Classroom students - This assignment is NOT for you (unless you really want to jump in). We had this discussion in class already.
For 20 points, please respond thoughtfully to a question of your choosing from BOTH group 1 and group 2. Also, please reply to two other students' original posts. (A total of four replies from you.)
Group 1 Questions - Pick ONE and reply to this post
- I would be willing to cheat on a test if I knew I wouldn't get caught and the teacher's tests were unreasonably difficult.
- I would be willing to spread a false rumor about someone I didn't respect.
- I believe I am superior to some people.
- Who do you have power over? How do you use it?
- Who has power over you? How do they use it?
- I would be willing to pay someone less than minimum wage if they were dumb enough to work for less.
- I would be willing to steal from someone I had no respect for.
- If I borrowed something from someone and they forgot about it, I would keep it if I really wanted it.
Group 2 Questions - Pick ONE and reply to this post
- American business is justified in underpaying foreign workers if it keeps the price down for its citizens.
- America has the right to intervene in other sovereign countries to protect its economic interests.
- America is the greatest nation in the world; other nations should defer to our wisdom.
- Do our schools foster egalitarianism or divisions and elitism, winners and losers?
On top of these two original post replies, remember to reply to two other students to earn full credit. You should have a total of four replies by 11:59pm 10/10.
Group 1: question 2: I think that you should not spread a false rumor to someone you don't respect. You Shouldn't even spread a true rumor about someone you don't respect. People will respect you more as a person if you do not talk about others in a negative way. It is better to be the bigger person and be friendly,optimistic, and nice to everyone.
ReplyDeleteGroup 2: Question 1: American business should pay workers the same amount, whether or not they are foreign workers or citizens. If American citizens are doing the exact same job as the foreign workers, the should get paid the same amount because they work just as hard. Workers should get paid the amount of money they deserve.
Sarah~
DeleteI completely agree with your view points! It saddens my heart to see the deception and evil that infiltrates this world. As displayed throughout these questions, our society has become corrupted and deceived (Isaiah 5:20).
In response to group 1 question, I too agree that every one deserves a level of respect and neither false nor true rumors should be spread towards anyone.
In response to group 2 question, just as our rights state that every man is created equal, so, whether citizens or foreigners, these workers should be treated with the same amount of respect and trust.
Great Job~
Lindsey Rogers
I agree with your views. Spreading rumors can potentially ruin someone's life and i know for sure that I don't like people spreading rumors about me. Also to your second response i also agree with you you just have to think about how you would want to be treated if you were a foreigner also.
DeleteGroup 1: I totally agree with your response. You should never start a rumor about anyone. This is disrespectful towards them. No matter how much you dislike this person, they don't deserve to deal with your immature self. What goes around comes around. You should never do anything that you wouldn't like happening to you.
DeleteGroup:2 This is so true. There should be equal rights between Foreign workers and Citizens. Especially when they are working the same exact hours and same exact work.
I just realized we picked the same questions, haha.
DeleteI agree with your first point, it's much better to be a happy person than to be someone with questionable trust.
The second point is well-stated. It all ties back to what people deserve regardless of their heritage or country of origin.
Group 1 Question:
DeleteI definitely agree, except when the rumor is undoubtedly true. Even then, I am thinking about things that could help, like a rumor that someone was having a bad time. When this is spread to the right person, they will be able to act on this, and help others.
Group 1~ Question 1: In response to this question, I would NOT be wiling to cheat on a test, even if I thought that I were not to get caught and the tests were unreasonably difficult. While attending public school, I saw too many fellow class mates getting away with cheating on assignments and it deeply perturbed me. Although some of these students were not caught by teachers, I know that there is a greater authority that we report to. Referring to the fact that these tests may be unreasonably difficult- trials produce perseverance! The harder that one works to reach success, the greater the reward is in the end. This treasure of integrity has become sparse amongst our society, but is the lifeline of a truly accomplished individual.
ReplyDeleteGroup 2~ Question 3: In response to this question, personally, I DO NOT believe that America is the greatest nation in the world. We, as a nation, should not elevate ourselves so much so, that we encourage others to defer to our 'great wisdom'. Saint Augustine once said, "Do you wish to rise? Begin by descending. You plan a tower that will pierce the clouds? Lay first the foundation of humility." I do believe that one nation can learn from another and that we, in fact, SHOULD learn from one another's' past mistakes. Although we can learn from each other, as a nation, we should not do so in the fact of elevating ourselves above all others, but in humility, offer possible wisdom from previous experiences as well as be receptive and thankful to others offerings of wisdom.
Lindsey Rogers
I totally agree with how you think. With both responses integrity is a biggie also. And I also think that America elevates itself to much to the point where it thinks it is invincible and nothing or no one can defeat them in any way shape or form and they mean while are tearing themselves down.
DeleteLindsey, first of all eloquently put. You're an amazing writer. Secondly, I agree with both of your responses.
DeleteThe first one specifically I agree with because I too saw an abundance of cheating in public school, which bothered me. Not only are you cheating the class, you are cheating yourself of education which is something that many people in the world can not obtain.
For the second one, I also would say that in the ways that matter, like citizen happiness and longevity, America is probably one of the more poor countries as half of Americans have suffered or known someone to suffer from mental disorders based on stress or anxiety or depression. In many way third war countries are "greater" because even though they are poor, they are happy with simplicity.
Great job! (:
I really liked your description in Group 1 because, it is very important that people know that cheating isn't the best way. Little by little you are killing your own conscious. Doing things the easy way is never going to take you anywhere. Cheating doesn't let you demonstrate your capacity in life.
DeleteGroup 1:
ReplyDeleteIn response to the statement: I would be willing to steal from someone I had no respect for, I disagree. Whether or not to steal is not something you base off of the amount of respect you have for a person. Whether you have an immense amount of respect for someone or not, does not change the consequences it has on the person. If someone who did not respect you stole something from you, you would still have the same loss than if someone close to you had stolen it.
Group 2:
Do our schools foster egalitarianism or divisions and elitism, winners and losers?
I believe our schools (public schools at least) definitely foster the concept winners and losers. Group projects are rarely true a group effort as each person focuses on improving their grade and coming out on top. There are often rewards for highest grades, and rarely for most effort. Athletes are held to the highest "prestige" making them seem like the overall "winners of the school" and it there is clear competition among students to do better than each other, rather than help one anther.
Elisabeth~
DeleteI completely agree with your rebuttals towards these questions. In response to group 1 question, I too believe that whether or not to steal in not something that you base off of your respect for someone. The act of stealing is wrong no matter who the person is.
In response to group 2 question, I completely agree with you in that our public school systems are creating an environment based on status. It saddens my heart to see some of these struggling students just being pushed aside and labeled as 'not good enough'. I believe that struggle, means learning! I read an interesting article pertaining to this subject that you may be interested in reading....
http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2012/11/struggle-means-learning-difference-in-eastern-and-western-cultures/
Great Job on defending your views!
Lindsey Rogers
Reply to the Group 2 Question:
DeleteWhile I also believe that American schools most definitely foster this competition between students, I notice that this is sometimes a good thing. If one works hard, then they should be rewarded. If they do not work hard, they do not deserve to be rewarded. Even if something like a very intangible concept like"popularity" unbalances this competition even further, I notice that this has almost no carrying effect after high school or college. In the end, it is all about how hard you work and how dedicated you are to your advancement in school and life.
Group 1 Question 6: I would be willing to pay someone less than minimum wage if they were dumb enough to work for less.
ReplyDeleteI would not be able to pay someone less than minimum wage if they were dumb enough. It is a disrespect to the person and it would show what kind of values you have. Even though there may not be any consequences at the moment maybe later the person realizes that you are not paying them justly and then you end you end up paying them more. I think that the guilt would not let me continue paying less. It is better to do the right thing and be just after all everyone wants justice.
Group 2 Question 2: America has the right to intervene in other sovereign countries to protect its economic interests.
I don't think that America has the right to intervene in other sovereign countries to protect its economic interests because America wouldn't be respecting the sovereign rule. If America intervenes it might lead to war or a lot of deaths. When it comes to money or economical position it is hard to tell how people will react. Will they be calm about it or will they want to go straight into war? You also have to think of all the people living in the country if you go and intervene will it help them or make there position worse. Sometimes you have to think about the other party before you act for yourself.
I agree with both your responses. You should never pay someone less than they deserve because it is disrespectful and the consequences are way higher than the price originally owed.
DeleteAlso, with your second response, I agree completely. Not only is it wrong and could start war, how would we American's feel if another country did that to us?
For your first response, I feel the same was as you do: I would feel too guilty to pay someone less than what they deserve. Whether or not the person is aware of how much they should be making, you will be bettering their life and probably work ethic by paying them more, or at least what they deserve.
DeleteI also agree with your point that intervening with another countries affairs is a bad idea because it is not possible to know what that could lead to (war, deaths, etc.) Abusing our power to gain more power or more money, while hurting other countries is not right.
Group 1 Question 4: I would be willing to steal from someone I had no respect for.
ReplyDeleteI would never be willing to steal from someone, no matter how little respect I held for them. Stealing not only is dishonesty and cowardly, it takes away from people who probably need what you are stealing. It also takes a tax on your own subconsciousness. I would not be able to live with the guilt of stealing something, and the consequences would most likely be higher than the item of question. Stealing is morally and lawfully wrong, there is no justifying it.
Group 2 Question 4: Do our schools foster egalitarianism or divisions and elitism, winners and losers?
I believe that schools in America most definitely foster egalitarianism. In school, competition for being Valedictorian or being a star athlete is rewarded. If you do not meet a certain standard, not only do students look down on you, the system does as you are put into remedial classes and seen as a failure or a delinquent. This idea increases the egos of the higher "ranking" students. The issue is worse in bigger, public schools, but exists even in the smallest of schools.
I like your point on stealing, it's similar to my points as well. I also like that you included the toll stealing takes on your conscious.
DeleteAnd although your ideas in the second response are a little extreme, I agree with them as well. The high school social system is built on known and used talents, and if you don't have any that the school can utilize, you're pretty much useless.
Your view on stealing is really, really well said. You pointed out how stealing not only hurts other people but you as well, which is really important point.
DeleteI believe, like you, that school in American are very egalitarian, however I believe some amounts of competition and reward, as long as it's not devaluing to other students, or giving that person special treatment, is good because the real world is often like that, and people should be rewarded for their accomplishments
Group:~~ "I would be willing to cheat on a test if I knew I wouldn't get caught and the teacher's tests were unreasonably difficult."
ReplyDeleteI would never be willing to cheat on a test even if I knew I wouldn't get caught and the teacher's tests were unreasonably difficult. This is so because, teacher want to be able to trust their student with no doubt. Cheating isn't letting you demonstrate your capacity of showing how smart you really are. By doing so, you don't learn, and as you get older you become more irresponsible. When you get to college, plagiarizing and cheating will be caught. It is almost impossible to get away with cheating more than once. When you cheat you are disrespecting your teacher but, most importantly your reputation as a student, co-worker, and self-being. "I would prefer even to fail with honor than win by cheating".
-Sophocles
Group 2:~~~"American business is justified in underpaying foreign workers if it keeps the price down for its citizens."
I believe all workers in general should get paid equally, if and only if, they are working the same job. There shouldn't be any racism between workers. Foreign workers as well as Citizens need to be paid what they deserve.
I like your point that by cheating, you are not only disrespecting the teacher but you are betraying yourself and cheating yourself out of an education. It is very true that in college it is much harder to cheat and you will probably be easily caught. Beginning to cheat in middle or high school is simply setting yourself up for failure, and is not a good idea. I also really like the quote you included.
DeleteAdditionally, I agree that underpaying foreign workers is not right. People who are doing the same job need to get paid exactly the same amount, or based off of productivity. In fact, I would be willing to say that many foreign workers have better work ethic due to the simple fact that they tend to be in a lower economic class (this is a fact, not being judgmental) and would be willing to work harder for less money. But this does not mean American business should abuse that.
Yes, foreign citizens should be paid the same, but it doesn't happen, because many of them will accept less. It's not just a matter of "being paid something is better than nothing" mindset for them, but the fact that in their country, rates probably aren't the same. Food and other utilities may be cheaper. They can live on less money, and still live a decent middle-class lifestyle. For them.
DeleteThis point really touches me, especially as I've just come back from a foreign country. In the Phillipines, a person could get an entire apartment for about 7000 pesos a month, which is the equivalent to about something less than 175 dollars, when only an American apartment with just one room can have a rent of at least 500 dollars.
It's probably why Americans outsource in the first place...
But, despite that, some foreign workers really are paid much less than they can live on. Without healthcare or other benefits. If Americans have those benefits, foreign workers should have them, too.
Group 1 Question 2: I would be willing to spread a false rumor about someone I didn't respect.
ReplyDeleteI would never want to spread rumors about anyone because even the people you don't respect are people too, and you have to take into account how your words could affect them. At the end of the day, we're all human beings with feelings, thoughts, and goals, and we need to have a basic level of respect for everyone.
Group 2 Questions 1: American business is justified in underpaying foreign workers if it keeps the price down for its citizens.
I disagree with this, and it boils down to the same concept as my earlier response; having basic respect for all human beings. We, as Americans, are not superior to people of a foreign country purely because they chose to work in America. Regardless of the price of the product, matters of respect concern everyone.
I agree with the overall text of your post that all people deserve respect and consideration. Spreading rumors can seem harmless but there's no telling how they can affect someones feelings. I also agree that underpaying foreign workers is unjust and shows lack of respect for all humans, people should be respected regardless of place of origin.
DeleteYou know, I really like this post. It is succinct, straightforward, and to the point. My level of basic respect for you as a human being just went up about five notches, if only for the fact that you give everyone else the same respect they are inherently due.
DeleteI agree with both your statements.(Yes, we picked the same questions!) I like how you said that we are all human beings and words really do affect people. I also liked how you tied the answer to group 2 with your answer for group one. They are very similar and it all comes down to being a respectful and reasonable person.
DeleteConcept: I would be willing to steal from someone I had no respect for.
ReplyDeleteReply: While I desperately want to say no, and I am going to, but I have to say that this is true for one person. This person is my little brother. In fact, for both me and my brother, I know that we would only do this to each other, and to no one else. So I disagree, because I would never do it to someone I do not hold in high regard, with only one exception.
Concept: America is the greatest nation in the world; other nations should defer to our wisdom.
ReplyDeleteReply: Yea... NO. While America is a great nation, founded on free agency, I think that this is backwards thinking. As we are able to enjoy free agency, we should let others make their own choices as well, never giving advice when not asked for.
Group 1: I would be willing to pay someone less than minimum wage if they were dumb enough to work for less.
ReplyDeleteI would not do this because everyone deserves to be paid what they work for, even if that person isn't the sharpest. I honestly value kindness and dignity in a person rather than intelligence, and if a person is doing their job, intelligence should not get in the way of hard work.
Group 2: America is the greatest nation in the world; other nations should defer to our wisdom.
I do not believe that America is the greatest nation in the world, while we do have substantial size, military, and economic wealth, we fall very behind in the education and health of our citizens, two things which i'd say are far more important. However I do think that America and countries like it, who have established a democracy that employs basic human rights, should be deferred to by other countries who have not yet done so and are still under an oppressive or tyrannical government.
I agree with your first response. You are right in saying that "everyone deserves to be paid what they work for" and in saying that hard work should take precedence over intelligence. However, that is not to say that intelligence is not important.
DeleteOn your second response, I cannot say that I completely agree. I understand that America lacks in certain areas. But, doesn't every country lack? Is a country with better education and health necessarily superior?
Also, what if America or "countries like it" have "bad" wisdom? should other countries still defer to it?
You provide an interesting argument, and although I do not completely agree, you argued your point well.
I'm not sure I agree with some of your evidence. According to Forbes, the United States is the eleventh healthiest country in the world, ranking above places like Spain, France, and the Czech Republic. In fact, the United States spends more on health insurance than any other country. According to Gallup, America and second only to Germany in satisfaction with healthcare. I can't change your opinion, but it might be worth thinking about.
DeleteI agree with your first response. I also look for and value the kindness in people, rather than intelligence. I like how you said "everyone deserves to be paid what they work for."
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ReplyDeleteGroup 1: "If I borrowed something from someone and they forgot about it, I would keep it if I really wanted it."
ReplyDeleteI see several issues with this statement. First, how do you know that they forgot about it? If you ask them, would not the lender remember his or her object? This idea seems to be concocted by a borrower who wants to keep the object that he borrowed. It is just an excuse. On the other hand, if the borrower were to ask the lender about the borrowed object and the lender were not to remember the object, chances are that the lender would easily give away the forgotten object to the borrower if he were to ask for it. Either way, this is just a borrower’s excuse for keeping the borrowed object.
This idea of justifying the keeping of the borrowed object shows that the borrower feels guilty for keeping the object. This guilt comes from the borrower’s conscience telling him, “Don’t keep that.” So, the borrower knows that keeping the object would be wrong. Overall, the borrower is only creating an excuse for keeping the object that he feels guilty keeping.
Group 2: “Do our schools foster egalitarianism or divisions and elitism, winners and losers?”
Schools foster elitism and divisions. Just look inside your yearbook. There, you are sure to find listed the “best” and “most athletic.” Often there is a reason for the picking of such individuals. Also, divisions in school are unavoidable. Not everyone has the same beliefs, nor does everyone connect in the same way or with the same people. So what if someone is more athletic than someone else? So what if people disagree in their beliefs? So what if two people cannot get along? Everyone has his or her strengths. Everyone has a group that he or she associates with most. Now, there is nothing wrong with schools having divisions and elitism. Each person has his or her own strengths and should be recognized for them. Likewise, each person has his or her own group. It is better to recognize “elitism” and award hard work or ability and allow everyone to stay in their associated group, than to have egalitarianism where no one is awarded for their achievement and where everyone is forced into one “united” group. Yes, schools have “divisions and elitism,” but this is better than egalitarianism.
I'm not sure I agree with what you said about the yearbook. Honestly, seeing those has never dented my self-confidence or really affected me at all. In my experience, those people are voted for by the student body, so who can really argue with it? That's the great thing about democracy.
DeleteI really like what you said about hard work. I couldn't have said it better myself. One united group brings everyone to the lowest level. whereas competition brings everyone up.
I really like how you answered part 1; when I was skimming the questions I didn't even thing about that. It really is bit of a conflicting statement, and ultimately could be reduced to "would you steal something?" the fudging of the lines could be used to justify in the bowers mind, but would require deliberate effort to convince themselves.
DeleteGroup 1 question 2) I would be not willing to spread a false rumor about someone I don't respect because spreading a false rumor would be lying, and I never intentionally lie. I make it my goal to always tell the truth.
ReplyDeleteGroup 2 question 4) I do feel that our school system is divided into "winners" and "losers", but I do not feel that this is a bad thing. Students competing with each other for titles such as "valedictorian" actually encourages them to study more and get better grades. Often times, a student's closest competition are the people in the school that they have the most in common with, and as a result they can become very close friends and help each other study. In fact, as Fordham says in her article, "Peer-Proofing Academic Competition Among Black Adolescents (1988)", students grouped by grade into like categories for peer reviews were more likely to score higher. In other words, separating students into what has been deemed "winners" and "losers" actually brought everyone up. In addition, it is not as if everyone in the school is competing for one title. Students can excel in school at more than just academics. For every student hoping to become valedictorian, there are just as many hoping to become the captain of the swim team, or the class president, or the concertmaster, or the winner of the art scholarship. Students do not see each other as an overall "winner" or an overall "loser". They see each other only from the perspective of their small corner of the high school world.
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DeleteAbbie, I agree with both of your responses. I like how honest you are about honesty! I know that your goal not to intentionally lie can be hard to keep at times, but I also know that you can do it!
DeleteAs for your second response, it is just as clear and straightforward as your first. I really like that you say how this system encourages competition that improves results. You cite a source, thus making your argument even more reliable. Your whole argument is well thought out and clearly stated. It was especially interesting to know that students score higher when separated by grade. You have a convincing argument, it was a pleasure to read!
I think that the goal of never intentionally lying is a worthy one.
DeleteHowever, though I see your point in the second entry, and I agree with much of it, I cannot help but point out that children (and especially high schoolers) often grow to become what they're labeled as. If they are labeled as a winner, everyone expects them to act as such. The pressure's on, so often that will be motivation enough for them to keep the winner status. On the other hand, a loser, labeled as such, will have no higher expectation from those around them, and will grow into apathy just because it's easier and it's what everyone expects them to do. But a loser, though labeled as such, still has the potential to change; often they just need someone to show it to them. If someone expected more of them, and abandoned that "loser" label, and worked with them to gain their potential, anything could be possible. After all, high school is just the prerequisite to adulthood, where labels proliferate and can define a person for the rest of their life.
Group 1 Question: Now I know it says to pick "ONE" of these but instead I feel as though they all should be addressed together as they all are actions that even the most innocent have done. We have all given in to pressure at home or from friends and at times it are necessary to cheat which I know many of you will disagree with. Other times we spread rumors without even knowing it from the slip of a tongue describing ones character to how others describe him can turn these innocent conversations into something not so innocent. Now being superior to people we all know that I am and that does not need further debating. The power of others we all have it wither we are one of those snotty white teenage girls on Jerry Springer who have their parents on a chain or even control over a sibling or if you’re like Ted Bundy you have innocent woman under your control. Now why did I just describe all of these things together despite what the teacher says? Because they all go together, they all are for your own personal gain. A test we do so we can pass the test, a rumor is just part of our human drive that comes out at times maybe to help you feel better or just your conscious saying something without meaning to in a hurtful way. Superiority is also natural we feel like we are bigger than our siblings or our animals even other people. And I can say with confidence that we all are selfish in our own way. Its our primitive instincts as a human and again all we want is our own personal gain. (Rambling mess I know but I hope the point came across)
ReplyDeleteGroup 2 Question. The question that pops out is this “America has the right to intervene in other sovereign countries to protect its economic interest.” Now this just supports my statement above America one of the greatest country’s on Earth is aware that horrible things happen to human beings all around the world, recently we had the mass killings in Syria and we have not even stepped a foot in there because it is not a strategic place to fight because they have no resources useful to the United States and so therefor they are not important. In Africa there is a constant war zone going on there and again we do not go in and help despite us being the “best” because again they have nothing for us. Now if it is South Korea under Threat from North Korea we are on it the second we hear of any attacks with all our American Muscle, simply because it is a big part of our American Economy. Same goes for China if they were in trouble we would help because they hold our national debt and if they were to sink we would sink down with them. Not sure how to end this one so. END.
I've already posted my two comments, but I just couldn't help but respond to this one. As far as how things are going in Syria, I think you need to step back and look at the whole picture. Right now, Assad, a terrible man, is in charge and he is killing his citizens, but if we take him out of the equation, something has to take his place. Most likely, power would be taken by Al-Qaeda or some other radical Muslim group and then the people of Syria would be taught to hate Americans even more and we would never have a chance of helping them. Personally, I fond it unconscionable to keep Assad in power when he is killing his people, but anyone who takes his place will not be any better. In the end, neither choice is the right choice, but in most people's opinion, Assad is the lesser of two evils.
DeleteAs for Africa, just because we are not at war there does not mean we are not helping them. The United States African Development Foundation, a United States Government Agency, has given 57 million dollars to Africa, and this has caused 155 million dollars in economic growth. War is not the only way to help countries.
I think that the reason we would help South Korea is the same reason we would help Israel or Britain in the same situation. They are our ally.
I think it was courageous of you to give your opinion. I really enjoyed responding to it. Thank you!
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ReplyDeleteGroup 1 Question 4: "Who do you have power over? How do you use it?"
ReplyDeleteI have power over the younger members of my household; I have always been the youngest but within the past five years have found myself an aunt to both my niece and nephew, who are living under the same roof. Sometimes it is extremely difficult to have patience, and to not just automatically just snap at them or tell them off for the sole reason that I am in a bad mood. I have learned to think twice about what I say to them, and to other people for that matter, because (whether I like it or not), I am one of their primary role models. As such, I have the responsibility to use my power over them wisely and carefully.
Group 2 Question 3: "America is the greatest nation in the world; other nations should defer to our wisdom."
I really don't believe this; I think that this is an extremely egotistical view. It's true, that we used to have some of the highest moral ideals in the world. We were the revolutionaries of democracy, basically the first to make it work on the long-term scale. Our government was honest, and was made by the people, for the people. To serve the people's best interests, not the politicians'.
Things seem to have changed. The president is leading our nation in the direction of socialism, which has failed time and time again throughout the pages of history. We are basically bankrupt, with the national debt the highest it's ever been and still climbing. Our leaders bicker like toddlers, and cannot find it within themselves to reach a compromise for the good of the people. And the things we have left, the scraps of our former dignity, are slowly being peeled away from us by (many of) our leaders that lie through their teeth and surreptitiously lower our nation's standards and values, one by one. And the amazing thing is, THESE PEOPLE WERE VOTED IN! It seems as though the people of America have lost the ability to discern which leaders will lead them in the wrong direction! We no longer have the right to claim the titles of wisdom or greatness. If we want them back, we will have to earn them back, through hard work and honesty.
I love you response to part 2, and I totally agree! Our nation is different from the others in that it had a very unique beginning, and very blessed emergence into the realm of world powers. I think part of our down fall in the last couple decades was due in part to our pride; we were an inspiration to other nations and were looked upon as the land of the prosperity, and now we are beginning to see the reality of our choices.
DeleteYes, the statement really is an egotistical view. In fact, in the past, I've heard many Americans making that same exact statement. How depressing.
DeleteThe change of leadership comes from the change of view. In the past, people actually had something to fight for: their liberty, their religion, their rights. Now these days, we've become lax. Despite the obvious signs of massive national debt, we of the middle class have yet to understand how important this is this is. We already have our rights, our religion, our liberty.
We think differently from the honest citizens of the 1800's. A change in leadership, no, a change of government and society, would do us well.
This, too, though, is a problem on many other countries, too.
Part 1
ReplyDeletePeople who have power over me are; my parents, employers, and close friends. Each uses their power differently, mostly to uplift and shape me into a better person, but each has the ability to use it in a harmful way.
Part 2:
Our schools in America promote egalitarianism, almost unhealthily though. We are all created equal and each should have equal chances and opportunities; but life can deliver a harsh reality that not all the fairy tales are true. I think we should teach children who to continue on through failure as much as success; because we will all fail at some point.
I like the point you made about school going overboard with egalitarianism. You worded things very nicely and your word choice was great and adds feeling when you talk about continuing through failure to success, and reality and fairy tales.
DeleteWho do you have power over? How do you use it?
ReplyDeleteI can have power over everyone that I meet. Of course, that doesn't mean absolute power, but every meeting that I have with another will undoubtedly influence them in one way or another. You can use that power through actions or words to influence a part of their thoughts, or future actions, either intentionally or unintentionally. It's a relationship of cause-and-effect.
Do our schools foster egalitarianism or divisions and elitism, winners and losers?
Yes, I believe many do. I can't say much for other schools I never attended, but the previous school I went to promoted division amongst the four years through annual competitions between the four years. Elitism was influenced through the comparison of classes. A person with Algebra 1 for a class may be put down by another peer with Pre-Calculus. Winners are emphasized through semester report cards; students who managed at least a B-average were given prizes. Losers in the school system were shoved aside.
Of course, that's a problem that's inherent in society in general. Division amongst the different years are alluding to the corporate ladder, in which senior management would be forced to defend their jobs from the new batch of college graduates starting at the bottom. Elitism through report cards in high school is like comparing yearly pays, one showing off his rather nice-looking BMW (like the prizes) to his middle-class friend with the Toyota.
It's because everyone is different. Born with their own advantages and disadvantages, raised in a different environment from other, molded by different influences in their life. Because we're all different, we live different lives and have different pay in this world.
I like the way you gave a lot of evidence to support your opinion. I wish I could ask how you felt about rewards at all though in a sense of some people work harder than others. Overall though, great job stating your opion and supporting and explaining it clearly.
DeleteWho do you have power over? How do you use it?:
ReplyDeleteThis is a very interesting question and here is why: in my opinion, you only have power over those who think that you do. It is possible to make someone feel lesser than you and that you control them, but you really don't since everyone has at least some choices they make. the second point I would like to make is there are positive ways to have power and negative ways to have power, I have to say honestly sometimes I do both. An example of negative is controlling someone, telling them what to do (ex. slavery) etc. A positive example is using the opportunity to mentor someone of help them. The thing to remember is that people are only as free as they believe they are.
America is the greatest nation in the world; other nations should defer to our wisdom:
Even if America doesn't directly boast to be the "best", other countries do look to us. Fact is we have had the best economy, best freedoms, best lifestyles/health, best technology, and things like that. However, this does not necessarily make America the "best and greatest nation". My point is that "greatest" is subjective to each perspective.