Even with the horrid conditions in Haiti, a society still exists amongst ruins. With important buildings and homes torn to the ground, tent cities have spawned in large open areas, and with that, a new hope that although things are bad now, one day they will get better again. But for now, as aide continues to flow from different countries and organizations, the lengthy process of rebuilding has only begun, and tent cities have indeed begun to imitate the structure present within a real city. Whenever reverting back to a less-developed stage in the past, an economics system is one of the first signs of progress; it means each person has their respective supply and demand, and in order to buy more of one good for your family, more of another good must be sold (but first labor must be put into obtaining the good to sell). Although some complexities exist as to valuing normal goods in a simple newly initiated economic system, these tent cities seem to be making the best of a bad situation.
With time, the tent city economy began to develop further, and what started with a need for basic goods such as food, clothes, and water, evolved into new desires, given available resources such as the salvaged goods of a hair salon. With some time a new business was formed, in which individuals (mostly teens) came for pedicures because they could persuade their parents to pay for one at least once every two weeks. To me, this is an amazing concept considering the dirty conditions they’re living in; you would think these teens would be more worried about where they’re living and how they can help to provide additional income for their families, rather than how to spend the little amount of disposable income they have available.
But then looking at it from their perspective, I guess it’s all a matter of what you were accustomed to before the earthquake. It is true that many families living in these tent cities are actually influential people (doctors, lawyers, teachers) and had quite an impressive salary to compensate for their importance. Many teens believe that because they were accustomed to staying beautiful before the earthquake, they should continue in the same trends of spending money, although the money is not as readily available. Then other entrepreneurs are more concerned not with making money, but just attempting to help individuals in whatever way possible, while making some money so they can live comfortably. But they realize that the supply of money is scarce, and so what’s really important is passing the time for everyone, especially kids, who no longer have a school to go to and simply need to be entertained. It’s great to know that as a society, in a way they can unite and understand their tragic circumstances, and try to make things as best as they can, while helping each other to pass the time.

I think it’s really tough to draw a line between two seemingly different positions that are indeed quite closely related. I think what you need to keep in mind is that when your actually considering what position you hold, you need to remember you are in these developing countries not because you think you’re better, but because you are willing to help. And it’s not just about being willing; it’s about having the financial resources and capability of traveling somewhere to help those who are less fortunate than you. In that regard, I feel as though you are just giving back to society, and that racism actually has no meaning in the circumstance.

I believe that although Noam Chomsky holds a somewhat infamous position as a sophisticated individual who strongly critiques American structure and policy, his words about education should be considered somewhat heavily. It is true, that ever since elementary education, the ideal school would teach a set of obedient children listening attentively to class lecture. This directly represents society’s need for children to conform to rules and regulations. If a child has difficult adhering to homework, project, and exam dates, he doesn’t perform as well, and will eventually make his way to a “below-elite” college or university. So maybe after all, a university such as Penn State holds on average, students who are less willing to conform, or didn’t realize conformity was necessary to succeed until later in the academic game.

I believe the lesson about Christian invaders was possibly the most interesting and eye opening lecture we’ve had all semester. At the beginning of the lecture, I really had no idea what it could possibly be about considering the title, Christian invaders. As the lecture went on, I really started to understand as I viewed things through Sam’s lens, which placed the class in the perspective of Arabs living in Iraq. Keeping this perspective in mind, we could see that in fact everything that is portrayed on the news is scoured and the negative messages seem to be most effective in evoking emotions from the culture. It isn’t pictures of soldiers helping families or playing with children, but negative stories of torture, destruction, and direct evil. To the Iraqis, the Americans were considered the invaders, taking over their country and dictating what actions could and could not be planned or performed. All for greedy reasoning; oil.
When considering the primary purpose for America’s declaration of war, even the ordinary American citizen is ashamed upon realizing that all this lying and deception about nuclear weapons of mass destruction and Saddam’s corrupt government was a clever plot masking the true intentions of the American government. And I believe Fyodor Dostoevsky’s quote, “While nothing is easier than to denounce the evildoers, nothing is more difficult than to understand them” to be most appropriate. Because it is true, that although as American culture we have all this negative imagery about Iraqi citizens and their relentless behavior and resistance to American occupation, it never occurs to us to take a second and try to consider the situation from the perspective of the Arabs.
And then comes the term, “Christian Invader.” When combining this forced American invasion along with various statements from high ranking American individuals, who can be surprised that not all Iraqis fully support America’s presence in their country. And even worse, when the main cause is oil, a resource belonging to the people of Iraq, how should an Iraqi citizen feel?
During the lecture, while considering things from the Iraqi perspective, I also couldn’t help but feel like certain individuals might even consider this a Holy War. Sam’s references to most soldiers in the army carrying bibles and many Iraqi soldiers holding the Koran was a truly captivating comparison. I can’t help but think how many religious fanatics consider America a largely Christian nation that may serve as a threat to any other nations that aren’t primarily Christian. Especially considering the USA’s power in the world in regards to most bases spread out amongst continents and the largest possession of nuclear weapons. Maybe all it takes is a little thought and the ability to place oneself in another person’s shoes; even if that person seems to be the enemy.

I believe the lesson about Christian invaders was possibly the most interesting and eye opening lecture we’ve had all semester. At the beginning of the lecture, I really had no idea what it could possibly be about considering the title, Christian invaders. As the lecture went on, I really started to understand as I viewed things through Sam’s lens, which placed the class in the perspective of Arabs living in Iraq. Keeping this perspective in mind, we could see that in fact everything that is portrayed on the news is scoured and the negative messages seem to be most effective in evoking emotions from the culture. It isn’t pictures of soldiers helping families or playing with children, but negative stories of torture, destruction, and direct evil. To the Iraqis, the Americans were considered the invaders, taking over their country and dictating what actions could and could not be planned or performed. All for greedy reasoning; oil.
When considering the primary purpose for America’s declaration of war, even the ordinary American citizen is ashamed upon realizing that all this lying and deception about nuclear weapons of mass destruction and Saddam’s corrupt government was a clever plot masking the true intentions of the American government. And I believe Fyodor Dostoevsky’s quote, “While nothing is easier than to denounce the evildoers, nothing is more difficult than to understand them” to be most appropriate. Because it is true, that although as American culture we have all this negative imagery about Iraqi citizens and their relentless behavior and resistance to American occupation, it never occurs to us to take a second and try to consider the situation from the perspective of the Arabs.
And then comes the term, “Christian Invader.” When combining this forced American invasion along with various statements from high ranking American individuals, who can be surprised that not all Iraqis fully support America’s presence in their country. And even worse, when the main cause is oil, a resource belonging to the people of Iraq, how should an Iraqi citizen feel?
During the lecture, while considering things from the Iraqi perspective, I also couldn’t help but feel like certain individuals might even consider this a Holy War. Sam’s references to most soldiers in the army carrying bibles and many Iraqi soldiers holding the Koran was a truly captivating comparison. I can’t help but think how many religious fanatics consider America a largely Christian nation that may serve as a threat to any other nations that aren’t primarily Christian. Especially considering the USA’s power in the world in regards to most bases spread out amongst continents and the largest possession of nuclear weapons. Maybe all it takes is a little thought and the ability to place oneself in another person’s shoes; even if that person seems to be the enemy.

I believe the lesson about Christian invaders was possibly the most interesting and eye opening lecture weve had all semester. At the beginning of the lecture, I really had no idea what it could possibly be about considering the title, Christian invaders. As the lecture went on, I really started to understand as I viewed things through Sams lens, which placed the class in the perspective of Arabs living in Iraq. Keeping this perspective in mind, we could see that in fact everything that is portrayed on the news is scoured and the negative messages seem to be most effective in evoking emotions from the culture. It isnt pictures of soldiers helping families or playing with children, but negative stories of torture, destruction, and direct evil. To the Iraqis, the Americans were considered the invaders, taking over their country and dictating what actions could and could not be planned or performed. All for greedy reasoning

It is difficult to assume the circumstances of a tragic event that has affected your daily life and family. This is mainly because it is a feeling you cannot possess unless it has affected you personally. I can only imagine the hatred and need for vengeance one may experience after losing a significant other. I believe it all to be a matter of self control, but I’m sure many individuals justify the act by theory of “eye for an eye.” I feel as though it is tough to determine what actions I would take after losing a loved one due to a violent intended death, but it is very possible for anyone to be led to that level of helplessness and desperation.

Although the typical male stereotype entails that men strive for women with curvaceous butts, washboard stomachs, and perfect perky breasts, the truth is that all of that can be sacrificed for personality. Ignoring this simple fact, women obsess over looks due to overexposure to fashion magazines and famous celebrities, and it seems as nothing about them is ever perfect. The grass is always greener on the other side; those who were naturally endowed with large breasts seem to want reductions, claiming it affects their physical and mental life on a daily basis, and those who want implants simply feel self-conscious, believing implants will improve their confidence and level of comfort. Ladies, the truth is, you’re all beautiful; no need to worry.

Video games are a form of entertainment. In an ever-changing society, entertainment evolves; people get bored with the old, and want to experience the new. The new comes in different forms; sometimes they are creative masterpieces, other times they are outlawed by society. I remember when video games featuring contracts to kill (ie. Hitman) were considered sinful and a threat to youngsters because it was perceived they could brainwash children into thinking life has no value. The same controversy ensued with video games such as Grand Theft Auto, which involved stealing, killing, and performing violent missions for money. It looks as though our gaming society has surpassed those stages, as a large percentage of video games today revolve around this central theme, and not much can be done to stop them as long as they carry an “M for Mature” warning.
I recently watched a video in my economics class about certain illegal and counterfeit products in the Asian black market, and how they are always looking for new movies and video games to introduce to their technologically advanced society. Is it possible that this new video game originated at such a black market, where demand for these games is fueled by a society looking for new and seemingly controversial entertainment. It’s on the verge of calling these video games as pornographic material, but maybe these have surfaced because players like to feel in control in a variety of situations. Also, knowing the content is less than appropriate, players might enjoy playing what seems like a fantasy world that shouldn’t be available; after all the forbidden fruit tastes the sweetest.
I personally think this is nothing more than a form of entertainment. There are lots of people out there; each person has a different preference for what keeps them from being bored. Although there are many individuals who might be offended by such a game, it’s nice to know that our society hasn’t hit the point where this sort of game will become a number one best seller in the gaming market. Although I don’t really see how extensive a game could become aside from feeling up and strategically cornering girls to have a sexual advantage, I can predict the game is marketed mostly towards males. Taking this into consideration, it is accurate to say it will probably be utilized by many men as a source of sexual satisfaction and role play. Now this marketing ploy is sick, and I believe it only encourages and demonstrates how seemingly easy it is to rape a woman in an open environment. But to be honest, regardless of how society considers these games, there will always be a group of men who consider it all in good fun and sit down to play with a couple of beers. Not because they’re obsessed or because sex is all men think about, but because it is a source of new interactive entertainment.

I’m pretty sure at the beginning of the semester Sam was very clear that he doesn’t intend to dictate how someone should act or feel, but rather, he’s opening up controversial issues and making everyone considering them personally so they can think outside the box. He simply introduces a new way of thinking; it’s up to you whether his lectures change the way you think and act in society. Personally, I’ve become much more aware of my racial identity and have also noticed it much more around campus. Some of what Sam has to say is very extraordinary, but he simply encourages you to think in ways you’ve never even considered possible.