Change of Mind: Kant

Kant is a rationalist whose beliefs are rooted in duty, specifically the categorical imperative, a single, intrinsically valid moral law. My religious beliefs have been modified in light of a new rationalist perspective. It is true that we know what we can perceive, i.e., smell, see, taste. Major modern philosophies make several assumptions, axioms, etc., that build upon what we perceive. For example, many Christian tenets are rooted in what we would consider "good" behavior, such as love and peace. However, other tenets, such as the Trinity or the Holy Spirit, are based on faith and are not necessarily perceivable.

Carry It Forward: Wade Davis (presentation)

Wade Davis, author of literary works, presentations, and other media detailing world cultures, seeks to describe the plight of indigenous and ancient peoples, or "primitive cultures," to preserve their way of life and combat pressure to conform and/or dissolve due to industrialization. While industrialization has improved the manufacture of goods and overall quality of life, it has created a way of life common to modern nations and not necessarily the ideal or best worldview/culture. It is important for especially the next generation, who will grow and develop during a time when nearly, according to Davis, half of the world's languages will disappear, to understand the values and rituals of today's primitive cultures, especially those that run contrary to our own and those perceived to be virtuous and increasingly absent from our society, such as the notion of marriage, celibacy, and virginity.

I will work towards educating my children, friends, and family about the incredible significance of understanding other cultures, or "ways of life," as an immediate precursor to eradicate unfair prejudices and violence against such peoples. Hitler's crusade against the Jews, in particular, showed the hallmark signs of brutal marginalization closely associated with racism: the government's wanton legal confinement of Jews, the dissemination of hatred against Jews, and the government's voracious pursuit of Jews. Perhaps I can help stir a peaceful intifada against sectarian war and violence within my neighborhood.

BEST OF THE WEEK: Bullets in the Brain

My favorite and in my opinion the most interesting thing we did last week was read the short story Bullet in the Brain. To begin, I believe the writing done by Tobias Wolff was absolutely brilliant. Not only was the story compelling and funny, it was also interesting and really made you think deeper into the material you were reading.
The most enjoyable (yet unfortunate) part of the reading for me was when Anders burst out laughing and was ultimately shot in the head. All these so-called important things in his laugh didn't flash by him. It was a moment in time when this book critic who's job is to demoralize people didn't speak up. He was worried that people would take his humor the wrong way. That was a purely aesthetic moment.

ART: What I Believe it Really is...

As you saw it earlier in class last week, my definition of art was in polar opposition to that presented by some of my fellow classmates. I believe the role of an artist is to make his/her patrons think deeper and critically into what they are viewing, listening, or reading. Whether it is Bruce Springsteen, Scott Fitzgerald, or Ario, I believe they all are the exemplary epitomes of what artist are supposed to be. They all make us not only enjoy what they provide on the surface, they compel us delve deeper into our mind. Those who say that such things as, "This isn't art because It doesn't sound good to the ear" or "Anyone can make that" are not able to see beyond a sheer image and think deeper into the artistic production, thus rendering them incapable of grasping the true meanings of the piece.
For example, Earth People by Keith Thronton, under the alias of Dr Octagon, is not a well known song among the unfortunately pop cultured music scene. But many people involved in the underground hip-hop believe it's one of the rap's most influential and beautifully written songs. Although the lyrics seem very odd at the first glance, the listener must critically go deeper into the songs in the album in order to understand and appreciate the plot in Keith Thronton's story.

Here are the links for the songs and above are Ario's works.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjKHQeRSvjk

www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfmLhRzgVMU&NR=1

What If: I was a paraplegic like Chuck Close

My whole life has been dictated by the movement of my legs. Wherever I go, I use my legs. I run, bike, and at times long board to wherever the destination has me going. I can not imagine how hard the life of paraplegia really is. I wonder what type of person I'd turn out to be. Much of my identity is centered around my ability to play soccer. Sports, but primarily soccer has dominated my life since I was seven years old. Through soccer I have learned how to coup with adversity, deal with hardship, and I have built a strong work ethic. I truly think if I didn't have any use of my legs, I would sadly be much more of an intellectual thinker. I'm not saying sadly because I don't want the image of a intellectual, I'm upset I have not been able to be as well read as I could have been throughout my life. It's not like I have done nothing. I've books on the revolutionaries Che Guevara and Fidel Castro, also while reading classic novels such as The Old Man and the Sea. But at some point soccer has just been so time consuming that I have not been able to become the man that my father had dreamt of me growing up to be. I still believe I can become an intellectual, but as long as I'm playing soccer (which ultimately means I have the use of my legs) that will have to be delayed.

Blog Number One: William Golding

      The most interesting topic we elaborated about in humanities this week was William Golding's 3 grades of thinking. Golding's theory forced me think about what grade I would consider myself. I believe I'm not a grade 1 thinker because I am well-read and I condone racial ignorance. Yet, according to Golding grade 2 thinkers just look down on grade 1 thinkers.  I personally try not to look down on others no matter what the reasons are. But, he also explains how the brilliant Albert Einstein is a grade 3 thinker. That itself puts grade 3 thinkers at a whole different level. I don't think I am anywhere close to that. William Golding's grading system of knowledge in my opinion is too broad and generalized. Nine out of ten people in society aren't as ignorant as the lady who hates all germans.