en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/2441440 Comments by kpt116 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/04/17/voices-from-the-classroom-151/#IDComment343695837 Although same sex relationships have become more accepted in our country throughout the past few years, gay and lesbian individuals are still subject to scrutiny. I believe that because our country’s foundation is built on Christianity, gay and lesbian individuals are looked at as evil or wrong. As a result gay and lesbian couples have had to become more understanding of others views. We have such a distorted, deep-rooted view on how the running of our country should be. Because of that view gay and lesbian couples have a much harder time practicing things than straight couples. These things range from marriage to adoption. It is much harder for individuals to adopt children and be legally married in most states. Therefore I believe that it would be harder for straight children to come out to their parents, than for children that have gay or lesbian parents. Heterosexual parents are more likely to have deep-rooted religious beliefs and more opinionated views on homosexuality. Therefore I believe that they wouldn’t be as understanding about their own child being homosexual. I believe that a lot of heterosexual parents don’t understand that their child isn’t capable of not being gay or that their child has a choice not to be gay. It is irrational to think that your child has a choice to love and be interested in which he or she is chooses. Also I think that heterosexual parents have a certain image of what their family is going to look like. Generally most parents visualize the picture perfect family, where mom and dad work, Jr. plays football and the younger sister is a cheerleader. Although we have done so much to rid this image of “the leave it to beaver family”, it is still ingrained in our minds. When we think of a family we automatically think of a woman and a man have children and living the “American dream”, white picket fence and all. So when heterosexual parents have a child that is homosexual they aren’t sure how to handle it. This lack of understanding results in anger, confusion, and disapproval. Therefore they forbid their children from even thinking about being homosexual or having friends that are homosexual. Furthermore, I believe that homosexual parents are more understanding of their child’s sexuality. Same sex parents have often encountered disapproval from their own parents or society as a whole. So if their children end up being homosexual, their children wouldn’t be as apprehensive as children who come from heterosexual families. Children that have homosexual parents are often raised to explore their sexuality and stereotypical gender specific characteristics are not as prevalent. I believe that homosexual parents are more likely to let their children explore a wide range of activities and interests. For example they may let their male child play with dolls, instead of forcing tonka trucks on them. In general I believe that homosexual parents are more open minded and open in general with their children. Fri, 20 Apr 2012 21:14:15 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/04/17/voices-from-the-classroom-151/#IDComment343695837 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/04/03/voices-from-the-classroom-141/#IDComment333557892 Respect is defined as a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements. In turn, respect can be personally defined in an infinite number of ways. I believe it is irrational to say that western woman don’t respect themselves based on the attire that they choose to wear. I understand that a lot of women from the Middle East choose to cover their bodies and hair in “respect” to their religion, culture, or men in their country. Western women have been raised to embrace their body and express themselves physically, emotionally, and sexually. I believe that our country is one of the most accepting and open-minded countries in the world. The United States may be over the top in when it comes to appearances, but expression is something that we pride ourselves on. I’ve always struggled to understand why Middle Eastern women choose to cover their bodies in the way that they do. Isn’t that disrespectful to their individuality? I can understand how someone who was raised in a more conservative culture would find that the way western women dress is inappropriate. Although, we don’t judge them for the way that they choose to dress. In my opinion appearance isn’t a good judge of character or morals or self-respect. We have been taught to not judge a book by its cover. Self-respect is more related to the character of a person. If you are intellectual, serve a purpose (no matter how big or small), and are a genuinely good person I will respect you. I don’t want to be judged on how tiny my bikini is or how covered my body is. I want to be judged on my actions, I want to be known for being a good person and impacted others lives. It is ludicrous to say that western women don’t have respect for themselves because they walk around in bikinis. Many find being naked liberating; we come into this world naked why should we be ashamed to show off our bodies? There is a difference in expressing yourself through your clothing and acting provocatively or sleeping around. Again, who am I to judge the people that choose to conduct their lives in that manner? In lab we’ve spoken about the struggling double standard in our culture. The struggle between women being looked at as sluts because they act on their sexual desires or looking at women as equals because they have the same sexual desires that men do. It is interesting that something like sex is often associated with self-respect also. In this day and age, we are taught to put off marriage and relationships so that we can pursue higher education and job attainment. In turn were encouraged to be single in the midst of our sexual heightening. So it is no surprise that we decide to fulfill the physical aspect of our desires, even if we are not yet ready to fulfill the emotional aspect of relationships. Therefore, it is ironic that the association with respecting oneself and acting on physical needs are often correlated. Sat, 7 Apr 2012 03:20:47 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/04/03/voices-from-the-classroom-141/#IDComment333557892 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/03/15/voices-from-the-classroom-123/#IDComment318032331 I have mixed feelings surrounding the war in the Middle East. I’m generally not one who religiously follows politics or reads the newspaper everyday, although I would like to say that I am. I tend to get too caught up in my miniscule life at Penn State to really understand the grand scheme of things. But, before I started investing time into understanding what the war in the Middle East was about I was completely against it. I think that a lot of people are and were under the impression that the war in the Middle East was a result of 9/11, but really was it a result of oil? I think that is something that is commonly overlooked. I believe that the general public believe were fighting for the dignity of our country and the people that lost their lives, but in reality are we fighting for cheaper oil prices and the ability to control someone else’s government? I just have mixed feelings that were spending all of this money to help another country, when our country is in need. We have people starving, we have people committing hate crimes on one another, and what are we doing to fix this in our own country. I think it’s a noble action, if we are indeed trying to help another country “fix” their government, but who are we to say that it is broken. If another country’s government came into the United States and told us we were running our country wrong we would have a fit. Who are we to point fingers? There are numerous people that practice the same religion as the people who flew those planes into the twin towers and do you see them performing terroristic acts? I think there are Christian people who are capable of such terrorism and were not trying to burn the bible and go on a “crusade”. I think were spending far too much money on this war, innocent peoples lives are being risked daily, and for what? More oil? Maybe we should put the money that were investing in this war and figure out another resource that we can use to power our cars, heat our houses, etc. Regarding the 29:1 ratio concerning the amount of Middle Eastern people we are “willing to kill” in order to keep one of our “own” safe is crazy. I don’t think that there should be an acceptable number of people that can be killed in order to save one of our own. When it comes down to it were going to protect those who are closest to us and they are going to do the same. I think that our soldiers need to use their best judgment when they’re away at war and it an altercation arises than deal with it appropriately. I don’t think that it’s a matter of our soldiers lives are worth more than those of Middle Eastern people that is ludicrous. I think that we do what we can to protect those that we care about and we are always going to protect those that are most similar to us and side with our “own”. Sat, 17 Mar 2012 03:13:47 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/03/15/voices-from-the-classroom-123/#IDComment318032331 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/02/29/what-more-do-you-want-to-think-about/#IDComment305833134 Throughout my college career in one way or another a course has inquired about something that I hold close to my heart or something that I am grateful to have. Every year I tend to give an abstract answer to that question. Most people say their friends or family, the opportunity to go to school, etc. But my answer is always freedom of speech and individuality. Which I am grateful for and couldn’t imagine life without it. I am generally a vary out spoken person, I usually say inappropriate things at the least appropriate times, and I love to talk about things I am passionate. But more than that I am grateful to be an individual. I am grateful that my name is Katie; I am a daughter, a sister, and a friend, an Irish Catholic who towers over most boys with heels on. But first and most importantly I’m in individual that can’t be replicated or duplicated. Where am I going with this? Today in lab we spoke about the issue surrounded unusual names in which “white” people names are 50% more likely to get a call back, even if the two individuals had the same credentials. The idea of assigning people numbers on resumes, instead of names arose. The group agreed that this was a brilliant idea, that way everyone was given a fair opportunity in the hiring process. Of course I was the only one to disagree. I’ve been a number before. My freshman year I was asked to write a number on my exam, instead of my name. First, I would like to say, in theory this is a brilliant idea. But, I no longer felt like an individual or a person for that matter. Wouldn’t one think that by doing this we would make people of different ethnicities that have unusual names feel embarrassed or badly about themselves? In general our names describe our culture, like I said earlier my name is Kaitlin, which implies that I am Irish and I am damn proud of it. So why should a person of African or Asian decent be asked to change their name to something that doesn’t reflect their culture? So I would like to ask a person of Asian decent, who often change their names to something “American”, how they feel when they can’t use their birth name? Just thinking about it makes me angry, honestly if someone asked me to change my name I would be beyond offended. This is something that I feel very passionate about, I couldn’t imagine being anyone but me, so why do we feel that we should make others feel bad about being anything but themselves? Thu, 1 Mar 2012 23:49:45 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/02/29/what-more-do-you-want-to-think-about/#IDComment305833134 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/02/23/voices-from-the-classroom-115/#IDComment300951366 Discrimination based on race is something that has been an ongoing battle for as far back as I can remember. Throughout history we have set laws in place to ensure that all races are treated equally, but have noticed that these laws have needed ratification. Starting as far back as the equality act, white people have maintained the advantage in ensuring that people of other races wouldn’t have the same opportunities as white people do. The equality act gave people of color the same number of things that white people had, but not the same quality. Similarly this is occurring with the affirmative action act. The government is trying to give every race and gender equal opportunity by requiring companies to hire a certain number of people that fall into the demographic of women, African American, Hispanics, etc. but this only looks good on paper. Not only are white people automatically given an advantage based on something as simple as their name and appearance. However, it is not a fair opportunity. It would be ideal if one could look at a persons resume and only see his or her qualifications. I agree that what minorities want is a fair opportunity. We don’t want the extra five points to give us that “minority” advantage. In modern times it is difficult for a person to obtain the understanding of cultural relativism. We as a people are conditioned from birth to think and act a certain way that is socially acceptable according to society’s standards. It is a basic understanding that American citizens are raised a certain way and have diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds, but to a capitalist or person owning the means of production it is difficult for the average middle class American to strive. People become exploited and alienated performing monotonous tasks. It is understood that more often than not the people in positions of power have preconceived notions and beliefs towards people different than themselves. A form of prejudice and bias does occur within the labor force. This makes the obtainment of a steady job a great adversity for a minority. Affirmative action only adds to the equation and upsets people within the work force. However, race and ethnicity will always be an issue within any society. We as a people and an American population should come to a common understanding that we cannot stride until we can make change. One must be certain that times inevitably do and will change. We are growing as a nation and as a people, some more than others. Sat, 25 Feb 2012 01:04:11 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/02/23/voices-from-the-classroom-115/#IDComment300951366 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/02/16/interracial-marriage-on-the-rise/#IDComment295286184 It is no surprise to me that inter racial relationships and marriages are on the rise in the United States. Although I wish I could say that it didn’t surprise me that African Americans are among the most resistant to this rising trend. I agree with the article in that people are most resistant to change because they are afraid of it or because they are trying to preserve something. I believe that African Americans are afraid of both. I think that the majority of the people in this country would agree that slavery was an awful period in our history. Though I believe that slavery has encouraged African Americans not to trust or procreate with white individuals because of incidences that occurred in the beginning stages of our country. I think that African Americans are afraid of the backlash of interracial relationships and I believe that African Americans are trying to preserve their culture by not welcoming white people into it. I can’t say for sure how they feel because I am white, but my only question would be what if they trends said that white people were the most resistant to interracial relationships? Again this would be brought back to the topic of racism, which I won’t further discuss. I find hope in the fact that this stigma of interracial relationships is fading among younger generations. In my personal experience I’ve found that our generation is more accepting of the idea of interracial relationships than our parents are. I blame the open-minded attitudes that our generation was taught at a young age. For example throughout our young lives gay marriage has been legalized in multiple states, the “don’t ask, don’t tell” motto of the army has been lifted, and the youth has been taught not to judge a book my its cover (aka skin color). Therefore it makes sense that our parents are a little more apprehensive, but the younger generations have embraced different cultures and have been encouraged to go against the grain. For example through my youth I was encouraged to think out of the box and follow my own thoughts and beliefs, while being open to others views. Therefore when my father, who grew up in a predominantly white and racist environment, I wasn’t surprised that he was against interracial relationships. Although my brother and sister follow this belief (because we are or usually are a product of our environment), I’m attracted to and continue to date men of all races. I get in constant arguments about being with African Americans and Hispanic men, but I know my father will accept whom I decide to be with (even if he is forced to). This is an example of how our society and surroundings encourage us to break out of the norm. Although it will be difficult to combine our traditions and values I think that in time our enmeshed relationships will encourage us to start new traditions and a new set of values. We are going to be the beginning of a new norm. Sat, 18 Feb 2012 01:37:06 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/02/16/interracial-marriage-on-the-rise/#IDComment295286184 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/02/08/voices-from-the-classroom-99/#IDComment289307928 I have mixed feeling regarding the issue of “white” people avoiding the topic of race. From a young age white people have been taught not to acknowledge the color of peoples skin in fear of offending them or coming off as racist. We have been living in a country that is still paying for the mistakes of our past. Obviously slavery was an awful period of time for our country, but I was not the one that participated in those horrific actions. I don’t think that I should feel bad or guilty for the color of my skin. The color of my skin doesn’t define me and I have been subconsciously feeling guilty or self-conscious because I’m white. I think that people of different ethnicities judge us because we “don’t understand what they went through”, well they don’t understand what their ancestors went through either. For instance I’m taking an African American studies course this semester and I’m one of three white people in the class taking the course and I feel that I can’t express my feelings or thoughts because of how defensive the African American students get. Last week we were watching a documentary on the Rodney King beating and the LA riot. After we watched the documentary our class engaged in a discussion and my professor proceeded to say “ I don’t expect you white people to understand, but us black people can feel is pain, we hurt when one of our people hurts.” I literally wanted to be like what the fuck? I hurt when I saw that beating, regardless of the color of his skin I was appalled. But, god forbid I actually do say anything about white people having feelings for black people. Then we proceeded to talk in lab about what race we think is attractive the very next day and why we think we’re attracted to that race. The majority of the students said that they were attracted to white people because they themselves were white. But when I said that I was attracted to African Americans, Hispanics, whites, etc. and didn’t have an explanation as to why no one really knew what to say to me. I think personality and common interests are what makes a person attractive to me and maybe because I am an open minded individual. I believe the only way to break this trend is to educate people, change their perception on race, don’t be afraid to talk about the color of our skin, ask questions if you don’t understand. Otherwise this trend won’t change, we need to talk about uncomfortable things and not be ashamed or guilty for being white. Who gives a fuck what color our skin is, if you have a good heart and I enjoy your company your ok in my book. Sat, 11 Feb 2012 02:51:55 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/02/08/voices-from-the-classroom-99/#IDComment289307928 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/01/31/voices-from-the-classroom-93/#IDComment283304636 Personally I have mixed feeling surrounding the language issue in the United States. On one hand the ignorant side of me believes that if you want to live in this country you should know our language. Being born in the United States I’m naturally going to think that English is the best language and the most nationally known language because we are the best country in the world. After attending my first world in conversation lab this past week a lot of ignorant thoughts and perceptions were brought to my attention that were hiding in my subconscious. In most cases we live in this giant bubble known as the United States, where our country can do no wrong and there is no better way of handling things than the way that we do. In a more relatable topic it was compared to Penn State and the “Sandusky scandal”. We live in this small college town in the middle of nowhere, literally nowhere. We live in the middle of Pennsylvania, two plus hours from any major city and we get sucked into the “Penn State lifestyle”. We live in this bubble where we bleed blue and white, proudly wear the Nittany Lion on our clothing, and State Patty’s day is a holiday that only our campus celebrates. In our eyes Joe Paterno could do no wrong and the firing of him infuriated hundreds of thousands of people. But if you look at it from an outsiders opinion it is amazing the things that we overlook because we love someone or some thing so much that we let our egos and emotions get the best of us. So how does this relate to the topic at hand? Similarly, as Americans were proud of our country, were proud of our language, and where damn proud of where we come from. So, when the question arises regarding our language, yes were defensive. We don’t want Spanish to be our language nor do we feel that we should know Spanish in order to live in our country because English is our language. But, if you look at it from outside of this bubble and realize that being capable of speaking multiple languages could enrich our lives and different cultures could help us grow as people than learning Spanish would be beneficial. The problem is that we live in this country where everything is based of status and if learning Spanish gives another culture recognition, that means that were sharing the attention that we so desire. Therefore the only way to become a better and stronger country is to pop this bubble that we live in and work together globally in order to become a better nation. Sat, 4 Feb 2012 02:26:37 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/01/31/voices-from-the-classroom-93/#IDComment283304636 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/01/26/voices-from-the-classroom-92/#IDComment276416283 Following Joe Parerno’s memorial service a whirlwind of emotions swept through my body. I was deeply saddened by his death, but more prominently I had a conflicting feelings of happiness. To see all of these people from multiple generations speak so highly of him touched me more than most singular events have previously touched me. To see people from all over the country fly in for his memorial and people from all over the world speak of him like he was a God was inspiring. It is hard to believe that a man could touch so many people in so many aspects. He not only was remembered as an amazing football coach, but an educator, a man of high morals and beliefs, I man who simply aimed to better people’s lives on so many levels. I was literally floored when Phil Knight had spoken the words that so many of us believed and thought but didn’t have the guts to say. Joe Pa was and will always be a hero, someone to look up to. Therefore I was learned a lot of things through the events that have transpired. I’m a small town girl with big dreams of changing people lives for the better. Joe Pa has given sons of famers, coal minors, and those of diverse backgrounds the opportunity to have the life they have always dreamed of. Seeing that one man, has the ability to affects hundreds of thousands of people gives me hope that I too someday will be capable of being half the person he was. I have always wanted to believe that I could change peoples lives and be the contributing factor that, that one kid needs in order to make a difference in the world. Upon watching Joe Pa’s death I am starting to believe that I can be that person. I am currently a senior majoring in Human Development and Family Studies and after graduation I want to be a child life specialist. I want to take children in inner city schools that deal with life or death situations daily and give them hope. I want to be able to prepare them for college and help them realize that they don’t have to be a product of their environment. When I pass away I hope to be part of something bigger than myself. Although we live in a country that is money hungry and thrives off of the wrong values I hope to instill the morals and values that were so prominent in past years. I hope that I won’t get sucked into the direction that our current country is headed. I hope that in the future I can be the change that Joe Pa was and instill values such as honesty, trust, genuineness that he upheld through the tough times. I will forever carry with me the impact that Joe Pa has had on my life and I hope I don’t lose sight of what is important. Sat, 28 Jan 2012 01:40:52 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2012/01/26/voices-from-the-classroom-92/#IDComment276416283 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/24/b-s-response/#IDComment137601400 I completely agree with his frustration in people calling him a murderer. Honestly I probably have more respect for B than most men I have ever met. This man seems to be one of the most understanding, forgiving, and open-minded individuals. Personally I consider myself more forgiving and open-minded than most of my peers and family, but the way that he addressed those individuals that think he is a “murderer” surprised me. Where most people would get defensive, like me, and attack those individuals he understood their perspective. He is not digging for excuses about what he did; he takes complete responsibility for his actions. I am surprised that a teenage boy, who was abused mentally and physically, and as a result of his unfortunate family life turned to drugs, was able to completely turn his life around. Our system works in mysterious ways, although I do not agree with his sentencing, it did indeed reform him. That is the ultimate goal of the system right? He has gotten the opportunity to soberly figure out whom he is, and in that transformation he has learned to love himself. That in itself is amazing. Though I would have chosen a different path for this man. I do not think he deserves life in prison, even if he believes that he does. Did he need some sort of punishment? Of course. But why not send him to a program that would reform him and break him down so he could rebuild himself? Then he could have a life outside of a jail cell. There are murderers and rapists that walk the streets on a day-to-day basis, yet we leave a man, who has something to offer to the world and society to die in prison. Why? He seems like an extremely insightful individual that could help change the path of another troubled teenage boy heading down the same road he was on. In my frustration I ask, why are we not giving him that opportunity? He got sentenced to LIFE, a scared young boy, who did not murder anyone, god sentenced to LIFE in jail and there is nothing we can do to change this. Sat, 26 Mar 2011 00:25:38 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/24/b-s-response/#IDComment137601400 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/18/m-s-story/#IDComment135965186 This story has made me look differently when I think about what an inmate or a murder is. I chose to pursue a career in human development and family studies specifically for this reason. This man “M.” is why I choose to pursue a career that first of all has a high burn out rate and secondly will frustrate and challenge me. He was a fourteen-year-old boy that did not commit a murder. He is now a man that does not deserve to be in prison. He is someone that I would consider a role model. People like him are the reason why I always look at people and situations with an open mind. People like him inspire me to work with children and teenagers that are troubled. Yes, he was a troubled fourteen year old that ran away a few times, maybe he did not have the right role models. Again the issue of the “invisible’ strings. These men did not have his best interest in mind, but he was searching for a role model or someone to look up to. Instead of finding someone that was a good person, he ended up in a group of people who knew they could easily manipulate him. In my opinion he was a scared lost boy who ended up at the wrong place at the wrong time. But the fact that he takes complete responsibility for a crime he did not commit because he was too scared to stand up to the men does not mean he should be in jail. He is only guilty of being a scared kid who did not want to die himself. His remorse and regret are killing him and that is why he believes he should spend the rest of his life in jail. He has learned from his mistakes and should be counseled and let back into society. He is a good man and it is a shame that the system works in this way. Sat, 19 Mar 2011 02:57:46 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/18/m-s-story/#IDComment135965186 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/07/freedom/#IDComment133997951 Freedom is something that we, as citizens of the U.S., take for granted. I have never actually sat down and thought about how lucky I am to grow up in a country that was founded on freedom and choice. The U.S. prides itself on freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of press, etc. I have grown up in a country where my parents encourage me to explore and speak my mind and opinions. I am so accustomed to being able to have the freedom to pretty much do whatever I want, within reason, that the idea of being jailed and stripped of what I considered freedom to be would be unfathomable. To actually look at freedom in a spiritual and mental state, instead of a physical state, opened up a whole new perception of life to me. In lecture I know we have talked about the idea of still being free even though your confined to a jail cell, where you are stripped of all “physical” privacy. But in a sense no one can ever take away one’s thoughts and beliefs, your thoughts and beliefs will always remain free and private (if you wish for them to be private). It is such a liberating feeling to contain something, such as freedom, that no one can ever take away from you. The way that the prisoner describes freedom as an emotional, mental, and spiritual entity is refreshing. The prisoner is such a positive person that lives their life to the fullest, although they are not physically free. Why live for tomorrow or yesterday when you can live for today?! Although hope of getting out and hope for the future are necessary for ones sanity, the prisoner lives their life to be a better person each day. They don’t necessarily need to be physically free when they can improve their life daily (in or out of jail). One will always have the choice to be positive or negative, happy or sad, forgiving or angry. You will always have the freedom to choose. I believe to an extent freedom has become somewhat materialistic in our country. My freshman year of college, my idea of freedom was drinking any time of the day, no rules from my parents, having sex with whomever I wanted to, and choosing to get out of bed every morning to attend class. But, now, as a junior in college what is freedom to me? Choosing where I am going to live after a graduate, what graduate schools I am going to apply to, moving more than a three-hour drive from my dad. After reading this article freedom is so much more than that, freedom could be the choice to practice whatever religion I want to, the choice to fall in and out of love as often as I please, or the choice to pursue life long friendships with the people I’ve met here. I may not know exactly what freedom means, or what it means to me, but I am thankful that I have never had to live without it. Fri, 11 Mar 2011 01:13:23 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/07/freedom/#IDComment133997951 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/21/rethinking-education/#IDComment130704949 Two problems are surrounding education. How do we educate our children to take their place in the economies of the 21st century, given that we have no idea what the economy will look like tomorrow? The second involves cultural identity. How do we pass on the cultural genes of our communities down? This video opened up my eyes to a completely different outlook on education than I have ever had. The idea that college would set an individual up for career success has almost diminished in our generation. Personally what I got from this video was that with all the modern advances in our culture, why hasn’t our education system also evolved. The idea of public education seems like the only note worthy example of the education system evolving. Instead of the education system embracing the technology available and students’ enthusiasm and creativity, society seems to want to medicate them until they become nothing more than a bump on a log. The joke was made about an ADHD epidemic, and how doctors are medicating children so that they “stay put” and are obedient in class. Students have become bored in classes because of a lack of stimulation. Why does the education system seem like it’s the only area that can’t catch up with the advances in technology. I know from personal experience that doctors tend to write a script for adderal from anything from anxiety to being overly enthusiastic. Medication seems like this generations go to cure for something that they don’t have patience to deal with. I agree that divergent thinking is something that our education system needs to embrace and consider incorporating it more frequently throughout the education process. It would only make sense that our education system should embrace divergent thinking, because people that have the capacity to come up with several solutions to a problem are valued in the work force. As we move out of structured education, people that can think outside of the box are valued. So by suppressing these abilities in adolescents it is actually hurting the students in the long run. Hence why standardized testing is hated among almost all students. Furthermore as people, we naturally tend to work better in groups and we are expected to work side-by-side with our coworkers after we graduate college and enter the work force. So, group projects and groups of people working on assignments should be praised in education. I honestly find it amazing that everything I have been taught as an adolescent and as a student goes against everything that I should be getting taught. Fri, 25 Feb 2011 22:54:29 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/21/rethinking-education/#IDComment130704949 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/15/social-structure-shapes-free-will/#IDComment129038819 Being that we are accustomed to western culture, it is surprising that there are still cultures that practice polygamy because sociological conditions call for it. In general the practice of polygamy demonstrated in the video is practiced more so out of necessity, rather than religious beliefs. In isolated villages in the Himalayas the practice of polygamy is a way of life. What I found interesting was that it was the wife who had more than one husband, in comparison to the stereotypical idea of polygamy where one man had multiple wives. When the woman was at the age to get married, an arranged marriage was set up between her and multiple husbands, in this case the woman married three brothers. It is necessary for the wife to have multiple husbands for practicality purposes, land is scarce and the farms are tiny. So, in order to preserve the farm and the families future the family usually marries off the younger brothers along with the older brother to the future wife. It would be unrealistic for each generation to divide the family holdings, because families wouldn’t be able to survive (and they would starve). Surprisingly in this culture the husbands contribute to the domestic duties, by helping care for the children and the chores around the house. Also, polygamy contributes as a type of birth control, because the wife can only get pregnant so often. So if polygamy did not exist the population would explode. Making this way of life easy and necessary because of the previous isolation. Therefore I can understand how this type of polygamy could become more prevalent in China. Being that there is a lack of eligible women to get married to in China and that polygamy can be used as a way of birth control may be looked at as a positive characteristic in Chinese cultures. I am just curious as to whether these people realize that their thought process and actions are not being made as a result of their own free will, even though they claim that they choose this life style. It is outside factors and forces that attach these strings to them which cause them to accept this way of life and overlook the flawed system. It is just strange for us to live in a society that associates marriage and love instead of marriage and survival. Sat, 19 Feb 2011 04:32:38 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/15/social-structure-shapes-free-will/#IDComment129038819 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/01/30/conformity-rules-the-day/#IDComment126026562 Until I had taken this class I hadn’t understood the extent in which groupthink had control over our every day actions or thought process. The fact that our society is over come with this pressure to conform and be accepted, and we are able to disregard every rational thought and replace it with an alternative course of action actually terrifies me. I had never thought of the fact that in a sense the biblical stories documented throughout religion are in fact conformity at its finest. For example it is unreasonable and unrealistic for any rational person to believe that a single man put one type of every species on a boat and sailed around the world during a flood in order to save each and every individual species (Noah’s Ark). But Christians currently, today, with all the technology available would never in a million years ever doubt such a story passed down to us throughout history. But, if a man went into his psychologist presently and expressed that he felt like he had to gather every single species in the world and put them on a boat because I great flood was coming, that individual would be medicated and look down upon. It is amazing how a group of individuals, small or large, can influence any individual into following the ‘norm’ because they seek acceptance and this thing we know as conformity. We all in one way or another conform to society and what our society thinks is the norm because our actions are still being pulled by these invisible strings. Personally I have been one to think that I always go against conformity, and I am just now realizing how much I conform to society. I would love to think that I would be that one individual that would stay facing the correct way in the elevator, no questions asked. But, would I only stay facing the correct way in the elevator now because I am now aware of the invisible string that are attached to me? Although I can honestly say that I am different in the sense that I have always found it interesting to talk with and understand different peoples perspectives on things regardless of my outlook on the situation. I believe, I have, to an extent always went against the grain in many situations where most have conformed. For example I’m a female that wrestled on the males wrestling team in high school, not only because I enjoyed the sport as a whole and there was no girls wrestling team, but also because every male figure in my family told me I wouldn’t be able to do it. I enjoy challenging myself in roles that go against the norm of society, but I also conform to society in so many ways that I wasn’t even consciously realizing. The only way to control our individuality is to become aware of these invisible strings, and more people need to realize this about themselves before we become a mass group of drones that cant think for themselves. Sat, 5 Feb 2011 00:06:43 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/01/30/conformity-rules-the-day/#IDComment126026562 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/01/23/how-free-are-these-90-students/#IDComment124440209 The question that our lecture has most recently revolved around is, how can one be fully “responsible” for our actions if were not fully free?” From the time of conception our lives are being shaped from outside sources that are beyond our control. For instance the 90 high school age individuals that have decided to bring children into a low-income, underprivileged household affects the future of the unborn child. The question of whether the unborn child is receiving the proper care, and the mother to be is ingesting well-balanced meals along with her prenatal vitamins, becomes a pressing issue. Not to mention the lack of experience that is going to be offered to the child. This is precisely why the cycle is continuous. Excellence is our expectation, no excuses. Isn’t it ironic that, that is the motto that the Memphis High School is trying to portray? An astounding 11% of the entire school is experiencing the early onset into the journey of parenthood. The Memphis High School is a title one school that receives federal funding based on the high number of children that come from low-income families. The school district is so poverty stricken that nearly 100% of the students receive free or reduced lunches. So the question isn’t about freedom and individual decision making of the young parents or whether the pregnancies were intentional or accidental. But more so about the “invisible strings” that have been attached to these high school students growing up in a less fortunate environment, which causes them to repeat the never ending cycle. From the information presented one can draw conclusions that these high school age kids come from teenage parents who work minimum wage jobs to make ends meet. These high school age children were predisposed to this life style from conception, just like their unborn children are going to be predisposed to this lifestyle. We are products of our environment and that is beyond all of our control, they only way to break the cycle is to realize that we have the power to attach, detach, and reattach these strings. Although the “system” largely influences our future, we as individuals know the consequences and have the power to reshape our future. I’m beyond ecstatic non-profit organizations are taking action to help correct this trend in offering after school and in school activities and programs. Hopefully these programs will help give these high school students the knowledge they need to come to the realization that they could be the one to break the cycle. Sat, 29 Jan 2011 00:25:10 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/01/23/how-free-are-these-90-students/#IDComment124440209 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/01/18/suicide-in-japan/#IDComment122831667 Given our past discussion on suicide I feel like I would be better able to understand the thought process of a potentially suicidal individual. Although it is more difficult for me to understand a culture that is so career oriented. Yes in the United States were career driven and known as a materialistic country, but were also known as a country focused on individualism. In our country were focused on our individual happiness, and not so much on how others perceive us. But knowing how career driven Japan is I understand why individuals would think that their lives have no meaning if they lose their jobs. I would even go as far to say that their lives define whom they are. Also the fact that the suicide prevention lines have only been operating for ten years is absurd in itself. How has no one stepped in and taken action in setting up suicide prevention services?! Therefore if I was answering the help lines trying to convince these individuals that their lives are important and worth living I would tell them a number of things. First and foremost I would begin with helping them understand that it is not their fault they feel so depressed. That suicide comes from outside factors, in most of their cases the loss of a job. By helping them understand that it is not their fault that they are no longer employed, I would continue to make their negative situation into a positive situation. Although they lost their job, this could be a great opportunity for a fresh start in a profession that is more fitting and would make them happier. By turning the negative situation into a positive situation they now have a reason for living and see their life as important and meaningful. After they realize the importance of their life, I would reinforce my reasoning with the people that love them and would be affected by their death. Even a person with no family has the potential to positively influence stranger’s lives. You can make a difference in the world, don’t give up. Fri, 21 Jan 2011 19:36:17 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/01/18/suicide-in-japan/#IDComment122831667 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/01/10/last-name-%e2%80%9ct%e2%80%9d-%e2%80%93-intense-debate/#IDComment122830850 soc001 Fri, 21 Jan 2011 19:31:35 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/01/10/last-name-%e2%80%9ct%e2%80%9d-%e2%80%93-intense-debate/#IDComment122830850