This week has come to a close with open arms. Here are the top 5 things I am looking forward to/want to get done this weekend (in no particular order):
1. Clean my room and do some laundry.
My room has been a mess for far too long and I recognize this. Also, I do not want to get into the fiasco of a couple of weeks ago where I had to do about three loads of laundry and had absolutely no clean underwear left.
2. Read.
I read every night before I go to bed, but usually I only get through a chapter if that before zonking out with the book on top of me. I really want to take a good chunk of time this weekend to just read (and maybe even finish!) the book I started a few weeks ago now, Until We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis. Maybe it will even give me something to write about!
3. Eat some meat.
It's the first Friday in Lent, so of course I am craving a hamburger right now.
4. Not think about my application.
I spoke to the woman on the phone today and they have received all my application materials and now I just have to wait it out. I should know in about two weeks if I have made it in to the program and I'm really hoping that a decision about the Fellowship will come with it. But its out of my hands now, so I have to stop getting all nervous about it, say a few quick prayers, and get it out of my head.
5. Spend time with people I love.
This includes my family (mom, dad, JP, Ellie, Lauren), Scott, the Collyers if they can come back, Stephanie, possibly some high school friends, and whoever else I end up encountering this weekend!
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Say Yes to No
Perhaps it's counter-intuitive, but there are a lot of reasons to deny ourselves pleasures once in a while. I'm not talking about giving up a vice, but rather giving up something that in itself is good or at least neutral. I remember sitting in my high school's Ash Wednesday mass, and the girl next to me (a notorious bad-girl within our halls) leaned over and whispered, "I'm going to give up sex for lent. Is that bad?" Albeit misinformed, I believed her intentions were in the right place. I told her I thought it was a good idea and focused back on the mass. But I think that she was missing the point, as so many of us do during this time.
Giving up something that is bad for you should be obvious; it's just healthy. If you are having sex with someone you're not in a committed relationship with, you should stop. If you've got the mouth of a sailor, you should probably stop dropping so many f-bombs. Whatever your vice is, you should, at any time, feel free to reform yourself.
What I am talking about though, is giving up something that you like and it isn't wrong for you to like it. I believe that you can make yourself mentally and morally stronger by denying something of yourself that isn't actually bad for you. Yes, you could eat that chocolate, but a little bit of self denial goes a long way. This isn't a diet, but it's an understanding that any sort of dependence on material things enslaves us to our passions and desires.
I am a naturally passionate person (trust me, I think my boyfriend lost count of the amount of times I've come crying to him a long time ago), but I've come to see that I must be aware of how these passions affect my life, and be weary that they don't direct it. Saying no to myself is an exercise in the freedom I have over my own life.
Denying yourself something you like gives a healthy sense of control, and when paired with faith, could be a great weapon for you in the moments of temptations. It only makes sense that if you say yes to every desire you have, (you know all the small ones, eating some candy, grabbing another soda, watching that movie with a racy scene, buying another shirt, spending your money a little too indiscriminately) you say yes to the vices also. Is it any wonder that so many people choose to have sex in high school and college, especially in the hook-up atmosphere? They've never said no before.
Saying no to yourself in those moments when it doesn't really matter are only prepping you for the times when it does. When it matters a lot.
Giving up something that is bad for you should be obvious; it's just healthy. If you are having sex with someone you're not in a committed relationship with, you should stop. If you've got the mouth of a sailor, you should probably stop dropping so many f-bombs. Whatever your vice is, you should, at any time, feel free to reform yourself.
What I am talking about though, is giving up something that you like and it isn't wrong for you to like it. I believe that you can make yourself mentally and morally stronger by denying something of yourself that isn't actually bad for you. Yes, you could eat that chocolate, but a little bit of self denial goes a long way. This isn't a diet, but it's an understanding that any sort of dependence on material things enslaves us to our passions and desires.
I am a naturally passionate person (trust me, I think my boyfriend lost count of the amount of times I've come crying to him a long time ago), but I've come to see that I must be aware of how these passions affect my life, and be weary that they don't direct it. Saying no to myself is an exercise in the freedom I have over my own life.
Denying yourself something you like gives a healthy sense of control, and when paired with faith, could be a great weapon for you in the moments of temptations. It only makes sense that if you say yes to every desire you have, (you know all the small ones, eating some candy, grabbing another soda, watching that movie with a racy scene, buying another shirt, spending your money a little too indiscriminately) you say yes to the vices also. Is it any wonder that so many people choose to have sex in high school and college, especially in the hook-up atmosphere? They've never said no before.
Saying no to yourself in those moments when it doesn't really matter are only prepping you for the times when it does. When it matters a lot.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Ash Wednesday
To commemorate and get us in the mindset of the day, I've posted a selection from T.S. Eliot's poem, Ash Wednesday. This poem chronicles the movement of the soul turning from despair and back to hope in God. Basing this poem on his own conversion experience, Elliot gives a moving example of one who has found himself helpless in desolation, but finds the impetus to turn back to God.
Though I have only looked at the poem shortly in the past (I think my 20th century lit prof had us read the poem for Ash Wednesday a couple years ago when I took the course), reading it again today, I was able to pick up on some more allusions and literary tools Elliot uses to get his point across. See if you can find the allusions to the Bible, parts of the Roman Rite, and even a line from Dante.
I chose to post the last section of the poem because I think it is the most hopeful. Yes, Ash Wednesday is a time to understand the fleetingness of this life and that we constantly fail horribly to live up to the standards of our God. But it is also a time of hope. Remember you are created from dust and to dust you shall return, so it is time to repent and return to the Gospel! We are just at the beginning of the season to prepare ourselves for Christ's greatest act of love for us: an innocent death on a cross, a death he endured for our sins.
My favorite lines are in the second half of the last stanza. "Teach us to care and to not care." Powerful words. This is precisely the struggle that Christians must endure and be aware of everyday.
I encourage anyone who has a few extra minutes to read the entire poem. You can find it here.
Though I have only looked at the poem shortly in the past (I think my 20th century lit prof had us read the poem for Ash Wednesday a couple years ago when I took the course), reading it again today, I was able to pick up on some more allusions and literary tools Elliot uses to get his point across. See if you can find the allusions to the Bible, parts of the Roman Rite, and even a line from Dante.
I chose to post the last section of the poem because I think it is the most hopeful. Yes, Ash Wednesday is a time to understand the fleetingness of this life and that we constantly fail horribly to live up to the standards of our God. But it is also a time of hope. Remember you are created from dust and to dust you shall return, so it is time to repent and return to the Gospel! We are just at the beginning of the season to prepare ourselves for Christ's greatest act of love for us: an innocent death on a cross, a death he endured for our sins.
My favorite lines are in the second half of the last stanza. "Teach us to care and to not care." Powerful words. This is precisely the struggle that Christians must endure and be aware of everyday.
I encourage anyone who has a few extra minutes to read the entire poem. You can find it here.
Ash Wednesday
VI
Although I do not hope to turn again
Although I do not hope
Although I do not hope to turn
Wavering between the profit and the loss
In this brief transit where the dreams cross
The dreamcrossed twilight between birth and dying
(Bless me father) though I do not wish to wish these things
From the wide window towards the granite shore
The white sails still fly seaward, seaward flying
Unbroken wings
And the lost heart stiffens and rejoices
In the lost lilac and the lost sea voices
And the weak spirit quickens to rebel
For the bent golden-rod and the lost sea smell
Quickens to recover
The cry of quail and the whirling plover
And the blind eye creates
The empty forms between the ivory gates
And smell renews the salt savour of the sandy earth
This is the time of tension between dying and birth
The place of solitude where three dreams cross
Between blue rocks
But when the voices shaken from the yew-tree drift away
Let the other yew be shaken and reply.
Blessèd sister, holy mother, spirit of the fountain, spirit
of the garden,
Suffer us not to mock ourselves with falsehood
Teach us to care and not to care
Teach us to sit still
Even among these rocks,
Our peace in His will
And even among these rocks
Sister, mother
And spirit of the river, spirit of the sea,
Suffer me not to be separated
And let my cry come unto Thee.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Chaput Quote
What a great man:
"I like clarity, and there’s a reason why," began the archbishop. "I think modern life, including life in the Church, suffers from a phony unwillingness to offend that poses as prudence and good manners, but too often turns out to be cowardice. Human beings owe each other respect and appropriate courtesy. But we also owe each other the truth -- which means candor."--Archbishop Chaput of Denver, CO
"I like clarity, and there’s a reason why," began the archbishop. "I think modern life, including life in the Church, suffers from a phony unwillingness to offend that poses as prudence and good manners, but too often turns out to be cowardice. Human beings owe each other respect and appropriate courtesy. But we also owe each other the truth -- which means candor."--Archbishop Chaput of Denver, CO
Disapproval Shmrifapproval
Counter to the actual numbers in the polls, reputable news sources such as The New York Times, CBS, and msnbc.com noted that "President Obama is benefiting from remarkably high levels of optimism and confidence among Americans about his leadership, providing him with substantial political clout." Somehow, they forgot to note the fact that Obama's approval has fallen at an alarming rate. In just one month, the disapproval rates have DOUBLED from 12 points to 24. His approval was at 80% on his election day. One month later, he is looking at a rate of just 58%. But apparently that means nothing to the world's leading unbiased news sources.
shameful.
shameful.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Should men be able to have sex like a woman?
I recently read an article by sex therapist Dr. Ian Kerner on www.msnbc.com which pointed to one of the pervading questions in our modern American culture: should women be able to have sex like a man? This question was put into perspective by Sex in the City character Carrie Bradshaw who states, "In an age where women enjoy the same money and successes as men, why shouldn’t women be able to enjoy sex like a man?” In times like these when women can have a professional life and not have to worry about that icky pregnancy thing because of advances in birth control, it is high time that women can have the unattached, purely pleasure-driven sex that men have.
Dr. Kerner's main premise is that women naturally have a greater incidence of emotional attachment during and after sex, which makes it difficult to be looking for the one night stand (which is apparantly how men have sex). He writes:
"In biological terms, the female orgasm releases a burst of oxytocin, also known as the cuddle hormone. It’s what makes you feel warm and fuzzy and what facilitates a sense of attachment. But if there’s nothing to attach to, if there’s no deeper emotional content or meaningfulness, orgasm becomes a regretful reminder of the hollowness of the sex that preceded it. This is called 'post-orgasm regret,' and it typically manifests itself in the form of sadness or anger, sometimes to the extreme."
Noting that there are actual biological reasons (not just conditioned to be emotional and weak as society supposedly pressures women to be), one might think that Dr. Kerner might encourage women to listen to their bodies and respond in a positive way. But his advice presents something entirely different. He states that women should definitely be able to have sex like a man, as long as they take into account a few things and "compartmentalize." I'm pretty sure that Dr. Kerner just asked women not to be women.
To go back to the beginning, there are some inherent flaws with the view of what it is to be a woman or a feminist. The first question points towards an attitude that to be equals, women must be more like men. It is almost as if secular feminists want to perpetuate the stereotype that feminity is weak and masculinity is strong, therefore women should reject their feminity to have "equality" with a man. How is this feminism?
I challenge this reject of the woman and her body with this question: should men be able to have sex like a woman? It seems that because men have a greater capacity for compartmentalizing their lives, it is easier for him to have the one night stand and be more sexually promiscuous. Perhaps rather than teaching women how they can deny their own biology and learn to seperate emotion from sex, Dr. Kerner should be giving tips on how men can re-instill meaning and emotion into sex. The disconnect is not a short-coming of the women, but of the men.
Women, do not reject yourself--your body, mind and spirit. Our culture is one that pressures women to reject how they are made, whether it means a self-image issue or using birth control to get rid of the possibility of pregnancy. We have a womb for a reason and it an amazing gift that a man can never have! Why deny that we do? Do yourself a favor, and do not crush the feminine spirit that you possess. Listen to your body, and be good to it. It may mean more than we can know.
Dr. Kerner's main premise is that women naturally have a greater incidence of emotional attachment during and after sex, which makes it difficult to be looking for the one night stand (which is apparantly how men have sex). He writes:
"In biological terms, the female orgasm releases a burst of oxytocin, also known as the cuddle hormone. It’s what makes you feel warm and fuzzy and what facilitates a sense of attachment. But if there’s nothing to attach to, if there’s no deeper emotional content or meaningfulness, orgasm becomes a regretful reminder of the hollowness of the sex that preceded it. This is called 'post-orgasm regret,' and it typically manifests itself in the form of sadness or anger, sometimes to the extreme."
Noting that there are actual biological reasons (not just conditioned to be emotional and weak as society supposedly pressures women to be), one might think that Dr. Kerner might encourage women to listen to their bodies and respond in a positive way. But his advice presents something entirely different. He states that women should definitely be able to have sex like a man, as long as they take into account a few things and "compartmentalize." I'm pretty sure that Dr. Kerner just asked women not to be women.
To go back to the beginning, there are some inherent flaws with the view of what it is to be a woman or a feminist. The first question points towards an attitude that to be equals, women must be more like men. It is almost as if secular feminists want to perpetuate the stereotype that feminity is weak and masculinity is strong, therefore women should reject their feminity to have "equality" with a man. How is this feminism?
I challenge this reject of the woman and her body with this question: should men be able to have sex like a woman? It seems that because men have a greater capacity for compartmentalizing their lives, it is easier for him to have the one night stand and be more sexually promiscuous. Perhaps rather than teaching women how they can deny their own biology and learn to seperate emotion from sex, Dr. Kerner should be giving tips on how men can re-instill meaning and emotion into sex. The disconnect is not a short-coming of the women, but of the men.
Women, do not reject yourself--your body, mind and spirit. Our culture is one that pressures women to reject how they are made, whether it means a self-image issue or using birth control to get rid of the possibility of pregnancy. We have a womb for a reason and it an amazing gift that a man can never have! Why deny that we do? Do yourself a favor, and do not crush the feminine spirit that you possess. Listen to your body, and be good to it. It may mean more than we can know.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Why I Like my Job (!)
It's a tough time for jobs right now. Those who don't have them, can't get them, and those who have them, don't want them. With recent downsizing in my company, I have done my fair share of complaining about what kind of job I'm in, the fact that I am doing the work of two people now and also the lack of compensation for it all. But in light of the fact I may be returning to grad school in the fall, I've decided to look on the things I enjoy about work (at least, I enjoy them enough to get me through the next 5-6 months...):
10. Making money.
Yes, I am that shallow. I admit, I feel a little embarrassed that this even makes the top ten list, but it truly is one of the best feelings I get on a bi-weekly basis when I check my bank account online and my wallet just got a little fatter. I like paying for my own car and every expense I have. This is not to say that I'm not still receiving charity in one way or another from the 'rents, but I'm still basically responsible for myself.
9.Saving money.
Sure, spending it is fun, but I've never had the experience of a savings account growing at so quickly a rate.The first thing I do on a pay-day morning is sign into that online banking and move a significant portion of that check into my savings. It fun to think about what it will go towards and what I will use it for. Maybe it will one day pay for my grad school bills, or it might be the down payment on a house. Perhaps it will allow me to take that dream va-cay someday. Or it could be there for a rainy day. Whatever it is, it's my choice, and I like having it.
8. Working on work only between the hours of 8am and 5pm.
Even though I often call my job mundane and unimportant, it's really nice to be able to spend my free time doing anything I want to do. I never do work outside of the office, in fact, I'm actually not supposed to. Since my pay is technically hourly, they would have to pay me for it, and let's just say they are none too happy about it when it happens.
7. Hourly pay.
Yes, the idea of a salaried job is really nice, since usually those pay more. But the fact is, I get the same benefits as any of the salaried workers at my work place (health and dental insurance, paid time off, etc), but if I work more than 40 hours a week, I'm getting paid time and a half for it. That would not necessarily be the case (and usually isn't) for a salaried position.
6. Greeting people.
I'm the first face they see when they walk into the office, and I like being friendly and helping people out. My boss told me a few weeks ago that she has only heard good things about my attitude with people coming in from the outside, so that's cool.
5. Helping out my fellow associates with their small requests.
It is really satisfying when I get an urgent request for something small, I get it done in like 5 or 10 minutes, and my coworker is just about ecstatic that I got it done so quick and I helped them out so much. Who new that making a binder spine or putting together a binder or editing a copy of some document could be so rewarding?
4. Doing tasks that I can check off of a list.
I like having the type of job that entails many projects that have a start, a middle, and a finish. I like the feeling of getting something done and just being done with it, period.
3. Sitting in front of a computer.
My eyes probably hate me for saying this, but I like that I am able to check my e-mail, read some articles, talk on facebook for a bit, and even watch some tv programs to relax and stay connected during the day. I'm able to keep up so well with some friends solely because of this aspect of my job.
2. The relaxed atmosphere.
Don't get me wrong, I definitely enjoy dressing up and making myself look pretty. But I think the job I'm currently in is a nice transition for the recent college graduate who is used to rolling out of bed, and running to class. I don't have to drive far, so I don't have to wake up super early to look nice. But the kind of place it is don't make me feel the need to get up extra early just to straighten my hair and iron my suit. I like being able to wear my jeans. Usually more than once a week.
1. The experience.
It's got it's highs and it's lows, but working life is a good place to be when you're finally ready for that real world experience. I am sure that my time in this job will not soon be forgotten, if ever. The people and experiences here will always be the memory of my first full time job, and, barring getting laid off or run out of there on a rail, I will look back on it fondly.
So there you have it; my favorite aspects of my job. I thought about making a companion list of things I dislike about my job, but I figured that would just make me depressed. Also, I don't think I could confine that list to just ten spots...but really, I like working. And now I have somewhere I can look to when I'm having trouble focusing or am getting really stressed out from my work. :)
10. Making money.
Yes, I am that shallow. I admit, I feel a little embarrassed that this even makes the top ten list, but it truly is one of the best feelings I get on a bi-weekly basis when I check my bank account online and my wallet just got a little fatter. I like paying for my own car and every expense I have. This is not to say that I'm not still receiving charity in one way or another from the 'rents, but I'm still basically responsible for myself.
9.Saving money.
Sure, spending it is fun, but I've never had the experience of a savings account growing at so quickly a rate.The first thing I do on a pay-day morning is sign into that online banking and move a significant portion of that check into my savings. It fun to think about what it will go towards and what I will use it for. Maybe it will one day pay for my grad school bills, or it might be the down payment on a house. Perhaps it will allow me to take that dream va-cay someday. Or it could be there for a rainy day. Whatever it is, it's my choice, and I like having it.
8. Working on work only between the hours of 8am and 5pm.
Even though I often call my job mundane and unimportant, it's really nice to be able to spend my free time doing anything I want to do. I never do work outside of the office, in fact, I'm actually not supposed to. Since my pay is technically hourly, they would have to pay me for it, and let's just say they are none too happy about it when it happens.
7. Hourly pay.
Yes, the idea of a salaried job is really nice, since usually those pay more. But the fact is, I get the same benefits as any of the salaried workers at my work place (health and dental insurance, paid time off, etc), but if I work more than 40 hours a week, I'm getting paid time and a half for it. That would not necessarily be the case (and usually isn't) for a salaried position.
6. Greeting people.
I'm the first face they see when they walk into the office, and I like being friendly and helping people out. My boss told me a few weeks ago that she has only heard good things about my attitude with people coming in from the outside, so that's cool.
5. Helping out my fellow associates with their small requests.
It is really satisfying when I get an urgent request for something small, I get it done in like 5 or 10 minutes, and my coworker is just about ecstatic that I got it done so quick and I helped them out so much. Who new that making a binder spine or putting together a binder or editing a copy of some document could be so rewarding?
4. Doing tasks that I can check off of a list.
I like having the type of job that entails many projects that have a start, a middle, and a finish. I like the feeling of getting something done and just being done with it, period.
3. Sitting in front of a computer.
My eyes probably hate me for saying this, but I like that I am able to check my e-mail, read some articles, talk on facebook for a bit, and even watch some tv programs to relax and stay connected during the day. I'm able to keep up so well with some friends solely because of this aspect of my job.
2. The relaxed atmosphere.
Don't get me wrong, I definitely enjoy dressing up and making myself look pretty. But I think the job I'm currently in is a nice transition for the recent college graduate who is used to rolling out of bed, and running to class. I don't have to drive far, so I don't have to wake up super early to look nice. But the kind of place it is don't make me feel the need to get up extra early just to straighten my hair and iron my suit. I like being able to wear my jeans. Usually more than once a week.
1. The experience.
It's got it's highs and it's lows, but working life is a good place to be when you're finally ready for that real world experience. I am sure that my time in this job will not soon be forgotten, if ever. The people and experiences here will always be the memory of my first full time job, and, barring getting laid off or run out of there on a rail, I will look back on it fondly.
So there you have it; my favorite aspects of my job. I thought about making a companion list of things I dislike about my job, but I figured that would just make me depressed. Also, I don't think I could confine that list to just ten spots...but really, I like working. And now I have somewhere I can look to when I'm having trouble focusing or am getting really stressed out from my work. :)
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Lesson from a Birmingham Jail
It comes to this. We return to a civil rights era. Martin Luther King, Jr. effectively led a movement of peaceful protest that resulted directly in the realization of equal rights for blacks in the US. Modeling their group and tactics off of King's civil rights movement, nine members of the Pro-life Survivors Campus Life Tour (SCL) were roughly arrest and held without water or phone call (or reason) for exercising their right to peaceful protest on public property in the very place from which King was arrested and wrote his famous "Letter from a Birmingham Jail."
The group was surrounded and threatened by police to leave the spot where they were handing out literature and promoting dialogue with those interested in speaking while passing by. When the police showed up, SCL quickly contact their attorney who checked their location and the city ordinances, noting that they were perfectly within their legal rights. The police proceeded to arrest, without cause, the nine. SCL members were video taping their efforts, but their camera was confiscated. An 18-year-old member was handcuffed so tightly that it cut into her wrists making her bleed. When she begged, crying, that they loosen the cuffs, the police denied her request. Another, a clergy-man, was shackled around the ankles. The arrested nine were released the next morning without citations.
It was revealed that several of the cops making the arrests without legal reason work as night security in a local abortion facility.
Lifesitenews.com quoted the founder of SCL, Rev. Jeff White: "It is ironic that young people participating in a project named after Dr. King's letter sit in the very jail he penned it from. Ironic and sad. ... Throughout their entire ordeal, these youths' first and foremost concern was to draw attention to the ultimate civil rights abuse - the murder of pre-born children."
In the past 36 years, since the Supreme Court decision of Roe v. Wade, America has been in the midst of a culture war. However, this incident seems to recall the times of the civil rights era in a way that someone of my age and place would have never experienced. This is perhaps also the sort of events that happened earlier in the wake of Roe v. Wade, and it is rather disheartening to see such recently emboldened opposition.
These events only highlight that abortion is truly the civil rights issue of our day. We are talking about a human being. If we recognize (as the congress of the state of North Dakota is doing as we speak) that scientifically from the moment of conception there is a distinct and individual human life, there should be no question that an abortion at any stage and any type, is a grave occurrence.
There is more ignorance on the issue than abortion advocates would allow us to think. When last week a woman who was looking to have an abortion delivered a live baby very prematurely. She spoke out saying she thought so early in the pregnancy it would look like a blob. Imagine her shock when she gave birth to a REAL baby!
Let us continue to work for educating the public on the issue, that we may come to truly understand what is at stake in every abortion... and every choice.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” (Excerpt, Martin Luther King, Jr., "Letter from a Birmingham Jail")
The group was surrounded and threatened by police to leave the spot where they were handing out literature and promoting dialogue with those interested in speaking while passing by. When the police showed up, SCL quickly contact their attorney who checked their location and the city ordinances, noting that they were perfectly within their legal rights. The police proceeded to arrest, without cause, the nine. SCL members were video taping their efforts, but their camera was confiscated. An 18-year-old member was handcuffed so tightly that it cut into her wrists making her bleed. When she begged, crying, that they loosen the cuffs, the police denied her request. Another, a clergy-man, was shackled around the ankles. The arrested nine were released the next morning without citations.
It was revealed that several of the cops making the arrests without legal reason work as night security in a local abortion facility.
Lifesitenews.com quoted the founder of SCL, Rev. Jeff White: "It is ironic that young people participating in a project named after Dr. King's letter sit in the very jail he penned it from. Ironic and sad. ... Throughout their entire ordeal, these youths' first and foremost concern was to draw attention to the ultimate civil rights abuse - the murder of pre-born children."
In the past 36 years, since the Supreme Court decision of Roe v. Wade, America has been in the midst of a culture war. However, this incident seems to recall the times of the civil rights era in a way that someone of my age and place would have never experienced. This is perhaps also the sort of events that happened earlier in the wake of Roe v. Wade, and it is rather disheartening to see such recently emboldened opposition.
These events only highlight that abortion is truly the civil rights issue of our day. We are talking about a human being. If we recognize (as the congress of the state of North Dakota is doing as we speak) that scientifically from the moment of conception there is a distinct and individual human life, there should be no question that an abortion at any stage and any type, is a grave occurrence.
There is more ignorance on the issue than abortion advocates would allow us to think. When last week a woman who was looking to have an abortion delivered a live baby very prematurely. She spoke out saying she thought so early in the pregnancy it would look like a blob. Imagine her shock when she gave birth to a REAL baby!
Let us continue to work for educating the public on the issue, that we may come to truly understand what is at stake in every abortion... and every choice.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” (Excerpt, Martin Luther King, Jr., "Letter from a Birmingham Jail")
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Chris Brown and Mob Psychology
As I drove into work this morning, I listened to the local pop radio station morning show. I'm not proud that I spend even the 13 minute drive to work wasting my time on this dribble, but they were discussing something I view as part of the big picture in our culture. By now, I would guess that most people have at least heard about the incident regarding singer Chris Brown and his singer-girlfriend Rihanna. Chris Brown has been charged with allegations of domestic abuse against a nameless female. Rihanna's officially pubically silent about the incident. Many are speculating at this point that Chris Brown physically assaulted Rihanna, making it impossible for the couple to attend and make their performance at the Grammy's, leading to a world-class scandal.
The thing that struck me this morning, was that this is being treated like a debatable issue. It seems to me there should be one response alone to this. First of all, since Chris Brown is a public figure and many of the details are hidden. Neither Chris Brown nor Rihanna have disclosed any sort of information regarding the type of domestic abuse, the events that transpired, and even whether Rihanna was the subject of abuse. So until there is concrete evidence, there's no reason to condemn the man. However, Brown has been quoted as saying, "Words cannot begin to express how sorry and saddened I am over what transpired." Also that, "Much of what has been speculated or reported on blogs and/or reported in the media is wrong," which I do not doubt; whether that pardons or condemns him, I do not know. The only response to have about this is that if he abused another human, whether it was Rihanna or another woman, we should be outraged, just as we should be for anyone else who would choose to hurt another human being in this twisted and abusive manner.
Still, there is something more deeply troubling to me about this issue. Our culture is so afraid talking about or debating something truly debatable. I mean, this Chris Brown debate the radio station was having this morning, talking about if he was getting "star treatment" or not in regards to being convicted of a crime and so forth, is not really talking about anything. The people getting heated about it are either overly sensitive V-Day-warrior types who want to call rape at the idea of a man looking at them, or the tween girls having dreams about marrying Chris Brown and therefore believing he could do no wrong.
Why can we not as a society speak about issues that are really important to us and the future of our families and our world? I sense that there is a pervading atmosphere of fear, as if American Culture is a powder keg waiting to bust. Let's not step on each other's toes, now. That would be confrontational. It always surprises me how many people I meet who are willing to admit they will do just about anything in a situation to avoid confrontation. However, I believe there is a world of difference in allowing others to knock your point of view in the name of "non-confrontation" and being a martyr for what you believe. A person of character should be prepared to do the latter.
I agree that entertainment is fun, just as much as the next person. I like following stars' career to a point, music, movies, media. I have had plenty of my own dreams of someday making a career in the music industry someday as a pop singer or whatever. But truly, is this what we have resorted to? Pretending like celebrities lives are worth debating and taking our precious moments outside of work and family to ponder it?
We, as a culture, need a complete reality check if this is at the top of our debatable topics list. Can we please just have a discussion about something that matters? Intelligently? No cowards or lack of evidence allowed.
Thank you.
The thing that struck me this morning, was that this is being treated like a debatable issue. It seems to me there should be one response alone to this. First of all, since Chris Brown is a public figure and many of the details are hidden. Neither Chris Brown nor Rihanna have disclosed any sort of information regarding the type of domestic abuse, the events that transpired, and even whether Rihanna was the subject of abuse. So until there is concrete evidence, there's no reason to condemn the man. However, Brown has been quoted as saying, "Words cannot begin to express how sorry and saddened I am over what transpired." Also that, "Much of what has been speculated or reported on blogs and/or reported in the media is wrong," which I do not doubt; whether that pardons or condemns him, I do not know. The only response to have about this is that if he abused another human, whether it was Rihanna or another woman, we should be outraged, just as we should be for anyone else who would choose to hurt another human being in this twisted and abusive manner.
Still, there is something more deeply troubling to me about this issue. Our culture is so afraid talking about or debating something truly debatable. I mean, this Chris Brown debate the radio station was having this morning, talking about if he was getting "star treatment" or not in regards to being convicted of a crime and so forth, is not really talking about anything. The people getting heated about it are either overly sensitive V-Day-warrior types who want to call rape at the idea of a man looking at them, or the tween girls having dreams about marrying Chris Brown and therefore believing he could do no wrong.
Why can we not as a society speak about issues that are really important to us and the future of our families and our world? I sense that there is a pervading atmosphere of fear, as if American Culture is a powder keg waiting to bust. Let's not step on each other's toes, now. That would be confrontational. It always surprises me how many people I meet who are willing to admit they will do just about anything in a situation to avoid confrontation. However, I believe there is a world of difference in allowing others to knock your point of view in the name of "non-confrontation" and being a martyr for what you believe. A person of character should be prepared to do the latter.
I agree that entertainment is fun, just as much as the next person. I like following stars' career to a point, music, movies, media. I have had plenty of my own dreams of someday making a career in the music industry someday as a pop singer or whatever. But truly, is this what we have resorted to? Pretending like celebrities lives are worth debating and taking our precious moments outside of work and family to ponder it?
We, as a culture, need a complete reality check if this is at the top of our debatable topics list. Can we please just have a discussion about something that matters? Intelligently? No cowards or lack of evidence allowed.
Thank you.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Rite of Passage Through the Black Box
I've never been a tv watcher until this year. It's kind of sad, really; but at the same time, it's almost an inevitable Rite of Passage into adulthood. Of the shows I watch, there are only two that I don't feel any remorse or shame in spending my time on them. Otherwise, it's all pretty much not worth my time. These are the thoughts that I have on the matter:
Family Guy. What a pointless show. I disagree vehemently with the writers of the show and the spirit it encompasses. Family Guy is the sort of programming that both plays off of our corroded culture, as well as continues the lack of goodness in it. There is nothing about this show that would make one a better person. It is solely about cheap laughs and pushing an agenda that I don't agree with in any way.
That said, I watch the show whenever I get the chance. Especially to pass the time at work.
American Dad. Um, edit and insert everything above about Family Guy. It's basically the same show anyway.
House. I hated doctor shows (except for Scrubs, but that's for the comedy, not the doctor aspect) until this one. I'm sure it has something to do with the fact that I am in a serious relationship with a future doc, but I find the characters absolutely fascinating. Fascinating enough to endure a few minutes of blood and guts and surgery an episode to get through it. Which makes me think that our culture allows desensitizing ourselves at far to great a rate. I wonder how much farther this can go? Looking at the great civilizations of old, the Greeks and Romans, the Mayas and Aztecs, the Egyptians. How many times have we studied these civilizations being taught how advanced and wonderful they all were. But they all declined and eventually were destroyed. I believe that this destruction was due to the desensitizing of culture--whether it was sex or blood and guts, they did not hold those certain things sacred anymore. This is not to say that the work of doctors shouldn't be seen, but I think that it can be used as a sort of "gateway" to desensitize the masses. Doesn't stop me though.
Shows that I think are worth my time:
The Office. I never even watched this show until I started working in one. It's perfect. Definitely captures to small-scale struggles of working in an office. It particularly resonates with me since I do have a hard time justifying why I am in an office right now. At least it gives comic relief to the sad reality of my life.
What Not to Wear. Applicable to all people, at all times, in all stages of life. There's nothing like learning to dress your body for maximum effect and self-image. Love it.
I could write about more (Gossip Girl, One Tree Hill, the occasional Rock of Love or Real World or something), but I don't care enough.
Family Guy. What a pointless show. I disagree vehemently with the writers of the show and the spirit it encompasses. Family Guy is the sort of programming that both plays off of our corroded culture, as well as continues the lack of goodness in it. There is nothing about this show that would make one a better person. It is solely about cheap laughs and pushing an agenda that I don't agree with in any way.
That said, I watch the show whenever I get the chance. Especially to pass the time at work.
American Dad. Um, edit and insert everything above about Family Guy. It's basically the same show anyway.
House. I hated doctor shows (except for Scrubs, but that's for the comedy, not the doctor aspect) until this one. I'm sure it has something to do with the fact that I am in a serious relationship with a future doc, but I find the characters absolutely fascinating. Fascinating enough to endure a few minutes of blood and guts and surgery an episode to get through it. Which makes me think that our culture allows desensitizing ourselves at far to great a rate. I wonder how much farther this can go? Looking at the great civilizations of old, the Greeks and Romans, the Mayas and Aztecs, the Egyptians. How many times have we studied these civilizations being taught how advanced and wonderful they all were. But they all declined and eventually were destroyed. I believe that this destruction was due to the desensitizing of culture--whether it was sex or blood and guts, they did not hold those certain things sacred anymore. This is not to say that the work of doctors shouldn't be seen, but I think that it can be used as a sort of "gateway" to desensitize the masses. Doesn't stop me though.
Shows that I think are worth my time:
The Office. I never even watched this show until I started working in one. It's perfect. Definitely captures to small-scale struggles of working in an office. It particularly resonates with me since I do have a hard time justifying why I am in an office right now. At least it gives comic relief to the sad reality of my life.
What Not to Wear. Applicable to all people, at all times, in all stages of life. There's nothing like learning to dress your body for maximum effect and self-image. Love it.
I could write about more (Gossip Girl, One Tree Hill, the occasional Rock of Love or Real World or something), but I don't care enough.
Getting Started
Recently, I've loved reading some of my friends' blogs (this could be in part due to the fact that I sit at a computer all day and am constantly looking for things to pass the time...), and I think it is high time that I start one of my own. The problem is, I don't really think I have much to write about yet. Sure, I've been some places and have many interests, but I'm not traveling. I'm not a food connoisseur. I don't have an outlet for my music or singing. I really have little expertise in anything (other than my English Literature degree, but even that only gets me so far). I don't really have an exciting life to merit another taking note. Yet, the drive to write moves me to create this blog.
I've decided to make this my forum for writing on whatever may be interesting me at the moment. It may be as simple whatever is on my mind that day, or as complicated as my take on the controversial issues of our times. Whatever the case, I hope that it may interest readers. I'll gladly take suggestions for subject matter :)
Thank you to anyone who would take the time to read this initial post. I hope it gives you an idea of where I'm coming from and why I do this.
I've decided to make this my forum for writing on whatever may be interesting me at the moment. It may be as simple whatever is on my mind that day, or as complicated as my take on the controversial issues of our times. Whatever the case, I hope that it may interest readers. I'll gladly take suggestions for subject matter :)
Thank you to anyone who would take the time to read this initial post. I hope it gives you an idea of where I'm coming from and why I do this.
Welcome!
Welcome to And So it Goes. Here is the lyrics to the Billy Joel song which I have titled this blog after:
In every heart there is a room
A sanctuary safe and strong
To heal the wounds from lovers past
Until a new one comes along
I spoke to you in cautious tones
You answered me with no pretense
And still I feel I said too much
My silence is my self defense
And every time I've held a rose
It seems I only felt the thorns
And so it goes, and so it goes
And so will you soon I suppose
But if my silence made you leave
Then that would be my worst mistake
So I will share this room with you
And you can have this heart to break
And this is why my eyes are closed
It's just as well for all I've seen
And so it goes, and so it goes
And you're the only one who knows
So I would choose to be with you
That's if the choice were mine to make
But you can make decisions too
And you can have this heart to break
And so it goes, and so it goes
And you're the only one who knows
I decided to take the name for my blog from this song for several reasons. First of all, it is just a really beautiful song, both lyrics and musically, and I have always loved it. Billy Joel has been in my life since my childhood, so I think that his songs capture a lot for me, both in memory and meaning. Probably more importantly, I think this song captures the way that life has a way of going on in a direction that we can't ever plan. Our encounters in life are so beautiful, but can sometime hurt us (superficially or deeply). I am interested in relationships and fostering and caring for those I love, and this song demonstrates that in a way that it meaningful to myself. Also, I think the phrase "so it goes" conveys that this is a blog of opinion and point of view, this is how it is for me.
In every heart there is a room
A sanctuary safe and strong
To heal the wounds from lovers past
Until a new one comes along
I spoke to you in cautious tones
You answered me with no pretense
And still I feel I said too much
My silence is my self defense
And every time I've held a rose
It seems I only felt the thorns
And so it goes, and so it goes
And so will you soon I suppose
But if my silence made you leave
Then that would be my worst mistake
So I will share this room with you
And you can have this heart to break
And this is why my eyes are closed
It's just as well for all I've seen
And so it goes, and so it goes
And you're the only one who knows
So I would choose to be with you
That's if the choice were mine to make
But you can make decisions too
And you can have this heart to break
And so it goes, and so it goes
And you're the only one who knows
I decided to take the name for my blog from this song for several reasons. First of all, it is just a really beautiful song, both lyrics and musically, and I have always loved it. Billy Joel has been in my life since my childhood, so I think that his songs capture a lot for me, both in memory and meaning. Probably more importantly, I think this song captures the way that life has a way of going on in a direction that we can't ever plan. Our encounters in life are so beautiful, but can sometime hurt us (superficially or deeply). I am interested in relationships and fostering and caring for those I love, and this song demonstrates that in a way that it meaningful to myself. Also, I think the phrase "so it goes" conveys that this is a blog of opinion and point of view, this is how it is for me.
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