Sunday, December 6, 2009
12.6.09 Final Reflection
Much has changed in my life as I reflect on this first collegiate semester. I came into school with a clear idea of my future: major and graduate with a degree in International Relations, get my Master's somewhere and maybe my PhD, and land a great career like that. Now I have no idea, but I'm not too concerned. We're in college to explore our options, to get to know ourselves better. I've got time. I picked the majority of my second semester courses in areas that interest me and am looking forward to all of them. My work ethic, too, has changed. I've limited my procrastinating, a great step forward from earlier on in the semester and I like it that way and plan to keep it up. Grades have improved and so has my sleep schedule.
So I say goodbye, my bittersweet blog friend. We've had some interesting times together, typically late at night and weary-eyed, though no longer. I'm sure we'll be reunited, though I know not when. Until then, keep frustrating students. It will really pay off, believe it or not. It has for me.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
the end...
Final Reflection
Final Reflection
And now we have to reflect on all of this stuff. Sheesh. Well, here goes-
In the Explorations seminar, I found the readings to be secondary to interaction with my peers in learning our class objectives. I learned more about myself when I was talking with my classmates than I did from Goffman or Bellah. In these interactions with my friends, I had actual inspiration to analyze who I am, who I was, and what I believe. Learning the stories of my classmates and hearing their opinions made me think of my own. In turn, I would think of how I want to spend my future.
That's not to say I didn't learn anything from the course itself. The books were informative. Goffman gave a vocabulary to those known but unnamed aspects of social interaction. Augustine shed life on one man's logic in the 5th century. Heinlen presented an interesting view of the military's interaction with society. The only problem for me is that these were not flesh and blood examples. Although they actually happened, as in the cases of Goffman and Augustine, the stories of my classmates seemed more relevant to me as one in a similar situation to their own.
If I had the choice, I would choose Explorations again for my first semester UC seminar. Ultimately, as a class exploring identity, I learned the most from those around me. I have never had such an amazing mix of classmates, and I probably won't again.
Friday, December 4, 2009
And So Here's The End of the Semester
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
12.2.09 Which community would I join?
To those of you that are sadly oblivious to exactly what Middle-earth is, the wondrous land is none other then the setting of Lord of the Rings. The Shire is where those famous hobbits, Frodo, Samwise, Merry, and Pippin reside, or at least did. But why would I like to join their company? Well there's plenty. For one, hobbits know how to have a good time. They have epic feasts with plenty of dancing and tomfoolery. Always a raucous occasion. Gandalf would also be in our company, blowing amazing dragon smoke figures.
I also love the setting itself. The area is similar to England/Scotland. With rolling hills of green velvety grass, the landscape is serene peaceful. Architecture, too, is a great plus. The circular doors of the hobbits' houses are unique and homely, as well as their cozy interiors. It simply is a majestic land.
On a different note, I think it would also be incredible to be a giant compare to the itsy hobbits. All in all, the Shire is a wonderful community that would be welcoming to an outsider giant liek myself. Though I could never realistically join it (well maybe under the influence of hallucinogens), it is always fun to dream.
LAST BLOG QUESTION!!!!!
I am going to use this next semester to explore all possible options. It is funny when you are younger you know exactly what you want to do. There is no doubt in your mind when you say you want to be a singer or a firefighter. There is that determination and somewhere along that way that is lost and options are exposed to you, and the long hard process is revealed and life gets harder.
It is true what they say - you don't appreciate those naps in Pre-K until you no longer have the time to take them and you do not appreciate that enthusiasm until you are doubting the decisions you make. I do not know anyone else, but I would love to go back to Pre-K for a day. That was a great community!
Community Choice
One community that I have not changed my desire to join, however, is the music scene. I don't want to be in a band, or a producer, or a record executive, but something more humble. I would prefer to be part of a band's road crew, or work at a venue. I would have access to both the musicians and the fans, which would allow a personal relationship with the two greatest parts of the music scene: the talents and personalities of the artists, and the enthusiasm and creativity of their fans. For one who considers music to be a sort of personal religion, a therapy that has never failed me, membership in such a community would be extremely fulfilling.
Ultimately, before I can join any new community, I still need to find out exactly where I stand in the communities I am already a part of. Although I am certain of the overall substance of my identity, I still need to clarify its form. I know my family, my religion, my opinions, my dreams, etc., but I have yet to define them with certainty. Before I can be a roadie, a venue worker, or a member of any new community, I must figure this out.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
my community!
I've been thinking along time about this question...I've had this page up for over an hour and have walked away from it trying to wrap my head around it. I think the reason I'm having such a hard time with it is because when you ask "What community do you want to be in," what I interpret is "What do I want to do and be great at?".
My first thought was that I wanted to be ballet dancer at the Opera Garnier in Paris. I love ballet but was stupid and stopped dancing seriously when I was pretty young so now I am left with the reciprocal of what I had 10 years ago: the passion but no skill. And in order to dance at the level of the dancers at the Opera de Paris, you need to have been dancing 24/7 from age 2.... bit late now.
So I'm a bit lacking in terms of having the ability to enter this prestigious community but that is the reason I want to be part of this community. Ballet in its modern form has been around since before the French Revolution and is just such a graceful dance form, even if it does kill your body. If the actual Ballet hasn’t entranced you, look at the Opera Garnier. It is the most beautiful hall with so much history. It’s where The Phantom of the Opera supposedly resided! How can you not fall in love with the history and grandeur of the place, even more so the city? It is beautiful: the City of Lights. And this is where I stopped: I’m supposed to be writing about the community I want to join. It morphs from Ballet all the way to Paris...
The other reason I found it so hard to pick a community is because it’s my nature to want to try everything. I don’t like to be tied down into any one thing. I like to know that I can still experience a wide range of things without having to necessarily fully commit myself. I’m a bit of a nomad…you can’t really help but feel like that after a trans-Atlantic move. I want to go everywhere and not just stay in one community no matter how happy I feel there.
But yes, that would be a great community for me. There is even a chance that I could embrace my more nomadic side and get to travel the world as a “famous ballet dancer”! What a dream! Of course it’s a bit of a short lived community life; but two of the presentations we had today featured communities in which death was an imminent - for lack of a better term - thing. Jonestown and the Retirement community both sort of have death looming over them. Nothing lasts forever: no community last forever. But this is what I have chosen for the short time I could spend in it...in a parallel universe where my dancing is magnifique!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
What I am Thankful For
Thanksgiving may have been and gone but I still have things for which I am thankful:
I just registered!! It feels good - though I just have to meet with my advisor to confirm everything... I am thankful for getting into the classes I wanted.
I am thankful that we are so close to the end of the semester! It has been crazy and amazing and we're 1/8th of the way through our college careers!
I am thankful that I was able to spend a lovely long weekend with my family (even though I sprained my ankle and bruised my knee, and not just like badly...they REALLY hurt! and look gross)
I went upstate NY to a State Park and realized at the last minute that this particular park was open for the hunting season! Bye bye State Park! I am thankful we realized that in time.
I am thankful that I will going home in 3 weeks to England, spending Christmas there for the first time in 5 years!
I am thankful to be an adult and have a say in important issues…sometimes…
"What is this, Middle School?"
One point of note in my routine is the type of music that I play to help me along in my studies. For some reason, a lot of the old, angry punk rock that I listened to in high school and middle school. Back then, I listened to that music from a sense of alienation and a lack of self-respect. Now, for some reason, I drown out the angry ( and often horribly sung and horribly written lyrics) and focus on the punishing guitars and fast drums like an army listens for the drums to set their pace.
If I look at my routine this way, it would seem that I look at schoolwork as a sort of a battle. With every assignment, I fight to earn my degree and keep my scholarship.
It would seem that my attitude towards my work is manifesting itself in my manner of completing it. While the facebook and email checking are daily events, my choice of music serves as a means of keeping up my morale.
11.29.09 Reflection
Nevertheless, the wait only added to the eventual satisfaction that only coming home can bring. My dad and I picked up cheese steaks and we, joined by my mom, had a nice meal together heavy with conversation. Though I had been home already this year, coming back for a holiday and for an extended period time produces a much greater dynamic. I enjoyed the bustle that only a holiday can bring: the cooking, shopping, eating, and visiting of friends and family. After dinner, I was picked up by a few of my best friends. I left through the garage and the headlights which blinded me only made me recall old memories together. We united once more and attended a hockey game between our high school and its rival. The game is a tradition. College kids always come back for it, joined by the current high schoolers. It was a sweet reunion filled with hugs and stories, an appropriate welcome back after so much time spent apart. The rest of the weekend was spent with my closest friends and my family.
At home, I realized that I definitely do, after three months, have a part of myself at AU. At home, I really did miss seeing the faces I've come to know well and sleeping in the bed I've become so used to. Thanksgiving break was wonderful, but it was almost a tease. I felt like I'd never been gone but, like that, I was.
Reflection
Reflection 11.29.2009
Thanksgiving was a much needed break!!!! No school, family, food, and fun. It was a great break. I actually stayed here for thanksgiving because my uncle lives in dc. I went over to his house for the weekend and enjoyed the time with my family. On Friday, my uncle rented a bus for the entire family to go see the monuments. It was very cool to see all the monuments back to back. I’ve been to most of them before, but it was fun to go with my grandparents who remembered most of the events that the monuments were depicting. It was interesting to hear them reflect and recall moments about their childhood and young adult years. For my little cousins we stopped by the White House, since that was the only building they knew about and cared to see. It was actually my first time to the White House, I have driven by it before, but it was my first time actually walking up to the front gate and actually getting a good view. It was actually perfect timing, because the White House Christmas tree was being delivered. It was pulled up to the front door by a house drawn carriage, it was so pretty, like a timeless picture. The man in the carriage was wearing a top hat, so it was very cool thing to see. It was a lovely time with my cousins and other family members. The Christmas Tree being delivered reminded me of how soon the semester is going to be over. It is amazing to think that I have already finished one half of my freshman year. I can’t believe it! It has gone by so fast, and I have had such a great time, but honestly I cannot wait to finish the semester and go home for a whole month!!!!
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Will to Survive
Countries such as New Zealand, Denmark, and Norway are able to avoid war. As a result they are able to focus funds and resources of non-military programs. Peaceful countries benefit from low unemployment rates, successful educational systems, and low crime rates. When times are sound in relations with nations abroad, times are typically sound internally as well. So where do values come into play? Wars, like those in the Middle East, are fought on the basis of many different values. Religion is the major value at stake in the Arab-Israeli conflict. Governmental values such as political ideologies and leanings are key factors in the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. Social inequalities and injustices are values that create animosity between conservative nations like Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Pakistan with more liberal ones liek the United States.
But those peaceful nations are able to avoid conflicts like these. War can be eliminated when values are controlled, when a nation's beliefs remain internal and are unable to affect international relations. Military is the primary concern for Norway. The nation is successful in keeping her nose out of affairs that do not pertain to her well being. Unlike Israel, Norway's military is not a priority. Though survival is indefinitely the ultimate goal of Norway, she is an example that proves survival is possible through non-combatant means.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Blog Question: 11.26.2009
The Necessity of Military
Response on Military
Think of a person holding a weapon: a knight with a sword, a man with a gun, or even a jedi with a light saber. They are a united body (quite literally in this metaphor) with a single purpose, and a power to enforce that purpose. But if they don't have armor or bullet proof vests, they have little chance of survival in combat. A strongly-united community is much the same if they do not have a means of defense.
A country without a military would come to a similar fate. It has a government, a set of laws, a culture, and a people, but if there is no military, than another country can sweep in at any time they wish to destroy it.
That said, a military is not the only single thing that guarantees the survival of a community. It needs a strong structure and citizens dedicated to maintaining it. Without these, there would be no community to defend. If the citizens are unsatisfied with their community, there is no need to have a military to defend the community. It is interesting to note that many of the famous revolutions of history involve a dissolution and later reorganization of their country's military, including the French and Russian. Military and society are tied together- if one falls, so will the other.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Reflection 2.23.2009
This weekend I went to go see the newest movie in the Twilight series called New Moon. First as a girl, I just have to say that it was amazing! I love the movie, but its funny to see people in the theater screaming over the characters such as Edward, Bella, and Jacob. When an intense part comes the crowd is responding at the edge of their seat, waiting for the next twist in the plot. The audience in completely engaged in what is going in the movie. In a normal movie, people just sit back and watch, but people actually used energy to engage themselves in this movie. After this movie, I was thinking about, what makes something a trend. Why is something so popular? What makes Twilight so popular? Is it because Jacob and Edward are very attractive characters on screen or does it simply hold the classic fairytale perspective that people are always trying to live. Is it an ideal world? For me personally, a world full of vampires, is not ideal, but maybe it is for others. It is just interesting to see this world wide obsession, yet no one knows exactly - "why" it is so popular.
On another note, I'm so excited for Thanksgiving. I cannot wait for the turkey and family. I have missed home more than I thought. Sadly, I am not going home, but I am spending Thanksgiving at my uncle's house in DC with my mother's family. I cannot believe the semester is almost over!!! I hope everyone has a good break and a safe trip wherever they are going!!! Happy Thanksgiving!!!!
Sunday, November 22, 2009
11.22.09 Reflection
I particularly enjoyed our Wednesday visit to the National Museum of the American Indian. It was definitely one of my favorite Wednesday labs. Native American history is a topic that really has remained absent in most of my schooling. Except in third grade and in passing during American History, we never learned much. As a result the museum was definitely an eye opener. One of the first things that shocked me about the place was its peculiar but inviting design. It reminded me of a modern pueblo. The crops grown outside the buildings as well as the tipis quickly inform casual the passerby what kind of building they approach. Another surprising tidbit I quickly learned was that despite it's opening in 2004, it is the first museum entirely dedicated to the American Indian.
The interior of the museum was something. After passing through the metal detectors, visitors feels tiny in the great chamber they find themselves in. Circular design definitely plays a great role outside and in. Circularity, I determined after exploring the museum, played a great role in Native American architecture and design. Also, angular shapes were somewhat scarce comparatively.
The content of the museum was informative, but because of the museum's modernity it was successfully able to hold the visitor's attention. Thousands of artifacts are on display in the museum, including arrowheads, jewelry and dolls. Each small exhibit contains descriptions of what is display with information like history and location. I found these greatly enjoyable. However, maybe my favorite part of our trip was in watching about twenty minutes of a film played in the museum's theater. Since we had some time to kill before lunch, a few of us meandered into the theater that was already playing a movie. It was a film of identity: the conflict between a modern American Indian's duty to his people and past and clash which arises in the present. Symbolism was evident in what we witnessed through a recurring crow and the vast expanses of desert. Even though we only caught a glimpse of the movie, it was enough to stir emotions, respect and pity were the greatest I felt. These were also the emotions I felt from the museum as a whole. The history of the American Indian is incredibly tragic, it is impossible not to pity, and it is impossible not to respect a people whose will to survive still lasts today.
Reflection
Bonus Question
Reflection on the upcoming Thanksgiving break
As soon as I get home, my family is heading up to my grandparents, who live in an economically-depressed former immigrant mining town in the Appalachian Mountains in Pennsylvania called Summit Hill. Almost every one in ten residents lives below the poverty line. Unlike my hometown of Bowie, where half of the population are minorities, Summit Hill is almost 100% white. While Bowie is largely culturally integrated, Summit Hill is still divided by ethnicity. The Irish, the Polish, the Welsh, the Italians, the Hungarians, and the Czechs still worship in their own churches, hang out in their own bars, and are buried in their own cemeteries.
In places like Summit Hill, the culture has not changed much since the 19th century. Although the ethnic groups do not fight as they did back then (my grandfather held a dislike for the Irish after an Irishman stole his wages in the 40s), one stills views the others are foreigners, even if they have been living in the country for over a century. If you are not even from Summit Hill, you are easily spotted from your lack of an accent, and viewed in much the same way as a Southerner would view a Yankee. They are highly traditional and highly religious people- Summit Hill, according to Ripley's Believe It or Not, is the only town with a block that has a church on each corner.
Somethings, however, did change with time. With the closing of the mines around the end of the century, job opportunities in the area are becoming increasingly scarce. There is a palpable dissatisfaction that one can feel in the air while walking or driving though the town. Visiting the town this summer, one could especially sense a feeling of bitterness after Obama's election in this extremely conservative town. For the first time in my life, I saw a Neo-Nazi flag displayed publicly on a resident's front porch. It was an extremely frightening experience for a Jewish girl who associates the town with the warmth and love of her grandparents.
Ultimately, I love going up to Summit Hill. I love seeing my grandparents, who I only get to see two or three times each year. I love to sit on their front porch and read as the townspeople walk slowly by. I love to walk through the surrounding forests and mountains. Every time I visit, I learn something new: about my father, about my family, and about the town that made them. When I return to Bowie (or in this case, AU) I always end up learning about myself in the contrasts.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Reflection 11.21.2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Question 11.18.2009
11.18.09 A New Alternative
I think that with the prevalence of nuclear weapons, warfare in general will gradually come to a halt, at least for the most part. Has it not already? Though conflicts do exist of course, we no longer fight wars with sheer force. World War II and Vietnam type strategies are no longer applicable with the rise of technology. Instead, warfare has changed completely so now that remote controlled weaponry and robots can now fight instead of humans. Of course, this certainly is still warfare and directly applies to the Heinlein's quote, however the trend is shifting towards more peaceful means. Nations now realize that one step out of line means potential nuclear war to end all life on the planet. This tense situation is reassuring. Nations will be hesitant to make drastic moves since extinction is always a possible consequence. As countries began to realize this, warfare decreased.
I also believe that warfare will decrease as more and more women enter politics and the government. Until the only recent past, women had absolutely no say in how countries should be run. The male dominated governments only reflect half of their respective populations. With a more sexually balanced government, decision making will shift. Though maybe not scientifically proven, I think women provide a more humanistic and emotional approach which should limit rash decisions leading to war.
Is Violence the answer?
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
War and Peace - abridged
Monday, November 16, 2009
Reflection 11.16.2009
Looking at JFK’s grave does not raise any emotions. It is set up as more of a fancy memorial for a president. It is not until I ventured out into the yard and looked at some of the other graves that it hit me. Some of these people were my age. Many were the age of my sister and her friends. I looked at the year they died and it said 2006 meaning it was from the War in Iraq. For the first time the war became real to me. Those kids should be hanging out, getting married, and enjoying summers on a beach, but they are not… Because the war is fought over seas, it seemed surreal to me. I know people are dying, but until I saw those graves, I did not realize how “real” it all was. The hardest part was to see the grave of a fallen soldier from Iraq with flowers and notes reading, “I love you daddy”. I did not realize how big their sacrifice was until I saw the worst possible result.
11.15.09 Reflection
It was refreshing to witness so many people grateful for our nation's soldiers. We witnessed thousands of veterans, family members, friends, students, tourists, and those with no ties to those buried in the cemetery except respect. Tears were shed by some and smiles were worn by others but everyone had something in common: appreciation for those who sacrificed. To join the military is a heroic action that I feel appeals to many people at some in life. To understand that you are a smaller part of a greater mechanism is a frightening, but humbling realization. Those in the military know that for people to continue their small, but meaningful roles in life, action must always be taken to ensure freedom exists. That is where soldiers step in. Without a military of loyal, driven soldiers a nation's people would have a different role: slave. Only one day a year is dedicated to our soldiers, but our thoughts are always with them. For myself at least, I also nod or acknowledge those in uniform whenever I may see one, making sure to lock eyes. They nod or acknowledge me back.
I will most likely never be buried in Arlington. Chances are I will never fire a gun or ride in a tank. For that reason we must thank our soldiers. I don't want to have to fire a gun. Brave men and women step up for that position realizing what is at stake: the greatest sacrifice, their own lives. At Arlington Cemetery I realized a few things, learned some others and was entirely moved. It was an enlightening day and I will return. It will be interesting to compare a typical day at Arlington versus Veterans' Day.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Reflections: 15th November 2009
Saturday, November 14, 2009
reflection 11/14
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Veterans Day
The visitors that did come, however, were not just there to gawk at fancy tombstones. Many wore the traditional poppy on their jackets, and some wore the jackets and caps of their or their fallen relative's unit. The most genuine displays of honor and grief came from those there to visit their actual relatives. They never seemed to cry, but just stared, as if their gaze could resurrect their loved one. They were not there to perform an act of patriotism as some of the other visitors were, but genuinely sought to honor their loved ones. Viewing such honest acts of grief makes one appreciate human resilience to complete what for some are simply acts of maintaining front, but for others are acts of honor or love.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
11.8.09 Reflection
The scheduling of second semester classes has been looming for awhile now, and, surprise surprise, until last week I have not given it too much thought. My goal, however, is to have a schedule very different from my first semester. Like pretty much all other freshmen, it was rather difficult to have a very personalized schedule. My goal is pick classes that truly interest me, which I suppose is the goal of any student. But this is a big deal. I wasn't entirely happy with my courses this semester, to say the least, and I really want this second semester to be great. Unfortunately, I will most likely take math. I plan on dropping French and with the conclusion of UC: Explorations I will have much more room to test the waters of different classes. I plan on taking a phys ed class because I have become a bit too lethargic. I also want to explore some anthropology, psychology, sociology, and creative arts classes. Basically, I want to diversify as much as possible. I want this semester to be as successful as it can be, and I think through taking a great variety of interesting classes this can be accomplished.
Also, I had a rather uneventful weekend. I did a fair amount of work and hung out with some friends, but nothing too out of the ordinary. It's nice to have a very relaxing weekend every so often.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Reflection
Reflection
Reflecting Time
Thursday, November 5, 2009
11.5.09 Remember Remember the fifth of November...
Anyways, I mostly do agree that in analyzing how a society deals with wealth and poverty directly correlates with a nation's health, and from there, happiness. Though there are many conflicting reports about the happiest nations in the world, the majority of nations which that are wealthy consistently find themselves higher on the happiness scale. There are, of course, exceptions. For example CNN describes Costa Rica as the happiest nation in the world, followed by Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Guatemala and Vietnam. This came as a great shock to me, but most other sources I used found contradictory results.
When nations are wealthy, standard of living typically is high. Remember, I said I mostly agree with the original statement. There are always exceptions. A nation's education system, employment rate, law enforcement effectiveness, and social equalities are examples of important factors which greatly contribute to a nation's standard of living. Typically, these can be achieved with a strong financial backing. When nations have the ability to better these areas, progress can be made, in turn leading to inevitable happiness. Northern European countries often find themselves at the top of the happiness indexes due some of the aforementioned factors. Despite having the world's highest taxes in many areas, Denmark is usually listed as the happiest country. Why? Because these taxes go back to benefit the people. When a country gets it's priorities straight, the people benefit and the country is healthier.
November 3, 2009
I do not think it is appropriate to judge a society based on wealth and poverty. Sadly, it is the most important feature. Wealth and poverty are such shallow features of the bigger picture. While it does hold a lot of ground, judging an area strictly based on that causes people to over look other positive things that community may have to offer. Situations get tricky when referring to money. It is the cornerstone of our networking and how we build the world around us. Immediately we look at that aspect. Without wealth, it is hard for social arrangements to run and with a lot of poverty, those arrangements begin to look inefficient and for lack of a better word bad. In terms of a community, that communities imagine is based on their wealth and poverty. For example, Africa, yes while this example is used a lot it is very applicable. That country has a large poverty population and because of that, the country is represented in such a way where that aspect becomes the focus. America is one of the “wealthier” nations in the country and because of that it is seen as a land of opportunities.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Wealth and Health
Poverty and community
In order to examine the health of a community, one must analyze it on these facts. The way members of a community treat their fellow community members and how they treat those outside of their community is the main criteria for how well a community is serving its purpose.
If the community examined is residential in nature and large in size, such as a city, region, or country, then one of the criteria for "assaying the health of a society" is how it "deals with the problem of wealth and poverty" (Bellah et al, 285). This, however, would not be the best, or the only, basis to judge such a community. There are questions of how they deal with outsiders, how to punish those who have offended the community rules, and how they deal with the health of their members, among others. Poverty and wealth may be an important part of any residential litmus test, but it does not paint a complete picture.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
11.1.09 Reflection
We had reason to suspect there was a TJ Maxx in the area which was undoubtedly true. Brad and I purchased a set of bed sheets, complete with pillow case, sheet, and bed cover. They would be the foundation of our costumes. We returned to AU and began our craftsmanship. Brad cut two eye holes in the sheet: ghost! I drew some musical notes on mine, cut two arm holes and a hole for my head. Voila! Sheet music. Both were rather successful in terms of their reception. We did, however, miss trick or treating at the embassies because of tardiness.
I ended up enjoying a weekend of free burritos, wild costumes, and god times with friends. It was my favorite weekend at AU so far and I hope the trend continues. The festive air definitely seemed to heighten everyone's moods resulting many great times. It was a much needed excellent weekend that will without a doubt result in a successful school week.
Halloween weekend...
On a happier note, this weekend was Halloween!!! Visiting the embassies was a lot of fun. I enjoyed walking around and seeing them. On Friday night, I was sick, so I decided to stay in and I watched The silence of the lambs. Talk about identity issues…the serial killer in the movie killed women and then dressed up as one. He suffered from not knowing who he was. I guess the question at the end of the movie was if being a serial killer was a front or if it was who he really was. As I was watching, I thought it was funny, that the idea of identity popped in my head during what was a non-school related activity. It is true that identity, fronts, and performances are everywhere. I hope everyone had a Happy Halloween!!!!
Honesty and fronts
Although cases of mistaken intent happen around Halloween, when everyone is meant to be someone that they are not, during the rest of the year, such situations could be a bit more awkward. If one is trying to be honest in your demeanor, misinterpretation could lead to an erosion of your identity. Your true self is no longer a viable front, but what others see in it. You are no longer yourself, but, well, a costume.
Such misinterpretations often arise from interactions between individuals from two different cultures or personalities. What may be offensive to some may be humorous to others, what is appropriate to one may be repulsive to another.
While this Halloween and its craziness is all just a memory now, the awkward cases of mistaken identity that come with it will continue to occur, not just on next Halloween.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Sir Anthony Hopkins, serial killer!?
Reflection 10/31
I have spent a little while thinking about what I want to write my reflection about this week. At first I thought I would talk about Halloween and all the strange identities that are wrapped up in it, but honestly I do not feel like discussing the difference in identity between girls who wear skanky Dorothy costumes and those who wear a slutty flapper getup. I also could not really come up with a topic from class that I have been dying to discuss, but for some reason, my mind keeps returning to out college search discussion.
I know I was pretty adamant about my opinion in class, but it still has been something that has been bothering me. I do not understand why everyone was being so negative. American is clearly not Harvard. I am not going to lie and say that I wouldn’t think it was awesome to go to an Ivy League or school that is right below them, but let’s be serious. There was absolutely no way that I would ever have gotten into any of these schools and if for some crazy reason (i.e., my mother worked in the admissions office of Princeton) I did get in, I would probably be incredibly unhappy. I would like to get a good education and do something with my life, which is why I am at American University. I also would like to not be stuck in my room with piles and piles of books and skin that rarely sees the light of day, which, other than the fact that I could never have gotten in, is why I am not at Harvard or another one of those schools. Everyone seems to look at American as a safety school. I looked at American as a school that I would be happy at. It was a school I could reasonably get into in an area I liked. I am not going to say that I have always been one hundred percent sure of my decision. I did spend a lot of time worrying that this was not the school I was meant to be at, but now that I am here I realize there is not just one school. If someone puts the effort into being happy, he or she will be happy. If they don’t, they won’t be. So I think that everyone should stop complaining and start to make an attempt at being happy. By the way, Happy Halloween!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Jay Z started out as an individual
In do today’s society everyone is trying to be like the big singers and rappers. For example Jay – Z who I saw in concert yesterday, is a huge entertainment figure. There were many people dressed like him or donning the Yankee Cap. Everyone is trying to achieve his look and he started out being an individual. It was an amazing show and I want to see him again, but I thought that concert was the perfect example or modern individualism and how it is not working. It really does not exist. In no way do I think I am an individual. I have a unique make up of common characteristics. Honestly, I really think in the future it will just continue to get worse...but who knows.
Individualism
Although as an American I value individualism highly amongst my ideals, I find complete individualism unattractive. Complete individuality would harm one's ability to interact with others in your society. If one did not share a common tie with others on the planet, one would be unable to relate to those around them. You would be unable to properly communicate with the rest of humanity, thus losing your status as a member of humanity itself. As social creatures, we crave contact and connections with others like us.
A return to a "intolerable discrimination and oppression" not only sounds undesirable, but it sounds like an unlikely remedy. The "individualism" of the past seems more like conformity: while one was encouraged to make decisions for yourself, you were punished or outcast if you chose to disagree.
Though such methods of maintaining conformity still exist today in our laws, cultures, and religions, such restrictions are much looser than they are today. Though I do sometimes find myself feeling nostalgia for an unrealistic golden past, I know deep down that I have more freedom to be myself today.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
The Importance of Individualism
Live, Love, Laugh !!!
Sunday, October 25, 2009
10.25.09 Reflection
Yesterday was the first time I've ever been to the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. It was mind blowing. For the first time in many years, former passions stormed back into my mind. Which passions, you ask? Of archaeology. To be an archaeologist was my most revered potential career while growing up. I loved the subject. I remember in fourth grade I constructed a miniature archaeological dig for the science fair. I hid "ancient artifacts" inside a hardened dirt/clay mix and had other elementary school kids come try their hand at their own dig. It was a hit.
I don't know what happened to that passion. Perhaps it was lost in the midst of a million other career ideas swimming in my mind. Maybe it was lost because I never had any classes remotely close to the topic in my schooling. I don't know. What matters, however, is that for the first time in a while I feel like I have an idea of what I could look like in the future. I can see myself as an archaeologist, or at least a similar profession.
I'm dropping out of SIS at the end of the semester. Instead, I'll be undeclared. I look forward to the change as a way to explore my rekindled passion, as well as other things which interest me. Walking through the Smithsonian, I felt at home. I was mesmerized by the bones, the exhibits of Darwin, of animals, of civilizations. I need to pursue these interests.
Reflection
This weekend was Parents Weekend also. My parents did come up, however we only did one campus activity. My dad dragged me to the Gospel Choir performance and it was so good. Honestly I had no idea that they were any good and it was nice to see a different side of American University. It was a very enjoyable weekend!
Saturday, October 24, 2009
rain rain go away!
Parents Weekend- a front??? (I know this sounds cheesy, just bear with me)
Parent's weekend, this weekend, seems like a week of leisure activities for students to spend time with their families, some of whom they have not seen in months. But if one looks at the schedule of events planned for this weekend for our visiting families, it seems like a repeat of the events planned for parents during orientation. The University seems to want to further reassure Eagle parents in their kid's choice of school. As my friend Annie said, "No, really, you made a good choice, just keep paying the bills".
Such an attempt to console our parents takes on further importance when one considers the scandals of previous heads of the University. The school wants to let our parents know that their kid's school has improved from previous years, and that they do not have to worry about further scandal. Possibly, they may want to encourage future endowments.
This years parent's weekend is an excellent example of a group front. Whether or not the school rises to make this front the truth, we will soon see.