As we recently discovered in Forum, it is impossible to pin down a specific cause of stereotyping. I think we all stereotype for our own personal reasons, but all of them essentially accomplish one goal: they tell us who we are in relation to those around us. As human beings, we are creatures of comfort, as well as of habit. In response to this need for comfort, we automatically, and habitually, make judgments about others in order to create a space for us within a group. A personal example: on the first day of our Freshman Survival Seminar, I met all of my classmates for the first time. Because I didn’t know any of them, I automatically made judgments based on the way they talked, the clothes they wore, and other superficial factors. Next, I grouped them based on these judgments. Finally, based on these groupings, I decided what each person was like and whether I liked them or not.
Since that first day, my superficial judgments have been proven wrong, of course, because I’ve spent time working with and getting to know everyone. If I hadn’t been, however, I would still be holding on to my original opinions of each person and group. I might have even passed my judgments on to others by now. The stereotypes would be beginning to stick. Stereotypes begin with people seeking comfort and security in new and different situations.
I believe that stereotypes are a social necessity. I don’t believe that they are always good, but they are necessary. We live in a world of over 6 billion individuals, in a town with over 20 thousand. It is impossible to know enough about each individual to make accurate decisions about them. Because of this, we are forced to group these individuals and then decide how we are going to respond to them. While our circumstances determine much of who we interact with, we are still left to decide how to respond to them. For example, we are forced to interact with those we work with. However, the job doesn’t always determine how we interact with those people.
Though it is impossible to accurately pin down the cause of stereotypes, it is important that we begin to sort out the negative ones and do away with them. Negative stereotypes affect not only the holder, but also the stereotyped. Just as with a child who is repeatedly told he is stupid, those people will begin to live up to those stereotypes. African Americans, for example, were once labeled as criminals. Today, the crime rate of African Americans is higher than that of Caucasians.
Stereotyping causes changes in an individual’s self-image. Children are a prime example of this. A child grows up in a trailer park and is labeled “trailer park trash” by others at school. As she grows up, she continues to experience this stereotype, and comes to believe it about herself. As a result, she never tries to improve her conditions because she feels she is not worthy of anything better. It’s sad to think of all the potential she forfeits because of a groundless stereotype.
There are countless cases similar to this, which prove again that we need to make an effort to put an end to negative stereotypes. Not only are they harmful to self-image, but they are also harmful to society. No matter where one lives, it is easy to see the divisions that stereotypes cause. In the United States for example, Hispanics are often labeled as illegal, dull, and poor. This is far from the truth, however. As the number of Hispanics in our country grows, they become a more and more important part of society. They are becoming part of our government and judicial systems, and many are as American as any Caucasian. If Americans continue to label Hispanics negatively, divisions are soon going to surface in our society and government.
Though some stereotypes can be positive and useful, there are absolutely no positive affects of negative stereotypes. They harm not only individuals, but society as a whole. It is our duty as intelligent and educated individuals to take the initiative and begin tearing down the walls built by negative stereotypes.
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Saturday, September 17, 2005
Eng. 111 paper
Bull Victorious
One could define the most effective form of bull this way: the complete synthesis of a few facts, a few guesses, and a lot of experience. While bull in its purest form, as Perry says, is free from facts completely, the most effective form manages to integrate a few facts with the educated guesses. Finally, life experiences best prepare the individual to successfully bull. When one can draw on his or her own life experiences for information on a topic, and combine with that guessing and cowing, he or she has successfully created convincing bull. This form of bull can then be used in virtually any setting to correctly find a solution for a problem or question. In this way, bull proves to be much more effective than cowing could ever be. It must be clarified though that good bull is not false, as the connotation suggests. Good bull in itself is not meant to deceive, but to be the most logical solution to an unrehearsed question.
Cow is largely deficient in that it doesn’t allow the individual room to think and create new ideas. While cow could possibly carry one through school, at least until the college years, it is not very beneficial in the workplace. No matter what profession one chooses, situations are never going to consistently go by the book. Doctors, for example, are taught to memorize everything from the way cancer progresses to the anatomy of a goldfish, but oftentimes these facts are not enough. When seeing a patient with a rare or new form of disease for which there is no complete diagnosis or treatment, the doctor is forced to look at the facts placed before him, make a few guesses as to what the problem could be, and then call on prior experiences to find the most promising solution. In his own way, the doctor is bulling, whether the patient is aware of it or not.
Today’s society is beginning to realize the value of bull. This is evidenced in today’s educational system, from even the youngest grades. Intelligence is beginning to be measured by one’s ability to understand and synthesize ideas, rather than his or her capacity for memorization. This proves frustrating to those who have scaled the system during its most transitional years, but one soon comes to realize that this new method of learning is more beneficial. The process begins at an early age with short-answer essay questions and book reports, and culminates during the high school years when teachers constantly answer questions with more questions. Once past the initial frustration, an individual must realize that though this method of learning and thinking is new and different, it is more practical.
The practicality of bull is evidenced in everyday situations, such as that of the doctor. When it is impossible to memorize all the facts, and in areas in which the facts are always changing, one must still maintain a form of knowledge. Part of this is known as common sense, but part of it is this ability to put ideas, guesses, and experiences together. When one is able to do this, he or she has successfully learned to bull, and is more sufficiently ready for the challenges presented in school, business, and life. No matter how difficult a problem, one will be equipped to give a thoroughly reasoned and plausible solution.
One could define the most effective form of bull this way: the complete synthesis of a few facts, a few guesses, and a lot of experience. While bull in its purest form, as Perry says, is free from facts completely, the most effective form manages to integrate a few facts with the educated guesses. Finally, life experiences best prepare the individual to successfully bull. When one can draw on his or her own life experiences for information on a topic, and combine with that guessing and cowing, he or she has successfully created convincing bull. This form of bull can then be used in virtually any setting to correctly find a solution for a problem or question. In this way, bull proves to be much more effective than cowing could ever be. It must be clarified though that good bull is not false, as the connotation suggests. Good bull in itself is not meant to deceive, but to be the most logical solution to an unrehearsed question.
Cow is largely deficient in that it doesn’t allow the individual room to think and create new ideas. While cow could possibly carry one through school, at least until the college years, it is not very beneficial in the workplace. No matter what profession one chooses, situations are never going to consistently go by the book. Doctors, for example, are taught to memorize everything from the way cancer progresses to the anatomy of a goldfish, but oftentimes these facts are not enough. When seeing a patient with a rare or new form of disease for which there is no complete diagnosis or treatment, the doctor is forced to look at the facts placed before him, make a few guesses as to what the problem could be, and then call on prior experiences to find the most promising solution. In his own way, the doctor is bulling, whether the patient is aware of it or not.
Today’s society is beginning to realize the value of bull. This is evidenced in today’s educational system, from even the youngest grades. Intelligence is beginning to be measured by one’s ability to understand and synthesize ideas, rather than his or her capacity for memorization. This proves frustrating to those who have scaled the system during its most transitional years, but one soon comes to realize that this new method of learning is more beneficial. The process begins at an early age with short-answer essay questions and book reports, and culminates during the high school years when teachers constantly answer questions with more questions. Once past the initial frustration, an individual must realize that though this method of learning and thinking is new and different, it is more practical.
The practicality of bull is evidenced in everyday situations, such as that of the doctor. When it is impossible to memorize all the facts, and in areas in which the facts are always changing, one must still maintain a form of knowledge. Part of this is known as common sense, but part of it is this ability to put ideas, guesses, and experiences together. When one is able to do this, he or she has successfully learned to bull, and is more sufficiently ready for the challenges presented in school, business, and life. No matter how difficult a problem, one will be equipped to give a thoroughly reasoned and plausible solution.
Finally posting...
Well, I am finally posting, but sadly enough, I don't really have anything to say... at least not yet. That generally changes as I start writing.
So let's see... we'll begin with Forum, since everybody has at least a vague notion about that. I can't say that I've thought a whole lot about it yet. I just think that our topic is not what I would have picked. I understand that public image and everything is a big issue in today's society. I've considered it several times myself, I just don't really see it making a compelling topic for discussion for the next 12 weeks. I don't expect it to be bad, I just don't think it will be as good as some of the alternatives might have been. Oh well, that's just my opinion.
So hmmm, what else? English is going okay for me. I was really stressed out over the essay, but I think it'll come out okay. I don't really know though. I get frustrated in that class because I don't really get any feedback on my writing. I want to improve it, but so far I've gotten a reference for unneccessary commas, one for awkwardness, and a few checkmarks and underlines. That doesn't tell me a whole lot about my writing in general. I suppose he'll start doing more with this essay, as we all have to have appointments with him to go over it, but it just kinda frustrates me. It seems to me that if I get a bad grade on this, it's because some instruction is a little bit too late.
Sorry, anyway, I think my classes are all going pretty well in general. I know this post is boring, but I don't have any compelling arguments to make or issues to address. Maybe if I get ambitious pretty soon I'll post my paper and some of you can give me some feedback. (Idk who "you" are, but it sounded good)
I enjoyed having Biology outside today. It was great fun. I'm slightly nervous about the huge test we're going to have in there next week, but only slightly. There's a lot of material to cover, at least compared to what I'm used to. I'm sure there's not really much.
Well, I'm gonna hit the sack now, or something anyway. I don't really know, I'm just not going to post anymore. Bye for now.
So let's see... we'll begin with Forum, since everybody has at least a vague notion about that. I can't say that I've thought a whole lot about it yet. I just think that our topic is not what I would have picked. I understand that public image and everything is a big issue in today's society. I've considered it several times myself, I just don't really see it making a compelling topic for discussion for the next 12 weeks. I don't expect it to be bad, I just don't think it will be as good as some of the alternatives might have been. Oh well, that's just my opinion.
So hmmm, what else? English is going okay for me. I was really stressed out over the essay, but I think it'll come out okay. I don't really know though. I get frustrated in that class because I don't really get any feedback on my writing. I want to improve it, but so far I've gotten a reference for unneccessary commas, one for awkwardness, and a few checkmarks and underlines. That doesn't tell me a whole lot about my writing in general. I suppose he'll start doing more with this essay, as we all have to have appointments with him to go over it, but it just kinda frustrates me. It seems to me that if I get a bad grade on this, it's because some instruction is a little bit too late.
Sorry, anyway, I think my classes are all going pretty well in general. I know this post is boring, but I don't have any compelling arguments to make or issues to address. Maybe if I get ambitious pretty soon I'll post my paper and some of you can give me some feedback. (Idk who "you" are, but it sounded good)
I enjoyed having Biology outside today. It was great fun. I'm slightly nervous about the huge test we're going to have in there next week, but only slightly. There's a lot of material to cover, at least compared to what I'm used to. I'm sure there's not really much.
Well, I'm gonna hit the sack now, or something anyway. I don't really know, I'm just not going to post anymore. Bye for now.
Monday, August 22, 2005
Wow...
I must have been really bored last night. You'd think I'd have been told to write that. There's something wrong with me... like serious nerdness. That's my Saturday night activity.
Anyway, Campus Crawl was tonight. It was alright, though I'm very upset that I didn't get a t-shirt. That's why I went. I already knew where my classes are. Oh well, I'm gettin' one if they really do order them.
Aside from that, and everything else: I've decided that it's incredibly frustrating to be an undecided major. Everybody's all ready to talk to all of these smart people who already know all about what they want to do with their lives... I'm not one of those people. I have no idea what I want to do. I keep thinking I do, only to find the idea of doing it for the next 50 years incredibly depressing. How on earth am I supposed to figure this out?
Now, for the main purpose of this post. I really need to get out of my house, I think. I can't afford it though. If anybody out there has any ideas as to grants and/or scholarships I could try for that would pay for residence, please let me know.
I think I'm done now. No lengthy, unintelligent that sound intelligent posts tonight, thank goodness. Good luck to everyone tomorrow, and for the semester to come. :)
Anyway, Campus Crawl was tonight. It was alright, though I'm very upset that I didn't get a t-shirt. That's why I went. I already knew where my classes are. Oh well, I'm gettin' one if they really do order them.
Aside from that, and everything else: I've decided that it's incredibly frustrating to be an undecided major. Everybody's all ready to talk to all of these smart people who already know all about what they want to do with their lives... I'm not one of those people. I have no idea what I want to do. I keep thinking I do, only to find the idea of doing it for the next 50 years incredibly depressing. How on earth am I supposed to figure this out?
Now, for the main purpose of this post. I really need to get out of my house, I think. I can't afford it though. If anybody out there has any ideas as to grants and/or scholarships I could try for that would pay for residence, please let me know.
I think I'm done now. No lengthy, unintelligent that sound intelligent posts tonight, thank goodness. Good luck to everyone tomorrow, and for the semester to come. :)
Sunday, August 21, 2005
Thinking...
I must begin by saying I found the simulation yesterday more interesting and thought-provoking than I had anticipated. As a television correspondent, I had the unique opportunity to view both sides of the issue, as well as decide for myself which cause was more justified.
My train of thought just derailed.
Oh yes, I found myself, and I think most everyone else did also, taking the side of the terrorists. That wasn't what I was thinking about to begin with though.
After I got home last night, I was thinking about the media's role in the crisis and what could have been done to improve communications between both sides. I don't remember all of what I thought, as I was really tired, but I do remember critiqing my role and finding ways I could have accomplished more if I'd thought a little faster on my feet. (As everyone is sure to find out eventually, I am an avid perfectionist. I've been staring at the word "opportunity" at the top of the page, because the more I see it, the more the spelling looks wrong, but I've convinced myself it's not, because I just don't spell words like that wrong.) Anyway, I decided that a televised press conference with the President, in which he also gave his speech, might have been a little more effective in communicating with the public, as more information could have been given than in a formal interview like we conducted. I also realized that we never received any kind of reassurance that the hostages were all still alive and well, as I didn't even inquire about it in my on-the-spot hostage interview. Silly me.
Oh, I just remembered what else it was I was thinking about. The objectiveness of the press... In the past four years, I have had limited, but I think thorough, experience with journalism, expressly newspaper. I did learn yesterday that it is much easier to retain objectivity on paper than when communicating with speech and body language. In a way this turns me away from other kinds of journalism, but it also presents a challenge... we'll have to wait and see if I do anything with it.
Anyway, I was thinking about the roles of the press in society, and came to a better understanding of why television press so easily loses objectivity. From what I've seen and understood, tv news has become nothing more than a business in the eyes of those in charge of it. While it's main goals are to inform the public of current events, it has become a source of entertainment, and therefore, a race for ratings.
As we talked about yesterday, the news is greatly sensationalized for this reason. I have to go to bat for all of the "good" journalists out there though, who are simply trying to provide the public with the knowledge they deserve. Because of time limitations and the apparent need of good ratings, much of every story is left out. I mentioned the idea that the media actually makes our worldview smaller, and still support that. I do think however, that much of the fault lies within we who are too lazy or apathetic to find out for ourselves what else is happening in our world. While I think the media should put before us a more real and human side of news, I realize that if they did we could be watching news 24/7.
Through all of this, I have realized that when we remain small and uneducated, we play into the media game of supplying them with ratings based on the entertainment factor of news. While we may not be able to change the system, we can step outside the box ourselves and allow our own views to be expanded. Those of you who have done your international studies have probably already realized all of this, but for me it was a concept I hadn't bothered to think much about before. It all reminds me of my trip to Europe this summer. I saw much of the city and country, but all the time I was curious as to how the real people lived there. I got to see the tourist parts, but I still want to know what life there is really like as opposed to ours. In the same way, we see the sensational and brutal parts of current events, but we are kept from viewing the normal and human side of the world outside our own experiences.
My train of thought just derailed.
Oh yes, I found myself, and I think most everyone else did also, taking the side of the terrorists. That wasn't what I was thinking about to begin with though.
After I got home last night, I was thinking about the media's role in the crisis and what could have been done to improve communications between both sides. I don't remember all of what I thought, as I was really tired, but I do remember critiqing my role and finding ways I could have accomplished more if I'd thought a little faster on my feet. (As everyone is sure to find out eventually, I am an avid perfectionist. I've been staring at the word "opportunity" at the top of the page, because the more I see it, the more the spelling looks wrong, but I've convinced myself it's not, because I just don't spell words like that wrong.) Anyway, I decided that a televised press conference with the President, in which he also gave his speech, might have been a little more effective in communicating with the public, as more information could have been given than in a formal interview like we conducted. I also realized that we never received any kind of reassurance that the hostages were all still alive and well, as I didn't even inquire about it in my on-the-spot hostage interview. Silly me.
Oh, I just remembered what else it was I was thinking about. The objectiveness of the press... In the past four years, I have had limited, but I think thorough, experience with journalism, expressly newspaper. I did learn yesterday that it is much easier to retain objectivity on paper than when communicating with speech and body language. In a way this turns me away from other kinds of journalism, but it also presents a challenge... we'll have to wait and see if I do anything with it.
Anyway, I was thinking about the roles of the press in society, and came to a better understanding of why television press so easily loses objectivity. From what I've seen and understood, tv news has become nothing more than a business in the eyes of those in charge of it. While it's main goals are to inform the public of current events, it has become a source of entertainment, and therefore, a race for ratings.
As we talked about yesterday, the news is greatly sensationalized for this reason. I have to go to bat for all of the "good" journalists out there though, who are simply trying to provide the public with the knowledge they deserve. Because of time limitations and the apparent need of good ratings, much of every story is left out. I mentioned the idea that the media actually makes our worldview smaller, and still support that. I do think however, that much of the fault lies within we who are too lazy or apathetic to find out for ourselves what else is happening in our world. While I think the media should put before us a more real and human side of news, I realize that if they did we could be watching news 24/7.
Through all of this, I have realized that when we remain small and uneducated, we play into the media game of supplying them with ratings based on the entertainment factor of news. While we may not be able to change the system, we can step outside the box ourselves and allow our own views to be expanded. Those of you who have done your international studies have probably already realized all of this, but for me it was a concept I hadn't bothered to think much about before. It all reminds me of my trip to Europe this summer. I saw much of the city and country, but all the time I was curious as to how the real people lived there. I got to see the tourist parts, but I still want to know what life there is really like as opposed to ours. In the same way, we see the sensational and brutal parts of current events, but we are kept from viewing the normal and human side of the world outside our own experiences.
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
It's been awhile...
Well, it's been a while since I posted on here, or anywhere for that matter. I'm getting bored with my other blog because no one reads them anymore. I guess my hope is that somebody reads this one once in a while after school starts.
Anyway, I'm very excited for school to start. It's gonna give me something to do finally. I've been home for 3 days and I'm bored already. That's sad.
I think I'm excited cuz I'm writing this on my new notebook, and I have a new backpack(haha). Seriously though, I should never be this excited about school. There's something wrong with me. :)
Well, I guess I should say that Europe was a lot of fun, but kinda weird at the same time. It was a really good learning experience though. There are pics on my other blog. I took a ton.
Well, I think I'm about to get all this out of my system, maybe. Either way, I'm getting sleepy.
Anyway, I'm very excited for school to start. It's gonna give me something to do finally. I've been home for 3 days and I'm bored already. That's sad.
I think I'm excited cuz I'm writing this on my new notebook, and I have a new backpack(haha). Seriously though, I should never be this excited about school. There's something wrong with me. :)
Well, I guess I should say that Europe was a lot of fun, but kinda weird at the same time. It was a really good learning experience though. There are pics on my other blog. I took a ton.
Well, I think I'm about to get all this out of my system, maybe. Either way, I'm getting sleepy.
Sunday, July 10, 2005
Away again...
Well, I'm leaving again. I'll spend the next four days cooking and leading worship at kid's church camp, and then I'm off to Europe.
I think I'm excited about this, but I'm still working on it. I'm mostly not excited about the 14-hour plane ride. Surely it won't be that bad... :)
Well, I'll have to give you all updates on Austria and Germany when I return, but bye for now, and have a good 2 or 3 weeks. :)
I think I'm excited about this, but I'm still working on it. I'm mostly not excited about the 14-hour plane ride. Surely it won't be that bad... :)
Well, I'll have to give you all updates on Austria and Germany when I return, but bye for now, and have a good 2 or 3 weeks. :)
Saturday, July 02, 2005
Friday, July 01, 2005
Back...
Well, I survived the trip. I'm sure you're all glad to know that... :) We got in last night a little before midnight.
Thanks for the prompt Dr. Kluthe. :) Let's see...
As for the most impressive, I think I would have to say it was the ocean, once again. I've seen it several times before, but every time I'm overwhelmed by it's size and power. As you stand on the beach and stare out at it, it's endless, and the waves come in with amazing strength, though it seems there's nothing to make them.
There were so many memorable moments on this trip. I don't think I can pick just one. The theme parks we visited were great, as well as the beach. I think maybe the best part was just the time I got to spend with my closest friends.
One of the most interesting experiences was living with10 other people plus the baby in the home of people I'd never met. It wasn't the best or worst part, but probably the most interesting. I feel I'm a little more cultured just for surviving it and maintaining a fairly postive attitude, at least it was positive for me. If I can share one bathroom with 8 other people for 10 days, I can do anything. :)
The worst part... I'm not really sure there was a worst part. Most of it ranged somewhere between awesome and mediocre. Maybe the worst was sitting in a barely-ventilated, claustrophobia-causing airplane on the runway for over an hour yesterday. It wasn't near as bad as I make it sound. I was in and out of consciousness for the duration of the wait, as I slept all of four and a half hours the night before.
I must say that if I ever travel with friends again, or anyone for that matter, an 8 day trip would be my idea of perfection. Though I love my friends dearly, by the end of the eighth day, I was beginning to get a little frustrated. I've decided that I can survive and maintain the good attitude for about 8 days, but after that I need some alone time, which none of us got any of on this trip.
Overall, I can't really say I have anything to complain about. It was a great trip, aside from it's many bugs. I've learned by now to expect those on any trip, especially with the people I went with. I think we're becoming known for our gliches and bugs, but hey, they only make it more fun, right?
Well, I gotta go change loads of laundry. Fun stuff. :) I guess that's what I get for leaving. There's always work to be done when I come back. :) Bye to all, and thanks for reading. :)
Thanks for the prompt Dr. Kluthe. :) Let's see...
As for the most impressive, I think I would have to say it was the ocean, once again. I've seen it several times before, but every time I'm overwhelmed by it's size and power. As you stand on the beach and stare out at it, it's endless, and the waves come in with amazing strength, though it seems there's nothing to make them.
There were so many memorable moments on this trip. I don't think I can pick just one. The theme parks we visited were great, as well as the beach. I think maybe the best part was just the time I got to spend with my closest friends.
One of the most interesting experiences was living with10 other people plus the baby in the home of people I'd never met. It wasn't the best or worst part, but probably the most interesting. I feel I'm a little more cultured just for surviving it and maintaining a fairly postive attitude, at least it was positive for me. If I can share one bathroom with 8 other people for 10 days, I can do anything. :)
The worst part... I'm not really sure there was a worst part. Most of it ranged somewhere between awesome and mediocre. Maybe the worst was sitting in a barely-ventilated, claustrophobia-causing airplane on the runway for over an hour yesterday. It wasn't near as bad as I make it sound. I was in and out of consciousness for the duration of the wait, as I slept all of four and a half hours the night before.
I must say that if I ever travel with friends again, or anyone for that matter, an 8 day trip would be my idea of perfection. Though I love my friends dearly, by the end of the eighth day, I was beginning to get a little frustrated. I've decided that I can survive and maintain the good attitude for about 8 days, but after that I need some alone time, which none of us got any of on this trip.
Overall, I can't really say I have anything to complain about. It was a great trip, aside from it's many bugs. I've learned by now to expect those on any trip, especially with the people I went with. I think we're becoming known for our gliches and bugs, but hey, they only make it more fun, right?
Well, I gotta go change loads of laundry. Fun stuff. :) I guess that's what I get for leaving. There's always work to be done when I come back. :) Bye to all, and thanks for reading. :)
Sunday, June 19, 2005
Away...
Yep, I'm going away. I'm off to Florida for the next 10 days or so, so I'll be sure to fill you all in on the details when I get home. It's gonna be a great trip I think, so I'll have lots to tell.
Bye to all, and I'll see you when I get back. :)
Bye to all, and I'll see you when I get back. :)
Monday, June 13, 2005
In the Beginning...
Hmmm, this is a first for me. Blogging is great, but this one might actually have to have some substance. That could be hard.
My other blog is rather interesting I will dare to say. It can be found at www.donttalklisten.blogspot.com. I would suggest it, along with many others.
Well, here is the beginning of the new "Academic Blog." It's gonna be great!!! (said with a very excited girly voice...) :) Bye.
My other blog is rather interesting I will dare to say. It can be found at www.donttalklisten.blogspot.com. I would suggest it, along with many others.
Well, here is the beginning of the new "Academic Blog." It's gonna be great!!! (said with a very excited girly voice...) :) Bye.
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