"Shift Happens"

The video assigned was fascinating and scary all at once.  It seems not only are we humans overpopulating and abusing the earth, but we’re also making great advances in technology that still seem unimaginable. For example, China and India have the largest populations in the world. Even though communist China has a nationwide rule that allows only one child per family, China’s population equals ¼ of the world! As for technology, in a few decades a $1,000 computer will outsmart the human race. Wow!

 Since technology is currently being updated every two years, students hard spent time in college may seem a waste. For example, by the time a college student is in his junior year, his education during his freshman year will be outdated- useless!  Since college is so very expensive especially since the recession, educators need to prepare for this somehow.

Although technology improves our lives in many ways, it also brings negative aspects to the table.  With the internet we are now able to connect to others located in the other side of the world. Also, in the United States, one out of every eight couples married last year met online! That right there shows just how empowering and connecting the internet is to us.

The video “Shift Happens” worried me overall.  Although I am not one to support making rules on family members allowed per household, something has to be done. Maybe it’s time to limit those unable to care for their children… i.e. abusive parents or junkies. As for technology, the government should invest more money on our children’s education rather than on other policies that don’t warrant such importance.

Week 15:Urban/Suburban/Rural Life

I was raised in a small town in western Michigan. Although I lived in suburban Fruitport, I commuted to suburban Grand Haven for school and church events. I prefer the suburban lifestyle because the urban setting is too crowded and often filled with crime while the rural life is too spread out in terms of population. I like privacy, but I also want next-door neighbors.

I didn’t really see changes in my small town growing up. I was very sheltered, as I’ve stated before. I’ve been away from home back in good ole Michigan, and since then Fruitport has grown and is bustling with business. I hope Fruitport doesn’t become like big cities like Muskegon or Grand Rapids, because of the quaint things about Fruitport was the quiet and the kind neighbors where everyone knew everyone and where a friend was the next-door neighbor.

I’m not sure what my current town of Woodbridge would be considered, but I’d love to have a smaller town when I’m ready to settle down with a family. After all, suburbs like Fruitport are the perfect place for a family. J

Week 14: Who has the power?

The United States of America is known world wide as a democracy. Many flee their native countries to come to America for a chance at a better life. After all, America is a democracy. Our country is run by the people… indirectly! If the people do not run our country, then who?

Well, think of Weber’s theory of democratic elitism. This theory best suits on who wields the power in our democracy. According to this theory, the government is the best and most efficient agency to run the country. The government of the United States governs the American population. After all, how could all Americans agree on all issues?

Unfortunately, those who run our country aren’t always honest. Corruption exists. For example, why should Congress vote on their own pay? Of course they’ll vote on getting a raise! Maybe its time for the people to govern the country.

Is Walmart Good for America?

Wal-Mart, is it good or bad? I didn’t know until recently that Wal-Mart is the most admired company of the United States. Crazy isn’t it? Why crazy? I believe that it’s crazy that so many people love this company that thrives on capitalism simply because of the low prices it provides. What’s crazy to me is that Wal-Mart, an American corporation, bullies it’s fellow Americans.

            Many just see the good Wal-Mart brings. Sure it provides low prices, and jobs in the customer service or retail sector. But what about all the people they’re putting out of business? What about other companies that is forced to shut down because Wal-Mart is a bully? What about the disgusting difference between exports versus imports from the United States to China? It is because of corporations like Wal-Mart that China practically owns us. Even American flags flown on Independence Day are made in China!!

            China, a communist nation, is welcomed by the United States. We send them products such as cardboard boxes or agriculture products and they send us the end product. We, the United States of America, act more like a third world country than the world power we are.

            Wal-Mart is a momentary joy because of the rock bottom prices. But it is corporations like Wal-Mart that will be our downfall. I believe Wal-Mart is bad for America! 

P.S. I don't shop there anymore. 

Week 12: Domestic Division of Labor

This activity really stirred me.  Although I grew up in a “traditional” family atmosphere, I strongly believe there is no absolute norm. Over fifty years ago, women were expected to stay at home to upkeep the house and raise the children. Men on the other hand worked outside the home and were the sole bread winners.  But wait… that was well over fifty years!!!

Today, women are far more educated and far more independent. Thank goodness! If both spouses work outside the home, then it’s only fair that both spouses split the home duties evenly.

My parents were neither traditional nor way out of the norm.  My parents worked as a team. They split work evenly even though my father worked outside the home.  Parenting is a full time job. A stay at home parent is the most trying job.  My father would take over while my mother had a “time out”.

As for me, I couldn’t imagine not working.  I’ve been working since I was 18 years. Five years later, I can’t imagine staying at home and depending on my husband to bring home all the income.  Now, this isn’t because of pride; but rather because I am an independent woman who would go stir crazy if stuck at home all day.

Each generation is different from the last. I believe in a family structure, but I also value my independence.  Therefore, it’s only right to split home chores evenly after work with my husband.  After all, we are equals; both created in God’s image. J

Separation of Church and State?

Separation of church and state is a very controversial issue here in the United States.  Since I was raised in a conservative Baptist home, I grew up believing there should be no separation of church and state.  After all, our country was built on a Christian foundation. But after exposure to other cultures and other religions, my views have changed.

Imagine having another person’s religion forced on you.  How does that feel?  I for one believe in tolerance of others and in a peaceful co-existence.  America is a melting pot with many different cultures and ethnicities thrown into our lot. As diverse and widely known for the rights to freedom, we ought to respect each other.

Separation of church and state is probably the best thing to do. I wouldn’t want someone else to force their beliefs on me; so it’s only fair I don’t do it either.  

Week 10: Blog Entry on Race and Ethnicity Topics

Racism has been an issue that has plagued our country since its birth.  To think that racial inequality no longer exists is to think that air is not needed for one’s survival. The website on the internment of Japanese Americans was a great informational website that delved into the history and American conflicts during WW II.

I was both shocked and appalled at the degree of racism both Japanese Americans and Japanese nationals were forced to bear. What was most disturbing was that even though our government had no evidence to support claims that Japanese Americans or Japanese nationals were spies, these individuals were forced out of their homes and into lowly concentration camps with armed guards. President Roosevelt ignored reports from various organizations like the FBI and the Naval Intelligence that there wasn’t a need to round up those of Japanese descent and incarcerate them.  FBI director J. Edgar Hoover stated, “… the decision to evacuate was… based primarily on public and political pressures rather than factual data.”

How could this happen in the United States of America? How could this happen in a land that believed “innocent until proven guilty”? This happened because racism back during the WW II era was still widely accepted. The only difference between then and now is that racism is implicit whereas back then it was explicit. The website on the internment of Japanese Americans was an eye opener for me. Studying and learning history is essential in preventing history from repeating itself.