When we meet new people, we think of our past experience of those who remind us of the person who we happen to be meeting. These can be examples of people we knew in real life or how people are portrayed in the many different forms of media.
Stereotypes are impossible to avoid. Humans can't help but attach them to those who we don't even know. So much entertainment feeds off horrible stereotypes that we can't help but let them invade our everyday thoughts. Even if stereotypes don't permeate our lives, what causes them to seem so prevalent in society?
We obviously see some people who live up to their stereotypes; if this didn't happen, we wouldn't let those stereotypes last through multiple generations. But what makes a stereotype? Perhaps it is a large group of individuals who act a certain way that cause judgments to be cast. In that case, a small group of people have helped to label an entire group of people. But what if this isn't true? Perhaps a stereotype is a preconceived rumor that people conform to. What if the stereotype forms the people instead of vice versa? Then in that case, we would be adjusting to other people telling us how to act. Either way, stereotypes cause many misplaced misconceptions in humans who hear them. No matter if the stereotype is the cause or the effect, we need to allow them to be abolished or at least diminished.
Currently listening to Amy Winehouse and Marilyn Manson.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
new
Doing activities that are different than normal is always difficult. Going out of your comfort zone after staying in it for so long is very awkward for anyone, but when you are forced out, meeting new people in a new environment is crucial.
A new environment can be terrifying; being placed in an unfamiliar locale can distort the actions which may seem normal. And with a new environment comes new people, places, and customs. The individuals accustomed to the area are also aware of how things normally work, but people new to the area feel as if they are walking among broken glass.
Meeting new people is hard. People normally have a problem letting a new person into their life, even the slightest bit. When meeting new people, quick judgment among those who are native or familiar with the area is inevitable. Also, when meeting a new person, each individual introducing themselves feels wary of the quick judgment that will be placed upon them. It is impossible to know whether or not your new acquaintance will hate what is about to come out of your mouth, and you are quite conscious of this fact.
But why are we so miserable when placed in new situations? Perhaps it is because we are out of our normal situation and around strange individuals. Once humans establish themselves in an area, they become comfortable there and fear change from what took them so long to adjust to. But when forced to adjust, maybe the uncomfortable feelings that come with it help us to adapt to our new situation.
Currently listening to The Beatles, Three Days Grace, and Linkin Park.
A new environment can be terrifying; being placed in an unfamiliar locale can distort the actions which may seem normal. And with a new environment comes new people, places, and customs. The individuals accustomed to the area are also aware of how things normally work, but people new to the area feel as if they are walking among broken glass.
Meeting new people is hard. People normally have a problem letting a new person into their life, even the slightest bit. When meeting new people, quick judgment among those who are native or familiar with the area is inevitable. Also, when meeting a new person, each individual introducing themselves feels wary of the quick judgment that will be placed upon them. It is impossible to know whether or not your new acquaintance will hate what is about to come out of your mouth, and you are quite conscious of this fact.
But why are we so miserable when placed in new situations? Perhaps it is because we are out of our normal situation and around strange individuals. Once humans establish themselves in an area, they become comfortable there and fear change from what took them so long to adjust to. But when forced to adjust, maybe the uncomfortable feelings that come with it help us to adapt to our new situation.
Currently listening to The Beatles, Three Days Grace, and Linkin Park.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
meaning
Words can have a very heavy meaning and most often do. Most humans choose their words wisely even in everyday conversation. Once we become acquainted with a person, we know what words we can use and which are prohibited. When we become closer to a person, choosing words becomes a subconscious act instead of a constant second guessing. But do we get too comfortable around people who we know with our language?
When you first meet someone, your words can change how people view you. A simple misuse of a word can change a person's perception in an instant and possibly in the wrong direction. Once we become accustomed to another person's annoyances and problems with language, we often become lax with our words. The more we get to know someone, the less our words become vital. The words we speak to a lifelong friend or spouse tend to lose their meaning, but why is this?
Why do we let commonly said words lose their original impact they once had us? Perhaps we become numb to certain words when a certain person tends to repeat them. The two most common example of this are the words “love” and “hate.” When we first hear a person use either of those words, it can be shocking, but the more we hear them escape their mouths the less it affects us. Is it simply hearing the word used so often? This is probably the answer to the question, but what is the solution to the problem? Maybe we need to be as careful around those we know the best as we are around the people we are meeting for the first time.
Currently listening to The Beatles.
When you first meet someone, your words can change how people view you. A simple misuse of a word can change a person's perception in an instant and possibly in the wrong direction. Once we become accustomed to another person's annoyances and problems with language, we often become lax with our words. The more we get to know someone, the less our words become vital. The words we speak to a lifelong friend or spouse tend to lose their meaning, but why is this?
Why do we let commonly said words lose their original impact they once had us? Perhaps we become numb to certain words when a certain person tends to repeat them. The two most common example of this are the words “love” and “hate.” When we first hear a person use either of those words, it can be shocking, but the more we hear them escape their mouths the less it affects us. Is it simply hearing the word used so often? This is probably the answer to the question, but what is the solution to the problem? Maybe we need to be as careful around those we know the best as we are around the people we are meeting for the first time.
Currently listening to The Beatles.
Monday, August 18, 2008
words
Humans mainly communicate by talking to one another. Words have a specific meaning which is defined in the dictionary as the standard meaning as a word. This has absolutely no room for interpretation. But humans connect moods, emotions, and experience to certain words that then create either a positive or negative stamp on our minds.
An explicit definition of a word is known as the denotation, meaning the dictionary definition of a word. There is no room for debate about meanings of words on this side, but that is not true with connotations of words. A connotation of a word varies from person to person, but it is the implied meaning of a word. Both are a vital parts of conveying a message to an audience, but usually a writer depends on assumed connotations to nail their point by using words with heavier meanings that leave an impact.
Some words have implications that are positive. The denotations of house and home are practically the same, but the connotations are where the differences arise. A house is usually seen as a place where someone lives, but a home is someplace that is comfortable and full of warmth. Home has certain positive feelings that follow to change the way someone uses the word. Another example of how connotations affect our interpretation of words is the difference between freedom fighter and terrorist. Both are defined as people who engages in armed rebellion or resistance against an oppressive government. Freedom fighters are usually seen as heroes as they fight; terrorists are the source of fear in masses of people.
Connotations can change the way we are affected by words, but why do we let the implied meaning weigh more heavily than the literal definition? Perhaps we are more affected by our own experience more than what we are taught in school or from a dictionary. Our emotions, since they can make us irrational and unclear in thought, are more personal than more words that have no weight. Changing our ways would be hard, but maybe in the future we could try to lessen the impact that connotations have on us.
Currently listening to Nine Inch Nails and nature.
An explicit definition of a word is known as the denotation, meaning the dictionary definition of a word. There is no room for debate about meanings of words on this side, but that is not true with connotations of words. A connotation of a word varies from person to person, but it is the implied meaning of a word. Both are a vital parts of conveying a message to an audience, but usually a writer depends on assumed connotations to nail their point by using words with heavier meanings that leave an impact.
Some words have implications that are positive. The denotations of house and home are practically the same, but the connotations are where the differences arise. A house is usually seen as a place where someone lives, but a home is someplace that is comfortable and full of warmth. Home has certain positive feelings that follow to change the way someone uses the word. Another example of how connotations affect our interpretation of words is the difference between freedom fighter and terrorist. Both are defined as people who engages in armed rebellion or resistance against an oppressive government. Freedom fighters are usually seen as heroes as they fight; terrorists are the source of fear in masses of people.
Connotations can change the way we are affected by words, but why do we let the implied meaning weigh more heavily than the literal definition? Perhaps we are more affected by our own experience more than what we are taught in school or from a dictionary. Our emotions, since they can make us irrational and unclear in thought, are more personal than more words that have no weight. Changing our ways would be hard, but maybe in the future we could try to lessen the impact that connotations have on us.
Currently listening to Nine Inch Nails and nature.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
anticipation
We have all felt the build up of emotions as a big event comes our way. Anxiety, nervousness, impatience, and worry seem to sneak in during the wait period. These feelings somehow become amplified in our wait until the commencement of whatever we may be waiting for. During the wait and increase of emotions, our minds and bodies tend to react in peculiar ways. We all know what is going to happen when we await certain events in our lives, but we still fall victim to the depths of our mind's wonder and worry.
So what happens to us when we get in such a tizzy? It affects others differently, but some common symptoms of anticipation are insomnia, extreme loss or gain of appetite, and stress. It is as if we forget about simple daily function because our minds are so preoccupied with what will come in the near future. Why do we let this happen to ourselves? Humans live for the future, what will become of them. They would hate to come across such a big opportunity and mess it up beyond repair, so they obsess over it and go over every possible detail of what may or may not happen. Also, if the event is a pivotal point in a person's life, we simply cannot wait for the moment to actually be upon us. The event is the object of our every thought, so much that we forget lose sight of what is currently passing by us.
Huge events in our lives that we naturally anticipate will always haunt us, but is it beneficial? Maybe if we didn't obsess about every detail of what will occur because this might help us weigh our options of what to do in certain situations. But what if the act is predetermined to turn out a certain way? There is no worrying to preoccupy the inactivity until the event. Perhaps as humanity as a whole, we need to rid ourselves of the self abuse we willingly endure because of anticipation.
Currently listening to Stone Sour.
So what happens to us when we get in such a tizzy? It affects others differently, but some common symptoms of anticipation are insomnia, extreme loss or gain of appetite, and stress. It is as if we forget about simple daily function because our minds are so preoccupied with what will come in the near future. Why do we let this happen to ourselves? Humans live for the future, what will become of them. They would hate to come across such a big opportunity and mess it up beyond repair, so they obsess over it and go over every possible detail of what may or may not happen. Also, if the event is a pivotal point in a person's life, we simply cannot wait for the moment to actually be upon us. The event is the object of our every thought, so much that we forget lose sight of what is currently passing by us.
Huge events in our lives that we naturally anticipate will always haunt us, but is it beneficial? Maybe if we didn't obsess about every detail of what will occur because this might help us weigh our options of what to do in certain situations. But what if the act is predetermined to turn out a certain way? There is no worrying to preoccupy the inactivity until the event. Perhaps as humanity as a whole, we need to rid ourselves of the self abuse we willingly endure because of anticipation.
Currently listening to Stone Sour.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
technology
Technology is a vital part of everyday life in the twenty-first century. Every household in America has at least one computer and two televisions with cable or satellite TV. Kids as young as ten have their own cell phones and are fluent in acronyms commonly used for texting and instant messaging. It seems as if everyone is constantly connected to their buddy list by the way of technology, but is that beneficial to humans as a whole?
Technology has destroyed our ways of communicating with other humans. In high school, teens are taught how necessary proper grammar and clear expression is, but anonymous chat rooms, texing, instant messaging, and forums are undermining the true value of what we are taught. Capitalization is forgotten; punctuation is unnecessary; sentences are fragmented; spelling is disregarded. To thrive in such a community of frequent web browsers, a knowledge of this makeshift language that use abbreviations, acronyms, and numbers is critical. In addition, those who become accustomed to speaking this way find it hard to communicate with those who don't depend on it to talk. This is making our teenagers dumber than previous generations, and if we don't fix this problem, it will only get worse as time goes on.
Technology also undermines the quality of human interaction. With the rise of the social networking sites and instant messaging clients, talking to others in person is rare. It is much easier to talk to your friends and coworkers from the comfort of your own home then meet them someplace in real life. Certain qualities and lessons are learned when you interact with people; we miss the opportunity to obtain these when we talk to people through what we type. People learn to pick up on vocal cues for emotion and reactions when we hear another person's voice, and we suffer from this sacrifice we willingly make when we log in to talk to our friends.
We also become dependent on technology after we use it enough. Most people who are constantly connected find it atrocious and blasphemous to turn off their phone or computer. Some people would find it impossible for them to disconnect from the internet for even a day. Constantly logged on, these people seem to have forgotten about other methods of entertainment such as reading or spending time outside. It seems as if people live their life through technology instead of how it was meant to be fulfilled.
But why we do this? For one, the lack of human interaction can desensitize us to other people's emotions, making it easier for us to deal with tragedy and pain. Delivering bad news via e-mail or text message is much more impersonal than by actual interaction. This can numb us to the effects of certain actions. Likewise, a cyberculture is much easier to become a part of than real life. On the internet, you can lie about who you are in order to receive more attention. On that note conformity is inevitable, as it is in most settings with huge masses of people; consequently, you have to fit into a certain mold in order to be accepted. It just so happens that mold is someone who has made themselves dumber by speaking certain ways.
Perhaps we need to distance ourselves from the very items that make us dumber. Technology can be glorious, but we seem to abuse it beyond the point of it being beneficial. We are fairly new to ubiquitous technology, but we are already addicted past the point of being able to quit on command.
Currently listening to Incubus, James Blunt, and She Wants Revenge.
Technology has destroyed our ways of communicating with other humans. In high school, teens are taught how necessary proper grammar and clear expression is, but anonymous chat rooms, texing, instant messaging, and forums are undermining the true value of what we are taught. Capitalization is forgotten; punctuation is unnecessary; sentences are fragmented; spelling is disregarded. To thrive in such a community of frequent web browsers, a knowledge of this makeshift language that use abbreviations, acronyms, and numbers is critical. In addition, those who become accustomed to speaking this way find it hard to communicate with those who don't depend on it to talk. This is making our teenagers dumber than previous generations, and if we don't fix this problem, it will only get worse as time goes on.
Technology also undermines the quality of human interaction. With the rise of the social networking sites and instant messaging clients, talking to others in person is rare. It is much easier to talk to your friends and coworkers from the comfort of your own home then meet them someplace in real life. Certain qualities and lessons are learned when you interact with people; we miss the opportunity to obtain these when we talk to people through what we type. People learn to pick up on vocal cues for emotion and reactions when we hear another person's voice, and we suffer from this sacrifice we willingly make when we log in to talk to our friends.
We also become dependent on technology after we use it enough. Most people who are constantly connected find it atrocious and blasphemous to turn off their phone or computer. Some people would find it impossible for them to disconnect from the internet for even a day. Constantly logged on, these people seem to have forgotten about other methods of entertainment such as reading or spending time outside. It seems as if people live their life through technology instead of how it was meant to be fulfilled.
But why we do this? For one, the lack of human interaction can desensitize us to other people's emotions, making it easier for us to deal with tragedy and pain. Delivering bad news via e-mail or text message is much more impersonal than by actual interaction. This can numb us to the effects of certain actions. Likewise, a cyberculture is much easier to become a part of than real life. On the internet, you can lie about who you are in order to receive more attention. On that note conformity is inevitable, as it is in most settings with huge masses of people; consequently, you have to fit into a certain mold in order to be accepted. It just so happens that mold is someone who has made themselves dumber by speaking certain ways.
Perhaps we need to distance ourselves from the very items that make us dumber. Technology can be glorious, but we seem to abuse it beyond the point of it being beneficial. We are fairly new to ubiquitous technology, but we are already addicted past the point of being able to quit on command.
Currently listening to Incubus, James Blunt, and She Wants Revenge.
Friday, August 15, 2008
change
I am not the same person I was a year ago. None of us are. With another year behind us, we can look back and see what has changed. Some of us have made big changes, some made bad decisions, and still some have made minor ones unwillingly. Especially prevalent in younger generations, we are changing the way we view the world we live in. As teenagers get older, change is necessary for success. Success is dependent on so many variables, but an evolution of those can help an individual who is trying to further themselves.
Firstly, a young person has to become more educated to become successful in whatever field they decide to pursue. If someone chooses not to allow themselves to be taught in anything, they will not be able to make any money. This is because they have no knowledge in anything. Even a high school diploma in today's society isn't enough. To make enough money to live a financially stable life, a college degree is becoming essential.
In addition to education, an individual must evolve their way of personal triats before they can even think about success in an adult setting. Children are selfish, whiny, naive, immature, and inexperienced; a successful adult may possess one of these traits, but there is no way they possess all of them. As a person grows, they naturally mature until they carry themselves like adults. Some people take longer than others, but all successful individuals eventually reach that goal.
The last variable towards success that I'm going to touch on thought process. Children are taught what to think. Their parents indoctrinate them on all subjects because they know a child's mind isn't developed enough to come to certain conclusions themselves. Kids often carry what their parents taught them deep into their teenage years, but in order to become a successful adult, they have to learn how to think. Budding adults must develop skills that allow them to draw their own conclusions about their world. Adults must be able to postulate their own theories about everything the come across because they no longer have someone to tell them what to think.
People have to change in more ways than I described, but it is very definite that change and growth are necessary in all aspects. If a person tries to become successful before they change who they had previously been, they may fortunate enough to succeed, but it is most likely they will have to adjust to a new way of life.
Currently listening to Richard Dawkins' address at the University of Liverpool.
Firstly, a young person has to become more educated to become successful in whatever field they decide to pursue. If someone chooses not to allow themselves to be taught in anything, they will not be able to make any money. This is because they have no knowledge in anything. Even a high school diploma in today's society isn't enough. To make enough money to live a financially stable life, a college degree is becoming essential.
In addition to education, an individual must evolve their way of personal triats before they can even think about success in an adult setting. Children are selfish, whiny, naive, immature, and inexperienced; a successful adult may possess one of these traits, but there is no way they possess all of them. As a person grows, they naturally mature until they carry themselves like adults. Some people take longer than others, but all successful individuals eventually reach that goal.
The last variable towards success that I'm going to touch on thought process. Children are taught what to think. Their parents indoctrinate them on all subjects because they know a child's mind isn't developed enough to come to certain conclusions themselves. Kids often carry what their parents taught them deep into their teenage years, but in order to become a successful adult, they have to learn how to think. Budding adults must develop skills that allow them to draw their own conclusions about their world. Adults must be able to postulate their own theories about everything the come across because they no longer have someone to tell them what to think.
People have to change in more ways than I described, but it is very definite that change and growth are necessary in all aspects. If a person tries to become successful before they change who they had previously been, they may fortunate enough to succeed, but it is most likely they will have to adjust to a new way of life.
Currently listening to Richard Dawkins' address at the University of Liverpool.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
sleep
Sleep is necessary for everyone. A good night's rest can recharge a person to prepare them for the following day's activities. A lack of sleep can hinder every action that a person may need or want to do. We are all taught these truths from a young age, but are they true? Is it sleep that has an effect on us, or is it all in our heads? Since we are taught so much about sleep from such a young age, do we allow those "truths" to manipulate our body?
Let's say it really is the sleep that messes with our body. In that case, the amount of sleep that we allow ourselves to get is vital. Scientists have suggested that eight hours of sleep every night is the best. Some people are able to function on less without feeling any negative effects; however, some feel that eight hours is not enough to perform everyday functions. Regardless of how much sleep someone needs to function properly, a lack of sleep will mess with anyone. We have all pulled an all-nighter only to regret it immensely later that day. But, as weird as it may sound, too much sleep can do the same thing. But we already knew this, right? We have known it since we can remember, but what if that is our problem?
What if it is our mind that messes with our body by using sleep as a nice cover up. Since we all know that our parents have told us that a good night's sleep is necessary, we accept it as a universal truth. But what if the way we feel after sleep is manipulated by our minds and what we have always been told? If we know we are only going to get five hours of sleep, we expect ourselves to feel awful upon waking; what if this is the true reason for our disposition? Perhaps we need to stay neutral when it comes to sleep in order to make the most of what we have instead of expecting a certain outcome.
Currently listening to The Beatles and TLC.
Let's say it really is the sleep that messes with our body. In that case, the amount of sleep that we allow ourselves to get is vital. Scientists have suggested that eight hours of sleep every night is the best. Some people are able to function on less without feeling any negative effects; however, some feel that eight hours is not enough to perform everyday functions. Regardless of how much sleep someone needs to function properly, a lack of sleep will mess with anyone. We have all pulled an all-nighter only to regret it immensely later that day. But, as weird as it may sound, too much sleep can do the same thing. But we already knew this, right? We have known it since we can remember, but what if that is our problem?
What if it is our mind that messes with our body by using sleep as a nice cover up. Since we all know that our parents have told us that a good night's sleep is necessary, we accept it as a universal truth. But what if the way we feel after sleep is manipulated by our minds and what we have always been told? If we know we are only going to get five hours of sleep, we expect ourselves to feel awful upon waking; what if this is the true reason for our disposition? Perhaps we need to stay neutral when it comes to sleep in order to make the most of what we have instead of expecting a certain outcome.
Currently listening to The Beatles and TLC.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
relative
We have an easy time looking at the world through out own perspective, that is a given, but that is nothing special to commend. So what is praiseworthy? Trying to break free from a limited perspective that we witness everyday is what we as humans who interact with those who differ from us should strive for.
It is easy to see when someone is attacking you if you are the victim, but what if you are biased towards the attacker? What if you actually take a neutral position? It will always be easy to see the position that you naturally side with. Staying ignorant to the other side will keep people desensitized to how other feel.
Let's take a recent well-known event as an example. On September 11, 2001, nineteen pious men hijacked planes and ran them into buildings in Washington D. C. and New York City, and to Americans, their acts of violence were wrong. As a result of these attacks, we waged war on Iraq. Most of the country was behind the war and found it acceptable that we were attacking Iraqis. Since we were the ones attacking, it was acceptable because we saw ourselves as the victim. Our attitudes would have been different if we were the target of a world power's vengeance, but we were the world power seeking revenge. We saw our actions as justified because that was our position, but the citizens of the Middle East found their actions just as justified. Why such a difference in perspective? Americans didn't bother to open their minds to the opinions of their opposition; this simple action could have prevented such a drawn out battle; a battle that won't be won because neither side will see it from anything but their own view.
We need to keep living nescient to different viewpoints. As humans, we need to accept that we aren't always right just because that is our personal position. If an act is wrong, isn't it equally as wrong when we are the victims? Of course it is, but it may take some time for all of us to accept this viewpoint. After all, it isn't how we currently view this position.
Currently listening to the Olympics.
It is easy to see when someone is attacking you if you are the victim, but what if you are biased towards the attacker? What if you actually take a neutral position? It will always be easy to see the position that you naturally side with. Staying ignorant to the other side will keep people desensitized to how other feel.
Let's take a recent well-known event as an example. On September 11, 2001, nineteen pious men hijacked planes and ran them into buildings in Washington D. C. and New York City, and to Americans, their acts of violence were wrong. As a result of these attacks, we waged war on Iraq. Most of the country was behind the war and found it acceptable that we were attacking Iraqis. Since we were the ones attacking, it was acceptable because we saw ourselves as the victim. Our attitudes would have been different if we were the target of a world power's vengeance, but we were the world power seeking revenge. We saw our actions as justified because that was our position, but the citizens of the Middle East found their actions just as justified. Why such a difference in perspective? Americans didn't bother to open their minds to the opinions of their opposition; this simple action could have prevented such a drawn out battle; a battle that won't be won because neither side will see it from anything but their own view.
We need to keep living nescient to different viewpoints. As humans, we need to accept that we aren't always right just because that is our personal position. If an act is wrong, isn't it equally as wrong when we are the victims? Of course it is, but it may take some time for all of us to accept this viewpoint. After all, it isn't how we currently view this position.
Currently listening to the Olympics.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
freedom
America is called land of the free, but are we really allowed to be as free as we please? I know that Americans as a whole are some of the most privileged individuals in the world, yet it seems as if my everyday life is trying to be dictated by regional norms and what is socially acceptable.
I'll start with politics. Most people who live in the United States fall pretty close to the middle of the spectrum with a few extreme ideas sprinkled in. This is acceptable in the public's eye, but a few too many radical thoughts are frowned upon. Also, depending on the area, certain political viewpoints won't be accepted. For example, it will be harder for someone who is very liberal to be vocal about their opinions in a red state. Political radicals who identify themselves with either the far left or far right won't be accepted as normal in everyday American life. They may simply feel unwelcome or face verbal opposition; but if their ideas are those that align themselves with Communism, Socialism, or Fascism, the backlash will be greater. These terms have such a negative reputation and connotation in common language to begin with. Since humans don't like people interfering with the status quo, these people are often purged to keep things normal. How ridiculous of a nation are we that don't allow people the very freedom that we promise for them to hold their own beliefs? Are we afraid of the radicals overtaking the nation? If the true majority is more centrist than radical, then our country will stay centrist. That's the power of democracy. So why do we undermine those who have a different opinion than us in the political realm?
This occurs not only in politics, but also with religion. America is predominately Christian with about 80% of its citizens identifying with that religion. With this obviously being the norm of the country, a person who observes a different religion or no religion is looked down up. Christians in America are pompous individuals who must snuff out anyone who thinks differently than them. Islam is seen as the general enemy of the United States; certain fundamentalists have declared a war against Atheists and Agnostics. But why does this nation feel the need to silence any difference? Perhaps they don't want anyone who strays away from the general opinion that may cause them to question their own faith. But doesn't it state in the first Amendment of the Constitution that there will be no established religion in this nation? As of right now, there is no such thing. So then why do we see the United States leaning more towards the idea of one predominant religion?
Many issues are this way in the self-proclaimed "greatest nation on Earth," but the two previously mentioned are the most severe. I see a false freedom that protects those individuals who identify with the socially acceptable norms of the nation but no one else. Why is this? Are we afraid of upsetting what is seen as normal? It sure seems like it. Radicals and non-believers are citizens also, but they see less freedom than centrists and believers. As a Communist Atheist, I find it very hard to enjoy my life because of the inalienable right to freedom that is being denied to me and slowly fading away.
Perhaps we need to shift perception away from the way we are treated, and look at the minorities. How are we treating them? Citizens who don't fit in to the cookie cutter image of the normal American are being oppressed beyond what anyone is willing to admit. We, as a nation, need to observe true freedom to individual thought instead of telling people who they are supposed to be.
Currently listening to Panic! at the Disco and Incubus.
I'll start with politics. Most people who live in the United States fall pretty close to the middle of the spectrum with a few extreme ideas sprinkled in. This is acceptable in the public's eye, but a few too many radical thoughts are frowned upon. Also, depending on the area, certain political viewpoints won't be accepted. For example, it will be harder for someone who is very liberal to be vocal about their opinions in a red state. Political radicals who identify themselves with either the far left or far right won't be accepted as normal in everyday American life. They may simply feel unwelcome or face verbal opposition; but if their ideas are those that align themselves with Communism, Socialism, or Fascism, the backlash will be greater. These terms have such a negative reputation and connotation in common language to begin with. Since humans don't like people interfering with the status quo, these people are often purged to keep things normal. How ridiculous of a nation are we that don't allow people the very freedom that we promise for them to hold their own beliefs? Are we afraid of the radicals overtaking the nation? If the true majority is more centrist than radical, then our country will stay centrist. That's the power of democracy. So why do we undermine those who have a different opinion than us in the political realm?
This occurs not only in politics, but also with religion. America is predominately Christian with about 80% of its citizens identifying with that religion. With this obviously being the norm of the country, a person who observes a different religion or no religion is looked down up. Christians in America are pompous individuals who must snuff out anyone who thinks differently than them. Islam is seen as the general enemy of the United States; certain fundamentalists have declared a war against Atheists and Agnostics. But why does this nation feel the need to silence any difference? Perhaps they don't want anyone who strays away from the general opinion that may cause them to question their own faith. But doesn't it state in the first Amendment of the Constitution that there will be no established religion in this nation? As of right now, there is no such thing. So then why do we see the United States leaning more towards the idea of one predominant religion?
Many issues are this way in the self-proclaimed "greatest nation on Earth," but the two previously mentioned are the most severe. I see a false freedom that protects those individuals who identify with the socially acceptable norms of the nation but no one else. Why is this? Are we afraid of upsetting what is seen as normal? It sure seems like it. Radicals and non-believers are citizens also, but they see less freedom than centrists and believers. As a Communist Atheist, I find it very hard to enjoy my life because of the inalienable right to freedom that is being denied to me and slowly fading away.
Perhaps we need to shift perception away from the way we are treated, and look at the minorities. How are we treating them? Citizens who don't fit in to the cookie cutter image of the normal American are being oppressed beyond what anyone is willing to admit. We, as a nation, need to observe true freedom to individual thought instead of telling people who they are supposed to be.
Currently listening to Panic! at the Disco and Incubus.
Monday, August 11, 2008
sex
How come sex dominates everything we as humans do? Perhaps it is because of instincts of our long past prehistoric ancestors that needed motivation to further the species; it could be due to the fact that sex appeals to the inhibitions people normally hold back.
If it is because of instincts, those feelings towards sex are embedded in us. We are unable to alter them. Look at some animals, they use sex as only a means of reproduction and not a combination of pleasure and reproduction. When animals mate, it is seen as natural order but not so much in humans. Is it the dynamic of pleasure that changes it for humans? We need to reproduce to spread just as much as other animals, yet society tries to undermine the significance sex has in our lives. It tries to say certain rituals or habits, like masturbation and fetishes, are taboo and socially unacceptable for people to indulge in. Is this our general way of trying to make sex merely a means of reproduction? Perhaps but what if the negative attitudes of sex is why we are entranced by it?
Even though sex is quite prevalent in the media, most Americans are outraged by the exposure. Maybe this backlash has had some effect on the appeal sex has. Humans are generally drawn to items they can't have, and if sex is extremely controversial and that controversy is seen, then doesn't the negative attitudes toward sex make it more desirable? If this is so, then would the silencing of anti-sex protesters make sex less wanted? Doubtful, because then humans would have an unbridled public image of sex and the pleasure that accompanies it.
Currently listening to The White Stripes and Modest Mouse.
If it is because of instincts, those feelings towards sex are embedded in us. We are unable to alter them. Look at some animals, they use sex as only a means of reproduction and not a combination of pleasure and reproduction. When animals mate, it is seen as natural order but not so much in humans. Is it the dynamic of pleasure that changes it for humans? We need to reproduce to spread just as much as other animals, yet society tries to undermine the significance sex has in our lives. It tries to say certain rituals or habits, like masturbation and fetishes, are taboo and socially unacceptable for people to indulge in. Is this our general way of trying to make sex merely a means of reproduction? Perhaps but what if the negative attitudes of sex is why we are entranced by it?
Even though sex is quite prevalent in the media, most Americans are outraged by the exposure. Maybe this backlash has had some effect on the appeal sex has. Humans are generally drawn to items they can't have, and if sex is extremely controversial and that controversy is seen, then doesn't the negative attitudes toward sex make it more desirable? If this is so, then would the silencing of anti-sex protesters make sex less wanted? Doubtful, because then humans would have an unbridled public image of sex and the pleasure that accompanies it.
Currently listening to The White Stripes and Modest Mouse.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
relaxation
Sometimes we need a break from the buzz of life, no matter how full or light our schedules are. A break from what defines our life: the people, places, events, and actions. A time to sit home and just relax.
A need for a mini-vacation came come suddenly, but why do these feelings overwhelm us? Perhaps too much exposure to a certain thing in too short of a time; perhaps humans just need a break in routine every now and again. People could just need some time to themselves, to do what they enjoy the most with no one judging them.
Whatever the cause, a day away can be refreshing, almost as refreshing as a cold glass of water on a hot day. This private rehabilitation may be vital to a person's mental health, but in today's world, it seems as if stopping is completely taboo. Fast paced and never sleeping is what society values, not taking time to center yourself. As a whole, humans need to reject the norms of society to preserve our personal needs and wants.
Currently listening to Leona Lewis, Mariah Carey, Train, and Matchbox 20.
A need for a mini-vacation came come suddenly, but why do these feelings overwhelm us? Perhaps too much exposure to a certain thing in too short of a time; perhaps humans just need a break in routine every now and again. People could just need some time to themselves, to do what they enjoy the most with no one judging them.
Whatever the cause, a day away can be refreshing, almost as refreshing as a cold glass of water on a hot day. This private rehabilitation may be vital to a person's mental health, but in today's world, it seems as if stopping is completely taboo. Fast paced and never sleeping is what society values, not taking time to center yourself. As a whole, humans need to reject the norms of society to preserve our personal needs and wants.
Currently listening to Leona Lewis, Mariah Carey, Train, and Matchbox 20.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
control
How is it that the littlest things usually change the way we feel the most? The minute details seem to have the biggest impact on out course of actions. If someone offers a compliment, you run on a slight high from those few simple words. A person's bitter tone can ruin a whole day. The littlest things seem to matter the most to humans, but why is this?
Perhaps it is because humans tend to focus on the here and now, which is defined moment by moment. Trying to make the most of the present, the details are what we focus on instead of the big picture. Seeing where you will be in ten years is hard no matter who you are, but hearing someone insult your shoes is quite clear. As I have observed in my life, even if something isn't aimed at you directly, another person's disposition can really alter your own.
It's amazing how we let other people affect us; however, humans are generally social beings that interact with others everyday. Letting others get the best of us might be due to this simple fact, but if this is true, why don't we learn from our past? It may be human nature, or we could just have our defenses down at the wrong times. Whatever the reason, we continue to be altered by others, and often it can have an impact on our everyday lives. Sadly, we as humans will probably not solve this downfall despite its grave consequences.
Currently listening to Gym Class Heroes, No Doubt, and Foo Fighters.
Perhaps it is because humans tend to focus on the here and now, which is defined moment by moment. Trying to make the most of the present, the details are what we focus on instead of the big picture. Seeing where you will be in ten years is hard no matter who you are, but hearing someone insult your shoes is quite clear. As I have observed in my life, even if something isn't aimed at you directly, another person's disposition can really alter your own.
It's amazing how we let other people affect us; however, humans are generally social beings that interact with others everyday. Letting others get the best of us might be due to this simple fact, but if this is true, why don't we learn from our past? It may be human nature, or we could just have our defenses down at the wrong times. Whatever the reason, we continue to be altered by others, and often it can have an impact on our everyday lives. Sadly, we as humans will probably not solve this downfall despite its grave consequences.
Currently listening to Gym Class Heroes, No Doubt, and Foo Fighters.
Friday, August 8, 2008
vital
Today I watched my little sister drive away in an unfamiliar truck; she was going on a date. While she left, my mom stared. When she finally decided to break the silence, my mom simply talked about how my sister just left. I could see that my mom was hurt by the whole situation, seeing as my sister is the younger one, but it still made me wonder.
Why do parents try to prolong what is inevitable? It seems as if they try to stop their kids from experiencing life. The moments I'm talking about are those that are vital for any adult to have gone through, such as moving away, going on dates, and spending more time away from home. Parents try to prolong these events because they don't want to see the day their kids don't need them anymore, thus they try to extend time until these events have to occur.
But does this really work? If they wait for their spawn to go through certain events, then won't it just hurt more when they finally have to cut the apron strings? From my point of view, it will hurt more that way.
I guess I'm just releasing my angst in a weird way and telling my mom to let me grow up, but someone has to tell all the parents.
Currently listening to Fiona Apple.
Why do parents try to prolong what is inevitable? It seems as if they try to stop their kids from experiencing life. The moments I'm talking about are those that are vital for any adult to have gone through, such as moving away, going on dates, and spending more time away from home. Parents try to prolong these events because they don't want to see the day their kids don't need them anymore, thus they try to extend time until these events have to occur.
But does this really work? If they wait for their spawn to go through certain events, then won't it just hurt more when they finally have to cut the apron strings? From my point of view, it will hurt more that way.
I guess I'm just releasing my angst in a weird way and telling my mom to let me grow up, but someone has to tell all the parents.
Currently listening to Fiona Apple.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
torn
For so long, I have been forced to just keep up appearances. It seems as if I have to smile at certain people who I have been harboring a deep hatred for, look on at those I care about without doing anything about it. What is expected of me has become how I live, but that isn't how I would like to see things played out.
Right now I would love to see myself break free from everything, as if to start a new life with a new name in the same environment. I would keep what I have learned so I could build on it, but not have to live through most of it again. I would enjoy my life, every last second of it. Some things, I wouldn't change for the world; others moments, I would relive them and do exactly what I was too scared to do.
I'm going off to college in less than two weeks. I plan on making the very best of it. Hopefully, I won't be in the exact same position I am now: saying that I've lived with no regrets but knowing exactly how big of a lie that is.
Currently listening to Velvet Revolver, Korn, and Benny Benassi.
Right now I would love to see myself break free from everything, as if to start a new life with a new name in the same environment. I would keep what I have learned so I could build on it, but not have to live through most of it again. I would enjoy my life, every last second of it. Some things, I wouldn't change for the world; others moments, I would relive them and do exactly what I was too scared to do.
I'm going off to college in less than two weeks. I plan on making the very best of it. Hopefully, I won't be in the exact same position I am now: saying that I've lived with no regrets but knowing exactly how big of a lie that is.
Currently listening to Velvet Revolver, Korn, and Benny Benassi.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
