Consider two examples of cultural boundaries you have studied.
A. In 2-3 sentences, describe how these cultural boundaries were established.
B. In 2-3 sentences, provide further description of these boundaries, including any information you have about the way in which these boundaries have been defined, delimited, demarcated, and administered. Consider, also, the responses of the parties affected by the boundary.
C. Using these descriptions, analyze your examples in 2-3 sentences. Which one would you argue is the "better" boundary? Support your assertion with specific information from your descriptions.
(4 points)
Example 1: The cultural boundary between India and Pakistan was established through the partition of British India in 1947. This boundary was defined based on religious differences, with India being predominantly Hindu and Pakistan being predominantly Muslim.
The boundary between India and Pakistan has been delimited and demarcated through the Radcliffe Line, named after the British lawyer who was tasked with drawing the boundary. This boundary has been administered by both countries, with occasional disputes over its exact location. The parties affected by this boundary, particularly those living in border areas, have experienced conflict and tension at times.
Example 2: The cultural boundary between North and South Korea was established as a result of the Korean War, which lasted from 1950 to 1953. This boundary was defined based on political differences, with North Korea being a communist state and South Korea being a capitalist democracy.
The boundary between North and South Korea, known as the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), has been delimited and demarcated by a 2.5-mile-wide strip of land. This boundary has been heavily militarized and administrated by both countries, with ongoing tensions and periodic incidents along the DMZ. The parties affected by this boundary, particularly families separated by the division, have faced immense emotional and physical hardships.
Analyzing these examples, it is difficult to argue for the "better" boundary as both have resulted in significant conflicts and suffering. However, the boundary between India and Pakistan poses ongoing challenges and tensions due to historical and religious factors, making it potentially more volatile. The Korean DMZ, although militarized, has managed to maintain a tense but relatively stable status quo in recent decades.