a. The self burning of Mohamad Bouazizi and "the burning monk" were similar in that both took to radical proportions to let themselves be heard. Both stood strongly for what they believed in, so strongly that they were willing to die. They set themselves alight in the public's plain view, a strong act of defiance and courage. The self burning of each man differed in that both burning took place at different times and in different countries. Both men went to such measures for a different reason. But both men were unafraid.
b. It is both strikingly sad but at the same time awe inspiring learning about the two men who lit themselves alight. It makes me reflect on myself. I've felt so desperate in my lifetime! It was like a hole which one could feel like a heavy rock lying on my heart. We think our emotions are so strong. That it is the end of the world! But never would we go so far as to burn our selves. Both Thích Quảng Đức and Mohamad Bouazizi were strong and courageous. It makes wonder..... How far I'd go for what I believe in? Would take such desperate measures? I can't answer that question with full certainty. To burn ones self is simply....horrifying! Sick! Deranged! .....beautiful?....
c. David Halberstam wrote,"I was to see that sight again, but once was enough. Flames were coming from a human being; his body was slowly withering and shriveling up, his head blackening and charring. In the air was the smell of burning human flesh; human beings burn surprisingly quickly. Behind me I could hear the sobbing of the Vietnamese who were now gathering. I was too shocked to cry, too confused to take notes or ask questions, too bewildered to even think... As he burned he never moved a muscle, never uttered a sound, his outward composure in sharp contrast to the wailing people around him."
d. How far would you go for what you believe in?
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
OPTION #1: Literary Analysis of Social Darwinism
a. Social Darwinism
Social Darwinism was the application of Charles Darwin's scientific theories of evolution and natural selection to contemporary social development. In nature, only the fittest survived—so too in the marketplace. This form of justification was enthusiastically adopted by many American businessmen as scientific proof of their superiority.
Learn more about this controversial issue here
http://www.allaboutscience.org/what-is-social-darwinism-faq.htm
b. The Political Economist and the Tramp
by. Philips Thompson, 1878
Walking along a country road,
While yet the morning air was damp,
As unreflecting, on I strode,
I marked approach the frequent tramp.
The haggard, ragged careworn man
Accosted me with plaintive tone,
"I must have food-" he straight began;
"Vile miscreant," I cried, "begone!
Tis contrary to every rule
That I my fellows should assist;
I'm of the scientific school,
Political economist.
Dost thou know, deluded one,
What Adam Smith has clearly proved,
That 'tis self-interest alone
by which the wheels of life are moved?
This competition is the law
By which we either live or die;
I've no demand thy labor for,
Why, then, should I thy wants supply?
And Herbert Spencer's active brain
Shows how the social struggle ends;
The weak die out the strong remain;
'Tis this that nature's plan intends.
Now really 'tis absurd of you
To think I'd interfere at all;
Just grasp the scientific view,
The weakest must go to the wall."
Read the poem here:
http://caho-test.cc.columbia.edu/dbq/11021.html
c. The topic of Social Darwinism easily relates to this meaningful poem written by Philips Thompson. The poem states...
As unreflecting, on I strode,
I marked approach the frequent tramp.
The haggard, ragged careworn man
Accosted me with plaintive tone,
"I must have food-" he straight began;
"Vile miscreant," I cried, "begone!
Tis contrary to every rule
That I my fellows should assist;
I'm of the scientific school,
Political economist.
From this stanza you can tell that Thompson is being sarcastic. You can easily grasp where he stands on the issue of Social Darwinism. He does not agree with it and though his tone is questioning it rings dark and serious. From the first stanza I can feel his passion coursing through his words. I can see that he thinks of the political economist or those who support Social Darwinism as emotionless with no feelings towards others. No compassion.
That 'tis self-interest alone
by which the wheels of life are moved?
This competition is the law
By which we either live or die;
I've no demand thy labor for,
Why, then, should I thy wants supply?
He believes that Social Darwinism is run through self interest and he questions whether Social Darwinism makes the rules. There are no laws or reason just self interest and competition. Competition to survive and conquer. This stanza is very thought provoking and leads you into questioning your own beliefs. The difference between right and wrong, power and cruelty.
Shows how the social struggle ends;
The weak die out the strong remain;
'Tis this that nature's plan intends.
Now really 'tis absurd of you
To think I'd interfere at all;
Just grasp the scientific view,
The weakest must go to the wall."
He once again questions the ending of it all? How strong are your values? Shall the weak die while the strong remain? Is it what nature wants? Where do you stand? Of course from the point of view of a political economist the strong will conquer. Think about it scientifically. It always was “survival of the fittest”! What Thompson is getting at is of this very question question “ Do you have a heart? Or is the world simply heartless?” He leaves his poem open in order to let the reader have a say and make a decision. Through his poem he seems to be partially addressing nature. Is the world a place run under no motives except greed and power? Or is there something finer, something much more beautiful inside us all?
Social Darwinism was the application of Charles Darwin's scientific theories of evolution and natural selection to contemporary social development. In nature, only the fittest survived—so too in the marketplace. This form of justification was enthusiastically adopted by many American businessmen as scientific proof of their superiority.
Learn more about this controversial issue here
http://www.allaboutscience.org/what-is-social-darwinism-faq.htm
b. The Political Economist and the Tramp
by. Philips Thompson, 1878
Walking along a country road,
While yet the morning air was damp,
As unreflecting, on I strode,
I marked approach the frequent tramp.
The haggard, ragged careworn man
Accosted me with plaintive tone,
"I must have food-" he straight began;
"Vile miscreant," I cried, "begone!
Tis contrary to every rule
That I my fellows should assist;
I'm of the scientific school,
Political economist.
Dost thou know, deluded one,
What Adam Smith has clearly proved,
That 'tis self-interest alone
by which the wheels of life are moved?
This competition is the law
By which we either live or die;
I've no demand thy labor for,
Why, then, should I thy wants supply?
And Herbert Spencer's active brain
Shows how the social struggle ends;
The weak die out the strong remain;
'Tis this that nature's plan intends.
Now really 'tis absurd of you
To think I'd interfere at all;
Just grasp the scientific view,
The weakest must go to the wall."
Read the poem here:
http://caho-test.cc.columbia.edu/dbq/11021.html
c. The topic of Social Darwinism easily relates to this meaningful poem written by Philips Thompson. The poem states...
As unreflecting, on I strode,
I marked approach the frequent tramp.
The haggard, ragged careworn man
Accosted me with plaintive tone,
"I must have food-" he straight began;
"Vile miscreant," I cried, "begone!
Tis contrary to every rule
That I my fellows should assist;
I'm of the scientific school,
Political economist.
From this stanza you can tell that Thompson is being sarcastic. You can easily grasp where he stands on the issue of Social Darwinism. He does not agree with it and though his tone is questioning it rings dark and serious. From the first stanza I can feel his passion coursing through his words. I can see that he thinks of the political economist or those who support Social Darwinism as emotionless with no feelings towards others. No compassion.
That 'tis self-interest alone
by which the wheels of life are moved?
This competition is the law
By which we either live or die;
I've no demand thy labor for,
Why, then, should I thy wants supply?
He believes that Social Darwinism is run through self interest and he questions whether Social Darwinism makes the rules. There are no laws or reason just self interest and competition. Competition to survive and conquer. This stanza is very thought provoking and leads you into questioning your own beliefs. The difference between right and wrong, power and cruelty.
Shows how the social struggle ends;
The weak die out the strong remain;
'Tis this that nature's plan intends.
Now really 'tis absurd of you
To think I'd interfere at all;
Just grasp the scientific view,
The weakest must go to the wall."
He once again questions the ending of it all? How strong are your values? Shall the weak die while the strong remain? Is it what nature wants? Where do you stand? Of course from the point of view of a political economist the strong will conquer. Think about it scientifically. It always was “survival of the fittest”! What Thompson is getting at is of this very question question “ Do you have a heart? Or is the world simply heartless?” He leaves his poem open in order to let the reader have a say and make a decision. Through his poem he seems to be partially addressing nature. Is the world a place run under no motives except greed and power? Or is there something finer, something much more beautiful inside us all?
Thursday, February 17, 2011
1.Determine what Kipling means by "the White Man's Burden."
What Kipling means by the “White Man’s Burden” is the weak or the less strong. The “White Man’s Burden” are those who are thought to be of lesser value or less advanced . I believe he is referring to other civilizations of lower status. It is the “White Man’s Burden” that they exist.
2. Does Kipling justify imperialism? How so?
Kipling does justify imperialism. His poem states
Take up the White Man's burden-
The savage wars of peace-
Fill full the mouth of Famine,
And bid the sickness cease;
And when your goal is nearest
(The end for others sought)
Watch sloth and heathen folly
Bring all your hope to nought.
Take up the White Man's burden- Ye dare not stoop to less- Nor call too loud on Freedom To cloke your weariness. By all ye will or whisper, By all ye leave or do, The silent sullen peoples Shall weigh your God and you.
Take up the White Man's burden! Have done with childish days- The lightly-proffered laurel, The easy ungrudged praise: Comes now, to search your manhood Through all the thankless years, Cold, edged with dear-bought wisdom, The judgment of your peers.
Both stanzas seem to justify imperialism as the right thing to do as it is weighed in both your character and your religion. I think he is making the connection of “only the strong survive”; natural selection. With out imperialism the world is bid famine and sickness.
3. Why might such a justification might be so appealing?
Such a justification might be so appealing in the fact that we feel it right. We feel it is right to improve the world and rid it of lesser quality. We feel that it in our power to make change. It is simply natural that and everyone has that side to them that begs to dominate over another; to fulfill ones needs. Everyone wants the sense of control because with out control one has the sense of fear, the unknown, unease. Like carrying a large burden.
What Kipling means by the “White Man’s Burden” is the weak or the less strong. The “White Man’s Burden” are those who are thought to be of lesser value or less advanced . I believe he is referring to other civilizations of lower status. It is the “White Man’s Burden” that they exist.
2. Does Kipling justify imperialism? How so?
Kipling does justify imperialism. His poem states
Take up the White Man's burden-
The savage wars of peace-
Fill full the mouth of Famine,
And bid the sickness cease;
And when your goal is nearest
(The end for others sought)
Watch sloth and heathen folly
Bring all your hope to nought.
Take up the White Man's burden- Ye dare not stoop to less- Nor call too loud on Freedom To cloke your weariness. By all ye will or whisper, By all ye leave or do, The silent sullen peoples Shall weigh your God and you.
Take up the White Man's burden! Have done with childish days- The lightly-proffered laurel, The easy ungrudged praise: Comes now, to search your manhood Through all the thankless years, Cold, edged with dear-bought wisdom, The judgment of your peers.
Both stanzas seem to justify imperialism as the right thing to do as it is weighed in both your character and your religion. I think he is making the connection of “only the strong survive”; natural selection. With out imperialism the world is bid famine and sickness.
3. Why might such a justification might be so appealing?
Such a justification might be so appealing in the fact that we feel it right. We feel it is right to improve the world and rid it of lesser quality. We feel that it in our power to make change. It is simply natural that and everyone has that side to them that begs to dominate over another; to fulfill ones needs. Everyone wants the sense of control because with out control one has the sense of fear, the unknown, unease. Like carrying a large burden.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Self-Reflection Questions
Reconstruction Debate
1. How did I feel during planning this presentation? Why did I feel this way?
While planning our groups presentation I felt stressed and under confident. I feel like I could have put more into my group and by the time I saw both Lincoln A and Radical A present I was about to rip my hair out! Kiana’s and Lisa’s presentation were simply.......amazing! They took the pie! I received an undersized slice.....or maybe a crumble. By the time their grades were given, an average of about 63 or so I knew it was game over for my group......
2. How did I feel prior to presenting? Why did I feel this way?
I felt nervous, inferior, and deeply saddened. Regretful, frightened, guilty, and completely vulnerable.
3. How did I feel while I was presenting? Why did I feel this way?
I felt nervous and a bit short of breath but I continued the best I could manage. I felt this way due to my small slides and my lack of public speaking skills.
4. What did I personally do well?
I did a good job practicing for the
5. What did not go as desired in this presentation?
Well there were a lot of technical difficulties. I had to restart my slides two time because I barely touched the track pad as I reached for the spacebar. How embarrassing!
6. On a scale from 1-10, how well do I think I understood the content? Explain.
I think 8 would be satisfying! I knew the main basis of the argument and the bills structure and I could go into detail but I admit there was more I could have done.
7. How do I think my group members perceived me? Why do I think this?
I’m pretty sure they thought I was way stressed out and I bet they were tired of my glum attitude. Now that I’m thinking about it I was kind of acting sulky! I should have instead encouraged my group members!
8. How do I think the 8th graders perceived me? Why do I think this?
I think they have a pretty good image of me due to my Lorax and even the presentation. I was surprised when the debate was over to be flowered with praise! I thought I did terrible and yet the 8th graders must have saw something they liked.
Knowing that I can only control how I act and react, if I could do this presentation again, what would I change about my actions to make it a more ideal experience?
I feel that I didn’t put enough effort into my group. I also feel that my group lacked effort or instead they were missing the encouragement and help that they would probably receive if they were in Kiana’s group... Our group was highly disjointed and if I could do it over I would added as much spark as I could to my slides as well as others.
9. What are my strengths in groups?
I’m hardworking, good natured, and usually open minded.
10. What areas do I need improvement?
I need to work on confidence and Ineed to work on looking at my group as a whole instead of just my part.
11. What is the most important thing I learned about myself? Why is this so important?
I learned that I need more confidence especially in my group. This is important because next time I’ll be sure to support my group.
12. Are there any other things that I need to express?
The most surprising thing that happened was that my group didn’t do as bad as I thought. I am very grateful to Luke who managed to take the stage! The whole time I was thinking “Go Luke go!”.
Reconstruction Debate
1. How did I feel during planning this presentation? Why did I feel this way?
While planning our groups presentation I felt stressed and under confident. I feel like I could have put more into my group and by the time I saw both Lincoln A and Radical A present I was about to rip my hair out! Kiana’s and Lisa’s presentation were simply.......amazing! They took the pie! I received an undersized slice.....or maybe a crumble. By the time their grades were given, an average of about 63 or so I knew it was game over for my group......
2. How did I feel prior to presenting? Why did I feel this way?
I felt nervous, inferior, and deeply saddened. Regretful, frightened, guilty, and completely vulnerable.
3. How did I feel while I was presenting? Why did I feel this way?
I felt nervous and a bit short of breath but I continued the best I could manage. I felt this way due to my small slides and my lack of public speaking skills.
4. What did I personally do well?
I did a good job practicing for the
5. What did not go as desired in this presentation?
Well there were a lot of technical difficulties. I had to restart my slides two time because I barely touched the track pad as I reached for the spacebar. How embarrassing!
6. On a scale from 1-10, how well do I think I understood the content? Explain.
I think 8 would be satisfying! I knew the main basis of the argument and the bills structure and I could go into detail but I admit there was more I could have done.
7. How do I think my group members perceived me? Why do I think this?
I’m pretty sure they thought I was way stressed out and I bet they were tired of my glum attitude. Now that I’m thinking about it I was kind of acting sulky! I should have instead encouraged my group members!
8. How do I think the 8th graders perceived me? Why do I think this?
I think they have a pretty good image of me due to my Lorax and even the presentation. I was surprised when the debate was over to be flowered with praise! I thought I did terrible and yet the 8th graders must have saw something they liked.
Knowing that I can only control how I act and react, if I could do this presentation again, what would I change about my actions to make it a more ideal experience?
I feel that I didn’t put enough effort into my group. I also feel that my group lacked effort or instead they were missing the encouragement and help that they would probably receive if they were in Kiana’s group... Our group was highly disjointed and if I could do it over I would added as much spark as I could to my slides as well as others.
9. What are my strengths in groups?
I’m hardworking, good natured, and usually open minded.
10. What areas do I need improvement?
I need to work on confidence and Ineed to work on looking at my group as a whole instead of just my part.
11. What is the most important thing I learned about myself? Why is this so important?
I learned that I need more confidence especially in my group. This is important because next time I’ll be sure to support my group.
12. Are there any other things that I need to express?
The most surprising thing that happened was that my group didn’t do as bad as I thought. I am very grateful to Luke who managed to take the stage! The whole time I was thinking “Go Luke go!”.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Reflective Blog Entry
DLC...a world within itself..... challenging, creative, inspiring, sweet, a bit sour, with a lovely juicy center. Heaven in a bite! In the course of one small semester I have grown so much that even upon writing this blog entry am I shocked! From one tiny seed did I sprout blossoms! What surprises me the most is that I still have a lot more growth ahead. I feel ready to go out and start my life....yet... I want to savor the moments of now... those that I hold dearest. There is so much to learn in such a short period of time! I feel.....inspired and simply honored to be a part of the DLC team! I am bursting with newly attained confidence, maturity , and a love for working with my fellow students! I am most proud of my Lorax and my Stephen Crane as they were my most inspirational and my most rewarding projects. Both were challenging and took a large amount of my time and dedication to reach the finish line. When I thought it was impossible I figured out ways to make it possible! What I find challenging is reflecting on myself and public speaking as I’m usually at a loss of words and I’m deathly afraid of scrutiny. To be in the spotlight is my dream yet I’m afraid to be put in the spotlight if that makes any sense.... My favorite project was my part in the Stephen Crane video! It was fun and challenging to compile a whole bunch of clips to post to music! Next quarter I hope that will continue to progress and gain new knowledge! I want to be the best me that I can be! I hope to improve my friendships and make new ones too! I want to be more attentive and make my final products better then ever!
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