Social Media Hiatus - Day #2

I miss the Philip Defranco Show. Why did I do this to myself. It's only day one, and I'm miserable/ hate the world-- Regular me, except I don't have Twitter/ Tumblr to get my mind off of it by giving me more reasons to be miserable/ hate the world. I made changes to the list. Netflix got a pass: 

1. because it is technically a streaming website, and not a social network, 
2. this is the 21st century go damn it, and no one can take away my right to watch tv shows, not even me, 
3. and it is like I'm watching TV.

YouTube does not get a pass though. The comments section and the interactivity make it a social networking website, and it is not TV. On a brighter note, my constant desire to punch people's faces has decreased, or so I tell myself.

Water bottles consumed: zero. 

Social Media Hiatus - Day #1

I am on a social media hiatus--mind you, I am using the term social media very loosely here. Websites/ apps to avoid include: Twitter, Tumblr, Snapchat, Youtube, and Netflix. They are not to be downloaded on the phone again until next week on the 25th. As for the laptop, I have logged out, and I will use the remaining self-control I have to keep myself from logging in. If it gets difficult, I will change the passwords. This decision was rushed and unanticipated, but I need to clear up my mind from the disattachment they brought. I have been telling myself that I need to be more involved IRL. I am not trying to disconnect myself. I will email one person a day to talk discuss opportunities. Also, while I am at it, I might as well drink more water. My twitter timeline alone is loaded with enough negativity to worry an enthusiatic high school "graduate" over the future of our nation.nMy only hope is when this experiment is over, I do not fall back into old habits.

Comparing Reading to Writing in the Light of Ong’s Views on Restructuring Consciousness and Their Importance in the Academic Setting Today

According to Walter J. Ong, functionally literate human beings are beings whose thought processes grow out of powers structured by the “technology of writing” (p.77). But, what is the definition of this “technology of writing,”-- Is it “the technology which has shaped and powered the intellectual activity of modern man,” (p. 82) as Ong says? It is evident today that writing is not the only advantage that helped humanity’s transition from illiteracy to literacy. Whatever is written must be read. If anything, this passage from darkness to light should be equally attributed to reading as it is attributed to writing. Had it not been for certain books, our views on serious social issues would have remained outdated. Active reading, not to be mistaken with passive reading, is crucial for the inspiration of writers. It communicates ideas and styles, and integrates logic and rebuttal. If writing indeed heightens consciousness by fostering abstract, analytical thinking, then reading has the same effects on consciousness, because the processes the brain goes through are similar.

When Anne Frank wrote the Diary of a Young Girl, she shared the details of her life in Holland during the Nazi invasion, and, by doing so, reminded her readers of the cruelty of racial persecution. When Mary Wollstonecraft wrote a Vindication of the Rights of Women, she stood up against the privileged male population, and, by doing so, empowered women to demand their right to equal rights and education. Although these writers are long gone, their active readers have managed to carry on delivering their messages and even adding up to them according to what is appropriate in this day and time. Ong writes, “More than any other single invention, writing has transformed human consciousness” (p. 77). But, what about reading? Can the huge role it played, and still plays, in transforming our views on racism, feminism and education be dwarfed by the, however important, detached role of writing? In many ways, writing and reading have a lot in common.

The creative process can be thought of in two reverse directions. For example, in order to create new material, writers will output their already existing thoughts and feelings to the surroundings, and input the responses they receive into the script manufactory, that is their brains, which then would produce the wholesome comprehension of the individual and universe Ong praises so much. Active readers, on the other hand, input the findings of writers into the same script manufactory, because they are in their thoughts and surroundings, then reflect upon them, and output new discoveries regarding their identities and situations. The writer is not the only benefactor from the creative process; active readers too can reach a fuller realization of their potentials. According to United Kingdom’s Department of Education, statistics prove the importance of reading for pleasure on both educational purposes as well as personal development. In the classroom, students will gain new attitudes towards learning, which can threaten the authority of the professor. If teachers want to keep their jobs, they must facilitate all resources at hand and keep an open mind for new takes on education.

Speaking from experience, as a student writer, I have found that taking time to read the opinions of other writers and explore their approaches to different topics can be eye-opening. As the reader, I am introduced to new ideas and presented with the chance to view objectively and ask questions. In Ong’s words, “Alienation from a natural milieu can be good for us and indeed is in many ways essential for full human life. To live and to understand fully, we need not only proximity but also distance” (p. 81). In this light, we understand that the value of what we obtain from writing lays in the distance and isolation from the surroundings. There is an interesting kind of alienation that comes hand in hand with reading-- When you are alone with a book, you are given the space to interpret the words however you would like, and if you try hard enough you can write another book that is even more complex and extensive than the one you are reading.  This can be both exciting and frightening for a student. It puts them in charge of making use of the knowledge they gain. Students will want to channel their newly-gained information to create new information, and, as I did, will want to write. This feeling, unless dealt with properly, can be very unhealthy and self-destructive for a student.

The connection between the active mind and the sustenance of a person’s happiness and realization of the universe should overcome the obstacles this confusion creates for a scholar. This statement can be easily put to the test. In a simple experiment, the subject, that is myself, will record changes in my position towards reading, after employing it to prolong my attention span and improving my creative thinking abilities. I have set to read and write more every day. Between college classes and my time off, I have been reading fiction and nonfiction in two languages. I have also been writing responses to my readings, with my diaries and reflections. One of the benefits that I have noticed is that during Math lectures, I am more alert and focused. This is new to me. Comparing my observation skills from two weeks ago and now, as I am participating in this experiment, is like comparing an addict’s mind when they are on drugs and when they are clean. My mind has become clearer, and I’m not overwhelmed by daily tasks. This organization should reflect positively on my career as a student and bring me new opportunities. Reading has played an important role in this quick transformation, and I expect more promising results if I continue. I recommend for this experiment to be done on a bigger scale, and be turned into a field-study that includes students from different backgrounds than mine. A such study can go in-depth into the effects active reading has on consciousness. By looking into how it help the mind be sharp and active during class, we can notice the patterns that occur in a student’s brain.

In the same way Ong argues that a specific kind of writing, the kind that powers intellectual activity, helps our minds become analytically active, it can be argued that active reading has the same effects on the human brain. Motivating and mind-stimulating reading and writing are essential for personal and communal growth. However, this brings up a new question-- If students take breaks from writing and reading, do their minds grow numb? Our findings can be reassuring. They tell us that wherever a person’s mentally is, what they know and what they can do could be built on. Whether it is dropping-out for an illness or a family emergency, or just low self -esteem, a student can catch up with their schoolwork. With determination everyone can reach a higher level of intellectuality and production. Professors can teach their students how to write and they can read to them, but unless students write and read for themselves their hopes and dreams will not materialize. As educators, it is our responsibility to reconsider our understanding of our jobs, and test new methods that affirm our messages in this age of change. From this comparison, we learn that there is no place for obsoletes. What was right in the time of Plato, is not right in the time of Ong, and is not necessarily right in ours.

Final Reflection Essay

Reflect on your journey as a writing student during the course of this year? How have you grown as a person as a result of your journey and how did this come out in your writing? Please write at least 5 paragraphs with a well-developed thesis statement including a strong introduction and conclusion.

The last nine months have brought with them many rewards. Although I am no master of prose yet, the way I write has notably developed; I write now more than I ever did before. I am happy with the quality of my words. They are not as complex as they used to be, and they deliver the meaning I want to share with my readers. The only problem is that although my writing style has advanced, my will to produce content has retreaded. I have high hopes for myself. Whatever problems I am facing currently can be solved with the right spirit and yearning for self-improvement, achievements and discovery.

This has been the most exciting year of my life. It is full with personal experiences and new adventures. My journal is full with stories from my days in New York, my interactions with people, the projects I want to take on in the future, and thoughts on how I am growing as a person. And, with all that I have written I feel like I still have much more to share and analyze; yet I have not. This can be attributed to that on some level, I feel like I would lose my sense of privacy. What I wrote in the past did not matter to me as much as what I am writing now does, so it was easier for me to share my thoughts with an audience. Having my life out there for people to examine and have opinions on sounds exciting, but I am not sure whether I have the strength to handle it.

Lately, I have been paying special attention to how the media can stir the public opinion in favor or against governments and institutions. For example, the documents leaked by Ed Snowden proving the US government’s involvement in public surveillance which is against the constitution. The media can choose to portray both sides in ways that serve a greater agenda, and the public would have no clue. The more I think about it, the more I want to understand this system. I realize that there could not be a better way for me to understand the system, until I break in. Taking part in the world of journalism can be how I find more truths and help share them with the people. This class has made more prepared to tackle such issues and discuss them efficiently.

The year is two days from being over, and I am happy to say that I am a better writer. As for my fear from sharing my stories, there has got to be a medium where I can express myself creatively; writing will always be an integral component of the creative process. It may not be easy to pinpoint the growth points, for me at least, but I know that I have grown. Reading, for example, I have been collecting books as a hobby for quite sometime. When it comes to reading the books I own, I always start and give up in the first couple of pages, but now, that I have read a classic such as Frankenstein, I am encouraged to pick up my books again. I want to be in a place in my life where, but I should not wait for things to happen by themselves, and I should step up and finish my work to the best I can.

Frankenstein: The Modern Prometheus

Like you, Victor Frankenstein was a young college student interested in the sciences and studying away from home in pursuit of achieving excellence.  How was reading Frankenstein a beneficial reading experience for you personally? What do you think was the most important conflict and ethical issue in the novel? Why? And how does it relate to your personal journey in academic America? 

“Our sweetest songs are those that tell of saddest thought.”

― Percy Bysshe Shelley

Almost a century old, this novel remains a worldwide poplar success. People find in it timeless lessons. I am no different. Reading Frankenstein helped bring me back to reading more stories. It is not easy to choose a main theme to get out of the novel, because several can stand out, such as the heavyweight relationship between creator and creature. The book brings disastrous imagery to the mind of its readers, which made me think of where I could end up, and what I can do to avoid Victor Frankenstein’s tragic end.

Having experienced this sample of classic literature, I am no longer afraid of not understanding the themes presented in older novels. I found that the ideas brought forward by writers are often timeless, and that they can be perceived in many ways. Thanks to Mary Shelly, I am encouraged to explore more books of this sort. Also, Frankenstein succeeded in incorporating reading into my daily schedule. In the beginning, I had difficulties focusing while reading outside of the classroom, but now I know how to turn my eyes away from distraction and be engaged in what I am reading.

The most important theme of the novel, in my opinion, was the horror of encountering the creator, and the responsibility they hold towards their creation. Our right to question our existence and have answers to our questions has driven many to insanity. The consequences of seeking this simple right are frightening to most, and Shelly dared to explore those realms. She revealed disturbing thoughts that only few dare to discuss. For example, she portrays the creature as she would a human being. The things he wants, like when he cried, “Shall each man find a wife for his bosom, and each beast have his mate, and I be alone?” made it very easy for readers to sympathize with him.

I do not wish to end up my faith stolen away from me, dead on a ship in the frozen Arctic. And I, certainly, do not wish to end like the monster either. I cannot imagine a scenario where I would have to say, “If I cannot inspire love, I will cause fear!” I wish to spend my time in America, studying and working towards what I believe in. I want for my story to have a happy ending.

Trusting Mainstream News Media Outlets in the United States: What Energy Production Companies Do Not Want the General Public to Know about Climate Change

Abstract

The top 1%, executives of energy production companies in the US, control media outlets and politics. They serve their own benefit, narrow the general public's perception on climate change, and raise the risks of starvation spreading. They accuse scientific consensus of being exaggerated and overly pessimistic, and work to control climate policy. This destroys the democratic process. For example, Rupert Murdoch, CEO of News Corporation who owns major shares in Genie Oil, is adopting a new strategy in which he controls farming lands around the world, gradually. He does this because when fossil fuels run out, he wants to have a say in saving the world from soon-coming food-shortages. Survey we conducted shows great hopes in the publics’ background on the issue and willing to take intuitive. The shortsightedness opportunist selfish politics will backlash, and in the future everyone will know what is best to do.

            Income disparity contributes to an uneven distribution of power, and leads to the obstruction of economic growth and environmental sustainability. The current state of division of wealth in the world gives the top 1%, especially executives of energy production companies in the United States, control over media outlets and politics. Side effects of which include narrowing the general public's perception on climate change, and raising the risks of starvation spreading globally. This provides corporate-heads with the advantage of benefitting from buying farming lands in third-world countries and having an upper hand in fighting food shortages when fossil fuels run out. By identifying the individuals in power and holding them responsible for their crimes and examining the contradictions in the opinions they spread, we can understand the general and specific consequences of their actions. Looking at real life examples can help us design a renovated economical system, which when we follow, we will be able to restore and improve urban infrastructure. 

            In the United States, poor press coverage on climate disruption is blamed on the lack of specialist journalists in the field. But, analysis claims “portrayals of climate science on Fox News Channel and in the Wall Street Journal’s opinion section,” of New Corporation, “are overwhelmingly misleading” (Union of Concerned Scientists 7). When Rupert Murdoch, CEO of News Corp, was asked to express his views on environmental concerns, he dismissed the alarming reports made by scientists on the devastating impact that climate change is causing the planet. "We should approach climate change with great skepticism," he said. "Climate change has been going on as long as the planet is here. There will always be a little bit of it” (The Australian 19:55). Murdoch wants the public to think of his networks’ approach towards climate change as environmental skepticism, but in fact, it is self-censorship. Murdoch owns stakes in energy companies of great import —i.e. Genie Oil and Gas, and Shale Gas and Oil. This disqualifies him of talking from a neutral perspective. Because of his alliance to capitalist enterprise, he favors the interests of international corporations over those of the individual citizen. He uses environmental skepticism as a tactic in his favor. By accusing scientific consensus of being exaggerated and overly pessimistic, he controls climate policy formation for his own benefit.

            In July 2014, Australia became the first nation to repeal pro-environment carbon laws that put a price on greenhouse gas emissions (ROB, and RHIANNON 2). This is not the first time Tony Abbott, Australian Prime Minister, had pushed to serve fossil energy companies. Abbott and his advisors deny climate science in the hopes of landing highly ranked positions in the energy production business. Fore example, in a classic revolving door maneuver, Matthew Warren, chief executive of the Clean Energy Council, switched jobs to the Energy Supply Association of Australia, and ironically earned a position where he would have a greater influence on deciding how to deal with climate change than he ever did in the CEC (GILES 23). Another key facet to the carbon tax repeal is the role of Murdoch-owned media in Australia. More than 59% of daily newspaper sales go to Murdoch. His papers provide the main new source on environmental issues for the Australian public. This gives Murdoch-owned companies global impact, as they do not only have power to control public opinion but also political decision making. Currently, the Abbott government is choosing to block international climate change negotiations in the United Nations. Time and time again, Abbott has stated that he “will not allocate anymore money,” to the cause of reducing Australia's carbon emissions, throwing the UN’s new post-2020 climate agreement in Paris into disorder (LENORE 35). This does not only destroy democratic systems and renders the voting process useless, but also raises the risks of starvation spreading globally.

            According to the company’s annual reports, Murdoch’s New Corp. invested $30 million Australian dollars in cattle farms, but did not disclose the deal to its investors (EDWARD 8). Covering up the transaction can be attributed to the insignificance of $30 million Australian dollars, about $28.5 million US, in the bookkeeping of News. Yet, more investigation must go in to this matter. Although this secretive deal has come undone, we must consider the possibility of other deals under the table. In the small and medium enterprise world, environmental decline is raising many concerns, either as a reason of the beliefs and values of a company’s management, or the pressure exerted by the market— consumers and institutions (CAMBRA-FIERRO, JESU ́S, SUSAN HART, and YOLANDA POLO-REDONDO 645). Environmental respect and sustainability are considered to be relevant management factors in not SME context alone. In the big corporate world, environmental respect is called ethics of self-interest. For the sake of profit- maximization, companies, like News Corporation, are opt to develop and manage a positive corporate reputation. In hopes to appear more environmental friendly, Murdoch is adopting a new strategy in which he controls farming lands around the world, gradually, so when fossil fuels run out, he has a say in saving the world from soon-coming food-shortages.

            As further proof, we attempted to measure the public’s perspective on climate change issues through a survey, and this is what we found:

    When asked to classify climate change as a problem, 27% of the participants answered that it was a problem for the future. This shows the strength of the grip corporate-owned media outlets has on the public’s perception. In a very close 25% of the participants found that climate change was a problem for now. This can help turn the scales if handled properly.

   When asked about their top sources for news on environment policy, 67% of the participants chose Internet news sites, and 60% chose television. These two results can be very eye opening. They help us comprehend the power of the new media, and encourages us to focus on it as a medium for total free expression, and reminds us the television is still living and thriving, which we are ought to watch out from.

   Still wanting to understand the public’s perception of climate change, we asked the participants about what they thought of the relationship between the consumer and the media, and whether it was direct or indirect and served a secretive agenda. Much to our surprise, the exact same number of participants answered in favor of a secretive agenda existing, as those who were undecided.

   Lastly, we asked the participants to rate their willingness to change their lifestyles order to save the Earth, and found that the greatest majority rated from moderately willing to extremely willing. This result is very promising, because it encourages action to be taken from hesitant governments. 

            There are many obstacles standing between us and the betterment of the environment. To start facing those obstacles, we need to fight misinformation about climate science; we must rethink the media we consume. We need to encourage questioning the static queue by teaching students to use the right terms when discussing environmental issues. As industrial countries, how can we reduce our resource consumption when our economic system is derived from the needs of the industrial revolution? We must think beyond materialistic possessions. The appeal of capitalism rests in it creating the wealthiest society Earth has ever seen. This society is very exclusive, and most of us, Earth residents, are broke. The shortsightedness opportunist selfish politics will backlash, and in the future everyone will know what is best to do

Graduation Speech

Graduates of 2014,

My friends in year 12,

Finally, it's time to go.. So, remember what you're leaving, and don't let the troughs spoil your triumphs and make them unimportant. 

Don't let noises drown your inner voice. And above all, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition, somehow they already know what you want to be. Everything else is secondary. 

When we part ways, always be the optimist, the hoper of far flung hopes. And as you carry on living, be joyous, and seize every day. Make your story a good one. 

For the last three years of my life, wherever I would turn my head, I would find 10 amazing young women behind me, their support made me who I am today. I'm strong because of you, Grade 12. We have learnt so much together, and the mere idea of not seeing your beautiful smiles everyday, does me great heartache. 

Thank you for everything. I wish you all the best. I'll always be there for you.