What are the differences between men and women in terms of the way they regard relationships?
Gilligan writes that men and woman determine their roles in society based upon certain factors of early childhood development. Gilligan argues that men will be more successful than woman because of their competitiveness. She claims this will be because at an early age males were involved in games with rules and girls were concerned with relationships. “Men show such readiness to adopt and celebrate a rather narrow vision of success” (Gilligan 810). Gilligan also argued that men were more dominant and independent than woman. She stated this was because men parted from their mothers unlike woman. I don’t know whether I disagree or agree with Gilligan on this issue. On a case to case basis more woman are attached to their mothers than men. But I think the masculinity comes from other factors not from being separated from their mother’s arms. As I was reading her context, I got the impression that she had a different viewpoint on feminism than the other writers in this section. She to wrote about the way women are mistreated in society, but she didn’t really suggest a solution to stop it from continuing.
This reading was very interesting and I believe some of the theories in Gilligan’s readings were poorly thought out. Although I do agree with Gilligan that if a girl was raised from an early age to be self-reliant, then she would grow up to be a strong, independent woman. I enjoyed reading Gilligan.
Works Cited
Gilligan, Carol. “Woman’s Place in Man’s life Cycle.” A World of Ideas: Essential Reading for College Writers. Ed. Lee A Jacobus.7th Ed. New York; Bedford St. Martins, 2006. Pp 801-817.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Monday, December 3, 2007
Beauvoir
In her essay Simone De Beauvoir mentions how women are seen as the “Other” human sex. In connection to that she also writes about the story of the master and the slave. The story is significant because it points out how both the slave and woman are called the “Other”, leaving man with the title “master”. The irony of the reading is how man is the master, who rules over woman, who in turn has been lowered to the level of the slave. This one, the myth of woman, sublimating an immutable aspect of the human condition-namely, the “division” of humanity into two classes of individuals- is a static myth” (Beauvoir 784). Another point Beauvoir brings up in her essay is how women are labeled in one of two ways. Man’s ignorance turns itself into a problem women must deal with. “We can see now that the myth is in large part explained by its usefulness to man. The myth of woman is a luxury”. (Beauvoir 791). Beauvoir suggested that men will benefit from the myth of woman. In the myth woman are treated as slaves, and objects to men. Beauvoir states, “For a great many woman the roads to transcendence are blocked: because they do nothing, they fail to make themselves anything.” (790). Here Beauvoir talks about how woman have not stood up for rights for so long, and today some instances still exist. People generally are afraid of talking about gender because many of them think that the talking would be the end about feminism because people think that feminism states, women are good and men are bad.
Works Cited
Beauvoir, Simone De. “Myth and Reality.” The Second Sex. A World of Ideas: Essential Readings for College Writers. Ed. Lee A. Jacobus. 7th ed. New York: Bedford/St. Martins, 2006. pp781-795.
Works Cited
Beauvoir, Simone De. “Myth and Reality.” The Second Sex. A World of Ideas: Essential Readings for College Writers. Ed. Lee A. Jacobus. 7th ed. New York: Bedford/St. Martins, 2006. pp781-795.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Woolf
Women were seen as property in the time of Shakespeare. During the time of Elizabeth, as Woolf writes, woman had no record of importance. Woman were not considered intelligent or of any value to the man, they were only property and used as wives for the home. “But what I find deplorable, I continued, looking about the bookshelves again, is that nothing is known about women before the eighteen century”(Woolf 768).Nothing was known about woman because they were not seen as upon as any importance to record. Woolf writes that girls were married at the age of thirteen years old. Any woman who was not illiterate was considered a witch. Husbands and fathers could beat woman without any command, and the woman were not allowed to achieve more than any man. Woolf states, “The daughter who refused to marry the gentleman of her parents’ choice was liable to be locked up, beaten and flung about the room, without any shock inflicted on public opinion” (801). The woman didn’t have any rights, and they were forced to live under the laws of man. The way woman were treated back then was horrible and very sad. Woolf states, “recognized right of man, and was practiced without shame by high as well as low.”(765). Woman were treated beyond unequal in theses times, and the feminist movement has made a big change in the way woman are treated today.
Works Cited
Woolf, Virginia. “Shakespeare’s Sister.” A Room of One’s Own. A World of Ideas: Essential Readings for College Writers. Ed. Lee A. Jacobus. 7th ed. New York: Bedford/St. Martins, 2006. pp403-415.
Works Cited
Woolf, Virginia. “Shakespeare’s Sister.” A Room of One’s Own. A World of Ideas: Essential Readings for College Writers. Ed. Lee A. Jacobus. 7th ed. New York: Bedford/St. Martins, 2006. pp403-415.
Wollstonecraft
“But what are women to do in society? I may be asked, but to loiter with easy grace; surely you would not condemn them all to suckle fools and chronicle small beer” (Wollstonecraft 755).Mary Wollstonecraft wrote about the equality of the woman during her times in the late 1700’s. She believed that woman should be able to choose their duties. “For when they neglect domestic duties, they have it not in their own power to take the field and march and counter-march like soldiers,” (Wollstonecraft 753). Wollstonecraft believed that if woman chose to be soldiers, then they could be soldiers, as this shows equality between the men and woman. Wollstonecraft stated, “There must be equality established in society” (748). She felt that woman should be completely independent from man and that if she chose to nurse in the war than to commit to her duties at home, than she had that right. “The being who discharges the duties of its station is independent; and, speaking of woman at large, their first duty is to themselves as rational creatures, ad the next point of importance, as citizens,….(Wollstonecraft 753). As society progressed, up until now, more woman have become independent and the equality of man and woman will continue to grow as more cultures begin to accept it as a new society. Wollstonecraft wanted to express that woman could choose what is more important to them, and that back then it meant if they wanted to go to war, then they could fight with men.
Works Cited
Wollstonecraft, Mary. “Pernicious Effects Which Arise from the Unnatural Distinction Established in Society.” A World of Ideas: Essential Reading for College Writers. Lee A. Jacobs. 7th Ed. New York; Bedford St. Martins, 2006. pp 748-758.
Works Cited
Wollstonecraft, Mary. “Pernicious Effects Which Arise from the Unnatural Distinction Established in Society.” A World of Ideas: Essential Reading for College Writers. Lee A. Jacobs. 7th Ed. New York; Bedford St. Martins, 2006. pp 748-758.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Reich- Rich Get Richer
What are that “routine producers”? What will be their fate in the future?
The routine producers are the industry workers who are gradually being taken over by lower paid individuals and or machinery. According to Reich, their “boat” is rapidly sinking and they are always being replaced by foreign labor because money is power. “The consequence is clearest in older, heavy industries, where high-volume, standardized production continues its ineluctable move to where labor is cheapest and most accessible around the world” (Reich 421). Capitalism is constantly growing and now it has maxed out hitting its highest peak it will ever it. But industries are still run by individuals who are out to make money for themselves. The owners of those industries will move their businesses wherever their product is wanted and wherever the product can be produced cheaper. America was once one of the largest producers now we are the largest consumers as industries continue to move jobs away from American territory and bring new products back. “The most important reason for this expanding world market and increasing global demand for the symbolic and analytic insights of Americans has been the dramatic improvement in worldwide communication and transportation technologies”(Reich 431). New technologies arise but also new problems arise. Among these are the baby boomers reaching retirement ages who will need health care and retirement homes, this fact has lead to the main flood in pre med students across America, and also as individuals who went straight into the auto industry out of high school because it was such a booming industry, they are being laid off massively because capitalism has maxed out. Everyone has cars now. New products and cars need to go over seas. As the auto workers are laid off they look for low wage jobs which make the low wage level triple of what it should be, and the younger generation who has no education can not find jobs to earn money for school or other expenses. Along with these problems we face energy and fuel decisions that our generation will have to engineer new ideas for efficient ways of maintaining society.
Works Cited
Reich, Robert B. “Why the Rich Are Getting Richer and the Poor, Poorer.” A World of Ideas: Essential Reading for College Writers. Lee A. Jacobs. 7th Ed. New York; Bedford St. Martins, 2006. Pp 420-433.
The routine producers are the industry workers who are gradually being taken over by lower paid individuals and or machinery. According to Reich, their “boat” is rapidly sinking and they are always being replaced by foreign labor because money is power. “The consequence is clearest in older, heavy industries, where high-volume, standardized production continues its ineluctable move to where labor is cheapest and most accessible around the world” (Reich 421). Capitalism is constantly growing and now it has maxed out hitting its highest peak it will ever it. But industries are still run by individuals who are out to make money for themselves. The owners of those industries will move their businesses wherever their product is wanted and wherever the product can be produced cheaper. America was once one of the largest producers now we are the largest consumers as industries continue to move jobs away from American territory and bring new products back. “The most important reason for this expanding world market and increasing global demand for the symbolic and analytic insights of Americans has been the dramatic improvement in worldwide communication and transportation technologies”(Reich 431). New technologies arise but also new problems arise. Among these are the baby boomers reaching retirement ages who will need health care and retirement homes, this fact has lead to the main flood in pre med students across America, and also as individuals who went straight into the auto industry out of high school because it was such a booming industry, they are being laid off massively because capitalism has maxed out. Everyone has cars now. New products and cars need to go over seas. As the auto workers are laid off they look for low wage jobs which make the low wage level triple of what it should be, and the younger generation who has no education can not find jobs to earn money for school or other expenses. Along with these problems we face energy and fuel decisions that our generation will have to engineer new ideas for efficient ways of maintaining society.
Works Cited
Reich, Robert B. “Why the Rich Are Getting Richer and the Poor, Poorer.” A World of Ideas: Essential Reading for College Writers. Lee A. Jacobs. 7th Ed. New York; Bedford St. Martins, 2006. Pp 420-433.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Galbraith- The Position of Poverty
What is insular poverty?
“Insular poverty- that which manifests itself as an “Island” of poverty”.( Galbraith 407).Insular poverty is among a large area or community affected by a number of things. Unlike case poverty, where individuals are poor due to their own circumstances, a group of people are poor because something has affected them entirely. Galbraith suggests that the environment or social status of areas determines the poverty of generations and it continues to repeat among those generations because they can not seem to find a turning point in society to build upon. “The most important characteristic of insular poverty is forces, common to all members of the community, that restrain or prevent participation in economic life at going rates of return.” (Galbraith 408). Community’s that offer poor education have a large impact on the upcoming generations of individuals who are trying to change the insular poverty situations around them and for themselves. Insular poverty is very difficult to remove because of all the factors of the environment that play a role in keeping individuals subject to poverty. “But it remains that advance cannot improve the position of those who, by virtue of self or environment, cannot participate”. (Galbraith 409). Galbraith states that those who suffer from insular poverty cannot escape if they cannot participate in the advances suggested or given and this transition is what makes it difficult to remove insular poverty because the majority of individuals can not be changed by political means.
Works Cited
Galbraith, John Kenneth. “The Position of Poverty.” A World of Ideas: Essential Reading for College Writers. Lee A. Jacobs. 7th ed. New York; Bedford St. Martins, 2006. pp 406-413.
“Insular poverty- that which manifests itself as an “Island” of poverty”.( Galbraith 407).Insular poverty is among a large area or community affected by a number of things. Unlike case poverty, where individuals are poor due to their own circumstances, a group of people are poor because something has affected them entirely. Galbraith suggests that the environment or social status of areas determines the poverty of generations and it continues to repeat among those generations because they can not seem to find a turning point in society to build upon. “The most important characteristic of insular poverty is forces, common to all members of the community, that restrain or prevent participation in economic life at going rates of return.” (Galbraith 408). Community’s that offer poor education have a large impact on the upcoming generations of individuals who are trying to change the insular poverty situations around them and for themselves. Insular poverty is very difficult to remove because of all the factors of the environment that play a role in keeping individuals subject to poverty. “But it remains that advance cannot improve the position of those who, by virtue of self or environment, cannot participate”. (Galbraith 409). Galbraith states that those who suffer from insular poverty cannot escape if they cannot participate in the advances suggested or given and this transition is what makes it difficult to remove insular poverty because the majority of individuals can not be changed by political means.
Works Cited
Galbraith, John Kenneth. “The Position of Poverty.” A World of Ideas: Essential Reading for College Writers. Lee A. Jacobs. 7th ed. New York; Bedford St. Martins, 2006. pp 406-413.
Marx- The Communist Manifesto
What is the economic condition of the bourgeoisie? What is the economic condition of the proletariat?
The economic condition of the bourgeoisie people was a class of modern Capitalists, who were the employers of most production wade labor. They were wealthy and owned property. They discovered new land of America giving more advantages to their markets and trades. The bourgeoisie group controlled most of the marketability in the area and made it difficult for the proletariats to survive. The proletariats did not have any knowledgeable ideas for improving productions; they could only offer their skills in labor. They supported themselves just to get by and as the bourgeoisie group created machines to replace the proletariat workers, they didn’t need them anymore. “Of all the classes that stand face to face with the bourgeoisie today the proletariat alone is a really revolutionary class. The other classes decay and finally disappear in the face of Modern Industry; the proletariat is its special and essential product”. (Marx 365). Even though the lower working class is worse in economic condition Marx suggest that in the end the Proletariat is the better class of individuals. Marx states “Though not in substance, yet in form, the struggle of the proletariat with the bourgeoisie is at first a national struggle. The Proletariat of each country must, of course, first of all settle matters with its own bourgeoisie”. (366). The laboring class must form a union within its common land and proceed to join together after settling within its own country.
Works Cited
Marx, Karl. "The Communist Manifesto." A World of Ideas: Essential Readings for College Writers. Ed. Lee A. Jacobus. Trans. Samuel Moore. 7th ed. New York: Bedford/St. Martins, 2006. pp353-379.
The economic condition of the bourgeoisie people was a class of modern Capitalists, who were the employers of most production wade labor. They were wealthy and owned property. They discovered new land of America giving more advantages to their markets and trades. The bourgeoisie group controlled most of the marketability in the area and made it difficult for the proletariats to survive. The proletariats did not have any knowledgeable ideas for improving productions; they could only offer their skills in labor. They supported themselves just to get by and as the bourgeoisie group created machines to replace the proletariat workers, they didn’t need them anymore. “Of all the classes that stand face to face with the bourgeoisie today the proletariat alone is a really revolutionary class. The other classes decay and finally disappear in the face of Modern Industry; the proletariat is its special and essential product”. (Marx 365). Even though the lower working class is worse in economic condition Marx suggest that in the end the Proletariat is the better class of individuals. Marx states “Though not in substance, yet in form, the struggle of the proletariat with the bourgeoisie is at first a national struggle. The Proletariat of each country must, of course, first of all settle matters with its own bourgeoisie”. (366). The laboring class must form a union within its common land and proceed to join together after settling within its own country.
Works Cited
Marx, Karl. "The Communist Manifesto." A World of Ideas: Essential Readings for College Writers. Ed. Lee A. Jacobus. Trans. Samuel Moore. 7th ed. New York: Bedford/St. Martins, 2006. pp353-379.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Martha C. Nussbaum- The Central Human Capabilities
What are the central human capabilities?
The Central Human Functional Capabilities are: life, bodily health and integrity, bodily integrity, sense, emotions, practical reason, affiliation, other species, play, and control over ones environment. Nussbaum lists these as parts of our everyday lives. But not everyone can fulfill all of these goals. Nussbaum asserts, “We can not satisfy the need for one of them by giving a larger amount of another one”.(216). The government and people must practice these capabilities and help everyone achieve equality in society, but Nussbaum believes no one should force concepts on the way of life upon any individual, rather that an important part is the choice of actions they take in stepping towards fulfilling these 10 capabilities. “The capabilities approach, as I conceived it, claims that a life that lacks any one of these capabilities, no matter what else it has, will fall short of being a good human life”(Nussbaum 216). Nussbaum claims that the government should not try to build a systematic nature, but let people create it themselves and work with them to help all areas that are lacking certain capabilities. She wants this to be achieved by the matter of choice, because individuals all have that freedom. I think that consistency of control of the human capabilities with the events of life make her theory hard. Because she sets high standards for “ a good human life” and the work of individuals as in Rawls theory to all help for a common good to reach a total equality is what seems to be needed to aide this view.
Works Cited
Nussbaum, Martha C. "The Central Human Functional Capabilities." A World of Ideas: Essential Reading for College Writers. Ed. Lee A. Jacobus. 7th ed. New York: Bedford/St. Martins. 2006. pp. 213-221.
The Central Human Functional Capabilities are: life, bodily health and integrity, bodily integrity, sense, emotions, practical reason, affiliation, other species, play, and control over ones environment. Nussbaum lists these as parts of our everyday lives. But not everyone can fulfill all of these goals. Nussbaum asserts, “We can not satisfy the need for one of them by giving a larger amount of another one”.(216). The government and people must practice these capabilities and help everyone achieve equality in society, but Nussbaum believes no one should force concepts on the way of life upon any individual, rather that an important part is the choice of actions they take in stepping towards fulfilling these 10 capabilities. “The capabilities approach, as I conceived it, claims that a life that lacks any one of these capabilities, no matter what else it has, will fall short of being a good human life”(Nussbaum 216). Nussbaum claims that the government should not try to build a systematic nature, but let people create it themselves and work with them to help all areas that are lacking certain capabilities. She wants this to be achieved by the matter of choice, because individuals all have that freedom. I think that consistency of control of the human capabilities with the events of life make her theory hard. Because she sets high standards for “ a good human life” and the work of individuals as in Rawls theory to all help for a common good to reach a total equality is what seems to be needed to aide this view.
Works Cited
Nussbaum, Martha C. "The Central Human Functional Capabilities." A World of Ideas: Essential Reading for College Writers. Ed. Lee A. Jacobus. 7th ed. New York: Bedford/St. Martins. 2006. pp. 213-221.
John Rawls- A Theory of Justice
What is Rawls’s attitude toward the least advantaged people in society?
Rawls is very clear when stating his views upon the government that should help all levels of society. Less advantaged people should have the same rights and abilities as everyone. “Thus we are to imagine those who engage in social cooperation choose together, in one joint act, the principles which are to assign basic rights and duties and to determine the division of social benefits” (Rawls 199). Benefits should be spread among everyone, because you are only as strong as your weakest link and when people work together for a common purpose things will form the way they should. “Just as each person must decide by rational reflection what constitutes his good, that is, the system of ends which it is rational for him to pursue, so a group of persons must decide once and for all what is to count among them as just and unjust”. (Rawls199) Everyone must decide what is just as opposed to what is unjust but it must be done together for it to work, because every level of society will have different views to bring. Rawls also states that the problem of the choice of principles, however, is extremely difficult. (202) It is hard for people to humble themselves to help everyone for one common purpose, because it is our nature to look out for ourselves as individuals and for only our families. “ We must recognize the limited scope of justice as fairness and of the general type of view that it exemplifies”. (Rawls204).
Works Cited
Thoreau, Henry David. "Civil Disobedience." A World of Ideas: Essential Readings for College Writers. Ed. Lee A. Jacobus. Trans. Stephen Mitchell. 7th ed. New York: Bedford/St. Martins, 2006. pp133-158.
Rawls is very clear when stating his views upon the government that should help all levels of society. Less advantaged people should have the same rights and abilities as everyone. “Thus we are to imagine those who engage in social cooperation choose together, in one joint act, the principles which are to assign basic rights and duties and to determine the division of social benefits” (Rawls 199). Benefits should be spread among everyone, because you are only as strong as your weakest link and when people work together for a common purpose things will form the way they should. “Just as each person must decide by rational reflection what constitutes his good, that is, the system of ends which it is rational for him to pursue, so a group of persons must decide once and for all what is to count among them as just and unjust”. (Rawls199) Everyone must decide what is just as opposed to what is unjust but it must be done together for it to work, because every level of society will have different views to bring. Rawls also states that the problem of the choice of principles, however, is extremely difficult. (202) It is hard for people to humble themselves to help everyone for one common purpose, because it is our nature to look out for ourselves as individuals and for only our families. “ We must recognize the limited scope of justice as fairness and of the general type of view that it exemplifies”. (Rawls204).
Works Cited
Thoreau, Henry David. "Civil Disobedience." A World of Ideas: Essential Readings for College Writers. Ed. Lee A. Jacobus. Trans. Stephen Mitchell. 7th ed. New York: Bedford/St. Martins, 2006. pp133-158.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Elizabeth Cady Stanton- Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions
What power has man had over woman, according to Stanton?
According to Stanton, woman had no authority at all. When a woman married she lost all control to the man. “He has withheld from her rights which are given to the most ignorant and degraded men- both natives and foreigners” (Stanton 165). All of the woman’s rights are taken away from her, and she has no value to the men. Stanton wanted to make a stand toward change for woman. Back then it took the courage of the woman to come together and make a stand against what was wrong, but it was hard for the woman to speak up because they had no respect from any of the men and the men set the laws, so basically it made it hard because the men set the laws and punishments. “He has made her, if married, in the eye of the law, civility dead” (Stanton 165). A woman had no right to call a petition, or send a vote because she was just a item in a marriage of the man. Stanton also believed the man tried in every way that he could to destroy her confidence as a self being so that she would be like a robot, and follow under command and be easier to control. “ He has denied her the facilities for obtaining a thorough education, at colleges being closed against her.” (Stanton 165). When you take away the power of knowledge and education you control someone completely. By denying the woman the right of education, the men controlled what the woman became, because the woman could not learn or practice their own rights.
Works cited
Stanton, Elizabeth Cady. “Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions.” A World of Ideas: Essential Reading for College Writers. Ed. Lee A. Jacobus. New York; Bedford St. Martins, 2006. pp 164-168.
According to Stanton, woman had no authority at all. When a woman married she lost all control to the man. “He has withheld from her rights which are given to the most ignorant and degraded men- both natives and foreigners” (Stanton 165). All of the woman’s rights are taken away from her, and she has no value to the men. Stanton wanted to make a stand toward change for woman. Back then it took the courage of the woman to come together and make a stand against what was wrong, but it was hard for the woman to speak up because they had no respect from any of the men and the men set the laws, so basically it made it hard because the men set the laws and punishments. “He has made her, if married, in the eye of the law, civility dead” (Stanton 165). A woman had no right to call a petition, or send a vote because she was just a item in a marriage of the man. Stanton also believed the man tried in every way that he could to destroy her confidence as a self being so that she would be like a robot, and follow under command and be easier to control. “ He has denied her the facilities for obtaining a thorough education, at colleges being closed against her.” (Stanton 165). When you take away the power of knowledge and education you control someone completely. By denying the woman the right of education, the men controlled what the woman became, because the woman could not learn or practice their own rights.
Works cited
Stanton, Elizabeth Cady. “Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions.” A World of Ideas: Essential Reading for College Writers. Ed. Lee A. Jacobus. New York; Bedford St. Martins, 2006. pp 164-168.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Martin Luther KIng Jr.- Letter from Birmingham Jail
Why was Martin Luther King disappointed in the white churches?
King was disappointed in the white churches because of the lack of support received from them. He wanted change in Birmingham and he thought that the church would be the place that would be his foundation of support. He was very surprised when he found out they wouldn’t speak up in his defense. “I had hoped that the white moderate would understand that law and order exist for the purpose of establishing justice and that when they fail in this purpose they become the dangerously structured dams that block the flow of social progress.”(King 181). It is apparent that king had hope for establishing a solid justice system. King was eager to endure any punishment for his views as long as he supported the just side of laws. As he was in jail writing his letter, he mentioned the church, “I hope the church as a whole will meet the challenge of this decisive hour. But even if the church does not come to the aid of justice, I have no despair about the future. I have no fear about the outcome of our struggle in Birmingham….” (187) this sentence stuck out to me because king had hope for the church but he also doesn’t show any loss of hope for the out come of Birmingham. King had great faith in the church, because the church was supposed to show Christianity and justice, but they let him down. “I had hoped that each of you would understand. But again I have been disappointed.” (186).
Works Cited
King, Martin Luther Jr. "Letter from Birmingham Jail." A World of Ideas: Essential Readings for College Writers. Ed. Lee A. Jacobus. Trans. Stephen Mitchell. 7th ed. New York: Bedford/St. Martins, 2006. pp171-192.
King was disappointed in the white churches because of the lack of support received from them. He wanted change in Birmingham and he thought that the church would be the place that would be his foundation of support. He was very surprised when he found out they wouldn’t speak up in his defense. “I had hoped that the white moderate would understand that law and order exist for the purpose of establishing justice and that when they fail in this purpose they become the dangerously structured dams that block the flow of social progress.”(King 181). It is apparent that king had hope for establishing a solid justice system. King was eager to endure any punishment for his views as long as he supported the just side of laws. As he was in jail writing his letter, he mentioned the church, “I hope the church as a whole will meet the challenge of this decisive hour. But even if the church does not come to the aid of justice, I have no despair about the future. I have no fear about the outcome of our struggle in Birmingham….” (187) this sentence stuck out to me because king had hope for the church but he also doesn’t show any loss of hope for the out come of Birmingham. King had great faith in the church, because the church was supposed to show Christianity and justice, but they let him down. “I had hoped that each of you would understand. But again I have been disappointed.” (186).
Works Cited
King, Martin Luther Jr. "Letter from Birmingham Jail." A World of Ideas: Essential Readings for College Writers. Ed. Lee A. Jacobus. Trans. Stephen Mitchell. 7th ed. New York: Bedford/St. Martins, 2006. pp171-192.
Monday, October 8, 2007
Henry david Thoreau- Civil Disobedience
What is the individual’s responsibility regarding supporting the government when it is wrong?
The individual has no responsibility to support the government when it is wrong. The responsibility lies within the individual to stand up for what is right, and take action against a slow moving government. If change must be done other avenues of solutions must be found. If the government is wrong no individual has to stand up for them. Current issues in the U.S display this very thing. Our government went into Iraq and most of America does not agree with that. “But to speak practically and as a citizen, unlike those who call themselves men, I ask for, not at once no government, but at once a better government. Let every man make known what kind of government would command his respect, and that will be one step toward obtaining it.” (Thoreau 138).
Thoreau asserts that he requests a better government and let every individual express what government suits them as that will be one stop closer to achieving the government you want. Our government will not shape itself; we have to shape it ourselves, and to do that we must include input and knowledge. “A government in which the majority rule in all cases cannot be based on justice, even as far as men understand it” (Thoreau 138). The majority isn’t always just, and the individual can not support the majority if the majority is not just. This happens a lot today because of voting, and even though the biggest thing isn’t just the government still passes the majority.
Works Cited
Thoreau, Henry David. "Civil Disobedience." A World of Ideas: Essential Readings for College Writers. Ed. Lee A. Jacobus. Trans. Stephen Mitchell. 7th ed. New York: Bedford/St. Martins, 2006. pp133-158.
The individual has no responsibility to support the government when it is wrong. The responsibility lies within the individual to stand up for what is right, and take action against a slow moving government. If change must be done other avenues of solutions must be found. If the government is wrong no individual has to stand up for them. Current issues in the U.S display this very thing. Our government went into Iraq and most of America does not agree with that. “But to speak practically and as a citizen, unlike those who call themselves men, I ask for, not at once no government, but at once a better government. Let every man make known what kind of government would command his respect, and that will be one step toward obtaining it.” (Thoreau 138).
Thoreau asserts that he requests a better government and let every individual express what government suits them as that will be one stop closer to achieving the government you want. Our government will not shape itself; we have to shape it ourselves, and to do that we must include input and knowledge. “A government in which the majority rule in all cases cannot be based on justice, even as far as men understand it” (Thoreau 138). The majority isn’t always just, and the individual can not support the majority if the majority is not just. This happens a lot today because of voting, and even though the biggest thing isn’t just the government still passes the majority.
Works Cited
Thoreau, Henry David. "Civil Disobedience." A World of Ideas: Essential Readings for College Writers. Ed. Lee A. Jacobus. Trans. Stephen Mitchell. 7th ed. New York: Bedford/St. Martins, 2006. pp133-158.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Stephen L. Carter- The Separation of Church and State
What is the Establishment Clause?
The Establishment Clause is the beginning of the first Amendment where the issue is religion. The Amendment begins with “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion…” Carter debates each point of the state and religion as he discusses a number of examples. Carter asserts “the principle task of the church and state is to secure religious liberty” (Carter 104). I think that Carter tends to lean heavier towards Christianity and the church. He wants the state and the church to secure religious freedom. “For most of American History, the Principal purpose of the Establishment Clause has been understood as the protection of the religious world against the secular government” (Carter 104). Just as Carter stated in the beginning paragraph of the reading, the Establishment was originated to protect religion from state, not state from religion. This Clause sets a boundary on how involved state is with religion. The state can not fund any organized religion, yet free prayer is not allowed in the beginning of classrooms, because not all people derive from the same religion. “The First Amendment has erected a wall between church and state. That wall must be kept high and impregnable. We could not approve the slightest breach.” (Carter 105). The Establishment Clause has put a metaphorical wall between church and state, leaving no room support in the church, because the Clause supports religious liberty. Carter writes “The embarrassing truth is that the Establishment Clause has no theory; that is the Supreme Court has not really offered any guidance on how to tell when the clause is violated.” (Carter 106). There are different cases and arguments that would determine your case.
Works Cited
Carter, Stephen L. "The Separation of Church and State." A World of Ideas: Essential Readings for College Writers. Ed. Lee A. Jacobus. Trans. Stephen Mitchell. 7th ed. New York: Bedford/St. Martins, 2006. pp99-112.
The Establishment Clause is the beginning of the first Amendment where the issue is religion. The Amendment begins with “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion…” Carter debates each point of the state and religion as he discusses a number of examples. Carter asserts “the principle task of the church and state is to secure religious liberty” (Carter 104). I think that Carter tends to lean heavier towards Christianity and the church. He wants the state and the church to secure religious freedom. “For most of American History, the Principal purpose of the Establishment Clause has been understood as the protection of the religious world against the secular government” (Carter 104). Just as Carter stated in the beginning paragraph of the reading, the Establishment was originated to protect religion from state, not state from religion. This Clause sets a boundary on how involved state is with religion. The state can not fund any organized religion, yet free prayer is not allowed in the beginning of classrooms, because not all people derive from the same religion. “The First Amendment has erected a wall between church and state. That wall must be kept high and impregnable. We could not approve the slightest breach.” (Carter 105). The Establishment Clause has put a metaphorical wall between church and state, leaving no room support in the church, because the Clause supports religious liberty. Carter writes “The embarrassing truth is that the Establishment Clause has no theory; that is the Supreme Court has not really offered any guidance on how to tell when the clause is violated.” (Carter 106). There are different cases and arguments that would determine your case.
Works Cited
Carter, Stephen L. "The Separation of Church and State." A World of Ideas: Essential Readings for College Writers. Ed. Lee A. Jacobus. Trans. Stephen Mitchell. 7th ed. New York: Bedford/St. Martins, 2006. pp99-112.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Hannah Arendt - Total Domination
What happens to human beings in concentration camps?
Finding the passage of Hanna Arendt to be densely written, I was able to pick out certain aspects of how human beings were treated in concentration camps. Arendt is strongly against the totalitarian form of government; her views on total domination are introduced in the first pages of the reading.
“The camps are meant not only to exterminate people and degrade human beings, but also serve the ghastly experiment of eliminating, under scientifically controlled condition, spontaneity itself as an expression of human behavior and transforming the human personality into a mere thing, into something even animals are not;” (Arendt 88).
Individuals forced into the camps were either worked till their bodies gave way, or they were thrown aside to be murdered. The camps were so atrocious, that it had its advantages against the inmates. The over bearing work and the long days with no food altered the souls of the people held under control. This cruelty would turn ones personality numb as if there is nothing left to exist for.
Arendt asserts, “Its horror can never be fully embraced by the imagination for the very reason that it stands outside of life and death. It can never be fully reported for the very reason that the survivor returns to the world of the living, which makes it impossible for him to believe fully in his own past experiences”. (94-95). These sentences stuck out to me the most, as I found Arendt stressed that there was no evil comparable to the life in a concentration camp. Any survivors, who managed to escape the “hell” could not explain their stories, but rather had a hard time believing themselves that they have returned to the outside world.
Works Cited
Arendt, Hannah. “Total Domination.” A World of Ideas: Essential Readings for College Writers. Ed. Lee A. Jacobus. 7th ed. New York: Bedford/St. Martins, 2006. pp85-97.
Finding the passage of Hanna Arendt to be densely written, I was able to pick out certain aspects of how human beings were treated in concentration camps. Arendt is strongly against the totalitarian form of government; her views on total domination are introduced in the first pages of the reading.
“The camps are meant not only to exterminate people and degrade human beings, but also serve the ghastly experiment of eliminating, under scientifically controlled condition, spontaneity itself as an expression of human behavior and transforming the human personality into a mere thing, into something even animals are not;” (Arendt 88).
Individuals forced into the camps were either worked till their bodies gave way, or they were thrown aside to be murdered. The camps were so atrocious, that it had its advantages against the inmates. The over bearing work and the long days with no food altered the souls of the people held under control. This cruelty would turn ones personality numb as if there is nothing left to exist for.
Arendt asserts, “Its horror can never be fully embraced by the imagination for the very reason that it stands outside of life and death. It can never be fully reported for the very reason that the survivor returns to the world of the living, which makes it impossible for him to believe fully in his own past experiences”. (94-95). These sentences stuck out to me the most, as I found Arendt stressed that there was no evil comparable to the life in a concentration camp. Any survivors, who managed to escape the “hell” could not explain their stories, but rather had a hard time believing themselves that they have returned to the outside world.
Works Cited
Arendt, Hannah. “Total Domination.” A World of Ideas: Essential Readings for College Writers. Ed. Lee A. Jacobus. 7th ed. New York: Bedford/St. Martins, 2006. pp85-97.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Niccolo machiavelli - The Qualities of the Prince
Why does Machiavelli praise skill in warfare in his opening pages?
How does that skill aid a prince?
In Machiavelli’s opening pages he gives great importance to arms and warfare of the prince. The prince must be in total state of war to be successful during this time. “He must, therefore, never raise his thought from this exercise of war, and in peace time he must train himself more than in time of war;” ( 38). Machiavelli stresses that a prince must never let an opportunity pass. As he stated if there is a time of peace, take advantage of it and plan your next move, or train your army, but never relax.
Machiavelli says, “Such knowledge is useful in two ways: first, one learns to know one’s own country and can better understand how to defend it; second, with the knowledge and experience of the terrain, one can easily comprehend the characteristics of any other terrain that it is necessary to explore for the first time...” (Machiavelli 38). Machiavelli asserts that knowledge of warfare is indeed useful and it will help the prince to defend his own country better. In addition, if the prince has awareness of the terrain, when it comes time to explore new grounds it will not be a problem, and can easily navigate his way. Machiavelli says, “a prince who lacks this ability lacks the most important quality in a leader”. (38). In reading this, I interpret Machiavelli to give scheming and plotting of war a high rank. Machiavelli feels that a prince must know where all obstacles lie and all escape routes exist. This is why he praises skill in warfare, for the reason that a prince must be able to defend to be employed as prince, therefore this skill aids a prince to conquer and succeed.
Works Cited
Machiavelli, Niccolo. “The Qualities of the Prince.” A World of Ideas: Essential Readings for College Writers. Ed. Lee A. Jacobus. 7th ed. New York: Bedford/St. Martins, 2006. pp35-51.
How does that skill aid a prince?
In Machiavelli’s opening pages he gives great importance to arms and warfare of the prince. The prince must be in total state of war to be successful during this time. “He must, therefore, never raise his thought from this exercise of war, and in peace time he must train himself more than in time of war;” ( 38). Machiavelli stresses that a prince must never let an opportunity pass. As he stated if there is a time of peace, take advantage of it and plan your next move, or train your army, but never relax.
Machiavelli says, “Such knowledge is useful in two ways: first, one learns to know one’s own country and can better understand how to defend it; second, with the knowledge and experience of the terrain, one can easily comprehend the characteristics of any other terrain that it is necessary to explore for the first time...” (Machiavelli 38). Machiavelli asserts that knowledge of warfare is indeed useful and it will help the prince to defend his own country better. In addition, if the prince has awareness of the terrain, when it comes time to explore new grounds it will not be a problem, and can easily navigate his way. Machiavelli says, “a prince who lacks this ability lacks the most important quality in a leader”. (38). In reading this, I interpret Machiavelli to give scheming and plotting of war a high rank. Machiavelli feels that a prince must know where all obstacles lie and all escape routes exist. This is why he praises skill in warfare, for the reason that a prince must be able to defend to be employed as prince, therefore this skill aids a prince to conquer and succeed.
Works Cited
Machiavelli, Niccolo. “The Qualities of the Prince.” A World of Ideas: Essential Readings for College Writers. Ed. Lee A. Jacobus. 7th ed. New York: Bedford/St. Martins, 2006. pp35-51.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Lao-tzu
What is the master’s attitude toward action?
From reading Thoughts from the Tao-te Ching, I found the masters attitude to be direct but humble. According to Lao-tzu, “The Master doesn’t talk, he acts.”(23).As I relate this to today’s leaders there is a lot of talking about actions, but nothing is actually being done in our government. Our presidents talk to compete.
“Just stay at the center of the circle and let all things take their course.”(Lao-tzu 23).
The master repeated this many times in his writings, giving peace the highest value (25)
With these two quotes, I think that the master strongly believes that all things have some form of symmetry to nature. If everything is at peace, everything will fall into place as it should, but the only way to obtain that peace is to do less of what we try to do and we will be doing more. “If you want to be a great leader, you must learn to follow the Tao. Stop trying to control. Let go of fixed plans and concepts, and the world will govern itself. (Lao-tzu 27). Everyone is trying to be a leader and we are all fixed on the idea that the more laws and economic growth we have the better our world will be, but the way of the “Tao” says to drop all concepts and let the world do its part. According to the Master, to be centered in the Tao we must not desire, but we must be content with ourselves and if we are content all things are at peace and we are centered in the Tao.
Works Cited
Lao-tzu. "Thoughts From The Tao-te Ching." A World of Ideas: Essential Readings for College Writers. Ed. Lee A. Jacobus. Trans. Stephen Mitchell. 7th ed. New York:
Bedford/St. Martins, 2006. pp 22-31.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)