Puritanism is one of the founding principles of America. When the first citizens of America set foot on this land, their goal was to create a strong sense of Christianity and spread it throughout the country. Today, some Puritan ideals still exist; however, the citizens hardly ever connect these ideals to Christianity.
Hard work and determination have always been part of the American dream. If anyone fights hard enough, they will make it to the top. I completely agree with that. In Matthew Hutson's article in the New York Times, "Still Puritan After All These Years", he argues that the Puritan ideas are still alive in America today. He argues that, "In one study, they investigated whether the work habits of today’s Americans reflected the so-called Protestant work ethic...This led to belief in success as a path to salvation: hard work and good deeds would bring rewards, in life and after." This idea of hard work obviously stems from the good deeds of the first inhabitants of America. As much as I agree with this point, I have to argue on the basis of this point. For America today, religion is not at the center of majority of lives. Americans understand the idea of heaven, but they do not work hard to go to heaven. They work hard to help themselves become richer and provide for their family. The basis of this country isn't to live for Jesus Christ, who died for us, but to live a great life on this earth.
It is clear that most people don't believe that by working hard they will rise to heaven. The most important thing in many citizen's minds is getting money and power. That doesn't mean working hard to achieve the fruits of the spirit but developing the best way to help themselves. I throughly believe that the intentions of the new generation is not to dabble in religion. Many people argue they can help themselves enough without any need for a higher power. They help themselves by working hard to get to the top, which they believe will bring happiness. For a large majority of people, it is not about building a closer relationship with God at all.
Overall, it is very obvious that although Puritanism is one of the founding principles of America, the idea of hard work to achieve spiritual happiness has been replaced to see who can get the most money and power. The ideals of Puritanism still exist, but they are no longer linked to Christianity.
Monday, June 10, 2013
Monday, June 3, 2013
McFarland High School
Entering the doors once again feels like a chore
The roaring "it's a beautiful day for learning" echoes throughout the halls
It's the outrageous Dr. Hickey welcoming me to a new school day
As I fly by the science halls
I still hear A-Rod muttering, "Mommy!"
I hear a thunderous Doc screaming at a student
As I enter the second floor
I hear Mr. Fischer announcing the God-given gift of a brain
I listen and find Mr. Kunkle declaring the Spartans' fight to write
As I climb the stairs to the third floor
I see the famous murals decorated along the walls
I hear the distant, meaningless small talk of those around me
As I enter the atrium of the third floor
I hear Mr. Genova's infamous Spanish playlist
I listen to Ms. Pfohl's nerdy, sassy remarks
Three years of these repeating sounds
I only have one year left
How long will these comfortable melodies remain ingrained in my brain?
They will soon be replaced with the thunderous boom of a new beginning
The roaring "it's a beautiful day for learning" echoes throughout the halls
It's the outrageous Dr. Hickey welcoming me to a new school day
As I fly by the science halls
I still hear A-Rod muttering, "Mommy!"
I hear a thunderous Doc screaming at a student
As I enter the second floor
I hear Mr. Fischer announcing the God-given gift of a brain
I listen and find Mr. Kunkle declaring the Spartans' fight to write
As I climb the stairs to the third floor
I see the famous murals decorated along the walls
I hear the distant, meaningless small talk of those around me
As I enter the atrium of the third floor
I hear Mr. Genova's infamous Spanish playlist
I listen to Ms. Pfohl's nerdy, sassy remarks
Three years of these repeating sounds
I only have one year left
How long will these comfortable melodies remain ingrained in my brain?
They will soon be replaced with the thunderous boom of a new beginning
Thursday, May 9, 2013
The Attack of the City on a Hill
Since it's incredible beginning, America has been looked to as the city on a hill--a virtuous society that all countries should model themselves after. The American Dream has been the shining light for immigrants as they see Lady Liberty, standing for everything that is good and righteous; however, in recent decades America has had a falling out. Slowly, the values of the solid society are falling under attack as greed and power become more prominent than generousity and equality. The class-gap is slowly lengthening, and although the middle class is still mobile, class mobility for the top and bottom fifth quintiles is becoming more and more impossible.
Along with the birth of the United States of America, came the birth of the American Dream. Everyone in the world believed America was the place to escape a past, burdened life and redefine themselves as the next John D. Rockefeller. The hope is what led many immigrants to the United States and is still a leading cause today. "In America, anything is possible." These are the words of Yasmina Shaush in Source D. She makes it clear that, "to be born in America is a gift, one that should never be wasted." It is quite clear from her beautiful essay on one of the world powers, that for many people the American Dream still exists. Sadly, I can't help but think this is false hope. Yes, it is very true that America has better conditions than other countries in the world, and, yes, Steve Jobs did start as a poor orphan and founded one of the greatest companies to ever thrive; however, both of these facts do not change the fact that America is a capitalistic society, and most certainly contains a dog-eat-dog mentality. The richest survive easily, and the poor continually tumble down the totem pole.
According Sean F. Reardon's article for the New York Times, No Rich Child Left Behind, the chance for social mobility is very slim. Since the 1960s, America has unconsciously allowed the rich population to kick the lower class even further down. "The proportion of students from upper-income families, who earned a bachelor's degree, has increased by 18 percentage points over a 20 year period, while the same rate for poor students has only grown 4." This statistic proves that the chance for social mobility is becoming more difficult. The basic fact that, "students growing up in high income families have higher grades and standardized test scores, as well as participation in sports, extracurricular activities, volunteer work and church attendance." Reardon clearly states the fact that the David's of the country are taking over and becoming the central control of the country, tossing the low-income families aside.
Source F also demonstrates the continuous struggle of class mobility in the graphs provided. Figure 3 shows a graph of the percentage of children, who have grown up and earned a full-time job as an adult. The graphs show that 43% of the children, who started at the bottom, stay there, and 40% of those who started at the top, remain at the top. In the middle quintiles, the adults were evenly spread in all quintiles, but it is very hard to move for the top and bottom quintiles, which are a very large percent of the American population. Source G backs up the information given in Source F by showing graphs on mobility in America. The graphs show those who start in the five quintiles and where they end up. In both sources, the middle is quite divided on where the children end up, but for the top and bottom fifth, a large majority stays where they started.
The American Dream is one of the founding principles of the United States of America. It was, and still is, said that anyone, no matter where they come from, can achieve their dreams. This country was looked to as an idealistic city on a hill that could do no wrong. I, however, do not believe the dog-eat-dog place it has become can be saved by old tradition. The greed cannot be stopped. The rich will only get richer, and then pass it along to their sons and daughters. As the class gap continues to stretch, I realize that the middle class may be able to move, but the high and low classes of America are becoming paralyzed economically. I hope that one day the United States of America will redefine itself as the city on a hill, but until then, the greed and power of the wealthy will continuously attack the golden gates.
Along with the birth of the United States of America, came the birth of the American Dream. Everyone in the world believed America was the place to escape a past, burdened life and redefine themselves as the next John D. Rockefeller. The hope is what led many immigrants to the United States and is still a leading cause today. "In America, anything is possible." These are the words of Yasmina Shaush in Source D. She makes it clear that, "to be born in America is a gift, one that should never be wasted." It is quite clear from her beautiful essay on one of the world powers, that for many people the American Dream still exists. Sadly, I can't help but think this is false hope. Yes, it is very true that America has better conditions than other countries in the world, and, yes, Steve Jobs did start as a poor orphan and founded one of the greatest companies to ever thrive; however, both of these facts do not change the fact that America is a capitalistic society, and most certainly contains a dog-eat-dog mentality. The richest survive easily, and the poor continually tumble down the totem pole.
According Sean F. Reardon's article for the New York Times, No Rich Child Left Behind, the chance for social mobility is very slim. Since the 1960s, America has unconsciously allowed the rich population to kick the lower class even further down. "The proportion of students from upper-income families, who earned a bachelor's degree, has increased by 18 percentage points over a 20 year period, while the same rate for poor students has only grown 4." This statistic proves that the chance for social mobility is becoming more difficult. The basic fact that, "students growing up in high income families have higher grades and standardized test scores, as well as participation in sports, extracurricular activities, volunteer work and church attendance." Reardon clearly states the fact that the David's of the country are taking over and becoming the central control of the country, tossing the low-income families aside.
Source F also demonstrates the continuous struggle of class mobility in the graphs provided. Figure 3 shows a graph of the percentage of children, who have grown up and earned a full-time job as an adult. The graphs show that 43% of the children, who started at the bottom, stay there, and 40% of those who started at the top, remain at the top. In the middle quintiles, the adults were evenly spread in all quintiles, but it is very hard to move for the top and bottom quintiles, which are a very large percent of the American population. Source G backs up the information given in Source F by showing graphs on mobility in America. The graphs show those who start in the five quintiles and where they end up. In both sources, the middle is quite divided on where the children end up, but for the top and bottom fifth, a large majority stays where they started.
The American Dream is one of the founding principles of the United States of America. It was, and still is, said that anyone, no matter where they come from, can achieve their dreams. This country was looked to as an idealistic city on a hill that could do no wrong. I, however, do not believe the dog-eat-dog place it has become can be saved by old tradition. The greed cannot be stopped. The rich will only get richer, and then pass it along to their sons and daughters. As the class gap continues to stretch, I realize that the middle class may be able to move, but the high and low classes of America are becoming paralyzed economically. I hope that one day the United States of America will redefine itself as the city on a hill, but until then, the greed and power of the wealthy will continuously attack the golden gates.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Map Analysis
Map 1: http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/map_item.pl?data=/home/www/data/gmd//gmd3m/g3290m/g3290m/gct00084/ca000009.jp2&style=dsxpmap&itemLink=r?ammem/gmd:@filreq(@field(NUMBER+@band(g3290m+gct00084))+@field(COLLID+dsxpmap))&title=Historia%20general%20de%20los%20hechos%20de%20los%20castellanos%20en%20las%20Islas%20i%20Tierra%20Firme%20del%20Mar%20Oceano,%20escrita%20por%20Antonio%20de%20Herrera%20coronista%20mayor%20de%20Su%20M[ajesta]d%20de%20las%20Indias%20y%20su%20coronista%20de%20Castilla.+-+Map%202
1. This map is very interesting. It is clear that the explorers had discovered a good idea of what the United States looked like by the 1600s; however, it wasn't anywhere near perfect. It is clear that the map displays a rough sketch of what the country actually looks like, but there are many aspects of it that don't coincide. The size and location of Florida, for example, is way off. Florida is so much bigger than it is pictured on this map, and it's located farther right than listed. This map is definitely Spanish as well because it uses the language to label different locations on the map. I thought it was very interesting that the map had majority of the islands off the coast of the United States listed and Central America, because it shows very intricate detail of what the explorers had already discovered.
2. The narrators of this map were obviously Spanish and more concentrated on South America. They clearly had become familiar with most of the country, and they were trying to show the details of the final parts. This map also shows they have discovered America slightly. They have a general idea of what the United States looks like, but they are now figuring out a sketch, so they know where to begin to explore. It is obviously promoting the idea of Manifest Destiny. The Spaniards want to conquer more land and be the fastest to do it. This relates directly to American values because it is stating that in order to be the best country, it is essential to control the most land. That has been a value for America and it's ancestors for centuries.
3. "Maps in subsequent New World works portray growing European imperialism, however." (pg. 53) This is a powerful and very true point because it illustrates the importance of Manifest Destiny and conquering land.
1. This map is very interesting. It is clear that the explorers had discovered a good idea of what the United States looked like by the 1600s; however, it wasn't anywhere near perfect. It is clear that the map displays a rough sketch of what the country actually looks like, but there are many aspects of it that don't coincide. The size and location of Florida, for example, is way off. Florida is so much bigger than it is pictured on this map, and it's located farther right than listed. This map is definitely Spanish as well because it uses the language to label different locations on the map. I thought it was very interesting that the map had majority of the islands off the coast of the United States listed and Central America, because it shows very intricate detail of what the explorers had already discovered.
2. The narrators of this map were obviously Spanish and more concentrated on South America. They clearly had become familiar with most of the country, and they were trying to show the details of the final parts. This map also shows they have discovered America slightly. They have a general idea of what the United States looks like, but they are now figuring out a sketch, so they know where to begin to explore. It is obviously promoting the idea of Manifest Destiny. The Spaniards want to conquer more land and be the fastest to do it. This relates directly to American values because it is stating that in order to be the best country, it is essential to control the most land. That has been a value for America and it's ancestors for centuries.
3. "Maps in subsequent New World works portray growing European imperialism, however." (pg. 53) This is a powerful and very true point because it illustrates the importance of Manifest Destiny and conquering land.
Friday, April 12, 2013
War: the Destroyer and Uniter
Since the beginning of the United States of America, war has been a prominent factor in the way the country has evolved. Warfare has changed the country in more ways than anyone could possibly imagine. The Civil War and World War II resulted in the most casualties in history. After the battles have ended, the President is always looked to as the hero of war. Abraham Lincoln and Franklin D. Roosevelt are two of the greatest war heroes of all time, and both gave incredible inaugural addresses. In these world class speeches, the powerful men used very different words to unite the same country.
President Abraham Lincoln became President right at the horrific start to the Civil War. The war resulted in the most lives lost because, of course, all the lives lost were American. The total casualties amounted to 625,000. In his inaugural address right before the end of the war, the two most common words he used were war and God. War was obviously the most commonly used word because it was still war time. He was urging the country to join together and preserve the Union. He argued that war does not unite but tears apart a country that was once so strong. He used the word a total of 12 times. Interestingly, the second most common word he used was God. It is clear that this time was a very religious time period. Although there was freedom of religion, most citizens practiced some sort of Protestant Christian faith. President Lincoln knew that religion was something that tied the entire country together. He said things like, "both pray to the same God and read the same Bible." He was trying to unite the country by using the most important thing in all the citizen's minds--God.
Franklin D. Roosevelt is one of the most influential presidents of the history of the United States. He took control of the country during the Great Depression and tried to improve the country's horrid conditions. The economy didn't improve until the start of World War II, but at the end of the dreadful war, FDR was there to lead the country with a moving inauguration speech. The two words he used the most were peace and learn. These words were very crucial to the second World War because they express exactly what the United States needed to do to recover from the dreadful war. Peace was the word used the most because FDR wanted his country to learn that peace was the best way to deal with conflict. "In the years to come, we shall work towards a just and honorable peace." This is the best example from the speech because it expresses what needed to happen with the country. The second thing the country needed to do was learn, which was the second word. Learning from mistakes is very important, and it is necessary in the end of all conflicts.
The differences between the two presidents during the end of the two biggest losses of lives in American History are very prominent. Abraham Lincoln tried to reunite his broken country by using the illusion of war to show the destruction and separation it causes; however, he took the focus to what united the country the most: their strong faith in God. Religion was so important to the country during that time period. Almost a century later, the world is an entirely different place, but the country has just survived another war. FDR, their fearless leader, refuses to discuss the past and reaches towards the future. He suggests peace and learning are the only ways to conquer conflict.
Two of the most amazing Commanders in Chief--Presidents of the United States--guided a powerful country through the worst wars in American history. Abraham Lincoln and Franklin D. Roosevelt reunited the broken country in very different ways, which is very clear from the words used in their inaugural addresses.
President Abraham Lincoln became President right at the horrific start to the Civil War. The war resulted in the most lives lost because, of course, all the lives lost were American. The total casualties amounted to 625,000. In his inaugural address right before the end of the war, the two most common words he used were war and God. War was obviously the most commonly used word because it was still war time. He was urging the country to join together and preserve the Union. He argued that war does not unite but tears apart a country that was once so strong. He used the word a total of 12 times. Interestingly, the second most common word he used was God. It is clear that this time was a very religious time period. Although there was freedom of religion, most citizens practiced some sort of Protestant Christian faith. President Lincoln knew that religion was something that tied the entire country together. He said things like, "both pray to the same God and read the same Bible." He was trying to unite the country by using the most important thing in all the citizen's minds--God.
Franklin D. Roosevelt is one of the most influential presidents of the history of the United States. He took control of the country during the Great Depression and tried to improve the country's horrid conditions. The economy didn't improve until the start of World War II, but at the end of the dreadful war, FDR was there to lead the country with a moving inauguration speech. The two words he used the most were peace and learn. These words were very crucial to the second World War because they express exactly what the United States needed to do to recover from the dreadful war. Peace was the word used the most because FDR wanted his country to learn that peace was the best way to deal with conflict. "In the years to come, we shall work towards a just and honorable peace." This is the best example from the speech because it expresses what needed to happen with the country. The second thing the country needed to do was learn, which was the second word. Learning from mistakes is very important, and it is necessary in the end of all conflicts.
The differences between the two presidents during the end of the two biggest losses of lives in American History are very prominent. Abraham Lincoln tried to reunite his broken country by using the illusion of war to show the destruction and separation it causes; however, he took the focus to what united the country the most: their strong faith in God. Religion was so important to the country during that time period. Almost a century later, the world is an entirely different place, but the country has just survived another war. FDR, their fearless leader, refuses to discuss the past and reaches towards the future. He suggests peace and learning are the only ways to conquer conflict.
Two of the most amazing Commanders in Chief--Presidents of the United States--guided a powerful country through the worst wars in American history. Abraham Lincoln and Franklin D. Roosevelt reunited the broken country in very different ways, which is very clear from the words used in their inaugural addresses.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
The Big Blue
Since the day I was born, my parents were obsessed with travel. Literally a few weeks after my birth, we shipped off to Dubai for the first year and a half of my life. We stopped for a few years to let my sister and I grow up so we could be fit for the trip of a lifetime--Seaworld. It has always been said that Seaworld is one of the best places to take your little kids. Go see the cute little dolphins and the calm gigantic whales. Usually it's a dream, but for me it was a nightmare. It was there that I discovered my fear of killer whales.
My fear is the most embarrassing thing in the world to admit, and I usually don't share it with people, but I am deathly afraid of whales! When I went to see the cute Orca show, I was sitting way too close for comfort. The incredibly giant whale jumped on the deck and sprayed water to its fan section, and I flipped out. I ran to the very top of the stands and never looked back. As a five-year old that experience was traumatic. My mom has told me about many other things that scared me while we were there, but there is no other incident that I can remember.
The life-changing experience left me permanently scarred. For years I could never even look at a picture of a whale without wanting to cry and hurl all at the same time. This is so embarrassing considering that this was a problem until last year. I turned over a new leaf and I now can go as far as glancing at a picture of the KILLER creatures. I have gone from sheer panic to slightly nauseous, and for me that is an enormous accomplishment.
Hopefully one day I'll get back to being able to watch my favorite childhood movie--Free Willy. It is so ironic that I loved that movie until my terrible experience. If and when I overcome my post-traumatic stress disorder, I will have a Free Willy marathon. Until then, if I ever see an Orca, I will run away crying.
My fear is the most embarrassing thing in the world to admit, and I usually don't share it with people, but I am deathly afraid of whales! When I went to see the cute Orca show, I was sitting way too close for comfort. The incredibly giant whale jumped on the deck and sprayed water to its fan section, and I flipped out. I ran to the very top of the stands and never looked back. As a five-year old that experience was traumatic. My mom has told me about many other things that scared me while we were there, but there is no other incident that I can remember.
The life-changing experience left me permanently scarred. For years I could never even look at a picture of a whale without wanting to cry and hurl all at the same time. This is so embarrassing considering that this was a problem until last year. I turned over a new leaf and I now can go as far as glancing at a picture of the KILLER creatures. I have gone from sheer panic to slightly nauseous, and for me that is an enormous accomplishment.
Hopefully one day I'll get back to being able to watch my favorite childhood movie--Free Willy. It is so ironic that I loved that movie until my terrible experience. If and when I overcome my post-traumatic stress disorder, I will have a Free Willy marathon. Until then, if I ever see an Orca, I will run away crying.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
The Greatest Series of All-Time
The Greatest Series of All-Time
Harry Potter has made not only a major impact throughout the world, but in my life as well. Ever since I opened the first pages of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, I felt a deep connection to the series. Although it involves another world of magic, there are many themes that are relatable. The prominent themes of the series are love, courage, and death. Courage is a quality both greatly admired and shown constantly in Harry Potter.
Bravery is very important in both Harry Potter and the lives of high-schoolers around the globe. The phrase “standing up for what you believe in” has always been considered a cliché, but this fantastic series by J.K. Rowling has taught me that courage is a very admirable quality and is something I should strive for. This quality has helped shape me with fearlessness.
Another transformational theme is death. From the beginning, Harry Potter has learned to cope with death and the fact that it is impossible to avoid. After losing his parents before he could even wipe his own drool off his chin, Harry grew up in a home with his aunt and uncle who despised him and treated him worse than dirt. As the series progresses, death becomes an enemy of Harry as many people around him tragically pass away. Although it is incredibly sad, it helps make the series more realistic and relatable.
The final and most important theme of the series is love. Love helped Harry escape Lord Voldemort every time they faced eachother and helped him realize that he, as the chosen one, could defeat the Dark Lord. Another amazing example is Severus Snape. The entire series he is despised by Harry and his friends, and trust me, the feeling is mutual. In the final book however, Harry discovers that Snape had lived and died for his mother—for love. That was a very climatic moment of the series and made Snape the greatest character of the series.
Overall, the themes of Harry Potter have helped me to create a very deep connection to the greatest series of all time. Though J.K. Rowling created another world of spellbooks and werewolves, the themes make the audience realize that wizards and witches endure the same problems as muggles. I can’t imagine another series that could impact the world more than Harry Potter.
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