The Dumb Generation

This article didn’t surprise me too much. I’ve heard before that people in this generation don’t pay fine attention or know history like their parents and so on did. It’s disappointing that people now don’t perceive important history facts that should be taken notice. But a few things caught my attention. The knowledge and life using skills behind video games was a shocker, along with plain and simple facts kids don’t know. I always thought video games were bad for people and one wouldn’t gain anything from it. But according to this article, video games can be used to a person’s advantage. But if I break it down and analyze it, I guess video games do have some sort of educational background! I always knew that multitasking was a different task to take on, but I never knew that it affected everything that one’s trying to do at once. I now know though, why I can’t multitask and I have to read a passage over and over again when I’m trying to do two other things at the same time.

I agree with some parts of the articles but others, I do not. I agree with the fact that many kids in this generation get distracted with what’s around us (technology) and lean away from the aspect of learning, knowing, analyzing, etc. It’s very sad and almost pathetic that some don’t know what ‘colored entrance’ stood for or who Dick Cheney is. Many of the facts that 2/3 of high school seniors in 2006 didn’t know, are pretty important facts and should be known. But maybe in their eyes, they don’t need it. Things can’t be taught if there is not a special need for it according to Gasset. All students are more interested in different subjects and areas of knowledge, not everyone is going to want to learn or know the same things. Therefore, some will not know facts that one thinks SHOULD be known. Plus, in this generation, people are better and specialize in things that help us to this day, such as technology. Technology is advancing, and as it advances, obviously people around it will be more interested in it (maybe with studying it). The reason we are so advanced with technology to this day is because the people of our generation and a little before have invented it. They might not know who Dick Cheney is, but they had a need and soon succeeded in inventing a T.V., radio, Xbox, and so on.

The generation before us maybe knew what a ‘colored entrance’ was, but no one knows if they were real students who questioned the knowledge that was being thrown at them. According to Gasset, a real student should question everything, starting with assuming the teacher could be wrong. Our generation definitely questions the technology being put out, because we are always trying to fix it or make it better.

Why Americans Are Often So Restless Int. Q's

Q: Why does a society devoted to equal opportunity weaken each individual?

A: According to Tocqueville, Americans strive for equality every day. "This constant strife between the desires inspired by equality and the means it supplies to satisfy them harasses and wearies the mind," said Tocqueville (167). Everyone works for something they want, but one can't be the only one that wants that prize. There are others around that want that same prize or pleasure, so competition takes place. Competition takes place everyday, everywhere, and to every person. Constantly having to compete and be aggressive towards the pleasure one wants and reaching one's goal, is utterly exhausting. "But men will never establish an equality which will content them," said Tocqueville (167). There is no room for men to be happy once they've reached that prize/goal/pleasure, because they're just going to have to right back and compete for something else. He said (166), "Men are often less afraid of death than of enduring effort toward one goal." Being more afraid of going through effort to reach a goal than death, puts stress on one's self. Temper, violence, and exhaustion can be results. "The same equality which allows a man to entertain vast hopes makes each man by himself weak. His power is limited on every side, though his longings may wander where they will," Tocqueville displayed (166). America will never be complete equality. "...they will never get the sort of equality they long for," said Tocqueville (167).

Q: Does Tocqueville think Americans are restless because they don't know what they want or because what they want is not attainable?

A: Tocqueville thinks Americans are restless because what they want is not attainable. "...the latter never stop thinking of the good things they have not got," displayed Tocqueville (164). Americans are so educated to know they could have more and there is more out there, that they never stop to relish what good things they have in the present day. "...the freest and best educated of men in circumstances the happiest to be found in the world..., and they seemed serious and almost sad even in their pleasures," said Tocqueville (164). Americans are always in a rush, and they feel they don't have a long enough life span to sit and absorb all the good things they obtain. "Apart from the goods he has, he thinks of a thousand others which death will prevent him from tasting if he does not hurry," Tocqueville wrote (166). When can one have time to rejoice over his possessions, if right after one has to work for the next prized possession before death? Tocqueville said (165), "They clutch everything but hold nothing fast, and so lose grip as they hurry after some new delight." Americans want more and better. "An American will build a house in which to pass his old age and sell it before the roof is on; he will plant a garden and rent i just as the trees are coming into bearing; he will clear a field and leave other to reap the harvest...," Tocqueville said (165). The average American can't even fulfill happiness over the hard work he/she performs because he/she is focused on the next object they have to hurdle over in order to get something unattainable.

Comparison: Empowered Peasants vs. Previous Ruling Class

I feel that the empowered peasants don't behave too much differently than the pervious ruling class. They are a lot less strict and cruel though. The peasants don't randomly beat citizens on the road or put the death penalty on people who don't bow to the higher class. They instead, arrest any emigrants and trial them much time later. But most, don't come out of the trial or prison alive.

But, the empowered peasants listen to the appeals that the "criminals" or anyone has to say.For instance, when Darnay was in court and the jury was determining weather to free him or send him back to jail. (Page 292-293) Darnay was honest with the court room and appealed to having himself put back in prison, the judge listened and the jury decided. The empowered peasants are opened to listening unlike the Marquis was. They care about their people and what they have to say, even if they are a little strict. Before, when the peasants would appeal, they would be beat, tortured, or just plain killed because of how the previous ruling class system worked.

I think that empowered peasants have good intentions, but are just trying to be strict so the country doesn't get a monarchy or cruel ruling like before.

TOTC Book 1 Q's

1. For how long has the man in Jarvis Lorry’s thoughts been buried?
18 years

2. What else do we know of this man who has been “buried”?
He (Dr. Manette) has been buried alive. This man has been hidden and isolated from the world because he's been in prison. He has changed his name and now Jarvis Lorry has to recall him to life.

3. What are the two conditions concerning Dr. Manette?
He has lost all memory of who he is and who he knows because he has been isolated for so long.

He is alive, but he acts like he is dead. The way he communicates, does his work, body language, etc.

*He has no life in him, because he has been in prison and then trapped up in the top of Defarge's house for 18 years.

4. Who are the proprietors of the wine-shop?
Monsieur Defarge and Madame Defarge (his wife)

5. Why does Defarge show Dr. Manette to the “Jacques”?

Defarge only shows a few people to Dr. Manette, and the ones with the great name "Jacques" because that's also Defarge's name. The sight is likely to do them good, because of the name.

6. What is Dr. Manette doing when they enter his room?
Making a lady's shoe-he is a shoe maker. He was sitting on the bench in his room with hardly any light, making a shoe.

7. What does Dr. Manette say his name is? What is the significance of what he says?

One Hundred and Five, North Tower. It was the prison he was held hostage at for so long.

What others think of you

Everyone cares about what others say and think about them. It’s only natural to care. I think that caring about what other people think is a natural tendency and in our genetic makeup. It’s very difficult to not care what others think of you. There are very few people in the world that don’t care what others say or see about them. I bet those people are the happiest too. I haven’t met anyone that says they don’t care what others say/think about them, and if they do, it doesn’t show. It’s difficult, because no one likes to be judged or talked about behind his or her back. No one wants to be classified as a certain type or person. People don’t like to be made fun of. Some are better off being someone different just so they won’t be laughed at or made fun of. That is another reason why people care what others think about them. Some have to change their personality, etc. in order to not be made fun of. I think we can control the way other people see and think about us sometimes. Someone might dress different just so they won’t be judged or thought about in the wrong way. Others may talk differently or hang with a different crowd, just so they can “fit in.” We can’t physically control what others see and think, but we can trick others into thinking about others in a positive way by changing yourself.

Freedom or Survival

I think freedom is the more important of the two subjects. Surviving is key in society and life, but if you don’t have freedom, what will you do with your survival? Without freedom, one would be very limited in what one wants to do or act/perform. Freedom is the base of what one can do in their lifetime to this day. Freedom gives people rights to speak, act, vote, etc. An example is the slavery African Americans were put through in the 1600’s. Sure, they were surviving, but were they really living their life to its fulfillment and greatest potential. They slaved all day and were not capable of doing what they wanted or pursuing personal goals. Why do you think the Underground Railroad came about? The blacks weren’t happy with just survival. They wanted to matter in life. They wanted a ticket to freedom. Without freedom, you are limited so much to everything. Yes, survival is important because without survival, you have nothing. But if you have survival and no freedom, all you have is life, with no detail. It would be like doing/going work every day, because one wouldn’t have a say in what he or she wants to do or the right. Independence is special, but difficult to have if you don’t have survival. I’d rather be granted with freedom than survival though. Last but not least, freedom brings happiness. Survival brings life, but if nothing else is involved with survival, one might not be better off.

War

Although war is an awful event, it’s also a very controversial issue. War has its good and bad sides. When seeing or hearing the word “war,” people automatically think badly. But sometimes it has to be done for protection of other people, along with other reasons. In my opinion war can be a necessity. People hate to go through it, but it can have positive outcomes. We wouldn’t be where we are today without war. War had to take its course in order for land to be colonized, for the United States to not be speaking German, etc. Loss of loved ones are always demolished in the process of war, but they know they’re doing it for a good reason (unless one was drafted and wasn’t up for the challenge). Everything happens for a reason and most things end up working out for the best. I think that is how war is, because there’s something positive in every aspect of life.

There are definitely causes in which people should go to war. For instance, the United States verse countries that have threatened us with nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction. In the protection of American citizens, war could take it’s course. It happened against Iraq. We felt threatened and alliance countries needed us so we went for it. If someone invaded our country we wouldn’t just stand by and watch, we would fight. That’s the way I look at it when we are at war in other countries. If we don’t end badness early, it’ll only get worse.

Favorite Character

My favorite character in Of Mice and Men is probably Candy.  Candy was old and I felt really bad that he wouldn’t be in the working business much longer and that he had a missing hand.  But he didn’t start any trouble and was really sincere about his work.  Although he couldn’t do much for the ranch, whatever he could do he did right and hard.  Candy was the nice one when George and Lennie first arrived at the ranch.  He showed them around and told them who was who and what to look out for.  He didn’t keep secrets from them when he could’ve kept them from them in the beginning about the people living and working at the ranch.  He was in the plan with the dream of a new ranch and was willing to pay the money he worked hard to earn and the money he would earn for the next month.  I just thought Candy was a nice and sincere old man.  He didn’t start fights or arguments and just went with the flow.  Given he wasn’t happy with his life especially when Carlson killed his dog but he didn’t complain.  He just took it n and moved on.

Euthanasia

The book definition of “euthanasia” is the painless killing of a patient suffering from an incurable and painful disease or irreversible coma.  My definition is killing someone to get them out of their misery and the killing would not be painful.  For example when a dog is sick or is going to die of old age, just put the dog to sleep so it won’t suffer.  I believe in this practice, because it’s hard enough for someone to be on the verge of dying and maybe be suffering from it.  A painless killing will do no harm, it might even get them out of their misery.  My Grandma’s dog was just put through euthanasia.  He was an old dog that could hardly walk and couldn’t get up and down the stairs anymore; it couldn’t make it outside, etc.  Putting it to sleep (a.k.a. killing it harmlessly) is not a bad idea to put forth, I agree with the idea.  It’s not a sin to commit euthanasia and it’s not against the law and it puts a human or animal out of it’s misery so whey not use the practice.  I don’t disapprove of this practice because I think it will help who ever has it done to them in the long run, if you think about it.

Why do dreams sometimes fail?

One way dreams can fail is because things can get in the way.  Not everything can go the way you want to and work out just like you hope.  For example, in Of Mice and Men the whore house gets in the way when the men want to save up and buy their dream ranch.  It can be the same way in a kid’s life.  Someone wants to be a famous celebrity, or singer, or athlete.  Money could get in the way of someone following their dream, or elders or friends could get in the way.  When I was younger my dream was to be a professional soccer athlete, I wanted to grow up and play soccer for the rest of my life!  But as you get older, your dreams change and your minds change.  So, that is something where a dream doesn’t necessarily fail, but you change your mind.  Some people can have the mind set of a dream never fails.  And if it does, make a new one.  Keep perusing.  Giving up would be an example of a dream failing because you don’t care anymore or you don’t want to try anymore.  Dreams sometimes fail because that is the way life revolves!

 

-“Amen” (quoted by krod)

Important place to be

It is always important to have a sense of belonging or be in a place where people know you and your name.  It’s very important because it kind of goes along with the friend blog.  It’s good to have friends, so when you have friends you know you belong somewhere and that people know who you are and things about you.  Kind of like in the book, Lennie doesn’t have many friends because of his retardation.  Yet, George doesn’t really have a place to belong or friends either, but he is more likely to make friends.  Lennie is lucky to have George, someone to rely on and someone that loves him.  The two of them just haven’t found a place where they belong yet, but they are on their way to finding a job and a ranch that could maybe be the place where they belong.  People will feel a lot better if you know the people who love you and you have a designated place to live.  You will be a lot happier!

FRIEND

There are many qualities that make up a friend.  There are examples from the book that make up a friend.  But what I think makes up a friend is the following.  Being there for each other when you need help, someone you can tell things to that you might not want to tell a stranger or others that you are not as close to.  Someone who you can bond with and have a great time.  You can be yourself around and enjoy the time you are having.  Like the person for who they are, not what they have.  Someone who doesn’t always want to get into an argument with.  Someone you can text! Someone you can call, get help with homework with, etc.  It is important to have friends.  If you don’t have friends, you might be lost.  You need someone to talk to and socialize with.  A friend is always a good thing to have; some people don’t have them, so be thankful if you do have one(s).  They’re their for you when no one else is.  If you don’t want to talk to your teach or your parents, they’re there for you!  It’s always good to have friends.

Rely on friends, family, church for help

I agree with the statement "People that are poor should rely on their friends, family, or church for help, not the government."  If people who can't afford things that other people can or don't have as much money as others I think they should rely on other things besides the government.  I think it's unfair that they rely on the government because the government is made up of other people's tax money.  So it's basically like other people are paying others who can't afford anything off.  Some people work really hard to earn a lot of money and then they have to put 30% of it towards taxes and then to people who won't get jobs.  I think it would be wiser if those went to church to ask for help or friends and family.  They could help just as much and let the others who work hard have to pay them off when they don't even know who they are.

3 Q's & 3 A's over R&J

Q: Why does Juliet kill herself when she could be free?

A: Juliet kills herself because she sees that Romeo is dead from poison.  She loves Romeo so much, more than the world.  She wants to be with him even if that means death.  If she didn’t kill herself her parents would find out about the potion and she would probably be in big trouble for that, plus she would have to marry Paris.  She would rather KILL herself than marry Paris.  Her parents make it look like they don’t love her and the Nurse betrayed her.  Of coarse she is going to kill herself!

Q: Was it wise for Friar Lawrence to give the potion to Juliet?  Why or why not?

A: I think it’s perfectly okay that he gave Juliet the potion.  I thought it was a great idea; make it look like she is dead so that she can’t feel anything but she would wake up in Romeo’s arms.  It was perfect, but the communication was awful!  That’s what got their arms tied up was because the lack of communication was poor, they should have told Romeo right off the bat or found a new way to tell him or something.  But I thought the potion was a good idea!

Q: Was it right for Romeo and Juliet to run off and get married?  Or was it foolish?  Or both?  Explain your response.

A: I don’t think it was foolish necessarily because the 2 families had a feud towards each other.  If they loved each other I think they should have gotten married.  But they probably should have run away after that or something not stuck around for so long or not have done it so quick!  They handled it quite immaturely, but their so young and in “love.”  It was unfortunate that the 2 families hated each other because if they didn’t then it would have worked out perfectly.  But the parents don’t care about their children, at least Juliet’s side, they just want things to go the way they want, so I think Juliet should be able to do whatever she wants since her parents hardly care about her!  How rude.

Romeo and Juliet Act 1

            Act 1 of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet was boring to me.  I don’t think it’s that much of an interesting story.  People say that this play is known so well and it’s part of our history, which it is, I just don’t see why people make such a big deal out of it.  Maybe it’s because I’m so young and immature, but I don’t really see the significance in it.  I think that it’s a little fake in the sense of how these kids are in such love at only 13!  But maybe that’s just how life was back then, well it was, people got married that young, but still.  Also when Romeo is so upset over Rosaline because he’s in love with her a lot but she doesn’t love him back.  He made such a big deal over it and then all the sudden he sees Juliet and he’s all better.  That wouldn’t happen in real life I don’t think.  The language is really hard to understand but definitions on the side of the page help a tremendous amount!  It’s hard to understand and read aloud the language he uses but you get used to it and it turns into more of acting than reading.  Overall, I think this story is boring, but I’m hoping it gets better later on in the acts!