Saturday, April 24, 2004
Post #12 - Good Old Controversy
After writing about how the Bush administration seeks to take away our basic fourth amendment rights with the Patriot Acts, I came across an ABC News article about an upset Roe V. Wade attorney. She worries that the women’s rights she fought for in the 1970s are about to be taken away. I worry as well. For those who do not know the significance of this court case, it legalized a pregnant woman’s ability to get an abortion. Although I plan to avoid ever needing one, if I did, I would want the government to keep its laws off my body.
This story was probably raised because of tomorrow’s March for Women’s Lives. According to the article, “the Republican political tide has weakened Roe through a wave of legislation passed by Congress and state lawmakers.” Also, “Bush, if re-elected, would have a chance to fill Supreme Court vacancies with justices who would help overturn the 1973 ruling.” Although many opponents of abortion argue that it is murder, they fail to practically take into account the burdens of the pregnant, the grim outlook of the fetus’ potential lives, and the uncontrolled growth of the human population. As everyone should know, the world is struggling to meet the demands of its booming number of inhabitants. We certainly do not need unwanted children who are destined to a life of neglect. For those who believe that women must suffer the consequences of their actions, children should never be viewed as a punishment, but rather a blessing to parents who truly want kids. I find the stance of antiabortionists to be an insult to women and hope that other open-minded individuals feel the same way.
This story was probably raised because of tomorrow’s March for Women’s Lives. According to the article, “the Republican political tide has weakened Roe through a wave of legislation passed by Congress and state lawmakers.” Also, “Bush, if re-elected, would have a chance to fill Supreme Court vacancies with justices who would help overturn the 1973 ruling.” Although many opponents of abortion argue that it is murder, they fail to practically take into account the burdens of the pregnant, the grim outlook of the fetus’ potential lives, and the uncontrolled growth of the human population. As everyone should know, the world is struggling to meet the demands of its booming number of inhabitants. We certainly do not need unwanted children who are destined to a life of neglect. For those who believe that women must suffer the consequences of their actions, children should never be viewed as a punishment, but rather a blessing to parents who truly want kids. I find the stance of antiabortionists to be an insult to women and hope that other open-minded individuals feel the same way.
Post #11 - Interesting Issues Involving Privacy and Technology
Wednesday in class, a group presented several ways that technology could violate us. They discussed everything from surveillance cameras to spyware. I thought that they brought a new perspective into our technology and globalization oriented focus. While most classroom discussions leaned towards benefits of technology or the way modernization dehumanized society, we never looked into the ways that technology could invade out privacy.
Out of all the topics they discussed, I was most disturbed by the issue of the Patriot Acts. Although the government had good intentions when passing the first one directly after the September 11 terrorist attacks, individuals did not immediately realize the dangers of issuing the government such immense power. Even though this new legislation was necessary to overcome the bureaucracy behind investigating and arresting potential terrorists, it may have gone too far. I trust our government to use good judgment when carrying out its new power, but it is still frightening to know how easily that power can be abused. Because the government is allowed to “wiretap phones, confiscate property of suspected terrorists, spy on its own citizens without judicial review, conduct secret searches, snoop on the reading habits of library users,” (summed up by Matt Welch) and so on, it can basically violate the principles that our nation was founded on. Freddy eloquently described my thoughts on this matter by pointing out that personal liberty was more important than temporary security. The authors of the Bill of Rights would turn in their graves knowing how overly intrusive the government they founded was becoming. America is all about strength and freedom. If we let the government begin taking away our fundamental rights, we are letting the terrorists win.
Out of all the topics they discussed, I was most disturbed by the issue of the Patriot Acts. Although the government had good intentions when passing the first one directly after the September 11 terrorist attacks, individuals did not immediately realize the dangers of issuing the government such immense power. Even though this new legislation was necessary to overcome the bureaucracy behind investigating and arresting potential terrorists, it may have gone too far. I trust our government to use good judgment when carrying out its new power, but it is still frightening to know how easily that power can be abused. Because the government is allowed to “wiretap phones, confiscate property of suspected terrorists, spy on its own citizens without judicial review, conduct secret searches, snoop on the reading habits of library users,” (summed up by Matt Welch) and so on, it can basically violate the principles that our nation was founded on. Freddy eloquently described my thoughts on this matter by pointing out that personal liberty was more important than temporary security. The authors of the Bill of Rights would turn in their graves knowing how overly intrusive the government they founded was becoming. America is all about strength and freedom. If we let the government begin taking away our fundamental rights, we are letting the terrorists win.
Sunday, April 11, 2004
Post #10 - Monty’s Repentance in 25th Hour
In class, we have been discussing Spike Lee’s first film after the September 11 attacks, 25th Hour. It revolves around a man named Monty and his last day of freedom. After being convicted of drug trafficking charges and being sentenced to seven years in prison, Monty reflects on his choices and views of society. In one scene, profanity on a bathroom mirror causes him to lash out in anger at his own reflection. First, Monty’s alter ego in the mirror curses at different nationalities and Christianity, but then it directs that frustration towards Monty himself. Upon the thought that he could be the one guilty of causing his own misery, Monty tries to rub the profanity off the mirror.
As the film progresses, Monty hints at his compassionate side. Upon realizing who has betrayed him, instead of taking the opportunity to murder that individual, Monty chooses not to. He decides against vengeance and tries to prepare for prison instead. As the story comes to an end, Monty loses himself in a fantasy. He envisions the same ethnic groups he cursed at earlier in the film. This time however, they smile upon him and he smiles back. He also sees himself creating a new life for himself and improving his relationship with his girlfriend. They grow old with a happy and loving family. Monty smiles as the camera pulls away and credits roll in. His dream clearly shows that he regrets the decisions he has made and desires forgiveness. It also implies that everyone deserves and receives second chances.
As the film progresses, Monty hints at his compassionate side. Upon realizing who has betrayed him, instead of taking the opportunity to murder that individual, Monty chooses not to. He decides against vengeance and tries to prepare for prison instead. As the story comes to an end, Monty loses himself in a fantasy. He envisions the same ethnic groups he cursed at earlier in the film. This time however, they smile upon him and he smiles back. He also sees himself creating a new life for himself and improving his relationship with his girlfriend. They grow old with a happy and loving family. Monty smiles as the camera pulls away and credits roll in. His dream clearly shows that he regrets the decisions he has made and desires forgiveness. It also implies that everyone deserves and receives second chances.
Friday, April 09, 2004
Post #9 - Breaking it down
In “In the ruins of the future,” Don DeLillo discusses the attacks of September 11. Considering the article was published about three months after the catastrophe, the impact and shock were still painfully prominent in America. It was extremely difficult to understand and accept everything that had happened. The enormity of misery was too much to bear all at once. According to DeLillo, “The event dominated the medium. It was bright and totalising [sic] and some of us said it was unreal. When we say a thing is unreal, we mean it is too real… First the planes struck the towers. After a time it became possible for us to absorb this, barely. But when the towers fell… the rolling smoke began moving downward, floor to floor. This was so vast and terrible that it was outside imagining even as it happened… But it was real, punishingly so…” DeLillo knows that there are too many matters to handle, and decides to break things down.
In a challenging attempt to tackle the issues of 9/11, he writes, “There are 100,000 stories crisscrossing New York, Washington, and the world.” He then discusses several of those stories quite descriptively, highlighting the reality behind it all. By going into such detail, numbers and statistics begin to form meaning. The sole purpose of these narratives, however, is to also let the readers take in what happened little by little. He explains how disjointed individuals become when watching violence on television because they are overloaded with sensory data. He uses the example of war coverage to show how people come to take the events less seriously. By being less broad and putting stories behind the numbers, DeLillo emphasizes the significance of everyone’s 9/11 experiences.
In a challenging attempt to tackle the issues of 9/11, he writes, “There are 100,000 stories crisscrossing New York, Washington, and the world.” He then discusses several of those stories quite descriptively, highlighting the reality behind it all. By going into such detail, numbers and statistics begin to form meaning. The sole purpose of these narratives, however, is to also let the readers take in what happened little by little. He explains how disjointed individuals become when watching violence on television because they are overloaded with sensory data. He uses the example of war coverage to show how people come to take the events less seriously. By being less broad and putting stories behind the numbers, DeLillo emphasizes the significance of everyone’s 9/11 experiences.
Friday, April 02, 2004
Post #8 - Don’t underestimate a thirteen year old.
A few days after my friend told me about the film Thirteen, Professor Tryon mentioned it in class. I was curious about what caused their strong reactions and decided to find out for myself. Now that I have seen it, I am in awe over the messages it conveyed. It left me a bit depressed about the loss of innocence and potential, while also making me feel helpless to improve the situation.
In this film, Tracy, an intelligent thirteen year old, seems to have good things in store for her. Unfortunately, she is sick of being perceived as a little girl. Her desire to fit in and become popular gets the best of her. In an effort to raise her self-esteem, she manages to make friends with the most popular girl at school, Evie. Tracy gives herself a complete makeover, focusing primarily on the “bad girl” image. As she and Evie become best friends and start living together at her house, Tracy loses all of her morals and self respect. Evie gets Tracy involved with drugs, alcohol, sex, and theft. As the two get caught up in their lifestyle, Tracy watches her straight A’s drop to failing grades. To make things worse, her crumbling family and uncontrollable temper lead her to believe that the world is against her. Eventually, a minor dispute leads Evie to betray Tracy and completely end their friendship. At the end, Tracy finds herself alone and in ruins, but her mother inspires a sense of hope.
As unimaginable as the plot may seem to be, I unfortunately witnessed a few of my closest friends experience similar problems in middle school. Several good students let bad influences take control of their lives. Pressure to act popular and rebel against authority was very strong back then, but I thankfully managed to find and befriend “good kids” that were smart and motivated. This movie was a painful reminder of the self-consciousness, need to belong, and insecurity that every teenager must face. It was shocking, yet believable, and offered no solution to the terrible problems it revealed.
In this film, Tracy, an intelligent thirteen year old, seems to have good things in store for her. Unfortunately, she is sick of being perceived as a little girl. Her desire to fit in and become popular gets the best of her. In an effort to raise her self-esteem, she manages to make friends with the most popular girl at school, Evie. Tracy gives herself a complete makeover, focusing primarily on the “bad girl” image. As she and Evie become best friends and start living together at her house, Tracy loses all of her morals and self respect. Evie gets Tracy involved with drugs, alcohol, sex, and theft. As the two get caught up in their lifestyle, Tracy watches her straight A’s drop to failing grades. To make things worse, her crumbling family and uncontrollable temper lead her to believe that the world is against her. Eventually, a minor dispute leads Evie to betray Tracy and completely end their friendship. At the end, Tracy finds herself alone and in ruins, but her mother inspires a sense of hope.
As unimaginable as the plot may seem to be, I unfortunately witnessed a few of my closest friends experience similar problems in middle school. Several good students let bad influences take control of their lives. Pressure to act popular and rebel against authority was very strong back then, but I thankfully managed to find and befriend “good kids” that were smart and motivated. This movie was a painful reminder of the self-consciousness, need to belong, and insecurity that every teenager must face. It was shocking, yet believable, and offered no solution to the terrible problems it revealed.
