Standing your Ground

The Stand your Ground Law has been front in center throughout the media the past month with the many discussions surrounding the George Zimmerman and Treyvon Martin shooting. Versions of this law are found in several states throughout the country. This law is commonly read as "a person may use deadly force in self-defense when there is reasonable belief of a threat, without an obligation to retreat first. In some cases, a person may use deadly force in public areas without a duty to retreat. Under these legal concepts, a person is justified in using deadly force in certain situations and the "stand your ground" law would be a defense or immunity to criminal charges and civil suit." 

The words written in this law are clear and easily understood, but yet this law is being misinterpreted, misunderstood, and misused. The question to think about when examing the Zimmerman case with respect to this law is whether or not the law should be changed or was the law just misused. There have been various opinions about this case, but at this moment I would like for everyone to consider the law. And how the law should be handled in respect to George Zimmerman and the killing of Treyvon Martin.


So what do you think? Should the law be changed? or Is it not the law, but the action that needs to be judged?


--Krystal

Why We Hate Us

I've referenced this book I've been reading lately, Why We Hate Us by Dick Meyer, in recent posts. I'm finally done with the book and wanted to give a full-coverage post on what I got out of it. As someone who often finds fault with American culture and politics, I raved to anyone that would listen about Why We Hate Us.  
Meyer addresses modern American discontent, giving credit for this unhappiness to things like pop culture, 24-hour news media, marketing and advertising, money (of course), and our two-party political system. All of these things, according to Meyer, have led to less genuineness and integrity, more rudeness, moral confusion and loss of identity and tradition, and a whole lot more disconnect and isolation. If you've been reading this blog for awhile, you might guess by now that I ate this book up.

I think most disturbing about modern American culture is our obsession with celebrities. Basketball players no longer merely play basketball for our favorite teams; they now entertain us, sell us shoes, accessories, and food, tell us who to vote for, and act as role models. Fans want to know what they do when they're not playing basketball: if they're married with children or single, where they live and what they do for fun and most especially when they get in trouble. Similarly, movie stars, singers, and politicians all find they spend an equal amount of time in the public eye for their personal lives as they do for their careers. Being famous has become an around- the- clock job.  We want to know how they live and what they do with all that money. We are sad when they disappoint us for being human--for making mistakes that normal humans might make, but not these heroes. We have put them on pedestals. This is where the rise of the reality television show has come from.
Sadly, what we like most about the private details of celebrity lives is these faults. Why we might be disappointed in what we find, we also relish it. We want to see people fall; we want them to make mistakes. In a recent news example, the people behind Invisible Children have been getting a lot of press lately. As soon as that video took off, Invisible Children got a lot of press, good and bad. They had many critics and many followers and everybody talking about their mission. While I personally don't agree with the methods of this movement, it seems clear that Invisible Children acts with no malice; the intentions of the group were good. While I agree that is important to make people aware of other sides to this story, many people ripped them from limb-to-limb.  Suddenly, the people behind the camera were in the public eye all the time. Naturally, as soon as one of the co-creators stumbled, news media was all over it, and haters had it up on their Facebook and Twitter feeds. You see we wanted these people to fall. We wanted to humanize them. We wanted to see them mess up, we wanted to call their bluff ,and so we did. One man's personal mistakes that have nothing to do with his career (and shouldn't) are now flashed all over media for all to see and for others to judge his career and the organization on. We see this happen time and time again with politicians. We no longer trust their politics and governance because we found out something we didn't want to know about their personal life. Again, this information should not affect the way a person does his/her job.

These people we are watching are our fellow humans. We ought to lift them up and we certainly ought to allow them the right to live their own lives unwatched. I have the privilege of getting to go home after i'm done working for the  day and doing whatever it is I want to do. Our celebrities, politicians, thinkers, athletes, and public figures no longer have that option. It's a wonder anyone is brave enough to do these jobs anymore. We wonder where all the people with integrity are; perhaps people with integrity are now too afraid to run for public office. They'd rather protect their families and their dignity. Perhaps the spotlight and fame drives our young celebrities to some of what they get involved in. They act out because we are watching.

Along these lines, why do young (and not young) people look to these famous individuals as role models? What has happened to our real role models--parents, teachers, religious and community leaders? As a nation, we have abandoned our traditions and culture and replaced it with dependence on self to guide self. We believe we each have our own moral compass that guides us: the same rules don't apply to everyone. Our strong, sturdy institutions have been replaced with capricious whims of our ego and id. We are building our identities, values, and "selves" on things that we have created, instead of our family history and tradition. This is why so many people find hobbies, music, style, and interactions with others as outlets for self-expression. We use tattoos to tell people about our spiritual beliefs; we use our individualized political beliefs to distinguish ourselves from our neighbors. This is also why so many people find it ok to be rude to others--they are merely expressing their viewpoints, which you clearly must know in order to understand their unique character. What started in the 60's as a mantra to get people to think for themselves has turned into the marketing and branding of self.

The book provided insight into the shortcomings of modern society--it got to the root of the present issues.  While I have often felt much discontent with American "lifestyle" (Meyer has something to say about "lifestyle" as well!), this book really helped me put my finger on what was causing my anxiety and what I can do to at least make some changes on the smallest level--with myself. For starters, while it won't be easy, I want to start unplugging. Not entirely, news and media are wonderful inventions, we've abused them. I also want to belong to a community and respect the traditions of my family. If individuals can account for their own integrity and values, then the problem will solve itself. As the front cover of the book states, "There's a cure--read Why We Hate Us." 


--Megan

Drink Tap Water! (Part Two)

You guys, I wrote about the importance of drinking tap water already, but last night I went to the Natural History Museum to watch a film called "Last Call at the Oasis." It's part of the ongoing Environmental Film Festival (until March 25! Free movies all over the city! Check it out here!).
Anyway, drinking tap water is so important. This is something our government gives to us! It is regulated and safe to drink. If more and more people abandon tap water because it is "gross," the system will eventually be unable to pay for updates and further regulation. It won't be a priority, which will leave those that cannot afford expensive bottled water in the lurch. If water is privatized and capitalized upon, marginalized populations will be further marginalized. Health and access to clean drinking water will become yet another social stratification. People are already making enough money off of our health and safety. We need to support free, healthy, and safe public drinking water and the best way to do this is to drink it!

So, the film was unsettling. The tone was of urgency--we need to act now and fast. Water conservation is no joke, not even in wealthy countries like our own. We also have to make sure that all people have access to this resource. There are small towns in America where people are getting sick or suffering from long term health problems and cancers because of the water they're drinking, bathing in, and cooking with. Water is everything, and it's time to start respecting it as such. Water will continue to become more and more valuable as the population grows. There are many ways we can help conserve water--it's not just your obvious water usage, but hidden in other things--light bulbs, red meat, and clothing all have a water "price" attached to them. By conserving water and respecting the earth and our neighbor's, we can ensure that all people have access to clean water.
This is an important issue that requires attention and response. Do your part by drinking from the tap and conserving what you can.
--Megan

Where can you live the longest?

U.S. News published a story last week about the countries whose residents have the longest life expectancy. I find this article to be very interesting 1. because the United States i not in top 10 and 2. there is a paragraph explaining why each country's citizens live longer. 

You hear many pundits, radio hosts, and anyone with a platform preach about the United States being the best country in the world, but why don't people live longer here? I think its something very interesting to think about. Check out the top ten list below and let me know what you think? Could the US get on this list? What is the one thing that keeps the US from cracking the top ten?

10. Italy

Average Life Expectancy: 81.86 years

Italians live an average of 3.37 years longer than Americans. Many experts draw a connection between their longevity and diet--which is more than just pasta, meat, and cheese. The Mediterranean diet is credited with lowering the risk for all sorts of diseases. The antioxidants found in olive oil and red wine--two key features of an Italian meal--can improve cholesterol, prevent blood clots, and stave off heart disease, according to the American Heart Association. Italians also rely on spices like basil, oregano, and garlic to flavor their cuisine, while Americans depend heavily on salt. As such, Italians improve their odds against high blood pressure and stroke.

9. Australia

Average Life Expectancy: 81.90 years

Australia's long life expectancy can be attributed to several factors, including relatively low smoking and obesity rates, as well as an active lifestyle enjoyed by its citizens. But many Australian medical experts insist that the secret to Aussies' longevity is universal healthcare. While the ability to obtain healthcare in the United States depends heavily on employment status and personal wealth, Australians have access to necessary care no matter how much they make. That said, Aussies shouldn't get too comfortable; the obesity rate is steadily climbing, which could undercut their longevity in years ahead.

8. Hong Kong

Average Life Expectancy: 82.12 years

Hong Kongers can expect to live nearly four years longer than Americans. Like Italians, people from Hong Kong can partly attribute their longer lives to their diet--rice, vegetables, and tofu are staples--and active lifestyle. Hong Kong reports a much lower obesity level than the United States does, as well as fewer instances of obesity-related health conditions, like diabetes.

7. Guernsey

Average Life Expectancy: 82.24 years

This small island in the English Channel is not a member of the United Kingdom or the European Union, despite being a British crown dependency. Its independence means Guernsey has not been affected by its neighbors' flailing economies. How does this tie into the long life expectancies of Channel Islanders? One theory: Guernsey residents live longer because they are wealthy, which affords them above-average healthcare and better nutrition. Channel Islanders are well-off, thanks to Guernsey's extremely low tax rates and high-paying jobs.

6. Andorra

Average Life Expectancy: 82.50 years

Several factors may explain why Andorrans outlive residents of other countries. First, this tiny nation, sandwiched between France and Spain in the Pyrenees mountains, promotes an active, outdoor lifestyle. Residents have easy access to hiking trails and ski resorts, while clean and well-maintained parks are often used for friendly games of soccer and rugby. Its citizens spend lots of time outside, which experts say can lower stress levels and consequently, cardiovascular problems like high blood pressure. Secondly, the CIA states that 100 percent of Andorra's population is educated. High education levels account for Andorra's extremely low unemployment rate. This means most Andorrans can afford high-quality nutrition and healthcare.

5. San Marino

Average Life Expectancy: 83.07 years

Europe's third smallest state--behind Vatican City and Monaco--and the world's oldest republic has a life expectancy that trumps the United States by 4.5 years. Money plays a major role here, as it does in both Guernsey and Andorra, but another key ingredient could be the nation's work environment. This enclave on the Italian peninsula didn't rake in its riches through manual labor. San Marino's primary industries are banking and tourism, with the majority of the Sammarinese working in office settings. This drastically reduces the number of work-related deaths--a big problem elsewhere.

4. Singapore

Average Life Expectancy: 83.75 years

A sound diet and a clean environment contribute to the longevity exhibited by the population of this fast-paced city-state, located on the southern edge of the Malay Peninsula. Like in Hong Kong, Singapore's cuisine centers on rice and vegetables, which are rich in nutrients that help keep residents healthy and active. Singapore's government also enforces a strict code of cleanliness--such as heavily restricted smoking areas--to ensure that all residents live in healthy surroundings. Interestingly, back in the 1980s, the government recognized that the nation's population was aging steadily, and with careful planning, Singapore now features excellent healthcare facilities and programs for the elderly.

3. Japan

Average Life Expectancy: 83.91 years

Japan boasts an impressive obesity rate: 3.1 percent compared with 33.9 percent in the United States. Much of the credit is owed to the Japanese diet, which revolves around fresh vegetables, rice, and most importantly, fish. Fresh fish is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which promote healthy blood pressure levels and reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks. In addition, omega-3 fatty acids encourage healthy brain function, helping prevent diseases like Alzheimer's. The Japanese also make healthier lifestyle choices: They tend to walk more and not overeat.

2. Macau

Average Life Expectancy: 84.43 years

Like several other nations on this list, Macau can attribute its high life expectancy, at least somewhat, to its fruitful economy. But why this tiny nation in the South China Sea is so prosperous might surprise you: Gambling is its main source of revenue, and 70 percent of the money generated on the casino floor is reportedly invested by the Macau government in public healthcare. The island boasts a variety of casinos, many of which are owned by the same bigwigs who gave Las Vegas its "Sin City" reputation. In January 2012, Macau welcomed 2,461,640 visitors looking to test Lady Luck.

1. Monaco

Average Life Expectancy: 89.68 years

Residents of Monaco live, on average, 5.25 years longer than the second longest-living nation, Macau; that's approximately a decade longer than the average American. Monaco shares several aspects with other long-living nations, including an abundance of wealth and state-funded healthcare. Monaco residents also live on a Mediterranean diet, which is associated with a reduced risk for a variety of health problems, including cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure. But many say it's Monaco's relaxing atmosphere that keeps residents hanging on until a ripe old age. Its location along the Mediterranean Sea and clean environment do their part to reduce stress, which can lower immunity and contribute to cardiovascular diseases. Maybe Ponce de León should have stayed closer to home in his search for the Fountain of Youth.

Go here for full article.

--krystal

“The Future of Public School Education is Here”

    “The Future of Public School Education is Here” reads the temporary sign at Flex Academy. Flex Academy in San Francisco, California, has instituted a new academic “hybrid” approach in their classrooms. This approach combines onsite schooling with online education and the self-directed feel of the workplace environment.  Students at Flex Academy complete all of their assignments online, sit at cubicles, and work at their own pace.

Classes at Flex are small and based on the needs of the students as determined by frequent assessments. Flex teachers are teaching the entire time with the flexibility to focus attention on students who need more assistance while more advanced students continue their assignments online. To be successful, students must be self-motivated, but teachers and parents also have access to student accounts and can view their progress

Flex Academy is a new charter school with a new idea that appears to be working for some. Mark Kushner, Flex founder and CEO, admits that that there are drawbacks to their academic approach: internet connection not operating, misusage of internet (Facebook etc.) They admit this approach is not for everyone, but they believe it is the future of public school education.

Many agree that our school systems need improvement and some attention, but is this the future? Those against this style of educating say “we ought to allow children to be children…the rest of their lives will consist of adulthood and work environments”. Others argue that this technology based education will continue to disconnect this generation and decrease the learning of life skills.

So what do you think? Is this the future?

Check out this article highlighting Flex Academy and their promotional video.

--krystal

Silenced

Admittedly, the GOP doesn't have a strong set of candidates to choose from for the 2012 election. Many have said that none of the candidates will ultimately be able to beat Obama in the November election. To make up for the lack of suitable candidates, law makers in various states have taken other measures in order to level the playing field.
Virginia passed a new law this past week requiring that all people who come out to vote must present government-issued photo ID.  This effectively silences many minority groups voices and discourages the homeless and others living in poverty from coming out to vote. This subset of the American population typically votes for the Democratic candidate, and is part of the group that helped Obama take the '08 election. By passing this law, law makers are knowingly taking away citizens' basics rights. There reason for this is selfish: to give the GOP a fighting chance in Virginia.
Similarly, Florida has recently passed a new law that they claim will help solve the problem of voter fraud. Effectively, however, this law is preventing educators, community activists, and others working with the youth, the low income population, and non-English speakers, from signing people up to vote. The new law says that once someone has been signed up to vote, this registration form must be to the office of elections within 48 hours (the old time frame was up to two weeks). People who violate this rule are considered "frauds" and can be fined up to $1000. This law, not unlike Virginia's, is designed to prevent the youth and minority population in Florida from coming out to vote. Without this demographic's presence at the poles, the GOP will stand a better chance.
It's unfathomable to me that our policy makers would choose to silence people in this country. Voting is an American liberty, yet some of have decided to make this more challenging for some of our most vulnerable and impressionable citizens. At a time when people ought to be out teaching people about voting and politics and freedoms, there are people fighting to stay on top, and effectively holding others down while doing so. All American citizens have the right to self-expression; the right to vote gives individuals power. It is despicable that our elected officials would turn on American citizens and silence so many in order to get what they want.

--Megan

Mexico City

The cab departed along a narrow access road leading to the highway. Cars parked along the road were serving up food from their trunks, folding chairs circled around. The cab driver crossed himself, kissed his rosary, and pulled into oncoming traffic on the jam-packed highway. We had arrived in Mexico City.

Much of what Americans know about this vast city is negative: we hear of the smog and pollution, we've heard rumors of the epic traffic, we fear the violence and crime that allegedly runs rampant. Many acquaintances, friends, and family members asked me, "Why are you going there?" or, "Aren't you scared?"

In contrast, Mexico City, or D.F., as the locals call it, is friendly and welcoming. Every corner is teeming with people, people crowding around street performers or vendors, people walking, shopping, and eating in parks, outdoor cafes, international stores, and smaller tiendas. People jammed into metro cars, buses, and cross-walks. The streets are populated with bike riders, dog walkers, friends on leisurely walks, and hurried business people on cell phones.The large population is part of what makes the city what it is. It is one of it's joys, not a detriment. Yes, the traffic is horrific, but the extensive metro system is well connected and runs about every two minutes.

Mexico City is a place where old-world traditions still thrive alongside new modern lifestyles. There are craft markets, Aztec ruins, and Hernan Cortes-era cathedrals, nestled between sky scrapers, trendy bars, and luxury hotels. People value and celebrate their pre-hispanic heritage, their Mexican identity and traditions, yet still live modern lives. Trendy neighborhoods filled with art galleries, boutiques, world-class food and frequented by young internationals and ex-pats, students and business professionals bump up against cobblestone streets filled with mariachi bands, danzon dancers, and old churches. No city is higher in altitude--D.F. stands at about 7,350 feet, in a dried up lake bed.There are world-class museums to explore, gorgeous parks, amazing food, and a wonderful sense of community, tradition, and culture. It's one of those places that cannot be replicated.

The sense of community is profound and overwhelming; neighbors sit together on park benches, weekend festivals and markets draw people out of their homes, and women sew, knit, and bead together at corner booths. The generations intermingle, young and old all enjoying the breezy afternoons and blue skies. People live close together and this is true also in the way they interact--it is not co-existence, but a shared existence.

We encountered a plaza full of couples dancing to an impromptu mariachi band; we stumbled upon numerous squares full of people shopping with their families and friends. Each make-shift food stand (and these were everywhere) selling tacos, tamales, grilled corn, tortas, and sweets, had stools or a small table adjacent so that people could stop, test out all the salsas, and chat while they enjoyed the quick snack. People enjoyed interacting with one another, and made a point to do so. People lived outside of their homes as a community, instead of as individuals behind closed doors.

I fell in love with this city. I loved the breezy, sunny (most days), 75-degree weather. I loved hearing Spanish all around. I loved the market hagglers, the busy streets, the food, and most of all the community and culture. There was little rush and urgency, and real enjoyment from spending time with others. People met friends in cafes and bars, people were acquainted with the people that owned the markets, bars, and stores that they frequented. Plazas filled up for music, crafts, and socializing. The immense city is alive and thriving because of this community; it's identity is firmly rooted in shared traditions and strong bonds among neighbors.


--Megan

What is enough?

I was watching the film "An Education" and doing some reading. First "An Education" is an Academy best picture nominee about a 16 year old girl, Jenny with academic promise and hopes of  attending Oxford University. Halfway through senior year Jenny meets an older man with the means to take her around the world and show her all of the things she dreamed ever dreamed. Jenny ends up skipping her finals and quitting school in preparation to marry this man. She comes to this decision when she realizes that he could buy her everything she ever wanted instead of her working toward her goals.

This really got me thinking. What are we working towards? Is the journey more important than the end result? Many of us go to work day after day, but what are we working for? If we are working towards a better life couldn't that be more easily accomplished by taking the time to enjoy life by working less and living more? It is hard to really say. Sometimes it seems we do all of this work, but to what end?

--Krystal