People are given a conscience for a reason

After the activist, Kathy Kelly, came to our American Studies class this past week, I decided to go on to the Amnesty International website to learn more. I came across an article that caught my eye. It discussed the need for people to speak up for their rights. The article "No room in human rights for spectators,'" focused on a woman named Irene Khan. Irene Khan is Amnesty International's Secretary General, and definitely spoke up during the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Council. She wanted people to understand that ideas need to be taken into action. People cannot expect to sit and watch horrible things happening in the world. Khan focused on the need for the United Nations Human Rights Council to use their strength to help many. She believes that they need to be the leaders for the international community, and in order to do so they need to be active. They are the voice of many. Khan thinks that people who have influence over others need to be strong and step up. The world needs to come together, but in order to do people cannot be afraid to express their ideas.
This article very much relates to the ideas of Henry David Thoreau especially in his writing of "Civil Disobedience." Thoreau believed that everyone was given a conscience for a reason. They were supposed to stand up, and tell people how they felt and what they thought. Thoreau believed that people couldn't let themselves fall into the background. Everyone is of equal importance, and everyone’s ideas are of equal importance. This article just goes to show that Thoreau's ideas still have an impact on people today.

Bending the information

I was listening to my iPod the other day, and the song "Waiting on the World to Change," came up on my shuffle. There was a particular set of lines in the John Mayer song that really stuck with me. When Mayer sang, "And when you trust your television, what you get is what you got. Cause when they own the information, oh They can bend it all they want," I definitely saw a parallel to what we are learning in class. We discussed how the media plays what people want to hear, and that is why the wise man is always highlighted in different tales. People enjoy reading about a man who succeeded, and the media understands that. As a result of this, we have a clouded view of what is actually going on in the world. Whoever finds the information can portray the story to the public in whichever way they choose. They may leave huge bits of it out, and highlight one part of the topic. They may choose an angle that doesn't accurately correlate. Whatever they end up doing, the reader or listener sees whatever the news tells them. It is the viewers’ way of knowing national/international affairs. The news therefore determines their opinion on a situation they may not know much about.
We hear more about the hero, than the man who failed. We see soldiers saving people instead of killing them, and we watch our government usually doing the "right" thing. We see what we want to see. This perspective is bias, and doesn't tell the whole story. There are so many ideas and groups of people that are left out in broadcast. So as John Mayer says, we are just "Waiting on the World to Change."

Barack Obama: the self-made man

In class we defined a self-made man as someone who struggled through adversity, and despite his obstacles found a way to persevere. He is a rarity, and through self-reliance and determination was able to find extreme success. These men include Bill Gates, Michael Jordan, Chris Gardner, and our new president-elect Barack Obama.
Barack Obama didn't have the privileged childhood lifestyle similar to most U.S presidents. He wasn't born into money. First of all, Obama's biological father wasn't really in the picture. He moved back to his home country, Kenya, when Obama was very young. He then died in 1982, having only seen his son once since his move.
Obama also had a hectic upbringing. He was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. He then moved to Indonesia with his mother and new stepfather. After that, Obama moved back to Hawaii. All of this travel took place before Obama was ten years old. When he returned to Hawaii he came without his parents. He lived with his Grandparents while his mother stayed with her new husband in Indonesia. He lived with his grandparents from 5th all the way through high school. Even with his grandparents for support, high school was still tough. He struggled with drugs such as cocaine and marijuana. His mother returned to Honolulu in 1994. She then died in 1995 of Ovarian Cancer. Obama had a hectic childhood, and it was far from easy.
Even with these obstacles Obama was able to reach success. He was able to graduate from high school, and then went on to study at Occidental College in Los Angeles. Two years later he transferred to Columbia University in New York. He built his way up, and he later graduated from Harvard Law School. At Harvard he was elected president of the Harvard Law Review. He was the first black man to be president of the review. After law school, Obama was elected into the Illinois Senate in 1995. After much hard work, he became the Illinois State Senator in 2005. He built his way up. He created extraordinary credentials for himself. He was able to learn and educate himself to prepare for probably the most important campaign of his life. This was his campaign for President of the United States of America.

Barack Obama is a self-made man who rose above his challenges to become the man he is today. We are lucky to have a president, and a role model that can inspire people across the country. Obama offers a sense of hope that it can get better for all who are struggling. Things can change, and we can make it happen.

Are blogs worth blogging about?

Blogging.
Until the early 1990's no one really had any idea what it was. There were services such as UseNet and Bix that offered online conversation through threads, but that was basically it. Now, with the advances in technology, blogging has become a worldwide phenomenon. Thus giving the opportunity for individuals to post almost anything. They can post be textual entries, pictures, and even videos. Bloggers can also comment on fellow bloggers entries. This has created an entire online community. We have created a blogosphere. From celebrities to juniors at New Trier High School, everyone has seemed to catch a ride on the blogging bandwagon.
Is the blog a form of progress for the world? I would have to say yes. I think that blogs are a technological success. It offers a way to connect with people. People you would never have interaction with outside of cyberspace. It strengthens our rights as individuals due to the fact that we can express anything we choose on our blog page. Most of these ideas we express are simplified and straight to the point. This causing a more generalized idea or one specific thought. It strays from a lengthy proving argument. It can therefore be argued that the blog can take away from a higher learning. David Carr, the writer of "Is Google Making us Stupid", had much to comment on this topic. He comments on the situations of his peers by stating, "The more they use the Web, the more they have to fight to stay focused on long pieces of writing. Some of the bloggers I follow have also begun mentioning the phenomenon." Carr explains that the Internet has caused people to avoid in depth reading, and instead lead us to skim through shorter texts such as blogs. Therefore making us less defined readers because we can no longer manage through long works of literature. It could be argued though that many people read more now than ever before. Different stories and thoughts are much more accessible now. Blogs offer a whole new assortment of reading that even a library shelf cannot offer.
In Carr's article he also states, "Even when I’m not working, I’m as likely as not to be foraging in the Web’s info-thickets’ reading and writing e-mails, scanning headlines and blog posts, watching videos and listening to podcasts, or just tripping from link to link to link." In this argument he is trying to explain how Internet advancements such a blogs, have lead to almost an addiction of searching for quick facts and ideas. We as readers subconsciously choose to read something short. Here Carr is using this as a negative connotation, but I on the other hand, give it a positive spin. Carr is learning something new every time he goes onto the Internet. After his workday is through, a time he would usually spend watching TV or resting, he is now searching the Internet. I think the latter offers much more learning possibilities. Carr definitely makes some great points, and there are negative aspects to blogs. All in all though, I believe blogs to be a progress for the world.

The economic crisis: a world issue

When you are suffering it is hard to imagine others feeling the same pain. In reality, many people have experienced the same situation or one very similar to your own. It seems as if the United States isn't the only country in economic despair. People across the globe are hurting financially as well, specifically China. China's issues appear to be almost a mere image of the problems affecting the U.S.
The U.S, currently amidst an economic crisis, is not at it's financial best, and many companies have fallen under. To help assist the situation a $700 billion bailout plan was created. This bailout plan has helped in the saving of many companies from bankrupcy. Even with this bailout, the economy still seems to be plummeting. During this rough time for the U.S, China is also struggling. Their export and investment growth has slowed, and therefore leading to a depression in stocks. As a result of these problems, many companies have had to close or lay off many workers. In order to help restore the situation China has just implemented a $586 billion Economic Stimulus Plan. This new plan will help assist their country with the rebuilding of railways, subways, and towns hurt by the recent earthquake. The money will be used to help restore the global market as well.
With both major countries experiencing similar problems, it would make sense for them to find a way to work together. The president of China, Hu Jintao, will be traveling to Washington soon to meet with President Bush and other world leaders for a global economic summit meeting. Our new president- elect Barack Obama has also gotten in on the action. On Saturday, Jintao and Obama shared a telephone conversation discussing ways to solve economic issues using each others help.
When I read about this topic, it gave me some hope for the future. I now have a stronger belief that our economy will get stronger. It may take time, but I have faith in what our country and the world can accomplish. I also see a lot of great possibilities for our soon to be president. He is becoming involved in this issue, and paving a path. When the world can come together, problems can be solved.

The intrinsic possibilites of pass/fail

After having discussed extrinsic and intrinsic motives in class this past week, I decided to look into some different methods of grading. I came across the pass/fail system. This idea focuses on in depth learning with a lesser emphasis on the grade. When a student performs satisfactory they pass the class. This puts less pressure on the student because whether they recieve a B+ or an A-, they still pass. This way students don't have to stress about the small differentiations in grades. On the other hand, if they are not up to par, and perform unsatisfactory, they fail. This intrinsic method of teaching allows students to become active in a class because they want to further their own knowledge. This can help cancel out the extrinsic desires to better their own transcipts.

Pass/fail classes have become extremely popular in college curriculums. Colleges such as Yale and Stanford have already begun the pass/fail grading system specifically in their law programs. Their system readies students for the world outside of college. These schools have found great success in their programs, and because of that more schools have decided to follow suit . A new outlook to learning helps the students focus on the class itself rather than their semester report cards. Harvard will also begin to offer pass/fail classes in 2009. The dean of Harvard, Elena Kagan believes that the new system will "promote pedagogical excellence and innovation and further strengthen the intellectual community."

All in all, I think it is a great idea to expand a students outlook on school. They can take classes that allow them to recieve an extraordinary education without as much pressure on the grade. The classes aren't as much about the grade, but more so about what the student gets out of it.

It's hard to be an idealist

Many say that the young generation are the idealists. They see all that the possibilites and goodness the world has to offer. As time passes, and the young grow old, their attitudes tend to change. Though, you can't blame them for transforming to a more pragmatic outlook. When you are young, you view life as problem free. When you start to age, you see a a less clouded picture. You are able to see death and pain along with people's everyday suffering.
This week alone was another reminder that the world we live in is far from perfect. Jennifer Hudson, the famous singer and actress, lost both her mother and brother when they were brutally slain in their Chicago home. Darnell Donerson and Jason Hudson were both shot to death this past Friday, the 24th of October. Julian King, the seven year old nephew of Jennifer Hudson, was abducted that same day. In the news as well was the story of Anne Pressly, a 26-year-old woman who was beaten to death after being attacked in her Arkansaw home. She was killed by whom investigators believe to be a random robber. Along with these events, two Ball State University students students were injured in a shooting this previous week. Nick Serrano and Chadwick Nash were both wounded in the legs by the gunshots. The victims were supposidly not random, but intended by the shooter.
It seems awfully difficult to be an idealist in the world we live in. Everyday there are new pressures and pains to face. It is hard to see the world's flaws, and still believe in dreams and the overall goodness of man. Tragedy happens. Being able to get past it, and live life believing in what seems to be impossible, is one of the hardest feats of all.

The price of making dreams a reality

A common dream for most students at New Trier High School is to get into their top college of choice. The harsh fact is that not all students accomplish this goal, and therefore doesn't become a reality for everyone. As time has passed, and the pressure for school has increased, students have tried almost all methods imaginable to get into college. I came across an article in the Chicago Tribune highlighting the college competition called Students add sabotage to college-entry arsenal. The article focused on a particular method used by students and even their parents. This tactic includes ruining other students in order to help increase their chances of acceptance. This ruining involves notes and/or pictures being sent to colleges and universities that involve other students partaking in illegal activity. There are also letters that simply bash other students that are applying. Students would send letters or emails anonymously that varied in truth.

I couldn't believe that teenagers would resort to such measures in order to achieve their dreams. Dreams are so important to people, that not achieving them isn't an option. The idea of rejection has become too hard to bear emotionally and even socially. From reading this article, I relooked at the word dream. I had always viewed the word as something that people aspire to happen, but don't necisarilly think will actually take place. Now it seems as some people's dreams need to be reached, and because of that, it can justify horrible behavior. People blame their dreams for the reason they commit dishonest or just plain mean acts . I don't believe that the ends justify the means. Is it really worth it to go against moral in order to make a dream a reality?

More than just a race

Over 33,o33 people woke up early this weekend to run 26 miles and 385 yards in surprising eighty degree weather. The 2008 Chicago Marathon hosted runners from across the world. The event was sponsored by the Bank of America, and took place this Sunday over Columbus Day weekend. Evans Cheruiyot from Kenya took first place with the amazing time of two hours, six minutes, and twenty- five seconds. He fought to the end of the race, and didn't have a definite lead until mile 25. His will and determination led him to win this race, and it was an uphill battle the entire way. After the intense heat of last years marathon, many strayed from this years race after hearing the weather report. Though, more stayed and decided to run. They risked a lot to compete, but the runners put on a brave face, and were a part of history in the 31st Chicago Marathon.

I can't help but see the symbolism in this run. After the huge stock market crash the week before, thousands of people were still able to rally together to complete a common goal. The race, a long, hot, crowded, journey to the finish line can represent any countries or individuals struggle through life. Even though these people are battling through horrible pains and obstacles, the manage to bear it. The aches and sores are all worth in it the end, when they cross the line and finish. Life is full of trials that will test you, but making your way through and really living is the prize. Its moments in time like these, that give me hope. I know that it is just a marathon, but the fact that people can overcome obstacles to accomplish something for themselves, gives me faith that even in times of crisis, our country and the world can overcome.

Stress comes in many forms

I came across an article today in the Chicago Tribune that I found some truth in. The article Fans seek soft landing off click playoff slope emphasizes on the common sports fan. The article focused on baseball , and the current playoffs. With Chicago having had two teams in the playoffs, the article grabbed my attention. Writer John Kass, explains how Americans want games that don't come down to the 9th inning, 3rd period, or end of the 2nd half. They want to know the outcome of something before it actually ends. If a team is up by a landslide, then you can judge that they will probably win. That takes off a lot of stress and anticipation. People want to enjoy a game, but with such intense fans nowadays, people cannot seem to watch without the worry of winning. People become so attached to these teams, that they get themselves sick over a game. I can relate being a fan myself, but I have to think that those buzzer beater shots, and last inning home runs make the sport all the more worthwhile. Though, I have to admit, that after those games, I am usually worn out and ready for bed due to the fact that I have probably jumped, screamed, and maybe even prayed for the past 2-3 hours that my team come out ahead.
This article may focus on sports fans, but I think this type of human behavior can relate to all types of people. It goes to show the stress everyday people put on themselves. What is stress and what causes it? It may not be over a baseball game, but maybe a term paper or a performance. People have the overarching desire to want to do well, and the pain felt in not reaching that success causes a great deal of anxiety.
People also feel the common need to be a part of something whether it be a team, a group of friends, or even a country. Everyone wants to feel as if they belong somwhere. At the time of the Puritans, the young girls joined together to save themselves from accusations. During the Great Depression, the poor came together, in order to feel less alone. No one wants to go through something by themselves. It is easier to feel hurt when you know others are going through the same thing. So, when the Cubs got swept it was less difficult for me knowing that I wasn't the only one upset, half the city was too.

Hidden opinion within an argument

It takes a good writer to persuade a reader without them even realizing it. I read an editorial in the Chicago Tribune referring to the political debate between Barack Obama and John McCain. The article was titled Smooth sailing for Obama until the debate arrived in Iran. The piece was written by John Kass. The title alone makes the reader believe that this writer is a Mccain fan. Kass begins the article by stating that Obama may have been more collected, but was left completely dumbfounded when the topic of Iran came up. Even if you didn't think Kass sided with McCain at the beginning of the article, the reader could atleast think Kass was neutral. He states that he doesn't believe one candidate won over the other.
As you really read the article, you can tell that it is indeed the other way around. Kass refers to Obama as "strong," "cool," and "so full of grace." He attacks the argument head on by making the reader sympathize with Obama. He takes a pathos approach by saying that Obama is able to get nervous during a section of the debate. You almost feel bad for Obama that he cracked under the pressure. You almost feel as if Mccain bullied Obama, and sadly brought him down. There is then the ethos approach to it all. Obama had a great attitude during the entire program, and opposed McCain in an extremely civil manner. Kass goes on to say that Obama was able to touch people whereas McCain came out rather "flat." Obama seemed to act more like a gentleman throughout the debate, and that statement alone can help the reader stray to the writers opinion. Then there is the logos idea. Kass expresses McCain's harsh tone by using direct quotes. He then goes into explain Obama's debating tactics and proves how they play out and work.
I think Kass wrote a very intelligent editorial argument. I don't think the writer ever falls short of anything or misses something that leaves the reader asking questions. He is able to fill the page with a detailed analysis of a debate between presidential candidates. The fact that he isn't so blatantly opinionated just makes the reader believe him even more.

Witchcraft not dead yet? Finding comfort in faith

It seems as if the term witchcraft is still in affect even hundreds of years after the tragedy of the Salem Witch Trials. I came across an article online that really grabbed my attention. The article was referring to Sarah Palin, the current Republican VP candidate, and acts she has decided to take to free herself from witchcraft. In 2005, Sarah Palin, decided to be blessed by her church to help her stray from the dangers of witchcraft. This was around the time she was deciding to take a higher role in the government. Thomas Munthee, a Kenyan Penetcostal Bishop, led the blessing in Palin's church in Alaska (the blessing ceremony has become a popular video on youtube). In Africa witchcraft is prevalent, and not as rare compared to the United States. He wanted to free her from the devil, and help her lead the world in the right direction. He uses the words and phrases "enemies" and "in the name of Jesus." This vocabulary leads me back to the Crucible and how this article relates to the playwrite. So many years have passed, yet people still fear the same things. In perilous times, people will look towards their faith to help them rise above the chaos. As Sarah Palin is venturing into unknown territory, she wants to make sure she is safe. Religion can offer a sense of security and comfort. I have to think that is why people follow it so strongly. Palin's church has been known to partake in some unusual rituals, but also very spiritual acts. They aren't meant to cause harm just create a harmony for life.

Wearing your Vote

This weekend I came across a set of articles in the Chicago Tribune that really caught my eye. The articles all fell under the idea of showing your allegiance towards the election through apparel. One piece of writing was titled Sometimes voters really step into it, and it explained how Americans can now buy political shoes from the very popular shoe brand TOMS. The company makes shoes that not only emphasize the need to vote, but can also highlight which party you support. Another interesting characteristic about these shoes is that they can incorporate half Republican and half Democratic symbols for those who aren't sure which party they favor, but understand the importance of casting their own votes. TOMS is not only a supporter here in the United States, but also helps with worldwide issues. For every pair of shoes bought, TOMS will donate a pair to a child or adult in need all over the world.
Other articles included Put your neck on the line for your party, and Brace yourself patriotically for the coming election. Both of these articles again highlighted the different ways to support your party in the upcoming election. Both focus on materials sold in the area. One article was emphasizing neck ties that showcase who you are voting for, and the other mentioned suspenders that didn't choose to portray one party, but instead plays up the campaign in general.
When I finished reading these articles, I couldn't help but contemplate over the actual definintion of an election. Is an election something that through words and ideas help a president get elected or is it through press, media, and apparel that he or she is chosen? I also couldn't help but wonder, as our economy is struggling and people lessen their load on consuming, why do they still buy gear simply for the elections? Is the apparel worth the forty of fifty bucks you need to spend? Voting is free, but campaigning is really costing some serious cash.

How do you label yourself? The United States split between Republicans and Democrats

The time has arrived, and a new man will soon be living in the White House. As our country becomes completely engrossed in the presidential elections, a split is quickly formed between parties. With this division comes the question; are you a Democrat or Republican? It seems as if you have to choose a side, and decide how you are going to define yourself as a voter. Sometimes this label may cast a bias over who would make a good president.
John Mccain and Barack Obama may become great leaders or unsuccessful front men, but it may not be based on the party they identify with. I think a good president needs strength, leadership, and determination. I have faith that people will choose a president who they see fit, and who's ideas they agree with. People should not to let the label of party determine their vote. I hope that people become less fixed, and our able to step out of their own prejudice. This way they can vote who they truly believe is a better candidate, and not just pick the man who represents the party they are registered under.
As our country is desperately searching for peace, I hope we are able to find it and have it remain after these elections are over.