I can honestly say that I have no strong, firm view point on this topic. Yes, I do believe that people should have the freedom to think of themselves to be whatever gender they wish to be, however, there is a line to be drawn at some point. I agree with the privacy of his surgery however, given his job, I don't think it is appropriate for a naturally born female to be partaking in that particular job. Granted, he was trying to live his life as any other man would, however, it is vague to society where that line should be drawn. Privacy is essential, but what about the privacy of the men using the urinals and being watched by this other so called fellow man? They deserve proper privacy as well. It is a very fuzzy topic and I am such will cause much debate for the future. Do I think it is proper to take this to the justice system? No. Although it will indirectly affect the justice system, I don't think it is appropriate to reveal this mans private feelings, and surgeries to the public. Ever he told his boss, "that is a private thing." In summation, the man wants to be a man so let it be. He acts like a man, apparently looks like one, and I am certain he feels like a man as well. Maybe there should just be some firm lines drawn as to what altered gendered people can and can not do. Perhaps on the basic Doctor forms when they ask if you are a male/ female, Weight/height...etc. They should also add a question asking is you have had any sex changing operations. Sure, your weight has effected a job offer or a Dr. appointment as does your gender and all the other things asked on that general piece of paper. Therefore, if people are going to say that gender changes will effect these things as well, why not just add it to the list. There's no harm in that, it still remains private.

Freedom. What is it? How can one describe it? Is it the same for everyone? I believe that freedom is almost an undefinable term. It can vary so much from person to person that no one can truly put a definition on freedom. What if you were a victim in Haiti, what would freedom mean to you? Perhaps food, or freedom to move and socialize with members of your family, freedom to play, and partake in activities that us Americans do everyday. Haitians have a completely different perspective on life than us here in American, and therefore their view on freedom is far different than ours. As the author of this entry states, freedom to him is more of an individual, personal aspect rather than to be released from prison, and able to move freely. After undergoing such a drastic environment for such a duration of time, his opinion of freedom has changed. If I were to describe freedom, it would be more of a general term. Freedom to me is simply the ability to do what you wish under proper circumstances. Freedom is not an easy thing to understand because it is so different depending on the circumstance and this man proposes solid knowledge on that.

What would the worked be if it were so unstratified that everybody had the same views? What would be the excitement of traveling the world if all were the same as home? Each and every country is able to do different things and enjoys different things as well. it is what makes things special. What would be the fun in turning 21 in Dominican Republic? None really. However, in America turning 21 is a huge stepping stone in ones life. Different things are taken for granted in different countries and that's what makes the world unique.

While reading this entry I was a bit confused. Indeed, he is describing the “idea” man that a woman would like to fall in love with. However, what man is really like that? None. I believe that every man has his own personal flaws, and a women must fall in love with the man while coping with his flaws. This entry was beautifully written and very poetic in a sense that this poor man will never have the opportunity to show a woman how he has improved. I also got a sense that perhaps the reason this man has life is because of rape. It is not certain to me but I felt like this was somewhat of an apology and asking for a second chance. it is a shame that he can put his feeling in such true, meaningful words and will never get the chance to express them in any other way besides on paper.

I was most definitely impressed with the way the writer related what he wrote back to movies and the media. I certainly agree with the fact that movies display a false sense of love. It puts out a misleading idea that all women are in it for money and sex. However, who will truly be able to distinguish what a woman really looks for in a guy? Or what a man really looks for in a woman? It is simply unknown and varies greatly from person to person. That I feel is the most valuable part of love. To search deep inside of your partner and establish that it is that they feel is the perfect mate and do your best to become that person for them. Not to change your ways and become someone you are not, but to alter your attitudes and way of going about things regarding your relationship together. It is not an easy task to do so and that’s what puts the price on love...priceless.

The fact this this poem is written by a man who is in jail for life makes it so real, and causes it to affect me that much more. I am appalled, and feel great sorrow for this man. I found myself reflecting back to when Sam was discussing about how the men in the room would react if they found out their wife/girlfriend were raped. The author of this poem could have simply retaliated in an inappropriate way to a devastating event and ended up getting life. It is a terrible thing, and I feel that this man does an excellent job describing it.

The part of this poem that caught my eye was when he said, "I pray for the day that it will thaw." This line touches my heart because the tone of this poem shouts that he will never really be able to adjust and accept being where he is. Yet, he is there for life and talks about how anxious he is to be "thawed."

A devastating part about this is how confused this man comes off to be. He puts his feelings in such true and touching words, yet after reading it I am still confused to what he is thinking. No, he will never be out of jail. Yes, he will remain in jail for the rest of his life. Knowing this, he still mentions how he can not wait to thaw, but also mentions how he can not accept being around the people he is and being in the place he is. Obviously, the author is experiencing great sorrow and sadness and i am sure regret for the actions he took to get where he is. The worst part about it is that there is no taking it back now. He has life.

After watching this video, it became clear to me that I, myself, was a guilty of using the R-word. Never in a sense to hurt anyones feelings or put anyone down, but just in a way to describe something. Socially, this word has been shaped into to something far off from its actual meaning. Much of Society has conformed to using this word not for its true meaning. The elimination of the R-word would not be a bad idea. However, I do not pose this to be a word-wide concern. Granted, it is degrading and indeed misused, however, I feel that there are manta other issues out there that should be appointed before getting to this one. I will most definitely now recognize each time I use the R-word and decrease that number as time goes on.

The R-word has simply been shaped by society to be something far off its meaning. I understand why disabled people might feel harmed by the improper use of this word, however, it is not meant to harm in any way. It is those invisible strings that lead most people to believe that this word is okay.I believe that the way to eliminate or even lessen the use of this word in our society is to make people more aware of what they are saying. I was a perfect example of someone who periodically uses the R-word and lets it go unnoticed. However, now that I've seen this video I will undoubtedly work on eliminating the R-word in my vocabulary. If everyone became aware like I did, I am sure much success would come out of it. No, I don't think the word will ever truly come to an end unfortunately, but we must start somewhere.

After viewing this blog, I will now be able to regulate ,myself and attempt to regulate others in their use of the R-word. Although I certainly believe that this is not a deadly issue and society is ruled by its invisible strings, it wouldn't hurt to have the people (not the government, or other officials) attempt to fix this one ourselves.

This video was very interesting to watch in the sense that he is a perfect example of on who was raised by gay parents, and still has succeeded in life just as any other guy raised by straight parents. I completely agree with his proposal to allow gay people to marry and have raise children. After all, who ever said that it had to me man and wife? Who ever said that being gay was wrong? Who is this figure, or what is it that originally set this in peoples minds that the right way to live is the straight way? No body can truly answer this question. So where does that leave society? Does society consist of a bunch of people that are predestined to believe certain things are right and certain things are wrong? I believe that when people take this issue, or controversy I should say and really put it in perspective it seems a bit silly. Are we all a bunch of followers because we are told what is right by some unknown figure years and years ago hat nobody can put their finger on?

My entry consists of a lot of questions mainly because I believe that if everyone were to consider these questions they would have a different perspective on the controversy. It is these questions that those who oppose gay marriage, and child raising would have difficulty answering.

The man in this video shows that there is no harm to anyone to have two parents of the same sex. It is simply a different way to look at life. He is normal, successful, and has to the power to take a stand on a very controversial topic hat has been "hot" for years now. I respect, and applaud Zach for having the courage to do this, and I sure hope he succeeds.

When I heard this song in class I thought it was extremely true. Unfortunately I do believe in all he is saying which kind of pt a depress on the whole relationship thing. What are the chances that the one you "love" or want to spend the rest of your life with is even living in the same country as you . Many people believe that there is one person out there for you and you are predestined to find that person and be happy forever. However, how does one know that the person they are with is that particular "one for them"? How does one know that they couldn't be happier with someone else? Sure, maybe your happy with your partner, and live good life, but if if wasn't for him/her I am sure you could find someone else to be just as happy with. I think the only reason it is so hard for people to move on from relationship to relation ship is because of prior attachments. Not because "they're the only one for them" I believe that once someone has become attached and fallen in love with someone it is very hard to move on to another because of all of the memories and times you've shared with the other person. Not because there ins body else in this world for you. It is indeed a depressing thing to think about and hear, but it is very true. Nobody wants to sit there and hear that is you weren't married to your spouse, he/she would be just as happy with someone else. It doesn't sit well in the stomach, but it is the truth. Some may be in denial to this fact because they are just so happy and content with their partners, but that is just being nieve and foolish. I never really thought about this until I watched this video and now that I have it makes a lot of sense. Sociology does that a lot to me... brings ideas out that I have never thought about and once I hear them I am very intrigued, and interested in them.

Because these videos are shown, it becomes apparent to parents that it is indeed possible for things like this to happen. After watching this video, and still knowing the facts and statics on U.S. abduction, I would without a doubt force my children to hold my hands as we are walking down the street. I am aware that the chances are extremely slim to have an occurrence like this but why risk it? Is the risk of possibly never seeing your child again worth it? I believe not, and it is obvious that most American parents will agree with me on that. I will be the first to admit that when I run into an issue, or am lost I ask the first stranger I see, and that is what I am instructed to do from my parents. However, if there are any proper precautions I can take, I will. Very often, at a red light, my mom will roll down her window, and request advice from her neighboring car. I would say 19 times out of twenty, the person is extremely helpful, and leads us in the right direction. It is clear to me that majority of strangers are harmless, and understanding when asked for help. However, I would do nothing to make myself (or my children if I had any) more susceptible to be a victim of that slim percent of strangers that are not so friendly.
Many people find it odd and unusual that my mom is so incredibly open and trustworthy of strangers. it is because they were brought up to not trust anyone. I think this is a faulty way of parenting. However, because of the mentality, and over reliance of media many people believe this is so. it is quite unfortunate and most likely will not be changed. yes, it is possible to have your child grabbed out of your hands when walking down a city street, but is it likely? Absolutely not. However, because of this possibility, people are overly protective of their children. I am sure that I will be one of those parents guilty for over protecting.

I am well aware that authorities took the specific actions they did because there is indeed a system in place. However, each system is corrupt in some way shape or form and if that has yet to be discovered, it soon will be. I agree with the fact that the 5 year old child is not to blame. However, how exactly did they go about the situation right after it happened? Did they call the child's parents first? Probably not. Did they scold the child for his possession of this 22 caliber gun? Perhaps. The actions that were taken directly after the gun was found were not specified in this article. Therefore, it is quite possible that the authorities attempted to scare the young child and teach him his lesson before the parents arrived. I do believe that this is a very inhumane way to go about dealing with the situation. Like we discussed in class, not each decision one makes is completely free and in this case (a five year old with a gun) his freedom of decision is even more narrow. Sure, he picked up the gun from his stepfathers car floor. However, did he know what it was? Did he intentionally bring it into school with the thoughts of "I am going to shoot up this place?" Or was the child just curious, and thought maybe it looked cool, or maybe the color was appareling to his eye. What is true is that nothing happened involving any threats, or means of harm with the child and the gun. I can gather from that that the child had no ill intentions when he brought that gun into school.
I think the proper precautions that should have been taken were to immediately contact the parents of the child then once the parents had arrived, call the police. The child should have the comfort of knowing that he intentionally did nothing wrong, and should be in the presence of his parents while being told so. I am sure this was quite a frightening experience for the child, and he did nothing to deserve this. Indeed, having this occur, the child should now become aware of the dangers in carrying around a 22 caliber gun around. I think he should be instructed to go to a gun awareness class with his parents for comfort, and have the stepfather pay for it (Just like Sam had mentioned). By doing this you are teaching both the family and the child a valuable lesson.

As I came across this question it caught my attention. I don't feel as if I have an appropriate answer for this however. As a human we have just the same rights as any monkey could potentially have. However, why is it that we seem to capitalize on these opportunities, and develop into such complex creatures? technology plays a large role in this question. Monkeys do not have access to basically any electronics or devices that shape our lives. What would a human be without a phone? a computer? an Ipod? I know that the only people I know that don't have those 3 things are homeless. This making me believe that these technological devices have taken over much of our thoughts and time.

Now the question...would life be better if we all acted as monkeys do? My answer...no. I feel as if the reason we are here on earth id to find ways to make us happy and those around us happy. Does technology make people happy? Indeed it does. However, this was the basic technology that put smiles on faces. I feel as if the newly invented Ipads, and Kindles are purely excessive. No human necessarily needs any of that. This does not mean that all technology is not needed, I feel as if much technology is necessary. However, the non-stop inventions are putting a lot of stress on the buyers and producers. Will this constant competition, and back and forth inventing ever stop? Unfortunately, no, it is simply just the way the world spins.

We have indeed been given many gifts from evolution as well. We can speak, eat, walk, and function as well mannered human being. Without these gifts society would not exist. We wouldn't have close friends, close family, nothing like that would occur. We would have great difficulty communicating, and interacting with other beings. Now what would the world be like without all of these essential skills we have? Nothing at all like it is today, that's for sure.