The topic for LDH2BM students is - "What makes life meaningful?". If that is too hard, feel free to tweak that topic - perhaps to - "What makes my life feel meaningfuler?" You should connect to specific areas we've investigated - including dominant and marginal corporate messages, your own thoughts, the elderly, animals, physicality, health, food, and the fundamental energy basis of our society. Please include some quotes from your own or others' earlier work that expresses strongly what you believe or what you don't (any longer) believe. Feel free to include an explicit quote like, "This is the way I'm (mostly) thinking about this topic now - but my understanding is evolving!"
Some starter suggestions and questions:
You should share your own orientation to living a meaningful life. Contextualize your point of view in terms of the dominant perspective, other individuals' perspectives, and your own evolving understanding. Is meaning possible given death, infinity, and the Universe? What's your stance on happiness (the dominant easy answer for a meaningful life) - what is it, how important is it, what causes it? What about the other dominant answers - family, success, self-improvement? How about the "marginal" answers - authenticity, creativity, physicality, or deep understanding? What is the significance of the social - should we strive to be "above" our desire for acceptance and affirmation or should we accept our desire and channel it (how?)? What is the significance of our animality - of our physicality and desire for touch and sensation? Feel free to include a disclaimer like, "This is the way I'm (mostly) thinking about this topic now - but my understanding is evolving!"
Monday, June 8, 2009
Friday, June 5, 2009
Final Food Assignment Including More Resources
Food has been and always will play a big role in our lives. We need it to survive and keep what we call "healthy". We have never taken time to actually realize where our food is coming from, whose hands it been on and how the animals we eat are killed. I feel like even if we were to know the history of our food, we as Americans will continue to eat it becuase its just "a way of life".
In the video, "Cows with Guns" by Dana Lyons, its supposed to be making a joke on how cows are mistreated and abused of consistently. They cannot fight for themselves, therefore we as humans take this as an advantage and do what we want, as long as we get our food. Making fun of the industrial food culture gives out a message to all the people to try to change their way of life, their way of living and especially their way of eating. We need to take some time to think twice before eating the food we tend to eat. In the lines, "they to grow, grow to die. Die to be at the hamburger fry Cows well done" shows a lot of what kind of people we are. We are all selfish people. Farmers feed the cows to get them real fat and plump so that when to cutting them up, we have lots of meat to eat. This is so wrong for them, and as we find out this information we continue to eat these poor animals.
As the song continues, the story changes. This time the song is saying on what if the cows take revenge and take over us by killing all humans and giving them the same treatment the cows got. Its a little redundant to see farm animals gathering together and forming a group to fight for themselves but then again this song makes a great point about abusing the rights that animals have. To treat animal in a hurtful way becuase they are "lower" than you is a very low thing to do. We shouldn't just think of cows as something we devour but more as living creatures that also have feelings and rights. This song is funny but at the same time serious because the message the writer is sending out is very strong.
I really do think we as Americans should think twice about how we live our lives and the food we are putting into our bodies. Just having an idea of where our food comes from shows that we care about what we are feeding our bodies. People who are over eating and not even realizing what their bodies are feeding on are selfish and stupid. I just think we should have some heart and think twice about our actions towards the animals we eat. For example. McDonalds food is filled with oil and ingredients that are very harmful to our bodies.
In the video "VROOM" you can see how harmful the trucker is, he is basically killing the plants and vegetables by spraying a whole bunch of pesticides and liquids on the. Industrial food industries are putting different chemicals in our food but we don't bother to take a look at what is happening around us.
In conclusion, I feel tha they way we look at food isnt the best way that will benefit the way we will our lives. We need to think before we make the actions we make. Even the thought of knowing where your food comes and what hands its been in is a first step to being more aware about the things around you.
In the video, "Cows with Guns" by Dana Lyons, its supposed to be making a joke on how cows are mistreated and abused of consistently. They cannot fight for themselves, therefore we as humans take this as an advantage and do what we want, as long as we get our food. Making fun of the industrial food culture gives out a message to all the people to try to change their way of life, their way of living and especially their way of eating. We need to take some time to think twice before eating the food we tend to eat. In the lines, "they to grow, grow to die. Die to be at the hamburger fry Cows well done" shows a lot of what kind of people we are. We are all selfish people. Farmers feed the cows to get them real fat and plump so that when to cutting them up, we have lots of meat to eat. This is so wrong for them, and as we find out this information we continue to eat these poor animals.
As the song continues, the story changes. This time the song is saying on what if the cows take revenge and take over us by killing all humans and giving them the same treatment the cows got. Its a little redundant to see farm animals gathering together and forming a group to fight for themselves but then again this song makes a great point about abusing the rights that animals have. To treat animal in a hurtful way becuase they are "lower" than you is a very low thing to do. We shouldn't just think of cows as something we devour but more as living creatures that also have feelings and rights. This song is funny but at the same time serious because the message the writer is sending out is very strong.
I really do think we as Americans should think twice about how we live our lives and the food we are putting into our bodies. Just having an idea of where our food comes from shows that we care about what we are feeding our bodies. People who are over eating and not even realizing what their bodies are feeding on are selfish and stupid. I just think we should have some heart and think twice about our actions towards the animals we eat. For example. McDonalds food is filled with oil and ingredients that are very harmful to our bodies.
In the video "VROOM" you can see how harmful the trucker is, he is basically killing the plants and vegetables by spraying a whole bunch of pesticides and liquids on the. Industrial food industries are putting different chemicals in our food but we don't bother to take a look at what is happening around us.
In conclusion, I feel tha they way we look at food isnt the best way that will benefit the way we will our lives. We need to think before we make the actions we make. Even the thought of knowing where your food comes and what hands its been in is a first step to being more aware about the things around you.
Food # 8 - Industrial Food
Virtually all the food you eat is industrially produced - fossil-fueled machines transform the planet into a factory-like production system - once sacred rituals of harvest and joyous eating now reduced to their crudest essentials ("all that was sacred is profaned").
You've now been exposed that insight in several forms - especially in considering your own foodways and the dominant foodways around you. Many people especially object to the industrialization of non-human animals as food sources - and perhaps that's right. But the same model of producing food applies to cherry tomatos, potatos, and sunflower seeds. Your whole life you've been hearing from advocates of industrial food - what do some of the intelligent critics of this system emphasize?
Please write a 2-3 paragraph response that addresses 2 or more of the pieces from the following websites. Be sure to connect your analysis of the media-piece with your evolving understanding of your own foodways and this culture's dominant foodways. If you don't want to be limited to the websites below please find some of your own and suggest them as comments to this post.
Meatrix -
Industrial Food Isn't Cheap -
Pollan vs Colbert -
On Obama's Agricultural Policy -
Animal Cruelty -
You've now been exposed that insight in several forms - especially in considering your own foodways and the dominant foodways around you. Many people especially object to the industrialization of non-human animals as food sources - and perhaps that's right. But the same model of producing food applies to cherry tomatos, potatos, and sunflower seeds. Your whole life you've been hearing from advocates of industrial food - what do some of the intelligent critics of this system emphasize?
Please write a 2-3 paragraph response that addresses 2 or more of the pieces from the following websites. Be sure to connect your analysis of the media-piece with your evolving understanding of your own foodways and this culture's dominant foodways. If you don't want to be limited to the websites below please find some of your own and suggest them as comments to this post.
Meatrix -
Industrial Food Isn't Cheap -
Pollan vs Colbert -
On Obama's Agricultural Policy -
Animal Cruelty -
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Food Assignment # 7
Chicken Parmesan
cook time: 37minutes
ingredients
* 4 slices whole-wheat bread (1-ounce each)
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 4 teaspoons paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 2 egg whites
* 1/2 cup skim milk
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 4 (6 ounce) skinless boneless chicken breast halves, pounded to 1/2-inch thickness
* Olive oil cooking spray
* 1 jar good-quality marinara sauce (about 3 1/2 cups)
* 3/4 cup (3 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
* 2 tablespoons (1/2-ounce) shredded Parmesan
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Place the bread in the bowl of a food processor and process until fine crumbs are formed, about 25 to 30 seconds. Put the crumbs on a baking sheet and bake for 12 minutes, until golden. (You will wind up with about 1 1/3 cups toasted crumbs.)
In a medium bowl, toss the crumbs with oregano, garlic powder, paprika, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. In another bowl, whisk the egg whites and milk together. In a third bowl stir together the flour, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Dip each piece of chicken, 1 piece at a time, in flour, shaking off excess, then egg, then bread crumbs, shaking off excess.
Increase oven temperature to 400 degrees. Place breaded breasts in a glass baking dish and spray on each side with cooking spray, about 5 seconds total per side. Bake breasts until cooked though and crumbs are browned, about 15 minutes. Top with marinara sauce, mozzarella and parmesan and return to oven for an additional 10 minutes, until cheese is bubbling.
* Per Serving
(Serving size, 1 piece chicken with sauce and cheese)
Calories 410; Total Fat 11 g; (Sat Fat 4.5 g, Mono Fat 2.7 g, Poly Fat 1.2 g) ; Protein 50 g; Carb 31 g; Fiber 2 g; Cholesterol 110 mg; Sodium 1200 mg
Excellent source of: Protein, Vitamin A, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Phosphorus, Selenium
Good source of: Thiamin, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Iodine, Magnesium, Manganese, Potassium, Zinc
cook time: 37minutes
ingredients
* 4 slices whole-wheat bread (1-ounce each)
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 4 teaspoons paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 2 egg whites
* 1/2 cup skim milk
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 4 (6 ounce) skinless boneless chicken breast halves, pounded to 1/2-inch thickness
* Olive oil cooking spray
* 1 jar good-quality marinara sauce (about 3 1/2 cups)
* 3/4 cup (3 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
* 2 tablespoons (1/2-ounce) shredded Parmesan
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Place the bread in the bowl of a food processor and process until fine crumbs are formed, about 25 to 30 seconds. Put the crumbs on a baking sheet and bake for 12 minutes, until golden. (You will wind up with about 1 1/3 cups toasted crumbs.)
In a medium bowl, toss the crumbs with oregano, garlic powder, paprika, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. In another bowl, whisk the egg whites and milk together. In a third bowl stir together the flour, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Dip each piece of chicken, 1 piece at a time, in flour, shaking off excess, then egg, then bread crumbs, shaking off excess.
Increase oven temperature to 400 degrees. Place breaded breasts in a glass baking dish and spray on each side with cooking spray, about 5 seconds total per side. Bake breasts until cooked though and crumbs are browned, about 15 minutes. Top with marinara sauce, mozzarella and parmesan and return to oven for an additional 10 minutes, until cheese is bubbling.
* Per Serving
(Serving size, 1 piece chicken with sauce and cheese)
Calories 410; Total Fat 11 g; (Sat Fat 4.5 g, Mono Fat 2.7 g, Poly Fat 1.2 g) ; Protein 50 g; Carb 31 g; Fiber 2 g; Cholesterol 110 mg; Sodium 1200 mg
Excellent source of: Protein, Vitamin A, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Phosphorus, Selenium
Good source of: Thiamin, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Iodine, Magnesium, Manganese, Potassium, Zinc
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Food # 6 - Response to Pollan 1
While looking at Pollan's points, I would have to say I agree with him 100 percent. To know that Americans are relying on nutritionists to correct their diets is a little weird. Personally, I have my own gym trainer and I have changed my diet completely, as everyone else in the world, appearance has been a big priority in my life. I say its good to keep healthy but people tend to take it to another level and go crazy about their appearance, aside form eating "healthy" or not eating at all they go to experts to make them feel like they are doing everything wrong. From eating bad foods to living life wrong. We should be able to make our own decisions on what to eat but by also eating smart. For example, stacking up on fast food on a daily basis is just wrong not only for your body but mainly for your mental and physical health.
Being healthy is not the only problem in this world, its the food we are eating that is the problem. We need to think more about our bodies instead of going to the corner store and buying food that already made. We do not value food like others do. We don't really think twice, whatever is more convenient and easy to get; is our route out. We need to make the right choices for ourselves and not worry about what others might think or even what others are doing to keep looking good.
Being healthy is not the only problem in this world, its the food we are eating that is the problem. We need to think more about our bodies instead of going to the corner store and buying food that already made. We do not value food like others do. We don't really think twice, whatever is more convenient and easy to get; is our route out. We need to make the right choices for ourselves and not worry about what others might think or even what others are doing to keep looking good.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Food # 5 Grocery Store and Habitual Food
Please write a post about how your family uses grocery stores and the variety of vegetables, fruits, roots, grains, and nuts that you eat in a typical week.
You should include your insights about how grocery stores "push" particular types of products, how you learned (or didn't) to eat a variety of foods, and information about your favorite meals and habitual diet pattern.
You should include your insights about how grocery stores "push" particular types of products, how you learned (or didn't) to eat a variety of foods, and information about your favorite meals and habitual diet pattern.
May Day
"May Day occurs on May 1 and refers to several public holidays. May Day is related to the Celtic festival of Beltane and the Germanic festival of Walpurgis Night. May Day falls exactly half of a year from November 1, another cross-quarter day which is also associated with various northern European pagan and neopagan festivals such as Samhain. May Day marks the end of the uncomfortable winter half of the year in the Northern hemisphere, and it has traditionally been an occasion for popular and often raucous celebrations, regardless of the locally prevalent political or religious establishment.
As Europe became Christianized the pagan holidays lost their religious character and either changed into popular secular celebrations, as with May Day, or were merged with or replaced by new Christian holidays as with Christmas, Easter, and All Saint's Day. In the twentieth century, many neopagans began reconstructing the old traditions and celebrating May Day as a pagan religious festival again." (Wikipedia)
As Europe became Christianized the pagan holidays lost their religious character and either changed into popular secular celebrations, as with May Day, or were merged with or replaced by new Christian holidays as with Christmas, Easter, and All Saint's Day. In the twentieth century, many neopagans began reconstructing the old traditions and celebrating May Day as a pagan religious festival again." (Wikipedia)
Food #4 - Food Journal
April 28, 2009
around 8: 30am
bacon egg and cheese on a roll yumm!!!
about 9:00pm
white rice
mashed potatoes
Italian sausage
water & soda
cookies
When I get back from gym, my mother usually has my food on the table ready. I tend to not eat until 9 or 10pm because I don't get too hungry. I mostly pick at the foods I eat. I'll eat a little bit or everything and get full that way. I try to come home early from gym becuase my mother doesn't like it when any of us eats too late. The time we usually eat is around 7pm or 8pm which I the latest.
I feel pretty good after I eat dinner at the time I want to becuase it either I'm hungry or I'm not. I usually always eat a midnight snack most of the time or just drink a lot of juice soda or water in the middle of the night.
April 29, 2009
8:00am
Special K cereal
2% milk
banana
12:30pm
pizza
soda
chips
9:00pm
meat
salad
fried plantains
water
I felt really full after this meal. I didn't eat for the rest of the night. my mother left the food for me on the table. I had to microwave it which is something I hate to do.
around 8: 30am
bacon egg and cheese on a roll yumm!!!
about 9:00pm
white rice
mashed potatoes
Italian sausage
water & soda
cookies
When I get back from gym, my mother usually has my food on the table ready. I tend to not eat until 9 or 10pm because I don't get too hungry. I mostly pick at the foods I eat. I'll eat a little bit or everything and get full that way. I try to come home early from gym becuase my mother doesn't like it when any of us eats too late. The time we usually eat is around 7pm or 8pm which I the latest.
I feel pretty good after I eat dinner at the time I want to becuase it either I'm hungry or I'm not. I usually always eat a midnight snack most of the time or just drink a lot of juice soda or water in the middle of the night.
April 29, 2009
8:00am
Special K cereal
2% milk
banana
12:30pm
pizza
soda
chips
9:00pm
meat
salad
fried plantains
water
I felt really full after this meal. I didn't eat for the rest of the night. my mother left the food for me on the table. I had to microwave it which is something I hate to do.
Food #3 - Food Cultures - Home & Corporate
At home, my family always tries to keep our Spanish culture alive. We cook Spanish dishes from their home country.
In my house, you will see the females in the kitchen while the men prepare the table. A dinner will take about an hour to two hours, depending on the type of food we are making. Our food consists of a lot of food seasonings and oil. For example, the pork is filled with different seasonings and put in the oven for hours, this when there is a big group of people coming to the house. When it is just my mother my brother and I at home, we eat your basic white boiled rice with some type of meat and any kind of beans. My mother has tried to change out diet by always adding greens to our dinner and even trying to convince us to eat more fruits during the day. When we are at the table, it consists of my mother, my father, my brother and I. We tend to sit together at every dinner because it is like our only time to really bond. We watch television and talk about our days while we eat.
Since I was born and raised in the United States I have gotten accustomed to the American food. I tend to eat a lot of fast food when I am not in my house. From pizza to burgers, most of the things around me and where I live are just foods that are easy to get your hands on. I think that the white people on the other hand in the U.S mainstream make food very different from the way my Spanish culture makes it. They make things that are already cooked which can put heated in the microwave. They also eat a lot of salads and use a lot of sauces for their food.
I find it better for all type of food to be cooked and homemade other than bought from the store or anything. I think that the Spanish culture is very different from any other culture becuase they do their foods in unique ways.
In my house, you will see the females in the kitchen while the men prepare the table. A dinner will take about an hour to two hours, depending on the type of food we are making. Our food consists of a lot of food seasonings and oil. For example, the pork is filled with different seasonings and put in the oven for hours, this when there is a big group of people coming to the house. When it is just my mother my brother and I at home, we eat your basic white boiled rice with some type of meat and any kind of beans. My mother has tried to change out diet by always adding greens to our dinner and even trying to convince us to eat more fruits during the day. When we are at the table, it consists of my mother, my father, my brother and I. We tend to sit together at every dinner because it is like our only time to really bond. We watch television and talk about our days while we eat.
Since I was born and raised in the United States I have gotten accustomed to the American food. I tend to eat a lot of fast food when I am not in my house. From pizza to burgers, most of the things around me and where I live are just foods that are easy to get your hands on. I think that the white people on the other hand in the U.S mainstream make food very different from the way my Spanish culture makes it. They make things that are already cooked which can put heated in the microwave. They also eat a lot of salads and use a lot of sauces for their food.
I find it better for all type of food to be cooked and homemade other than bought from the store or anything. I think that the Spanish culture is very different from any other culture becuase they do their foods in unique ways.
Food #2-Internet Research
Why is organic food better then non-organic food?
-Organic farming is all about developing crops and livestock using the most environmental, humane, economic systems available. In order for this to work effectively, two things are needed. The first is fertile land which can be used to plant a diversity of crops. Other is people who are willing to work on the land and learn this method of farming. In Europe, many of the countries are leaving the toxic chemical approach for a healthier organic method. These countries call it ecological agriculture which relies heavily on taking care of the environment.
Organic farming relies on the following principles:
1. Ensuring that the soil can be used for many succeeding generations without using the fertilizers that were used in non-organic farming.
2. Properly caring for the crops by using soil organisms and not by using pesticides.
3. Recycling livestock manure and organic materials, including crop residue.
4. Control weed growth and insect infestation with crop rotation. Also, not using anything that science has used in conventional non-organic farming. non-organic farming.
5. Not tampering with genes of animals, no genetic engineering. Allow animal life to remain as it should.
6. Lastly, determining the effects of this method on the environment.
-the word "organic" refers to the way farmers grow and process agricultural products, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy products and meat. Organic farming practices are designed to encourage soil and water conservation and reduce pollution. Farmers who grow organic produce and meat don't use conventional methods to fertilize, control weeds or prevent livestock disease. For example, rather than using chemical weedkillers, organic farmers may conduct sophisticated crop rotations and spread mulch or manure to keep weeds at bay.
->http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/organic-food/NU00255
-http://www.organicfoodcorner.com/resources/organic-food-vs.-non-organic-which-is-better.php
-Organic farming is all about developing crops and livestock using the most environmental, humane, economic systems available. In order for this to work effectively, two things are needed. The first is fertile land which can be used to plant a diversity of crops. Other is people who are willing to work on the land and learn this method of farming. In Europe, many of the countries are leaving the toxic chemical approach for a healthier organic method. These countries call it ecological agriculture which relies heavily on taking care of the environment.
Organic farming relies on the following principles:
1. Ensuring that the soil can be used for many succeeding generations without using the fertilizers that were used in non-organic farming.
2. Properly caring for the crops by using soil organisms and not by using pesticides.
3. Recycling livestock manure and organic materials, including crop residue.
4. Control weed growth and insect infestation with crop rotation. Also, not using anything that science has used in conventional non-organic farming. non-organic farming.
5. Not tampering with genes of animals, no genetic engineering. Allow animal life to remain as it should.
6. Lastly, determining the effects of this method on the environment.
-the word "organic" refers to the way farmers grow and process agricultural products, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy products and meat. Organic farming practices are designed to encourage soil and water conservation and reduce pollution. Farmers who grow organic produce and meat don't use conventional methods to fertilize, control weeds or prevent livestock disease. For example, rather than using chemical weedkillers, organic farmers may conduct sophisticated crop rotations and spread mulch or manure to keep weeds at bay.
->http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/organic-food/NU00255
-http://www.organicfoodcorner.com/resources/organic-food-vs.-non-organic-which-is-better.php
Refrigerator assignment
milk
juice
eggs
ham
turkey
cheese
mustard
ketchup
mayo
fruit
vegetables
lemon
potatoes
mustard
in my family,we were taught not to throw away food so whatever we don't eat goes back into the fridge and cooked in the stove or in the microwave the next day. the vegetables always rot in the fridge which is one thing i don't get because my mother always wants to be seen as a healthy eater. other than that everything in our fridge is everything we eat on a daily basis.
juice
eggs
ham
turkey
cheese
mustard
ketchup
mayo
fruit
vegetables
lemon
potatoes
mustard
in my family,we were taught not to throw away food so whatever we don't eat goes back into the fridge and cooked in the stove or in the microwave the next day. the vegetables always rot in the fridge which is one thing i don't get because my mother always wants to be seen as a healthy eater. other than that everything in our fridge is everything we eat on a daily basis.
Health Project
We've been working on defining, exploring, and improving our mental, emotional, and moral health. We've also touched on physical, social, and spiritual health. Activities included rolling, meditating, counseling, researching different therapies, and considering moral dilemmas.
What stands out to you in these investigations? What concepts seem most resonant? How has your definition of health changed? What actions might you take to deepen your own health, or the health of those you care about?
Please post a 500+ word essay on this topic
What stands out to you in these investigations? What concepts seem most resonant? How has your definition of health changed? What actions might you take to deepen your own health, or the health of those you care about?
Please post a 500+ word essay on this topic
Monday, April 20, 2009
Break Homework-Health
As my spring break began I feel like my emotional,spiritual,and physical health have been pretty healthy. I had my ups and downs but this time I managed to keep myself very busy to avoid getting trapped in between the problems I was having. By spending more time with people I usually blew off when they wanted to hang out, was the best the I could have done. I caught up with other people's lives and let them in on my own. I feel like the definition of being emotionally healthy is when you can still move on and get back into your life when you are down and things aren't going well. For example, lets say you and your boyfriend broke up, you grieve for a little and as time goes by you get back on your feet and move on. You realize that you can do it on your own.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
CBT
"Cognitive behavioral therapy (or cognitive behavior therapy, CBT) is a psychotherapeutic approach that aims to influence dysfunctional emotions, behaviors and cognitions through a goal-oriented, systematic procedure. CBT can be seen as an umbrella term for therapies that share a theoretical basis in behavioristic learning theory and cognitive psychology, and that use methods of change derived from these theories.[1].
CBT treatments have received empirical support for efficient treatment of a variety of clinical and non-clinical problems, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, eating disorders, substance abuse disorders, and psychotic disorders.[2] It is often brief and time-limited. It is used in individual therapy as well as group settings, and the techniques are also commonly adapted for self-help applications. Some CBT therapies are more oriented towards predominately cognitive interventions while some are more behaviorally oriented. In recent years cognitive behavioral approaches have become prevalent in correctional settings. These programs are designed to teach criminal offenders cognitive skills that will reduce criminal behaviors. It has become commonplace, if not pervasive, to find cognitive behavioral program strategies in use in prisons and jails in many countries. In cognitive oriented therapies, the objective is typically to identify and monitor thoughts, assumptions, beliefs and behaviors that are related and accompanied to debilitating negative emotions and to identify those which are dysfunctional, inaccurate, or simply unhelpful. This is done in an effort to replace or transcend them with more realistic and useful ones.
CBT was primarily developed through a merging of behavior therapy with cognitive therapy. While rooted in rather different theories, these two traditions found common ground in focusing on the "here and now" and symptom removal[3]. Many CBT treatment programs for specific disorders have been developed and evaluated for efficacy and effectiveness; the health-care trend of evidence-based treatment, where specific treatments for specific symptom-based diagnoses are recommended, has favored CBT over other approaches such as psychodynamic treatments[4]. In the United Kingdom, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence recommends CBT as the treatment of choice for a number of mental health difficulties, including post-traumatic stress disorder, OCD, bulimia nervosa and clinical depression."
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_behavioral_therapy)
I've never heard of this type of therapy but I do feel like this is a good way to help people who are considered "mentally ill". I feel like talking to people about their problems and helping them open up and not holding everything in is the best you can do to make someone feel better about themsleves. I also feel like just listening to someone helps, you dont actually have to have a response but being there for that person can to a positive turnout.
CBT treatments have received empirical support for efficient treatment of a variety of clinical and non-clinical problems, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, eating disorders, substance abuse disorders, and psychotic disorders.[2] It is often brief and time-limited. It is used in individual therapy as well as group settings, and the techniques are also commonly adapted for self-help applications. Some CBT therapies are more oriented towards predominately cognitive interventions while some are more behaviorally oriented. In recent years cognitive behavioral approaches have become prevalent in correctional settings. These programs are designed to teach criminal offenders cognitive skills that will reduce criminal behaviors. It has become commonplace, if not pervasive, to find cognitive behavioral program strategies in use in prisons and jails in many countries. In cognitive oriented therapies, the objective is typically to identify and monitor thoughts, assumptions, beliefs and behaviors that are related and accompanied to debilitating negative emotions and to identify those which are dysfunctional, inaccurate, or simply unhelpful. This is done in an effort to replace or transcend them with more realistic and useful ones.
CBT was primarily developed through a merging of behavior therapy with cognitive therapy. While rooted in rather different theories, these two traditions found common ground in focusing on the "here and now" and symptom removal[3]. Many CBT treatment programs for specific disorders have been developed and evaluated for efficacy and effectiveness; the health-care trend of evidence-based treatment, where specific treatments for specific symptom-based diagnoses are recommended, has favored CBT over other approaches such as psychodynamic treatments[4]. In the United Kingdom, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence recommends CBT as the treatment of choice for a number of mental health difficulties, including post-traumatic stress disorder, OCD, bulimia nervosa and clinical depression."
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_behavioral_therapy)
I've never heard of this type of therapy but I do feel like this is a good way to help people who are considered "mentally ill". I feel like talking to people about their problems and helping them open up and not holding everything in is the best you can do to make someone feel better about themsleves. I also feel like just listening to someone helps, you dont actually have to have a response but being there for that person can to a positive turnout.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Questions & Answers Regarding Health
Please type up 5-10 questions regarding health on your blog. Then spend the period searching answers (and more questions) related to these interests. For instance - "What are some of the official definitions of 'health'?" Or - "How many people are officially 'mentally ill' in the U.S. and what does that mean?" Even - "What are some of the common suggestions in responding to emotional difficulties?"
1. What are some definitions of the word "health"?
-a healthy state of wellbeing free from disease
-the general condition of body and mind
(http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&defl=en&q=define:health&ei=3IvTSfyqHKLNlQfj1Z37Cw&sa=X&oi=glossary_definition&ct=title)
-a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health)
2. What does it mean to be healthy?
"‘protection from infection and injury; shelter, warmth, clothing; access to health care; intellectual stimulation; praise and recognition of achievements; social contacts; security; cleanliness; fresh air and sunlight; love and consistent and continuous affection; sleep, rest and activity; and food."
Figure 1: Six aspects of health (Meggitt 2001: 2) "Environmental health Environmental health refers to the general health of the society in which we live. In areas of famine – where the first priority for health is to obtain enough food – people may be denied access to health. Poverty and overcrowded living conditions are all negative aspects of environmental health. Physical health This is the easiest aspect of health to measure. It involves the physical functioning of the body and includes the growth and physical development of the baby and child. Emotional health Emotional health involves how we express emotions such as joy, grief, frustration, hurt and fear. This ability to express our own emotions and to react to other people’s emotions leads on to coping strategies for anxiety and stress. The six aspects of health Spiritual health Spiritual health involves personal, moral codes of conduct – as well as religious beliefs and practices. Mental health Mental health involves our ability to organise our thoughts logically, and is closely linked to emotional and social health. Social health Social health involves the way we relate to other people and form relationships. "
(www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/eyfs/resources/downloads/rr444_114-117.pdf)
3. About, how many people are healthy in the U.S?
"In 2005, 62% of adults 18 years and over reported excellent or very good health. Sixty-two percent of adults never participated in any type of vigorous leisure-time physical activity, and 15% of adults did not have a usual place of health care. Twelve percent of adults had been told by a doctor or health professional that they had heart disease, and 22% had been told on two or more visits that they had hypertension. Twenty-one percent of all adults were current smokers, and 21% were former smokers. Based on estimates of body mass index, 35% of adults were overweight and 25% were obese."
(http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17252928)
4. About how many are mentaly ill?
" The Surgeon General's report estimated that 20% of the United States population was affected by mental disorders and that 15% use some type of mental health service every year. Community surveys estimate that as many as 30% of the adult population in the United States suffer from mental disorders. " (http://www.libraryindex.com/pages/2996/Mental-Health-Illness-HOW-MANY-PEOPLE-ARE-MENTALLY-ILL.html)
Menally- Ill Children
"Studies of prevalence of mental illness, which included mental disorders and addictive disorders, estimate that more than one-fifth (nearly 21%) of U.S. children ages nine to seventeen suffer some degree of impaired functioning resulting from a mental or addictive disorder. Although the same research found that just 11% of this group suffers from significant impairment, this prevalence estimate translates into four million children and teens for whom difficulties at school and with their families and friends are attributable to mental illness." (http://www.libraryindex.com/pages/2996/Mental-Health-Illness-HOW-MANY-PEOPLE-ARE-MENTALLY-ILL.html )
5. What is considered a healthy diet?
"The first principle of a healthy diet is simply to eat a wide variety of foods. This is important because different foods make different nutritional contributions.
Secondly, fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes—foods high in complex carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, low in fat, and free of cholesterol—should make up the bulk of the calories you consume. The rest should come from low-fat dairy products, lean meat and poultry, and fish.
You should also try to maintain a balance between calorie intake and calorie expenditure—that is, don't eat more food than your body can utilize. Otherwise, you will gain weight. The more active you are, therefore, the more you can eat and still maintain this balance.
Following these three basic steps doesn't mean that you have to give up your favorite foods. As long as your overall diet is balanced and rich in nutrients and fiber, there is nothing wrong with an occasional cheeseburger. Just be sure to limit how frequently you eat such foods, and try to eat small portions of them..."
"1 Eat plenty of high-fiber foods—that is, fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains. These are the "good" carbohydrates—nutritious, filling, and relatively low in calories. They should supply the 20 to 30 grams of dietary fiber you need each day, which slows the absorption of carbohydrates, so there’s less effect on insulin and blood sugar, and provides other health benefits as well. Such foods also provide important vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals (plant chemicals essential to good health).
2 Make sure to include green, orange, and yellow fruits and vegetables—such as broccoli, carrots, cantaloupe, and citrus fruits. The antioxidants and other nutrients in these foods may help protect against developing certain types of cancer and other diseases. Eat five or more servings a day.
3 Limit your intake of sugary foods, refined-grain products such as white bread, and salty snack foods. Sugar, our No.1 additive, is added to a vast array of foods. Just one daily 12-ounce can of soda (160 calories) can add up to 16 pounds over the course of a year. Many sugary foods are also high in fat, so they’re calorie-dense.
4 Cut down on animal fat. It’s rich in saturated fat, which boosts blood cholesterol levels and has other adverse health effects. Choose lean meats, skinless poultry, and nonfat or low-fat or nonfat dairy products.
5 Cut way down on trans fats, supplied by hydrogenated vegetable oils used in most processed foods in the supermarket and in many fast foods.
6 Eat more fish and nuts, which contain healthy unsaturated fats. Substitute olive or canola oil for butter or stick margarine.
7 Keep portions moderate, especially of high-calorie foods. In recent years serving sizes have ballooned, particularly in restaurants. Choose a starter instead of an entrée, split a dish with a friend, and don’t order supersized anything.
8 Keep your cholesterol intake below 300 milligrams per day. Cholesterol is found only in animal products, such as meats, poultry, dairy products, and egg yolks.
9 Eat a variety of foods. Don't try to fill your nutrient requirements by eating the same foods day in, day out. It is possible that not every essential nutrient has been identified, and so eating a wide assortment of foods helps to ensure that you will get all the necessary nutrients. In addition, this will limit your exposure to any pesticides or toxic substances that may be present in one particular food.
10 Maintain an adequate calcium intake. Calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth. Get your calcium from low-fat sources, such as skim milk and low-fat yogurt. If you can't get the optimal amount from foods, take supplements.
11 Try to get your vitamins and minerals from foods, not from supplements. Supplements cannot substitute for a healthy diet, which supplies nutrients and other compounds besides vitamins and minerals. Foods also provide the "synergy" that many nutrients require to be efficiently used in the body.
12 Maintain a desirable weight. Balance energy (calorie) intake with energy output. Exercise and other physical activity are essential.
13 If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. That is one drink a day for women, two a day for men. A drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 4 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof spirits. Excess alcohol consumption leads to a variety of health problems. And alcoholic beverages can add many calories to your diet without supplying nutrients." (http://www.wellnessletter.com/html/fw/fwNut01HealthyDiet.html)
1. What are some definitions of the word "health"?
-a healthy state of wellbeing free from disease
-the general condition of body and mind
(http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&defl=en&q=define:health&ei=3IvTSfyqHKLNlQfj1Z37Cw&sa=X&oi=glossary_definition&ct=title)
-a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health)
2. What does it mean to be healthy?
"‘protection from infection and injury; shelter, warmth, clothing; access to health care; intellectual stimulation; praise and recognition of achievements; social contacts; security; cleanliness; fresh air and sunlight; love and consistent and continuous affection; sleep, rest and activity; and food."
Figure 1: Six aspects of health (Meggitt 2001: 2) "Environmental health Environmental health refers to the general health of the society in which we live. In areas of famine – where the first priority for health is to obtain enough food – people may be denied access to health. Poverty and overcrowded living conditions are all negative aspects of environmental health. Physical health This is the easiest aspect of health to measure. It involves the physical functioning of the body and includes the growth and physical development of the baby and child. Emotional health Emotional health involves how we express emotions such as joy, grief, frustration, hurt and fear. This ability to express our own emotions and to react to other people’s emotions leads on to coping strategies for anxiety and stress. The six aspects of health Spiritual health Spiritual health involves personal, moral codes of conduct – as well as religious beliefs and practices. Mental health Mental health involves our ability to organise our thoughts logically, and is closely linked to emotional and social health. Social health Social health involves the way we relate to other people and form relationships. "
(www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/eyfs/resources/downloads/rr444_114-117.pdf)
3. About, how many people are healthy in the U.S?
"In 2005, 62% of adults 18 years and over reported excellent or very good health. Sixty-two percent of adults never participated in any type of vigorous leisure-time physical activity, and 15% of adults did not have a usual place of health care. Twelve percent of adults had been told by a doctor or health professional that they had heart disease, and 22% had been told on two or more visits that they had hypertension. Twenty-one percent of all adults were current smokers, and 21% were former smokers. Based on estimates of body mass index, 35% of adults were overweight and 25% were obese."
(http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17252928)
4. About how many are mentaly ill?
" The Surgeon General's report estimated that 20% of the United States population was affected by mental disorders and that 15% use some type of mental health service every year. Community surveys estimate that as many as 30% of the adult population in the United States suffer from mental disorders. " (http://www.libraryindex.com/pages/2996/Mental-Health-Illness-HOW-MANY-PEOPLE-ARE-MENTALLY-ILL.html)
Menally- Ill Children
"Studies of prevalence of mental illness, which included mental disorders and addictive disorders, estimate that more than one-fifth (nearly 21%) of U.S. children ages nine to seventeen suffer some degree of impaired functioning resulting from a mental or addictive disorder. Although the same research found that just 11% of this group suffers from significant impairment, this prevalence estimate translates into four million children and teens for whom difficulties at school and with their families and friends are attributable to mental illness." (http://www.libraryindex.com/pages/2996/Mental-Health-Illness-HOW-MANY-PEOPLE-ARE-MENTALLY-ILL.html )
5. What is considered a healthy diet?
"The first principle of a healthy diet is simply to eat a wide variety of foods. This is important because different foods make different nutritional contributions.
Secondly, fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes—foods high in complex carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, low in fat, and free of cholesterol—should make up the bulk of the calories you consume. The rest should come from low-fat dairy products, lean meat and poultry, and fish.
You should also try to maintain a balance between calorie intake and calorie expenditure—that is, don't eat more food than your body can utilize. Otherwise, you will gain weight. The more active you are, therefore, the more you can eat and still maintain this balance.
Following these three basic steps doesn't mean that you have to give up your favorite foods. As long as your overall diet is balanced and rich in nutrients and fiber, there is nothing wrong with an occasional cheeseburger. Just be sure to limit how frequently you eat such foods, and try to eat small portions of them..."
"1 Eat plenty of high-fiber foods—that is, fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains. These are the "good" carbohydrates—nutritious, filling, and relatively low in calories. They should supply the 20 to 30 grams of dietary fiber you need each day, which slows the absorption of carbohydrates, so there’s less effect on insulin and blood sugar, and provides other health benefits as well. Such foods also provide important vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals (plant chemicals essential to good health).
2 Make sure to include green, orange, and yellow fruits and vegetables—such as broccoli, carrots, cantaloupe, and citrus fruits. The antioxidants and other nutrients in these foods may help protect against developing certain types of cancer and other diseases. Eat five or more servings a day.
3 Limit your intake of sugary foods, refined-grain products such as white bread, and salty snack foods. Sugar, our No.1 additive, is added to a vast array of foods. Just one daily 12-ounce can of soda (160 calories) can add up to 16 pounds over the course of a year. Many sugary foods are also high in fat, so they’re calorie-dense.
4 Cut down on animal fat. It’s rich in saturated fat, which boosts blood cholesterol levels and has other adverse health effects. Choose lean meats, skinless poultry, and nonfat or low-fat or nonfat dairy products.
5 Cut way down on trans fats, supplied by hydrogenated vegetable oils used in most processed foods in the supermarket and in many fast foods.
6 Eat more fish and nuts, which contain healthy unsaturated fats. Substitute olive or canola oil for butter or stick margarine.
7 Keep portions moderate, especially of high-calorie foods. In recent years serving sizes have ballooned, particularly in restaurants. Choose a starter instead of an entrée, split a dish with a friend, and don’t order supersized anything.
8 Keep your cholesterol intake below 300 milligrams per day. Cholesterol is found only in animal products, such as meats, poultry, dairy products, and egg yolks.
9 Eat a variety of foods. Don't try to fill your nutrient requirements by eating the same foods day in, day out. It is possible that not every essential nutrient has been identified, and so eating a wide assortment of foods helps to ensure that you will get all the necessary nutrients. In addition, this will limit your exposure to any pesticides or toxic substances that may be present in one particular food.
10 Maintain an adequate calcium intake. Calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth. Get your calcium from low-fat sources, such as skim milk and low-fat yogurt. If you can't get the optimal amount from foods, take supplements.
11 Try to get your vitamins and minerals from foods, not from supplements. Supplements cannot substitute for a healthy diet, which supplies nutrients and other compounds besides vitamins and minerals. Foods also provide the "synergy" that many nutrients require to be efficiently used in the body.
12 Maintain a desirable weight. Balance energy (calorie) intake with energy output. Exercise and other physical activity are essential.
13 If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. That is one drink a day for women, two a day for men. A drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 4 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof spirits. Excess alcohol consumption leads to a variety of health problems. And alcoholic beverages can add many calories to your diet without supplying nutrients." (http://www.wellnessletter.com/html/fw/fwNut01HealthyDiet.html)
Friday, March 27, 2009
Humans are Animals Also...(Paper)
Most humans wouldn't classify themselves as animals but the truth is, we are all animals. We as humans believe we are in a "special" category in life which is the complete opposite of what an animal is. We believe we superior to anything else becaause this is the way we have viewed our society. From folk-tales to real life situations we have been making oursleves believe that we are another complete different species. But I feel like if we take some time to think for a second, we will realize all of the similarities we have with other animals. Humanas are also animals.
The first obstacle that has made us believe we are not animals is our daily experiences. We share 95% of our time only with our own species; humans. We dont spend our lives with other living animals. For example, from going to school or going to work to going back home and going to sleep. It's like a routine we have everyday in our lives. We never really experience anything in life as "animals" do. Any activity we do, everything is done with other humans. You can say spending some time with oyur cat or dog as a good experince in life, but treating them as objects by dressing up and talking to them as lower class is nothing compared to actually understanding them as animals. Getting to know them is one important thing. Understanding their feelings and their thoughts is a great thing also. We have similarities with other animlas and we need to come to a realization in our lives and figure out who we really are. A article from BBC News, "Zoo chimp 'planned' stone attacks" quotes, "Further, the chimp learned to recognise how and when parts of his concrete enclosure could be pulled apart to fashion further projectiles.
The findings are reported in the journal Current Biology.There has been scant evidence in previous research that can plan for future events." From this article I got an understanding that humans are just like animals. Animals have thoughts and feelings, we need to recognize this fact and take a little more knowledge in the fact that we are not that different from other living animals. We can find many similarites in dogs,chimps, cats, etc through behavior characteristics and more.
A second obstacle that prevents humans from believing they are animals is religion. According to Genesis 1:26 from the Bible, "Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, [b] and over all the creatures that move along the ground."
Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.
Genesis 1:28 God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground." As we all know God created Earth. He created all living animals and he created humans.
We have been taught through religion that humans are in charge. The lines that show this are, "Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground." We have been brainwashed to think that becuase God has created us as one of the most important things in life, we were made to rule over this Earth and take over any other living animals. In my case, I dont find this correct. Humans should not be number one on a hierarchy. We are equal to all living things and we should be more understandable with all living animals. Although I am a religious person, I do believe that if people have a thought of them being more superior than others, they will never live such a good and meaningfuller life.
A third obstacle that stops us from believing we are animals is from the french philosopher Rene Descartes' theory, which is; "One of the deepest and most lasting legacies of Descartes’ philosophy is his thesis that mind and body are really distinct--a thesis now called "mind-body dualism." He reaches this conclusion by arguing that the nature of the mind (that is, a thinking, non-extended thing) is completely different from that of the body (that is, an extended, non-thinking thing), and therefore it is possible for one to exist without the other." Descartes believes that both the mind and body are two separate things. Many people think this way, which is understandable. We think with our mind, not our body. We do things with our mind and our body responds through movement. Descartes believes in dualism which states, "Descartes suggested that the body works like a machine, that it has the material properties of extension and motion, and that it follows the laws of physics. The mind (or soul), on the other hand, was described as a nonmaterial entity that lacks extension and motion, and does not follow the laws of physics. Descartes argued that only humans have minds, and that the mind interacts with the body at the pineal gland. This form of dualism or duality proposes that the mind controls the body, but that the body can also influence the otherwise rational mind, such as when people act out of passion. Most of the previous accounts of the relationship between mind and body had been uni-directional." He thinks that only humans have minds and animals don't. He believes that since animals have no minds and feelings towards life, they should be treated as objects. in this society humans are viewed as subjects, but we never really treat ourseleves as subjects unless we are trying to take control over something that is smaller than us such as animals (pets). This connects to all the other obstacles mentioned above by showing that humans feel very superior over everything in the world becuase we have been taught to treat everything smaller than us as objects.
A fourth obstacle is science. Humans are believed to be the end of evolution. While animals were evolving, we were the last ones to evolve and will be forever. If we were to make a heirarchy, we would be put all the way on top to show our power over every living animal. Humans are separate from the genus, species, and we are called Homo sapiens sapiens. We consider oursleves superior of the rest of living animals. By putting all the other living animals in different gropus separate from us is basically stating that we are better than any other species. This is pretty unfair becuase just like other naimals we breathe, eat, and sleep. Putting us in the same category as other animals will change the way we look at our selves.
Somoe benefits that will help us see oursleves as animals are; childbirth is natural,
the body matters & movement is crutial, emphasize the physical and we should use proper use of our minds.
Women should realize that childbirth is something beautiful and letting a stranger with a degree that states its fine to put different tools up your vagina to take your child out is not right. using drugs to slow down your birth is wrong also. Doing it the all natural way is the best thing a woman can do to bring a new life to the world. We can do it our ow, we just rely on others to do the work for us and delay the process and put us through more pain than we have to. We are capable of giving birth just like other animals are capable of.
Another benefit that will help us view ourselves as animals more often is emphasizing the physical. We should use our bodies more often just like animals do. Exploring like and experiencing new things should be a great thing for us. Doing more of animal-like stuff will encourage us to get to know our animal-like selves. Sitting in classrooms for hours and not enjoying it doesn't help, but simply making the best out of it and being more interested in what you learn is another great way to help you see oursleves as animals.
In conclusion, I feel like humans should see themselves as animals more often and explore the world they live in. Just as animals use everything around them to survive so should we. Experiencing new things will open our eyes to new stuff. Walking around your block and observing nature and growing relationships with other aninals can be a start. Living life like a routine will cause you to be anothe object to society and make you feel like there is no reason for you to be living.
The first obstacle that has made us believe we are not animals is our daily experiences. We share 95% of our time only with our own species; humans. We dont spend our lives with other living animals. For example, from going to school or going to work to going back home and going to sleep. It's like a routine we have everyday in our lives. We never really experience anything in life as "animals" do. Any activity we do, everything is done with other humans. You can say spending some time with oyur cat or dog as a good experince in life, but treating them as objects by dressing up and talking to them as lower class is nothing compared to actually understanding them as animals. Getting to know them is one important thing. Understanding their feelings and their thoughts is a great thing also. We have similarities with other animlas and we need to come to a realization in our lives and figure out who we really are. A article from BBC News, "Zoo chimp 'planned' stone attacks" quotes, "Further, the chimp learned to recognise how and when parts of his concrete enclosure could be pulled apart to fashion further projectiles.
The findings are reported in the journal Current Biology.There has been scant evidence in previous research that can plan for future events." From this article I got an understanding that humans are just like animals. Animals have thoughts and feelings, we need to recognize this fact and take a little more knowledge in the fact that we are not that different from other living animals. We can find many similarites in dogs,chimps, cats, etc through behavior characteristics and more.
A second obstacle that prevents humans from believing they are animals is religion. According to Genesis 1:26 from the Bible, "Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, [b] and over all the creatures that move along the ground."
Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.
Genesis 1:28 God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground." As we all know God created Earth. He created all living animals and he created humans.
We have been taught through religion that humans are in charge. The lines that show this are, "Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground." We have been brainwashed to think that becuase God has created us as one of the most important things in life, we were made to rule over this Earth and take over any other living animals. In my case, I dont find this correct. Humans should not be number one on a hierarchy. We are equal to all living things and we should be more understandable with all living animals. Although I am a religious person, I do believe that if people have a thought of them being more superior than others, they will never live such a good and meaningfuller life.
A third obstacle that stops us from believing we are animals is from the french philosopher Rene Descartes' theory, which is; "One of the deepest and most lasting legacies of Descartes’ philosophy is his thesis that mind and body are really distinct--a thesis now called "mind-body dualism." He reaches this conclusion by arguing that the nature of the mind (that is, a thinking, non-extended thing) is completely different from that of the body (that is, an extended, non-thinking thing), and therefore it is possible for one to exist without the other." Descartes believes that both the mind and body are two separate things. Many people think this way, which is understandable. We think with our mind, not our body. We do things with our mind and our body responds through movement. Descartes believes in dualism which states, "Descartes suggested that the body works like a machine, that it has the material properties of extension and motion, and that it follows the laws of physics. The mind (or soul), on the other hand, was described as a nonmaterial entity that lacks extension and motion, and does not follow the laws of physics. Descartes argued that only humans have minds, and that the mind interacts with the body at the pineal gland. This form of dualism or duality proposes that the mind controls the body, but that the body can also influence the otherwise rational mind, such as when people act out of passion. Most of the previous accounts of the relationship between mind and body had been uni-directional." He thinks that only humans have minds and animals don't. He believes that since animals have no minds and feelings towards life, they should be treated as objects. in this society humans are viewed as subjects, but we never really treat ourseleves as subjects unless we are trying to take control over something that is smaller than us such as animals (pets). This connects to all the other obstacles mentioned above by showing that humans feel very superior over everything in the world becuase we have been taught to treat everything smaller than us as objects.
A fourth obstacle is science. Humans are believed to be the end of evolution. While animals were evolving, we were the last ones to evolve and will be forever. If we were to make a heirarchy, we would be put all the way on top to show our power over every living animal. Humans are separate from the genus, species, and we are called Homo sapiens sapiens. We consider oursleves superior of the rest of living animals. By putting all the other living animals in different gropus separate from us is basically stating that we are better than any other species. This is pretty unfair becuase just like other naimals we breathe, eat, and sleep. Putting us in the same category as other animals will change the way we look at our selves.
Somoe benefits that will help us see oursleves as animals are; childbirth is natural,
the body matters & movement is crutial, emphasize the physical and we should use proper use of our minds.
Women should realize that childbirth is something beautiful and letting a stranger with a degree that states its fine to put different tools up your vagina to take your child out is not right. using drugs to slow down your birth is wrong also. Doing it the all natural way is the best thing a woman can do to bring a new life to the world. We can do it our ow, we just rely on others to do the work for us and delay the process and put us through more pain than we have to. We are capable of giving birth just like other animals are capable of.
Another benefit that will help us view ourselves as animals more often is emphasizing the physical. We should use our bodies more often just like animals do. Exploring like and experiencing new things should be a great thing for us. Doing more of animal-like stuff will encourage us to get to know our animal-like selves. Sitting in classrooms for hours and not enjoying it doesn't help, but simply making the best out of it and being more interested in what you learn is another great way to help you see oursleves as animals.
In conclusion, I feel like humans should see themselves as animals more often and explore the world they live in. Just as animals use everything around them to survive so should we. Experiencing new things will open our eyes to new stuff. Walking around your block and observing nature and growing relationships with other aninals can be a start. Living life like a routine will cause you to be anothe object to society and make you feel like there is no reason for you to be living.
Thoughts on a "Living Funeral"
No one faces death until they meet their own. The thought of being at your own funeral is really creepy. You're still alive and you have the ones you love present. It would be devastating to actually see your family and friends cry for you on the day of your funeral, that is why I wouldn't agree with organizing my own living funeral. I mean it would be nice to hear what people remembered you as while you were living but just watching sad faces, would really affect me.
Thinking about my own death scares me. I never really bring up the idea of dying because to me its pointless. Everyone dies eventually, so live life until it's your time. I feel if i did choose to organize my funeral I would be too curious about who I would I invite, I would most likely bring the people I have most of memories with, just because I want to be around people who will actually have something to remember of. I wouldn't want to bring my family just because I don't want to put them through sadness, just them thinking about my death as I am still alive would break their hearts. It's not that easy to think about the list of people you would invite because you don't want to see everyone you love sad and because you wouldn't know who really cares for you; therefore who you trust and you remember well.
I don't agree with the idea of letting people organize or myself organize a living funeral. It doesn't seem reasonable to have your loved ones there when you are not even dead. It would feel comfortable to around people who one day will forget about you after you are truly dead.
In the video about Morrie, he discusses this topic. It is very touching because all his ideas are important. While watching this video, I agreed with all he had to say. Spending your last days of life with people you love, distracts you from thinking about death. Not worrying about what comes next in life, is the best thing.
Thinking about my own death scares me. I never really bring up the idea of dying because to me its pointless. Everyone dies eventually, so live life until it's your time. I feel if i did choose to organize my funeral I would be too curious about who I would I invite, I would most likely bring the people I have most of memories with, just because I want to be around people who will actually have something to remember of. I wouldn't want to bring my family just because I don't want to put them through sadness, just them thinking about my death as I am still alive would break their hearts. It's not that easy to think about the list of people you would invite because you don't want to see everyone you love sad and because you wouldn't know who really cares for you; therefore who you trust and you remember well.
I don't agree with the idea of letting people organize or myself organize a living funeral. It doesn't seem reasonable to have your loved ones there when you are not even dead. It would feel comfortable to around people who one day will forget about you after you are truly dead.
In the video about Morrie, he discusses this topic. It is very touching because all his ideas are important. While watching this video, I agreed with all he had to say. Spending your last days of life with people you love, distracts you from thinking about death. Not worrying about what comes next in life, is the best thing.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Research
my questions:
4. at what age do old people become depressed or lonely?
"The reported prevalence of loneliness was 15.6 per cent in 1992 and 29.6 per cent in 2000. We suggest that part of the differential is accounted for by the differences in the methodologies of the two surveys and in the questions used to assess loneliness. The evidence from both surveys suggests that loneliness was relatively prevalent among those aged 65 or more years, females and those living in rural areas, and that these variations had greater amplitude in 2000."
8. What percentage of old people live on their own?
"In 1987, 8.5 million elderly lived alone; by 2020, 13.3 million elderly will live alone.
More than 6.5 million, or 77%, of all elderly living alone are women. The percentage of older women living alone exceeds that of men in each age group, but women become progressively more likely than men to live alone with age.
Among those over 85. 52% of women live alone compared to 29% for men. Widowhood is by far the most common situation for older women who live alone.
Between the ages of 65 and 74, 77% of women living alone are widows, as are 88% of those over 75.
Men who live alone are far more likely to be divorced or never to have married. This phenomenon occurs because women tend to marry men older than themselves, and because women live longer than men. "
http://www.copperwiki.org/index.php/Loneliness
http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=1822784
Other people's questions:
11. How many old people live in poverty?
Seniors’ economic security will only increase in importance as the U.S. population ages. The nation’s health and social services resources will face unprecedented demand as 75 million people in the baby boomer generation reach retirement age—some with eroded savings and retirement accounts...Between 1959 and 1974, the elderly poverty rate fell from 35 percent to 15 percent. This was largely attributable to a set of increases in Social Security benefits. The elderly poverty rate has continued to decline in subsequent decades, reaching 9.4 percent in 2006. Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits continue to play a key role in reducing elderly poverty, especially among women and people of color. If Social Security benefits did not exist, an estimated 44 percent of the elderly would be poor today, assuming no changes in behavior."
14. what % of old people are sexually active?
The nationally representative survey of more than 3,000 U.S. adults ages 57 to 85 found that more than half to three-quarters of those questioned remain sexually active, with a significant proportion engaging in frequent and varied sexual behavior...Sexual problems do increase with age, and the rate of sexual activity fades somewhat, the survey found. But interest in sex remains high and the frequency remains surprisingly stable among the physically able who are lucky enough to still have partners.
15. What's the percentage of old people who go to nursing homes?
According to the 1997 National Nursing Home Survey, there were 1,465,000 residents age 65 and older in nursing homes (about 4.3 percent of the US population age 65 and older in 1997). Nearly three-fourths of these residents were women, and about one-half were age 85 and older.
In 1997, about 75 percent of all nursing home residents 65 and older required assistance in three or more activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, eating, transferring from bed to chair, and using the toilet. About 42 percent of nursing home residents were diagnosed with dementia, and 12 percent had other psychiatric conditions, such as schizophrenia and mood disorders.
16. What's the suicide rate for elderly people?
"While the elderly make up only 12.6% of the population, they account for almost
18.1% of the suicides.
· There is one elderly suicide every one hour thirty-nine minutes.
· The suicide rate for the elderly rose 9% between 1980 and 1992. During that
rime, there were 74, 675 completed suicides of persons over 65. Rates have
declined since that time.
· In 2000, suicide rates ranged from 12.6 per 100,000 among persons aged 65 to
74, to 17.7 per 100,000 persons aged 75 to 84, which is nearly double the overall
U.S. rate.
· White men over the age of 85 are at the greatest risk of all age-gender-race
groups. In 1999, the suicide rate for these men was 59.6 per 100,000. That is
nearly 6 times the current overall rate."
http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2008/07/elderly_poverty.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/22/AR2007082202000.html
http://www.aarp.org/research/longtermcare/nursinghomes/aresearch-import-669-FS10R.html
http://www.211bigbend.org/hotlines/suicide/SuicideandtheElderly.pdf
Researching on the elderly, made me understand them a little better. I was pretty shocked to find out the suicide rates on old people. To know that, "In 2000, suicide rates ranged from 12.6 per 100,000 among persons aged 65 to 74, to 17.7 per 100,000 persons aged 75 to 84, which is nearly double the overall U.S. rate." it's really upseting to know that old people are feeling lonely and depressed. To also know that suicude rates are increasing is really scary. Anyone's grandma or grandpa is feeling alone and that is the reason why I would like things to change between our generations. We should include old people to our society and also include them into our daily lives.
4. at what age do old people become depressed or lonely?
"The reported prevalence of loneliness was 15.6 per cent in 1992 and 29.6 per cent in 2000. We suggest that part of the differential is accounted for by the differences in the methodologies of the two surveys and in the questions used to assess loneliness. The evidence from both surveys suggests that loneliness was relatively prevalent among those aged 65 or more years, females and those living in rural areas, and that these variations had greater amplitude in 2000."
8. What percentage of old people live on their own?
"In 1987, 8.5 million elderly lived alone; by 2020, 13.3 million elderly will live alone.
More than 6.5 million, or 77%, of all elderly living alone are women. The percentage of older women living alone exceeds that of men in each age group, but women become progressively more likely than men to live alone with age.
Among those over 85. 52% of women live alone compared to 29% for men. Widowhood is by far the most common situation for older women who live alone.
Between the ages of 65 and 74, 77% of women living alone are widows, as are 88% of those over 75.
Men who live alone are far more likely to be divorced or never to have married. This phenomenon occurs because women tend to marry men older than themselves, and because women live longer than men. "
http://www.copperwiki.org/index.php/Loneliness
http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=1822784
Other people's questions:
11. How many old people live in poverty?
Seniors’ economic security will only increase in importance as the U.S. population ages. The nation’s health and social services resources will face unprecedented demand as 75 million people in the baby boomer generation reach retirement age—some with eroded savings and retirement accounts...Between 1959 and 1974, the elderly poverty rate fell from 35 percent to 15 percent. This was largely attributable to a set of increases in Social Security benefits. The elderly poverty rate has continued to decline in subsequent decades, reaching 9.4 percent in 2006. Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits continue to play a key role in reducing elderly poverty, especially among women and people of color. If Social Security benefits did not exist, an estimated 44 percent of the elderly would be poor today, assuming no changes in behavior."
14. what % of old people are sexually active?
The nationally representative survey of more than 3,000 U.S. adults ages 57 to 85 found that more than half to three-quarters of those questioned remain sexually active, with a significant proportion engaging in frequent and varied sexual behavior...Sexual problems do increase with age, and the rate of sexual activity fades somewhat, the survey found. But interest in sex remains high and the frequency remains surprisingly stable among the physically able who are lucky enough to still have partners.
15. What's the percentage of old people who go to nursing homes?
According to the 1997 National Nursing Home Survey, there were 1,465,000 residents age 65 and older in nursing homes (about 4.3 percent of the US population age 65 and older in 1997). Nearly three-fourths of these residents were women, and about one-half were age 85 and older.
In 1997, about 75 percent of all nursing home residents 65 and older required assistance in three or more activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, eating, transferring from bed to chair, and using the toilet. About 42 percent of nursing home residents were diagnosed with dementia, and 12 percent had other psychiatric conditions, such as schizophrenia and mood disorders.
16. What's the suicide rate for elderly people?
"While the elderly make up only 12.6% of the population, they account for almost
18.1% of the suicides.
· There is one elderly suicide every one hour thirty-nine minutes.
· The suicide rate for the elderly rose 9% between 1980 and 1992. During that
rime, there were 74, 675 completed suicides of persons over 65. Rates have
declined since that time.
· In 2000, suicide rates ranged from 12.6 per 100,000 among persons aged 65 to
74, to 17.7 per 100,000 persons aged 75 to 84, which is nearly double the overall
U.S. rate.
· White men over the age of 85 are at the greatest risk of all age-gender-race
groups. In 1999, the suicide rate for these men was 59.6 per 100,000. That is
nearly 6 times the current overall rate."
http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2008/07/elderly_poverty.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/22/AR2007082202000.html
http://www.aarp.org/research/longtermcare/nursinghomes/aresearch-import-669-FS10R.html
http://www.211bigbend.org/hotlines/suicide/SuicideandtheElderly.pdf
Researching on the elderly, made me understand them a little better. I was pretty shocked to find out the suicide rates on old people. To know that, "In 2000, suicide rates ranged from 12.6 per 100,000 among persons aged 65 to 74, to 17.7 per 100,000 persons aged 75 to 84, which is nearly double the overall U.S. rate." it's really upseting to know that old people are feeling lonely and depressed. To also know that suicude rates are increasing is really scary. Anyone's grandma or grandpa is feeling alone and that is the reason why I would like things to change between our generations. We should include old people to our society and also include them into our daily lives.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Current feelings on old people
A paragraph about your current feelings about old people - how much you interact with folks that are old, some of your experiences and impressions and reactions to old people. How you think of them and how they think of you.
I don't usually interact with old people or hang out with them so it's difficult to describe the way I look at them. I dont have the best impressions of old people but I usually picture them as old, cranky,smelly people. Everytime I spot an old person I get so angry because they are either walking too slow and delaying my time or they are yelling at some young person about how rude and disrespectful they are. I don't spend a lot of time with my grandmas just because it's a little awkward. There's never a conversation that lasts more than five minutes. I feel like it's like this with every young person. There has been such generation gap between us, and we've gotten so used to this, it doesnt bother us anymore. I would like things to change between all ages and I always wonder how it would be if all generations communicated and got along. I think that old people have the same thoughts of us young people. They usually think of young people as rude, disrespectful, and loud people. We both have negative images of one another, the reason for this is because we never get the chance to get to know one another.
I don't usually interact with old people or hang out with them so it's difficult to describe the way I look at them. I dont have the best impressions of old people but I usually picture them as old, cranky,smelly people. Everytime I spot an old person I get so angry because they are either walking too slow and delaying my time or they are yelling at some young person about how rude and disrespectful they are. I don't spend a lot of time with my grandmas just because it's a little awkward. There's never a conversation that lasts more than five minutes. I feel like it's like this with every young person. There has been such generation gap between us, and we've gotten so used to this, it doesnt bother us anymore. I would like things to change between all ages and I always wonder how it would be if all generations communicated and got along. I think that old people have the same thoughts of us young people. They usually think of young people as rude, disrespectful, and loud people. We both have negative images of one another, the reason for this is because we never get the chance to get to know one another.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Questions
Social interactions/Old People
1. Who do you mostly interact with, people of your age or all ages?
2. Do you consider yourself very social?
3. Do you have many friends?
4. Would you say you are a lonely person? Why?
5. Do you have a family?
6. Do you go out often?
7. Are you married?
8. Do you live by yourself?
9. Do you take care of yourself or do you have others who take care of you? (my opinion:old people do not want to be a burden to others so they tend to be very grumpy and anti-social)
10. Do you have a best friend? If so what do you talk about when yoo're together?
11. How close are you to those you communicate with?
12. How much of the day do you spend on your own?
13. Do you travel a lot? If so, with whom? Family? friends?
14. How would you describe yourself?
15. If you have kids, how often do they check on you?
16. Who is the most imporant person in your life? Why?
17. Do you feel like you're invited into the multi-generation society?
18. Would you say that people like you as the person you are?
19. Do you consider yourself a nice person? Why or why not?
1. Who do you mostly interact with, people of your age or all ages?
2. Do you consider yourself very social?
3. Do you have many friends?
4. Would you say you are a lonely person? Why?
5. Do you have a family?
6. Do you go out often?
7. Are you married?
8. Do you live by yourself?
9. Do you take care of yourself or do you have others who take care of you? (my opinion:old people do not want to be a burden to others so they tend to be very grumpy and anti-social)
10. Do you have a best friend? If so what do you talk about when yoo're together?
11. How close are you to those you communicate with?
12. How much of the day do you spend on your own?
13. Do you travel a lot? If so, with whom? Family? friends?
14. How would you describe yourself?
15. If you have kids, how often do they check on you?
16. Who is the most imporant person in your life? Why?
17. Do you feel like you're invited into the multi-generation society?
18. Would you say that people like you as the person you are?
19. Do you consider yourself a nice person? Why or why not?
The Elderly
My definition of an old person would be when they hit a certain age such as 65 years old, they are out of tune with the current generation, or just rely on life as they live on. My opinion on old people is that they are grumpy, smelly, old, etc. This is the stereotypical answer you may get from young people regarding the topic on old people. The young generation is less likely to spend time with old people which makes us only create negative images of them. It isn't likely to see young people today spending time with their grandma or grandpa. We have been separated through age groups and to stick by that rule. Teenagers stick with people their own age and old people with people their own age. What if this was to change and we were united and mixed together?? There wouldn't be no seclusion between one another.
Some theories on why we don't know many old people were,
1. they live in homes
2. they don't like us (anyone younger than them)
3. we don't like them
4. Generation gap
Some theories on why we don't know many old people were,
1. they live in homes
2. they don't like us (anyone younger than them)
3. we don't like them
4. Generation gap
Sunday, February 8, 2009
LDH2BM Interviews
1. What would you like to accomplish in the future/before you die?
2. If you were to die right now, can you say you've lived a good and meaningful life?
Person 1
In the future I would like to travel to places I have never been to, I want to see new things that are out there, I've been stuck in the city for so long I want to be somewhere new. I want to live on my own and not have to bother others who have to take care of me and watch my every move. If I were to die now, I wouldn't be happy. I wouldn't feel like I lived a good and meaningful life because I never accomplished everything I wanted to, I haven't seen the good things in life.
Person 2
I don't have anything I would like to accomplish, I feel like my life has gone through good and bad times but I am grateful for everything that has happened. I've learned a lot as I have grown old so I would have to say if I were to die right now I can say my life has been very meaningful. I have a great family who love me and care for me so I have nothing to regret or feel bad for.
Person 3
I don't have anything I want to accomplish its more of what I would like to see in the future, I want there to be peace and tranquility in this world. I want to live my life without no worries. I don't want to rely on anyone for help, I would like to just take care of myself. If I were to doe now, I would die peacefully and happy. My life has been good to me I have nothing to complain about.
2. If you were to die right now, can you say you've lived a good and meaningful life?
Person 1
In the future I would like to travel to places I have never been to, I want to see new things that are out there, I've been stuck in the city for so long I want to be somewhere new. I want to live on my own and not have to bother others who have to take care of me and watch my every move. If I were to die now, I wouldn't be happy. I wouldn't feel like I lived a good and meaningful life because I never accomplished everything I wanted to, I haven't seen the good things in life.
Person 2
I don't have anything I would like to accomplish, I feel like my life has gone through good and bad times but I am grateful for everything that has happened. I've learned a lot as I have grown old so I would have to say if I were to die right now I can say my life has been very meaningful. I have a great family who love me and care for me so I have nothing to regret or feel bad for.
Person 3
I don't have anything I want to accomplish its more of what I would like to see in the future, I want there to be peace and tranquility in this world. I want to live my life without no worries. I don't want to rely on anyone for help, I would like to just take care of myself. If I were to doe now, I would die peacefully and happy. My life has been good to me I have nothing to complain about.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Interview
I didn't get to get an interview with my grandma due to health issues but I interviewed my father and mother who thought as an elderly person would in their eyes...
Questions:
1. What do you want to accomplish before you die?
My dad: "I would like to see my children and their future children be successful people in life. I want to make sure that they never need to depend on anyone but themselves. Its not really what I want to accomplish its what I want to see happen. I want to see the ones I care about succeed in life before anything else."
My mom: "I just want to live a peaceful life without any hatred and violence. Although I never finished my education which would have took me farther in any profession I wanted, I feel like I have accomplished a lot. I have two great kids, a home, a job, and I'm living, that's all I can ask for."
2. Have you done everything you wanted in life?
No, I haven't but I can still say I am proud of what I have achieved in life. I am happy with my life so far, I can't complain."
3. If you were to die right now, can you say you have lived a good life?
Yes, I enjoyed my childhood and now all I want to do is watch my children do the same.
As we learned in class today, "in our culture, people treat old people as relics of the past" this is so true. Every time we see or look at the elderly we think of their past never their future. We ask them questions in the past tense. We never really think about them in a positive way and some might feel that there is no reason for "old people" to live, I mean all we see is that they can't walk, they can't take care of themselves...Sometimes I feel that when you get old you really start to live you're wiser and you know your right from wrong, you catch yourself looking at the young generation and watch as they make the same mistakes you made when you were younger. Personally, we should take a deeper look into how we view things in life other than to judge people directly.
Questions:
1. What do you want to accomplish before you die?
My dad: "I would like to see my children and their future children be successful people in life. I want to make sure that they never need to depend on anyone but themselves. Its not really what I want to accomplish its what I want to see happen. I want to see the ones I care about succeed in life before anything else."
My mom: "I just want to live a peaceful life without any hatred and violence. Although I never finished my education which would have took me farther in any profession I wanted, I feel like I have accomplished a lot. I have two great kids, a home, a job, and I'm living, that's all I can ask for."
2. Have you done everything you wanted in life?
No, I haven't but I can still say I am proud of what I have achieved in life. I am happy with my life so far, I can't complain."
3. If you were to die right now, can you say you have lived a good life?
Yes, I enjoyed my childhood and now all I want to do is watch my children do the same.
As we learned in class today, "in our culture, people treat old people as relics of the past" this is so true. Every time we see or look at the elderly we think of their past never their future. We ask them questions in the past tense. We never really think about them in a positive way and some might feel that there is no reason for "old people" to live, I mean all we see is that they can't walk, they can't take care of themselves...Sometimes I feel that when you get old you really start to live you're wiser and you know your right from wrong, you catch yourself looking at the young generation and watch as they make the same mistakes you made when you were younger. Personally, we should take a deeper look into how we view things in life other than to judge people directly.
Questions (5)
1. What would you like to accomplish in the future/before you die?
2. What is the most important thing in your life?
3. What has been the most meaningful time in your life so far?
4. If you were to die right now, can you say you've lived a good and meaningful life?
5. Has there ever been a time that you have thought that your life was meaningless? How so...
2. What is the most important thing in your life?
3. What has been the most meaningful time in your life so far?
4. If you were to die right now, can you say you've lived a good and meaningful life?
5. Has there ever been a time that you have thought that your life was meaningless? How so...
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Obama's Inauguration Day
What aspects of our lives were emphasized by the speeches, ceremony, music, song, spectacle? What image of "the good and meaningful life" was strengthened and what sorts of lives were implicitly or explicitly critiqued?
Obama's speech was very inspiring and influential. He has given everyone hope to become better people by starting with a clean slate. His words were very powerful although there has not been any change yet, you can hear it in his speech that he is very serious and determined to change and improve all the negatives in our country. Everybody in the U.S is counting on this new president to make change. I feel like this year is all about change, which is a positive thing for us. We finally got the chance to start new with a responsible and determined president.
Although Obama's words were very positive, we don't know for a fact what changes are going to be made. Personally, I want to see his words come true. I believe he will make change but I want to see how far he can go as for improving our economy. I would like to see the social classes come together and everyone be treated equal no matter the race, color, etc.
Obama states, "On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn-out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics." He is determined to be the one to make up for others mistakes toward our country. This quote is like a wake-up call to all that we have had so much negativity in our country that something needs to be done and having a new president is the first step to success. We need to work together to better our country and our lives. We must face our difficulties and solve our problems.
Obama also quotes,"the time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness." This quote has touched many lives, people have hope for a better future becuase of Obama's determination towards new goals and accomplishments for all of us.
In his speech when Obama says, That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet...Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America - they will be met." He is talking about lower class citizens who lack jobs, money, education, etc. He wants to improve their lives first, he wants to help the people who are in great need of help first. This makes sense becuase I feel like the majority of people in the United States are the lower class people who include blacks and Hispanics. In Obama's quote he speaks about greed and irresponsibility is a part of why our economy is weakening, but you cant stop someone from being greedy, if they are working really hard for the money they are earning but I do feel if you earn so much and okay you work hard for it, you should still give some to people in need who don't have nothing in life.
In conclusion, Obama's speech has been something that will not be forgotten and hopefully with these words actions will be followed. We need to improve our society to better our future. We need to work together and let go of the hatred and greed.
Obama's speech was very inspiring and influential. He has given everyone hope to become better people by starting with a clean slate. His words were very powerful although there has not been any change yet, you can hear it in his speech that he is very serious and determined to change and improve all the negatives in our country. Everybody in the U.S is counting on this new president to make change. I feel like this year is all about change, which is a positive thing for us. We finally got the chance to start new with a responsible and determined president.
Although Obama's words were very positive, we don't know for a fact what changes are going to be made. Personally, I want to see his words come true. I believe he will make change but I want to see how far he can go as for improving our economy. I would like to see the social classes come together and everyone be treated equal no matter the race, color, etc.
Obama states, "On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn-out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics." He is determined to be the one to make up for others mistakes toward our country. This quote is like a wake-up call to all that we have had so much negativity in our country that something needs to be done and having a new president is the first step to success. We need to work together to better our country and our lives. We must face our difficulties and solve our problems.
Obama also quotes,"the time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness." This quote has touched many lives, people have hope for a better future becuase of Obama's determination towards new goals and accomplishments for all of us.
In his speech when Obama says, That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet...Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America - they will be met." He is talking about lower class citizens who lack jobs, money, education, etc. He wants to improve their lives first, he wants to help the people who are in great need of help first. This makes sense becuase I feel like the majority of people in the United States are the lower class people who include blacks and Hispanics. In Obama's quote he speaks about greed and irresponsibility is a part of why our economy is weakening, but you cant stop someone from being greedy, if they are working really hard for the money they are earning but I do feel if you earn so much and okay you work hard for it, you should still give some to people in need who don't have nothing in life.
In conclusion, Obama's speech has been something that will not be forgotten and hopefully with these words actions will be followed. We need to improve our society to better our future. We need to work together and let go of the hatred and greed.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Unfinished business/ 'Where do we go from here' Responses
The article "Martin Luther King's unfinished business" portrays MLK as this hero figure who wanted to gain the peace between all races. "In August 1963, under Kennedy's presidency, King led a multi-racial rally of 250,000 in Washington demanding economic justice... King held the crowd spellbound with his inspiring, momentous "I have a dream" speech about how "this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truth to be self-evident, that all men are created equal." (Page 1)I believe that this article has made people view MLK as this heroic person that has done his best to not only improve black society, but the whole world. He fought for equality; which is most important not only to Americans but also African Americans. MLK's accomplishments and achievements are awarded today through celebrating his death. We are supposed to honor this day with respect and thanks to him becuase he improved our country by changing the way people viewed others.
In my point of view, I believe that Martin Luther King is an important figure in the United States because we Americans are taught to believe that becuase of him, our society has changed and improved to be more peaceful. MLK fought for all races and their rights as humans. He states, "Many of our white brothers as evidenced by their presence here today have come to realise that their destiny is tied up with our destiny and they come to realise that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We cannot walk alone." Martin Luther King was an inspiration and a positive influence to people who believed they had differences with other races, he wanted to open people's eyes to see that everyone is united; no matter the race, color, or ethnicity, we are all the connected. Personally, I believe that MLK's accomplishments made a big difference for our country. He improved the way we viewed one another and it made a big change.
Through Martin Luther King's achievements we have made him into a "plastic postage stamp saint". In our LDH2BM class we made a definition for this name as, the idea to make someone this perfect figure to society and how we cannot be like them. In other words we have made MLK into this plastic saint who did the right things in life and because of everything he has done for our country, he is now someone we all honor and appreciate. We have made believe that when someone has done a great deed in their life, they must be honored and we must celebrate their accomplishments.
When Martin Luther King stated, " We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal", it had a big impact on how everyone viewed themselves and others. MLK has influenced everyone that we are all one. We are connected in every way. We were all born with different colors, races, etc but we are all equal. I agree with MLK becuase in my point of view color does not matter. I believe we are all equal and no matter the race or social class we should be treated the same. The difference between rich and poor really upsets me because our society has made us to believe that the rich are the higher class and becuase they are "rich" they have more power and respect while the poor are the lower class who don't have much power or respect and as they work their way up to the rich, the rich are only getting more money more power and more respect. Our government has gave the rich more options in life to succeed in life while the poor has to work hard to become successful. This to me is unfair and it contradicts what Martin Luther King has stated that "everyone is equal". As a middle class citizen I believe that there are many things in life that are unfair but I know that isn't up to me. Isn't that unfair?
In my point of view, I believe that Martin Luther King is an important figure in the United States because we Americans are taught to believe that becuase of him, our society has changed and improved to be more peaceful. MLK fought for all races and their rights as humans. He states, "Many of our white brothers as evidenced by their presence here today have come to realise that their destiny is tied up with our destiny and they come to realise that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We cannot walk alone." Martin Luther King was an inspiration and a positive influence to people who believed they had differences with other races, he wanted to open people's eyes to see that everyone is united; no matter the race, color, or ethnicity, we are all the connected. Personally, I believe that MLK's accomplishments made a big difference for our country. He improved the way we viewed one another and it made a big change.
Through Martin Luther King's achievements we have made him into a "plastic postage stamp saint". In our LDH2BM class we made a definition for this name as, the idea to make someone this perfect figure to society and how we cannot be like them. In other words we have made MLK into this plastic saint who did the right things in life and because of everything he has done for our country, he is now someone we all honor and appreciate. We have made believe that when someone has done a great deed in their life, they must be honored and we must celebrate their accomplishments.
When Martin Luther King stated, " We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal", it had a big impact on how everyone viewed themselves and others. MLK has influenced everyone that we are all one. We are connected in every way. We were all born with different colors, races, etc but we are all equal. I agree with MLK becuase in my point of view color does not matter. I believe we are all equal and no matter the race or social class we should be treated the same. The difference between rich and poor really upsets me because our society has made us to believe that the rich are the higher class and becuase they are "rich" they have more power and respect while the poor are the lower class who don't have much power or respect and as they work their way up to the rich, the rich are only getting more money more power and more respect. Our government has gave the rich more options in life to succeed in life while the poor has to work hard to become successful. This to me is unfair and it contradicts what Martin Luther King has stated that "everyone is equal". As a middle class citizen I believe that there are many things in life that are unfair but I know that isn't up to me. Isn't that unfair?
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
LDH2BM - Folk Culture Holiday Analysis (Thanksgiving)
In the United States we have been celebrating many holidays. We have certain images, messages, ideas, thoughts, etc. for celebrating these holidays. We as Americans have been limited to what we can do on these special days. From dressing a certain way, to decorating our homes, we have been following a strict rule on how we can celebrate these "wonderful" holidays. Thanksgiving Day is a harvest festival. Traditionally, it is a time to give thanks for the harvest and express gratitude in general.(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanksgiving) One of the most basic reasons for celebrating Thanksgiving; is being thankful for everything you have.
Thanksgiving is a day where "we" as Americans should be with our families. It is a day where food is the main thing to make it an official Thanksgiving day. There are certain foods we must eat to also make it a Thanksgiving dinner. The centerpiece of our current Thanksgiving in the United States is a large meal, most likely surrounded by a large roasted turkey, with side dishes including sweet potato, mashed potato, corn, stuffing, etc. There is also a certain dress code, which is to basically look your best compared to what you normally put on a regular day. In my opinion, if Thanksgiving is a day for gratitude than it really shouldn't matter what you have on and how good you look, you're with your family; who are supposed to be people who care and love you. But since we have been limited to certain things, in other words on this day we are not ourselves. We must be happy, look our best and be with our family. Three main things to have a good and meaningful life on Thanksgiving.
As I stated before Thanksgiving is day where it's only about family. Yes, you are excluding your friends! Our society has made it seem as if family is number one on our list and it would be very strange to spend your Thanksgiving day with others besides you family. This is one big thing that we must keep in mind through our society, if we spend our holidays differently from how society has made us believe we will not fit into our society. I do not agree with this, I believe that we should have options on how to celebrate our holidays and n one should be excluded. One contradiction on this day is where the family sits together and talks about how they are happy and act like everything is okay. No one really thinks about the history behind this day and how it was once this horrible thing to think about. No one ever brings up the fact that Thanksgiving day came from the Indians getting killed by the Whites. That is one thing that excluded at dinner, you must act like everything is perfect and how the history was horrible for those Indians who got killed and then robbed. No one barely speaks about the fact that there are many people who don't even have a home and something to eat while we stuff our faces with food and then whatever we don't finish, goes straight to the garbage.
Holidays can be looked as good or bad. It's good to celebrate Thanksgiving with the family and get closer to them but what contradicts this holiday is that you only really act this loving and caring on this certain day. It's bad on the other hand becuase we are limited on how we are supposed to act and feel on this day. We don't realize the real meaning towards celebrating holidays.
In conclusion, holidays can be a good and bad thing. The most important thing people should think about whether or not they want to follow society's rule or do things on your own and be independent.
Thanksgiving is a day where "we" as Americans should be with our families. It is a day where food is the main thing to make it an official Thanksgiving day. There are certain foods we must eat to also make it a Thanksgiving dinner. The centerpiece of our current Thanksgiving in the United States is a large meal, most likely surrounded by a large roasted turkey, with side dishes including sweet potato, mashed potato, corn, stuffing, etc. There is also a certain dress code, which is to basically look your best compared to what you normally put on a regular day. In my opinion, if Thanksgiving is a day for gratitude than it really shouldn't matter what you have on and how good you look, you're with your family; who are supposed to be people who care and love you. But since we have been limited to certain things, in other words on this day we are not ourselves. We must be happy, look our best and be with our family. Three main things to have a good and meaningful life on Thanksgiving.
As I stated before Thanksgiving is day where it's only about family. Yes, you are excluding your friends! Our society has made it seem as if family is number one on our list and it would be very strange to spend your Thanksgiving day with others besides you family. This is one big thing that we must keep in mind through our society, if we spend our holidays differently from how society has made us believe we will not fit into our society. I do not agree with this, I believe that we should have options on how to celebrate our holidays and n one should be excluded. One contradiction on this day is where the family sits together and talks about how they are happy and act like everything is okay. No one really thinks about the history behind this day and how it was once this horrible thing to think about. No one ever brings up the fact that Thanksgiving day came from the Indians getting killed by the Whites. That is one thing that excluded at dinner, you must act like everything is perfect and how the history was horrible for those Indians who got killed and then robbed. No one barely speaks about the fact that there are many people who don't even have a home and something to eat while we stuff our faces with food and then whatever we don't finish, goes straight to the garbage.
Holidays can be looked as good or bad. It's good to celebrate Thanksgiving with the family and get closer to them but what contradicts this holiday is that you only really act this loving and caring on this certain day. It's bad on the other hand becuase we are limited on how we are supposed to act and feel on this day. We don't realize the real meaning towards celebrating holidays.
In conclusion, holidays can be a good and bad thing. The most important thing people should think about whether or not they want to follow society's rule or do things on your own and be independent.
LDH2B BIG PAPER (Revised)
Introduction
People believe that having a good and meaningful life will make them a better person and that they will go to heaven when they die, but to be truly honest I don't think there will ever be a "right" or "wrong" way to live life. So, to the people that are trying to better their lives to be happier, "wake up to reality becuase whatever you do, your life will never be perfect". We usually get most of our ideas and beliefs from the larger subculture. The larger culture can be considered a combination of three major sources - corporate/commodified culture, folk culture, and big subcultures. I feel as if we should forget about the contradictory messages from our culture and make-up our own ways on how to live a good and meaningful life.
My ideas
My ideas on the good and meaningful life are to take risks in life that will help you become a better person and to overcome things you never thought you can do. Many would think of my ideas as rhetorical and childish but I really feel that working on yourself to be happier and successful will make you feel more of a better person not precisely give you a good and meaningful life but feeling right about yourself is key in my life. What I am trying to say is if you love to draw or write, go right ahead and do it but do something that is healthy for you and your life. In my point of view, an example of a meaningless life would be to be the person that sits on their ass and accomplishes nothing in their life. Someone who rather waste his or her life playing video games and watching t.v for hours and doesn't explore the world to try new things. One of the biggest dominant cultures is the corporate message from the media. The majority of of music videos, movies, and advertisements give us an insight on how to live a good and meaningful life. It's not so much of a positive advice we get but a more "in order to be cool or in order to be beautiful this is what you must do..." We always find ourselves in these situations and it's not one of the best because it's as if we're slaves to the society; whatever is told, we have to do it. For example, a teen in high school always feels pressured from worrying about his/her looks to his/her's way of living. You always want to belong to a group or else like it is told, "You'll be a geek or an outsider" as our society calls it.
Others Ideas
From my interviews with my family and friends, I noticed that they struggled with this question, which made me think that there will never be such an answer to sum up the meaning of life. It is just how you look at it. I asked three people who are very close to me these questions, “What do you think and believe the meaning of life is?” “How meaningful or meaningless is your life?”
First, I interviewed my father. He began off telling me family was the most important thing to him but as he continued to get more in depth he concluded, “having the freedom to say what you want and believe in what you believe right when you come out your mother’s wound is something that I find most important in my life because without that you wouldn’t be living the life you chose to live now.” I thought this answer was a little strange but when I thought about it I started to agree with it. We choose the lives we live but its only because we have the right to pick how we want to live it which makes our lives either meaningful or meaningless.
I also interviewed my mother. Her answer was more on the simple side. She said that the meaning of life was to be alive and to finally have the opportunity to be someone. I understood where she was coming from but I didn’t agree with this answer it just seemed too simple. Being alive is something people are happy with but not something people are thankful for on the regular basis, they are just glad that they’re alive while having people that will be helpful to you in your future and the goals you accomplished is something that is meaningful to many. It is also a part of the meaning of life to me. My mother quotes, “Personally, someone might not think my life is meaningful but the way I see it, it is. I am happy with my life and I have my children to prove it. I have a job and I have somewhere to live, I’m not just your average face I am somebody in life no matter how you see it.” This answer was very interesting to me and it made me think more deeply into what the meaning of life really is, but there are many answers, ideas, and thoughts, which questions me what is the meaning of life? How does someone know? The meaning of life is very tricky. People answer this question thinking, “What do I like to do? What do I love most? Who do I love most?” And so on…there is never one answer to this question.
The third person I interviewed was my close friend Yanet. As I asked her my questions she responded, “the meaning of life to me is accomplishing the goal you want to achieve and being someone important in life.” I would mostly likely have to disagree with her answer just because in my perspective I believe that someone can have all the education and money in the world and still may not be happy or feel like his/her life is meaningful; it might just be that they are doing this to feel batter and higher than everyone else or its just an expectation that someone who raised them expects from them.
Dominant messages
Corporate dominant messages bascially send messages that are going after young people who are naive to believe the things they say. In VH1, the international T.V show "Real Chance of Love," is about two brothers who are out in the world trying to find love. The massage that they give young people is that you need to have fame in life and you should do anything to get the person you love even if you have to embarrass yourself on national t.v. These women are exploiting themselves to some guys that they barely know and are willing to do the most dumb things to get them. If you watch this t.v show you see drama after drama with between all these young and beautiful women who are all after the same two guys.
Music Video
In our world we receive mixed messages about life in general. We are told how to live life. From having the good looks to being the richest person alive,I wanted to demonstrate how music videos influence us to live a certain way.The song Lip Gloss is basically giving out a message to all young people that you have to be cool in order to be accepted. As you can see in the video in order to be "cool" you have to have expensive products and materials, look a certain way to get attention from others especially the opposite sex. These messages are influencing young people that they have to act like someone that they're not to be accepted in a group. At the beginning of Lil Mama's video she is sitting in the care with her mother ready to go to school as shes about to get out she tells her mother she wants to be "part of the cool crowd" her mother gives her the lip gloss and as the video begins she quotes,
"They say my lip gloss is cool
My lip gloss be popping
I'm standing at my locker
And all the boys keep stopping
What you know 'bout me?"
In this quote she is saying that because her lip gloss is so "cool" guys are after her and girls are jealous of her. She wants to be the center of attention which is what a lot of young girls these days tend to accomplish. There is a part in the video that show a "geeky" boy with eyeglasses turns "cool" as Lil Mama blows some sparkles at him and automatically he drops his glasses and begins to dance ridiculously. You can see in the video that they are in a school dancing through the hallways, not even getting an education learning about important subjects but being educated on how to be cool. The video also shows a clip where there is a poster that has Lil Mama for class president. The meaning behind that is voting for her because she is "cool" and good looking, not because she will contribute to the school's education and intelligent. Most videos similar to these give mixed-messages to young people. Some may say its the way they express themselves as showing how much fun they're having as young people but they are really brainwashing people that there is a specific way to live a meaningful life which is to have all the glamor in the world. Pop culture has influenced young people so much that they truly believe that to be happy in life you need all the expensive products and materials, that you need to be good-looking and I feel that is when all the fixing you body up doing surgery, botox etc. comes in. People want to look like their favorite singer or celebrity and they will do whatever it takes to look and feel like them. People need to realize that being cool is not going to make your life more meaningful but its going to show how dim-witted you really are.
Films
In the film The Dark Knight, the movie is based on an 2008 American super hero. Batman who apparently is the hero of the film, is eager to set out and destroy organized crime in Gotham (which is where the setting takes place) for good. In the civilian's eyes Batman is a good person because he saves lives. He is expected to protect everyone else and be this great figure to the society in order to live a good and meaningful life. This is a an example of a dominant message.
People believe that having a good and meaningful life will make them a better person and that they will go to heaven when they die, but to be truly honest I don't think there will ever be a "right" or "wrong" way to live life. So, to the people that are trying to better their lives to be happier, "wake up to reality becuase whatever you do, your life will never be perfect". We usually get most of our ideas and beliefs from the larger subculture. The larger culture can be considered a combination of three major sources - corporate/commodified culture, folk culture, and big subcultures. I feel as if we should forget about the contradictory messages from our culture and make-up our own ways on how to live a good and meaningful life.
My ideas
My ideas on the good and meaningful life are to take risks in life that will help you become a better person and to overcome things you never thought you can do. Many would think of my ideas as rhetorical and childish but I really feel that working on yourself to be happier and successful will make you feel more of a better person not precisely give you a good and meaningful life but feeling right about yourself is key in my life. What I am trying to say is if you love to draw or write, go right ahead and do it but do something that is healthy for you and your life. In my point of view, an example of a meaningless life would be to be the person that sits on their ass and accomplishes nothing in their life. Someone who rather waste his or her life playing video games and watching t.v for hours and doesn't explore the world to try new things. One of the biggest dominant cultures is the corporate message from the media. The majority of of music videos, movies, and advertisements give us an insight on how to live a good and meaningful life. It's not so much of a positive advice we get but a more "in order to be cool or in order to be beautiful this is what you must do..." We always find ourselves in these situations and it's not one of the best because it's as if we're slaves to the society; whatever is told, we have to do it. For example, a teen in high school always feels pressured from worrying about his/her looks to his/her's way of living. You always want to belong to a group or else like it is told, "You'll be a geek or an outsider" as our society calls it.
Others Ideas
From my interviews with my family and friends, I noticed that they struggled with this question, which made me think that there will never be such an answer to sum up the meaning of life. It is just how you look at it. I asked three people who are very close to me these questions, “What do you think and believe the meaning of life is?” “How meaningful or meaningless is your life?”
First, I interviewed my father. He began off telling me family was the most important thing to him but as he continued to get more in depth he concluded, “having the freedom to say what you want and believe in what you believe right when you come out your mother’s wound is something that I find most important in my life because without that you wouldn’t be living the life you chose to live now.” I thought this answer was a little strange but when I thought about it I started to agree with it. We choose the lives we live but its only because we have the right to pick how we want to live it which makes our lives either meaningful or meaningless.
I also interviewed my mother. Her answer was more on the simple side. She said that the meaning of life was to be alive and to finally have the opportunity to be someone. I understood where she was coming from but I didn’t agree with this answer it just seemed too simple. Being alive is something people are happy with but not something people are thankful for on the regular basis, they are just glad that they’re alive while having people that will be helpful to you in your future and the goals you accomplished is something that is meaningful to many. It is also a part of the meaning of life to me. My mother quotes, “Personally, someone might not think my life is meaningful but the way I see it, it is. I am happy with my life and I have my children to prove it. I have a job and I have somewhere to live, I’m not just your average face I am somebody in life no matter how you see it.” This answer was very interesting to me and it made me think more deeply into what the meaning of life really is, but there are many answers, ideas, and thoughts, which questions me what is the meaning of life? How does someone know? The meaning of life is very tricky. People answer this question thinking, “What do I like to do? What do I love most? Who do I love most?” And so on…there is never one answer to this question.
The third person I interviewed was my close friend Yanet. As I asked her my questions she responded, “the meaning of life to me is accomplishing the goal you want to achieve and being someone important in life.” I would mostly likely have to disagree with her answer just because in my perspective I believe that someone can have all the education and money in the world and still may not be happy or feel like his/her life is meaningful; it might just be that they are doing this to feel batter and higher than everyone else or its just an expectation that someone who raised them expects from them.
Dominant messages
Corporate dominant messages bascially send messages that are going after young people who are naive to believe the things they say. In VH1, the international T.V show "Real Chance of Love," is about two brothers who are out in the world trying to find love. The massage that they give young people is that you need to have fame in life and you should do anything to get the person you love even if you have to embarrass yourself on national t.v. These women are exploiting themselves to some guys that they barely know and are willing to do the most dumb things to get them. If you watch this t.v show you see drama after drama with between all these young and beautiful women who are all after the same two guys.
Music Video
In our world we receive mixed messages about life in general. We are told how to live life. From having the good looks to being the richest person alive,I wanted to demonstrate how music videos influence us to live a certain way.The song Lip Gloss is basically giving out a message to all young people that you have to be cool in order to be accepted. As you can see in the video in order to be "cool" you have to have expensive products and materials, look a certain way to get attention from others especially the opposite sex. These messages are influencing young people that they have to act like someone that they're not to be accepted in a group. At the beginning of Lil Mama's video she is sitting in the care with her mother ready to go to school as shes about to get out she tells her mother she wants to be "part of the cool crowd" her mother gives her the lip gloss and as the video begins she quotes,
"They say my lip gloss is cool
My lip gloss be popping
I'm standing at my locker
And all the boys keep stopping
What you know 'bout me?"
In this quote she is saying that because her lip gloss is so "cool" guys are after her and girls are jealous of her. She wants to be the center of attention which is what a lot of young girls these days tend to accomplish. There is a part in the video that show a "geeky" boy with eyeglasses turns "cool" as Lil Mama blows some sparkles at him and automatically he drops his glasses and begins to dance ridiculously. You can see in the video that they are in a school dancing through the hallways, not even getting an education learning about important subjects but being educated on how to be cool. The video also shows a clip where there is a poster that has Lil Mama for class president. The meaning behind that is voting for her because she is "cool" and good looking, not because she will contribute to the school's education and intelligent. Most videos similar to these give mixed-messages to young people. Some may say its the way they express themselves as showing how much fun they're having as young people but they are really brainwashing people that there is a specific way to live a meaningful life which is to have all the glamor in the world. Pop culture has influenced young people so much that they truly believe that to be happy in life you need all the expensive products and materials, that you need to be good-looking and I feel that is when all the fixing you body up doing surgery, botox etc. comes in. People want to look like their favorite singer or celebrity and they will do whatever it takes to look and feel like them. People need to realize that being cool is not going to make your life more meaningful but its going to show how dim-witted you really are.
Films
In the film The Dark Knight, the movie is based on an 2008 American super hero. Batman who apparently is the hero of the film, is eager to set out and destroy organized crime in Gotham (which is where the setting takes place) for good. In the civilian's eyes Batman is a good person because he saves lives. He is expected to protect everyone else and be this great figure to the society in order to live a good and meaningful life. This is a an example of a dominant message.
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