Thursday, February 26, 2015
Nelson Mandela and Campaigning
Nelson Mandela was a revolutionary activist for South Africa. He was committed to non-violent protest as he fought in the anti-apartheid movement and against racist policies. Although he grew up in a small village he later became South Africa's first black president in 1994. He started campaigning with out violence, but later took up arms when he decided this was the only way to achieve change. He was imprisoned with 150 others after fighting for free education for all children, full citizenship, and redistribution of land. He was offered to get out of prison but only under the terms that he give up the armed struggle and he refused. It was unfair that the black majority of the nation could not vote. Mandela gained an enormous amount of support from millions of rural peasants and working people. He began a chain reaction against what many agreed to but had not stood up without Mandela's help. He achieved an inspiring amount in his lifetime that not only changed his standing in South Africa but also the rest of the black people who had been previously working for the white man. During his presidency he established a strong central government after independence. Not only did he grant blacks the right to vote, but also all the minorities. He fought for respect for his people. He not only had his own self-realization, but also his wisdom and virtue guided others.
http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/originals/a1/b6/ae/a1b6ae1fd794a335a9614451aae95cdd.jpg
Pixar and Trascendentalism
http://cartoonsimages.com/sites/default/files/field/image/the-incredibles-17055-1920x1200.jpg
"Uprising" by Muse
Paranoia is in bloom,
The PR transmissions will resume
They'll try to push drugs that keep us all dumbed down
And hope that we will never see the truth around
(so come on)
Another promise, another seed
Another packaged lie to keep us trapped in greed
And all the green belts wrapped around our minds
And endless red tape to keep the truth confined
(so come on)
They will not force us
They will stop degrading us
They will not control us
We will be victorious
(so come on)
Interchanging mind control
Come, let the revolution take its toll
If you could flick the switch and open your third eye
You'd see that we should never be afraid to die
(so come on)
Rise up and take the power back
It's time the fat cats had a heart attack
You know that their time's coming to an end
We have to unify and watch our flag ascend
(so come on)
They will not force us
They will stop degrading us
They will not control us
We will be victorious
(so come on)
Hey, hey, hey, hey
Hey, hey, hey, hey
Hey, hey, hey, hey
They will not force us
They will stop degrading us
They will not control us
We will be victorious
(so come on)
Hey, hey, hey, hey
http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/muse/uprising.html
In this song by Muse, we see a prime example of a transcendentalist's thought. This song is telling the audience to stop conforming and speak out. Stop holding back and don't let anyone tell you what to do. One should realize their worth and gain wisdom and virtue from it. The song includes, "rise up and take the power back," which is telling us to explore ourselves and let our uniqueness shine. Let your individual thought control you, and do not let another person tell you what to believe or do. Like transcendentalism, this song displays hatred toward sameness. Also in the song, "and all the green belts wrapped around our minds," it is saying to explore our mind and not let it be held back. You should be happy with who you are and take control of your life.
Meditation: A Process
http://zenhabits.net/meditation-for-beginners-20-practical-tips-for-quieting-the-mind/
I read this article before I (attempted to) meditated. I have to say meditation is not as easy as it seems. The ability to focus your mind and not be distracted the slightest bit does not come naturally. My first meditating wasn't as successful as I'd hoped but it was definitely an experience I can build upon. When I did this, I had so much running through my mind: all the work I needed to do, the aroma of the food my mom was cooking, the memories of these past snow days, and even the littlest thing like wondering what the temperature will be tomorrow. Wow! And thinking of all that made me think about how I could be exemplified as someone with ADD. Then I stopped and tried again, to focus on the present and my surroundings. I would say I reached a point that could be called meditation, but only for about 30 seconds and I was right back to where I started. As I was "meditating" I was thinking about the steps I had read earlier to meditate. I have realized that meditation is something that I can practice and get better at. I think I can learn to enjoy meditation and the many benefits it has when you truly dedicate to it. I found that focusing on my breathing really helped to remove other thoughts that were distracting me. Because as soon as I did this, my mind was totally consumed in trying to breath. Something so easily and we take for granted is really complicated when you begin to think about it. I will definitely try to meditate more often to get more out of it with practice.
I read this article before I (attempted to) meditated. I have to say meditation is not as easy as it seems. The ability to focus your mind and not be distracted the slightest bit does not come naturally. My first meditating wasn't as successful as I'd hoped but it was definitely an experience I can build upon. When I did this, I had so much running through my mind: all the work I needed to do, the aroma of the food my mom was cooking, the memories of these past snow days, and even the littlest thing like wondering what the temperature will be tomorrow. Wow! And thinking of all that made me think about how I could be exemplified as someone with ADD. Then I stopped and tried again, to focus on the present and my surroundings. I would say I reached a point that could be called meditation, but only for about 30 seconds and I was right back to where I started. As I was "meditating" I was thinking about the steps I had read earlier to meditate. I have realized that meditation is something that I can practice and get better at. I think I can learn to enjoy meditation and the many benefits it has when you truly dedicate to it. I found that focusing on my breathing really helped to remove other thoughts that were distracting me. Because as soon as I did this, my mind was totally consumed in trying to breath. Something so easily and we take for granted is really complicated when you begin to think about it. I will definitely try to meditate more often to get more out of it with practice.
Students at the University of Amsterdam Protest
https://libcom.org/blog/student-protests-escalating-amsterdam-25022015
After reading this article about student protests in Amsterdam, I see their need to fight for what they believe is wrong. If one feels like many people's rights are being compromised then you should stand up for what you believe is right. Only you can make your voice heard. No one else can voice your thoughts. Change begins with an individual. Hopefully if one sparks potential then there will be a chain reaction and you will gain supporters and others to help you fight for the common cause. The students want there to be an election since many jobs are at stake. They gaining attention through protests and may achieve their goal if they keep on. An individual is in complete control of their life, and if you feel that someone is in the way of that you should fight to keep your rights. By protesting, you are increasing awareness of a situation. And these protests are usually addressed somehow. It is important to practice non-violent protesting. Violence usually does not bring progress rather it divides groups and causes aggression. Martin Luther King, Jr. was able to bring awareness to struggles of African Americans by preaching non-violence. Although there was physical fighting the situation at that time was different and very controversial. When there are violent protests, these give flame to already burning hatred. Why not be peaceful rather than violent? There is no obvious benefit to violence. These students should continue to fight for their rights and disagreements they have.
After reading this article about student protests in Amsterdam, I see their need to fight for what they believe is wrong. If one feels like many people's rights are being compromised then you should stand up for what you believe is right. Only you can make your voice heard. No one else can voice your thoughts. Change begins with an individual. Hopefully if one sparks potential then there will be a chain reaction and you will gain supporters and others to help you fight for the common cause. The students want there to be an election since many jobs are at stake. They gaining attention through protests and may achieve their goal if they keep on. An individual is in complete control of their life, and if you feel that someone is in the way of that you should fight to keep your rights. By protesting, you are increasing awareness of a situation. And these protests are usually addressed somehow. It is important to practice non-violent protesting. Violence usually does not bring progress rather it divides groups and causes aggression. Martin Luther King, Jr. was able to bring awareness to struggles of African Americans by preaching non-violence. Although there was physical fighting the situation at that time was different and very controversial. When there are violent protests, these give flame to already burning hatred. Why not be peaceful rather than violent? There is no obvious benefit to violence. These students should continue to fight for their rights and disagreements they have.
![]() |
| https://s3.amazonaws.com/stadium-wembley/soccerly/2014/11/12/1415815986_1415816045.jpg |
The Twilight Saga
When the first Twilight movie came out in theaters, teenagers instantly loved the movie and wanted more of it. Watching the movie today, I have realized how bad the storyline and acting is in the movie. Maybe that is just my opinion, but to me it is an overrated movie. The instant attention grabber in this movie is the idea of vampires. The romance the movie hold and the ability of the vampires. This was a hit when it came out because it was the first, after a while, major movie that encompassed modern vampires and what we today imagine of these immortals. The success of the movie does not credit to the actors or story, but to the current envisioning of vampires. The movie was enjoyed due to the action and adventure the vampires had, besides the romance. The way we imagine vampires to be was brought to life and now we could actually put a picture to the fantasies we imagined. The inhuman powers these creatures hold are what we imagine to be idealistic abilities that we wish to behold. The plot itself is ludicrous, but for teenagers the epic battles of werewolves and vampires seems to bring a new interest. The protective layer of reality has been ripped off and calls upon imaginations in modern times. The setting being like that of current society makes the movie relatable to current fantasies. Anything that is slightly relatable and not set in the 1800's, attracts an audience.
Self-Realization in Pop Culture
They say I'm too young to love you
I don't know what I need
They think I don't understand
The freedom land of the seventies
I think I'm too cool to know ya
You say I'm like the ice I freeze
I'm churning out novels like
Beat poetry
I say
I say
I don't know what I need
They think I don't understand
The freedom land of the seventies
I think I'm too cool to know ya
You say I'm like the ice I freeze
I'm churning out novels like
Beat poetry
I say
I say
Well, my boyfriend's in the band
He plays guitar while I sing Lou Reed
I've got feathers in my hair
I get down to Beat poetry
And my jazz collection's rare
I can play most anything
I'm a Brooklyn baby
I'm a Brooklyn baby
He plays guitar while I sing Lou Reed
I've got feathers in my hair
I get down to Beat poetry
And my jazz collection's rare
I can play most anything
I'm a Brooklyn baby
I'm a Brooklyn baby
They say I'm too young to love you
You say I'm too dumb to see
They judge me like a picture book
By the colors, like they forgot to read
I think we're like fire and water
I think we're like the wind and sea
You're burning up, I'm cooling down
You're up, I'm down
You're blind, I see
But I'm free
Ooh, I'm free
You say I'm too dumb to see
They judge me like a picture book
By the colors, like they forgot to read
I think we're like fire and water
I think we're like the wind and sea
You're burning up, I'm cooling down
You're up, I'm down
You're blind, I see
But I'm free
Ooh, I'm free
Well, my boyfriend's in the band
He plays guitar while I sing Lou Reed
I've got feathers in my hair
I get down to Beat poetry
And my jazz collection's rare
I can play most anything
I'm a Brooklyn baby
I'm a Brooklyn baby
He plays guitar while I sing Lou Reed
I've got feathers in my hair
I get down to Beat poetry
And my jazz collection's rare
I can play most anything
I'm a Brooklyn baby
I'm a Brooklyn baby
I'm talking about my generation
Talking about that newer nation
And if you don't like it
You can beat it
Beat it, baby
You never liked the way I said it
If you don't get it, then forget it
So I don't have to f****** explain it
Talking about that newer nation
And if you don't like it
You can beat it
Beat it, baby
You never liked the way I said it
If you don't get it, then forget it
So I don't have to f****** explain it
And my boyfriend's in the band
He plays guitar while I sing Lou Reed
I've got feathers in my hair
I get high on hydroponic weed
And my jazz collection's rare
I get down to beat poetry
I'm a Brooklyn baby
I'm a Brooklyn baby
He plays guitar while I sing Lou Reed
I've got feathers in my hair
I get high on hydroponic weed
And my jazz collection's rare
I get down to beat poetry
I'm a Brooklyn baby
I'm a Brooklyn baby
Yeah my boyfriend's pretty cool
But he's not as cool as me
'Cause I'm a Brooklyn baby
I'm a Brooklyn baby
But he's not as cool as me
'Cause I'm a Brooklyn baby
I'm a Brooklyn baby
This song idealizes transcendentalism. Lana del Rey sings about being different, but takes pride in her acceptance of individuality. She says, "and my jazz collection's rare," she accepts her differential taste in music but later says, "i'm a Brooklyn Baby," showing her pride in who she is and her personality standing out. Lana displays happiness and good that results from self-realization. She shows that her disliking of sameness. Her comparisons to the other person she is speaking of in the song show her being content with her unique personality, "yeah my boyfriend's pretty cool but he's not as cool as me," encompassing transcendentalism.
Vampires, Witches, and Dopplegangers
Why are we fascinated by the idea of vampires, witches, and dopplegangers that we see in "The Vampire Diaries"? Perhaps they are the epitome of our dreams and childhood fantasies. From a psychological perspective, Freud would argue that we resorted to interest in vampires due to results from our oral stage in childhood maturation. There is a longing in many of us to fulfill selfish desires and vampires display exactly that. They care only for themselves and even then are indestructible. Particularly, in the show there is endless romance and drama. Witches have the power to go through loopholes and perform almost any spell to change whatever. Dopplegangers are like twins, but born in different centuries and have powers that other vampires do not have. These immortals do everything humans would imagine doing that is impossible. Maybe we live our dreams just by watching these characters be the person we want to be. Their lifetime is infinite, people are afraid of death so the idea of a never ending life does not sound too bad. Many of us struggle with sicknesses and disease. Vampires have the ability to cure themselves without any treatment, how idealistic would that be? Obviously, we know there are realistic downsides to having an infinite lifetime and the ability to be as destructive as one wants so our ego reminds to face reality and be content with just fantasies.
http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120505195213/vampirediaries/images/f/f1/Vampire-Diaries-Stefan-Dinner_320.jpg
http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120505195213/vampirediaries/images/f/f1/Vampire-Diaries-Stefan-Dinner_320.jpg
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
ATLaska
Today Georgians got a taste of how New Yorkers feel when it snows. It snowed on and off throughout the day. I would go outside and enjoy the snow every now and then with family. The snow changed as the day went on. When the first flakes fell, the snow was light but traveling fast with the wind. It stopped for awhile but when it snowed again the snowflakes were massive *northerners giggle* but melted as soon as they hit the ground. The total accumulation probably amounted to less than an inch. At night, there was sleet/black snow. At the beginning it was all fun then as the day progressed one grew bored of the snow the way it had changed from snowflakes to black snow. The snow reflected how the day felt. Bright at first then progressively getting annoying. Now the roads are all wet and any snow that may be left is hard as ice, no more fun.
The Power of an Individual
Some of the most well-known movements began from individuals who rose to the occasion and fought for their beliefs to be heard. Mahatma Gandhi was able to achieve self-actualization when he not only fought for India's independence from Britain, but he also wanted to alleviate poverty, fight for women's rights, and eliminate caste discrimination. Gandhi wasn't looking for admiration by many, he truly gave himself completely to the service of others. The biggest revolutionary change he brought to the world was the practice of non-violent protests. He broke the law peacefully, but it was for a higher purpose, for India's and South Africa's people. I do not know that a common person like me would have the strength to stand up against the law, but if I had the ability to, I would perceive it as justifiable. One cannot be discontent with something unless they try to make the change. One of my favorite quotes, known by many, is "Be the change that you wish to see in the world," stated by Mahatma Gandhi himself. Change begins with one person. And if you want something bad enough you will be willing to sacrifice whatever it takes to achieve your goal. Protests, non-violent, are the people's way of calling attention to an issue to the government. One has to speak up for it to be known what they demand. I would protest if I feel there is injustice and discrimination. You have to make your voice be heard. It is easy to say this, but with passion anything is possible.
| http://www.sahistory.org.za/sites/default/files/Gandhi%20and%20Kasturba%20with%20children.jpg |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)


