International Week

The event that I attended was an informational gathering where different causes had tables discussing the issues facing other countries and regions. I didn't know that Amnesty international covered so many different issues. Before reading the information I didn't know a lot about what they actually did. I knew that they were concerned with the rights of people who are living in other nations and are having their human rights violated. I knew that they also worked to improve other aspect of their lives.

I was not aware of the vast number of different countries that they helped or the different types of issues that were taking place. I knew that poverty would be a big issue but I didn't consider that they also were the ones who handled the things like trying to make sure children had access to education. I wasn't aware that they were the ones responsible for that I thought that was done by another organization.

 They also are taking part in trying to abolish the death penalty. I wasn't aware that they also worked on issues or problems in the US. I thought they focused heavily on other countries.

Before this EL I really didn't think about or have a full knowledge base of what Amnesty International actually stood for or what their purpose was. Realizing how much I don't know about world and global issues makes me want to do more research and expand my knowledge base.

Rutgers Weekend

The trip to Rutgers University was an experience that I will never forget. I not only got to travel to Newark New Jersey but I got to see another University that was completely different from any college I would have gone to visit on my own. The only areas I have ever been to have been suburban or rural which is a complete contrast to Rutgers. It was eye opening to me because when it comes to "urban" areas you never hear anything that is truly positive. The dangerous areas are the ones that get all the attention and the violent people are also the main focus. So it was nice to see that is not the case that the people who live there take pride in where they live. They possible may care about their city and neighborhoods more than people who live in "nicer" areas. The students were really welcoming and they were actually the biggest teachers as far as conversations and group discussions.

 The major thing that I will take away from the whole weekend is that you can learn so much by just listening. That every region has its own culture and not everyone has the same views and understandings about a particular social topic. Also the knowledge that is accumulated from where you live shapes you more than what you realize. I realize that is supposed to be common sense that where you live has a huge impact on who you are but I have never really taken the time to examine, reflect, discuss and learn from those differences. The trip gave me the opportunity to stop, look, listen and discuss the things that I didn't understand it also made me question the things that I thought I knew.

 The major example is the difference between African American views in the deeper south and those that are held by those that live in the north. Elvin and I had a conversation with a few of the Rutgers students about the use of the N-word. It was shocking to me that they didn't have a point of reference for the southern aspect of it or why it could be really offensive to both of us have lived in the south and riding behind a truck covered with a confederate flag paint job and an offensive bumper sticker to top it off. It was explained to us that it is thrown around in a more causal and nonchalant way where it is just used all the time in the open with no discretion. I realize that there were a few people most black males who would say it occasional and it is used in almost every rap song at least once but the view or mindset is different. At least where the average person in concerned. In high school it was only said really amongst people you knew like the guys wouldn't go up to or say it around another black person they just meet. It wouldn't be a greeting from the beginning. That was what started the conversation one of the guys walked in and said hi my nigga to Elvin which wasn't ok with him and I was offending as well in my option having an a at the end of the N-word doesn't make a difference. And you’re not taking the power or sting from the word by using it and making it your own. But I was introduced to a different way of thinking about it or coming to accept that depending on where you come from it makes the word take on a new meaning. It makes sense that the further north you go the less offensive or negative the connotation would be. It’s hard to say how I would view it if I would have grown up not seeing racist bumper stickers, confederate flags and not feeling like I was being judged or hearing unsettling comments. I assume I would have a different outlook on its use and the idea of making it into a positive and that being possible.

Through that conversation I also noted a difference in communication style between the two groups. I know we are equally intelligent that was clear from our discussion but it wasn't as easy to present two different viewpoints when everyone is talking about the same thing at the same time. Normally in an outside the class discussion it is still you talk I talk. There it was organized that way naturally it had to be facilitated in a way. But it was interesting to see other points of view and how they differ.

The one thing that I am committing myself to as a result of the trip is that I am going to become more politically active within my voting area. I want to gain the knowledge to be an informed voter as well as know what is going on within my community. I learned that from the exercise that we did on the first day that you have to know what is going on around you before you can identify the issues and make a plan to solve them.  

BusBoys and Poets

Spoken word is a very empowering form of art it allows the performer to communicate with a mass audience. The performer that I enjoyed the most was Ebony. You could tell that her poetry came from a very real place and the it was a means for her to get her voice across. Her poetry concentrated heavily on women and the issues that they face. Her performance was interesting because it was very descriptive. She also made it funny. The clit poem was my absolute favorite because it was insightful,creative, daring and funny. The way that she preformed also made a difference her presences and the way that she spoke was sure to keep your attention. She used different voice inflections to stress certain points and hand gestures to convey certain feelings. Her facial expressions also helped to convey her message it told the story just as much as her mouth. Busboys and poets is a great restaurant and i plan to visit again.

Your Urim and Thummim: Personal Legend Reminders.

Purpose

The lesson that I am trying to convey with these reflective questions is to make people think about what keeps them focused in their life what grounds them and makes them get back on the path to realizing their own personal legends. Also they are meant to be a way to connect with the story, every time the boy was about to go completely off track he found the two stones. A lot of people don’t think about what they could have that would symbolize their mission and keep them on track.

Activity Questions

1.      Do you have a personal version of Urim and Thummim? Something that you hold onto that guides you or that you keep with you to remember your values or dreams.

2.      Who gave it to you or why did it become important to you?

3.      If so what is it? Or if you had one what would it be?

4.      Has there ever been a moment similar to the ones the character had? A time where you got off course and out of nowhere there it was reminding you of your purpose.

My Perspective

The thing that is kind of like my Urim and Thumimim is actually a person it is my little sister. If I ever think that I am not focusing or doing the right thing I ask myself if Chelsey saw me do this or found out would I want her to do the same or see it? Or how would it affect her? Thinking about her and being her role model is a part of my Personal Legend.

The instance where this came into play was when I decided to move to another state where I didn’t know anyone. I was concerned because I would be living her in TN but if I stayed I wouldn’t go back to college until she graduated high school. I also would be taking a huge risk as far as my family was concerned everyone wanted me to move somewhere closer or stay in TN but go to a different school. Chelsey knew that’s not what I really wanted. I knew that if I gave in and didn’t follow my heart and do what I knew I wanted to do she would be afraid and would never think to try it either. So I moved and she is happy that she can say that her sister lives in VA. And she gets to spend her summers hanging out in DC.

The place in the book that made me think of this activity was when he was about to go back to Spain and buy sheep. As he left he got ready to toss his jacket and the two stones feel out and reminded him of his purpose and at the same time they lifted him up and made him happy. The things in life that keep you on track should also be things that do make you smile or have something that makes you happy so it will uplift you spirit at the same time.  

Oprah and I share a similar faith and life outlook..Who knew?

I agree with Oprah's belief system. Well the way that she looks at the world. She and I share the same view when it comes to life and being grateful to God for everything. Even the bad because without that you wouldn't be who you are. Every experience is to be learned from and it helps you grow.
 She says their is no Luck and I agree. Everything happens for a reason, you might not have a plan but God does. Her secrete is one I agree with. Let your soul that is influenced and made by a higher being be your guide in life,
 I never knew that I would have any similarities with the 9billion dollar woman. Our up bringing is similar she grew up in the south with a black Grandma attending church every Sunday. I was close to my Grandmother so that ressinated with me.
   "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".
 I have heard that many times and I carry that with me. That and I can do anything that I put my mind to. 
  Oprah gets bad mouthed a lot and she doesn't deserve it. She is guided by her convictions and her inner spirit. I really liked her presentation I picked hers to listen to because I missed the episode where she told her life story. I always wanted to know how she got to be Oprah. Again I wouldn't have thought I have anything at all in conman with Oprah. I don't know why. I never thought about it before though.     

Wow! Far out Dude!

That was....I am not sure if I am having a closed minded night or what but both of those videos left me with one question? Didn't they have something else to do and if not why did they have to publish that? Its cute I get the point its a think happy thoughts and good things will come to you. Awww! But it takes more than happy thoughts to accomplish anything. Eyes on the prize not on the crystallized pretty water.
  Also I wonder what came first the other videos or the "Secret".  Lonnie trapped me in the car and made me listen to those. He was trying to find the secrete to finding himself , at the age of 52. Yeah I am somewhat against spending my time & money watching those think happy thoughts. I could see how they could motivate or help some people or touch them.To each its own.
But as for me I am a optimist 95% of the time I admit I have my moments. However those videos are just dreadful. And I had to watch something else that was similar to the "Secrete".
   The man spoke about thinking about what you think, and then thinking about why you think those thoughts. He also said that you should listen to the voice(s) in your head and listen to those thoughts and be mindful of your mind. The worst part about that was it was a friend that made me watch it. That might be my biggest issue is that people kidnap you to "share" the message with you. Honestly I would rather be awaken at 5:45am on Saturday by a Johava's witness, than to watch anymore of those long long long videos.
  Sorry Dr. Jenkins but I have been traumatized when it comes to metaphysics or whatever they are called.     
 Oh! and you should check out the comments on the Hidden Message in the Water Video from people. Its a hot mess someone who says to be open minded (they liked the video about positivity)  but then they cuss some other commenter out via their comment box about not agreeing with them.

EL: Anita Hill

It has been 20yrs since she won her case against sexual harassment. More complaints filed on sexual harassment, men are beginning to take it seriously. People know the laws now so they can speak out. She says that there is a disconnect between what happened then and now. We are not where we think we should be. People’s beliefs inspired change and laws against sexism there was an enthusiasm. Which has been lost so which has caused it to stall.

She received the award for the anniversary of Brown vs. Wade board of education because she fought for equality of schools in low income areas. Her concentration is on equality in the work place and for all. She says that:

       "Equality is never straight linear mountain things go up and down. More leadership is needed more leaders need to stop sexual harassment it would increase productivity and it would be better to fix the whole thought processes. Not just helping the victims. Zero tolerance means what it says. Getting rid of the people who would cause these types of issues. It doesn't need to stop at filing a complaint."

  Now she is working on the concept of integrating other disciplines into the fight against inequality.  Like the current forecloses that the effects are long term they aren't  going to be isolated. Credit damaged, kids suffer no school.

  The rest of her lecture she talks about the meaning that having a home has meant throughout the years with a focus on African American families. I broke it down into the way her speech was structured.

Home is a symbol of culture law policy equality and family. Ideal of home was that they could be accepted into the whites thought of equality. 1880ish they wanted to be accepted.

Then people moved to city 1930. Then to the suburbs which were created in the 1930s. 1950s women were at home while husband worked.

  Home: equality. Home is where it starts. T.S. Eliot.  Farm ownership had gave the ability to get a home but not keep it. Also wife’s name isn't on deed.

   City life wasn't inadequate so they wanted to move to the suburb. A Raisin in the Sun was  about blacks wanting to live in the suburbs but meet with hostility. Segregated suburbs 1958 had right to buy property whites had the right to leave.

In the home women were always there cooking and stayed there. Thought if they could work it would mean equality. 1980s the Jefferson wife in home with black maid the idea was that everything changed because they moved to the eastside. New home changed their life everything changed when they moved up. Role of the Home: suburbia divided by government Policy. Black verses White. More income is needed to sustain the large house of today's suburbs. The out pricing of equality the American dream isn't reachable because the stakes have gotten higher. We are becoming more extravagance.

Obama’s wife, Michelle has taken up the cause of changing the childhood obesity epidemic. She is concentrating on children’s health needs. She ask the question: Are we ready to accept a black first family and she points out that Michelle has taken up a traditional role in her choice of political agenda. She ask why can’t she have taking up a cause such as banking or foreign policy.

She closes with the issues that economic strain of the American dream is causing a huge impact. Once you lose your home it’s hard to regain it. Displaced family’s now need to be brought back into their homes. Things need to not only improve but become better. Sustainability of equality needs to be possible. She closes with the statement that things need to be affordable to all.

Tipping Point: The law of the few

Tipping Point

The message that I took away from the “Law of the Few” is that a few people can have a huge influence over the masses, but that is only if the few are already influential people. The reason that they have this type of influences is also because there are so few of them. In social psychology there is a theory that states that for a group to be exclusive the number of members within that group must stay small, about five members or less. The reason for this is that if a group is that small it means that not everyone can get into that group which is what gives that group its appeal. Another factor that plays a part in the groups influences is how hard you have to work to be apart of that group. An example of this would be a sorority where potential rushes are put through a grilling initiation processes. Once it is over the new members fell a since of belonging and are more connected to the other members because of the experience. The few existing members pick and choice from the masses and make judgments on who is let into their exclusive club. A broader example is the influence that celebrities have on society. They are used to endorse products, give public service announcements, and promote events. Celebrities only make up less than two percent of the population which is one of the reasons why they have influence. The other reasons are their wealth, and the way that we perceive their lifestyle as being better than our own. It is also the fact that becoming famous is not that easy of a thing to do. A reality T.V. participant is more likely to become infamous than famous. However an actor like Brad Pitt or an actress like Julia Roberts have been in several movies and have been rewarded for their talent. The odd trend however is that the newer celebrities the younger ones are the ones which the most influence. They are the ones endorsing newer products. Katy Perry has replaced Jessica Simpson as the female on the Proactive acne commercials. The reason is obvious Katy Perry is in the media more because of her recent albums and television appearances. The more a celebrity is seen the more famous they are which means they have more influence at that moment.

            The law of the few is also seen when it comes to government. There are only a handful of government officials that make the decision for the masses. Although they are put into power by the larger majority voting for them, but once they are in that position there are no gaurontess as to what they will do with that power. These officials can say one thing during their campaign and once elected go in a totally different direction. The masses would have to assemble and work together to hopefully get that person out of office, but even with that they really have to work hard to have any influence over that because they voted that person into office. Another issue with the few having as much control as our state and national government is that a lot of what they do goes on behind closed doors which the public has little to no access to. Also the citizens that are active in finding this information out the “mavens” often have no one to aid them in making the corruption public so that it can be exposed and changed. But that would take the time of the masses to investigate these issues and to work together to change the problems. It would also require extra work to make sure it doesn’t happen again. Work and Time are two things that Americans are not will to put forth or to give, which is why our system remains the way that it is. There are a few people who vote and a few that follow what goes on after wards but it tends to stop there. It is time for the few in power to be held accountable by the masses and maybe when that happens there will be change until then nothing will ever change.   

MY Spoken Words

    I have to fight for what I want, I have to argue for the things I need
It's never easy, nothing comes easy, not for me and not for any one else
Easy, Easy what in life is easy? Its not easy to wake up and know you have to face another day where your life isn't what you want it to be.
 So you fight, you fight and you don't give up. When you get told No, you fight for a Yes.
Life isn't worth living if you don't fight, you must fight.
Wrong fight it, inequality fight it, bad policies fight it.
 Fighting is not Easy, Life isn't easy, so why not fight and make things right.
 Fight so maybe things will be easier for someone else.
                                      FIGHT! 

Chicken Fried!!

Disneys gone Wild!

This is Hanna Montana she was the fictional child rock star that was played by Mylie Cyrus. Disney was the network responsible for pushing her onto its young viewers.

But Disney knew what they were doing kids loved her they bought all of the Hanna Montana merchandise and Disney racked in the money. However Disney doesn't learn from past mistakes (Brittney Spears,Christina Agularia, and most destructive Lindsey Lohan)all were Disney's little princess until they got too old or the fame got to them. Or maybe they were destructive and horrible decision makers to begin with but what ever the case may be, we HAD to watch another young Disney princess fall far far far from grace.

This isn't Hanna Montana its Mylie Cyrus, who plays Hanna Montana. That ridiculous distinctions was supposed to defend the "child" star from ridicule for her performance at the Teen Choice Awards. Children who watched the show on Disney weren't supposed to watch Mylie (dance like an adult female performer). Hanna Montana is the role model I assume. It was also supposed to be ok because it was the Teen Choice Awards and not the Kids Choice Awards although I think they play on the same channel. 

    My issue with Mylie and those "child" stars before her is that young girls want to imitate  what they see on t.v. Which it isn't television fault per-say but someone should take some form of responsibility for what is shown on the kid "friendly" channels. Stars like Mylie shouldn't have the responsibility of being perfect but they should have the decency to not dance on a stripper pole which is attached to a box that says ice cream. That's just shameful to all involved.    Kids are being exposed to way too much way to early this is worse for little girls in my opinion.

      Girls are more likely to want copy someone like Mylie not Hanna because Mylie is the one who gets all the real attention.Young girls shouldn't be exposed to these kinds of conflicting messages.   

  Every little girl who liked that show has of corse moved on to Selena Gomaz I think thats the new one but it will be a miricale if she doesn't self distruct as well. And although the list of these "child" stars that become famous them infamous will continue to grow so will the number of 8year old little girls who want to look the way their favorite teen celebrity looks. Which normally is the complete opposite of what we would picture an 8 year old child to look like.

Jenae's Perfect World, where everyone knew how to Act.

1. Finding out about a problem
2. Wanting to do something to help
3. Not seeing how you can help
4. Not doing anything about it
5. Feeling sad, powerless, angry
6. Deciding that nothing can be done
7. Begin shutting down
8. Wanting to know less about problems
  I will admit that I fall into the cycle of cynicism although I would rather be in the cycle of hope. I hate watching the news whether it's local or world it upsets me to a point where i just want to throw something at the television. To ease myself back into the world of conflicting views and interpretations of events I have gone back to watching The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and The Colbert Report. They are late night saterical journalism shows but I notice that they don't take sides like Fox News or that other big news station which is why I watch them. They provide me with information and some humor to help me not be as irritated and tune out again.
The readings for this week are in line with my view points when it comes to the way that the world works. People complain but do nothing to solve the issue that they are complaining about. Instead they either continue to complain and do nothing.  or apathy does set in and they begin to accept the fact that the situation will never change.
 I wonder what came first the cycle of socialization or the cycle of cynism. Is it that people saw issues that they couldn't change so they became apathitic and passed it on. Or have people been socialized this way for so long that cynism is the way to cope with the bad socialization. No matter which way it goes it is going to take a major overhaul to change they way people as a whole think.
 I am going to support that fact that people as a whole are somewhat selfish and will reject a great idea or solution because they didn't come up with it. Or if it doesn't bother them right now its not important. But once it bothers us to the point of it being an emergency then we want quick answers and solutions. The greatest example would be politics. We expect one person to do so much in a few years and when they don't deliver the package we want then its time to go back to something that's different yet the same. Americans have no patiences for change we want everything fast and right now but we don't want to work for anything its just suppose to happen.
 Its the fact that I see that behavior in people that I turn to the cycle of cynicism because it helps me deal with the way that people are socialized. So I guess for me socialization caused cynicism.