My chosen topic was abortion, and I stand pro-life. I wouldn't kill a person out of the womb if they were a result of a rape, if they have a disability, if they were a mistake, if the life of the mother was risked, and I wouldn't do the same for a person in the womb. The moment the egg is fertilized and there is life, that life has a name—human—and killing a human is wrong (according to my morals and beliefs, as well as according to federal law). As a Christian I have many more reasons to believe that giving life is more important than giving a woman the choice over another, choiceless, human, God’s sovereign plan and the value of human life just to mention a couple. Through this research and debate I have learned more about the different sides to the argument, as well as my own opinion on the matter as I was forced to really think about it more. For instance, before this, having not spent a great deal of time on the subject, I wasn't quite sure about my opinion regarding abortion in cases where the mother’s life is threatened—now I've come to a clearer decision on where I stand. Also, the structured explanation of your opinion on this issue helped me to become better informed on the reasoning that helps build the solid base for this opinion, parts of which I hadn't realized before.
My response can possibly help break down animosity through realizing the different motivations and understandings that people have of this issue, and through this awareness become better equipped to show others love in this discussion, while still holding true to my beliefs with sound, informed arguments. People are more open to listening and to hearing the other side when an argument is shared well, logically, and addresses their own questions and arguments, and doing that will help to break down barriers and create a better relationship.
I think I already addressed parts of the fourth question in my answer above, but ways to further show love to our neighbors is to be willing to listen, to hear their stories, share their pain, and understand their perspective. Only in this way will we gain the trust, love, and respect that is necessary to bridge the gap and share opinions on challenging matters such as this one. Abortion is a very personal topic in some senses because it often is a personal experience or choice, and the only way to combat and deal with it is through personal relationships. As a result of this research, debate, and reflection I am more aware of this issue and how it affects the people around me and society as a whole, encouraging me to focus more on loving my neighbors—because who knows what they are going through. Who knows, maybe single word can save a life.
You probably don't even realize how sad I am that this class is coming to a close; through it I have experienced, learned, and grown so much. Thank you once again for this intriguing, fascinating, challenging, and incredibly enjoyable year of Sociology, it is by far the best class I've ever taken from the best of teachers!
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
Deviant You
Normally, you only take words from the library. So, I decided to do something a bit deviant, and decided to give words instead. This I decided to do by placing small notes of encouragement in the books I am returning to the library this week, and hopefully someone, whether it's a librarian or another avid reader, will discover it and find a little bit of happiness, excitement, or inspiration. As I am returning books from the Young Adult section, it is likely that these recipients will be teenagers. This is a good thing, because teenagers tend to be insecure, depressed, moody, bored, etc. and in need of a little change or surprise in their day. Mysterious things as such don't only happen in books!
It is in the footsteps in Jesus the Deviant (to the extent possible) because it is an effort to show love to strangers, people I haven't even seen before and probably never will. They too are my neighbors, and I am called to love them without judgement. These notes might also be encouraging to the readers, and who knows what a single kind word can do. Perhaps it will inspire them to show love to those around them, following (whether they know it or not) in the footsteps of Jesus the Deviant.
It is in the footsteps in Jesus the Deviant (to the extent possible) because it is an effort to show love to strangers, people I haven't even seen before and probably never will. They too are my neighbors, and I am called to love them without judgement. These notes might also be encouraging to the readers, and who knows what a single kind word can do. Perhaps it will inspire them to show love to those around them, following (whether they know it or not) in the footsteps of Jesus the Deviant.
How does deviance relate to creativity?
In order to be deviant, creativity is necessary. By definition, deviance is the recognized violation of cultural norms. And, as we live in our own cultures, it can be hard to see beyond our own norms. It takes creativity to discover what lies out there, think up something new, and to act upon it. The opposite is true as well—without deviance, creativity is meaningless. The only way to be creative, to create something new, is to be different than others, thus, deviating. In "Hierarchies and Creative Deviance" David Bukus also draws this parallel, writing, "We all get stuck in particular views of the world or opinions on how it ought to be. It’s not different in creativity. In a fast moving world, creativity requires an open-mindedness and willingness to examine new ideas." He, however, in this article, focuses also on creativity in relation to hierarchy, and shows how deviance can be necessary for creativity to force itself into these structures for the necessary and beneficial innovation to occur. This concept is somewhat common in workplaces with rigorous structures, where conformity (and ritualism) leaves no room for creativity (also known as "innovation," one of Merton's forms of deviance in which a deviant person accepts the goals but rejects the means). So, these two things are not only working together in balance to grow, but also depend upon one another to be effective and fully benefit the people in their surrounding.
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
Observation Pt. XII
Car-ting around
Long long ago, before automobiles existed, if a cart, covered wagon, or carriage was built people tried to use just enough material that it would function well and not fall apart. Nowadays, each new generation of the iPhone or iPad that comes out is lighter and (sometimes) smaller, becoming more and more efficient. And that's what people look for. Despite these things, for some reason, when looking for a new car, people often want the bigger car with more wheels and metal than is necessary for it to function and keep the passengers safe, wasting resources rather than becoming more efficient. How strange is that?
Photographs
I find it strange how we put (life sized) photographs of the heads of our loved ones in our offices, rooms, etc.Why just the head? Do we only care about people's heads? Why not put a life-sized full body picture in their offices? Or at least a picture of their feet? Aren't feet just as important as the smile?
Redemption
Last year, I spent some time fighting for Classic Lit/Shakespeare to be a class. When this failed, it was disappointing, and I had to fill my schedule with something else. I had some friends who'd taken Bible Leadership and said it was pretty good, and as that was one of the only 4th period options I had, I decided to put it in my schedule for the time being. I never ended up switching it out for something else, and it ended up being a huge blessing to me. Something good came out of something disappointing.
Long long ago, before automobiles existed, if a cart, covered wagon, or carriage was built people tried to use just enough material that it would function well and not fall apart. Nowadays, each new generation of the iPhone or iPad that comes out is lighter and (sometimes) smaller, becoming more and more efficient. And that's what people look for. Despite these things, for some reason, when looking for a new car, people often want the bigger car with more wheels and metal than is necessary for it to function and keep the passengers safe, wasting resources rather than becoming more efficient. How strange is that?
Photographs
I find it strange how we put (life sized) photographs of the heads of our loved ones in our offices, rooms, etc.Why just the head? Do we only care about people's heads? Why not put a life-sized full body picture in their offices? Or at least a picture of their feet? Aren't feet just as important as the smile?
Redemption
Last year, I spent some time fighting for Classic Lit/Shakespeare to be a class. When this failed, it was disappointing, and I had to fill my schedule with something else. I had some friends who'd taken Bible Leadership and said it was pretty good, and as that was one of the only 4th period options I had, I decided to put it in my schedule for the time being. I never ended up switching it out for something else, and it ended up being a huge blessing to me. Something good came out of something disappointing.
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Observations Pt. XI
Mirror
In America, two major values are appearance and technological progress. Yet, our means for deciding whether or not we have a good appearance is based on quite a "primitive" item. A slab of reflective material, hung on a wall. If it falls, it cracks and can't be used again. It is strange that we trust something so simple, so fragile, to carry the weight of the duty of telling us how we look.
Red lightsColors, sometime long ago, have been given meanings that everyone (except the color blind perhaps) know and recognize. And to what an extent! There is no hesitation in remembering what a red light or a green light means, yet many people still can't tell their rights from their lefts without flexing their thumb and pointer fingers. The meanings of these color symbols have become so natural that they are used without a second thought. Is it simply something we've been taught? Or is there more to it, something innate? Do we associate the color blue with sadness because we were taught, because water is blue, or simply because we were made with this connection set in place?
American Culture
Visiting a college in Georgia made me realize what an interesting place it is we live in. Not only in its natural beauty, but also in its culture. California is much further from the historic "American" culture than we realize, compared to other states, especially in its secularism. In such rural southern states, Christianity is still much more the status quo, regardless of whether or not people truly have faith. It's no surprise to see road markers for where the nearest church is, stores and restaurants to be closed on Sunday, Christian radio stations playing in public places, and more. They are details, but definitely show something about a culture that this part of California most definitely does not embrace.
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Observations Pt. X
Inside vs. Out
Oftentimes in the lives of young adults, years give way to outward change. A new haircut, weight gain, taller, a distinctive facial shape, new piercings—just to name a few of the many possibilities. And when you don't experience these changes gradually through constant, face-to-face interaction, with an understanding of the whys and hows of the changes, they can come as a shock when you see that new profile picture. This shock not only includes the initial surprise, but also many assumptions and ideas. We seem to take these changes we see in the pictures of our friends and use the outward to redefine the inside. Now that he looks stronger he must be cooler. Now that she wears all black she must be depressed. Now that they have those glasses they must be turning into nerds. In reuniting though, all is turned around, and we realize how, despite the new glasses and dyed hair, despite the work-out selfies and the ripped jeans, these people are still the same as the ones you knew a few years ago. The same personality, the same funny laugh, the same smile. Through experiences their interests or beliefs may have changed and certain aspects taken new form, yet at the core, they are still the same people.
Stairs
My sister and I were walking around on Hollywood Blvd. during this break one afternoon. We entered a building of which I do not know the name, but apparently it was pretty well-known, especially among the Chinese couples that we saw wandering about taking pictures. The staircase seemed to be the most popular photo location and we had to weave around all the people taking pictures of each other on the stairs. We supposed it was some famous staircase (maybe for red carpet events?) because of all the tourists. But to us it just looked like a plain old staircase, with some pretty details at could've been found in plenty of other buildings. It is amusing how something so plain can become famous simply because of what has taken place there in the past. his knowledge makes it special—but what if we don't know or forget? It suddenly declines in value. So what if we knew more people better? Would we hate less and love more?
Fire
I find it interesting how fire—something people often have a negative association with—is exactly what we often use to celebrate the start of the new year or what we have on a summer evening. Suddenly, when it's "safe" (even though that includes the many who get injured by the fireworks and bonfires), we like it and use it for fun. Normally, we'd call 911, but on certain occasions it's ok. Isn't that strange?
Oftentimes in the lives of young adults, years give way to outward change. A new haircut, weight gain, taller, a distinctive facial shape, new piercings—just to name a few of the many possibilities. And when you don't experience these changes gradually through constant, face-to-face interaction, with an understanding of the whys and hows of the changes, they can come as a shock when you see that new profile picture. This shock not only includes the initial surprise, but also many assumptions and ideas. We seem to take these changes we see in the pictures of our friends and use the outward to redefine the inside. Now that he looks stronger he must be cooler. Now that she wears all black she must be depressed. Now that they have those glasses they must be turning into nerds. In reuniting though, all is turned around, and we realize how, despite the new glasses and dyed hair, despite the work-out selfies and the ripped jeans, these people are still the same as the ones you knew a few years ago. The same personality, the same funny laugh, the same smile. Through experiences their interests or beliefs may have changed and certain aspects taken new form, yet at the core, they are still the same people.
Stairs
My sister and I were walking around on Hollywood Blvd. during this break one afternoon. We entered a building of which I do not know the name, but apparently it was pretty well-known, especially among the Chinese couples that we saw wandering about taking pictures. The staircase seemed to be the most popular photo location and we had to weave around all the people taking pictures of each other on the stairs. We supposed it was some famous staircase (maybe for red carpet events?) because of all the tourists. But to us it just looked like a plain old staircase, with some pretty details at could've been found in plenty of other buildings. It is amusing how something so plain can become famous simply because of what has taken place there in the past. his knowledge makes it special—but what if we don't know or forget? It suddenly declines in value. So what if we knew more people better? Would we hate less and love more?
Fire
I find it interesting how fire—something people often have a negative association with—is exactly what we often use to celebrate the start of the new year or what we have on a summer evening. Suddenly, when it's "safe" (even though that includes the many who get injured by the fireworks and bonfires), we like it and use it for fun. Normally, we'd call 911, but on certain occasions it's ok. Isn't that strange?
Thursday, December 17, 2015
Social Skin Concluding Reflection
What are the most significant things you learned about yourself and your peers through the course of your research?
I discovered what a need there is for more thought about faith in the lives of middle-adolescents, who so often focus on nothing other than school, sports, friends, and fun. Many teenagers are quite unsure of their faith, even if they identify with a particular belief system, and there often is a lack of depth of understanding even in those who are more certain in their faith. School is a hard place to help though, as whatever is done causes many to lose interest, especially if it is required.
Another significant thing that I learned is how great the differences between people are, just looking at the research we did. Some are agnostic yet think about what they believe over 7 hours a day, others are Christian and think about their faith 0 minutes per day. Some have good morals in their behavior yet are very unsure of their faith, others are disrespectful while having a strong idea about their beliefs. Often it is hard to observe these things just on the surface, and so conducting interviews and sending out surveys can be very insightful. There is a great deal of doubt and many misconceptions that live in the minds of teenagers pre-occupied with life.
I discovered what a need there is for more thought about faith in the lives of middle-adolescents, who so often focus on nothing other than school, sports, friends, and fun. Many teenagers are quite unsure of their faith, even if they identify with a particular belief system, and there often is a lack of depth of understanding even in those who are more certain in their faith. School is a hard place to help though, as whatever is done causes many to lose interest, especially if it is required.
Another significant thing that I learned is how great the differences between people are, just looking at the research we did. Some are agnostic yet think about what they believe over 7 hours a day, others are Christian and think about their faith 0 minutes per day. Some have good morals in their behavior yet are very unsure of their faith, others are disrespectful while having a strong idea about their beliefs. Often it is hard to observe these things just on the surface, and so conducting interviews and sending out surveys can be very insightful. There is a great deal of doubt and many misconceptions that live in the minds of teenagers pre-occupied with life.
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