en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/2397398 Comments by __HelloThere__ http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/21/if-prison-has-taken-anything-away-from-me/#IDComment147411585 At the beginning of the letter the inmate describes prison, and how trapped he feels behind the cells. Furthermore, he questions his existence as a prisoner. He tries to alleviate the void in his life by keeping busy. He describes how he is constantly in motion. For instance, reading, watching the television, and conversation keep him preoccupied. To him, silence is unacceptable. In order to alleviate his pain and loneliness he fills his schedule with hobbies and leisure activities. However, preoccupation will only partially block his desire for love. While reading this letter, I could feel the depression this inmate was falling into. He describes his constant state of longing for love, but only sees an endless stretch of blackness in his future. Sure, he has hobbies, learning and entertainment, but humans need contact, humans long for love. Parallels between this inmate’s letter and the other inmate’s letters I’ve read are quite apparent. Generally, the inmates voice their regret, however, they also speak about their deep-seated longing for love and human contact. While reading the letter, I could really feel the true desperation this inmate has for love. I can’t imagine being stripped away from love and companionship like this inmate. It makes me wonder what this man did, to receive life in prison. The invisible strings are once again at work. The influences around him caused him to make one mistake that cost him his ability to find love and companionship on a physical level. Reading this letter and the other letters before by other inmates, has really opened my eyes to life in prison, and the inmate’s perspective on life. I feel more compassionate towards these inmates. I realized that one mistake really makes a big difference. Towards the end of the letter, the inmate acknowledges his mistake and states that he, himself stepped into the pit and so, therefore, he will never know what love is. That’s one depressing conclusion. Sat, 30 Apr 2011 03:36:39 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/21/if-prison-has-taken-anything-away-from-me/#IDComment147411585 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/16/the-kill-team-tragedy-in-the-middle-east-001-blog/#IDComment144920643 In America, we want to believe that our military is all around respectable and moral, however, when stories like these surface in the news and media, Americans feel disturbed and are unsure how to respond. Due to the great sense of patriotism in Americans, some fail to fully understand the realities that are happening in Afghanistan and Iraq. Furthermore, we as American citizens are kept in the dark about war. We don’t know what’s actually going on, only the soldiers who experience the war firsthand know. What’s surprising about these soldiers is that these murders were premeditated. They were planning on killing a few Afghanistan citizens and even developed strategic tactics to make it look like these Afghanistan people were terrorist or supporting the terrorist groups. For instance, they would trade pornographic magazines for artillery to use as props for their murderous plan. None of these soldiers were told to commit these acts under their sergeant, they wanted to, which makes this incident even more scary for many Americans. Seeing how these soldiers could kill innocent citizens reveals that they probably had psychological problems within themselves. If they could easily kill innocent children in Afghanistan, what are they capable of when they come back to America? They would definitely pose a threat to American citizens. Even more shocking is how none of the commanders took action after hearing these stories. They brushed it off, as if it was normal or they just seemed indifferent to the whole thing. These soldiers seemed bored, frustrated and angry and so, they took out their frustration on innocent bystanders. They probably developed some or already had psychological problems coming into the military. It seems as though they had a blood lust. These soldiers were probably having trouble with the constant adaptations and transitions they had to make, but that gives them no right to kill innocent people. As an American citizen, I fully respect the soldiers who put their life out on line for us, and I will never understand what they actually go through in the military. I can’t imagine how difficult it is. The soldiers are trained to defend, which comes with kill, this is an alien concept. Humans aren’t meant to kill, that’s why many find it difficult, but once placed in a dire situation, nobody knows how people will react. In the end this article is a tragedy. It’s a tragedy that these innocent people had to die and that people in general are capable of such gruesome acts. Thu, 21 Apr 2011 21:37:15 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/16/the-kill-team-tragedy-in-the-middle-east-001-blog/#IDComment144920643 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/07/war-vets-and-ptsd/#IDComment143280629 The video in class about the soldiers in Iraq was definitely eye opening and sad. Soldiers are constantly trained to defend their country and people, however, when they are thrown into war, they don’t know how they’ll react. No one does. Only those who have experienced war first hand truly know how it’s like to be caught in the middle of war. As citizens of the U.S., we don’t know what its like to be in war. We know that were in war, but we don’t truly feel the effects of it. In the video, the soldiers are trained to be tough and to hide signs of fear and weakness. This is evident in the different soldiers that were in the video. Many of them refused to believe they had a problem, because they feared what their fellow soldiers and sergeant would think about them. They feared to be thought of as incompetent or unsuited for war. For instance, one guy refused to believe he had a problem, after coming back from Iraq. His family could tell something had changed, and urged him to see someone, but he ultimately refused and resorted to suicide. The fate of this soldier really saddened and bothered me. I felt helpless for the soldier, because he was so self-conscious about what his unit would think about him. I can’t imagine the psychological state these soldiers come home with after being in war. People aren’t trained to see gruesome deaths and killings. People aren’t trained to kill. And so, I can’t fathom the different emotions these soldiers experience after getting back from war. As Americans we want to believe our soldiers are strong both physically and mentally, that nothing can break them. However, that isn’t the case. They are only human, and humans aren’t trained to kill, and witness death first hand. These soldiers basically live in fear everyday, but they hide it, which probably puts a big burden upon their shoulders. This shows that the military should definitely take the mental state of these soldiers coming back from war more seriously. Sat, 16 Apr 2011 02:23:34 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/07/war-vets-and-ptsd/#IDComment143280629 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/11/transgendered-complications/#IDComment143276875 In society, male and female are viewed as the only acceptable gender groups to be categorized in. The influences around us mold our minds to believe that trans genders are seen as unnatural and wrong, and we fail to recognize hermaphrodites altogether, as stated in the intersection readings. At a young age we are constantly influenced and brainwashed to see and distinguish something as “normal,” or “strange.” Although, trans genders associate themselves to one gender, people who are aware of them still feel skepticism towards them. They are labeled as strange because they fail to “fit in” with their birth given or natural gender. Gender is definitely a biological distinction but it also divides people in different ways. Males are believed to act a certain way, as females are also expected to act and dress a certain way. In society, males are expected to be masculine, which includes playing with toy swords and hot wheels as a child, while girls are assumed to play with Barbie dolls and makeup. If a person deviates from their expected gender rolls, they are often out casted from their groups. For instance, a feminine guy would automatically be considered gay, and society would most likely see him as strange. Although, this idea was very true back in the day, today society seems to be more open and accepting of gays, lesbians, and trans genders. However, it is not totally considered acceptable, and will probably never be considered normal. For instance, in this article this former female, who is now a male, was hired as a urine monitor. However, upon hearing he was actually a trans gender he was instantly fired. After the incident Mr. Devoureau filed for a discrimination lawsuit. This shows the obvious signs that prejudice against trans genders still exist, because they fail to fit in with the “social norm.” I’m not sure if people will ever become more accepting of gays, lesbians, and trans genders, only the future knows, but I think if people were more aware sociologically, there wouldn’t be such a big debate on the issue. In society we accept only two genders as mentioned before. Male and female; a male is associated with penis, and a female is associated with vagina, but what do we do about the hermaphrodites. What are they categorized as? And furthermore, why must they choose to live either as a male or a female, why can’t they just be both? The novel intersections went into a deep debate under this issue. If institutions had check boxes for hermaphrodites, society would probably be more accustomed or opened to it. But since we as Americans only identify ourselves with either male or female hermaphrodites are never really considered, or considered strange. Once again, we are influenced socially which is why we are they way we are. Sat, 16 Apr 2011 02:00:31 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/11/transgendered-complications/#IDComment143276875 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/11/transgendered-complications/#IDComment143276685 In society, male and female are viewed as the only acceptable gender groups to be categorized in. The influences around us mold our minds to believe that trans genders are seen as unnatural and wrong, and we fail to recognize hermaphrodites altogether, as stated in the intersection readings. At a young age we are constantly influenced and brainwashed to see and distinguish something as “normal,” or “strange.” Although, trans genders associate themselves to one gender, people who are aware of them still feel skepticism towards them. They are labeled as strange because they fail to “fit in” with their birth given or natural gender. Gender is definitely a biological distinction but it also divides people in different ways. Males are believed to act a certain way, as females are also expected to act and dress a certain way. In society, males are expected to be masculine, which includes playing with toy swords and hot wheels as a child, while girls are assumed to play with Barbie dolls and makeup. If a person deviates from their expected gender rolls, they are often out casted from their groups. For instance, a feminine guy would automatically be considered gay, and society would most likely see him as strange. Although, this idea was very true back in the day, today society seems to be more open and accepting of gays, lesbians, and trans genders. However, it is not totally considered acceptable, and will probably never be considered normal. For instance, in this article this former female, who is now a male, was hired as a urine monitor. However, upon hearing he was actually a trans gender he was instantly fired. After the incident Mr. Devoureau filed for a discrimination lawsuit. This shows the obvious signs that prejudice against trans genders still exist, because they fail to fit in with the “social norm.” I’m not sure if people will ever become more accepting of gays, lesbians, and trans genders, only the future knows, but I think if people were more aware sociologically, there wouldn’t be such a big debate on the issue. In society we accept only two genders as mentioned before. Male and female; a male is associated with penis, and a female is associated with vagina, but what do we do about the hermaphrodites. What are they categorized as? And furthermore, why must they choose to live either as a male or a female, why can’t they just be both? The novel intersections went into a deep debate under this issue. If institutions had check boxes for hermaphrodites, society would probably be more accustomed or opened to it. But since we as Americans only identify ourselves with either male or female hermaphrodites are never really considered, or considered strange. Once again, we are influenced socially which is why we are they way we are. Sat, 16 Apr 2011 01:59:33 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/11/transgendered-complications/#IDComment143276685 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/03/what-a-man-is/#IDComment140823324 The inmate in this letter definitely described the ideal man a woman would like to have in her life. A respectable friend, lover and protector are the basic traits that a woman looks for in a man, however, is there really a man who possesses all these traits. People have flaws, which make us human, and so, to come by a man who fits the perfect description is definitely a challenge, if even possible. The same goes for men. I’m sure men have a set of qualities that they search for in women, but they definitely aren’t going to find the perfect woman. However, I do believe that people look for the same basic qualities that would like in their partners. These are simple qualities, not too demanding. As long as the relationship is fundamentally built up on trust and connection, I think people are satisfied. Earlier today, I was reading an article on CNN that caught my attention. It was an article that described how infidelity in women is on the rise. I found this quite amusing, seeing how we are made to believe that men are usually the ones committing infidelity. In reality a woman committing infidelity is much more detrimental to their marriage over a man committing infidelity, because women are more likely to develop emotional feelings towards the person as men are just men. Anyways, I’m digressing from the topic. This letter the inmate wrote stands true, but it almost seems like a fantasy. I highly doubt I will come across a man who fits this description, probably only in my dreams. I can’t help but think about the invisible strings that have shaped us to make us think this way. Our idea of a perfect mate is definitely not our own, but the influences around us. We are made to believe that our partners should fit into this mold in order to be considered a good companion. Anyways, to find a guy that fits this description would be awesome ^^. Thu, 7 Apr 2011 20:46:47 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/04/03/what-a-man-is/#IDComment140823324 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/30/so-what-your-take-on-those-inequality-classes/#IDComment138923871 As the richer get richer the poorer get poorer, this catchphrase has been around for years, and is proven correct. Many people are aware of the unequal distribution of wealth going on, however, nothing is done about it. Why? Because people believe that the powerful and wealthy earned their spot up there through hard work and dedication. Yes, some dedication and work was probably put into their current position but not to the extent that people believe. The most powerful and wealthy are the ones pulling the strings from behind, we citizens with low or average income believe that we have a voice in the government, because that’s what they want us to believe, but in actuality the powerful politicians, and corporate men are in charge. They pull strings to make laws that make them richer. It’s all about money. The powerful and wealthy will continue to make decisions, while we are left believing we have a say in America’s policies and laws. And so, in conclusion, America is corrupt with greedy people, which include almost all of us. If we happened to be at the top, we would most likely be pulling the same strings that these guys are pulling in order to sustain their wealth and gain more wealth. There is never enough money for Americans; no one can have too much money. Basically, we are never fully satisfied with what we have. People have this disillusioned belief that with hard work they can become whatever they want. This saying has been drilled into our heads since kindergarten; even Disney supports this message with their “Dreams do come true,” motto, what a load of crap. In actuality, dreams could come true, depending on what it is, and your financial background and connections. The invisible strings are at work once again. For example, lets say the dream is to go to Harvard and become the CEO of a company. An average income student could get into Harvard, but they are most likely not going to become the CEO of a company. Those positions are reserved for the people with connections, such as the daughter or son of the big guy upstairs. In reality, people with middle class parents are most likely going to be in the same financial situation as their parents, maybe a little richer, but nothing close to the wealthiest politicians and corporate bosses. Unless one happens to come across A LOT of luck. This is the sad truth of our society. Its all about the invisible strings that shape us. Thu, 31 Mar 2011 20:34:52 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/30/so-what-your-take-on-those-inequality-classes/#IDComment138923871 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/23/fear-2/#IDComment137322712 After reading this inmates story, I could almost understand what drove him into killing his parents. Those long and devastating years of abuse and torture he received from his parents should not have occurred. At such a young age he was raped by his father, and his mother just stood by and let it happen, as if she didn’t care, which she probably didn’t. Or she refused to believe him. The mother obviously had some psychological problems. Not only was the father in on the abuse but also his mother, and siblings. I can’t fathom the hatred he felt for the people he was supposed to feel closest with, his family. Family members are supposed to serve as a support system and a mode of comfort, but this inmate grew up with no one who showed they cared. From a young age he had to defend for himself, and so he grew up in fear. In his letter, the inmate describes growing up in fear. He was afraid of his own family murdering him. Its like a sick and twisted game his parents played with him, and his sibling were in on it. What puzzles me is why none of his other siblings were abused. Why did they decide to abuse him, what made him seem so vulnerable? I could never understand, unless I was his parent. Seeing that he didn’t commit suicide, reveals his strength, if I was placed in his situation I don’t think I would have been able to keep my sanity, I probably would have committed suicide. His whole life was a game of survival from his own family. Growing up this inmate was forced to repress his memories in order to forget his abusive past. Keeping to himself, he ruined relationships because he refused to open up and tell his story, due to embarrassment and hatred. Until he hit his thirties his memories came flooding back all at once. I can’t imagine how overwhelming and painful this experience was. He states in his letter, that he could deal with the shame, but his anger was unleashed. His anger consumed him, and so, he decided to kill his parents. Some part of me feels as though his parents deserved to die, for the pain they put their own child through. I feel no pity for his parents, but I do feel sympathy for this inmate. Yes, this inmate murdered his parents, but some part of me wants him to be a free man, to be happy again. Reading on, this inmate talks about fear. He states that he was afraid of prison but no more afraid than he’s always been. He states that you get used to living in fear, once being consumed by it your whole life. This part is very saddening. I can’t imagine living in fear my whole life. While reading this, I thought about the invisible strings at work here. I wonder if his father was abused as a child. What triggered his father to commit such an immoral act? These invisible strings probably influenced his life in ways he cannot fathom which caused him to rape and abuse his son. The same goes for his mother and siblings, what made them think this was okay? Did his siblings jump in on the abuse because his parents were basically promoting it? I believe the parents brainwashed and/or influenced his siblings to take part in abuse. Thu, 24 Mar 2011 20:25:25 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/23/fear-2/#IDComment137322712 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/18/m-s-story/#IDComment135947321 Although, “M,” refuses to accept pity, it’s hard not to feel pity towards this inmate. At the beginning of the letter, “M,” partially describes his normal childhood. He grew up reading fantasy books, dreamt of being a space explorer and roamed free in the woods like any average boy. However, as he goes on, these memories seem so far and distant, as if they vanished. He was once a boy, now he is an inmate, a surprising twist in his life. He was once a boy, now he’s in prison with rapist, murderers, and thieves. While reading his letter, I was surprised by the fact that he was only 14, when a group of his friends and an adult devised a plan to murder a man, a man who was once a counselor, who tried to help him during his troubled youth. What stumps me is what would possess these people to murder an innocent man, or even witness the crime and not say or do anything. But then again, I remember he was only 14, I could see why he would be too scared and shocked to speak up about the crime, let alone take action. Furthermore, as he described that fateful day, he remembers crying and begging God for them not to kill him next, after witnessing the crime. From then on, he regretted not having the courage to help this man, for standing quiet. After this, I couldn’t help but sympathize with this trouble teen, who was so young and naïve at the time of the murder. While reading this passage he goes on to briefly describe his troubled youth. He would frequently run away from home, which placed him in a group home. As I read this part I thought about the invisible strings Sam talked about in class. These incomprehensible strings definitely effected his childhood in a negative way, which led him to the position he is in now. Throughout the letter, “M,” refuses the crime to define him. He wants no sympathy, no pity, nor does he want to feed morbid curiosity. He is just one man telling his story as it was. He doesn’t expect fame or reward, and I admire him for saying this. He, himself, believes that he should be a shunned man for the crime he committed; however, in my opinion I think he is being too harsh on himself. He was just a child when all this happened, and he didn’t even do physical harm to the man, he was just an accessory to the crime. I am in no way defending his part in this crime, but I believe he should be given a second chance. He was still naïve, confused and probably lacked any understanding of life and how precious it is. Sat, 19 Mar 2011 00:57:04 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/18/m-s-story/#IDComment135947321 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/01/lighting-our-way/#IDComment133877630 The invisible strings that are out of our control and the influences it has on our daily life is quite clear in this video. The Helsinki residents in this video describe the effects that the gloomy and dark weather has on their daily life. The residents described it as depressing and dreary during these dark winter seasons. The lack of sunlight and the cold weather seem to point to the feeling of depression, but do these two concepts have a direct correlation that we could identify with, and if so, why? Why does the cold/dark weather seem to affect the people in a negative way? From personal experience, I also feel the same. During winters I feel more lethargic and dreary, however, when summer rolls around I feel energetic and rejuvenated. Maybe this is due to a biological reason, our bodies respond better to the warm summer over the cold winters. As humans we are prone to feel depressed and slow during the winter seasons because our bodies are unable to endure a long period of the cold and darkness. Furthermore, throughout the video the government seemed to take the initiative in trying to lighten up the mood of the city. An abundance of light panels were used to brighten up rooms in restaurants and offices. Also, statues and buildings were lit up with these lights. Although these methods help brighten up the city, the people were still probably feeling a little depressed, because nothing beats natural sunlight. I know I would, probably because I haven’t adapted to this style of living. Furthermore the residents do leisurely activities to help alleviate seasonal depression, for instance, the music playing the in the streets, taking a cold swim, and leaving the country all together. Through this video we can see how the weather affects peoples moods and emotions. Light, in general, is associated with happiness and enthusiasm as dark is associated with words such as depression and sadness, which parallels the human emotions when it comes to light/dark weather. The influence that weather has on the human mentality is out of our reach, and so, we can only find substitutes to alleviate the winter season blues. Thu, 10 Mar 2011 16:22:29 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/03/01/lighting-our-way/#IDComment133877630 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/17/how-much-government-do-we-need/#IDComment130786958 Seeing how chaos would most likely occur if the government was not available to govern over the public, I believe the government should have some leeway in making critical decisions concerning the overall welfare of the U.S. However, as Americans, we demand and believe in our fundamentals rights and freedoms, and so, governing what we eat would definitely create disturbances across the states. Although, in fact, the government shouldn’t be telling people what they can and can’t eat, it could also be beneficial for America and its increasing battle with obesity. In my opinion, I don’t believe the government should tell us what we can and cant eat, but I believe the government should try to make a bigger effort in promoting a healthy lifestyle through the media. For instance, Michelle Obama, and her comment on breastfeeding seems logical and healthy, but she does not have the right to tell the public what they should be doing with their children. Instead I believe she should promote the idea of breastfeeding through public speeches and the media, to possibly influence the public rather than appear overbearing. Ultimately there are both positive and negative sides to this issue. Yes, if the government did in fact intervene with the food industry, I believe it would be overall beneficial towards the increasing problem with obesity and American health. Yet, this could also be negative because we could possibly be giving the government too much power. If the government can rule over what we as Americans can eat, what else could they oversee and control? And so, because Americans were influenced to believe that they have fundamental rights and freedoms, the government controlling what they eat would not sit well with the general public, especially those who eat Big Macs. Furthermore, as long as taxpayers are not affected by this increasing trend in obesity, I believe the government shouldn’t intervene with the increasing trend of obesity. So, as long as taxpayers aren’t paying for health care costs for obesity, why not just let them be fat and merry? Life is short anyways. Sat, 26 Feb 2011 06:57:23 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/17/how-much-government-do-we-need/#IDComment130786958 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/15/social-structure-shapes-free-will/#IDComment128946023 The concept of polygamy and polyandry are unusual practices to many people in the United States, and other countries around the world. The idea and act of having more then one marriage partner is criticized and judged down upon, because people in society are influenced to believe that marriage is an intimate union between one man and one woman. However, as I watched this video I could understand why polyandry was reasonable and acceptable to the Himalayan people. The video revealed the difficult living conditions in these remote areas due to the scarcity of arable land, and so, the idea of polyandry is reasonable in order to survive adequately. This closely-knit family, consisting of one woman and brothers, makes complete sense to these people. They seem to be happy and content with their lifestyle because their culture and society dubs this as normal. Further into the video, it revealed the impact of western culture. Slowly, satellite dishes and televisions are making their way into their culture, socializing and influencing them to western ideas. The ideas of marriage and romance are making their way into this community, probably leading these people to question their practices of polyandry. I can’t say what will happen in the future, but I’m curious to see if the idea of polyandry will still exist. In sociology we saw, how people are not completely free to make their own choices and decisions. There are invisible strings that influence us, in ways we cannot understand. And so, in making a parallel between the two, we could say that the Himalayans are not in total control of their choices to be polyandry. Growing up in an area where polyandry was practical and necessary in order to live efficiently influenced their lifestyles, and the same goes for people all around the world who practice different ideas; For instance, China, and its desire for sons over daughters. Sons were believed to more capable of taking care of the family and so, now there is an unequal balance between men and women in the country. However, the idea of polyandry happening in China seems slim, because the one man and one woman concept of marriage is accepted and considered the “norm”. Plus Chinese men and their preconception of women being inferior to them, would not allow polyandry to take place. Fri, 18 Feb 2011 23:23:05 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/15/social-structure-shapes-free-will/#IDComment128946023 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/09/4092/#IDComment127454663 After reading “Remember,” I can’t help but feel a wave of empathy towards this inmate. The thought of this man spending the rest of his life in prison due to a mistake, which he seems to acknowledge, deeply saddens me. In one split second, he’s landed himself in prison, and everything he knew seems to become a distant memory. I can only say, “Remember,” is like a poem, a poem of deep sorrow. Throughout “Remember,” the inmate goes on to list the things he fails to remember, simple and almost basic things one should remember yet he does not. However, he does remember the man he killed, and he does remember the suffering he caused to the man’s family and his. Reading this poem really opened my eyes to an inmate’s perspective. I realized that prisoners are consumed with the guilt of taking a man’s life, just like soldiers they have to live with the remorse of taking a life. From reading “Remember,” I could tell this inmate really felt regret for the murder he had committed. He doesn’t directly explain it as murder, but instead as “drunken stupidity,” which I believe correlates to regret. In sociology we learned that the invisible strings of society shape our thinking and influence us in ways that we cannot fathom. At the time, this inmate was just trying to have a good time, which most likely meant getting drunk and partying. However, these influences only landed him in prison for life; one night, is all it takes. This man is now dubbed a heartless criminal by society and he can never go back to living a regular life, cause he will always be tagged as the murderer. At the very end, the inmate explains how man cannot forgive him, but God will, and has. This part of “Remember,” really spoke to me. As a Christian myself, forgiveness means letting go and love. However, I could see why forgiveness would be difficult to attain by this prisoner. Murder is a big crime, and people hardly find it a forgivable act, especially if the person taken was ones family member or love. The inmate solely looks towards God now, because he knows that God has forgiven him and understands his faults. From prison there is nothing to do but reflect upon ones self. Through his period of isolation from society the prisoner seems to have found companionship in God, and newfound understandings about the world and himself. It’s just a shame, that society isn’t as forgiving. Sat, 12 Feb 2011 02:08:02 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/02/09/4092/#IDComment127454663 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/01/30/conformity-rules-the-day/#IDComment125960652 This video was fully entertaining but it also revealed the power of conformity within society. From a young age we are trained to act a certain way, to blend in with the general public, whether it be the way we eat or dress, its our initial reaction to behave and appear like everyone else. From an outside perspective this video is quite hilarious but if we, ourselves, were actually placed into the same situation, I believe many people would be inclined to behave the same way due to the influence of conformity in our lives, whether we want to acknowledge it or not. Like Sam said during class, the invisible strings are at work in every decision we make in our life. In society nobody wants to be singled out, people want to blend in to prevent themselves from sticking out from the crowd. For instance, the elevator was a perfect example of this. The people who were being tricked on the elevator, tried to slyly face the back of the elevator, even though they knew it was odd, at the time it seemed like the obvious thing to do, this further showing the power of conformity in our daily lives. In addition, one person perfectly emulated the crowd by taking off his hat, placing it back, and facing different directions because he didn’t want to feel singled out or place the crowd in an awkward position. I find this quite comical and interesting. I question myself, if I were unknowing placed in the same situation what would I do? Like most people, I would probably be predisposed to do the same thing. Why is the concept of conformity so strong within society? Sure, many people have individuality, but if we look at the whole picture, nobody is really that unique. Everybody wears clothes the same way, it might be a different style, but it’s all worn the same. For instance, you probably wouldn’t catch a person wearing pants legs over their arms, but why not? Because in reality, we all know that, that person would get strange stares from society. And for that reason, we can basically say society has trained us on how to dress, eat, and behave. So, in conclusion, do we all really have full control over our freedom and choice? Fri, 4 Feb 2011 18:16:37 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/01/30/conformity-rules-the-day/#IDComment125960652 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/01/18/suicide-in-japan/#IDComment124234931 As a sociologist I feel inclined to tell you that suicide is not the answer to your problems in life. The grass is not greener on the other side. Sure, ending your life will relieve you from the stress of everyday life, but what happens next, and what about the loved ones you’re leaving behind? Knowing that you committed suicide will only create great suffering amongst your closest friends and family. Therefore, committing suicide is only being selfish on your behalf. Yes, life is tough, and everyone experiences the financial and career pressures of society but people get through it. By focusing on the bad aspects of life, you’re only digging yourself into a deeper hole of depression and remorse. Instead, take time to reflect and consider all the things the world has to offer, don’t let the stress of being laid off get to you. You’ll definitely find an alternative and get back on track. I understand that suicide is like a disease, it consumes your daily life, but there is a way out, only you must be willing to find it. No one can coax you into not killing yourself, you must want it for yourself, because in all honesty, you are the only one who really knows what your growing through. And so, take time to ponder about your future, like you probably did as a child. You probably had dreams and goals you wanted to accomplish. Take a breath and rewind. Do you really want to cut off all ties with your friends and family? It’s human nature to feel the pressures of competition within society, but your not alone; everyone is experiencing the same stress and failure, we’re all on the same boat. To be human is to want something. And so, instead of ending your life, turn to what you want. Think about it like this, since you’ve already hit rock bottom, being suicide, there’s nowhere to go but up from now on. The “invisible strings” are only making you more inclined to commit suicide due to your standing in society. But you can get through it. Just remember you’re never alone. Grasp on to life and take control. Don’t let stress and pressure rule over you. Fri, 28 Jan 2011 02:16:54 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/01/18/suicide-in-japan/#IDComment124234931 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2010/04/21/letter-from-an-inmate/#IDComment122396630 I never really gave prison much thought nor the criminals inside. To me, criminals were categorized as brutal people with the ability to kill, rape, etc. I knew that most prisoners probably felt regret, knowing that they would spend the rest of their life in a cell with strangers whom they have one thing in common with, the title “criminal;” However, I never really thought about how compassionate these people could actually be. Reading through this letter, I realize that criminals are just like everyday people. They long for compassion, love, and relief from their sufferings just like the innocent. I never directly knew anyone associated with prison, but reading this letter showed me that not all criminals are cold hearted. In the letter the inmate describes such a simple yet so remarkably eye opening moment about two men using each other for comfort, an action we tend to overlook. I believe that compassion exist in humans no matter how terrible they are. Furthermore, I believe that every human longs for comfort and sympathy, even the men in prison, whom society probably dubs as heartless animals. I feel as though the media plays a huge role on the image of prisoners. Most movies reveal criminals as brutal monsters; however, after reading an inmate’s perspective, whose actually experiencing prison refutes this brutal image completely. Although, the crimes committed by the inmates should not be overlooked, I believe that everyone makes mistakes, and as long as they accept and regret their mistakes they should be forgiven to some degree. I’m not saying that all prisoners should be set free, but rather the ones who show improvement during their sentence should be granted some type of leniency. Even though freedom is far fetch for this lifer, I respect the fact that this individual can open his eyes and see humanity for what it truly is. Instead of giving up on life, he keeps on going reflecting and making insightful observation about humanity, and teaching people a few things about criminals. Thu, 20 Jan 2011 00:47:45 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2010/04/21/letter-from-an-inmate/#IDComment122396630 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/01/10/last-name-%e2%80%9ck%e2%80%9d-%e2%80%93-intense-debate/#IDComment122369897 soc 001 Wed, 19 Jan 2011 21:51:49 +0000 http://www.worldinconversation.org/2011/01/10/last-name-%e2%80%9ck%e2%80%9d-%e2%80%93-intense-debate/#IDComment122369897