During the era of slavery in the United States, many lives were changed for the worse. The effects of slavery lasted for many years after its abolition, showing the true scope of its harshness. In a description by 121 year old Sarah Gudger, it is shown that affecting things such as slavery never truly are forgotten. She describes it using a metaphor: "You know the stars don't shine as bright as they did back then". Traumatic experiences such as that of Gudger cannot be forgotten easily. The stars gone are the trauma that has clouded her mind. However, there are also some things that can and should be left in the past.
Trauma is the key word to understanding the idea of forgetting largely affecting events. In the case of perhaps seeing a traffic accident or being in a natural disaster, the loss of someone or something can be hard to get over. Similar to Gudger's experience of losing her mom to slavery, she cannot see things in the same way. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to the National Institute of Mental Health, is, "a disorder that develops in some people who have experienced a shocking, scary event". Those affected with PTSD may experience symptoms such as flashbacks--recurring images of the traumatic event, or even staying away from places or things that may trigger bad thoughts or flashbacks. To those affected, things cannot be seen in the same way. Gudger feels this way, though her description is not as harsh as those who have PTSD. On the other hand, some things may be easy to forget. People often move on from something that they invest emotion into, such as a breakup. Though it may be hard, they can go on to live as they did before.
There are some who view that it is easy to forget anything. Though there are treatments for PTSD, some may not fully recover from the effects and the typical "fight or flight" response that comes with it.
For example, people who have fought in a war may still feel repercussions of it; anything loud will scare them. This is not easy to recover from, thus they cannot forget this. Extremely traumatic experiences are not easily forgotten.
Some things are small, and easy to forget. Others, the traumatic ones, not so much. It should be known to everyone that forgetting is not so easy. When someone says, "Just move on", it may not be enough. Stars can reappear, but not all of them will come back.
Monday, April 9, 2018
Socratic Seminar #3: An Analysis on the Rhetoric and Language of Frederick Douglass, and the Effect on His Legacy
Frederick Douglass was a famous African-American abolitionist, social reformer, and orator during the 19th century. A former slave, he was known for his eloquent orations on the social issue of slavery, proposing reforms. The North, where he was known, was at the time mostly white, thus leading to Douglass being a firsthand spokesperson on the issue of slavery. In this published narrative, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, Douglass addresses this specific audience using language, detail, and objective and subjective passages.
Using these devices, Douglass retells his former life as a slave, and the many hardships that come with it. Throughout this passage, Douglass tells of the incredibly abusive Mr. Covey, of whom he worked for. On driving oxen, he tells that he, "expected every moment that my brains would be dashed out against the trees. . . and coming within a few inches of crushing me against the gate-post". Douglass almost dies twice in a day due to his difficult work as a young boy. In another instance, Covey, "took up the hickory slat with which Hughes had been striking off the half-bushel measure, and with it gave [Douglass] a heavy blow upon the head, making a large wound, and the blood ran freely". This was one of many brutal actions done by Covey. On the brighter side, however, Douglass describes a fleeting moment in which a dreams of boats and that he, "would pour out [his] soul's complaint", that, "there is a better day coming". There is optimism between the extreme brutality he experienced. Using these, Douglass convinces and teaches his largely white audience the reality of slavery.
In these excerpts he juxtaposes the emotions and the actual events, showing conflicting aspects. The excerpts describing driving oxen to near-death and the violence of Covey show in shocking imagery the brutality of slavery. Details such as the large wound or nearly getting crushed by the gatepost are uncomfortable to digest, but provide much of the information the Douglass needed to convey. In addition, these details are objective. Rather than trying to express emotion and adding a dramatic aspect, Douglass provides a singular view of, "this is what happened". However, in between the harsh objective descriptions, Douglass intertwines emotionally charged passages such as that of the daydream. These devices are the methods he uses to convince the audience.
These detailed orations are what gave Douglass his pedestal as one of the most influential abolitionists of the 19th century. Douglass, also involved with women's suffrage, attended the Seneca Falls convention as the only African-American. Being on a similar level as the women wanting a say in the government, his objective descriptions and images of slavery appealed to his audience, which may have consisted of these women. It provided a new firsthand view to build opinions on what slavery really was. He landed a position as well, as a nominee for Vice President for Victoria Woodhull, the first woman candidate for presidency. This shows his popularity among women, who shared the struggle for rights in the United States. Using the words such as those in his narrative, he landed such positions and gained a level of respect. Building his audience like this, he gained popularity and became an important figure of the abolitionist movement.
Using these devices, Douglass retells his former life as a slave, and the many hardships that come with it. Throughout this passage, Douglass tells of the incredibly abusive Mr. Covey, of whom he worked for. On driving oxen, he tells that he, "expected every moment that my brains would be dashed out against the trees. . . and coming within a few inches of crushing me against the gate-post". Douglass almost dies twice in a day due to his difficult work as a young boy. In another instance, Covey, "took up the hickory slat with which Hughes had been striking off the half-bushel measure, and with it gave [Douglass] a heavy blow upon the head, making a large wound, and the blood ran freely". This was one of many brutal actions done by Covey. On the brighter side, however, Douglass describes a fleeting moment in which a dreams of boats and that he, "would pour out [his] soul's complaint", that, "there is a better day coming". There is optimism between the extreme brutality he experienced. Using these, Douglass convinces and teaches his largely white audience the reality of slavery.
In these excerpts he juxtaposes the emotions and the actual events, showing conflicting aspects. The excerpts describing driving oxen to near-death and the violence of Covey show in shocking imagery the brutality of slavery. Details such as the large wound or nearly getting crushed by the gatepost are uncomfortable to digest, but provide much of the information the Douglass needed to convey. In addition, these details are objective. Rather than trying to express emotion and adding a dramatic aspect, Douglass provides a singular view of, "this is what happened". However, in between the harsh objective descriptions, Douglass intertwines emotionally charged passages such as that of the daydream. These devices are the methods he uses to convince the audience.
These detailed orations are what gave Douglass his pedestal as one of the most influential abolitionists of the 19th century. Douglass, also involved with women's suffrage, attended the Seneca Falls convention as the only African-American. Being on a similar level as the women wanting a say in the government, his objective descriptions and images of slavery appealed to his audience, which may have consisted of these women. It provided a new firsthand view to build opinions on what slavery really was. He landed a position as well, as a nominee for Vice President for Victoria Woodhull, the first woman candidate for presidency. This shows his popularity among women, who shared the struggle for rights in the United States. Using the words such as those in his narrative, he landed such positions and gained a level of respect. Building his audience like this, he gained popularity and became an important figure of the abolitionist movement.
Friday, March 9, 2018
Argumentation Blog #2: Ralph Waldo Emerson
During the Transcendentalist movement of American Romanticism, writer Ralph Waldo Emerson became one of the people on the forefront of the transcendentalist ideal. His belief was that people should, "speak what [they] think today in hard words and tomorrow speak what tomorrow thinks in hard words again, though it contradict everything [they] say today". This view is that spontaneity and following one's beliefs is good. As evidenced by events in the world and in my life, it is shown that spontaneity and belief in ideals in the way that Emerson states is best for ones' good.
In politics, some have been spontaneous and outspoken, that led to their success. Take for example, the current President of the United States, Donald Trump. Though many do not agree with his harsh words, his followers support him due to him "telling it like it is", or, telling the truth. This way of speaking is what gave him his platform to rise, beating other candidates who have softer words. He has been shown to exemplify Emerson's statement that "tomorrow [he will] speak what tomorrow thinks in hard words again, though it contradict everything [he] say today". Formerly being a member of the Democratic Party, he switch to being far-right on the Republican Party, both opposing and contradicting sides. This shows that it has been successful to "speak the truth", or "hard words".
Some people, however, use this spontaneity in ideal to pick up their self-worth. Christopher McCandless, whose story was made well known in Jon Krakauer's book Into The Wild, showed his spontaneity as giving him happiness. Though he perished due to a tragic accident at the end of his trek, his spontaneity helped go places such as into Mexico and back without papers, as well as helping him journey the west without problems. His ideals were his ideals, and he followed them wherever they took him; he was spontaneous and that led to the betterment of himself.
Some, on the other hand, believe that it is best to go with the flow and to not be spontaneous, such as in beliefs or in life, as to opposing Christopher McCandless' way of life. Granted, there are some subjects that should not be taken with spontaneity, but spontaneity helps many people in intuition. In my experience, being spontaneous helped me solve problems that cannot be solved due to time restraints. In an engineering club, my group was faced with a problem building a bridge, and we had to be spontaneous in terms of materials and design. Spontaneity led to my success.
So, it is shown that spontaneity and individualism can, in fact, lead to success. In life, people should practice spontaneity and belief in their own ideals more. Perhaps that will lead to a happier society.
In politics, some have been spontaneous and outspoken, that led to their success. Take for example, the current President of the United States, Donald Trump. Though many do not agree with his harsh words, his followers support him due to him "telling it like it is", or, telling the truth. This way of speaking is what gave him his platform to rise, beating other candidates who have softer words. He has been shown to exemplify Emerson's statement that "tomorrow [he will] speak what tomorrow thinks in hard words again, though it contradict everything [he] say today". Formerly being a member of the Democratic Party, he switch to being far-right on the Republican Party, both opposing and contradicting sides. This shows that it has been successful to "speak the truth", or "hard words".
Some people, however, use this spontaneity in ideal to pick up their self-worth. Christopher McCandless, whose story was made well known in Jon Krakauer's book Into The Wild, showed his spontaneity as giving him happiness. Though he perished due to a tragic accident at the end of his trek, his spontaneity helped go places such as into Mexico and back without papers, as well as helping him journey the west without problems. His ideals were his ideals, and he followed them wherever they took him; he was spontaneous and that led to the betterment of himself.
Some, on the other hand, believe that it is best to go with the flow and to not be spontaneous, such as in beliefs or in life, as to opposing Christopher McCandless' way of life. Granted, there are some subjects that should not be taken with spontaneity, but spontaneity helps many people in intuition. In my experience, being spontaneous helped me solve problems that cannot be solved due to time restraints. In an engineering club, my group was faced with a problem building a bridge, and we had to be spontaneous in terms of materials and design. Spontaneity led to my success.
So, it is shown that spontaneity and individualism can, in fact, lead to success. In life, people should practice spontaneity and belief in their own ideals more. Perhaps that will lead to a happier society.
Argumentation Blog #3: Haunts, Physical or Mental?
We sometimes desire to be in a natural disaster, such as a tsunami or tornado, just for the experience. We look at the edge of the highway when an accident has happened, with just a sliver of hope to see a dead body covered by a tarp. More rarely, we ponder what would happen if we killed someone. Are these thoughts innate? A feeling we are born with? Feelings like these are acquired by experience; how we're raised and what we see in the world.
From an early age, we are taught that death and/or topics surrounding death are basically a taboo. Death is hidden in closed-casket funerals, and the van carrying a recently deceased body is unmarked. This, in my experience, has taught me to be morbidly curious about death. When I entered a hospital, the idea of death scared me, but in a macabre way drew me in. This shows that this feeling of morbid curiosity is not innate.
On the other hand, cultures that are taught to embrace death view it in a different way. In Laos, cremations occur on open-air funeral pyres, not hidden from view. Children raised over there are raised around the idea of death, as they pick up the bones of their recently deceased family member. This contrasts with the American-taught notion of death in which it is hidden and almost taboo.
Some people, however, believe morbid curiosity and other ideas such as evil are innate. But, as children, people cannot grasp the concept of race; therefore prejudgment against other races does not occur. It is in the hands of the environment and people around them that racism is taught.
Ideas such as morbid curiosity and evil are, in my and others' experiences, not innate. We are taught how to think this way. If people in the United States raised their children in a way that celebrated death, or maybe did not have a racially prejudged environment, perhaps children will not see death and race in the way that Americans do today.
From an early age, we are taught that death and/or topics surrounding death are basically a taboo. Death is hidden in closed-casket funerals, and the van carrying a recently deceased body is unmarked. This, in my experience, has taught me to be morbidly curious about death. When I entered a hospital, the idea of death scared me, but in a macabre way drew me in. This shows that this feeling of morbid curiosity is not innate.
On the other hand, cultures that are taught to embrace death view it in a different way. In Laos, cremations occur on open-air funeral pyres, not hidden from view. Children raised over there are raised around the idea of death, as they pick up the bones of their recently deceased family member. This contrasts with the American-taught notion of death in which it is hidden and almost taboo.
Some people, however, believe morbid curiosity and other ideas such as evil are innate. But, as children, people cannot grasp the concept of race; therefore prejudgment against other races does not occur. It is in the hands of the environment and people around them that racism is taught.
Ideas such as morbid curiosity and evil are, in my and others' experiences, not innate. We are taught how to think this way. If people in the United States raised their children in a way that celebrated death, or maybe did not have a racially prejudged environment, perhaps children will not see death and race in the way that Americans do today.
Argumentation Blog #5: W.E.B. Dubois
Typically opening sporting events are the National Anthem, or another song meant to represent and incite patriotism towards the United States. However, some do not relate to this patriotism. In this case, some people would rather respond humbly and comply, despite their conflicting beliefs, or not comply at all. African American activist W.E.B. DuBois advocates for a different kind of humility; to "noblesse oblige", that it is best to comply to an extent. Throughout history, people have demonstrated that non-compliance is the side that actually allowed for progress.
In the 1960's, during the height of the Civil Rights movement, Rosa Parks became known for her act of non-compliance. Notably, she sat in front of a segregated bus, a spot reserved then only for white people. Refusing to give up her seat, she demonstrated this act in which she did not comply to the rules that white people placed on her. This movement led to many boycotts, all of which helped blacks in the United States gain a higher level of status in society. Progress happened because of many's acts of non-compliance.
More recently, though, former NFL athlete Colin Kaepernick demonstrated his act of non-compliance. During sports competitions, the National Anthem is typically played at the start, during which spectators and athletes are expected to stand to "honor the flag". However, Kaepernick did not comply in order to protest racial injustice in the United States, and instead kneeled down (an act which led to the end of his career in the NFL). This act, though, inspired many to also "take a knee", showing that awareness of racial injustice has spread. His act of taking a knee is helping kickstart progress.
Like DuBois, many believe that complying with the rules will actually create progress; that appeasement is a good option. However, in the pre-WWII era, appeasement was the ideal that led to Nazi Germany's status as a totalitarian world power. Appeasement did not lead to progress.
As shown in history, progress can actually happen with non-compliance, contrasting DuBois' statement. In a world of growing injustices, though, many have taken the ideals of non-compliance and are using it to power the next social movement. Perhaps in the future these people will spearhead the next historical event of progress.
In the 1960's, during the height of the Civil Rights movement, Rosa Parks became known for her act of non-compliance. Notably, she sat in front of a segregated bus, a spot reserved then only for white people. Refusing to give up her seat, she demonstrated this act in which she did not comply to the rules that white people placed on her. This movement led to many boycotts, all of which helped blacks in the United States gain a higher level of status in society. Progress happened because of many's acts of non-compliance.
More recently, though, former NFL athlete Colin Kaepernick demonstrated his act of non-compliance. During sports competitions, the National Anthem is typically played at the start, during which spectators and athletes are expected to stand to "honor the flag". However, Kaepernick did not comply in order to protest racial injustice in the United States, and instead kneeled down (an act which led to the end of his career in the NFL). This act, though, inspired many to also "take a knee", showing that awareness of racial injustice has spread. His act of taking a knee is helping kickstart progress.
Like DuBois, many believe that complying with the rules will actually create progress; that appeasement is a good option. However, in the pre-WWII era, appeasement was the ideal that led to Nazi Germany's status as a totalitarian world power. Appeasement did not lead to progress.
As shown in history, progress can actually happen with non-compliance, contrasting DuBois' statement. In a world of growing injustices, though, many have taken the ideals of non-compliance and are using it to power the next social movement. Perhaps in the future these people will spearhead the next historical event of progress.
Monday, February 26, 2018
Argumentative Blog #4: "Reality Bites"
The change of beliefs in Puritan lifestyle led to the Transcendentalist movement of America. However, in the 18th and 19th centuries writers began to realize that instead of romanticizing and idealizing events, as well as adding flair to a story, they should instead dramatize realistic events such as war, family, city lifestyle, or leadership. Realist writer George Eliot's take on leadership was that a leader and be flawed, but still be successful. As evidenced by recent events and events throughout history, a flawed leadership can, in different cases, both hinder and create progress.
There have been a couple of cases of flawed leadership that hinders progress; in these cases it is in the hands of the leaders to kickstart progress. North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un has notably exhibited examples of flawed leadership, such as abuse of power over people and creating poverty. Since the foundation of the DPRK in 1948, there have been little cases of progress from poverty in this highly secretive country. It has been until recent times that leaders have called for Korean reunification and progress in peace and relations.
On the other hand, some cases of flawed leadership have caused and kickstarted progress. This has been the case of the President of the United States, in which highly controversial and flawed leader Donald Trump has created progress. In response to the xenophobic and ignorant remarks by Trump, people have began movements to combat this, most of which have been successful in creating and raising awareness of topics. In late 2017, women spoke out against sexual abuse in the media industry, proving that women have power and a say in media as well. This has led to the condemnation of many actors and others in media. Similarly, previous president Barack Obama had flaws as well. Though Obama did drop bombs and continue war in the Middle East, he created progress in social issues in the United States such as the legalization of marijuana and same-sex marriage. These have been cases that show that it has created progress as well.
Some, however, believe that flawed leadership can be absolute in hindering or creating progress. From my experience as a student, a flawed teacher and a flawed student may not lead to progress. I have had times in which my flaws as a student and the flaws of a teacher has hindered progress. Not everyone is perfect; it takes some work to fix or get around these flaws. Some people just do not have the capability to create this progress.
Progress can be hindered and created by a flawed leadership. It all depends on the people's flaws.
There have been a couple of cases of flawed leadership that hinders progress; in these cases it is in the hands of the leaders to kickstart progress. North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un has notably exhibited examples of flawed leadership, such as abuse of power over people and creating poverty. Since the foundation of the DPRK in 1948, there have been little cases of progress from poverty in this highly secretive country. It has been until recent times that leaders have called for Korean reunification and progress in peace and relations.
On the other hand, some cases of flawed leadership have caused and kickstarted progress. This has been the case of the President of the United States, in which highly controversial and flawed leader Donald Trump has created progress. In response to the xenophobic and ignorant remarks by Trump, people have began movements to combat this, most of which have been successful in creating and raising awareness of topics. In late 2017, women spoke out against sexual abuse in the media industry, proving that women have power and a say in media as well. This has led to the condemnation of many actors and others in media. Similarly, previous president Barack Obama had flaws as well. Though Obama did drop bombs and continue war in the Middle East, he created progress in social issues in the United States such as the legalization of marijuana and same-sex marriage. These have been cases that show that it has created progress as well.
Some, however, believe that flawed leadership can be absolute in hindering or creating progress. From my experience as a student, a flawed teacher and a flawed student may not lead to progress. I have had times in which my flaws as a student and the flaws of a teacher has hindered progress. Not everyone is perfect; it takes some work to fix or get around these flaws. Some people just do not have the capability to create this progress.
Progress can be hindered and created by a flawed leadership. It all depends on the people's flaws.
Friday, January 5, 2018
Argumentation Blog #1: Dalai Lama
Contentment is the state where you are satisfied with where you are at or maybe the things you have. In Eastern custom, mainly Buddhism, contentment is taught as a virtue. The Dalai Lama, Tibetan Buddhist philosopher, said that, "when you practice contentment, you can say to yourself, 'Oh yes, I already have everything that I really need'". In the United States, however, people are not content. There exists Black Friday, where Americans flock in masses to indulge in material goodness. There should be a balance between wanting things and contentment.
The desire for more and more often leads to depression. South Korea is a country where emphasis is put on competition and being successful. Students in South Korea rank among the highest in the world. However, this struggle for the best leads to elevated stress and depression. According to a report by BMC Public Health, South Korea's suicide rate is 32.5 per every 100,000 deaths. Similarly, in East Asian idol groups, stress is put on them to make them perform their best; the desire for more and more. Recently, singer Jonghyun of South Korean idol group SHINee committed suicide, with a note saying, "I am broken inside". Sometimes, I feel stressed due to not meeting my goals. However, it is okay to have some goals to look forward to. To reduce this unhappiness, contentment should be practiced to some extent.
However, some believe that contentment should not be practiced. To look forward to things, there must be a number of goals. But, things that do not really matter could be looked over, and people should be content with that. It depends on what is contentment to the respective person.
Contentment should be practiced and balanced with desires, so as to not cause increased stress or depression. If contentment is practiced, the desire for more and more will be suppressed, and people wouldn't stress themselves out trying to get what they want.
The desire for more and more often leads to depression. South Korea is a country where emphasis is put on competition and being successful. Students in South Korea rank among the highest in the world. However, this struggle for the best leads to elevated stress and depression. According to a report by BMC Public Health, South Korea's suicide rate is 32.5 per every 100,000 deaths. Similarly, in East Asian idol groups, stress is put on them to make them perform their best; the desire for more and more. Recently, singer Jonghyun of South Korean idol group SHINee committed suicide, with a note saying, "I am broken inside". Sometimes, I feel stressed due to not meeting my goals. However, it is okay to have some goals to look forward to. To reduce this unhappiness, contentment should be practiced to some extent.
However, some believe that contentment should not be practiced. To look forward to things, there must be a number of goals. But, things that do not really matter could be looked over, and people should be content with that. It depends on what is contentment to the respective person.
Contentment should be practiced and balanced with desires, so as to not cause increased stress or depression. If contentment is practiced, the desire for more and more will be suppressed, and people wouldn't stress themselves out trying to get what they want.
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