The Road to Pride
“All teams are a go.”
I sprint with my partner towards the threat…the timer ticking, ticking, ticking. As I approach the target it becomes more and more imminent that it could be the last time I ever do so. It could be my last assignment, my last day as a field operative, my last few breaths, my last day alive.
I have worked all of my life to do this. To put my life on the line in order to protect the country from the threats it faces each day. I wanted to live in a world where I could wake up every morning knowing that I was making a difference and becoming the person my 16 year old self would be proud of.
I flash back to a time where I was completely confident in the world, and the person I could become. Throughout high school I knew what I wanted and I thought I had my life figured out, but I didn’t want any help from anyone. Sure, I struggled in math and spent countless hours reciting quadratic equations and the unit circle, circling in my mind like a torpedo. I asked friends to edit papers and for rides to the ice house on Friday nights. Sometimes I needed advice, and my friends were always there for me. I always managed to make the best of memories. Despite these things, I wanted more than anything to be self-sufficient and completely independent. I was ready to do anything, ready to go off on my own-live in a cabin in the woods, move to a huge city where I didn't know anyone, even start all over in another country. I wanted to think I didn’t need anybody…and maybe no one needed me either. Every person for themself and for their own. There would be no handouts, no easy way outs for me. I wanted to work for my entrance to college and the successes I accomplished in life. I didn’t want to recall that I owed everything to someone else. The world was mine for the taking, but I didn’t see it as something that I needed to be eased into. I wanted to be thrust into the real world, where I could make a life that I would want to live and occupy myself with my passions, something that would allow me to celebrate myself. But what to a teenage girl is the world?
To me the world was anything I wanted it to be. I could be a Senator, a member of the Peace Corps, an ambassador to the United Nations, anything. I truly found my passions junior year and I felt the world being opened up for me to explore. It was a welcome crack in the bubble that childhood encased each one of us in. It was true. Norwalk, Connecticut, my home growing up, itself was a diverse, yet small city. In any classroom a wide variety of races, interests, and hobbies could be found. However, each person was sculpted to fit into their own social groups or clubs. If you didn’t fit into one of the small categories subconsciously developed throughout the school than you could be sure to have a less than happy high school experience. I conformed, just a little, but everyone did and almost no one could help themselves. We had been, in some ways, better off than some of the rich suburbs surrounding us in Fairfield County. As a school we were secretly thankful for such a bizarre group of people because we had met so many different kinds of people-not just the wealthy, athletic, mostly white students that other towns accepted as the norm. I dreamed of other things though, a beholder of my own ideas. Traveling the world, doing things that far surpassed being on the student government or finally accepting that coveted varsity letter. All those experiences have been held close to my heart over the years though; the role I played in my school and the involvement I put into making those some of the best years of my life paid off…but in the end all I was working for throughout high school was obtaining a job like this.
It’s a job that few people may want. It’s not glamorous or even safe but the adrenaline I get each day, knowing that I am keeping my country safe is indescribable. Countering terrorism is one thing, but understanding and working to prevent it is another. “I hold that every American citizen has a fight to form an opinion…and to propagate that opinion, and to use all honorable means to make his opinion the prevailing one.” (Douglass, What to the Slave is the Fourth of July? 18). I wanted to make my opinion and passions what prevails and to use it for the good of mankind in general. Throughout most of my life I have been taught to accept the values and practices of others and not to judge people that I don’t understand. I want to understand though. I wanted to see what other cultures had to hold and I wanted to live in a global society that would encompass the whole world. It was an idealistic dream at 16, but there was nothing that could stop me from trying to see everything through another perspective, trying to stop the violence that hurts so many and accomplishes what? I wanted to do things diplomatically and I still do, but until we stop fighting fire with more fire, all I can do it try to smother the ignition in my own small way.
Communication was something I always valued. How could nations possibly expect results without listening to another point of view and explaining their own? Every culture had to be embraced and I always sought to understand each culture, whether it be by studying it or learning the native language. I have studied Arbic for so long, since my freshman year of high school and now I'm becoming proficient in both Spanish and French. I think that everyone needs to adopt other languages and customs and ideas with their own and use it to better themselves. Language in present day could be a gateway to peace, sharing thoughts and solutions through a common method of communication, more personal than our ever growing use of technology. If I ever survive this assignment, though it is with great uncertainity I say this, I will exert some of my force to encouraging such practices. There is no better way to respect another group than to take the time to learn their language and speak face to face instead of through a translator. A person cannot be expected to be liked by those from another part of the world, for “it will never occur to you that the people who inhabit the place in which you have paused cannot stand you”(Kincaid, 17), if no effort is made to understand them.
But as I feel my last moments before heading into the conflict pass, I can’t help but feel every restriction imposed on me throughout my life weigh down on me. The countless assignments with seemingly impossible requirements, the dreaded SATs and college process, the late nights in the library studying for a crucial final all came to the forefront of my mind. Heartbreak, loss, the death of my loved ones, and lies that have hit me through the years like a rock solid wall I couldn’t get past. Small struggles and struggles that made me shut down for far too long, a weakness I soon had to learn to challenge. I couldn’t, wouldn’t, and won’t let anything stop me from living my life. There was no reason that I could let such problems envelope me and restrict me, mimicking almost as a hagfish does, suffocating its prey and sinking it into the depths of the ocean. Those depths were something I had to overcome. It is known that hot air rises and cold air sinks, so I told myself to light my own fire of perseverance, a fire that would propel me towards my goal, towards the waters of life and truth. And it is that motivation I have kept with me until this very moment.
In this moment though, I can’t help but wonder if it was all worth it. I sacrificed so much in order to accomplish what I have. Perhaps I have been in a constant state of daydreaming, where the concept of failure and success don't exist because I can't possibly concluding that an evaluation of my life could be determined in such simple terms. But then again, where is it leading me? Death? Is it really possible that a person is just as lucky to die, than as to be born?
But all I know is that I had never been happier than when I was accepting my role in the world, no matter how small by working towards peace, mutual understanding, and respect between nations. The physical demands are strenuous, but staying in shape became a personal necessity since freshman year when I started soccer and couldn’t stop, so it is really killing two birds with one stone. The mental state is often fragile. I am confident in my goals in what the ends of this job produce, but I often wonder what the means really say about me. I wonder whether the end can truly justify the means. I didn’t want to do some of the things I have done. I regret that I am often so blinded by the results that I don’t take careful consideration of the actions- consideration, yes, but not to the point that I would sacrifice an ultimate success in lieu of following utter protocol. Ultimately “I am satisfied…I see, dance, laugh, sing” (Whitman, Song of Myself 34) and I know that although my duty may deal with serious matters, I myself don’t have to become someone too serious for her own good.
Quiet. I used to get that a lot. I was quiet and I knew it but as I grew older, I became louder. I had more to say and more that needed to be addressed and I took it upon myself to address those things. To remain someone that stayed quiet, too timid to take a stance would get me nowhere, would damage my ethos as a person who could make a difference. “For all men live by truth, and stand in need of expression. In love, in art, in avarice, in politics, in labor, in games, we study to utter our painful secret. The man is only half himself, the other half is his expression.” (Emerson, The Poet 2) I wanted my expression to be heard and as I discovered what motivated and excited me most, all I wanted was to let it direct my life towards something worthwhile. And as I can feel my death grow near, I can fully say that my life has been directed in a worthwhile direction and my vision has been fulfilled. I have lived out my passions and even if this is the end, I have spent my life doing what I decided to do when I was 16 and haven’t regretted since…
But in reality I am still just 16 and this isn’t my last day alive, this isn’t my last few breaths, this isn’t even my first day as a field operative, nor is it the time for my first or last assignment. I have years to reach this point in my road, where my life is in danger, in danger for working towards what I believe in. I am just setting down this road now, and I can’t truly know the risks or outcomes of what lays ahead of me. All I can do is follow the goals and passions I do have and hope that I accomplish even a fraction of what I’m dreaming of.
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Barf
This Barf Blog provides interesting insight into the process of bringing the food we eat in our daily lives “from farm to fork.” In addition to being available in French, English, and Spanish, making it obtainable to a much larger demographic and a wider group of people, the website is well organized and easy to read. This blog is a credible and easy to use as a result of its organization, producers, and citations as well as its length and wide audience.
The ethos is present throughout the entirety of the posts, all written and edited by Doctors Powell, Chapman, and Hubbell. Having the “evidence based opinions” written primarily by doctors reassures readers that the information will be credible and a citable reference. Included in the “About Us” section is an email for Dr. Powell, some form of a contact for any questions or concerns regarding the blog or its contained information.
Like all strong arguments, the posts continuously source various outside food safety hubs, including Food Safety Magazine, clips from the Colbert Report, and the Minnesota Department of Health. Sourcing these forms of media and government organizations allows readers to further explore the topic. Additionally it supports the claims made by Doctors Powell, Chapman, and Hubbell.
One of the first things I noticed about the blog was its organization. I could explore the site with ease and it was clear what the blog was about almost immediately. There was a clear section for donations, searches, archives, and contributors. Contributors have any credentials listed and areas for subscriptions and tags are easy to find. Having the info sheets available in 3 different languages makes the site available to millions of people. Categories ranging from allergies to restaurant inspection are divided and labeled, a must for positive reactions from readers. Few people want to spend more time looking for a section in a blog than reading it.
Clean- cut, informative, and organized are three adjectives I would use to describe this “Barf Blog”. It was enjoyable to read and anything I wanted to find was accessible to me and all other readers.
The ethos is present throughout the entirety of the posts, all written and edited by Doctors Powell, Chapman, and Hubbell. Having the “evidence based opinions” written primarily by doctors reassures readers that the information will be credible and a citable reference. Included in the “About Us” section is an email for Dr. Powell, some form of a contact for any questions or concerns regarding the blog or its contained information.
Like all strong arguments, the posts continuously source various outside food safety hubs, including Food Safety Magazine, clips from the Colbert Report, and the Minnesota Department of Health. Sourcing these forms of media and government organizations allows readers to further explore the topic. Additionally it supports the claims made by Doctors Powell, Chapman, and Hubbell.
One of the first things I noticed about the blog was its organization. I could explore the site with ease and it was clear what the blog was about almost immediately. There was a clear section for donations, searches, archives, and contributors. Contributors have any credentials listed and areas for subscriptions and tags are easy to find. Having the info sheets available in 3 different languages makes the site available to millions of people. Categories ranging from allergies to restaurant inspection are divided and labeled, a must for positive reactions from readers. Few people want to spend more time looking for a section in a blog than reading it.
Clean- cut, informative, and organized are three adjectives I would use to describe this “Barf Blog”. It was enjoyable to read and anything I wanted to find was accessible to me and all other readers.
Friday, April 5, 2013
But, the children...
Justice Kennedy: …We have five years of information to weigh against 2,000 years of history or more.
On the other hand, there is an immediate legal injury—or legal what could be a legal injury, and that’s the voice of these children. There are some 40,000 children in California, according to the Red Brief, that live with same sex parents, and they want their parents to have full recognition and full status. The voice of those children is important in this case, wouldn’t you think?
This argument is full of rhetoric and definitely was attention-grabbing and memorable compared to other arguments which would have rhetoric but not as strong of a combination between logos and pathos that created this solid point. Justice Kennedy of the Supreme Court is directing his point to Mr. Cooper, who is arguing that Proposition 8 being upheld. Though Justice Kennedy should generally remain unbiased, it is clear that he is, in fact, trying to persuade while masking it as offered information to include in the case. Obviously, it couldn’t be said outright because they were in the courtroom before the world that is waiting to hear the outcome of the case and the justices are expected to remain open minded to various points of view. These lines incorporate a lot of logos and pathos, among other devices to underhandedly refute Mr. Cooper’s argument, while also revealing Justice Kennedy’s stance on the topic.
One thing that really stood out to me was the logos that build up his argument. He talks about the 40,000 children that live with same sex parents and that really put it in perspective as to how many kids were living in this situation legally. Of course, the true device here was the pathos. Pathos emitted from this point strongly as the courtroom was encouraged to “think of the children” and how they wanted their parents to be given the same rights as other kids’ parents.
Kennedy is warranting that the children are happy in their households and do in fact want their parents’ marriage to be recognized by the state, however he doesn’t entirely back that up with facts, except that there are 40,000 children and that the sociological information is new. His tone is almost demeaning when he readdresses Mr. Cooper as “the voice of those children are important, don’t you think?” because it almost suggests that Cooper wasn’t able to take that into consideration for himself. That being said, Kennedy generally was stirring up a lot of pathos and likely made some people reconsider their stance. This argument really stuck in my mind because children weren’t brought up too much previously in the court case and Kennedy brings it in full force. The concept of “the voice of the children matters” truly seeks to persuade and though it isn’t actually said it is clear that it was intended to stir up the emotions of the courtroom.
On the other hand, there is an immediate legal injury—or legal what could be a legal injury, and that’s the voice of these children. There are some 40,000 children in California, according to the Red Brief, that live with same sex parents, and they want their parents to have full recognition and full status. The voice of those children is important in this case, wouldn’t you think?
This argument is full of rhetoric and definitely was attention-grabbing and memorable compared to other arguments which would have rhetoric but not as strong of a combination between logos and pathos that created this solid point. Justice Kennedy of the Supreme Court is directing his point to Mr. Cooper, who is arguing that Proposition 8 being upheld. Though Justice Kennedy should generally remain unbiased, it is clear that he is, in fact, trying to persuade while masking it as offered information to include in the case. Obviously, it couldn’t be said outright because they were in the courtroom before the world that is waiting to hear the outcome of the case and the justices are expected to remain open minded to various points of view. These lines incorporate a lot of logos and pathos, among other devices to underhandedly refute Mr. Cooper’s argument, while also revealing Justice Kennedy’s stance on the topic.
One thing that really stood out to me was the logos that build up his argument. He talks about the 40,000 children that live with same sex parents and that really put it in perspective as to how many kids were living in this situation legally. Of course, the true device here was the pathos. Pathos emitted from this point strongly as the courtroom was encouraged to “think of the children” and how they wanted their parents to be given the same rights as other kids’ parents.
Kennedy is warranting that the children are happy in their households and do in fact want their parents’ marriage to be recognized by the state, however he doesn’t entirely back that up with facts, except that there are 40,000 children and that the sociological information is new. His tone is almost demeaning when he readdresses Mr. Cooper as “the voice of those children are important, don’t you think?” because it almost suggests that Cooper wasn’t able to take that into consideration for himself. That being said, Kennedy generally was stirring up a lot of pathos and likely made some people reconsider their stance. This argument really stuck in my mind because children weren’t brought up too much previously in the court case and Kennedy brings it in full force. The concept of “the voice of the children matters” truly seeks to persuade and though it isn’t actually said it is clear that it was intended to stir up the emotions of the courtroom.
Monday, April 1, 2013
Poor Baby Cow!
Almost every evening in my house, my parents try to coax me into eating some chicken or steak or a hamburger. Every evening I refuse. My parents don't understand my choice to live without eating meat and my siblings love to sneak it onto my plate in hopes that I will accidently eat some.
Though I do cut a part of the food pyramid out of my diet, I love food. My mom calls me a bottomless pit and my brother and sister complain that I eat all the ice cream before they get a chance to have a cone themselves. I can't help it. Between needing energy for soccer and just generally appreciating food I always seem to be eating. However, being a vegetarian which can often limit what I can eat. I don't really know why I choose to make the change at the age of twelve. Nobody in my family, except for one older cousin was a vegetarian. However there was always a part of me that hide some resentment for the meat based meals I grew up with, and the experience that pushed me to stop eating those meals altogether.
When I was eleven my family and I traveled to Germany to visit some family. I loved it there. The scenery was beautiful and the food was good for the most part. One night we went out to eat and obviously the menu was in German. I couldn't read the menu, so my cousin said that he would just ordered me a meal he thought I could like. I wanted pizza, but that wasn't what he ordered. I tried to identify what was on my plate with no luck, but ate it to be polite. I had chosen to try something new and I was determined to make the best of it. However, not far into the meal I started to feel sick and actually ended up throwing up. While at the bathroom, I learned from my mom that what I was eating was veal. A baby cow. I proceeded to promptly throw up again. I was a real animal-lover when I was little and had aspirations to begin my own farm one day. The thought of consuming a poor baby calf was horrifying to me- and it tasted awful too!
By the next year I had made the choice to be a vegetarian. My mom still occasionally makes me eat meat for the protein, but I usually experiment with meals containing non-meat protein. This has given me a greater appreciation for foods of other cultures, which I have had to turn to, in order to consume protein while still enjoying my meal. Meals like Mexican taco salad with beans, Japanese soup with tofu, falafel, as well as veggie burgers and other American meat-less fare are all enjoyed in my house now. I am much more conscious of knowing what I am eating after the incident in Germany. Being a vegetarian wasn't only because of my love for animals and disgust of eating them. I eat healthier and choose to make a variety of meals, particularly because I am the only one in my household who is a vegetarian and I have to make my own meals if I refuse to eat theirs. Therefore I am more independent in the kitchen and can take care of myself. I don't regret becoming a vegetarian and even though I am still horrified at the fact I ate a baby cow, it has led to a healthier lifestyle, appreciation for a wide selection of foods that I have had to try, and also more independence.
Of course, my experience with food greatly differs from others who made not have made the choice to live a vegetarian lifestyles, but the value of independence and other cultures carries through despite the path taken to appreciate these characteristics.
Though I do cut a part of the food pyramid out of my diet, I love food. My mom calls me a bottomless pit and my brother and sister complain that I eat all the ice cream before they get a chance to have a cone themselves. I can't help it. Between needing energy for soccer and just generally appreciating food I always seem to be eating. However, being a vegetarian which can often limit what I can eat. I don't really know why I choose to make the change at the age of twelve. Nobody in my family, except for one older cousin was a vegetarian. However there was always a part of me that hide some resentment for the meat based meals I grew up with, and the experience that pushed me to stop eating those meals altogether.
When I was eleven my family and I traveled to Germany to visit some family. I loved it there. The scenery was beautiful and the food was good for the most part. One night we went out to eat and obviously the menu was in German. I couldn't read the menu, so my cousin said that he would just ordered me a meal he thought I could like. I wanted pizza, but that wasn't what he ordered. I tried to identify what was on my plate with no luck, but ate it to be polite. I had chosen to try something new and I was determined to make the best of it. However, not far into the meal I started to feel sick and actually ended up throwing up. While at the bathroom, I learned from my mom that what I was eating was veal. A baby cow. I proceeded to promptly throw up again. I was a real animal-lover when I was little and had aspirations to begin my own farm one day. The thought of consuming a poor baby calf was horrifying to me- and it tasted awful too!
By the next year I had made the choice to be a vegetarian. My mom still occasionally makes me eat meat for the protein, but I usually experiment with meals containing non-meat protein. This has given me a greater appreciation for foods of other cultures, which I have had to turn to, in order to consume protein while still enjoying my meal. Meals like Mexican taco salad with beans, Japanese soup with tofu, falafel, as well as veggie burgers and other American meat-less fare are all enjoyed in my house now. I am much more conscious of knowing what I am eating after the incident in Germany. Being a vegetarian wasn't only because of my love for animals and disgust of eating them. I eat healthier and choose to make a variety of meals, particularly because I am the only one in my household who is a vegetarian and I have to make my own meals if I refuse to eat theirs. Therefore I am more independent in the kitchen and can take care of myself. I don't regret becoming a vegetarian and even though I am still horrified at the fact I ate a baby cow, it has led to a healthier lifestyle, appreciation for a wide selection of foods that I have had to try, and also more independence.
Of course, my experience with food greatly differs from others who made not have made the choice to live a vegetarian lifestyles, but the value of independence and other cultures carries through despite the path taken to appreciate these characteristics.
Friday, March 8, 2013
Nike International Ethics
Almost everybody loves Nike. How could you not? Their products are sold all around the world and every athlete is sure to don the iconic check mark on some article of workout clothes or uniform. Nike is a well-recognized label and generally has very positive reviews. Despite general approval, Nike actually employs questionable moral standards in order to produce these goods, something many consumers are not aware of. There are many underlying issues with the production of Nike products. The athletic wear is made in "600 contract factories that employ more than 800,000 workers in 46 countries around the world. Nearly 60 percent of the work force is in North Asia, 31 percent in South Asia" (Connor). Having so many factories around the world makes it increasingly difficult for the corporation to set standards and have them followed in all 46 countries. These issues include pay, working conditions, and overtime as well as the possibility of unionization. Nike has made some steps to prevent a complete ethical breakdown of the corporation and though there have been improvements, there is definitely room for more. In the years 2007-2009 Nike published a lengthy Corporate Responsibility Report, further pushing more for the growing innovations of the company. The sustainable business and corporate responsibility section of the Nike website helps to explain their initiative to change the questionable production issues and create a safer environment for workers. “It’s not just about getting better at what we do – addressing impacts throughout our supply chain – it’s about striving for the best, creating value for the business and innovating for a better world” (Sustainable). Though Nike is creating these movements and improving their ethical viewpoint, factories abroad have still been considered similar to those of a sweatshop. There are many demands put on workers to churn out the countless designs and gear released every year, often resulting in employees working overtime to meet the deadlines. It is unreasonable to expect citizens of other countries to suffer through unsafe conditions for low pay in order for our first-world countries to enjoy a high standard of living and more affordable athletic gear.
Works Cited
Connor, Michael. "Business Ethics." Business Ethics RSS. N.p., 24 Jan. 2010. Web. 07 Mar. 2013
"Sustainable Business at NIKE, Inc." NIKE, Inc. -. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Mar. 2013. <http://nikeinc.com/pages/responsibility>.
Works Cited
Connor, Michael. "Business Ethics." Business Ethics RSS. N.p., 24 Jan. 2010. Web. 07 Mar. 2013
"Sustainable Business at NIKE, Inc." NIKE, Inc. -. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Mar. 2013. <http://nikeinc.com/pages/responsibility>.
Friday, March 1, 2013
Offshoring in the World
Morocco is an Arabic (and French) speaking country located in Northern Africa. Offshoring is something that it well supported and encouraged in Morocco because improves the economy significantlyand is motivating residents to obtain the necessary training to receive these new jobs. It's ideal proximity to France and the rest of Europe, puts it in a prime business area. In fact, it won the European Outsourcing Association award for "2012 Offshoring Destination of the Year." Mr. Hanof of the EOA added that the country deserves the award primarily because "it offers world class infrastructure, stable, competitive costs, and well-trained human resources, in combination with Morocco’s geographic, cultural and linguistic proximity to Europe"(Morocco Named). More and more countries around the world are opting to offshore to Morocco, which beat out Egypt, South Africa, Romania, Serbia, and Slovakia for the award. Many industrial parks are being opened in Morocco for these new ventures including Casanearshore Park, Rabat Technopolis and Fès Shore, which opened officially on 20th of June. These industrial parks house over 100 multinational corporations and create jobs for 20,000 people, which is expected to grow to 90,000 by the year 2017. This obviously is a huge benefit to the economy of Morocco because more jobs are being created, and therefore more money is being brought in. King Mohammed VI of Morocco has jumpstarted, in 2008, an initiative throughout the kingdom to grow industry and create jobs. This "National Pact for Industrial Emergence" was developed to "implement innovative programs to improve the daily lives of citizens, and create wealth generators jobs for our youth" (King Mohammed VI). It is clear that offshoring is a welcomed prospect throughout the kingdom. Because so much of the business in Morocco is related to European countries, there is a demand for citizens to become fluent in more than one language. Most Moroccans are fluent in both French and Arabic; but most also study English and often Spanish as well. These new demands are pushing for a more rounded overall education, both in terms of needed job skills and the actual languages need to communicate with other countries. Morocco itself has a strong domestic industry in leather, textiles, and food, but they are recognizing the benefit of opening up sites to accomodate foreign corporations. These types of corporations include business in production and technology, including many factories opened in the industrial parks. The King is implementing training programs so Moroccans can get skill based jobs within these new companies. Offshoring in Morocco brings in many oppertunities to the kingdom due to all the jobs created and the push for a more rounded education for the youth. Morocco is truly becoming a global force in the business world.
"Morocco Named "2012 Offshoring Destination of the Year" by the European Outsourcing Association." Lemag : The Maghreb Daily. N.p., 29 June 2012. Web. 27 Feb. 2013
"Presentation of the Sector." National Pact for Industrial Emergence. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2013
Works Cited
"Morocco Named "2012 Offshoring Destination of the Year" by the European Outsourcing Association." Lemag : The Maghreb Daily. N.p., 29 June 2012. Web. 27 Feb. 2013
"Presentation of the Sector." National Pact for Industrial Emergence. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2013
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Offsourcing in Daily Life
The Products:
- Spiral bound notebook: Made in India
- Nivea chapstick: Made in Germany
- Adidas soccer Jacket: Made in Vietnam
- McMahon sweatpants: Made in the Honduras
- McMahon Tshirt: Made in Haiti
- Lancome eye brightener: Made in the USA
- Sister's Watch: Made in China
- Folder: Made in the USA
- Remote: Made in Mexico
- Composition notebook: Made in the USA
- Walkie Talkie: Made in China
- Coaster: Made in China
- Abercrombie sweater: Made in China
- Mug: Made in Morocco
- Dove deodorant: Made in the USA
- Boots styling mousse: Made in the UK
- Elizabeth Arden perfume: Made in the USA
It is clear that as a typical household in the United States, we as a whole opt to buy foreign made goods on a daily basis instead of "buying American". 70% of the items I have recorded are manufactured abroad. I was surprised (and pleased) to learn that a large majority of my cosmetics were made in the USA, but most of the clothing I looked at were made as a result of offshoring. Chances are that some poverty-stricken citizen desperate for a job worked under awful conditions to make my new sweatpants or English notebook that I write in every day. Because of their need for a job, it is possible that a child who may have been working in that factory will never need a notebook like mine because he or she won't have the opportunity to get an education. Instead, these people are working tirelessly for little pay. If we in the United States are facing great levels of unemployment and a recession, why are we giving jobs to those in other countries when we need them at home? Not to mention, the jobs that are sent abroad are put under dangerous conditions that employees have to deal with because they have little other choice. This is a no win situation. If the United States is suffering from a lack of jobs internally, we should improve from the inside out. Although offshoring reduces costs, if there are no jobs at home nobody will be able to afford these products. I think that we as a nation should make a conscious effort to buy American made products. Putting low-class workers from abroad in danger in order to lower personal costs is detrimental to their well-being in addition to our nation's economy due to the decreasing availability of jobs at home.
- Spiral bound notebook: Made in India
- Nivea chapstick: Made in Germany
- Adidas soccer Jacket: Made in Vietnam
- McMahon sweatpants: Made in the Honduras
- McMahon Tshirt: Made in Haiti
- Lancome eye brightener: Made in the USA
- Sister's Watch: Made in China
- Folder: Made in the USA
- Remote: Made in Mexico
- Composition notebook: Made in the USA
- Walkie Talkie: Made in China
- Coaster: Made in China
- Abercrombie sweater: Made in China
- Mug: Made in Morocco
- Dove deodorant: Made in the USA
- Boots styling mousse: Made in the UK
- Elizabeth Arden perfume: Made in the USA
It is clear that as a typical household in the United States, we as a whole opt to buy foreign made goods on a daily basis instead of "buying American". 70% of the items I have recorded are manufactured abroad. I was surprised (and pleased) to learn that a large majority of my cosmetics were made in the USA, but most of the clothing I looked at were made as a result of offshoring. Chances are that some poverty-stricken citizen desperate for a job worked under awful conditions to make my new sweatpants or English notebook that I write in every day. Because of their need for a job, it is possible that a child who may have been working in that factory will never need a notebook like mine because he or she won't have the opportunity to get an education. Instead, these people are working tirelessly for little pay. If we in the United States are facing great levels of unemployment and a recession, why are we giving jobs to those in other countries when we need them at home? Not to mention, the jobs that are sent abroad are put under dangerous conditions that employees have to deal with because they have little other choice. This is a no win situation. If the United States is suffering from a lack of jobs internally, we should improve from the inside out. Although offshoring reduces costs, if there are no jobs at home nobody will be able to afford these products. I think that we as a nation should make a conscious effort to buy American made products. Putting low-class workers from abroad in danger in order to lower personal costs is detrimental to their well-being in addition to our nation's economy due to the decreasing availability of jobs at home.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Playing Seriously and Seriously Playing: Blogging Living Langauge
1: Is it necessary to have a common language to truly understand one another?
2: the English language is mad, kooky, wacky, and totally bombastic. Makeup your own fun sentences, and unlocks the power of words. Today! -@Irish _Dinosaur RT
3: Language can be used to convey so much, but are our emotions limited by the extent of our language?
4: Communication is key. #wordstoliveby
5: One language is never seems to be enough. Maybe that’s why we have to take a language in school.
6: Fun fact: The United States does not have an official language.
7: I purchased one of those expensive Rosetta Stone foreign language learning programs so I can finally learn how to order coffee at Starbucks. -@Carmel_Coleman RT
8: There are so many languages and code tricks to learn within cultures #dontsoundclueless
9: I’ve developed a special language of annoyed sighs and frustrated exhales to better communicate with my family, children, and ppl in general. -@Imajika25 RT
10: This girl thinks gestures and exaggerated breathing methods equal effective communication #issheserious
11: It makes me so mad when people don’t know English and don’t even try to learn it, you came to AMERICA, here we speak English. -@ohhdaamnsam RT
12: Not everyone speaks the same language, but that doesn’t make one inferior to another
13: Should everyone have to learn and speak the language of the majority population living in a country?
14: What is the point of grammar if we can usually get our point across without it?
15: There are so many different ways to communicate with others #eyeopening
16: #LT Spoken word, written word, text, tweets, sign language, gestures, noises, grunts
17: Lack of communication leads to fear, anger, disunity, and turnover. What they don’t know while hurt them. -@EntreLeadership RT
18: I wonder if the lack of a universal language is what leads to a lot of the conflict between different cultures around the world
19: But at the same time, a universal language would suck out the individuality of dialects and codes that make up the human tongue
20: The use of technology is making communication more and more impersonal
21: Phone calls and face to face encounters are less common
22: Is humanity losing the ability to hold a conversation?
23: Right now I could be talking in a French accent and you wouldn’t know
24: #Dutch is considered one of the easiest languages for an English speaker to learn. -@Languagebandit RT
25: Most English speakers probably can identify these colors from #Dutch: rood, blauw, groen, oranje, bruin, & wit. -@Languagebandit RT
26: The world is changing so much and language will change too, regardless of what a select powerful group may want.
27: The increasing use of technology may build bridges between the world, but it is diminishing the need for personal interactions and the development of spoken word, regardless of differences.
I found it to be extremely difficult to communicate what I wanted to say in each tweet within the 140 character limit. I had a lot of ideas, but having to convey them was hard considering I had to break up the points in tweets. My thoughts jumped from place to place and it was easy to get distracted by other trending topics instead of focusing on reaching my eventual thesis. It is clear that having to communicate over the internet could create potential problems in the future, as it is challenging to complete a full thought in 140 characters. Despite this, I think that I was able to develop a string of tweets that lead to an overall message. This exploration of the English language through the Twitter world was aided by fellow tweeters, whose tweets I “retweeted” several times. The opinions on language and communication varied greatly, but there seemed to be a general appreciation and recognition of its importance. The increasing use of technology may build bridges between the world, but it is diminishing the need for personal interactions and the development of spoken word, regardless of differences.
2: the English language is mad, kooky, wacky, and totally bombastic. Makeup your own fun sentences, and unlocks the power of words. Today! -@Irish _Dinosaur RT
3: Language can be used to convey so much, but are our emotions limited by the extent of our language?
4: Communication is key. #wordstoliveby
5: One language is never seems to be enough. Maybe that’s why we have to take a language in school.
6: Fun fact: The United States does not have an official language.
7: I purchased one of those expensive Rosetta Stone foreign language learning programs so I can finally learn how to order coffee at Starbucks. -@Carmel_Coleman RT
8: There are so many languages and code tricks to learn within cultures #dontsoundclueless
9: I’ve developed a special language of annoyed sighs and frustrated exhales to better communicate with my family, children, and ppl in general. -@Imajika25 RT
10: This girl thinks gestures and exaggerated breathing methods equal effective communication #issheserious
11: It makes me so mad when people don’t know English and don’t even try to learn it, you came to AMERICA, here we speak English. -@ohhdaamnsam RT
12: Not everyone speaks the same language, but that doesn’t make one inferior to another
13: Should everyone have to learn and speak the language of the majority population living in a country?
14: What is the point of grammar if we can usually get our point across without it?
15: There are so many different ways to communicate with others #eyeopening
16: #LT Spoken word, written word, text, tweets, sign language, gestures, noises, grunts
17: Lack of communication leads to fear, anger, disunity, and turnover. What they don’t know while hurt them. -@EntreLeadership RT
18: I wonder if the lack of a universal language is what leads to a lot of the conflict between different cultures around the world
19: But at the same time, a universal language would suck out the individuality of dialects and codes that make up the human tongue
20: The use of technology is making communication more and more impersonal
21: Phone calls and face to face encounters are less common
22: Is humanity losing the ability to hold a conversation?
23: Right now I could be talking in a French accent and you wouldn’t know
24: #Dutch is considered one of the easiest languages for an English speaker to learn. -@Languagebandit RT
25: Most English speakers probably can identify these colors from #Dutch: rood, blauw, groen, oranje, bruin, & wit. -@Languagebandit RT
26: The world is changing so much and language will change too, regardless of what a select powerful group may want.
27: The increasing use of technology may build bridges between the world, but it is diminishing the need for personal interactions and the development of spoken word, regardless of differences.
I found it to be extremely difficult to communicate what I wanted to say in each tweet within the 140 character limit. I had a lot of ideas, but having to convey them was hard considering I had to break up the points in tweets. My thoughts jumped from place to place and it was easy to get distracted by other trending topics instead of focusing on reaching my eventual thesis. It is clear that having to communicate over the internet could create potential problems in the future, as it is challenging to complete a full thought in 140 characters. Despite this, I think that I was able to develop a string of tweets that lead to an overall message. This exploration of the English language through the Twitter world was aided by fellow tweeters, whose tweets I “retweeted” several times. The opinions on language and communication varied greatly, but there seemed to be a general appreciation and recognition of its importance. The increasing use of technology may build bridges between the world, but it is diminishing the need for personal interactions and the development of spoken word, regardless of differences.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
I'm Addicted
While in Dublin, Ireland over the summer vacation, I witnessed a series of ads for a radio station known as Radio Nova. I had more or less forgotten about the advertisement until now, but they stuck in my mind which says a lot about the advertisement's effectiveness. The particular advertisement I chose out of the series was especially striking and memorable.
The girl, Fiona, is predominately displayed in the ad and my eye was immediately drawn to her and the devious grin displayed across her face. The use of this grin makes viewers feel like they're being let in on a secret, before jumping to the text. The "Fiona, 30. Addicted to Sex" is the largest piece of text and what one's eye jumps too after glimpsing at Fiona. At first I was shocked and surprised that such a confession was being splashed across billboards throughout the city. However, my eyes then travel down the remaining red section. I read "on fire" and also glance to the icon, which was that of a common radio station before making the connection.
This advertisement is one of my favorites. It is funny, shocking, a clever, which is a real change from many other ads I see on a daily basis. The use of colors is fantastic, as it provides stark contrast between the big, clear image of the girl, the content of the ad and the radio station that is actually trying to make the point. It also creates a logical transition between each step in grasping the point of the ad before appreciating its humor. Red, as we read in the “Visual Arguments” chapter of Everything’s an Argument, is a powerful color that naturally sparks a lot of emotion and is eye-catching.
A lot of social ideas are captured in this advertisement and the campaign surrounding it. Those who made it knew that the ads would be seen and talked about because the idea of someone being addicted to sex would be shocking and attention-grabbing, so much so that viewers would want to hear more about this cheeky girl shown across buses and billboards. The fact that it is a girl is also interesting because in general, our society associates that problem with men and considers it unladylike for a female to acknowledge something of that nature. However, the realization that Fiona is only addicted to the song is meant to be something of a comfort and makes everything okay, and even funny. Though the idea that an ad of this nature to be shown across the city, where even kids can see it, could be a bit unnerving, the ad is careful to make a point that Fiona is 30 in big print. This is saying that these addictions should be mostly relevant to that age group, but also limits the audience that the radio pulls in for itself. Overall this ad is truly eye grabbing and definitely meets its goal of pulling people in, only to use humor to attract its intended audience and making them think even before checking out the station.
This advertisement is one of my favorites. It is funny, shocking, a clever, which is a real change from many other ads I see on a daily basis. The use of colors is fantastic, as it provides stark contrast between the big, clear image of the girl, the content of the ad and the radio station that is actually trying to make the point. It also creates a logical transition between each step in grasping the point of the ad before appreciating its humor. Red, as we read in the “Visual Arguments” chapter of Everything’s an Argument, is a powerful color that naturally sparks a lot of emotion and is eye-catching.
A lot of social ideas are captured in this advertisement and the campaign surrounding it. Those who made it knew that the ads would be seen and talked about because the idea of someone being addicted to sex would be shocking and attention-grabbing, so much so that viewers would want to hear more about this cheeky girl shown across buses and billboards. The fact that it is a girl is also interesting because in general, our society associates that problem with men and considers it unladylike for a female to acknowledge something of that nature. However, the realization that Fiona is only addicted to the song is meant to be something of a comfort and makes everything okay, and even funny. Though the idea that an ad of this nature to be shown across the city, where even kids can see it, could be a bit unnerving, the ad is careful to make a point that Fiona is 30 in big print. This is saying that these addictions should be mostly relevant to that age group, but also limits the audience that the radio pulls in for itself. Overall this ad is truly eye grabbing and definitely meets its goal of pulling people in, only to use humor to attract its intended audience and making them think even before checking out the station.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Conclusion
I found this to be one of the most interesting projects I have done in high school so far. It was an enlightening experience to look at Fairfield County and the world around me from a new perspective. My eyes were opened to see what kind of expectations and stereotypes preside around us and how they are fed by the media and peers. I hadn’t been so aware of how much I and others I know are shaped and influenced by these pressures. It is clear to me that though people don’t seek to fit into little categories, they often do. Many of my friends play sports and so do I and essentially we form the group of jocks. On the other hand, there are groups of hipsters who wear big sweaters, have tumblrs, and drink Starbucks and goths who wear dark clothing and makeup and listen to heavy music. These social groups often overlap greatly in Fairfield County and our school, but they are still present.
Children are taught to respect other cultures and become open-minded, particularly because we live up north in a fairly liberal area, yet many shows and media that they have access to have underlying stereotypes that are subconsciously engrained into the minds of these children. I myself witnessed it with the incident in church that involved the girl becoming distressed because she couldn’t get ahold of money. These values are present at a young age and though we believe that we are trying to educate new generations to be as unbiased as possible, that can seemingly never be achieved.
These observations have obviously come to light especially in the past days and weeks that I have been instructed to keep a careful eye and ear out for them. Though I have noticed more and more of these “normalities” it was particularly interesting when I came across an instance that proved this incorrect. When the US women’s team was so successful in the FIFA Ballon D’Or, I was both impressed and proud that they were able to dispel the common thought that women’s sports are a “joke” or unimportant. My hope is that this team will pave the way for other women’s leagues and teams around the world. As important as it is to recognize stereotypes and typical views within in a society, it is as equally crucial to be aware when these standards are defied and the effect it will have on the progression of that society.
Children are taught to respect other cultures and become open-minded, particularly because we live up north in a fairly liberal area, yet many shows and media that they have access to have underlying stereotypes that are subconsciously engrained into the minds of these children. I myself witnessed it with the incident in church that involved the girl becoming distressed because she couldn’t get ahold of money. These values are present at a young age and though we believe that we are trying to educate new generations to be as unbiased as possible, that can seemingly never be achieved.
These observations have obviously come to light especially in the past days and weeks that I have been instructed to keep a careful eye and ear out for them. Though I have noticed more and more of these “normalities” it was particularly interesting when I came across an instance that proved this incorrect. When the US women’s team was so successful in the FIFA Ballon D’Or, I was both impressed and proud that they were able to dispel the common thought that women’s sports are a “joke” or unimportant. My hope is that this team will pave the way for other women’s leagues and teams around the world. As important as it is to recognize stereotypes and typical views within in a society, it is as equally crucial to be aware when these standards are defied and the effect it will have on the progression of that society.
Sexism in Sports
It is no secret that I’m a huge fan of soccer; whether I’m playing, watching, or discussing it. I follow the updates of both the women and men’s US national teams and watch games whenever they are on TV. Because of my fondness for the sport I am constantly hearing about what is happening with each team and through the international soccer field. Just a few days ago were the FIFA Ballon D’Or awards in Zurich. Two US women players (Alex Morgan and Abby Wambach) were nominated for female Player of the Year, and Wambach won. Pia Sundhage, the US women’s head coach who just recently stepped down from her position received Coach of the Year (for female teams). The US men’s national team received no nominations at this ceremony. I found this to be very interesting due to the fact that many Americans believe that men excel in sports over women and that they are more successful in athletics. Though it is true that there is no professional women’s football league or baseball team to my knowledge, it was refreshing to see the sport of soccer, one of the most popular sports in the world to one that women dominated over men in the United States. Sports are a huge part of American society. Millions of children play sports, many from a young age and while talking to them over break, I found my younger cousins to be balancing two or even three sports at a time. The USMNT (US men’s national team) has won 1 World Cup and placed 3rd in another. They are ranked #28 in the world. The USWNT (US women’s national team) has placed in every World Cup they have played in (total of 6, since its start in 1991) and won 2 of them. The team is ranked #1 in the world.
It is interesting to see that within a country that has a great deal of sexism in the sports world, in soccer, which is arguably the most global sport in the world, women dominate. These expectations are slowly changing however. It is no longer unusual for girls to be athletic and able to compete with their male counterparts, though I have even seen this change as I have grown up. Why do we expect men to fall under the category of what society considers “manly” so perfectly? Shouldn’t it be okay that women play sports, wear shorts and a t-shirt instead of a dress and get muddy at practice, yet still be more successful at it? I think that we are finally starting to accept that and even admire it which is one thing that definitely changing for the better.
It is interesting to see that within a country that has a great deal of sexism in the sports world, in soccer, which is arguably the most global sport in the world, women dominate. These expectations are slowly changing however. It is no longer unusual for girls to be athletic and able to compete with their male counterparts, though I have even seen this change as I have grown up. Why do we expect men to fall under the category of what society considers “manly” so perfectly? Shouldn’t it be okay that women play sports, wear shorts and a t-shirt instead of a dress and get muddy at practice, yet still be more successful at it? I think that we are finally starting to accept that and even admire it which is one thing that definitely changing for the better.
Mistletoe and More
Everywhere you look you are bound to see an airbrushed model or a perfectly shaped, skinny actress gracing the covers of gossip magazines. They set impossibly high standards for girls today, expected to have tan skin, white teeth, manicured nails, a perfect body, pretty face, and hair set just right. However, what these magazines, laid out in dentist offices, supermarkets, and even the library don’t reveal, is how overdone and photo shopped these so called “role models” are. My little sister came up to me one day asking to borrow my concealer because she was embarrassed about her first zit. This really made me concerned because I hadn’t realized how much of an effect these images had on kids so young; my sister is only nine, although as she likes to remind me so often, she will be ten in the end of January. All I could do was try to convince her that nobody expected her to have perfect skin her whole life and that it would clear up in a few days.
These standards also had an impact on girls my age too. As Mistletoe grew closer and closer I found that everyone was editing themselves in small ways to look their absolute best that night. I too fell into the pressures of trying to look as perfect as possible. I thought I would never get a spray tan, yet I found myself at a salon anyway, though I tried to convince myself that it was just to cover up my brutal soccer tan lines. Everyone around me was getting spray tans and manicures and it was clear to see that many girls had a shared visual of what they should expect of themselves to look like on the night of Mistletoe, even if it meant changing to fit the stereotypes. It’s hard not to do so, with all the dieting ads on TV and shows such as the Big Loser, pushing people to be as skinny as possible. Young girls are given images of Kate Moss, Heidi Klum, and other models instead of real women like their mothers, aunts, and teachers. This social issue of having an expectation of perfection is truly getting out of hand and girls younger and younger are feeling the pressure to conform to one image.
These standards also had an impact on girls my age too. As Mistletoe grew closer and closer I found that everyone was editing themselves in small ways to look their absolute best that night. I too fell into the pressures of trying to look as perfect as possible. I thought I would never get a spray tan, yet I found myself at a salon anyway, though I tried to convince myself that it was just to cover up my brutal soccer tan lines. Everyone around me was getting spray tans and manicures and it was clear to see that many girls had a shared visual of what they should expect of themselves to look like on the night of Mistletoe, even if it meant changing to fit the stereotypes. It’s hard not to do so, with all the dieting ads on TV and shows such as the Big Loser, pushing people to be as skinny as possible. Young girls are given images of Kate Moss, Heidi Klum, and other models instead of real women like their mothers, aunts, and teachers. This social issue of having an expectation of perfection is truly getting out of hand and girls younger and younger are feeling the pressure to conform to one image.
Cartoons- Maya and Miguel
While watching the 90 minutes of cartoons, I watched an episode of Maya and Miguel called “Suerte” which means luck in Spanish. Throughout the episode viewers are shown incidents that happen to the characters that are considered to be bad luck in the US. Breakfast burns, the power goes out, Maya and Miguel get covered in food, and Mama drops her bug bag of groceries. We are shown that problems like these, though they aren’t a huge issue, are considered bad luck and looked upon unfavorably in society.
Cultural awareness is also very prevalent in this show. Maya and Miguel have a very diverse group of friends. Maggie is Chinese-American, Theo is African-American, Chrissie is Dominican-American, Andy is English-American and only has one arm, and the twins themselves are Mexican and Puerto Rican-American. Several global concepts are mentioned, such as Fung Shui by Maggie and though it wasn’t expected that everyone would recognize the idea, Maggie explained it so that both the “characters” and viewers would be enlightened on the topic. Many characters also speak both in Spanish and English, particularly Abuela, who teaches Maya and Miguel lessons about their culture. It is clear that the producers of the show believe that the importance of being bilingual should be instilled in viewers.
However, despite the many positive aspects to the show and the lessons it teaches about other cultures, there are still some prominent stereotypes. Mama is expected to make breakfast for her family and the family has a pet parrot known as Paco (Taco). Maggie (Chinese-American) is the shortest of her friends and has a very soft-spoken mother, who lives with her and the rest of her family in a typically East-Asian decorated home. There is also the stereotype of Maya and Miguel’s father playing a mariachi band like guitar and them both playing soccer, when soccer is such a prominent sport in Hispanic culture. While preparing for Fung Shui, the girls made Miguel and their cousin Tito, both boys, do all the moving of the furniture while they were directing. This could imply that though the girls had the ideas, they weren’t able to follow through on the physical aspect.
Overall I observed that this show does a lot to encompass many different cultures and backgrounds. It also strives to teach viewers the importance of knowing a second language and provide information on many different topics and aspects of cultures around the world. Though the majority of the show works in not becoming biased or insensitive, some typical underlying expectations remain, which from my other viewings is prominent in almost any show on TV.
Cultural awareness is also very prevalent in this show. Maya and Miguel have a very diverse group of friends. Maggie is Chinese-American, Theo is African-American, Chrissie is Dominican-American, Andy is English-American and only has one arm, and the twins themselves are Mexican and Puerto Rican-American. Several global concepts are mentioned, such as Fung Shui by Maggie and though it wasn’t expected that everyone would recognize the idea, Maggie explained it so that both the “characters” and viewers would be enlightened on the topic. Many characters also speak both in Spanish and English, particularly Abuela, who teaches Maya and Miguel lessons about their culture. It is clear that the producers of the show believe that the importance of being bilingual should be instilled in viewers.
However, despite the many positive aspects to the show and the lessons it teaches about other cultures, there are still some prominent stereotypes. Mama is expected to make breakfast for her family and the family has a pet parrot known as Paco (Taco). Maggie (Chinese-American) is the shortest of her friends and has a very soft-spoken mother, who lives with her and the rest of her family in a typically East-Asian decorated home. There is also the stereotype of Maya and Miguel’s father playing a mariachi band like guitar and them both playing soccer, when soccer is such a prominent sport in Hispanic culture. While preparing for Fung Shui, the girls made Miguel and their cousin Tito, both boys, do all the moving of the furniture while they were directing. This could imply that though the girls had the ideas, they weren’t able to follow through on the physical aspect.
Overall I observed that this show does a lot to encompass many different cultures and backgrounds. It also strives to teach viewers the importance of knowing a second language and provide information on many different topics and aspects of cultures around the world. Though the majority of the show works in not becoming biased or insensitive, some typical underlying expectations remain, which from my other viewings is prominent in almost any show on TV.
Materialism
It is no secret that in a growing world based on capitalism, that the desire for material goods and financial success and stability is one that drives people to great lengths in order to achieve. This value is instilled at a young age, an age that in my opinion is too young to be worrying about. One Sunday, while in Church, I observed a little girl about 3 years old frantically try to reach out and obtain a dollar bill from a boy about her same age who was playing with it. The boy, obviously wishing to keep the money he had received from his mother refused to hand it over. The little girl proceeded to cry and remained upset until her father gave her a dollar of her own to keep her quiet. I was surprised at how much these children wanted money and how upset they were when they didn’t receive it or it was almost taken away. Kids as young as 3 or 4 had already learned throughout their life to recognize the influence and desire for money present around them. I think that as time goes on our society is becoming more and more materialistic in the sense that children are taught from a very young age to want money and strive to get ahold of it.
Even during the holiday season, which should be a time of family and celebration I saw frantic shoppers in the mall and stressed out salesmen, more concerned with finding the perfect gift or making the sales goal than looking forward to spending time with their families. I even saw this with my own family as we ran around putting up the tree and taking frequent trips to shopping centers to check each name of our cousins, friends, and secret Santas as we rushed to finish before Christmas Eve. I suggested we make a massive batch of cookies, divide them up and just go visit everyone but that didn’t fly. Though I have seen a lot of materialistic desires and concerns with financial ends of situations, I became especially adept to it throughout this season, when shopping is at an all-time high and everyone wants that perfect gift under the tree.
Even during the holiday season, which should be a time of family and celebration I saw frantic shoppers in the mall and stressed out salesmen, more concerned with finding the perfect gift or making the sales goal than looking forward to spending time with their families. I even saw this with my own family as we ran around putting up the tree and taking frequent trips to shopping centers to check each name of our cousins, friends, and secret Santas as we rushed to finish before Christmas Eve. I suggested we make a massive batch of cookies, divide them up and just go visit everyone but that didn’t fly. Though I have seen a lot of materialistic desires and concerns with financial ends of situations, I became especially adept to it throughout this season, when shopping is at an all-time high and everyone wants that perfect gift under the tree.
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