A Semester’s Reflections…
A first year student has a lot to learn at Centenary College of Louisiana. And it’s more than just how to juggle the ebb and flow of homework, papers and midterms, but about independence, self-discovery and the process of choosing who you are now and who you will become.
Upon expressed interest in Centenary, the admissions staff makes it pretty clear to prospective students: Centenary is more than just a college; it is an institution that will help you achieve your goals and prepare you for the life you will lead after college in a remarkable way. Although the office of admissions neglects to explain the school motto, “Work Conquers All,” to fresh faced and bright eyed prospectives it is evident enough that Centenary is a place for academics!
My first semester at Centenary has been riddled with challenges, adjustments and uncertainties, yet it has also been liberating, exciting and fun! During the 2007 Fall semester two experiences stand out in particular: the new rigor of Centenary Academics and the trials of a new room mate.
Balancing the quick pace of homework and studying requirements, and sometimes struggling with the higher standards of college work, and the even higher standards of Centenary, was a new challenge for me and many others in the first months of school. Although there are always those classes, and those professors, and those assignments (you know what I’m talking about!) it has become clear to me that hard work is really necessary, the habits of procrastination must be broken, and a sincere desire to apply learned knowledge is key. And although Centenary encourages students to be highly independent and responsible, the professors genuinely care about their students, the subject matter and the pursuit of knowledge.
On the opposite side of the spectrum, student life satisfies a different need in a student’s life. Adjusting to new living situations requires time and effort; it involved much more energy than I ever thought it would. I thought two fairly normal people could co-inhabit a space with harmony and ease. I soon came to the understanding that even the smallest behaviors and attitudes have a substantial impact on other people. I quickly became keenly aware of my actions and reactions and how I affected those around me. Learning to respect personal space, feelings and ideologies has proven during my time at Centenary to be essential to truly gaining insight and understanding into the heart of another person.
This semester is only the beginning of several more years’ worth of vigorous academic work that will ultimately provide me a future, and learning to understand a new room mate has provided me an amazing new friend. Although those are just a few representations of the new – sometimes bewildering – experiences college life brings, many more will soon follow in the next four years at Centenary. Many of the events of college will be taken in stride with my life experiences and will continue to shape my life and my future.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Apparently Centenary Set New Standards?
Apparently Centenary Set New Standards?
The female population of Centenary’s campus has been dealt a nasty blow. In a witty document titled “Centenary Sets New Standards” written by a Centenary swimmer the women on campus were insulted and offended by a series of declarations, graphs and opinion based data.
Men have proven themselves again as brainless creatures. This is a factual statement supported by “Centenary Sets New Standards.” The very document that had malicious intentions of offending Centenary women has in fact indicted men as a species. Here are a few reasons why:
1. The overwhelming majority of students on Centenary’s campus are female. It is senseless to offend the ladies who are the only opportunity for men to interact with members of the opposite sex.
2. It is a gross error to say that the women on Centenary’s campus are less attractive then the men. This is a very true fact: one that most females weigh in comparison to other larger institutions that offer more variety.
3. Men have made a fundamental error when trying to estimate the minds of women: unlike men, women often think of more than just sex. Therefore it is ridiculous to say that women are at an advantage because of the lack of options for men, referred to as “LOO”. While the author clearly thinks that women merely want to “get laid,” the majority of women are more concerned with the increasing trend of regression¹ witnessed in the male species.
4. Women are statistically overpowering the workforce. According to Al Gini, author of My Job, My Self: Work and the Creation of the Modern Individual the workplace is now made up of 49% women (Gini 90). Not only are women prevalent in the workforce but they are becoming increasingly more successful. If men put as much effort into work as they did into “Centenary Sets New Standards,” (although offensive, very well written and thought out) they would be more successful in life and women wouldn’t have to pick up their slack.
5. Finally, most likely the biggest mistake the author of this document made: Administering a piece of work so hideous around campus mere days before a prospective student open house! If any females had seen that document it is probable that they would have made the logical choice NOT to come to Centenary in the Fall Semester. Although a disclaimer at the top reads that the ideas do not reflect those of Centenary it still makes the school and the students look bad. Chasing off prospective women is not the way to get cuter girls to come to campus.
And thus, while “Centenary Sets New Standards,” is not rooted in fact, my thesis is: Men are Idiots.
¹Regression – defined by the American Psychiatric Association Thesaurus of Psychological Index Terms as “a return to earlier, especially to infantile, patterns of thoughts or behavior, or stage of functioning.”
Gini, Al. My Job, My Self: Work and the Creation of the Modern Individual. New York: Routledge, 2001. Excerpt: “Women in the Workplace” 89 – 107.
The female population of Centenary’s campus has been dealt a nasty blow. In a witty document titled “Centenary Sets New Standards” written by a Centenary swimmer the women on campus were insulted and offended by a series of declarations, graphs and opinion based data.
Men have proven themselves again as brainless creatures. This is a factual statement supported by “Centenary Sets New Standards.” The very document that had malicious intentions of offending Centenary women has in fact indicted men as a species. Here are a few reasons why:
1. The overwhelming majority of students on Centenary’s campus are female. It is senseless to offend the ladies who are the only opportunity for men to interact with members of the opposite sex.
2. It is a gross error to say that the women on Centenary’s campus are less attractive then the men. This is a very true fact: one that most females weigh in comparison to other larger institutions that offer more variety.
3. Men have made a fundamental error when trying to estimate the minds of women: unlike men, women often think of more than just sex. Therefore it is ridiculous to say that women are at an advantage because of the lack of options for men, referred to as “LOO”. While the author clearly thinks that women merely want to “get laid,” the majority of women are more concerned with the increasing trend of regression¹ witnessed in the male species.
4. Women are statistically overpowering the workforce. According to Al Gini, author of My Job, My Self: Work and the Creation of the Modern Individual the workplace is now made up of 49% women (Gini 90). Not only are women prevalent in the workforce but they are becoming increasingly more successful. If men put as much effort into work as they did into “Centenary Sets New Standards,” (although offensive, very well written and thought out) they would be more successful in life and women wouldn’t have to pick up their slack.
5. Finally, most likely the biggest mistake the author of this document made: Administering a piece of work so hideous around campus mere days before a prospective student open house! If any females had seen that document it is probable that they would have made the logical choice NOT to come to Centenary in the Fall Semester. Although a disclaimer at the top reads that the ideas do not reflect those of Centenary it still makes the school and the students look bad. Chasing off prospective women is not the way to get cuter girls to come to campus.
And thus, while “Centenary Sets New Standards,” is not rooted in fact, my thesis is: Men are Idiots.
¹Regression – defined by the American Psychiatric Association Thesaurus of Psychological Index Terms as “a return to earlier, especially to infantile, patterns of thoughts or behavior, or stage of functioning.”
Gini, Al. My Job, My Self: Work and the Creation of the Modern Individual. New York: Routledge, 2001. Excerpt: “Women in the Workplace” 89 – 107.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
It's A Small World After All
It’s a Small World After All
This weekend Centenary College hosts Ten Thousand Villages. A shopping event which brings together “over 100 artisans in more than 30 countries,” like Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
The twentieth and twenty-first centuries have witnessed an incredible shrinking of the world. Modern technology enables communication across the world in a matter of seconds. Cell phones, high speed jets, e-mail and the internet have made letter writing and horse and wagons a symbol of ancient history. In fact, most of the youth of America cannot remember a time when the internet did not exist.
Although Americans have so many tools to bring the world at large into their backyard it seems the people of the United States have self-inflicted tunnel vision. Americans live daily with no awareness of what is happening in other cultures, in other nations, on other continents, and even on our own continent. Today more than ever, people have the ability to identify with one another despite our diversity, and yet we choose to associate only with those who are familiar and safe in our lives. What is responsible for the nonchalant attitudes of Americans? Much of the world believes it to be arrogance, greed and selfishness.
The European Union is proof of a new world ideology. Europeans have been working diligently for over a half a century to bring the new EU together, unified by common goals and driven for peace and a chance to claim themselves as a rising world power. Much of the desire to become a superpower is the chance to usurp America at the top. The majority of Europeans and European governments today perceive America as a threat: a threat toward the peace of the world and a self-destructive bully willing to take anyone on in a fight. Although America is one of the wealthiest countries of the world the people of the United States are ignorant and nationalistic.
As Centenary students pass through Ten Thousand Villages, an ingrained culture may keep some American purses closed tightly. Although the world in 2007 is smaller than it ever has been before the distance across the Atlantic and the many waves in the Pacific oceans are farther and wider than ever before.
This weekend Centenary College hosts Ten Thousand Villages. A shopping event which brings together “over 100 artisans in more than 30 countries,” like Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
The twentieth and twenty-first centuries have witnessed an incredible shrinking of the world. Modern technology enables communication across the world in a matter of seconds. Cell phones, high speed jets, e-mail and the internet have made letter writing and horse and wagons a symbol of ancient history. In fact, most of the youth of America cannot remember a time when the internet did not exist.
Although Americans have so many tools to bring the world at large into their backyard it seems the people of the United States have self-inflicted tunnel vision. Americans live daily with no awareness of what is happening in other cultures, in other nations, on other continents, and even on our own continent. Today more than ever, people have the ability to identify with one another despite our diversity, and yet we choose to associate only with those who are familiar and safe in our lives. What is responsible for the nonchalant attitudes of Americans? Much of the world believes it to be arrogance, greed and selfishness.
The European Union is proof of a new world ideology. Europeans have been working diligently for over a half a century to bring the new EU together, unified by common goals and driven for peace and a chance to claim themselves as a rising world power. Much of the desire to become a superpower is the chance to usurp America at the top. The majority of Europeans and European governments today perceive America as a threat: a threat toward the peace of the world and a self-destructive bully willing to take anyone on in a fight. Although America is one of the wealthiest countries of the world the people of the United States are ignorant and nationalistic.
As Centenary students pass through Ten Thousand Villages, an ingrained culture may keep some American purses closed tightly. Although the world in 2007 is smaller than it ever has been before the distance across the Atlantic and the many waves in the Pacific oceans are farther and wider than ever before.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Rhapsody in View: The Centenary College Choir
Rhapsody in View: the Centenary College Choir
The 59th annual Rhapsody in View concert was presented by Centenary College of Louisiana’s renowned choir at the Shreveport Lions Club at the Riverview Theatre.
Rhapsody was an unexpected mixture of soulful ballads of homeland, God, love and folklore. Pieces like “How Do I Love Thee,” “Shenandoah,” “Things that Never Die,” and “Amazing Grace” were at once tender and compelling. Centenary’s choir director David A. Hobson introduced each song with a brief history of the time and the composer’s name. The choir was accompanied by talented pianists and at times other instrumentation; however, their confident voices carried the performance to perfection. Although extensive practice was evident, each song was fresh and dynamic, engaging the audience and proving that all honors and distinctions bestowed on the choir are well deserved.
The choir and specific soloists performed a medley of Les Miserables; Victor Hugo’s celebrated novel and the enormously popular Broadway musical. Although each song was a mere fragment of the original, the student soloists conveyed every emotion with feeling and solemnity. The Centenary choir elegantly told the story of Les Miserables in a few short moments; yet it was a harmonious expression of the powerful character of the novel and play, and a moving example of the beauty of voices united together.
The concert finished with a reunion of Centenary choir alumni led by former Director Emeritus Dr. Will K. Andress. Men and women emerged from the audience and each took their appropriate place among the current students. Sopranos, altos, tenors, basses: students and alumni joined together in strong unison Tenebrae Factae Sunt. The Centenary College choir’s performance of Rhapsody in View was an excellent representation of the talent and devotion of each choir member and its director, and well deserved the standing ovation it received.
The 59th annual Rhapsody in View concert was presented by Centenary College of Louisiana’s renowned choir at the Shreveport Lions Club at the Riverview Theatre.
Rhapsody was an unexpected mixture of soulful ballads of homeland, God, love and folklore. Pieces like “How Do I Love Thee,” “Shenandoah,” “Things that Never Die,” and “Amazing Grace” were at once tender and compelling. Centenary’s choir director David A. Hobson introduced each song with a brief history of the time and the composer’s name. The choir was accompanied by talented pianists and at times other instrumentation; however, their confident voices carried the performance to perfection. Although extensive practice was evident, each song was fresh and dynamic, engaging the audience and proving that all honors and distinctions bestowed on the choir are well deserved.
The choir and specific soloists performed a medley of Les Miserables; Victor Hugo’s celebrated novel and the enormously popular Broadway musical. Although each song was a mere fragment of the original, the student soloists conveyed every emotion with feeling and solemnity. The Centenary choir elegantly told the story of Les Miserables in a few short moments; yet it was a harmonious expression of the powerful character of the novel and play, and a moving example of the beauty of voices united together.
The concert finished with a reunion of Centenary choir alumni led by former Director Emeritus Dr. Will K. Andress. Men and women emerged from the audience and each took their appropriate place among the current students. Sopranos, altos, tenors, basses: students and alumni joined together in strong unison Tenebrae Factae Sunt. The Centenary College choir’s performance of Rhapsody in View was an excellent representation of the talent and devotion of each choir member and its director, and well deserved the standing ovation it received.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Philosophy Talk: Work and The Ethics of Identity
Philosophy Talk, the radio show based out of San Francisco, California features hosts Ken Taylor and John Perry of Stanford University. Philosophy talk visited Centenary College on Saturday October 27th and taped a live recording about work with guest Al Gini.
The Philosophy talk hosts Ken Taylor and John Perry interacted with students and faculty alike during their time at Centenary College. Both philosophers answered student questions in a conversational convocation on Friday, October 26. They described how philosophy came to be such an important part of their lives and identities, as well as how it has changed and shaped who they are today and provided a little philosophical advice to the freshman class of 2011.
The philosophers discussed the relevance and importance of identity to the process of living. It is natural and, in this culture, necessary that people represent themselves through their work and achievements. However, both Perry and Taylor emphasized the importance of individuality to the very abstract concepts of work and ethical identity.
Ken Taylor finished the convocation with advice to Centenary's freshman class. "Be bold! Fortune favors the bold!" He meant bold in several contexts: courage to pursue happiness in our lives, and pursue it in a way that it reflects in every aspect: socially, economically, and academically. Although Taylor encouraged responsibility and hard work he also emphasized a sense of bold carpe diem!
Philosophy Talk the Ethics of Identity - pre-convocation requirement
The Philosophy Talk hosts Ken Taylor and John Perry initiated a thought-provoking conversation about the topic of personal identity, as well as how identity relates to society in association with Anthony Appiah’s The Ethics of Identity. Appiah is a well established professor of philosophy at Princeton University, who discussed ideas associated with the ethical nature of identity as he defines it, with emphasis placed on the moral and political spectrums of identity.
A major theme was developed in which personal identity and social identity correspond, or quite possibly conflict for that matter, to create an image or identity which is projected to the world. Taylor and Perry began by explaining that personal identity is a representation of oneself and the collection of attributes which shape the way a person lives their life. Appiah makes a point however; to note that individuals often associate themselves with definitions of only what is commonly thought identity consists of: ethnicity, religious views, profession, gender, age and geography. Appiah strives to clarify that these are only shallow characterizations of the composition of an individual, but rather a person should describe themselves by their passions and moral values.
Appiah defines the ethics of identity as a highly personal question of what it means to lead a good life and the sense of principles and values which guides decisions. He asserts that individuality and identity are to be distinguished by how an individual responds and reshapes their life beyond culture and circumstance to correspond with personality and morality. Appiah’s beliefs maintain that the ethical nature of identity is thus a prototype for the projects and goals for an individual’s life, more than just a politically correct attitude, but a lifestyle. Appiah explains, according to his theories, that identity is flexible to personal circumstances and thus is self determining.
Philosophy Talk: The Ethics of Identity is an interesting examination of how individuals perceive themselves and others, as well as how these perceptions define social interactions. Anthony Appiah’s open minded view that identity lies in the abstract rather than the tangible helps articulate the struggle many encounter in terms of self discovery and the role identity should play in our daily lives.
The Philosophy talk hosts Ken Taylor and John Perry interacted with students and faculty alike during their time at Centenary College. Both philosophers answered student questions in a conversational convocation on Friday, October 26. They described how philosophy came to be such an important part of their lives and identities, as well as how it has changed and shaped who they are today and provided a little philosophical advice to the freshman class of 2011.
The philosophers discussed the relevance and importance of identity to the process of living. It is natural and, in this culture, necessary that people represent themselves through their work and achievements. However, both Perry and Taylor emphasized the importance of individuality to the very abstract concepts of work and ethical identity.
Ken Taylor finished the convocation with advice to Centenary's freshman class. "Be bold! Fortune favors the bold!" He meant bold in several contexts: courage to pursue happiness in our lives, and pursue it in a way that it reflects in every aspect: socially, economically, and academically. Although Taylor encouraged responsibility and hard work he also emphasized a sense of bold carpe diem!
Philosophy Talk the Ethics of Identity - pre-convocation requirement
The Philosophy Talk hosts Ken Taylor and John Perry initiated a thought-provoking conversation about the topic of personal identity, as well as how identity relates to society in association with Anthony Appiah’s The Ethics of Identity. Appiah is a well established professor of philosophy at Princeton University, who discussed ideas associated with the ethical nature of identity as he defines it, with emphasis placed on the moral and political spectrums of identity.
A major theme was developed in which personal identity and social identity correspond, or quite possibly conflict for that matter, to create an image or identity which is projected to the world. Taylor and Perry began by explaining that personal identity is a representation of oneself and the collection of attributes which shape the way a person lives their life. Appiah makes a point however; to note that individuals often associate themselves with definitions of only what is commonly thought identity consists of: ethnicity, religious views, profession, gender, age and geography. Appiah strives to clarify that these are only shallow characterizations of the composition of an individual, but rather a person should describe themselves by their passions and moral values.
Appiah defines the ethics of identity as a highly personal question of what it means to lead a good life and the sense of principles and values which guides decisions. He asserts that individuality and identity are to be distinguished by how an individual responds and reshapes their life beyond culture and circumstance to correspond with personality and morality. Appiah’s beliefs maintain that the ethical nature of identity is thus a prototype for the projects and goals for an individual’s life, more than just a politically correct attitude, but a lifestyle. Appiah explains, according to his theories, that identity is flexible to personal circumstances and thus is self determining.
Philosophy Talk: The Ethics of Identity is an interesting examination of how individuals perceive themselves and others, as well as how these perceptions define social interactions. Anthony Appiah’s open minded view that identity lies in the abstract rather than the tangible helps articulate the struggle many encounter in terms of self discovery and the role identity should play in our daily lives.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Once Upon A Time College Students Made a Difference…
Once Upon A Time College Students Made a Difference…
Once upon a time college students at campuses across the nation stood up for their rights and the rights of others.
Civil disobedience is the path to true democracy. In a country where a referendum does not exist and the ‘wasted vote’ mentality has caused voter turnout to decline steadily, the voice of the people has been forced to find a new arena. While respect for the law is important, upholding the justice of humanity is more so. It is the obligation of every free individual to stand up for the rights of those who are not free. We are compelled to protect the dignity of mankind and in this enlightened age be remembered not as tyrants but as advocates of freedom.
College students in particular are those whose voices are the most important. The conscience and passion of youth reverberates a passion that can redefine the world. The careers which we strive for are what will one day be the core of our society. Our books and papers and degrees are meaningless unless we have a society free of oppression to live in. Through modern technology college students and young adults are intrinsically connected to one another. A unified front of liberal and open minded individuals’ possesses great potential to make a profound statement to the world through unity and strength of conviction.
What once was must be again. Radicalism is the new moderate, as the moderate are content to observe without action. In no way is violence or anarchy recommended, but rather peaceful and nonviolent protest, encouraging communication and cooperation.
“Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country,” however, our country is the country of humanity (Eugene J. McCarthy). We should not allow the imagined lines of country borders to generate hatred but work to dissolve segregation, tyranny and special interest. The awareness and actions of college students are the foundation for which the future will be apathetic or empathetic.
“We know through painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed”
–Martin Luther King Jr.
“Lend your voices only to sounds of freedom.”
–Jewel
written in response to the small student protest on Centenary's campus concerning diversity
Once upon a time college students at campuses across the nation stood up for their rights and the rights of others.
Civil disobedience is the path to true democracy. In a country where a referendum does not exist and the ‘wasted vote’ mentality has caused voter turnout to decline steadily, the voice of the people has been forced to find a new arena. While respect for the law is important, upholding the justice of humanity is more so. It is the obligation of every free individual to stand up for the rights of those who are not free. We are compelled to protect the dignity of mankind and in this enlightened age be remembered not as tyrants but as advocates of freedom.
College students in particular are those whose voices are the most important. The conscience and passion of youth reverberates a passion that can redefine the world. The careers which we strive for are what will one day be the core of our society. Our books and papers and degrees are meaningless unless we have a society free of oppression to live in. Through modern technology college students and young adults are intrinsically connected to one another. A unified front of liberal and open minded individuals’ possesses great potential to make a profound statement to the world through unity and strength of conviction.
What once was must be again. Radicalism is the new moderate, as the moderate are content to observe without action. In no way is violence or anarchy recommended, but rather peaceful and nonviolent protest, encouraging communication and cooperation.
“Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country,” however, our country is the country of humanity (Eugene J. McCarthy). We should not allow the imagined lines of country borders to generate hatred but work to dissolve segregation, tyranny and special interest. The awareness and actions of college students are the foundation for which the future will be apathetic or empathetic.
“We know through painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed”
–Martin Luther King Jr.
“Lend your voices only to sounds of freedom.”
–Jewel
written in response to the small student protest on Centenary's campus concerning diversity
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Unitarian Universalism: A New Approach to an Old Problem
For someone looking to explore different religions the All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church is a moderate way to start. All Souls is a church founded on principles of love and tolerance, a sanctuary free of dogmatism and denomination, a spiritual union of all souls. It seems humanity has stumbled across a solution to the age old problem of warring religions. Unitarian Universalism incorporates liberal Christian and Jewish religions, Pagans and Wiccan, as well as catering to the Eastern religions of Buddhism and Hinduism. While there were no references during the service to any religion in particular, the style and atmosphere –with the exception of standard symbols of Christianity – was reminiscent of Christendom. The service was led by Reverend Lyn Oglesby and the ‘message’ was given by a comparative religions professor from Louisiana Tech, Dr. Richard Hutchinson – a Buddhist. All Souls acts like a bridge for the transition of Christians to alternative religion. Tremendous diversity is not to be witnessed at All Souls; the congregation consisted for the most part of Caucasians with small children and the elderly, most of who upon first meeting would be presumed as Christians.
The Unitarian Universalist Church promotes themselves as a diverse community, open to all who wish to respectfully worship together. The top of their worship bulletin is marked by Thomas Edison, “Nonviolence leads to the highest ethics, which is the goal of all evolution. Until we stop harming all other living beings, we are still savages” a quote that defines and describes a peaceful community of acceptance. UU strives to integrate the many truths of religion, culture, heritage and individualism into one defining Truth. A Truth of tolerance, a Truth in their eyes that is a stepping stone toward liberating the world of hatred. Let’s hope it catches on.
www.uua.org
www.allsoulsuushreveport.org
All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church
9449 Ellerbe Road
Shreveport, Louisiana
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Fast Food Nation 2007
An interesting article sent to me by Kim VanHoosier-Carey about chemical flavoring.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-Popcorn-Safety.html
Flavoring issues and chemicals are creating an impact on the food safety of our nation years after the publication of Eric Schlosser's Fast Food Nation (2001).
The politics of food are finally colliding with the demands of the working class, and gaining national attention, as published by the New York Times yesterday (Wednesday, September 26, 2007).
An interesting follow-up to those who have read Eric Schlosser’s Fast Food Nation – an analysis of the fast food industry – which includes a specific section of chemical flavoring in today’s fast food, as well as a compelling argument for workers rights. In the second section of Fast Food Nation entitled “Meat and Potatoes”, Schlosser addresses the incompetence of the federal government’s agencies, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration). He particularly mentions “discrepanc[ies] of more than 1,000 percent,” and negligence to pressure large corporations to uphold the government’s safety standards (Schlosser 180). Schlosser never hesitates to critique “pro-business Republican[s],” in Fast Food Nation, and it appears that the New York Times is unafraid to do so either (Schlosser 158). While workers who inhale diacetyl are suffering from “popcorn lung,” they are also assaulted with external pressure – the terrifying prospects of workers comp, economic security, medical bills, the cost of insurance and a hungry family to feed and care for. It seems the Democratic Party, with Representative Betty Sutton blazing the path, is seeking to make up for the laissez-faire attitude of Republicans and the Bush administration toward enforcing strict OSHA standards. “‘Workers should never have to choose between their health and feeding their families,’” a compelling argument to enforce safety standards immediately (as quoted in the New York Times).
Democratic Representative Robert Andrews of New Jersey claims, “‘OSHA has not acted, so today we will’” (as quoted in the New York Times). Regardless of Democratic incentives to promote party politics and gain the support of the working man, with the impending 2008 election, it is a breath of fresh air to take labor issues directly to the heart of American government.
Watch for bill number H.R. 2693.
For more information visit: http://thomas.loc.gov
“Restrictions on Diacetyl Exposure Sought.” New York Times. Online. Opera. 26 September 2007.
Schlosser, Eric. Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All American Meal. New York: Harper Collins Publishers, 2001.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-Popcorn-Safety.html
Flavoring issues and chemicals are creating an impact on the food safety of our nation years after the publication of Eric Schlosser's Fast Food Nation (2001).
The politics of food are finally colliding with the demands of the working class, and gaining national attention, as published by the New York Times yesterday (Wednesday, September 26, 2007).
An interesting follow-up to those who have read Eric Schlosser’s Fast Food Nation – an analysis of the fast food industry – which includes a specific section of chemical flavoring in today’s fast food, as well as a compelling argument for workers rights. In the second section of Fast Food Nation entitled “Meat and Potatoes”, Schlosser addresses the incompetence of the federal government’s agencies, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration). He particularly mentions “discrepanc[ies] of more than 1,000 percent,” and negligence to pressure large corporations to uphold the government’s safety standards (Schlosser 180). Schlosser never hesitates to critique “pro-business Republican[s],” in Fast Food Nation, and it appears that the New York Times is unafraid to do so either (Schlosser 158). While workers who inhale diacetyl are suffering from “popcorn lung,” they are also assaulted with external pressure – the terrifying prospects of workers comp, economic security, medical bills, the cost of insurance and a hungry family to feed and care for. It seems the Democratic Party, with Representative Betty Sutton blazing the path, is seeking to make up for the laissez-faire attitude of Republicans and the Bush administration toward enforcing strict OSHA standards. “‘Workers should never have to choose between their health and feeding their families,’” a compelling argument to enforce safety standards immediately (as quoted in the New York Times).
Democratic Representative Robert Andrews of New Jersey claims, “‘OSHA has not acted, so today we will’” (as quoted in the New York Times). Regardless of Democratic incentives to promote party politics and gain the support of the working man, with the impending 2008 election, it is a breath of fresh air to take labor issues directly to the heart of American government.
Watch for bill number H.R. 2693.
For more information visit: http://thomas.loc.gov
“Restrictions on Diacetyl Exposure Sought.” New York Times. Online. Opera. 26 September 2007.
Schlosser, Eric. Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All American Meal. New York: Harper Collins Publishers, 2001.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Susan G. Komen "Race for the Cure" - I felt the IMPACT
"I Am the Cure": The tag line of the Race for the Cure 2007 campaign.
The Mall St. Vincent was alive with men and women adorned in the pink and white insignia of Susan G. Komen. Booths were scattered throughout the grass and ribboned volunteers passed out information pamphlets. Looking around I wondered about the world around me. I felt that I was witnessing a profound movement leading to a greater social destiny. Where eight-hundred women began in Dallas, thousands of people continue in Shreveport. As I walked the 5K race I felt the impact of the women who have walked before me, united for a cause that “knows no boundaries, be it age, gender, socioeconomic status or geographic location” (Susan G. Komen for the Cure).
I signed a memory card in honor of a close friend of the family and pinned it with feeling to the board. I pressed one hand to her name and another to my heart in silent remembrance. I blinked a tear away as I allowed the familiar feelings of loss to wash over me for a moment. I was overwhelmed at the force of breast cancer and its affect on the community as well as individuals as I gazed at the many names. Sisters, mothers, daughters, grandmothers and friends were written across the board, each a personal testament of suffering…and defeat.
The experience in its entirety was empowering. I felt uplifted and passionate, excited with what the race had taught me. I feel that I was passed this gift of knowledge to serve as an ambassador of the cause. This final revelation occurred to me not when crossing the finish line, but when coming to the realization that every individual participating, volunteering or simply supporting has become a link in the chain toward breast cancer awareness.
Learn More:
www.iamthecure.org
www.komen.org
The Mall St. Vincent was alive with men and women adorned in the pink and white insignia of Susan G. Komen. Booths were scattered throughout the grass and ribboned volunteers passed out information pamphlets. Looking around I wondered about the world around me. I felt that I was witnessing a profound movement leading to a greater social destiny. Where eight-hundred women began in Dallas, thousands of people continue in Shreveport. As I walked the 5K race I felt the impact of the women who have walked before me, united for a cause that “knows no boundaries, be it age, gender, socioeconomic status or geographic location” (Susan G. Komen for the Cure).
I signed a memory card in honor of a close friend of the family and pinned it with feeling to the board. I pressed one hand to her name and another to my heart in silent remembrance. I blinked a tear away as I allowed the familiar feelings of loss to wash over me for a moment. I was overwhelmed at the force of breast cancer and its affect on the community as well as individuals as I gazed at the many names. Sisters, mothers, daughters, grandmothers and friends were written across the board, each a personal testament of suffering…and defeat.
The experience in its entirety was empowering. I felt uplifted and passionate, excited with what the race had taught me. I feel that I was passed this gift of knowledge to serve as an ambassador of the cause. This final revelation occurred to me not when crossing the finish line, but when coming to the realization that every individual participating, volunteering or simply supporting has become a link in the chain toward breast cancer awareness.
Learn More:
www.iamthecure.org
www.komen.org
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
A review of "The Host" by Joon-ho Bong from an American Perspective
In a satirical spoof about the institutions of government set in South Korea the audience follows the story of the Park family during a major biological crisis. A spoof to the core, complete with English translation a few seconds before the actors’ lips move, Joon-ho Bong focuses the attention of the audience on the idea that the government is against the people. While the film factually refers to the South Korean government, there are major implications about American government and lifestyle. Bong touches on many issues which may cause a few Americans to question their traditional interpretation of the system of government and general social institutions like health care and the police force.
While Bong’s primary focus are the agencies and role of government, he introduces many related topics. Although minor issues often appear through one –liners or in a single scene, the impression is lasting and contributes greatly to the overall theme of the work. Bong smartly incorporates the power of media in culture, “if the news says so, it must be true,” as well as other influences like the presence of the mafia, the incompetence of the police force and maybe an implication that the police acts as a pawn for government. Bong also alludes to the cell phone industry, comically mocking the unreliability of the technology. Overall, Joon-ho Bong parallels his monster movie to the reaction of the public to crisis situations, like the hype of Y2K.
While Bong effectively depicts the anti-government message, the film style is stale and overused. The use of humor and satire to poke fun at authority is far too reminiscent of American parodies like the popular movie "American Dreamz". Although Bong introduces a few insightful messages about the role of government during crisis situations and the reaction of the population, two hours is two hours too long. While many minor scenes may cause a chuckle, overall “The Host” was a crisis in and of itself.
While Bong’s primary focus are the agencies and role of government, he introduces many related topics. Although minor issues often appear through one –liners or in a single scene, the impression is lasting and contributes greatly to the overall theme of the work. Bong smartly incorporates the power of media in culture, “if the news says so, it must be true,” as well as other influences like the presence of the mafia, the incompetence of the police force and maybe an implication that the police acts as a pawn for government. Bong also alludes to the cell phone industry, comically mocking the unreliability of the technology. Overall, Joon-ho Bong parallels his monster movie to the reaction of the public to crisis situations, like the hype of Y2K.
While Bong effectively depicts the anti-government message, the film style is stale and overused. The use of humor and satire to poke fun at authority is far too reminiscent of American parodies like the popular movie "American Dreamz". Although Bong introduces a few insightful messages about the role of government during crisis situations and the reaction of the population, two hours is two hours too long. While many minor scenes may cause a chuckle, overall “The Host” was a crisis in and of itself.
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