Edgar Allen Poe is known for his dark and deep writing style. With various pieces such as The Raven and The Pit and the Pendulum, Poe has established a reputation in the literary community. His pieces reflect a darker style of Romanticism, which became popular among other Romanticist poets and authors. This style enables the readers to gain a deeper understanding of the author's true intentions. Although Poe is a definitive author, his works can sometimes be slightly over-glorified. Nevertheless, Poe is a reputable poet who has been commended for his dark Romanticist style of literature.
The Raven establishes a strong mood with vivid imagery. The main character of the poem was mourning the death of a loved one. This creates a grieving atmosphere to the poem. Poe relies heavily on imagery to convey his message. On page 257, Poe describes the dreary atmosphere: "Ah distinctly I remember it was the bleak December; And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor. Eagerly I wished the morrow;-vainly I had sought to borrow From my books surcease of sorrow..." (Poe) This excerpt conveys the atmosphere and the main character's reasoning for basking in his books. In another excerpt, Poe describes the Raven's dark intentions: "Then this ebony bird beguiling my sad fancy into smiling,
By the grave and stern decorum of the countenance it wore,
`Though thy crest be shorn and shaven, thou,' I said, `art sure no craven.
Ghastly grim and ancient raven wandering from the nightly shore -
Tell me what thy lordly name is on the Night's Plutonian shore!'
Quoth the raven, `Nevermore.'" (Poe) In small piece taken from The Raven, one can see the melancholy and sorrowful atmosphere the raven has further antagonized. Throughout the literary piece, the raven continues to state the word "Nevermore" (Poe). This word creates an endless pit of the main character's emotions. The raven's ability to suffocate the protagonist with this word is quite commendable. Throughout the remainder of the piece, the raven continues to rest on the bust above the chamber door. The Raven effectively displays Poe's deep writing style and intentions.
Poe, Edgar Allen. "The Raven" American Literature. Columbus, Ohio: McGraw-Hill Companies, 2009. 229-230. Print.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Journal #24: Mind Playing Tricks
There has been multiple times when my mind has played tricks on me. I am always paranoid of some weird paranormal occurrence in my house. I do believe in paranormal occurrences so I guess I have it coming for me. I am always watching paranormal shows because I feel that they are extremely interesting. I would not mind going on a paranormal investigation. I believe it would be extremely entertaining and pretty much an adrenaline rush. Because of this, I believe that I am slightly more paranoid then someone who does not believe in the paranormal whatsoever.
If I remember right, my house used to be an old hospital. This alone is slightly creepy and just really odd. I would really not like to see what happened in my house when it was a running hospital. Apparently my house was connected to the one next to me, which would explain why it looks quite similar.
There would be nights where I would feel as if someone was watching me or walking right by me. I would here papers rustling around the hallway, even though there were no papers anywhere. There were cold spots with gusts of wind that would just hit me at odd times. Doors would close and I would here random steps. I truly though that my house was haunted. Probably the worst night though was when I was watching a movie or something and I heard this super loud bang. This noise actually ended up being the attic door opening and slamming shut. This was the creepiest thing I have ever heard or been through. I was really uneasy because of that. After this, my brother and I would just stay in the same room because we were so uneasy. On the last night that anything ever happened, my brother and I were just playing music and talking and then we heard this ridiculous scratching on the door. We started laughing because we thought it was my dad or something because he was making fun of us for it, but he was gone. It was the weirdest experience I have ever had to deal with in my entire life.
If I remember right, my house used to be an old hospital. This alone is slightly creepy and just really odd. I would really not like to see what happened in my house when it was a running hospital. Apparently my house was connected to the one next to me, which would explain why it looks quite similar.
There would be nights where I would feel as if someone was watching me or walking right by me. I would here papers rustling around the hallway, even though there were no papers anywhere. There were cold spots with gusts of wind that would just hit me at odd times. Doors would close and I would here random steps. I truly though that my house was haunted. Probably the worst night though was when I was watching a movie or something and I heard this super loud bang. This noise actually ended up being the attic door opening and slamming shut. This was the creepiest thing I have ever heard or been through. I was really uneasy because of that. After this, my brother and I would just stay in the same room because we were so uneasy. On the last night that anything ever happened, my brother and I were just playing music and talking and then we heard this ridiculous scratching on the door. We started laughing because we thought it was my dad or something because he was making fun of us for it, but he was gone. It was the weirdest experience I have ever had to deal with in my entire life.
Emerson
This essay focused on the main points which many modern critics attribute to Emerson's transition from Romantic to non-Romantic. These points are revealed alongside claims that state Emerson's early writings and beliefs should be treated more as a "personal exorcism" than a philosophy to be taken seriously, specifically because of the reasons portrayed in Emerson's later rejection of Romanticism.
Based on the beliefs of Romanticism and Transcendentalism, Emerson refused to mourn, even over the deaths of his mother and brother (Edmundson). Emerson somehow linked the act of mourning to conformity, and therefore refused to take part in it; to Emerson, mourning would mean wasting time by focusing on traditional customs and values instead of finding one's "inner self", and would therefore break the true beliefs of Romanticism, and specifically Transcendentalism, which are against anything to do with conformity (Edmundson).
Emerson also denounced self-reformation through religious, social, or literary forms because they are external forms, and the only way to really find one's true self is purely through one's entire self (Edmundson). To rely or depend on something or someone else is to start the phase of mourning, and by this definition, Emerson's essay "Self-Reliance" is a paradox because he is intentionally influencing his own beliefs on the reader for him or her to adopt (Edmundson).
Edmund also points out another deep flaw in Emerson's beliefs: the never-ending circle or "perpetual motion" in which Emerson basically creates by disowning any form of "mourning", which excludes quite a bit by his definition, and advising one to solely function in the moment of "transition" (Edmundson). In Emersonian terms, this transition is the moment where the mind has stopped between the past and ability to enter into a new state, when all of one's energies have been invested in creativity (Edmundson). Since this is basically the only thing that Emerson does not deem as a state of mourning, he seems to encourage one to exist in this state. Existing in this state is fruitless though, and therefore a pointless circle of invested energy in random creative ideas and philosophies about reinventing one's self. No progress can be made in this state because one can not truly commit his or herself to one set of ideas or rule due to the fact that this would contradict ideas of Romanticism or Transcendentalism (Edmundson).
To further reveal more flaws of Emerson's system, Edmundson compares him to Freud. Freud and Emerson are similar in that they both discourage the attachment to one single thing in life, but different in that Freud is aware that the human ego cannot be stopped to continue relying, even a tiny bit, on "our first crucial attachments", and Emerson underestimates this stubborn tendency of the ego (Edmundson). Edmunson states that Emerson began to later realize this, perhaps due to the death of his son, and attempted to alter his system a little bit in regard to these flaws by accepting the laws of fate (Edmundson). The total effect of his son's death on him is ultimately what alters his beliefs and stubborn claims against any ideas related to mourning. Shown by works of his after this point in his life, he began a new system of "redeeming grief" (Edmundson). Instead of attempting to sever all ties with any type of mourning, Emerson begins to attempt to recreate the actions of fate, basically to be able to feel that he is in control of the actions and feelings that follow them, and therefore not committing to a true act of mourning (Edmundson). By doing this, he is attempting to prove to himself that spirit can define nature more powerfully than nature can define spirit. In the end, Edmundson has defined this as a "self-destroying self-invention" and the possible force behind Romanticism.
Recognizing the flaws and tragedies that are created within the system of beliefs and regulations of Romanticism and Transcendentalism explains why Emerson had to reject Romanticism in his later years. His loss of his son was the ultimate force behind his rejection because it forced to him to rethink all his beliefs as well as his stubborn stance on the idea of mourning. There were too many flaws within these beliefs that contradicted each other and proved to be non-progressive and unsuccessful in terms of Romanticism.
Works Cited
Edmundson, Mark."Emerson and the Work of Melancholia." Raritan (Spring 1987). Quoted as
"Emerson and the Work of Melancholia" in Bloom, Harold, ed. Ralph Waldo Emerson,
Updated Edition, Bloom's Modern Critical Views. New York: Chelsea House Publishing,
2006. Bloom's Literary Reference Online. Facts On File, Inc. 11 Nov 2010.
Based on the beliefs of Romanticism and Transcendentalism, Emerson refused to mourn, even over the deaths of his mother and brother (Edmundson). Emerson somehow linked the act of mourning to conformity, and therefore refused to take part in it; to Emerson, mourning would mean wasting time by focusing on traditional customs and values instead of finding one's "inner self", and would therefore break the true beliefs of Romanticism, and specifically Transcendentalism, which are against anything to do with conformity (Edmundson).
Emerson also denounced self-reformation through religious, social, or literary forms because they are external forms, and the only way to really find one's true self is purely through one's entire self (Edmundson). To rely or depend on something or someone else is to start the phase of mourning, and by this definition, Emerson's essay "Self-Reliance" is a paradox because he is intentionally influencing his own beliefs on the reader for him or her to adopt (Edmundson).
Edmund also points out another deep flaw in Emerson's beliefs: the never-ending circle or "perpetual motion" in which Emerson basically creates by disowning any form of "mourning", which excludes quite a bit by his definition, and advising one to solely function in the moment of "transition" (Edmundson). In Emersonian terms, this transition is the moment where the mind has stopped between the past and ability to enter into a new state, when all of one's energies have been invested in creativity (Edmundson). Since this is basically the only thing that Emerson does not deem as a state of mourning, he seems to encourage one to exist in this state. Existing in this state is fruitless though, and therefore a pointless circle of invested energy in random creative ideas and philosophies about reinventing one's self. No progress can be made in this state because one can not truly commit his or herself to one set of ideas or rule due to the fact that this would contradict ideas of Romanticism or Transcendentalism (Edmundson).
To further reveal more flaws of Emerson's system, Edmundson compares him to Freud. Freud and Emerson are similar in that they both discourage the attachment to one single thing in life, but different in that Freud is aware that the human ego cannot be stopped to continue relying, even a tiny bit, on "our first crucial attachments", and Emerson underestimates this stubborn tendency of the ego (Edmundson). Edmunson states that Emerson began to later realize this, perhaps due to the death of his son, and attempted to alter his system a little bit in regard to these flaws by accepting the laws of fate (Edmundson). The total effect of his son's death on him is ultimately what alters his beliefs and stubborn claims against any ideas related to mourning. Shown by works of his after this point in his life, he began a new system of "redeeming grief" (Edmundson). Instead of attempting to sever all ties with any type of mourning, Emerson begins to attempt to recreate the actions of fate, basically to be able to feel that he is in control of the actions and feelings that follow them, and therefore not committing to a true act of mourning (Edmundson). By doing this, he is attempting to prove to himself that spirit can define nature more powerfully than nature can define spirit. In the end, Edmundson has defined this as a "self-destroying self-invention" and the possible force behind Romanticism.
Recognizing the flaws and tragedies that are created within the system of beliefs and regulations of Romanticism and Transcendentalism explains why Emerson had to reject Romanticism in his later years. His loss of his son was the ultimate force behind his rejection because it forced to him to rethink all his beliefs as well as his stubborn stance on the idea of mourning. There were too many flaws within these beliefs that contradicted each other and proved to be non-progressive and unsuccessful in terms of Romanticism.
Works Cited
Edmundson, Mark."Emerson and the Work of Melancholia." Raritan (Spring 1987). Quoted as
"Emerson and the Work of Melancholia" in Bloom, Harold, ed. Ralph Waldo Emerson,
Updated Edition, Bloom's Modern Critical Views. New York: Chelsea House Publishing,
2006. Bloom's Literary Reference Online. Facts On File, Inc. 11 Nov 2010.
Analysis on Walden
Thoreau narrates and illustrates his time of partial isolation from society and connection to nature from his work, Walden. He includes many philosophical theories and assertions on life between the relation of nature, man, and spirit. Michaela Keck highlights many of these in her critical essay, mostly through summarizing, but through some analyzing too.
One thing Keck discusses is Thoreau's writing style in Walden. Keck claims that through Thoreau's separation of civilization intellectually, physically, and socially, his connection to nature makes his writing have a sense of exhilaration and abundance, especially in his descriptions (Keck). This is agreeable, because Thoreau appears to be very confident and upfront with his ideas, and strongly advocates nature and its counterparts. He is very detailed with his descriptions, and this makes him seem fairly excited about it. In his scattered opinions, ideas, and theories, Thoreau writes about a battle that takes place between some ants in extreme detail - "...there came along a single red ant on the hillside of this valley, evidently full of excitement, who either had despatched his foe, or had not yet taken part in the battle; probably the latter... whose mother had charged him to return with his shield or upon it" (Thorea 217). The fascination and imagination of Thoreau is definitely portrayed here, and through out the rest of his detailed description. Most people would cast bare minimum attention to a few ants on the ground, but Thoreau actually exerts his full attention to them, imagining their feelings, trying to understand their actions, and comparing them to human battles, which almost seems to personify the ants (Thoreau 218). Not only is Thoreau exerting attention to these ants, but he seems so excited about them, and seems to greatly appreciate nature for this battle, which seems to inspire some great insight about humans in him (Thoreau 217-218). Keck's statement of Thoreau's "intimate, engaged, and sensual relationship with nature" is definitely accurate with passages such as this one, as well as others that are as detailed and analyzed as this one (Keck).
Keck points out and explains some common misinterpretations and criticisms that stem from Thoreau's Walden, such as Thoreau being a "hermit" or his retreat being one of failure and hypocrisy (Keck). Although Thoreau might give off a strong image of a hermit in his writing, Keck points out that he actually stated he "loves society as much as most", and throughout his journey, he kept in touch with family members (Keck). He even directly stated that he "naturally [is] no hermit" (Keck). One criticism that Thoreau's voice is one of a hypocrite, Keck disagrees with this and brings attention to the fact that Thoreau's journey was an experiment and new approach, and was to be treated as a new way to live daily (Keck). I personally disagree with this because Keck contradicts herself in this sentence, or is capturing Thoreau's contradiction. Either way, Thoreau wrote about a temporary journey into a more secluded and simple life, and in his encouragement of this, it seems he expected people to maintain a similar life of simplicity on a more permanent basis. Thoreau really doesn't have any grounds on which to assert this encouragement in such a confident manner unless he were to live this style for the extended time period in which he is suggesting to others. Other than this, I do agree with most of Keck's claims and assertions on Thoreau's collection of philosophical ideas between man, nature, and civilization. He picks many key points of the writing and discusses them interesting observations.
Works Cited
Keck, Michaela. "Thoreau's Walden and the American Dream: Challenge or Myth?" In Bloom,
Harold, ed. The American Dream, Bloom's Literary Themes. New York: Chelsea Publishing
House, 2009. Bloom's Literary Reference Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com
/activelink2.asp?ItemID=WE54&SID=5&iPin= BLTTAD021&SingleRecord=True (accessed
November 18, 2010).
Thoreau, Henry David. "Walden". American Literature. Willhelm, Jeffory. McGraw Hill.
Columbus, 2009. Print.
One thing Keck discusses is Thoreau's writing style in Walden. Keck claims that through Thoreau's separation of civilization intellectually, physically, and socially, his connection to nature makes his writing have a sense of exhilaration and abundance, especially in his descriptions (Keck). This is agreeable, because Thoreau appears to be very confident and upfront with his ideas, and strongly advocates nature and its counterparts. He is very detailed with his descriptions, and this makes him seem fairly excited about it. In his scattered opinions, ideas, and theories, Thoreau writes about a battle that takes place between some ants in extreme detail - "...there came along a single red ant on the hillside of this valley, evidently full of excitement, who either had despatched his foe, or had not yet taken part in the battle; probably the latter... whose mother had charged him to return with his shield or upon it" (Thorea 217). The fascination and imagination of Thoreau is definitely portrayed here, and through out the rest of his detailed description. Most people would cast bare minimum attention to a few ants on the ground, but Thoreau actually exerts his full attention to them, imagining their feelings, trying to understand their actions, and comparing them to human battles, which almost seems to personify the ants (Thoreau 218). Not only is Thoreau exerting attention to these ants, but he seems so excited about them, and seems to greatly appreciate nature for this battle, which seems to inspire some great insight about humans in him (Thoreau 217-218). Keck's statement of Thoreau's "intimate, engaged, and sensual relationship with nature" is definitely accurate with passages such as this one, as well as others that are as detailed and analyzed as this one (Keck).
Keck points out and explains some common misinterpretations and criticisms that stem from Thoreau's Walden, such as Thoreau being a "hermit" or his retreat being one of failure and hypocrisy (Keck). Although Thoreau might give off a strong image of a hermit in his writing, Keck points out that he actually stated he "loves society as much as most", and throughout his journey, he kept in touch with family members (Keck). He even directly stated that he "naturally [is] no hermit" (Keck). One criticism that Thoreau's voice is one of a hypocrite, Keck disagrees with this and brings attention to the fact that Thoreau's journey was an experiment and new approach, and was to be treated as a new way to live daily (Keck). I personally disagree with this because Keck contradicts herself in this sentence, or is capturing Thoreau's contradiction. Either way, Thoreau wrote about a temporary journey into a more secluded and simple life, and in his encouragement of this, it seems he expected people to maintain a similar life of simplicity on a more permanent basis. Thoreau really doesn't have any grounds on which to assert this encouragement in such a confident manner unless he were to live this style for the extended time period in which he is suggesting to others. Other than this, I do agree with most of Keck's claims and assertions on Thoreau's collection of philosophical ideas between man, nature, and civilization. He picks many key points of the writing and discusses them interesting observations.
Works Cited
Keck, Michaela. "Thoreau's Walden and the American Dream: Challenge or Myth?" In Bloom,
Harold, ed. The American Dream, Bloom's Literary Themes. New York: Chelsea Publishing
House, 2009. Bloom's Literary Reference Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com
/activelink2.asp?ItemID=WE54&SID=5&iPin= BLTTAD021&SingleRecord=True (accessed
November 18, 2010).
Thoreau, Henry David. "Walden". American Literature. Willhelm, Jeffory. McGraw Hill.
Columbus, 2009. Print.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Contrasting Thoreau and Gandhi
Thoreau was a prominent Romanticist poet. He wrote commendable poems commonly during the 1800's. Romanticism, a much more spiritual and radical writing form, which differed from the former Rationalism period. Rationalism retained a more straight-forward and intellectual source to obtain readers. This common writing style made up much of the prior period to the Romanticism era. Rationalism often used reason to obtain its strong support. Writers such as Franklin commonly used Rationalism to convey their points. Romanticism is a more spiritually based writing period. This period retained much respect during its formation. Although Romanticism contained nature, death, and spiritual connection, it lacked common logic and reason. This was not typically a negative aspect though. Religious influence was also more common in Romanticist pieces then that of a Rationalist piece. Because of this, some religious relations were reconnected again. Thoreau's early work displays this Romanticist style of writing.
Morals were often questioned in Romanticist pieces. Various pieces used this questioning to obtain support. These morally conflicting issues would determine a more definitive differentiation between Romanticism and other writing periods. Gandhi commonly used this to obtain support from his audience. If something was morally conflicting, then it would be socially acceptable to disregard the law that was set forth with no thought on morals. Gandhi displays his objection toward the law in On the Eve of Historic Dandi March: "Wherever possible, civil disobedience of salt laws should be started. These laws can be violated in three ways" (Gandhi). This displays Gandhi's strong disregard toward the law. Because of this statement, many can agree that Gandhi, like Thoreau, commonly used an action like this to display true Romanticism and morally acceptable pieces. Gandhi is well known for his unconventional actions and radical activism. This radical activism can also be related to a more Romanticist style of living. Thoreau and Gandhi both initiated a strong liberal stance.
Gandhi was a more national and strong political figure. He typically had a strong support base. This support base greatly improved his stance and political prominence in India. Although Gandhi used his supporters to his advantage, he would not have been as successful without them. This differs from Thoreau, who had a more independent relationship with his ideals and theories. Thoreau did not obtain the use of a strong support base. Because of this, his actions could be slightly more commendable. In this excerpt from Civil Disobedience, Thoreau displays his independent stance in politics and literature. "I have paid no poll-tax for six years. I was put into a jail once on this account, for one night; and as I stood considering the walls of solid stone, two or three feet thick, the door of wood and iron, a foot thick, and the iron grating which strained the light, I could not help being struck with the foolishness of that institution which treated me as if I were mere flesh and blood and bones, to be locked up" (Thoreau). Although I commend Thoreau for his independent stance, I feel that both figures successfully displayed the conflict regarding morals and values. Again, this conflict displayed the figure's ability to convey Romanticism outside of literature.
Gandhi, Mohandas. "One the Eve of Historic Dandi March." American Literature. Columbus, Ohio: McGraw-Hill Companies, 2009. 229-230. Print.
Thoreau, Henry David. "Civil Disobedience." American Literature. Columbus, Ohio: McGraw-Hill Companies, 2009. 222-227. Print.
Morals were often questioned in Romanticist pieces. Various pieces used this questioning to obtain support. These morally conflicting issues would determine a more definitive differentiation between Romanticism and other writing periods. Gandhi commonly used this to obtain support from his audience. If something was morally conflicting, then it would be socially acceptable to disregard the law that was set forth with no thought on morals. Gandhi displays his objection toward the law in On the Eve of Historic Dandi March: "Wherever possible, civil disobedience of salt laws should be started. These laws can be violated in three ways" (Gandhi). This displays Gandhi's strong disregard toward the law. Because of this statement, many can agree that Gandhi, like Thoreau, commonly used an action like this to display true Romanticism and morally acceptable pieces. Gandhi is well known for his unconventional actions and radical activism. This radical activism can also be related to a more Romanticist style of living. Thoreau and Gandhi both initiated a strong liberal stance.
Gandhi was a more national and strong political figure. He typically had a strong support base. This support base greatly improved his stance and political prominence in India. Although Gandhi used his supporters to his advantage, he would not have been as successful without them. This differs from Thoreau, who had a more independent relationship with his ideals and theories. Thoreau did not obtain the use of a strong support base. Because of this, his actions could be slightly more commendable. In this excerpt from Civil Disobedience, Thoreau displays his independent stance in politics and literature. "I have paid no poll-tax for six years. I was put into a jail once on this account, for one night; and as I stood considering the walls of solid stone, two or three feet thick, the door of wood and iron, a foot thick, and the iron grating which strained the light, I could not help being struck with the foolishness of that institution which treated me as if I were mere flesh and blood and bones, to be locked up" (Thoreau). Although I commend Thoreau for his independent stance, I feel that both figures successfully displayed the conflict regarding morals and values. Again, this conflict displayed the figure's ability to convey Romanticism outside of literature.
Gandhi, Mohandas. "One the Eve of Historic Dandi March." American Literature. Columbus, Ohio: McGraw-Hill Companies, 2009. 229-230. Print.
Thoreau, Henry David. "Civil Disobedience." American Literature. Columbus, Ohio: McGraw-Hill Companies, 2009. 222-227. Print.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Journal #23: Unplugging from Technology
Technology is such a huge aspect of today's society. I think that it is quite difficult to just eliminate technology and its influence on the modern era; teenagers especially would be quite effected by this elimination. Even though my life does not completely revolve around technology, I would not really enjoy the elimination of technology. Technology is not just your phone or ipod, its basically everything. I believe it would be quite difficult to go without any technology at all. I could go without an ipod, but maybe not my phone. That sounds quite stereotypical of a teenager, but I just would not feel right without it. I could probably go without other technology though. But I do not really care for camping. I mean its alright and all, but I just do not really care for it all that much. I think it is kind of boring, unless you do something completely awesome. I like the outdoors and all, but I just do not like certain things about camping. Its pretty boring sometimes. Plus I can barely eat anything when I go camping. I cannot even have smores.
If I were to go camping, I would probably go somewhere in another state. I would actually love to go camping somewhere that is geographically appealing. Possibly someplace in the west could be pretty appealing. I have never gone out west so I have no idea what it is like out there. In that case, I believe I would really enjoy camping. To pass the time, I would probably walk around and maybe draw or paint something. I think that would be pretty awesome. I would mostly just explore what is out there and see how cool everything is. I do not think I would be placed in a situation where my survival would be tested, but if so, I would probably just use instinct to survive. I guess I would find just foods that I knew were find and eat them. I really do not know what I would do in that situation. I hope that situation would never occur. I do not know what I would do without a car or something. I do not even know how I would be in a situation where a vehicle was not even present. I guess I cannot really imagine being in a terrible situation in which my survival is on the line.
If I were to go camping, I would probably go somewhere in another state. I would actually love to go camping somewhere that is geographically appealing. Possibly someplace in the west could be pretty appealing. I have never gone out west so I have no idea what it is like out there. In that case, I believe I would really enjoy camping. To pass the time, I would probably walk around and maybe draw or paint something. I think that would be pretty awesome. I would mostly just explore what is out there and see how cool everything is. I do not think I would be placed in a situation where my survival would be tested, but if so, I would probably just use instinct to survive. I guess I would find just foods that I knew were find and eat them. I really do not know what I would do in that situation. I hope that situation would never occur. I do not know what I would do without a car or something. I do not even know how I would be in a situation where a vehicle was not even present. I guess I cannot really imagine being in a terrible situation in which my survival is on the line.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Journal #22: Disregarding the Law
There are many predicaments when morals and laws are questioned. Often, laws are not connected to the moral fabric of society. Issues such a gay marriage and homeless citizens can be questioned with morals and what is believed to be right and wrong. Without morals in society, various actions and ideals can be greatly altered. I believe some laws may be disregarded if it is morally questioning.
I am a strong supporters of Humanism, and I feel that every human being is created equal. Equality is a subject that is often misinterpreted, especially when related to religion. I feel that religion is a perfect example of what is morally acceptable and what is not. I have no problem with people's ideals and actions, especially when related to religion. I believe that religion conveys an often misinterpreted vision of equality and Humanism, though. Gay marriage is an issue that has been contested throughout history. I feel that everyone should have the right to wed, regardless of faith, sexual orientation, or ethnicity. I support equal marriage because I feel that is a completely equal opportunity in society. I believe that one's love cannot be denied due to something so minor as one's sexual orientation. I believe the law should be disregarded in this sense. Everyone should have an equal opportunity to live the way they want to. I do not believe one should determine how another one should live his or her life. This is a subject that I am pretty opinionated on. Although I am opinionated when relating the law and gay marriage, I will listen to both sides. I will listen to the religious side and I will not contest it. I believe everyone has a valid point and I am not going to stifle one with my ideals.
Everyone has morals and I believe everyone should act on what they feel is right. If it involves harm in another human being either verbally, mentally, or physically, I feel that the law should be disregarded. I completely agree with disregarding the law if it is harmful or morally conflicting.
I am a strong supporters of Humanism, and I feel that every human being is created equal. Equality is a subject that is often misinterpreted, especially when related to religion. I feel that religion is a perfect example of what is morally acceptable and what is not. I have no problem with people's ideals and actions, especially when related to religion. I believe that religion conveys an often misinterpreted vision of equality and Humanism, though. Gay marriage is an issue that has been contested throughout history. I feel that everyone should have the right to wed, regardless of faith, sexual orientation, or ethnicity. I support equal marriage because I feel that is a completely equal opportunity in society. I believe that one's love cannot be denied due to something so minor as one's sexual orientation. I believe the law should be disregarded in this sense. Everyone should have an equal opportunity to live the way they want to. I do not believe one should determine how another one should live his or her life. This is a subject that I am pretty opinionated on. Although I am opinionated when relating the law and gay marriage, I will listen to both sides. I will listen to the religious side and I will not contest it. I believe everyone has a valid point and I am not going to stifle one with my ideals.
Everyone has morals and I believe everyone should act on what they feel is right. If it involves harm in another human being either verbally, mentally, or physically, I feel that the law should be disregarded. I completely agree with disregarding the law if it is harmful or morally conflicting.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Journal #19: The Ideal United States
I am a bit of a sucker for Obama. I believe he is doing quite well for his situation. Too much was expected of Obama and I believe his minor policies, which I mostly agree with, will better the future, even though he is taking small steps. Many people oppose the idea of Socialism and Obama's relation with it. I believe Socialism is an extremely commendable theory and should be a little more embraced than what it is. If executed properly, Socialism could be an outstanding solution to an ongoing problem. The only opposition to the theory would be its connection with Communism. Communism, an often poorly executed theory, is under the large Socialist umbrella. This political umbrella entails the deterioration of Capitalism and inequality in the economy. Many oppose this idea because social classes and differentiation in wages will be eliminated. I believe Socialism is a great theory that can be the lasting resolution to the problem our economy and government is facing. The theory is quite scary to some because many believe it entails a dictatorship. Socialism, which is intended to drive itself out of business (similar to the elimination of large corporations in this theory), does not entail a dictatorship. The idea of the theory is to reach a Utopian point where government is not needed. This is something that seems unobtainable though. I believe this mentality will disable any plans of converting to Socialism, which somewhat upsets me. We, as humans and Americans, should be treated equal. Differentiation in economy and mannerisms rule our social independence. Although Some feel that I omit a Communist approach to life, I do not believe it is a bad thing. I have strong opinions about our political future. A conservative and secure approach has obviously not worked ,therefore, the United States needs a more radical and better executed approach to the economy and government. When dubbed with the title "Communist" or "Socialist," I simply agree and continue to believe that a more radical response to the outstanding problems in our country will eventually better the United States.
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