When I first began bidding on e-bay I expected a barrage of competing bidders. I sat there waiting for about two hours anticipating other bids, but none came. I ended up winning a new pair of Emerica skate shoes for only $25.00, and soon after I won a cool retro videogame from the good old Playstation 1 days called, Wild 9, for only $3.00 with tax. The entire process was so easy, using a credit card in general makes it seem as if you aren’t spending money, and by using e-bay, it makes it easier to spend large amounts of money. Everything is less expensive than it is in stores so buyers feel more comfortable spending money and can easily end up buying more than they had planned. After buying the shoes I browsed around a bit more and found many things that I had not wanted before-hand, and had to restrain myself from buying any more.
I felt limitless, the site had everything that I could ever want at lower prices. It perfectly represents the system of capitalism and demonstrates the microcosmic variables that make up our capitalist society. Individuals auction off their stuff to others through the website like small businesses, but the whole thing is owned by somebody with the money and the power. People operate within the system to make money because anything outside of that system is unreliable. Who do the people trust more, some guy selling his old shoes or good old reliable Nike, a company that assures convenience and perfection. E-bay is even more convenient than shopping at actual stores, for one, you don’t even need to leave your home to buy stuff, you can just open up your laptop and listen to music while you fritter your hard earned money away on more stuff that seems cool at the time.
When I used e-bay I didn’t go in wanting anything, but once I looked at the site and saw all of the crap that I could buy more and more things captured my interest. Like in any market certain items are more scarce than others, so the sellers try to sell non-commodities. This scarcity can also increase the amount of time people spend on E-bay so they feel the need to be hardwired to their computers in search of more stuff.
The ability to buy and sell also gives people a feeling of control, a feeling that they aren’t entirely helpless against the almighty power of the rich business owners. Like the power granted us by the constitution, we have a collective potential only attainable through mass cooperation. E-bay and Pay-pal are both owned by the same group of individuals who just sit back and reap the riches while buyers and sellers work within the system. E-bay perpetuates our lack of power, the individual has no control over the system, but the rich owners of e-bay get progressively wealthier while the general population simultaneously becomes poorer. By operating within the parameters of capitalism we spin further out of control.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Part 6: The res of the constitution
Part C: Part 5:
The 11th Amendment says that state is separate from the federal government so individual states cannot be sued by another state or foreign countries. The federal government only has the constitution to regulate each states general rights. Many of our unwritten rights can be turned into state law because they lie outside the constitution. So state government is far more powerful when it comes down to the individual, whereas the federal government has more overall control of the country’s direction.
The passing of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments are referred to as major turning points in US history. Both slavery and involuntary servitude were outlawed by the 13th Amendment, and the 14th Amendment granted citizens the rights of citizenship, the right to be counted equally in the census, and validated public debt. The 15th Amendment granted people of any race or color the right to vote. The 19th Amendment finalized all peoples right to vote by allowing women the right to vote. Although the 13th Amendment abolished slavery, it pretty much left them to work more menial jobs with very little pay, and continued the reign of the white man. While this was a big step it hardly corrected the wrongdoing and blacks were still in a tremendous deficit having no capitol to start anew. Other than that however, these three Amendments helped to change America into the more equal and fair country that it supposedly is today.
During a time when white, male supremacy was still openly celebrated, why did these obviously opposing pieces of legislation pass? When the Union defeated the Confederate states slavery came crashing down and with it much of the confederacy’s old way of life. While mentalities cannot be changed by force, legislation can, so the Union army followed through with their cause and outlawed slavery. The 15th Amendment, which was passed in 1870, provided blacks the right to vote. This occurred five years after African Americans were granted freedom, so it must have taken a little while for people to warm up to the idea of blacks voting. Legislation such as the 13th and 15th Amendments were passes when they were because of the outcome of the civil war an the majorities belief that blacks should not be enslaved and deprived of the right to vote even though they were technically US citizens.
The government does similar things to make it seem as if they are trying to create equality. For example, the fourteenth Amendment states that all persons born or naturalized in the US are citizens of the state in which they reside. No state may pass legislation limiting the privileges or immunities of citizens. This puts us all on the same level with the same rights. The fact that there is no religious test required to get into any political office also makes it seem as if we have tried to create equality. But these two things do not “guarantee a vision of a diverse and equitable society with no government discrimination.” Sure we all have the same rights but not the same liberties and opportunities. The government often discriminates against people of certain racial backgrounds and social standings so they are not given an equal chance to exercise these rights. The elections of 2000 and 2004 are perfect examples of this. The poor and poorly educated are less likely to be as well informed about elections. We end up with far more class discrimination because of rich politicians who have never suffered from economic difficulties. This is ultimately race discrimination because the sad fact of the matter is that African Americans and Hispanics tend to have less money and worse educations than whites. So even while discrimination is outlawed in government it sneaks through the cracks and is let out into America.
Part 6: The Rest of the Constitution
Paraphrase:
11th Amendment: State is separate from the federal government so individual states cannot be sued by another state or foreign countries.
12th Amendment: Election of the President/ Vice President: Electors meet in respective states and vote for a president and vice president, one of whom shall not be an inhabitant of their state. That is then sent to the House of Reps. Where it is then voted upon, and whichever candidate receives the most votes shall become president.
13th Amendment: Slavery and Involuntary Servitude: Slavery is illegal, Americans may not be held against their will unless convicted of a crime.
14th Amendment: Rights of Citizenship: All persons born or naturalized in the US are citizens of the state in which they reside. No state may pass legislation limiting the privileges or immunities of citizens.
Reps shall be apportioned throughout several states.
Public debt is valid and will be paid.
Congress may do whatever necessary to ensure that Americans follow through with this Amendment.
15th and 19th Amendments: Right to Vote-Race, Color, sex, Servitude: The right to vote shall not be denied any US citizen. Congress may enforce this article by appropriate legislation. (This Amendment protects the right to vote for all US citizens regardless of their race, ethnicity, religion, sex, or previous condition of servitude.)
16th Amendment: Income Tax: Congress has the right to collect income tax. (This Amendment helps to fund the country and any actions it takes)
17th Amendment: Popular Election of Senators: Senate is composed of two senators from each state elected by the people, each of whom will serve for six years. If the a member of senate dies the governor shall elect another person to senate until an election can be held.
20th Amendment: Commencement of Terms; Sessions of Congress; Death or Disqualification of President-Elect: The terms of the President and Vice president end on the January 20th, and the term any member of senate shall end on January 3rd. The terms of their successors shall begin upon their dismissal.
21st Amendment: Repeal of Prohibition: Repealed the 18th Amendment. States may control the regulation of alcohol.
22nd Amendment: No person may be elected president more than twice.
23rd Amendment: Presidential Electors for the District of Columbia:
24th Amendments: Right to Vote in Federal Elections- Tax Payment: Any citizen can vote in any primary or other election.
25th Amendment: Presidential Succession, Vice Presidential Vacancy, Presidential Inability:
26th Amendments: Right to Vote-Age: You must be 18 years old to vote.
27th Amendment: Congressional Pay: Congress can vote to increase their pay.
D: Part 7: Thinking Further:
1.) Given the distinction between a constitutional Amendment and a law- if you had the influence how would you amend the constitution?
I would amend the constitution in circumstance under which it is ok to bear arms. The constitution provides us the right to have guns so that we may be prepared to form a well organized militia, not just to have and use guns whenever we see fit. We should still be able to have guns, because we still need to be able to maintain a degree of power, but not have the liberty to go to shooting ranges or hunt. We don’t need to hunt anymore, we have supermarkets to supply us with meat, and the likelihood of some grand scale rebellion is, from what I can tell, quite slim.
2.) , 3.) And 4.)
I do believe that the initial intent of the constitution was far different than the ways that it has been used. I believe that it is supposed to create a system where everyone has control and can incorporate their own opinion into the politics. I believe that now people and ideals have become very split, and individuals work less towards the greater good and more for selfish individual causes that at many times make a mockery out of the constitution. The government tends to betray their own democratic ideals which nullifies much credibility in their actions
The first Amendment provides us with the right to freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition. It provides us with a system of checks and balances, we have the right to exercise our own opinion in a non-violent manner so that if the government does overstep their boundaries at any point we have the right to respond. This is one of the beauties of our government.
Another part of what makes this system so great is the twelfth Amendment which only lets a president serve for only two, four year terms. It makes it so that once person does not maintain power over the country like a dictatorship. Without this Amendment we would most likely be forced to live under a power not our own, and the people would have no power to change the person in power. Also, thanks to the tenth Amendment the states can pass whatever legislation they want as long as doesn’t contradict the constitution.
The fourteenth Amendment also gives anyone born or naturalized in the US the rights of a US citizen. This does not place anyone above another and creates uniformity. This also means that no one of any different race, ethnicity, religion, or sexual identification can be deprived of the rights granted any US citizen.
However there are many contradictions in the US constitution that deal with semantics and cut legislative corners to give the government greater control than our founding fathers may have intended. As I stated earlier the first Amendment gives any US citizen the right to freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition. Our government however has, on multiple occasions stripped US citizens of this right. Rage Against the Machine, a popular American band, held a show in front of the democratic national convention in 2000. The state allowed them to hold a protest concert across the street from the DNC. Their show was not violent, just enraged as the band’s name states. Although no actual violence had occurred, the police, clad in riot gear with tear gas, guns with rubber bullets, and horses retaliated. People were shot with rubber bullets, trampled by horses, and beaten by police officers. Later on the policeman in charge of the attack said that they were “gravely concerned because of security reasons.” This infringed upon our rights as US citizens to speak and be peacefully enraged with something that angered them.
In the 2000 and 2004 elections George W. Bush won. In the first election, Bush’s brother changed the voter requirements saying that voters needed special ID’s and pass codes to validate them as US citizens so that they could quell the large majority of blacks and Hispanics in more impoverished areas were either uninformed or unable to meet the ridiculous deadlines. The same happened in 2004. Both times American people were deprived of their right to peacefully express their opinions. If the government can so easily get away with atrocities such as these then what liberties do we really have.
Ultimately the government usually ends up displaying a by the book image while simultaneously they find any loophole they can to try and get their political rhetoric passed. We however have little power as a result and the constitution is not obeyed.
The 11th Amendment says that state is separate from the federal government so individual states cannot be sued by another state or foreign countries. The federal government only has the constitution to regulate each states general rights. Many of our unwritten rights can be turned into state law because they lie outside the constitution. So state government is far more powerful when it comes down to the individual, whereas the federal government has more overall control of the country’s direction.
The passing of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments are referred to as major turning points in US history. Both slavery and involuntary servitude were outlawed by the 13th Amendment, and the 14th Amendment granted citizens the rights of citizenship, the right to be counted equally in the census, and validated public debt. The 15th Amendment granted people of any race or color the right to vote. The 19th Amendment finalized all peoples right to vote by allowing women the right to vote. Although the 13th Amendment abolished slavery, it pretty much left them to work more menial jobs with very little pay, and continued the reign of the white man. While this was a big step it hardly corrected the wrongdoing and blacks were still in a tremendous deficit having no capitol to start anew. Other than that however, these three Amendments helped to change America into the more equal and fair country that it supposedly is today.
During a time when white, male supremacy was still openly celebrated, why did these obviously opposing pieces of legislation pass? When the Union defeated the Confederate states slavery came crashing down and with it much of the confederacy’s old way of life. While mentalities cannot be changed by force, legislation can, so the Union army followed through with their cause and outlawed slavery. The 15th Amendment, which was passed in 1870, provided blacks the right to vote. This occurred five years after African Americans were granted freedom, so it must have taken a little while for people to warm up to the idea of blacks voting. Legislation such as the 13th and 15th Amendments were passes when they were because of the outcome of the civil war an the majorities belief that blacks should not be enslaved and deprived of the right to vote even though they were technically US citizens.
The government does similar things to make it seem as if they are trying to create equality. For example, the fourteenth Amendment states that all persons born or naturalized in the US are citizens of the state in which they reside. No state may pass legislation limiting the privileges or immunities of citizens. This puts us all on the same level with the same rights. The fact that there is no religious test required to get into any political office also makes it seem as if we have tried to create equality. But these two things do not “guarantee a vision of a diverse and equitable society with no government discrimination.” Sure we all have the same rights but not the same liberties and opportunities. The government often discriminates against people of certain racial backgrounds and social standings so they are not given an equal chance to exercise these rights. The elections of 2000 and 2004 are perfect examples of this. The poor and poorly educated are less likely to be as well informed about elections. We end up with far more class discrimination because of rich politicians who have never suffered from economic difficulties. This is ultimately race discrimination because the sad fact of the matter is that African Americans and Hispanics tend to have less money and worse educations than whites. So even while discrimination is outlawed in government it sneaks through the cracks and is let out into America.
Part 6: The Rest of the Constitution
Paraphrase:
11th Amendment: State is separate from the federal government so individual states cannot be sued by another state or foreign countries.
12th Amendment: Election of the President/ Vice President: Electors meet in respective states and vote for a president and vice president, one of whom shall not be an inhabitant of their state. That is then sent to the House of Reps. Where it is then voted upon, and whichever candidate receives the most votes shall become president.
13th Amendment: Slavery and Involuntary Servitude: Slavery is illegal, Americans may not be held against their will unless convicted of a crime.
14th Amendment: Rights of Citizenship: All persons born or naturalized in the US are citizens of the state in which they reside. No state may pass legislation limiting the privileges or immunities of citizens.
Reps shall be apportioned throughout several states.
Public debt is valid and will be paid.
Congress may do whatever necessary to ensure that Americans follow through with this Amendment.
15th and 19th Amendments: Right to Vote-Race, Color, sex, Servitude: The right to vote shall not be denied any US citizen. Congress may enforce this article by appropriate legislation. (This Amendment protects the right to vote for all US citizens regardless of their race, ethnicity, religion, sex, or previous condition of servitude.)
16th Amendment: Income Tax: Congress has the right to collect income tax. (This Amendment helps to fund the country and any actions it takes)
17th Amendment: Popular Election of Senators: Senate is composed of two senators from each state elected by the people, each of whom will serve for six years. If the a member of senate dies the governor shall elect another person to senate until an election can be held.
20th Amendment: Commencement of Terms; Sessions of Congress; Death or Disqualification of President-Elect: The terms of the President and Vice president end on the January 20th, and the term any member of senate shall end on January 3rd. The terms of their successors shall begin upon their dismissal.
21st Amendment: Repeal of Prohibition: Repealed the 18th Amendment. States may control the regulation of alcohol.
22nd Amendment: No person may be elected president more than twice.
23rd Amendment: Presidential Electors for the District of Columbia:
24th Amendments: Right to Vote in Federal Elections- Tax Payment: Any citizen can vote in any primary or other election.
25th Amendment: Presidential Succession, Vice Presidential Vacancy, Presidential Inability:
26th Amendments: Right to Vote-Age: You must be 18 years old to vote.
27th Amendment: Congressional Pay: Congress can vote to increase their pay.
D: Part 7: Thinking Further:
1.) Given the distinction between a constitutional Amendment and a law- if you had the influence how would you amend the constitution?
I would amend the constitution in circumstance under which it is ok to bear arms. The constitution provides us the right to have guns so that we may be prepared to form a well organized militia, not just to have and use guns whenever we see fit. We should still be able to have guns, because we still need to be able to maintain a degree of power, but not have the liberty to go to shooting ranges or hunt. We don’t need to hunt anymore, we have supermarkets to supply us with meat, and the likelihood of some grand scale rebellion is, from what I can tell, quite slim.
2.) , 3.) And 4.)
I do believe that the initial intent of the constitution was far different than the ways that it has been used. I believe that it is supposed to create a system where everyone has control and can incorporate their own opinion into the politics. I believe that now people and ideals have become very split, and individuals work less towards the greater good and more for selfish individual causes that at many times make a mockery out of the constitution. The government tends to betray their own democratic ideals which nullifies much credibility in their actions
The first Amendment provides us with the right to freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition. It provides us with a system of checks and balances, we have the right to exercise our own opinion in a non-violent manner so that if the government does overstep their boundaries at any point we have the right to respond. This is one of the beauties of our government.
Another part of what makes this system so great is the twelfth Amendment which only lets a president serve for only two, four year terms. It makes it so that once person does not maintain power over the country like a dictatorship. Without this Amendment we would most likely be forced to live under a power not our own, and the people would have no power to change the person in power. Also, thanks to the tenth Amendment the states can pass whatever legislation they want as long as doesn’t contradict the constitution.
The fourteenth Amendment also gives anyone born or naturalized in the US the rights of a US citizen. This does not place anyone above another and creates uniformity. This also means that no one of any different race, ethnicity, religion, or sexual identification can be deprived of the rights granted any US citizen.
However there are many contradictions in the US constitution that deal with semantics and cut legislative corners to give the government greater control than our founding fathers may have intended. As I stated earlier the first Amendment gives any US citizen the right to freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition. Our government however has, on multiple occasions stripped US citizens of this right. Rage Against the Machine, a popular American band, held a show in front of the democratic national convention in 2000. The state allowed them to hold a protest concert across the street from the DNC. Their show was not violent, just enraged as the band’s name states. Although no actual violence had occurred, the police, clad in riot gear with tear gas, guns with rubber bullets, and horses retaliated. People were shot with rubber bullets, trampled by horses, and beaten by police officers. Later on the policeman in charge of the attack said that they were “gravely concerned because of security reasons.” This infringed upon our rights as US citizens to speak and be peacefully enraged with something that angered them.
In the 2000 and 2004 elections George W. Bush won. In the first election, Bush’s brother changed the voter requirements saying that voters needed special ID’s and pass codes to validate them as US citizens so that they could quell the large majority of blacks and Hispanics in more impoverished areas were either uninformed or unable to meet the ridiculous deadlines. The same happened in 2004. Both times American people were deprived of their right to peacefully express their opinions. If the government can so easily get away with atrocities such as these then what liberties do we really have.
Ultimately the government usually ends up displaying a by the book image while simultaneously they find any loophole they can to try and get their political rhetoric passed. We however have little power as a result and the constitution is not obeyed.
Part 4: The Bill of Rights
Part 4: The Bill of Rights
Paraphrase:
First Amendment: Freedom of religion, press, assembly, and petition: congress may not interfere with any of these rights.
Second Amendment: Each state can maintain a militia, and has the right to bear arms.
Third Amendment: Soldiers may not take refuge in any house without the consent of the owner.
Fourth Amendment: A person’s house or property may not be subject to unreasonable searches without a warrant.
Fifth Amendment: People cannot be tried unless they have been formally indicted or accused by a grand jury. They cannot be tried twice for the same crime. They cannot be required to give evidence against themselves. Everyone is entitled to the due process of the law.
Sixth Amendment: The accused has a right to a speedy and public trial by an unbiased jury in the state in which the crime was committed. Witnesses must be obtained through a compulsory process.
Seventh Amendment: Only in Civil cases that do not involve criminal behavior, a jury is allowed only in cases involving more than 20 dollars, unless both parties agree to waive that right.
Eighth Amendment: Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishment inflicted.
Ninth Amendment: If a right is not listed in the constitution it does not mean we do not have that right.
Tenth Amendment: The states can do anything outside of the parameters of the constitution.
There are a few things that I would like to clarify about the constitution:
The Second Amendment states that “ A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.” The Constitution provides people the right to bear arms with only under the premise that they be used, if need be, in a militia with the intention of maintaining the security of the state. We do have the right to have guns so that we could potentially fight for the security a state, but nowhere does it say that we have the right to use them for sport, target practice or hunting. During the time when the constitution was written people did not have the liberty of calling a police officer, someone who helps to protect the laws and rights provided by each state. We no longer need to defend ourselves in such a manner, technically we have people do that for us. If anything this amendment provides us to have guns and use them in an organized militia under no other circumstance.
A person’s right to privacy, provided by the Fourth Amendment is often infringed upon. Ever since the terrorist attack on the world trade center the police have began searched bags in the subway, airports, and in libraries. One could say that those individual places have the right to search because their property is at risk of damage or one person’s bad decision could harm others. However they infringe on our right to privacy by checking peoples bags and just like the people that check the bags we have as much of a right to keep our property safe as they do to check our bags.
The Sixth and Seventh Amendments provide insight into the American peoples fear of a government that can wrongfully arrest innocent people. They show our fear of becoming a dictatorship similar to the previous power that had once controlled the people of the US. A person could, legally, rot in a prison cell or be tortured, but our founding fathers wanted to disallow such atrocities.
The US has, in multiple ways, infringed upon the rights granted us by the Eighth Amendment. The US government, throughout history, has allowed cruel punishment such as the electric chair, lethal injection, and hanging. Seeing as there is no one definition of cruel, for what is cruel to one person could easily vary with what may be considered cruel to another. So any of those supposedly more humane executions are equally cruel as torture.
The Ninth Amendment is interesting in comparison to the rest of the Amendments because it reminds us where our rights ultimately come from. Aside from the rights granted us by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, we have unwritten rights that need not be written. These rights are not written the government, they are written by the people. Breathing and eating are perfect examples of these undocumented rights. Even abortion should technically be allowed because the only possible argument against allowing it is a religious one. Since legally religion cannot play a part in the government we should be allowed the right to abortion in every state. The fact is legislation originates in the minds of the people and rights are more important than tradition.
Paraphrase:
First Amendment: Freedom of religion, press, assembly, and petition: congress may not interfere with any of these rights.
Second Amendment: Each state can maintain a militia, and has the right to bear arms.
Third Amendment: Soldiers may not take refuge in any house without the consent of the owner.
Fourth Amendment: A person’s house or property may not be subject to unreasonable searches without a warrant.
Fifth Amendment: People cannot be tried unless they have been formally indicted or accused by a grand jury. They cannot be tried twice for the same crime. They cannot be required to give evidence against themselves. Everyone is entitled to the due process of the law.
Sixth Amendment: The accused has a right to a speedy and public trial by an unbiased jury in the state in which the crime was committed. Witnesses must be obtained through a compulsory process.
Seventh Amendment: Only in Civil cases that do not involve criminal behavior, a jury is allowed only in cases involving more than 20 dollars, unless both parties agree to waive that right.
Eighth Amendment: Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishment inflicted.
Ninth Amendment: If a right is not listed in the constitution it does not mean we do not have that right.
Tenth Amendment: The states can do anything outside of the parameters of the constitution.
There are a few things that I would like to clarify about the constitution:
The Second Amendment states that “ A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.” The Constitution provides people the right to bear arms with only under the premise that they be used, if need be, in a militia with the intention of maintaining the security of the state. We do have the right to have guns so that we could potentially fight for the security a state, but nowhere does it say that we have the right to use them for sport, target practice or hunting. During the time when the constitution was written people did not have the liberty of calling a police officer, someone who helps to protect the laws and rights provided by each state. We no longer need to defend ourselves in such a manner, technically we have people do that for us. If anything this amendment provides us to have guns and use them in an organized militia under no other circumstance.
A person’s right to privacy, provided by the Fourth Amendment is often infringed upon. Ever since the terrorist attack on the world trade center the police have began searched bags in the subway, airports, and in libraries. One could say that those individual places have the right to search because their property is at risk of damage or one person’s bad decision could harm others. However they infringe on our right to privacy by checking peoples bags and just like the people that check the bags we have as much of a right to keep our property safe as they do to check our bags.
The Sixth and Seventh Amendments provide insight into the American peoples fear of a government that can wrongfully arrest innocent people. They show our fear of becoming a dictatorship similar to the previous power that had once controlled the people of the US. A person could, legally, rot in a prison cell or be tortured, but our founding fathers wanted to disallow such atrocities.
The US has, in multiple ways, infringed upon the rights granted us by the Eighth Amendment. The US government, throughout history, has allowed cruel punishment such as the electric chair, lethal injection, and hanging. Seeing as there is no one definition of cruel, for what is cruel to one person could easily vary with what may be considered cruel to another. So any of those supposedly more humane executions are equally cruel as torture.
The Ninth Amendment is interesting in comparison to the rest of the Amendments because it reminds us where our rights ultimately come from. Aside from the rights granted us by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, we have unwritten rights that need not be written. These rights are not written the government, they are written by the people. Breathing and eating are perfect examples of these undocumented rights. Even abortion should technically be allowed because the only possible argument against allowing it is a religious one. Since legally religion cannot play a part in the government we should be allowed the right to abortion in every state. The fact is legislation originates in the minds of the people and rights are more important than tradition.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Thanksgiving: Anecdote &Analysis, and Wal-mart Stampede
Dylan LaPointe 12/2/2008
Thanksgiving: Anecdote & Analysis and Wal-mart Stampede
I ate Thanksgiving dinner with my friends family, and surprisingly enough (sarcasm) little thanks or conversation were exchanged. The second my friends dad, a husky white man with a bad smokers cough, finished saying grace, everyone started eating. Everywhere around me were traditional holiday dishes; various kinds of squash, brussel sprouts and onions sautéed in oil and garlic, mashed potatoes, and right smack in the middle of the table, a big fat and thanksgiving turkey. My friend later commented on the meal saying that all he saw was “ a lot of left overs.”
For the duration of the meal, there was little exchange of conversation, except for the occasional “foods great syd,” a comment that came from exclusively my parents and I. At one point however, my friend’s dad stopped the meal to show everybody a song dedicated to my friend… on his expensive sound system that, five minutes before, he had been blaring “Master and Commander” on. The moment was touching I admit. For a man who hasn’t, on any occasion, uttered one positive word to his son, it was a big step.
After everybody stuffed themselves with stuffing, my friends mom packed the remainder of the food into Tupperware, and desert cam out. My friend and I left the room, too full to eat anything. My friend decided to play grand theft Auto Vice City on his new laptop while I sat on the other side of the room strumming on his unused acoustic guitar… and once again, no talking occurred.
Thanksgiving is that one special time of year where you can sit around with your family and get fat off of large amounts of flavorless, genetically enhanced turkey. In fact it’s such a valuable holiday, so choc full of thanks that stores skipped it and went straight to the biggest consumer holiday of the year, SPOILYOURKIDSWITHTHINGSTHEYDON’TNEED Day… I mean Christmas. We have become such a consumer society that we practically skip holidays that don’t involve getting stuff. Stores actually skipped the Thanksgiving decorations and put up the Santa decorations, only further promoting obesity to children. (If Santa can weigh a half a ton and still give kids gifts around the world, I want to be obese too.) Thanksgivings purpose has depreciated, any reminiscence of thanks and giving has long since withered away with the turkeys flavor. In school people spoke of what they would pile on their plates, not who they were thankful for. My friend wanted nothing more than to just smoke pot with his friends.
As a child I recall hearing that thanksgiving was the day that the pilgrims sat down with the Indians and settled all differences. Even if the pilgrims sat down and ate with the natives, they ended up raping and pillaging them soon after. One of two questions should be asked: Why do we celebrate genocide in a country where people supposedly are more humane? And, Who is teaching our children this PG version? If the goal of this holiday is to give thanks for the ones one loves, then people should get their mind of their already bloated stomachs and give thanks.
In school I was questioned as to why holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas? Recently a man was killed in a greed stampede to get to the TV’s at Wal-mart. Even when the paramedics came to try and save the man, people kept on shoving past just trying to get to one of Wal-marts many sales. It is this sort of rampant consumerism that truly disgusts me. The Christmas season has been inextricably linked (thanks to the media) to shopping, spending, and buying. “Make sure you get your shopping done before it’s too late,” say the advertisements. Christmas shopping has been made into an obligation, something one “must” get done. People are bent on buying for others, not out of the kindness in their heart but because they need to, and because if they don’t get people stuff, others will be less inclined to give them stuff.
People also tend to do a lot of their Christmas shopping at places such as Wal-mart. They buy there simply because it is cheap. Never mind the commonly known and widely accredited fact that they exploit cheap foreign labor from China. People are willing to support others pain as long as it gives them five minutes of happiness because they got a videogame that they wanted. “Well at least they give us low prices so we can buy more stuff for less."
Thanksgiving: Anecdote & Analysis and Wal-mart Stampede
I ate Thanksgiving dinner with my friends family, and surprisingly enough (sarcasm) little thanks or conversation were exchanged. The second my friends dad, a husky white man with a bad smokers cough, finished saying grace, everyone started eating. Everywhere around me were traditional holiday dishes; various kinds of squash, brussel sprouts and onions sautéed in oil and garlic, mashed potatoes, and right smack in the middle of the table, a big fat and thanksgiving turkey. My friend later commented on the meal saying that all he saw was “ a lot of left overs.”
For the duration of the meal, there was little exchange of conversation, except for the occasional “foods great syd,” a comment that came from exclusively my parents and I. At one point however, my friend’s dad stopped the meal to show everybody a song dedicated to my friend… on his expensive sound system that, five minutes before, he had been blaring “Master and Commander” on. The moment was touching I admit. For a man who hasn’t, on any occasion, uttered one positive word to his son, it was a big step.
After everybody stuffed themselves with stuffing, my friends mom packed the remainder of the food into Tupperware, and desert cam out. My friend and I left the room, too full to eat anything. My friend decided to play grand theft Auto Vice City on his new laptop while I sat on the other side of the room strumming on his unused acoustic guitar… and once again, no talking occurred.
Thanksgiving is that one special time of year where you can sit around with your family and get fat off of large amounts of flavorless, genetically enhanced turkey. In fact it’s such a valuable holiday, so choc full of thanks that stores skipped it and went straight to the biggest consumer holiday of the year, SPOILYOURKIDSWITHTHINGSTHEYDON’TNEED Day… I mean Christmas. We have become such a consumer society that we practically skip holidays that don’t involve getting stuff. Stores actually skipped the Thanksgiving decorations and put up the Santa decorations, only further promoting obesity to children. (If Santa can weigh a half a ton and still give kids gifts around the world, I want to be obese too.) Thanksgivings purpose has depreciated, any reminiscence of thanks and giving has long since withered away with the turkeys flavor. In school people spoke of what they would pile on their plates, not who they were thankful for. My friend wanted nothing more than to just smoke pot with his friends.
As a child I recall hearing that thanksgiving was the day that the pilgrims sat down with the Indians and settled all differences. Even if the pilgrims sat down and ate with the natives, they ended up raping and pillaging them soon after. One of two questions should be asked: Why do we celebrate genocide in a country where people supposedly are more humane? And, Who is teaching our children this PG version? If the goal of this holiday is to give thanks for the ones one loves, then people should get their mind of their already bloated stomachs and give thanks.
In school I was questioned as to why holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas? Recently a man was killed in a greed stampede to get to the TV’s at Wal-mart. Even when the paramedics came to try and save the man, people kept on shoving past just trying to get to one of Wal-marts many sales. It is this sort of rampant consumerism that truly disgusts me. The Christmas season has been inextricably linked (thanks to the media) to shopping, spending, and buying. “Make sure you get your shopping done before it’s too late,” say the advertisements. Christmas shopping has been made into an obligation, something one “must” get done. People are bent on buying for others, not out of the kindness in their heart but because they need to, and because if they don’t get people stuff, others will be less inclined to give them stuff.
People also tend to do a lot of their Christmas shopping at places such as Wal-mart. They buy there simply because it is cheap. Never mind the commonly known and widely accredited fact that they exploit cheap foreign labor from China. People are willing to support others pain as long as it gives them five minutes of happiness because they got a videogame that they wanted. “Well at least they give us low prices so we can buy more stuff for less."
Parts A and B
Dylan LaPointe 12/2/2008
A: Part 1: Preamble:
Paraphrase: We Americans, have created this constitution in order to uphold each individuals promise to uphold the law, maintain social peace, join the armed forces if need be, and keep liberty to ourselves.
Ideas and Skepticism: The government claims that it derives it’s power from the people, and to a degree that is true, but we are only given the right to elect a government official. The government has the rest of the power, so they can direct our country more or less without the consent of the citizens.
Reading further into the constitution, our founding fathers go into great detail to talk of each officials rights and restrictions. There is a great imbalance here, the section that talks about us is disproportionate to that of the government. Pretty much the American people are expected to be little sycophants, maintaining the word of the government despite whether or not they agree with them. It forgets to mention the premise upon which this government was founded.
Part 2: Articles 1-3 of the Constitution:
Why does the age of qualification vary for each official?
B: Part 3: Articles 4-7 of the Constitution:
Article IV: Section 1: Full Faith and Credit:
Paraphrase: Congress makes sure that each state respects the actions of others.
What does that mean for gay marriage?
If each state is to respect the legal actions of others, then unless there is an overall majority shift in favor of abortion, then no new legislation can be passed so gay marriage would remain unlawful. Also with this law states technically cannot change the first laws unless congress gives consent.
Why is: “ No person held to… may be due,” significant?
Paraphrase: If a slave escapes, they will not go back to work, but their owners may decide to put them back to work.
Slaves had absolutely no chance at achieving freedom during this time. Even if they managed to escape, they would most likely to be forced to work for their owners once again.
Article V: No amendment may be passed that affects the first and fourth amendments in the ninth section of the first article. The first amendment of section nine states that slavery could not be prohibited by Congress until 1808. This law pretty much permitted slavery in the U.S. until 1808. The 4th Amendment of the 9th section of Article 1 outlawed all direct taxes on individuals. Both of these Amendments were pretty much cut out of the constitution?
The process by which something is amended:
Two thirds of congress propose an amendment ‡ Congress calls a convention ‡ Must be ratified by three fourths of the states
Article VI:
The constitution is the supreme law of the land. Officials are bound by oath to support the constitution. No religious test is required. The religious test clause serves to supposedly not promote religious homogeneity. Mostly it is just there to appease people other religious faiths so it at least makes it look like our government is trying.
Article VII:
Nine states need to support the constitution for it to be ratified. At the time only thirteen states existed, but one could see how this could grow to be a problem. As the number of states increased support for the constitution may have changed, and if only nine states out of 50 support the constitution then that’s 41 dissatisfied states. Many now say that several of our rights are time bound and may have been suitable in the past but currently do not apply to our way of life. This is one of those things that does not work with modern society.
A: Part 1: Preamble:
Paraphrase: We Americans, have created this constitution in order to uphold each individuals promise to uphold the law, maintain social peace, join the armed forces if need be, and keep liberty to ourselves.
Ideas and Skepticism: The government claims that it derives it’s power from the people, and to a degree that is true, but we are only given the right to elect a government official. The government has the rest of the power, so they can direct our country more or less without the consent of the citizens.
Reading further into the constitution, our founding fathers go into great detail to talk of each officials rights and restrictions. There is a great imbalance here, the section that talks about us is disproportionate to that of the government. Pretty much the American people are expected to be little sycophants, maintaining the word of the government despite whether or not they agree with them. It forgets to mention the premise upon which this government was founded.
Part 2: Articles 1-3 of the Constitution:
Why does the age of qualification vary for each official?
B: Part 3: Articles 4-7 of the Constitution:
Article IV: Section 1: Full Faith and Credit:
Paraphrase: Congress makes sure that each state respects the actions of others.
What does that mean for gay marriage?
If each state is to respect the legal actions of others, then unless there is an overall majority shift in favor of abortion, then no new legislation can be passed so gay marriage would remain unlawful. Also with this law states technically cannot change the first laws unless congress gives consent.
Why is: “ No person held to… may be due,” significant?
Paraphrase: If a slave escapes, they will not go back to work, but their owners may decide to put them back to work.
Slaves had absolutely no chance at achieving freedom during this time. Even if they managed to escape, they would most likely to be forced to work for their owners once again.
Article V: No amendment may be passed that affects the first and fourth amendments in the ninth section of the first article. The first amendment of section nine states that slavery could not be prohibited by Congress until 1808. This law pretty much permitted slavery in the U.S. until 1808. The 4th Amendment of the 9th section of Article 1 outlawed all direct taxes on individuals. Both of these Amendments were pretty much cut out of the constitution?
The process by which something is amended:
Two thirds of congress propose an amendment ‡ Congress calls a convention ‡ Must be ratified by three fourths of the states
Article VI:
The constitution is the supreme law of the land. Officials are bound by oath to support the constitution. No religious test is required. The religious test clause serves to supposedly not promote religious homogeneity. Mostly it is just there to appease people other religious faiths so it at least makes it look like our government is trying.
Article VII:
Nine states need to support the constitution for it to be ratified. At the time only thirteen states existed, but one could see how this could grow to be a problem. As the number of states increased support for the constitution may have changed, and if only nine states out of 50 support the constitution then that’s 41 dissatisfied states. Many now say that several of our rights are time bound and may have been suitable in the past but currently do not apply to our way of life. This is one of those things that does not work with modern society.
Election Reflection
Election Reflection
As one would expect, I am quite pleased with the outcome of this years election. It is truly a historic moment in American history, and I believe that the election of an African American into the presidential office has definitely affected the morale of African Americans and individuals who voted for him alike. However, seeing that people are creatures of habit, I think it will do little to change peoples ways. Obama says that it is up to the American people to create their own change. He cannot simply even the economic playing field and raise the lower class up from the depths of poverty while restricting the incomes of wealthier Americans. People will actually have to work and that’s what I think people don’t get. Just because we have finally elected a liberal African American as president doesn’t automatically grant immense societal change.
I am also a somewhat bothered by peoples myopic fixation on his being black. I hear far more about his race than his actual political rhetoric. This is not to say that I don’t think he will be a fine president, I am just mildly dissatisfied with how so much of America perceives him.
I agree with Andy that Obama was not up against much of a candidate this election. Sure Obama won… with 52% of the popular vote, the other 48% of which went to those who do not support Obama. Obviously he cannot change America in a matter of days, but with 48% of Americans who are not supportive of his leadership how will his plan work. Seeing that we are in the largest economic depression since the great depression, he is bound to make choices that not everyone will agree with. I am certain that people will change their opinion towards him throughout his term, be it against or in favor of him.
As one would expect, I am quite pleased with the outcome of this years election. It is truly a historic moment in American history, and I believe that the election of an African American into the presidential office has definitely affected the morale of African Americans and individuals who voted for him alike. However, seeing that people are creatures of habit, I think it will do little to change peoples ways. Obama says that it is up to the American people to create their own change. He cannot simply even the economic playing field and raise the lower class up from the depths of poverty while restricting the incomes of wealthier Americans. People will actually have to work and that’s what I think people don’t get. Just because we have finally elected a liberal African American as president doesn’t automatically grant immense societal change.
I am also a somewhat bothered by peoples myopic fixation on his being black. I hear far more about his race than his actual political rhetoric. This is not to say that I don’t think he will be a fine president, I am just mildly dissatisfied with how so much of America perceives him.
I agree with Andy that Obama was not up against much of a candidate this election. Sure Obama won… with 52% of the popular vote, the other 48% of which went to those who do not support Obama. Obviously he cannot change America in a matter of days, but with 48% of Americans who are not supportive of his leadership how will his plan work. Seeing that we are in the largest economic depression since the great depression, he is bound to make choices that not everyone will agree with. I am certain that people will change their opinion towards him throughout his term, be it against or in favor of him.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Basics of Capitalism
Dylan LaPointe 11/6/2008
Election Reflection
As one would expect, I am quite pleased with the outcome of this years election. It is truly a historic moment in American history, and I believe that the election of an African American into the presidential office has definitely affected the morale of African Americans and individuals who voted for him alike. However, seeing that people are creatures of habit, I think it will do little to change peoples ways. Obama says that it is up to the American people to create their own change. He cannot simply even the economic playing field and raise the lower class up from the depths of poverty while restricting the incomes of wealthier Americans. People will actually have to work and that’s what I think people don’t get. Just because we have finally elected a liberal African American as president doesn’t automatically grant immense societal change.
I am also a somewhat bothered by peoples myopic fixation on his being black. I hear far more about his race than his actual political rhetoric. This is not to say that I don’t think he will be a fine president, I am just mildly dissatisfied with how so much of America perceives him.
I agree with Andy that Obama was not up against much of a candidate this election. Sure Obama won… with 52% of the popular vote, the other 48% of which went to those who do not support Obama. Obviously he cannot change America in a matter of days, but with 48% of Americans who are not supportive of his leadership how will his plan work. Seeing that we are in the largest economic depression since the great depression, he is bound to make choices that not everyone will agree with. I am certain that people will change their opinion towards him throughout his term, be it against or in favor of him.
Election Reflection
As one would expect, I am quite pleased with the outcome of this years election. It is truly a historic moment in American history, and I believe that the election of an African American into the presidential office has definitely affected the morale of African Americans and individuals who voted for him alike. However, seeing that people are creatures of habit, I think it will do little to change peoples ways. Obama says that it is up to the American people to create their own change. He cannot simply even the economic playing field and raise the lower class up from the depths of poverty while restricting the incomes of wealthier Americans. People will actually have to work and that’s what I think people don’t get. Just because we have finally elected a liberal African American as president doesn’t automatically grant immense societal change.
I am also a somewhat bothered by peoples myopic fixation on his being black. I hear far more about his race than his actual political rhetoric. This is not to say that I don’t think he will be a fine president, I am just mildly dissatisfied with how so much of America perceives him.
I agree with Andy that Obama was not up against much of a candidate this election. Sure Obama won… with 52% of the popular vote, the other 48% of which went to those who do not support Obama. Obviously he cannot change America in a matter of days, but with 48% of Americans who are not supportive of his leadership how will his plan work. Seeing that we are in the largest economic depression since the great depression, he is bound to make choices that not everyone will agree with. I am certain that people will change their opinion towards him throughout his term, be it against or in favor of him.
The Basics of Capitalism
Capitalism
The traditional definition of capitalism is: An economic system based on private property and the profit motive in which goods and services are produced distributed and consumed through markets. Capitalism promotes economic growth and gives people the incentive to work harder. This pursuit of success can bring around technological innovations. Capitalism is largely controlled by market forces, where the government is hypothetically less involved. It can also strengthen foreign relations through company controlled trading through the free market. It also lacks a centralized system of coordination so ideally everyone living in a capitalist society works together and is not controlled by some higher power. Governmental manipulation of capitalism can result in market distortions such as shortages and surplus’, thus it is a system controlled largely by the citizens themselves.
For example, if the government initialized price control in a time of price gouging, the companies would be charged more to reduce the risk of large business owners taking advantage of their customers in a time of distress. It sounds all peachy and good, but in doing this the company will import less of their product which would cause a shortage in that type of product. Lets say the government placed price control on water filtration and bottling companies. The results could be disastrous.
In an odd situation a company could use a product shortage to their advantage. Take for instance, the Nintendo Wii. Nintendo intentionally sent out fewer Wii consoles than they knew people would buy, thus, making the public aware of the shortage. “If the Wii’s are selling that quickly then they must be good.” In doing this they made people want to buy it more. One could say that people always want what they cannot have. This is not necessarily bad, but in a way it is manipulative
However, government intervention of capitalism has it’s own benefits. In a capitalist system where there is no regulation, companies can take advantage of their customers and abuse their power. In the case of the Lehman brothers, some of the individuals owning the company Had the government intervened and disallowed them absolute control of the company, it is more likely that this huge economic crisis would not have happened. By forming companies that more closely resemble the check and balance system that runs the American government, one could deprive people like the Lehman brothers of such power.
The defining aspects of capitalism are the land, labor, and capital. The land is the most important aspect of capitalism, for it provides companies the raw materials to make anything. The labor is obvious, it is all of the work that goes into the creation and distribution of a product. Lastly, Capital iswhat one uses to transfer the raw materials into the product, and the money or tools to make profit. (ex: a factory, money, etc…). The second most basic aspect of understanding capitalism is supply and demand. Supply is the availability of a commodity at all prices, and demand is the amount purchased of a commodity at all prices. The point at which the lines intersect is the equilibrium price, a situation in which prices are stable. If America were to encounter a shortage of some sort, the supply would reduce, and the demand would stay the same, but the product would be much less available. If there were a surplus, there would be an excess of a product and the demand still would not change. However if demand increases then a company may be forced to increase their supply or increase their prices to make more profit for less. This seldom happens with companies that sell commodities (a product that is perfectly substitutable) because they do not have the same demand as monopolies (companies that supply the only available of certain type of product. Ex: Electricity, Mac’s, etc…).Commodities are forced to compete with each other, often resulting in a decrease in price which would provide the company with less profit. Monopolies on the other hand are able charge whatever price they want because they have no competition.
In a capitalist society we are all turning gears in this clockwork mess, and without equal contribution of each element, society would fall apart. This system does not start anywhere in particular, but begins due to a mutual agreement amongst peoples of one nation to organize society as such. As if guided by an invisible hand we follow through with the principal of capitalism out of self interest. It is here that the gears of the clock start turning, and the capitalist system begins. Workers sell their land labor and capital to the factor market where the factors of production are sold to the businesses. Those businesses sell the goods and services that we have generated to the product market where it is finally bought by the workers who initially created it. We as the workers are equally important to the cycle as the businesses for without workers, who would sell the land labor and capital. Not only are we part of the product creation, but part of the cycle of wealth. The product market buys goods and services from the businesses resulting in profit which is then spent on paying for more factors of production generated by the factor market. The factor market receives it’s land labor and capital from the workers which supplies the workers with income so they can buy from the product market.
Seeing that one of the main factors of capitalism is the profit motive, people desperately try to make more and more money. Companies will do just about anything to make more money, even, in a majority of situations, use cheap foreign labor so that they spend less on the actual creation of the product while drastically overcharging the consumer so that they can make more profit. The fact is, Americans are expensive labor whereas a little Chinese boy charges far less for the same quantity of work.
The companies themselves have their own cycle through which they gain greater wealth. They start with their initial profit, which they save so that they can later invest in capital (advertisement, product upgrades) which produces greater profit. The company saves that up which creates even greater wealth. Because many large companies use cheap foreign labor it boosts their overall profit.
Thank goodness that cheap labor isn’t our only connection with foreign nations. Buying products from other countries can actually reduce price. We buy most of our fruit from foreign countries, not because the labor is cheaper, but because other countries have environments that are more suitable for certain fruits. If fruit trade was cut between foreign countries then many fruits would be far more far more expensive. Seeing that our environment does not suit the agricultural needs of all types of fruits, it would be far more difficult and expensive to farm foreign plants. That is the reason why organic fruit is so expensive. The only way that a piece of fruit could survive a trip across the ocean is with pesticides and other preservatives. By buying from other countries we save ourselves money.
The traditional definition of capitalism is: An economic system based on private property and the profit motive in which goods and services are produced distributed and consumed through markets. Capitalism promotes economic growth and gives people the incentive to work harder. This pursuit of success can bring around technological innovations. Capitalism is largely controlled by market forces, where the government is hypothetically less involved. It can also strengthen foreign relations through company controlled trading through the free market. It also lacks a centralized system of coordination so ideally everyone living in a capitalist society works together and is not controlled by some higher power. Governmental manipulation of capitalism can result in market distortions such as shortages and surplus’, thus it is a system controlled largely by the citizens themselves.
For example, if the government initialized price control in a time of price gouging, the companies would be charged more to reduce the risk of large business owners taking advantage of their customers in a time of distress. It sounds all peachy and good, but in doing this the company will import less of their product which would cause a shortage in that type of product. Lets say the government placed price control on water filtration and bottling companies. The results could be disastrous.
In an odd situation a company could use a product shortage to their advantage. Take for instance, the Nintendo Wii. Nintendo intentionally sent out fewer Wii consoles than they knew people would buy, thus, making the public aware of the shortage. “If the Wii’s are selling that quickly then they must be good.” In doing this they made people want to buy it more. One could say that people always want what they cannot have. This is not necessarily bad, but in a way it is manipulative
However, government intervention of capitalism has it’s own benefits. In a capitalist system where there is no regulation, companies can take advantage of their customers and abuse their power. In the case of the Lehman brothers, some of the individuals owning the company Had the government intervened and disallowed them absolute control of the company, it is more likely that this huge economic crisis would not have happened. By forming companies that more closely resemble the check and balance system that runs the American government, one could deprive people like the Lehman brothers of such power.
The defining aspects of capitalism are the land, labor, and capital. The land is the most important aspect of capitalism, for it provides companies the raw materials to make anything. The labor is obvious, it is all of the work that goes into the creation and distribution of a product. Lastly, Capital iswhat one uses to transfer the raw materials into the product, and the money or tools to make profit. (ex: a factory, money, etc…). The second most basic aspect of understanding capitalism is supply and demand. Supply is the availability of a commodity at all prices, and demand is the amount purchased of a commodity at all prices. The point at which the lines intersect is the equilibrium price, a situation in which prices are stable. If America were to encounter a shortage of some sort, the supply would reduce, and the demand would stay the same, but the product would be much less available. If there were a surplus, there would be an excess of a product and the demand still would not change. However if demand increases then a company may be forced to increase their supply or increase their prices to make more profit for less. This seldom happens with companies that sell commodities (a product that is perfectly substitutable) because they do not have the same demand as monopolies (companies that supply the only available of certain type of product. Ex: Electricity, Mac’s, etc…).Commodities are forced to compete with each other, often resulting in a decrease in price which would provide the company with less profit. Monopolies on the other hand are able charge whatever price they want because they have no competition.
In a capitalist society we are all turning gears in this clockwork mess, and without equal contribution of each element, society would fall apart. This system does not start anywhere in particular, but begins due to a mutual agreement amongst peoples of one nation to organize society as such. As if guided by an invisible hand we follow through with the principal of capitalism out of self interest. It is here that the gears of the clock start turning, and the capitalist system begins. Workers sell their land labor and capital to the factor market where the factors of production are sold to the businesses. Those businesses sell the goods and services that we have generated to the product market where it is finally bought by the workers who initially created it. We as the workers are equally important to the cycle as the businesses for without workers, who would sell the land labor and capital. Not only are we part of the product creation, but part of the cycle of wealth. The product market buys goods and services from the businesses resulting in profit which is then spent on paying for more factors of production generated by the factor market. The factor market receives it’s land labor and capital from the workers which supplies the workers with income so they can buy from the product market.
Seeing that one of the main factors of capitalism is the profit motive, people desperately try to make more and more money. Companies will do just about anything to make more money, even, in a majority of situations, use cheap foreign labor so that they spend less on the actual creation of the product while drastically overcharging the consumer so that they can make more profit. The fact is, Americans are expensive labor whereas a little Chinese boy charges far less for the same quantity of work.
The companies themselves have their own cycle through which they gain greater wealth. They start with their initial profit, which they save so that they can later invest in capital (advertisement, product upgrades) which produces greater profit. The company saves that up which creates even greater wealth. Because many large companies use cheap foreign labor it boosts their overall profit.
Thank goodness that cheap labor isn’t our only connection with foreign nations. Buying products from other countries can actually reduce price. We buy most of our fruit from foreign countries, not because the labor is cheaper, but because other countries have environments that are more suitable for certain fruits. If fruit trade was cut between foreign countries then many fruits would be far more far more expensive. Seeing that our environment does not suit the agricultural needs of all types of fruits, it would be far more difficult and expensive to farm foreign plants. That is the reason why organic fruit is so expensive. The only way that a piece of fruit could survive a trip across the ocean is with pesticides and other preservatives. By buying from other countries we save ourselves money.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Capitalism
What is the positive side to capitalism?
Capitalism promotes economic growth and gives people the incentive to work harder. This pursuit of success can bring around technological innovations. Capitalism is largely controlled by market forces, where the government is hypothetically less involved. It can also strengthen foreign relations through company controlled trading through the free market. It also lacks a centralized system of coordination so ideally everyone living in a capitalist society everyone works together and is not controlled by some higher power. Governmental manipulation of capitalism can result in market distortions such as shortages and surplus’, thus it is a system controlled largely by the citizens themselves.
Capitalism promotes economic growth and gives people the incentive to work harder. This pursuit of success can bring around technological innovations. Capitalism is largely controlled by market forces, where the government is hypothetically less involved. It can also strengthen foreign relations through company controlled trading through the free market. It also lacks a centralized system of coordination so ideally everyone living in a capitalist society everyone works together and is not controlled by some higher power. Governmental manipulation of capitalism can result in market distortions such as shortages and surplus’, thus it is a system controlled largely by the citizens themselves.
Friday, October 24, 2008
"I, Pencil"
“I, Pencil” HW
Summary: The background of products is carelessly overlooked by mankind, and if this persists, before long, our society will fall apart. There are “innumerable antecedents” that we know far to little about to be able to make a decision to buy a product. Nothing can be overlooked for each element in a products production is as significant as another. There is no-one in charge who actually knows where heir product, in its entirety, came from, and neither do the consumers who buy them so we do not have any right to use them. If one was aware of the origin of the products they so relish, then they would see why not to use them. Remove government obstacles and have faith that free people will make the right decisions.
Quotes: “Sadly, I am taken for granted by those who use me, as if I were a mere incident and without background. This supercilious attitude relegates me to the level of the commonplace. This is a species of the grievous error in which mankind cannot too long persist without peril.”
“The absence of a master-mind, of anyone dictating or forcibly directing these countless actions which bring me into being.”
“ If one is aware that these know-hows will naturally, yes, automatically arrange themselves into creative and productive patterns in response to human necessity and demand- that is in the absence of governmental or any other master-minding- then one will possess an absolutely essential ingredient for freedom: a faith in free people. Freedom is impossible without this faith.”
Analysis: At a glance I noticed the land labor and capital in this brief soliloquy. After reading it a second time, I noticed that it was condemning more than just capitalism, but government as well. This absence of any master-mind, any all knowing director of this process of product creation, show that no-one, not the owners, not the labor, not the consumer, knows of every collaborating element that leads to the creation of a product. If anyone was aware of all the blood, sweat tears, and corruption that goes into making a product they would certainly not buy it. Thinking about it further, I noticed that government creates obstacles that require us to use these products that we know nothing about. Fro example indecent exposure laws require us to wear clothing, and work and school force people to commute(cars, bicycles)> Having all these ideas thrown at me I saw that the pencil was describing anarchy, or total lack of government and market.
I apologize, this is more biased, I took the concept and applied it to my own opinions, I will make up this assignment.
Summary: The background of products is carelessly overlooked by mankind, and if this persists, before long, our society will fall apart. There are “innumerable antecedents” that we know far to little about to be able to make a decision to buy a product. Nothing can be overlooked for each element in a products production is as significant as another. There is no-one in charge who actually knows where heir product, in its entirety, came from, and neither do the consumers who buy them so we do not have any right to use them. If one was aware of the origin of the products they so relish, then they would see why not to use them. Remove government obstacles and have faith that free people will make the right decisions.
Quotes: “Sadly, I am taken for granted by those who use me, as if I were a mere incident and without background. This supercilious attitude relegates me to the level of the commonplace. This is a species of the grievous error in which mankind cannot too long persist without peril.”
“The absence of a master-mind, of anyone dictating or forcibly directing these countless actions which bring me into being.”
“ If one is aware that these know-hows will naturally, yes, automatically arrange themselves into creative and productive patterns in response to human necessity and demand- that is in the absence of governmental or any other master-minding- then one will possess an absolutely essential ingredient for freedom: a faith in free people. Freedom is impossible without this faith.”
Analysis: At a glance I noticed the land labor and capital in this brief soliloquy. After reading it a second time, I noticed that it was condemning more than just capitalism, but government as well. This absence of any master-mind, any all knowing director of this process of product creation, show that no-one, not the owners, not the labor, not the consumer, knows of every collaborating element that leads to the creation of a product. If anyone was aware of all the blood, sweat tears, and corruption that goes into making a product they would certainly not buy it. Thinking about it further, I noticed that government creates obstacles that require us to use these products that we know nothing about. Fro example indecent exposure laws require us to wear clothing, and work and school force people to commute(cars, bicycles)> Having all these ideas thrown at me I saw that the pencil was describing anarchy, or total lack of government and market.
I apologize, this is more biased, I took the concept and applied it to my own opinions, I will make up this assignment.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Other peoples opinions on the AWOL
What are other people’s perspectives of the American way of life?
To answer this question I interviewed several people, several strangers I picked randomly off the street, and a few people that I know personally. In order to put a perspective on the information and avoid nebulous speculation, I formed two groups in which these people fit, sadly it seems that in reality people are very polarized in what they find as important about the AWOL. There are those who look at the AWOL as a bigger picture and those who personalized the AWOL ( Live with the illusion of the American Way of life).
One of the first people I interviewed was a 50 or 60 year old, white, doorman. He seemed quite enamored with the American way of life, saying that it was essentially the ability to do whatever one wants. However, I have never heard of someone who dreamt of being a doorman when they grew up. Unless this man was the one exception and he really did dream of becoming a doorman as a child, his characterization of the AWOL exhibits a lack of large-scale thought. He also seemed fixated on the practical aspects of the AWOL in comparison to the larger picture. He seemed far more invested in his own personal wellbeing than that of the country he so readily supported.
Another person that I interviewed, a middle aged, Hispanic, working class man, with paint-covered clothing, followed suit with the doorman. In his opinion the AWOL is “working hard and being happy with your kids.” A very simple answer indeed, one can assume that this man has children (obviously) so he is most likely talking about his way of life. He continued on by saying, “I’m just thankful I got a job,” and the only bad aspect of America is that “it’s too expensive.” While cost is indeed an issue, there are certainly far more evident problems with our country. He was more concerned with his own economic affairs than the greater picture. Wealth certainly does allow one the leisure to speculate larger issues. When one is struggling just to get by as this man made it seem he was, time is spent on work instead of fervently trying to understand why things are the way they are.
On the other side of this societal rift, there are those who seemed to administer more thought to the subject. When asked “What is the AWOL?” a young, white, male answered mockingly, “A house on one acre, with a trophy wife and two kids.” He almost perfectly characterized the dream of the Hispanic man that I interviewed. His answer is also removed, he isn’t talking about himself, and is instead accurately looking at the greater picture. He continued by saying that “We can’t do what we really want. Nobody cares about your hopes and your dreams, you have to submit to society to get anywhere and go against your dreams in the process.” Becoming a doorman is a perfect example of this, even though that man said that one can do whatever they want, he submitted to the will of society because the painful truth is that the freedom that so many identify with America can only be achieved by working. The Hispanic man that I interviewed was “happy” just have a job while society taunts him with expensive nick nacks. Does American society really look out for these people, or does it just sucker people in with various distractions? This young mans answer to this question is far more thought out, his outlook actually applies to other people, whereas the other two men’s thoughts on the AWOL were almost convoluted and weren’t applicable to the overwhelming majority.
Lastly, I interviewed my own mother, a 51 year old, white, middle class, woman who also spoke broadly about the AWOL. She said, “Some people think we are entitled to a certain standard of living even at the cost of others, meaning other nations, and other feel that we aren’t justified in maintaining this state of entitlement.” She talked about other nations outside of the U.S., beyond herself, because the U.S. is not separate from world affairs as many would like to think. The effects of our actions and our government’s actions do affect people, and looking at America in such a simple selfish way can adversely affect us. She also acknowledges the fault that separates these two groups, and not just her own American experience.
The fact is that America is bigger than just you and I. It is more important than being able to succeed and buy a new I pod. Our dreams are overlooked in a society characterized by its capitalistic opportunities for success. By thinking of your neighbors, your co-workers, different social classes, and different countries, we are destined for a more genuinely constructive collective wellbeing. Be it a factor of intelligence, ignorance, education, or limited experience, personal priority in contrast to the collective values is glaringly unbeneficial.
I couldnt figure out how to put the pictures up, but I do have them.
To answer this question I interviewed several people, several strangers I picked randomly off the street, and a few people that I know personally. In order to put a perspective on the information and avoid nebulous speculation, I formed two groups in which these people fit, sadly it seems that in reality people are very polarized in what they find as important about the AWOL. There are those who look at the AWOL as a bigger picture and those who personalized the AWOL ( Live with the illusion of the American Way of life).
One of the first people I interviewed was a 50 or 60 year old, white, doorman. He seemed quite enamored with the American way of life, saying that it was essentially the ability to do whatever one wants. However, I have never heard of someone who dreamt of being a doorman when they grew up. Unless this man was the one exception and he really did dream of becoming a doorman as a child, his characterization of the AWOL exhibits a lack of large-scale thought. He also seemed fixated on the practical aspects of the AWOL in comparison to the larger picture. He seemed far more invested in his own personal wellbeing than that of the country he so readily supported.
Another person that I interviewed, a middle aged, Hispanic, working class man, with paint-covered clothing, followed suit with the doorman. In his opinion the AWOL is “working hard and being happy with your kids.” A very simple answer indeed, one can assume that this man has children (obviously) so he is most likely talking about his way of life. He continued on by saying, “I’m just thankful I got a job,” and the only bad aspect of America is that “it’s too expensive.” While cost is indeed an issue, there are certainly far more evident problems with our country. He was more concerned with his own economic affairs than the greater picture. Wealth certainly does allow one the leisure to speculate larger issues. When one is struggling just to get by as this man made it seem he was, time is spent on work instead of fervently trying to understand why things are the way they are.
On the other side of this societal rift, there are those who seemed to administer more thought to the subject. When asked “What is the AWOL?” a young, white, male answered mockingly, “A house on one acre, with a trophy wife and two kids.” He almost perfectly characterized the dream of the Hispanic man that I interviewed. His answer is also removed, he isn’t talking about himself, and is instead accurately looking at the greater picture. He continued by saying that “We can’t do what we really want. Nobody cares about your hopes and your dreams, you have to submit to society to get anywhere and go against your dreams in the process.” Becoming a doorman is a perfect example of this, even though that man said that one can do whatever they want, he submitted to the will of society because the painful truth is that the freedom that so many identify with America can only be achieved by working. The Hispanic man that I interviewed was “happy” just have a job while society taunts him with expensive nick nacks. Does American society really look out for these people, or does it just sucker people in with various distractions? This young mans answer to this question is far more thought out, his outlook actually applies to other people, whereas the other two men’s thoughts on the AWOL were almost convoluted and weren’t applicable to the overwhelming majority.
Lastly, I interviewed my own mother, a 51 year old, white, middle class, woman who also spoke broadly about the AWOL. She said, “Some people think we are entitled to a certain standard of living even at the cost of others, meaning other nations, and other feel that we aren’t justified in maintaining this state of entitlement.” She talked about other nations outside of the U.S., beyond herself, because the U.S. is not separate from world affairs as many would like to think. The effects of our actions and our government’s actions do affect people, and looking at America in such a simple selfish way can adversely affect us. She also acknowledges the fault that separates these two groups, and not just her own American experience.
The fact is that America is bigger than just you and I. It is more important than being able to succeed and buy a new I pod. Our dreams are overlooked in a society characterized by its capitalistic opportunities for success. By thinking of your neighbors, your co-workers, different social classes, and different countries, we are destined for a more genuinely constructive collective wellbeing. Be it a factor of intelligence, ignorance, education, or limited experience, personal priority in contrast to the collective values is glaringly unbeneficial.
I couldnt figure out how to put the pictures up, but I do have them.
Friday, October 10, 2008
What do others think about the AWOL?
What is the American way of life? Is it “A house on one acre, with a trophy wife and two kids?” Is it freedom to what one wants?
To answer this question I interviewed five people, my mother, two fellow students, and three men that I asked randomly on the street, so my data is fairly limited. A trend that I noticed was that those who criticized the AWOL removed themselves from their opinions whereas those who seemed somewhat or genuinely positive about it tended to personalize their answers. Two of the people I interviewed openly criticized the AWOL and demonstrated this.
My own mother, a woman with 51 years of experience and thought, was quick to criticize the AWOL by calling it “Overindulgent, ethnocentric, and isolationist.” She feigned almost any responsibility and involvement in her characterization, and when asked if she lived a typical AWOL she hesitantly answered: “Probably. We live beyond our means, which is what most Americans tend to do…” then she quickly added, “In some ways we do not.” When I asked one of (Jack) the student the same question he raised his hand to his chin, stroking it in thought. It took him a minute to regain his composure, then he answered: “Its self centered to say that one is unique, we all think we are special but we really aren’t.” Does he live a typical American way of life? He almost avoided answering it so he would not be included in his own negative portrayal of the AWOL. Both of them were very ambiguous with the answers, there was a almost a tug of war between the need to prove their point and their own self respect.
The other three people that I interviewed were very supportive of the AWOL. These people stated that they live a typical AWOL. The first man that I interviewed was a middle aged, working class, Hispanic male smoking in front of a Duane Read in paint covered clothing. He said that the AWOL was working hard to succeed, being happy with ones kids, and admitted to living his life the way a typical American would. While this mans answers were very succinct he also provided me with some understanding of the American working class. While the others I interviewed in this category thought of the AWOL as the freedom to do what you want, this working class man was happy with getting by. A middle aged, white, male working as a door man said that as Americans we are given “Freedom. We have choices, we aren’t a dictatorship…You can do anything you want.” This man had a very positive outlook whereas the working class man seemed as if he was just going along with it to be able to support he and his family. People who work more simplistic jobs such as the working class man, didn’t seem so sold on the AWOL. The doorman looked as if he probably made more money than the other man, which in our capitalist society equals more comfort. Someone who is more comfortable in America is more likely to be supportive of their countries path while someone like the working class man that I talked to, is less supportive of it because he is not benefiting from it.
Obviously whether or not one benefits from their government is a major factor in whether or not they support the AWOL. My mother, and my parents in general are not very comfortable, we don’t have much money and care little for material possession, so the American capitalist system doesn’t necessarily work for us. We are also small business owners in a dog eat dog society, and people like my mother, and the working class man, dislike the competition. On the other hand somebody who is well situated and doesn’t have as many challenges to face is more likely to be supportive of a society that works in their favor. My good friend David lives on the upper east side, owns his apartment, and his mother receives a pension for her job, and his opinions are far more different than mine. Sometime ago he and I had a conversation on whether or not we thought our country should supply welfare to lower class family. While I spoke in favor of welfare reforms, he spoke against them, saying that people in that situation are there because they did not work hard enough. So one can assume that social class has an important role in peoples decision making process’.
Chris Mathews stated that during times of economic depression the middle class tend to be very liberal, and during times of economic prosperity they tend to be very conservative. I know that when Bill Clinton was president my mothers characterization of the American lifestyle was far more positive. We owned a large chain of restaurants and were very well off economically, but when we lost our business and George Bush came into the white house, she became more cynical of our country. This change in circumstance resembles Chris Mathews’ statement. She now states that if Barrack Obama becomes president, her faith in America will be restored. But will a change in government really change that much about the AWOL? A president can only do so much, pass and veto laws, give consent for war, monitor Americans behavior, but control the very way people live their lives? It seems unlikely.
Keep in mind that this is a very rough, first draft, so be very critical.
To answer this question I interviewed five people, my mother, two fellow students, and three men that I asked randomly on the street, so my data is fairly limited. A trend that I noticed was that those who criticized the AWOL removed themselves from their opinions whereas those who seemed somewhat or genuinely positive about it tended to personalize their answers. Two of the people I interviewed openly criticized the AWOL and demonstrated this.
My own mother, a woman with 51 years of experience and thought, was quick to criticize the AWOL by calling it “Overindulgent, ethnocentric, and isolationist.” She feigned almost any responsibility and involvement in her characterization, and when asked if she lived a typical AWOL she hesitantly answered: “Probably. We live beyond our means, which is what most Americans tend to do…” then she quickly added, “In some ways we do not.” When I asked one of (Jack) the student the same question he raised his hand to his chin, stroking it in thought. It took him a minute to regain his composure, then he answered: “Its self centered to say that one is unique, we all think we are special but we really aren’t.” Does he live a typical American way of life? He almost avoided answering it so he would not be included in his own negative portrayal of the AWOL. Both of them were very ambiguous with the answers, there was a almost a tug of war between the need to prove their point and their own self respect.
The other three people that I interviewed were very supportive of the AWOL. These people stated that they live a typical AWOL. The first man that I interviewed was a middle aged, working class, Hispanic male smoking in front of a Duane Read in paint covered clothing. He said that the AWOL was working hard to succeed, being happy with ones kids, and admitted to living his life the way a typical American would. While this mans answers were very succinct he also provided me with some understanding of the American working class. While the others I interviewed in this category thought of the AWOL as the freedom to do what you want, this working class man was happy with getting by. A middle aged, white, male working as a door man said that as Americans we are given “Freedom. We have choices, we aren’t a dictatorship…You can do anything you want.” This man had a very positive outlook whereas the working class man seemed as if he was just going along with it to be able to support he and his family. People who work more simplistic jobs such as the working class man, didn’t seem so sold on the AWOL. The doorman looked as if he probably made more money than the other man, which in our capitalist society equals more comfort. Someone who is more comfortable in America is more likely to be supportive of their countries path while someone like the working class man that I talked to, is less supportive of it because he is not benefiting from it.
Obviously whether or not one benefits from their government is a major factor in whether or not they support the AWOL. My mother, and my parents in general are not very comfortable, we don’t have much money and care little for material possession, so the American capitalist system doesn’t necessarily work for us. We are also small business owners in a dog eat dog society, and people like my mother, and the working class man, dislike the competition. On the other hand somebody who is well situated and doesn’t have as many challenges to face is more likely to be supportive of a society that works in their favor. My good friend David lives on the upper east side, owns his apartment, and his mother receives a pension for her job, and his opinions are far more different than mine. Sometime ago he and I had a conversation on whether or not we thought our country should supply welfare to lower class family. While I spoke in favor of welfare reforms, he spoke against them, saying that people in that situation are there because they did not work hard enough. So one can assume that social class has an important role in peoples decision making process’.
Chris Mathews stated that during times of economic depression the middle class tend to be very liberal, and during times of economic prosperity they tend to be very conservative. I know that when Bill Clinton was president my mothers characterization of the American lifestyle was far more positive. We owned a large chain of restaurants and were very well off economically, but when we lost our business and George Bush came into the white house, she became more cynical of our country. This change in circumstance resembles Chris Mathews’ statement. She now states that if Barrack Obama becomes president, her faith in America will be restored. But will a change in government really change that much about the AWOL? A president can only do so much, pass and veto laws, give consent for war, monitor Americans behavior, but control the very way people live their lives? It seems unlikely.
Keep in mind that this is a very rough, first draft, so be very critical.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
My blog posts
1.)Melanie
I told you it was great, the first and last parts were truly adorable.
I thought that your video most certainly portrayed you as an active person, there was one picture of you relaxing on the couch and then lots of friends and basketball photos.
I also thought the song was quite fitting, from what I can see you are a fairly jovial person.
I am glad that you pointed out your sisters importance in your life, she was in quite a few photos. Would you say that she is part of the very foundation of your character?
I have one last question, "are you falling, yes are you falling, does she keep calling, you back again?" Jk. Good Job.
Dylan
2.)Tyler
Another great video. You really got your point across. I don't know you at all but from this I can concretely say that you are driven to succeed. The part where you were kicking the football was a powerful image, you tried and tried and finally got it through that gigantic prong thing (i don't play sports).Good job.
Dylan
3.)Ben
Awesome video! I agree it was pretty existentialist, almost mocking of the typical way of life in our city. People aren't as unique as they try to make themselves seem in their videos. I also like the fact that you used a blank stick figure to represent yourself. That was a statement right there, intentional or unintentional.jk
Dylan
4.)Ali Jo
I don't know you nor have I ever talked to you, but that video gave me great insight into your opinions and way of life.
It is interesting to see a person point out their own follies or imperfections because none of us are perfect no how hard we try.
I agree with you, our school system is hardly idealistic, what system do you feel would better suit you?
You hardly come off as a redneck, your insight on American Politics and society is saintly. You seem steadfast in your opinions and I find it admirable that you have spent as much time and thought on this as you have. Good Job
Dylan
5.)Russel
I find it interesting that you pointed out how basic your way of life is. It shows a quality of realism that many people do not seem to possess. Good Job.
Dylan
Insights/Analysis:
1.)I found it interesting that some people didn't have much if any analysis on their own lives. One would assume that after 16-17 years of life, a person would be able to make a reflective statement about their way of life. In some instances, people just listed activities or hobbies that they felt defined them. How does excessive advertisement in our society effect how we see ourselves?
2.) The American way of life seems rather material oriented. Those who actually analyzed their lives didn't even mention their hobbies or activities, whereas those who provided little to no analysis emphasized both. It seems that with depth of thought comes some degree of realization that many things in our society are trivial and somewhat disgusting. I saw pictures of makeup, sports teams, video games, and tv shows, yet almost no trace of the actual person behind them. When a person meets someone they ask them what bands they like, what their favorite movies are, what books they like to read, which sports team is their favorite. That is what we grow up with, questions about stuff not who we are, just what we like and want.
3.) Style/music taste greatly determines ones portrayal of themselves. People who listen to hip-hop or rap often tried to portray themselves as tough and fly probably because the lyrics to a majority of hip-hop songs are about being a big bad fly guy. People who listen to very mainstream music tended to be more "Typically American" probably because that way of life is more mainstream and popular, so the music follows suit. People who listen to more thoughtful and bohemian music seemed to offer a more human existential opinion on the AWOL. What one listens to is reflective of their way of life and outlook on the world.
I told you it was great, the first and last parts were truly adorable.
I thought that your video most certainly portrayed you as an active person, there was one picture of you relaxing on the couch and then lots of friends and basketball photos.
I also thought the song was quite fitting, from what I can see you are a fairly jovial person.
I am glad that you pointed out your sisters importance in your life, she was in quite a few photos. Would you say that she is part of the very foundation of your character?
I have one last question, "are you falling, yes are you falling, does she keep calling, you back again?" Jk. Good Job.
Dylan
2.)Tyler
Another great video. You really got your point across. I don't know you at all but from this I can concretely say that you are driven to succeed. The part where you were kicking the football was a powerful image, you tried and tried and finally got it through that gigantic prong thing (i don't play sports).Good job.
Dylan
3.)Ben
Awesome video! I agree it was pretty existentialist, almost mocking of the typical way of life in our city. People aren't as unique as they try to make themselves seem in their videos. I also like the fact that you used a blank stick figure to represent yourself. That was a statement right there, intentional or unintentional.jk
Dylan
4.)Ali Jo
I don't know you nor have I ever talked to you, but that video gave me great insight into your opinions and way of life.
It is interesting to see a person point out their own follies or imperfections because none of us are perfect no how hard we try.
I agree with you, our school system is hardly idealistic, what system do you feel would better suit you?
You hardly come off as a redneck, your insight on American Politics and society is saintly. You seem steadfast in your opinions and I find it admirable that you have spent as much time and thought on this as you have. Good Job
Dylan
5.)Russel
I find it interesting that you pointed out how basic your way of life is. It shows a quality of realism that many people do not seem to possess. Good Job.
Dylan
Insights/Analysis:
1.)I found it interesting that some people didn't have much if any analysis on their own lives. One would assume that after 16-17 years of life, a person would be able to make a reflective statement about their way of life. In some instances, people just listed activities or hobbies that they felt defined them. How does excessive advertisement in our society effect how we see ourselves?
2.) The American way of life seems rather material oriented. Those who actually analyzed their lives didn't even mention their hobbies or activities, whereas those who provided little to no analysis emphasized both. It seems that with depth of thought comes some degree of realization that many things in our society are trivial and somewhat disgusting. I saw pictures of makeup, sports teams, video games, and tv shows, yet almost no trace of the actual person behind them. When a person meets someone they ask them what bands they like, what their favorite movies are, what books they like to read, which sports team is their favorite. That is what we grow up with, questions about stuff not who we are, just what we like and want.
3.) Style/music taste greatly determines ones portrayal of themselves. People who listen to hip-hop or rap often tried to portray themselves as tough and fly probably because the lyrics to a majority of hip-hop songs are about being a big bad fly guy. People who listen to very mainstream music tended to be more "Typically American" probably because that way of life is more mainstream and popular, so the music follows suit. People who listen to more thoughtful and bohemian music seemed to offer a more human existential opinion on the AWOL. What one listens to is reflective of their way of life and outlook on the world.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Dylan's AWOL
Here is the link to my video, I couldn't figure out how to put the actual video on my profile:
http://www.vimeo.com/1754561
Explanatory/Analytical Writing:
DESCRIPTIVE:
In my AWOL video I tried to incorporate all of the significant aspects of my life to try and show how I live and what kind of person I am. There were three main elements of my life that I tried to highlight, the first one being thought and my own inner dialogue. While I obviously cannot record this inner voice, I tried to portray it by having me gazing off into space in the first clip of the video. I didn’t want to come off as some hippie, daydreaming, airhead, so I tried to add a dash of beauty and sophistication by playing explosions in the sky, which in my opinion is very deep and spiritual music. In actuality, I have been thinking about my current way of life and how I can change it for some time now, and in my opinion those are truly meaningful thoughts. I seldom think about sex, partying, and even stuff that I want. If I were to play some song publicizing the fact that I “gotz bitches n’ hoes” and “I be tough an’ yo don’t wanna mess wit me” I would be creating a false image of myself. I decided to use a song without lyrics because I don’t particularly like talking and I don’t want to create a tough, badass, or rebellious image of myself. I think that that clip with that song reflected the largest and most important aspect of my life and shows me for me. I wish that I could have included more about thought’s significance in my life, because I spend almost every second of every day thinking how can I change this about myself, how can I make this experience more pleasant?
The next main element that I focused on was my adoration of reading. This one is actually more of a continuation of the first clip. My specific choice of song also went hand in hand with this next concept. I hate action books, corny romance books, science fiction books, the whole lot of them, the one kind of book that I can actually read is a book with strong purpose. I feel cheated when I read a book that has little to no deeper significance because I haven’t learned anything, I might as well have been watching television. One of the most incredible books I have ever read, A Clockwork Orange, made me think and dig for the inner meaning of the text. As I said, this goes hand and hand with my method of thinking, I like to see more than the obvious, more than a bunch of young hooligans raping and robbing the citizens in their neighborhood, more than the surface of life and every medium within it.
The next primary element that I focused on in the video was my love for music. In the video I put a clip of me playing bass alone, really getting into it even though there is no sound. I also put several pictures of me playing live with my band between this and the following clip to show my dedication to it. What I was trying to portray with this section is what music is to me, beauty. The music I play is beautiful and emotional like Explosions in the Sky songs, and every song I play reflects the amount of thought and creativity that I put into writing them.
Music is also, in a way a relationship to me. Many of my friends are musicians, and one of my best ones plays lead guitar in my band, playing music with him is one of the largest and most enjoyable parts of my life. He is also one of the largest contributing factors in my personality, so by putting him in my video I am showing where I, Dylan LaPointe come from.
My little brother Austin is also one of the most important people in my life. He is my best friend, something I think I portrayed well in my video. In every shot of us together, and there are quite a few, we are laughing and joking around showing each other that we love and care about one another. He has given me my silly sense of humor, and as a result has helped me create some of my best and most enjoyable memories.
I love my way of life and all of the people in it, however there are a few things that I would change if I was given the opportunity. The American Lifestyle is piggish and people spend vast portions of their lives trying to formulate a false and acceptable mask that they can put on. Some try to destroy this mask but can never fully get rid of it. I am one of those people, I try and run from the mainstream, and I feel that I am somewhat successful. Despite my best efforts I feel that I still retain some of the petty values that plague mankind as a whole. In the video this is even reflected in the way I dress, I wear skinny jeans whose sole purpose is to accentuate the body and to make it attractive to look at. I work out and exercise so that I have a good body. I pierced my ear, it holds no significance but to look cool. It’s the little things such as that that make me feel petty and conformist.
I feel like I haven’t been under a media cloud my whole life and like to think that it hasn’t ran as large a portion of my life as people say it has. Aside from those few things I think that my way of life is fabulous. I see myself as somewhat unique and my lifestyle isn’t overindulgent or media guided. I hardly watch tv, I eat in moderation, I try to keep the earth a beautiful place, I very rarely shop, and I am fairly modest. To me that sounds like someone making an effort to be true to themselves and be and do what they feel they should. If every day were like today I would be one happy man.
ANALYSIS & INSIGHT:
I would say that I am generally well situated to have a meaningful life. Analysis and thought are important to me on a daily basis, and if my life follows suit then I have to say that I will see and understand more than some may. As of my life being pleasant, one may never know, anything can happen, but I am not a very risky person so I don’t see myself in any precarious positions in the near future. I am a fairly optimistic person, and the road looks clear ahead.
As I said earlier, the elements of myself that I am not too fond of are primarily a result of societal pressures, but I can see how all of these things may be interconnected. Those societal pressures have shaped me in a way that has made me liked by the ones I love and care for just as the ones I love and care for have attempted to turn me against that which is mainstream (they do). Had I not had these social pressures I may have not been given the opportunity to be with these people. Had I not met these people I would not have been the way I am today. It is possible that these pressures have helped to give my life meaning so the “good the bad and the ugly” all work together to create a hopefully enjoyable life.
Let me define a “Typical American”: a Typical American is a person with the goal of their own betterment through wealth and success. Is that not what all of those European settlers came here searching for so long ago, a chance at success. With that definition, I would like to say “no,” I am not a Typical American. My goal in life is not to make large quantities of money so that I can be a rich man with a ton of shit he doesn’t need and a grandiose appearance to create a false sense of confidence. The fact is people who stray from our system in our society (the homeless) become miserable, they life cold and alone, shunned by all. I want to live as low to the ground as possible so that I can live pleasantly without overindulging. The fact is, the world does not need another Donald Trump, or Bill Gates, no one person needs that much money to live. My father always says, “I hope I make it small someday.”
I would like to think in greater depth about why I do certain things, for example, why did I pierce my ear/wear skinny jeans/ work out if I am so openly against the pursuit of acceptance? I would also like to analyze things in my past to help explain why I am the way I am today. I am at the fairly young age of 17 so I trust that I will have far more to analyze in my coming years. At this stage in peoples lives, they are desperately grasping for identities so it is likely that most of the self analyzing done at this point is done to assume a persona. Opinions change and so does life, once I analyze a comfortable way of life to the point where I believe it, I will question everything I do, everything I see, and every element of my life.
http://www.vimeo.com/1754561
Explanatory/Analytical Writing:
DESCRIPTIVE:
In my AWOL video I tried to incorporate all of the significant aspects of my life to try and show how I live and what kind of person I am. There were three main elements of my life that I tried to highlight, the first one being thought and my own inner dialogue. While I obviously cannot record this inner voice, I tried to portray it by having me gazing off into space in the first clip of the video. I didn’t want to come off as some hippie, daydreaming, airhead, so I tried to add a dash of beauty and sophistication by playing explosions in the sky, which in my opinion is very deep and spiritual music. In actuality, I have been thinking about my current way of life and how I can change it for some time now, and in my opinion those are truly meaningful thoughts. I seldom think about sex, partying, and even stuff that I want. If I were to play some song publicizing the fact that I “gotz bitches n’ hoes” and “I be tough an’ yo don’t wanna mess wit me” I would be creating a false image of myself. I decided to use a song without lyrics because I don’t particularly like talking and I don’t want to create a tough, badass, or rebellious image of myself. I think that that clip with that song reflected the largest and most important aspect of my life and shows me for me. I wish that I could have included more about thought’s significance in my life, because I spend almost every second of every day thinking how can I change this about myself, how can I make this experience more pleasant?
The next main element that I focused on was my adoration of reading. This one is actually more of a continuation of the first clip. My specific choice of song also went hand in hand with this next concept. I hate action books, corny romance books, science fiction books, the whole lot of them, the one kind of book that I can actually read is a book with strong purpose. I feel cheated when I read a book that has little to no deeper significance because I haven’t learned anything, I might as well have been watching television. One of the most incredible books I have ever read, A Clockwork Orange, made me think and dig for the inner meaning of the text. As I said, this goes hand and hand with my method of thinking, I like to see more than the obvious, more than a bunch of young hooligans raping and robbing the citizens in their neighborhood, more than the surface of life and every medium within it.
The next primary element that I focused on in the video was my love for music. In the video I put a clip of me playing bass alone, really getting into it even though there is no sound. I also put several pictures of me playing live with my band between this and the following clip to show my dedication to it. What I was trying to portray with this section is what music is to me, beauty. The music I play is beautiful and emotional like Explosions in the Sky songs, and every song I play reflects the amount of thought and creativity that I put into writing them.
Music is also, in a way a relationship to me. Many of my friends are musicians, and one of my best ones plays lead guitar in my band, playing music with him is one of the largest and most enjoyable parts of my life. He is also one of the largest contributing factors in my personality, so by putting him in my video I am showing where I, Dylan LaPointe come from.
My little brother Austin is also one of the most important people in my life. He is my best friend, something I think I portrayed well in my video. In every shot of us together, and there are quite a few, we are laughing and joking around showing each other that we love and care about one another. He has given me my silly sense of humor, and as a result has helped me create some of my best and most enjoyable memories.
I love my way of life and all of the people in it, however there are a few things that I would change if I was given the opportunity. The American Lifestyle is piggish and people spend vast portions of their lives trying to formulate a false and acceptable mask that they can put on. Some try to destroy this mask but can never fully get rid of it. I am one of those people, I try and run from the mainstream, and I feel that I am somewhat successful. Despite my best efforts I feel that I still retain some of the petty values that plague mankind as a whole. In the video this is even reflected in the way I dress, I wear skinny jeans whose sole purpose is to accentuate the body and to make it attractive to look at. I work out and exercise so that I have a good body. I pierced my ear, it holds no significance but to look cool. It’s the little things such as that that make me feel petty and conformist.
I feel like I haven’t been under a media cloud my whole life and like to think that it hasn’t ran as large a portion of my life as people say it has. Aside from those few things I think that my way of life is fabulous. I see myself as somewhat unique and my lifestyle isn’t overindulgent or media guided. I hardly watch tv, I eat in moderation, I try to keep the earth a beautiful place, I very rarely shop, and I am fairly modest. To me that sounds like someone making an effort to be true to themselves and be and do what they feel they should. If every day were like today I would be one happy man.
ANALYSIS & INSIGHT:
I would say that I am generally well situated to have a meaningful life. Analysis and thought are important to me on a daily basis, and if my life follows suit then I have to say that I will see and understand more than some may. As of my life being pleasant, one may never know, anything can happen, but I am not a very risky person so I don’t see myself in any precarious positions in the near future. I am a fairly optimistic person, and the road looks clear ahead.
As I said earlier, the elements of myself that I am not too fond of are primarily a result of societal pressures, but I can see how all of these things may be interconnected. Those societal pressures have shaped me in a way that has made me liked by the ones I love and care for just as the ones I love and care for have attempted to turn me against that which is mainstream (they do). Had I not had these social pressures I may have not been given the opportunity to be with these people. Had I not met these people I would not have been the way I am today. It is possible that these pressures have helped to give my life meaning so the “good the bad and the ugly” all work together to create a hopefully enjoyable life.
Let me define a “Typical American”: a Typical American is a person with the goal of their own betterment through wealth and success. Is that not what all of those European settlers came here searching for so long ago, a chance at success. With that definition, I would like to say “no,” I am not a Typical American. My goal in life is not to make large quantities of money so that I can be a rich man with a ton of shit he doesn’t need and a grandiose appearance to create a false sense of confidence. The fact is people who stray from our system in our society (the homeless) become miserable, they life cold and alone, shunned by all. I want to live as low to the ground as possible so that I can live pleasantly without overindulging. The fact is, the world does not need another Donald Trump, or Bill Gates, no one person needs that much money to live. My father always says, “I hope I make it small someday.”
I would like to think in greater depth about why I do certain things, for example, why did I pierce my ear/wear skinny jeans/ work out if I am so openly against the pursuit of acceptance? I would also like to analyze things in my past to help explain why I am the way I am today. I am at the fairly young age of 17 so I trust that I will have far more to analyze in my coming years. At this stage in peoples lives, they are desperately grasping for identities so it is likely that most of the self analyzing done at this point is done to assume a persona. Opinions change and so does life, once I analyze a comfortable way of life to the point where I believe it, I will question everything I do, everything I see, and every element of my life.
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