It's pretty scary to realize how much advertisements can manipulate your ideas... especially when you're a kid. For the research for the midterm I found an ad for the marines and it was of this guy working through obstacles... getting a sword out of stone... slaying a dragon... then turning into a marine. What a way to get the attention of little boys! It's almost disturbing the way our government is trying to brainwash kids! AAAHHHHH! Don't let your kids watch TV... it's not safe!!!! I wouldn't be surprised if they started playing these types of commercials on cartoon network or the Disney channel! Anyway, I know that it currently isn't quite as bad as make it seem, but I think it's wrong.
In regards to Tim's idea about the draft.... I completely agree. But, I also think that women should be forced to be included. Women want to be treated as equals... so there you go! And as Tim said... it would make people realize that they don't want to be fighting this war, and something would be done about it... finally!!!!!!!
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Friday, July 27, 2007
DRAFT
Talks about the reinstatement of a draft is rampant and I don't like it. So are the recruitment ads and recruiting officers. They are everywhere.
I suggest, if the government is in desperate need for soldiers, they have to broaden their search. They can recruit the non-citizens and non-permanent residents into the service, as well. There are lots of them in the country and, if the government offers citizenship or permanent residency at least, some of them they may be willing to serve the United States.
The draft is unfair. Are we not in a democratic country? Can't we decide on things that really matter to us? If the draft happens, maybe we're not and we can't. Maybe we are not free after all, just like the people in 1984.
I suggest, if the government is in desperate need for soldiers, they have to broaden their search. They can recruit the non-citizens and non-permanent residents into the service, as well. There are lots of them in the country and, if the government offers citizenship or permanent residency at least, some of them they may be willing to serve the United States.
The draft is unfair. Are we not in a democratic country? Can't we decide on things that really matter to us? If the draft happens, maybe we're not and we can't. Maybe we are not free after all, just like the people in 1984.
Draft Proposal Response
I disagree with you Professor Tim. I don't think reinstating the draft would be fair. In class, you seem to sway towards the idea that these horrible recruiters are using agressive tactics and deceiving promises to lure young men and women who are disadvantaged into joining the military. Sure, they may be annoying, but they're just doing their job and actually saving the people who don't want to go to war. I'm certain that the people who choose to serve know the consequences they might have to face upon joining the military, but overall, they feel like the benefits outweigh the negative factors. I think the Student Privacy Act should be destroyed because the many people who are unaware and would be interested in serving for the military are robbed of this opportunity because parents are afraid they'll lose their children in war. There is already a scarcity of soldiers as is. The more recruiters go out to find potential soldiers, the less chance a reinstated draft will take place. After all, these people who make sacrifices for our nation make that CHOICE...they aren't FORCED to do so no matter how hard recruiters try to persuade them. I would be infuriated if students who are starting college, and on the path to academic success, or even fathers or husbands who have no intentions on being a part of the war whatsoever, are drafted when there are so many other potential people who would be interested in serving the country. I don't care what anyone else thinks...I say recruiters are doing a great job!
Essay #3
We didn't discuss your third essay in class yesterday--and there were no questions about it--so I'm assuming that you are working on it and having no real difficulties. You have all, at least, completed Step 3, "Read and Understand the Assignment," right?
If you do have questions this weekend as you write your essay this weekend, use the blog to address your questions to me so that I don't have to repeat myself in multiple personal messages.
The peer workshop was scheduled for Monday, but I will move it forward to Tuesday. The rest of the schedule requires updating as well. I will make these changes today or tomorrow.
Can you believe it? Our summer together is fast coming to a close.
Those with few blog entries are headed for a low grade on participation. Now is the time to redeem yourselves. You can start by letting the class know how you respond to my draft proposal.
Have a lovely weekend.
Tim
If you do have questions this weekend as you write your essay this weekend, use the blog to address your questions to me so that I don't have to repeat myself in multiple personal messages.
The peer workshop was scheduled for Monday, but I will move it forward to Tuesday. The rest of the schedule requires updating as well. I will make these changes today or tomorrow.
Can you believe it? Our summer together is fast coming to a close.
Those with few blog entries are headed for a low grade on participation. Now is the time to redeem yourselves. You can start by letting the class know how you respond to my draft proposal.
Have a lovely weekend.
Tim
Midterm Follow-Up
I look forward to reading your letters on this issue your military service, which, although you might not think anything of it at the moment, could become the central, life-altering issue in your life next week or next month or next year...
What if another war opened up on another front? What if one of our closest allies were attacked--England, say, or Taiwan--and we simply had to fight? (This would be different from the elective war we are involved in now.) What if our own borders were threatened?
We just wouldn't have the soldiers to respond.
Therefore, I propose that we reinstate the draft immediately.
In addition to working toward satisfying our need for military preparedness, we need a draft so that we can begin living up to our ideals as a nation. Do we really want to be a country in which the most privileged members of our society get to have freedom to enjoy the benefits of our nation's power while, disproportionately, those with the least opportunity for success must make the sacrifices to maintain it? I propose, therefore, we make this a fair draft, to include all Americans, male and female, in college or not, married or unmarried, and perhaps even "old" people (like me). Draftees would have to serve your country for a minimum of two years. There would be alternative ways to serve than soldiering for those with special skills, with physical or other disabilities, or with conscientious objections.
We must realize that every benefit we enjoy comes at a cost, if not to us directly then to someone else. Our freedom, which can be defined by the fact that most of us had never had to think about it before, is terribly expensive. The time has come for us to earn it.
What if another war opened up on another front? What if one of our closest allies were attacked--England, say, or Taiwan--and we simply had to fight? (This would be different from the elective war we are involved in now.) What if our own borders were threatened?
We just wouldn't have the soldiers to respond.
Therefore, I propose that we reinstate the draft immediately.
In addition to working toward satisfying our need for military preparedness, we need a draft so that we can begin living up to our ideals as a nation. Do we really want to be a country in which the most privileged members of our society get to have freedom to enjoy the benefits of our nation's power while, disproportionately, those with the least opportunity for success must make the sacrifices to maintain it? I propose, therefore, we make this a fair draft, to include all Americans, male and female, in college or not, married or unmarried, and perhaps even "old" people (like me). Draftees would have to serve your country for a minimum of two years. There would be alternative ways to serve than soldiering for those with special skills, with physical or other disabilities, or with conscientious objections.
We must realize that every benefit we enjoy comes at a cost, if not to us directly then to someone else. Our freedom, which can be defined by the fact that most of us had never had to think about it before, is terribly expensive. The time has come for us to earn it.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Military propaganda ineffective?
I dont know about you guys but after looking at countless military propagandas over the last few days I started to realize that don't really affect me at all. I mean usually in the past when a military advertisement comes up on tv or on the net, I kinda just ignore it like any other commerical. It doesn't really stick to my mind at all. I guess what they are appealing to me just don't click or something. Does anyone else feel this way or is it just me?
is "honest recruitment" an oxymoron?
The midterm today...booger. And not just because it was an in-class essay. I wrote something about how there needed to be a change in military's unethical recruitment strategies, but I'm being a big hypocrite. It's not like I have any better ideas...none that are in the least bit plausible.
Since the threat of a draft has been removed (at least for now), the military has begun "fishing" for recruits in high school and college campuses. It's annoying as hell and some of their tactics are pretty reprehensible, but I wonder what I would've done in their place. How can you tell people about the ugly side of being a soldier and the truth about the war - and still get them to volunteer their lives? Is there a fair and honest way to get enough recruits to supply our nation's army, or are the words "honest," "fair," and "recruitment" incompatible?
Since the threat of a draft has been removed (at least for now), the military has begun "fishing" for recruits in high school and college campuses. It's annoying as hell and some of their tactics are pretty reprehensible, but I wonder what I would've done in their place. How can you tell people about the ugly side of being a soldier and the truth about the war - and still get them to volunteer their lives? Is there a fair and honest way to get enough recruits to supply our nation's army, or are the words "honest," "fair," and "recruitment" incompatible?
1984 Movie
Here's Part 1 of the movie 1984. You can watch the rest on YouTube for those of you who are interested.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
every lazy students dream
i was in the computer in my living room, and the t.v. was on, and the news in on. I herd the funniest thing in the world. apparently these students from diablo college we arrested for trying to change there grades. i find it funny because if they would have spent the time and effort that they did changing there grades, for studying they would have really good grades. i don't think its relevant to anything but i thought i would share it with people.
Definition of Propaganda
After we talked about propaganda on Monday, I just wanted to share this with you guys. My definition of propaganda is making fun of a person, group, or thing, and sending a powerful message across . I took a graphic design class in high school, and one of the project we had to do was to make a propaganda ad or poster. I manipulated a Ipod ad into a Ismoke ad, which I was making fun of Marlboro. My friend manipulated the Uncle Sam "I Want You!" into "I Want Your MySpace!" I thought these were funny things to share with the class.
Beginning and Ending of 1984
After finishing the novel "1984" by George Orwell, I am not satisfied. I thought to myself that the whole novel was balance. It was kind of like there wasn't any conclusion to the book. After breaking Winston, he now abides the party and so does Julia. After discussing 1987 and how reliable/unreliable Winston is, Professor Maxwell, discusses how there was no conclusion to the show, "The Soprano's". I thought that in my mind as well, "1984"(the novel) was kind of a "no conclusion" kind of thing. Overall, "1984", was an interesting and enjoyable novel to read. I hope you've also enjoyed the book too!
Vent (Part 2)
Leaders
One of the biggest problems we face is leadership and responsibility. In this country, good leaders are very difficult to come by.
As we grow up, leadership opportunities are presented at an early age. In elementary school we have class elections for student council. While it is only a popularity contest, many of the kids vie for the position. Everyone wants the power and what they believe to be control of the classroom. There is no control or power in the job, so as a student representative, your main role is to report what happened at the meetings.
Along with class offices, responsibility is also presented. As one grows and matures, they quickly learn that actions have consequences. Many times no one wants to take the blame and everyone hides, just hoping they do not get in trouble.
In Middle School, we are surrounded by a larger student body, and student council is a less appealing job. Promises of longer lunch and more snacks are often made, but at this point there is still no power in the job. The number of potential candidates has shrunk, and instead of there being a good 25% of the school wanting to run, we are down to about 25 people out of 1000 or so. This trend continues through High School and often times it is the same people running who have always held office. There is more responsibility at this age, but very few opportunities for new leadership. Kids become afraid to run and let their ideas falter. Many are afraid of the public stage, but the majority do not want the responsibility of an entire high school.
So as you can see, the number of leaders that grow from our schools is very small. Past graduation, the number of leaders continue to fall. No one wants to make a stand for what they believe, so we are stuck with the same group running our world.
Through all this I am not saying new leaders do not exist, but I am saying that there isn't nearly enough. I think our schools need to put more emphasis on how our government works, but more so on the fact that we are the government. Many of us are scared of the rules and regulations the government imposes, but do not realize that they were created by people like you and me. Our schools need to teach that we can in fact make change and laws, and that we are not limited to what "they" impose over us. So while I may not always voice my opinion on every matter, I try to. If you feel you are being wronged, then stand up and say so. This country was earned, and if we want it to stay ours, we are going to have to fight for it back.
One of the biggest problems we face is leadership and responsibility. In this country, good leaders are very difficult to come by.
As we grow up, leadership opportunities are presented at an early age. In elementary school we have class elections for student council. While it is only a popularity contest, many of the kids vie for the position. Everyone wants the power and what they believe to be control of the classroom. There is no control or power in the job, so as a student representative, your main role is to report what happened at the meetings.
Along with class offices, responsibility is also presented. As one grows and matures, they quickly learn that actions have consequences. Many times no one wants to take the blame and everyone hides, just hoping they do not get in trouble.
In Middle School, we are surrounded by a larger student body, and student council is a less appealing job. Promises of longer lunch and more snacks are often made, but at this point there is still no power in the job. The number of potential candidates has shrunk, and instead of there being a good 25% of the school wanting to run, we are down to about 25 people out of 1000 or so. This trend continues through High School and often times it is the same people running who have always held office. There is more responsibility at this age, but very few opportunities for new leadership. Kids become afraid to run and let their ideas falter. Many are afraid of the public stage, but the majority do not want the responsibility of an entire high school.
So as you can see, the number of leaders that grow from our schools is very small. Past graduation, the number of leaders continue to fall. No one wants to make a stand for what they believe, so we are stuck with the same group running our world.
Through all this I am not saying new leaders do not exist, but I am saying that there isn't nearly enough. I think our schools need to put more emphasis on how our government works, but more so on the fact that we are the government. Many of us are scared of the rules and regulations the government imposes, but do not realize that they were created by people like you and me. Our schools need to teach that we can in fact make change and laws, and that we are not limited to what "they" impose over us. So while I may not always voice my opinion on every matter, I try to. If you feel you are being wronged, then stand up and say so. This country was earned, and if we want it to stay ours, we are going to have to fight for it back.
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