Rome or America in the Early 1900s
I mean come on Rome, really? Segregation? Aren't you supposed to be this perfect, advanced city?
I know that segregation has always existed, and we even see it some today, but it really urked my nerves as I was reading. I still do not understand what the big difference was between the plebeians and patricians, other than wealth (which, at this time, wealth is a big deal). The plebeians were not allowed to serve as consuls. Also, they were not allowed intermarriage with the patricians. The plebeians walk the same streets and live in the same State as the patricians, yet they do not have the same opportunities. While I was reading this, I could not help but think of the time when African Americans suffered the same treatment. And, like the unfairly treated Africans Americans in U.S. history, the plebeians stood up for their rights.
The fact that their was a solution at the end of the readings where both parties are satisfied made up for the feeling I had at the beginning. But, I also did not like the fact that the patricians were basically forced to run for office with the plebeians. If they did not want to run, they shouldn't have ran. They should have just let the plebeians have it if they wanted to be that petty about the whole "integration" deal. As I understand, consul only serves for about a year. It would not have hurt Rome that bad to let them have a little power.
I am still a little confused as to why they could not marry between the groups. But I'm sure i just missed it in the readings. I am definitely going to go back and look because I honestly want to know.
Sydney Snow
P.S. I commented on Joshua's and Breanna's post.
I know that segregation has always existed, and we even see it some today, but it really urked my nerves as I was reading. I still do not understand what the big difference was between the plebeians and patricians, other than wealth (which, at this time, wealth is a big deal). The plebeians were not allowed to serve as consuls. Also, they were not allowed intermarriage with the patricians. The plebeians walk the same streets and live in the same State as the patricians, yet they do not have the same opportunities. While I was reading this, I could not help but think of the time when African Americans suffered the same treatment. And, like the unfairly treated Africans Americans in U.S. history, the plebeians stood up for their rights.
The fact that their was a solution at the end of the readings where both parties are satisfied made up for the feeling I had at the beginning. But, I also did not like the fact that the patricians were basically forced to run for office with the plebeians. If they did not want to run, they shouldn't have ran. They should have just let the plebeians have it if they wanted to be that petty about the whole "integration" deal. As I understand, consul only serves for about a year. It would not have hurt Rome that bad to let them have a little power.
I am still a little confused as to why they could not marry between the groups. But I'm sure i just missed it in the readings. I am definitely going to go back and look because I honestly want to know.
Sydney Snow
P.S. I commented on Joshua's and Breanna's post.
I thought the exact same thing while reading this. Honestly it is a pointless argument that the Patricians are trying to make against the Plebeians but the end result is honestly worth it.
ReplyDeleteThat's what I was thinking too! i thought Rome was supposed to be perfect, but it turns out they have struggles just like we do. Did they really have a conclusion though? "Sure you can vote, but it doesn't matter because you can't be in any government office." It just sounds like a way patricians made the plebeians shut up.
ReplyDeleteThe struggle with this comes from a harsh social class order in the election process in this society. The argument with this society is stupid and whoever won shouldn't have to give up there spot because of who they may be.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if it was after they came to an agreement regarding the plebeians and patricians that they decided they were the perfect city. Also, what percent of the population was declaring Rome as this great city? If the plebeians were that upset regarding their rights how much would they petition Rome as the greatest city?
ReplyDeletei thought it was interesting as well. you could really just change some nouns and the setting and no one. could tell the difference between the two time periods. i just keep going back tto Ecclesiastes and nothing new under the sun.
ReplyDeletespencer wood