type leader. His writing style and thought process reminded me of President Obama. Havel was exceptionally careful with his words and phrasing, often times saying, "let me be clear..." while giving a nuanced, detail and evidence-based opinion. Havel spends a significant amount of time outlining his reasoning for why Czechoslovakia should remain a united state, despite Slovakia's desire to separate and form a newly independent nation. Ultimately, the Czechoslovakians did not listen to their President's plea, as Slovakia became an independent state in 1993.
What stood out to me the most during my reading of this book was how relevant his writings are towards modern politics, nearly thirty years later. One could extract a quote from nearly every page in the book and apply it towards a political situation in today's world and it would be relevant. It demonstrates how the challenges that we are facing at the moment are not necessarily new, just with different actors on the world stage. This is especially evident when Havel discusses the benefits of a market-based free economy over a government-control communist economy. He warns against the alluring and tempting claims of communism while he advocates for a free, democratically-elected society. We are seeing these issues reemerge as a major theme in today's political environment, as the communist governments of Russia, China, and North Korea try to reassert their authority and weaken western democracies.
President Havel's book Summer Meditations is worth revisiting in order to regain perspective on many of the issues facing global politics. It reminded me of what politicians can be, rather than what we so often see, and that is leaders that are humble, intelligent, and respectful. Havel describes at the beginning of his book about how he somewhat reluctantly accepted the presidential nomination for his party. His desire was never to have absolute power, but to improve his country by establishing a free democratic society.
Summer Meditations by Václav Havel
In the immediate aftermath of the Velvet Revolution, also known as the "Gentle Revolution" where the people of Czechoslovakia regained their independence from Communist Russia control, Czechoslovakians were in desperate need of a leader to guide their country through this transitional period. They turned to a rebellious playwright and human rights activist Václav Havel when they elected him as President in 1989. President Havel served as the last president of Czechoslovakia and the first president of the newly formed Czech Republic, following Slovakia's separation from Czechoslovakia to form an independent state.
In Summer Meditations, President Václav Havel writes a memoir that essentially gives him an unmuted, unchallenged platform to share his thoughts on a broad range of topics and policies relevant to Czechoslovakians. Most notably is the defense for his decisions regarding the switch to a market-based economy, despite hardships and increased unemployment, from the communist-based economy that the country was accustomed to under the Soviet control, and then his advocacy for Czechoslovakia to remain a united independent state, rather than the separation of Slovakia from the Czech Republic. Written in the summer of 1992 while he was still serving in office, President Havel lays out his positions in a detailed, point-by-point method. President Havel shares his opinions, many of which are unpopular, and then makes bold statements and predictions on many of the topics in the hearts and minds of Czechoslovakians.
President Havel presents himself as a humble, "for the people"-type leader. His writing style and thought process reminded me of President Obama. Havel was exceptionally careful with his words and phrasing, often times saying, "let me be clear..." while giving a nuanced, detail and evidence-based opinion. Havel spends a significant amount of time outlining his reasoning for why Czechoslovakia should remain a united state, despite Slovakia's desire to separate and form a newly independent nation. Ultimately, the Czechoslovakians did not listen to their President's plea, as Slovakia became an independent state in 1993.
What stood out to me the most during my reading of this book was how relevant his writings are towards modern politics, nearly thirty years later. One could extract a quote from nearly every page in the book and apply it towards a political situation in today's world and it would be relevant. It demonstrates how the challenges that we are facing at the moment are not necessarily new, just with different actors on the world stage. This is especially evident when Havel discusses the benefits of a market-based free economy over a government-control communist economy. He warns against the alluring and tempting claims of communism while he advocates for a free, democratically-elected society. We are seeing these issues reemerge as a major theme in today's political environment, as the communist governments of Russia, China, and North Korea try to reassert their authority and weaken western democracies.
President Havel's book Summer Meditations is worth revisiting in order to regain perspective on many of the issues facing global politics. It reminded me of what politicians can be, rather than what we so often see, and that is leaders that are humble, intelligent, and respectful. Havel describes at the beginning of his book about how he somewhat reluctantly accepted the presidential nomination for his party. His desire was never to have absolute power, but to improve his country by establishing a free democratic society.
Cultural Reflections Project 3: Czech Film Club
Anthropoid (2016)
Directed by Sean Ellis
Anthropoid is based on the true story of the assassination of Reinhard Heydrich, the Nazi leader known as the Butcher of Prague and the creator of the Final Solution to the Jewish Question. Czechoslovakian agents conducted the mission, known as "Operation Anthropoid", in Prague with the assistance of the the British and Czechoslovakian governments. The movie opens with Czechoslovakian agents Jozef Gabčik (Cillian Murphy) and Jan Kubiš (Jamie Dornan) parachuting into the Nazi-occupied region near Prague in December, 1941. After some initial struggles, they eventually connect with their contact in Prague order to carry out their mission. During the assassination attempt, a weapons malfunction causes Gabčik to only critically wound Heydrich, rather than kill him immediately. Heydrich would die a few weeks later as a result of the wounds.
Immediately following the nearly botched assassination attempt, a mass manhunt ensues as the Nazi regime searches for the assassins. Jozef and Jan flee to a nearby church to take refuge. After the torturing and killing of the family that housed Jozef and Jan, the Nazi's learn of the assassins's hideout in the cathedral. The Nazi regime then carries out an assault on the cathedral. The assassins are able to defend against the siege for a significant time, but eventually they are overpowered as the Nazis overtake the cathedral and the assassins are killed.
The movie benefits from the strong direction of Sean Ellis, who allows enough time for his characters and plot to develop, allowing the audience to feel invested in their outcome. But where Ellis truly shines is with his action scenes in the cathedral. The climax of this final assault packs a punch and more than pays off for the long lead-up to this moment.
Cillian Murphy is a strong lead in the movie as he portrays a patriotic individual willing to be a martyr for the cause. Jamie Dornan’s portrayal of a reluctant assassin complements Murphy’s character and the two create a formidable duo on screen.
This movie is a highly engaging and emotional affair. The excellent direction and strong acting make it an enjoyable experience.
Anthropoid (2016)
Directed by Sean Ellis
Anthropoid is based on the true story of the assassination of Reinhard Heydrich, the Nazi leader known as the Butcher of Prague and the creator of the Final Solution to the Jewish Question. Czechoslovakian agents conducted the mission, known as "Operation Anthropoid", in Prague with the assistance of the the British and Czechoslovakian governments. The movie opens with Czechoslovakian agents Jozef Gabčik (Cillian Murphy) and Jan Kubiš (Jamie Dornan) parachuting into the Nazi-occupied region near Prague in December, 1941. After some initial struggles, they eventually connect with their contact in Prague order to carry out their mission. During the assassination attempt, a weapons malfunction causes Gabčik to only critically wound Heydrich, rather than kill him immediately. Heydrich would die a few weeks later as a result of the wounds.
Immediately following the nearly botched assassination attempt, a mass manhunt ensues as the Nazi regime searches for the assassins. Jozef and Jan flee to a nearby church to take refuge. After the torturing and killing of the family that housed Jozef and Jan, the Nazi's learn of the assassins's hideout in the cathedral. The Nazi regime then carries out an assault on the cathedral. The assassins are able to defend against the siege for a significant time, but eventually they are overpowered as the Nazis overtake the cathedral and the assassins are killed.
The movie benefits from the strong direction of Sean Ellis, who allows enough time for his characters and plot to develop, allowing the audience to feel invested in their outcome. But where Ellis truly shines is with his action scenes in the cathedral. The climax of this final assault packs a punch and more than pays off for the long lead-up to this moment.
Cillian Murphy is a strong lead in the movie as he portrays a patriotic individual willing to be a martyr for the cause. Jamie Dornan’s portrayal of a reluctant assassin complements Murphy’s character and the two create a formidable duo on screen.
This movie is a highly engaging and emotional affair. The excellent direction and strong acting make it an enjoyable experience.
Cultural Reflections Project 5: Urban Neighborhood Analysis (from Field Research)
Žižkov - Prague 3, Prague ,Czech Republic
Summary: Žižkov is located in the center of Prague, in the third district. I researched and analyzed the community to understand its composition and use.
Residential:
Žižkov is primarily a residential neighborhood. It appears to be catered towards young adults and families and is densely populated. Most people living within the community travel out of the neighborhood for work. It is common to see families with young children or young adults with pets strolling through the neighborhood and using its green spaces. The neighborhood is not exceptionally diverse. Most residents appear to be native Czechs.
Infrastructure:
The buildings in the neighborhood are consistent with the rest of Prague. Nearly all buildings are approximately five or six stories tall, which ground level retail and residential units above the shops. The residential buildings do not seem exceptionally affluent, as they can in other parts of Prague. The neighborhood appears to be a middle class neighborhood. Some of the buildings are beginning to look worn. Others are defaced with graffiti. Yet, many buildings maintain the lovely charm found throughout Prague. This balance between upper-middle and lower-middle class is why it is so attractive to young adults and families.
Public transportation is essential to the functionality of the neighborhood. Several bus, tram and metro stations can be found throughout the neighborhood. The majority of the residents use public transportation as their main form of movement throughout the city. Cars are used in the community as well, but with this neighborhood lacking major industries or corporations for work, the roads are not as busy as they are in some of the other neighborhoods in Prague.
The most famous building in Žižkov is the TV Tower. It is the highest building in all of Prague and a common tourist site. It stands 216 meters tall and offers excellent views of the entire city. The Žižkov TV Tower also has a reputation for being one of the ugliest buildings in the world. Despite its ugliness, the TV Tower is quite loved by native Czechs. They embrace its ugliness as a unique charm for the community.
Businesses:
Restaurants, bars, and pubs are the most common businesses found in Žižkov. There are more restaurants and bars per capita in Žižkov than in any other part of Prague. The community's young adult population drives the restaurant industry in this neighborhood. Most other businesses found in the area are in the service industry. There are many grocery stores, mini-marts, salons, tattoo and massage parlors, among many other service related businesses appealing to the young community.
Natural Space, Green Space, and Public Space:
There are many parks in Žižkov including the large Parukářka Park. These spaces are used for recreation, relaxation, exercise, and family and pet time. The primary animal wildlife found in these areas are birds and small rodents, such as squirrels. These spaces are well cared for and often used.
Other popular public gathering areas are the Riegrovy Sady Beer Garden and the Trhy Jiřího z Poděbrad Farmer's Market. The beer garden is used for large social gatherings, such as parties or watching sporting events. This is an ideal fit for Žižkov's young community. The farmer's market is quite large and offers a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and uncooked meats. It is heavily frequented by local residents and is a popular place to shop for fresh groceries.
Conclusion: Žižkov is a fascinating and exciting neighborhood. It's quiet during the day, as most residents have left the neighborhood for work, but the neighborhood really shines in the evening. There is an exciting energy as you walk from one restaurant or bar to another. Large gathering places such as the beer garden is the perfect place to catch a soccer game with thousands of your closest friends and neighbors. Walking to and from these restaurants or public spaces, you cross a several beautiful parks and green spaces. It's not the most visited neighborhood by tourists, but it has a certain energy to it that should be witnessed by all visitors to Prague.
Žižkov - Prague 3, Prague ,Czech Republic
Summary: Žižkov is located in the center of Prague, in the third district. I researched and analyzed the community to understand its composition and use.
Residential:
Žižkov is primarily a residential neighborhood. It appears to be catered towards young adults and families and is densely populated. Most people living within the community travel out of the neighborhood for work. It is common to see families with young children or young adults with pets strolling through the neighborhood and using its green spaces. The neighborhood is not exceptionally diverse. Most residents appear to be native Czechs.
Infrastructure:
The buildings in the neighborhood are consistent with the rest of Prague. Nearly all buildings are approximately five or six stories tall, which ground level retail and residential units above the shops. The residential buildings do not seem exceptionally affluent, as they can in other parts of Prague. The neighborhood appears to be a middle class neighborhood. Some of the buildings are beginning to look worn. Others are defaced with graffiti. Yet, many buildings maintain the lovely charm found throughout Prague. This balance between upper-middle and lower-middle class is why it is so attractive to young adults and families.
Public transportation is essential to the functionality of the neighborhood. Several bus, tram and metro stations can be found throughout the neighborhood. The majority of the residents use public transportation as their main form of movement throughout the city. Cars are used in the community as well, but with this neighborhood lacking major industries or corporations for work, the roads are not as busy as they are in some of the other neighborhoods in Prague.
The most famous building in Žižkov is the TV Tower. It is the highest building in all of Prague and a common tourist site. It stands 216 meters tall and offers excellent views of the entire city. The Žižkov TV Tower also has a reputation for being one of the ugliest buildings in the world. Despite its ugliness, the TV Tower is quite loved by native Czechs. They embrace its ugliness as a unique charm for the community.
Businesses:
Restaurants, bars, and pubs are the most common businesses found in Žižkov. There are more restaurants and bars per capita in Žižkov than in any other part of Prague. The community's young adult population drives the restaurant industry in this neighborhood. Most other businesses found in the area are in the service industry. There are many grocery stores, mini-marts, salons, tattoo and massage parlors, among many other service related businesses appealing to the young community.
Natural Space, Green Space, and Public Space:
There are many parks in Žižkov including the large Parukářka Park. These spaces are used for recreation, relaxation, exercise, and family and pet time. The primary animal wildlife found in these areas are birds and small rodents, such as squirrels. These spaces are well cared for and often used.
Other popular public gathering areas are the Riegrovy Sady Beer Garden and the Trhy Jiřího z Poděbrad Farmer's Market. The beer garden is used for large social gatherings, such as parties or watching sporting events. This is an ideal fit for Žižkov's young community. The farmer's market is quite large and offers a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and uncooked meats. It is heavily frequented by local residents and is a popular place to shop for fresh groceries.
Conclusion: Žižkov is a fascinating and exciting neighborhood. It's quiet during the day, as most residents have left the neighborhood for work, but the neighborhood really shines in the evening. There is an exciting energy as you walk from one restaurant or bar to another. Large gathering places such as the beer garden is the perfect place to catch a soccer game with thousands of your closest friends and neighbors. Walking to and from these restaurants or public spaces, you cross a several beautiful parks and green spaces. It's not the most visited neighborhood by tourists, but it has a certain energy to it that should be witnessed by all visitors to Prague.
Cultural Reflections Project 6: Czech Education Analysis (from Field Research)
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Cultural Reflections Project 7: Czech Literature Analysis (from Field Research)
On July 16, 2018, the NC State Czech Cultural Connections, Collections, and Reflections Cohort visited the Franz Kafka Museum in Prague, Czechia. Kafka, who is one the most important literary figures in the 20th century, often used Prague as a presence in his works. Prague buildings often didn't represent places or settings in his works, but rather moods or personalities. The buildings became part of the characters and storyline themselves. For this analysis, I have selected a building in Prague and I considered how Kafka may have used such a building in his writings.
On July 16, 2018, the NC State Czech Cultural Connections, Collections, and Reflections Cohort visited the Franz Kafka Museum in Prague, Czechia. Kafka, who is one the most important literary figures in the 20th century, often used Prague as a presence in his works. Prague buildings often didn't represent places or settings in his works, but rather moods or personalities. The buildings became part of the characters and storyline themselves. For this analysis, I have selected a building in Prague and I considered how Kafka may have used such a building in his writings.
I selected the famous St. Vitus Cathedral, located inside Prague Castle for my analysis. The imagery that can be generated from St. Vitus Cathedral could easily be adopted into a Kafka story. Kafka often wrote of characters having imposing presences in his book. It has been said that Kafka viewed his father as an imposing figure in his life. He could easily incorporate St. Vitus Cathedral, the most prominent building in the Prague skyline, as an imposing figure in his story. This is especially true when consider the view (image 3) of the cathedral when you first enter the castle grounds. After you walk through security, you pass through a small arch way. Almost immediately after passing through this archway, you're forced to look nearly straight up as you take in the view of this magnificent structure. It imposes itself over you.
Kafka would also use the cathedral's dark windows and rocks to portray ominous and threatening situations (image 2). The tall and jagged spires can also give the appearance of threatening or scary situations (image 1). In a Kafka story, the spires would frequently morph and change size and sharpness. As the character in his story progresses, the spires could become more and more hazardous, perhaps even shooting out and stabbing a character or wrapping around a character and squeezing them.
The gargoyles (image 4) could play an important role in a Kafka story. They could represent the women in his life. Kafka struggled through multiple relationships with women, often causing him great agony. In a Kafka-esque story, the gargoyles would be able to move, team-up and become aggressive forces against the character.
Finally, the church itself could be a metaphor for the pain he felt from his disease, tuberculosis. Kafka often called tuberculosis a "Spiritual Disease", so the fact that this building, which is supposed to be a place of spiritual praise and growth, could be used in his literature as a place for a painful demise would be a perfect ending to a Kafka-esque story.
Kafka would also use the cathedral's dark windows and rocks to portray ominous and threatening situations (image 2). The tall and jagged spires can also give the appearance of threatening or scary situations (image 1). In a Kafka story, the spires would frequently morph and change size and sharpness. As the character in his story progresses, the spires could become more and more hazardous, perhaps even shooting out and stabbing a character or wrapping around a character and squeezing them.
The gargoyles (image 4) could play an important role in a Kafka story. They could represent the women in his life. Kafka struggled through multiple relationships with women, often causing him great agony. In a Kafka-esque story, the gargoyles would be able to move, team-up and become aggressive forces against the character.
Finally, the church itself could be a metaphor for the pain he felt from his disease, tuberculosis. Kafka often called tuberculosis a "Spiritual Disease", so the fact that this building, which is supposed to be a place of spiritual praise and growth, could be used in his literature as a place for a painful demise would be a perfect ending to a Kafka-esque story.
Cultural Reflections Project 8: Czech Art/Visual Analysis (from Field Research)
On July 18, 2018, the NC State Cohort for the Czech Cultural Connections, Collections, and Reflections grant visited the Kampa Modern Art Museum in Prague, Czechia. In this reflection, I have analyzed to art pieces through the lens of my theme "Modern Czech Politics".
On July 18, 2018, the NC State Cohort for the Czech Cultural Connections, Collections, and Reflections grant visited the Kampa Modern Art Museum in Prague, Czechia. In this reflection, I have analyzed to art pieces through the lens of my theme "Modern Czech Politics".
This first piece is called "I dedicate my head to my friend Mila", by Rudolph Nemec.
The first step in my analysis was to interpret the image literally, as in "What's going on in the image? What is it that I'm seeing?". I see the imprints of a man's face from three different angles. The colors are dark, giving the piece a sense of ominous or evil. There are shadows cast over the man's face, which implies secrecy. I noticed that the lips of the man are blurred, almost giving the piece a sense of silence or quiet whispering. The man's face is serious, almost frowning, which portrays a situation of intense importance.
Next, I analyzed the piece through the workings of my theme and how it relates to Czech Culture. This pieces reminds me of three Czech men talking during the communist-era. Due to the Communist regime, the men must talk in the shadows and whisper. It is a reflection on the lack of freedom created by a Communist-style governance.
Finally, I discussed my analysis with two other colleagues, who analyzed it through a different background and theme. Alex had a more simple and light take on the piece. He claimed it was simply a man that Xeroxed his face three different times in a copy machine. TaVshea said it was a man examining himself in a mirror. He was reflecting on his life from different perspectives.
The first step in my analysis was to interpret the image literally, as in "What's going on in the image? What is it that I'm seeing?". I see the imprints of a man's face from three different angles. The colors are dark, giving the piece a sense of ominous or evil. There are shadows cast over the man's face, which implies secrecy. I noticed that the lips of the man are blurred, almost giving the piece a sense of silence or quiet whispering. The man's face is serious, almost frowning, which portrays a situation of intense importance.
Next, I analyzed the piece through the workings of my theme and how it relates to Czech Culture. This pieces reminds me of three Czech men talking during the communist-era. Due to the Communist regime, the men must talk in the shadows and whisper. It is a reflection on the lack of freedom created by a Communist-style governance.
Finally, I discussed my analysis with two other colleagues, who analyzed it through a different background and theme. Alex had a more simple and light take on the piece. He claimed it was simply a man that Xeroxed his face three different times in a copy machine. TaVshea said it was a man examining himself in a mirror. He was reflecting on his life from different perspectives.
I analyzed a second art piece by the same artist, Rudolph Nemec. This piece was called "The Suffering of St. Sebastian".
The piece depicts a man on his knees with his hands restrained behind his back. He is crying out in pain or agony. What I find most interesting about the piece is the use of color. The man's body is full of bright, white light. Whereas, the surrounding colors are full of blacks, dark greens, blues, and purples. There are also white lines that appear to be scribbled all over the piece in an erratic fashion.
The name of the piece seems to hint at the meaning behind the work. It appears to be St. Sebastian, the famous Christian martyr that was tied to a tree and killed by arrows. However, I chose to analyze the piece, without using the name as context, and tried to connect the piece to my theme, Modern Czech Politics.
Through this lens, I imagine a man who on the inside, his spirit, is full of light and hope, but he is bound by the shackles of Communism, the darkness. The pressure of Communism is forcing him onto his knees into submission, but his spirit is trying to escape, which indicates the white lines that are swirling around the page.
Of course, my colleagues had different interpretations. Alex claimed that the man was in bondage, like a slave. Whereas Kelsie interpreted it to be St. Sebastian, as the name of the piece suggests, but I found her take on the swirling light to be interesting. She analyzed the scribbling of white light to be the arrows flying around and piercing St. Sebastian.
The piece depicts a man on his knees with his hands restrained behind his back. He is crying out in pain or agony. What I find most interesting about the piece is the use of color. The man's body is full of bright, white light. Whereas, the surrounding colors are full of blacks, dark greens, blues, and purples. There are also white lines that appear to be scribbled all over the piece in an erratic fashion.
The name of the piece seems to hint at the meaning behind the work. It appears to be St. Sebastian, the famous Christian martyr that was tied to a tree and killed by arrows. However, I chose to analyze the piece, without using the name as context, and tried to connect the piece to my theme, Modern Czech Politics.
Through this lens, I imagine a man who on the inside, his spirit, is full of light and hope, but he is bound by the shackles of Communism, the darkness. The pressure of Communism is forcing him onto his knees into submission, but his spirit is trying to escape, which indicates the white lines that are swirling around the page.
Of course, my colleagues had different interpretations. Alex claimed that the man was in bondage, like a slave. Whereas Kelsie interpreted it to be St. Sebastian, as the name of the piece suggests, but I found her take on the swirling light to be interesting. She analyzed the scribbling of white light to be the arrows flying around and piercing St. Sebastian.
Cultural Reflections Project 9: Czech Site Analysis, Site-Based Travel Writing (Post on Travel Blog)
Terezin Concentration Camp
I had the opportunity to visit Terezin Concentration Camp on July 14, 2018. I’m not even sure how to describe what I had experienced that day. Was it humbling? Sobering? Devastating?
Terezin Concentration Camp was a Nazi prison camp located in Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia (modern-day Czech Republic). It was used to imprison, torture, and kill Jews and Czech political prisoners. I had seen the images before. The brutal depictions of the living conditions inside a Concentration Camp have been recounted in numerous photos and movies. However, be at the exact site where some of these atrocities occurred enlisted a whole new level of emotion. It left me wondering one thing. How did we (humans) let this happen?
As our tour group exited the bus and started walking towards the camp, we immediately saw the large Jewish Star of David and a large Christian cross standing tall in a large field in front of the camp. Orderly rows of small monuments of the fallen victims filled the field. I had to stop to observe and think about the people who had to endure these tragedies.
We then walked through the main archway and worked our way into the first courtyard. This courtyard was primarily used for check-in and administrative procedures. Painted above one of the archways was a sign that read, “Arbeit Macht Frei”, which translates to “Work sets you free” in German. I found this NAZI propaganda to be infuriating. The original quote was meant to imply that the virtues from work will lead to freedom for gamblers and thieves. It implied that all prisoners in the Concentration Camp were there because they were criminals.
After walking under the “Arbeit Macht Frei” sign, we entered another courtyard. Surrounding this courtyard were small rooms for sleeping quarters. Dozens of prisoners were kept in each of the small sleeping quarter. The bunk beds were wooden planks, without cushions or bedding. The rooms contained one small window and one table. There was no source of heat to endure the long Czech winters. These were truly awful sleeping quarters.
The shower conditions were also poor. Dozens of prisoners would share two shower heads. These showers were in an open bay with no privacy. The shower heads themselves looked pitiful. After visiting the sleeping and showering quarters, I was stunned at how the NAZI’s denied these prisoners basic human dignities.
The tour guide then directed us to the third courtyard. Prisoners would be stoned to death in this courtyard. I also noticed the bullet holes in the walls. It came to my realization that as the tour progressed, the treatment of prisoners became worse and worse. The atrocities became more glaring around every corner.
We then walked over to the Execution Area, where prisoners would be killed by firing squad. To the right of the firing squad, there were gallows where the NAZI’s would hang a dead body. They were sending a message to the other prisoners to submit and obey or learn your fate.
At the end of the tour was a monument that showed people in despair. In the monument were victims that were starved and grieving victims. It was a truly powerful moment in the tour. It sent a reminder that we should never blame an entire group of people and use them as scapegoats. When you treat people collectively, rather than individually, it removes the human element which allows for atrocities like the ones on display at Terezin to occur again. Visiting Terezin made for a difficult and somber morning, but it was well worth the trip. It’s important to remember the victims and learn from the mistakes of history.
Terezin Concentration Camp
I had the opportunity to visit Terezin Concentration Camp on July 14, 2018. I’m not even sure how to describe what I had experienced that day. Was it humbling? Sobering? Devastating?
Terezin Concentration Camp was a Nazi prison camp located in Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia (modern-day Czech Republic). It was used to imprison, torture, and kill Jews and Czech political prisoners. I had seen the images before. The brutal depictions of the living conditions inside a Concentration Camp have been recounted in numerous photos and movies. However, be at the exact site where some of these atrocities occurred enlisted a whole new level of emotion. It left me wondering one thing. How did we (humans) let this happen?
As our tour group exited the bus and started walking towards the camp, we immediately saw the large Jewish Star of David and a large Christian cross standing tall in a large field in front of the camp. Orderly rows of small monuments of the fallen victims filled the field. I had to stop to observe and think about the people who had to endure these tragedies.
We then walked through the main archway and worked our way into the first courtyard. This courtyard was primarily used for check-in and administrative procedures. Painted above one of the archways was a sign that read, “Arbeit Macht Frei”, which translates to “Work sets you free” in German. I found this NAZI propaganda to be infuriating. The original quote was meant to imply that the virtues from work will lead to freedom for gamblers and thieves. It implied that all prisoners in the Concentration Camp were there because they were criminals.
After walking under the “Arbeit Macht Frei” sign, we entered another courtyard. Surrounding this courtyard were small rooms for sleeping quarters. Dozens of prisoners were kept in each of the small sleeping quarter. The bunk beds were wooden planks, without cushions or bedding. The rooms contained one small window and one table. There was no source of heat to endure the long Czech winters. These were truly awful sleeping quarters.
The shower conditions were also poor. Dozens of prisoners would share two shower heads. These showers were in an open bay with no privacy. The shower heads themselves looked pitiful. After visiting the sleeping and showering quarters, I was stunned at how the NAZI’s denied these prisoners basic human dignities.
The tour guide then directed us to the third courtyard. Prisoners would be stoned to death in this courtyard. I also noticed the bullet holes in the walls. It came to my realization that as the tour progressed, the treatment of prisoners became worse and worse. The atrocities became more glaring around every corner.
We then walked over to the Execution Area, where prisoners would be killed by firing squad. To the right of the firing squad, there were gallows where the NAZI’s would hang a dead body. They were sending a message to the other prisoners to submit and obey or learn your fate.
At the end of the tour was a monument that showed people in despair. In the monument were victims that were starved and grieving victims. It was a truly powerful moment in the tour. It sent a reminder that we should never blame an entire group of people and use them as scapegoats. When you treat people collectively, rather than individually, it removes the human element which allows for atrocities like the ones on display at Terezin to occur again. Visiting Terezin made for a difficult and somber morning, but it was well worth the trip. It’s important to remember the victims and learn from the mistakes of history.