The curse of Berlin on Africa refers to the negative consequences and lasting effects of the Berlin Conference on the African continent during the post-Cold War period. The Berlin Conference, held in 1884-1885, was a meeting of European powers to divide Africa amongst themselves for colonization purposes. The conference essentially carved up the continent, disregarding the various ethnic, cultural, and linguistic groups that existed in Africa. The legacy of the Berlin Conference is still felt in Africa today, as it led to the arbitrary creation of borders that divided communities and traditional territories. This division has resulted in several conflicts and disputes over resources, land, and power. Many of the conflicts seen in Africa during the post-Cold War period can be traced back to the artificial borders created during the Berlin Conference.
Or just that minor instances weren't punished back then. Note that it's only really Harry that gets stung with this, and only when the Ministry want to destroy his reputation
While she acted like her hatred of witches and wizards came from them being what she saw as abnormal she had yearned to belong to the community herself. And, since they are not part of the wizarding world as far as we know , I would assume they would have to pay as they would not have wizard insurance.
Many of the conflicts seen in Africa during the post-Cold War period can be traced back to the artificial borders created during the Berlin Conference. Furthermore, the division of Africa during the conference also contributed to the economic underdevelopment of the continent. The extractive and exploitative colonial policies employed by European powers left African countries economically dependent and hindered their ability to develop on their own terms.
Petunia's Knowledge of Magic
Okay, since a lot of us have posted in the "Magic Late in Life" thread that we believe Petunia will be the one to perform some sort of magic and we are all also wondering just how much she knows about the magical world, let's set out to describe the things she knows about the wizarding world:
1) She knows about Dementors as she tells her family that they guard the wizard prison - this leads to why she would know about the wizard prison in general - were Harry's parents at one point in prison??
2) She knows about Voldemort - as evidenced by her very frightened reaction to Harry saying he is back
3) She knows about Hogwarts as that is where her sister went to school
4) She has had at least one-way contact with Dumbledore
5) She knows about St. Mungo's - this I am speculating on because in PS/SS, Harry needs to get a ride to the train station and Vernon tells him they are going into London to have Dudley's tail removed. Now, we find out in OotP that you can't use Muggle treatments on magic wounds, so that leads me to believe that Dudley had to be brought to St. Mungo's - therefore, Petunia would have had to know about it.
PrettyMS.Potter
Time Turners
I dont have anything at the moment, but I was reading these clues last night the only one that did not come to mind was # 5. Petunia must know about St. Mugos or else how would they have gotten rid of Dudleys tail. Also her reactions to everything else listed above makes me think she might have power but does not want to use them in fear of beign called a freak. Also there is more to her then meets the eye said by JKR so all the clues fit. Good One Boing.
Tinkerbell
Time Turners
This is an interesting one about Dudders having his tail removed - it would have probably looked extremely strange at a London Hospital if a young boy came in with a piggies tail! However, I might have imagined this, but didn't somewhere in the books Uncle Vernon say he had to pay privately for the operation?
Boing
Pops in randomly
Interesting point, Tink, but I think that even if he had to pay, it still doesn't discount St. Mungo's. I guess I never got the impression that it was a free hospital. And, since they are not part of the wizarding world (as far as we know), I would assume they would have to pay as they would not have wizard insurance!
Tonks
Unspeakable
Lol - wizarding insurance.
Looks like we're getting into a discussion about St. Mungos then. I think that it's definitely possible that she knows about St. Mungos, especially considering her contact with Dumbledore and her sister being a witch; its pretty probable that she could have heard of it at some point, although I'm not going to disagree that it adds some nice substance to the Magical Petunia argument.
I had always assumed that she just took Dudley to a private doctor who would like ask no questions and such. What would Vernon have thought about St. Mungos?
Also, if they, Muggles, went into St. Mungo's to have a pig's tail removed from their son's. um. butt. wouldn't there be some questions asked, that probably would've gotten Hagrid into trouble?
That last point just further leads me to believe Petunia has some knowledge of the magical world, because it seems she was able to pass herself off as a non-Muggle, because as far as we know, nobody ever even questioned Hagrid about the pig's tail.
Kingsley
Time Turners
I do remember them saying they went to London to get the tail removed the day Harry went to Kings cross the first year---
I always assumed ST Mungo's as well
I would say that Petunia knew about the order but I know it is a jump from just knowing Dumbledore--
I also think that she did know Sirius/his flying motorcycle--wouldnt she have been at the Potters wedding
Alz
Administrator
Staff memberOK, I have copied this thread and we can continue the Dudley tail debate .
I felt it was becomin centered on Dudley and the tail - which was also speculative .
I will go re-edit the intial post in the Reflective forum and take out the Dudder's tail part .
I hope this is OK - so for now please continue to post on Dudley's tail removal
Weasleyfanforever
Time Turners
OK, I am 99.9999% sure that JKR has already said that Dudley did not go to St. Mungos to get his tail removed. I will try and find the interview, but I am almost positive that she said that.
Kingsley
Time Turners
As for number 1 and 2--it is possible that she does only remember it because of her sister but how likely is that-maybe part of it was from her sister and the other part was from Dumbledore-i wonder how much info Dumbledore passed her if anything
Rooster
Guest
I think she has some sort of magical powers and connection to the magical world besides Harry. Her knowledge seems to be far to great to have been picked up from Lily unless her and Lily were closer than the books lead us to believe. Maybe all her anger towards Lily is just because she's mad that she died because she was a wizard. If she were closer to her sister pre-death it would have been easy for her to learn alot of the things about the wizarding world.
Boing
Pops in randomly
Didn't JKR say we would find out what Dudley saw when the dementors came close to him? What his worst memory is? What if it was when he had to go to St. Mungo's to have his tail removed?!
As I said above, though - we found out when Arthur was in the hospital that you can't fix a magical wound with Muggle remedies, so he must have either gone to St. Mungo's or to some other wizard/witch for help . . .
Alz
Administrator
Staff memberUmm - wasnt it Tonks that pointed out a JKR quote that said it wasnt nothing too exciting?
See me - I think that what he saw would have been pretty interesting - but I suppose I am going to have to look it all up now
BTW - Arthur did get a magical wound fixed with muggle medicine - stitches
Although technically a perennial, the common garden petunia is most often grown as an annual; its flowers bloom profusely from early summer until frost. The plant grows well in temperate climates and does not tolerate shade. The innumerable horticultural varieties fall into two general types: the compact erect type, reaching 15–25 cm (6–10 inches) and adapted for summer garden beds, and the sprawling long-stemmed balcony petunia, which grows to about 46 cm (18 inches) and is often potted in hanging baskets and window boxes. The flowers range from pure white to deep crimson or purple and are often speckled or veined in contrasting colours. There are single- and double-bloom varieties.
The post-Cold War period in Africa saw the end of many authoritarian regimes and the rise of democratic movements. However, even with this shift towards democracy, the effects of the Berlin Conference continued to plague the continent. The arbitrary borders made it difficult for democratic governments to establish legitimacy and maintain control over their territories. Various ethnic, religious, and political groups, which were previously forced together by colonial powers, sought self-determination and often resorted to violence to achieve their goals. Moreover, the Berlin Conference also played a role in exacerbating resource conflicts in Africa. Many of the borders created during the conference disregarded natural resources, resulting in several countries being rich in resources while others were left impoverished. This imbalance of resources has fueled conflict and corruption, as powerful elites and foreign actors have sought to exploit Africa's wealth to their advantage. In conclusion, the curse of Berlin on Africa in the post-Cold War period refers to the lasting effects of the arbitrary division of the continent during the Berlin Conference. The artificial borders created during the conference have contributed to conflicts, economic underdevelopment, and resource disputes in Africa. Overcoming the curse of Berlin requires addressing these underlying issues and working towards a more equitable and cohesive Africa..
Reviews for "Beyond Berlin: Exploring the Post Cold War Challenges Faced by Africa"
1. John - 2/5 stars - I found "The Curse of Berlin on Africa in the Post Cold War Period" to be a dry and overly academic read. The author seemed more interested in showcasing their knowledge and intelligence rather than presenting the topic in an engaging way. The book was filled with long and complex sentences, making it difficult to follow the main arguments. Overall, I was disappointed with the lack of accessibility and readability of this book.
2. Sarah - 3/5 stars - While "The Curse of Berlin on Africa in the Post Cold War Period" had some interesting insights into the impact of the Berlin Conference on Africa, I felt that it was overly focused on historical details and lacked a broader analysis of contemporary issues. The author spent a great deal of time delving into the intricacies of the conference, but failed to connect it to the post-Cold War period and its implications for Africa today. I would have appreciated a more balanced approach that considered both historical context and present-day challenges.
3. Mike - 1/5 stars - This book was an absolute chore to get through. The writing was overly convoluted and filled with jargon that made it nearly incomprehensible. The author seemed more interested in impressing their academic peers rather than making the content accessible to a wider readership. The lack of clear structure and organization made it hard to follow the main arguments, resulting in a frustrating reading experience. I cannot recommend "The Curse of Berlin on Africa in the Post Cold War Period" to anyone seeking a straightforward and informative book on the topic.