Abortion

"Human life is not a commodity: a baby is not a product; an embryo is not a cluster of exploitable cells but a potential human being." Abortion is a very serious event that is being taken place in Canada, so why are young teenagers getting abortions? It should illegal to take the life of a baby away. There should never be a price for taking a baby away. 

My opinion on abortion is always in flux, but for the last few months I have been more in favour of it than previously.  Although I personally would choose to keep a baby, I understand how abortion could be beneficial and even more humane.

The prompt mentioned teenagers.  It think pregnant teens would generally benefit from abortion; chances are, they are not mature enough to take care of it or handle the costs.  This could result in neglectful parenting and completely changing a teen's life plan.  Although you can't plan everything in life, one still may wish to attend university or get a job.  Having a child at such a young age really changes this.

Secondly, it could be more humane.  In impoverished areas, legal, safe abortions are much better than allowing a child to grow up in a poor environment.  The child could be starving, diseased or be abused.

Also, the mother might not be in the right mental state to bring a child to term.  If the child was conceived by rape, of course the mother may not be attached to it.  That's her right.

My previous issues with abortion surrounded the potential every human being has.  However, I now believe that 'nurture' has a greater affect on an individual than 'nature,' making it unfair to say 'what if Martin Luther King Jr. was aborted.'

I believe it's a woman's choice what happens to her body, and therefore abortions should be legal and accessible.

As you move into the next phase in your life, how will you try to affect change in the world regarding these issues?

As much as I would love to say I'm devoting my time to saving lives, changing the legal system or running the country, I'm going to be a film major, so that's not in my life path right now.  This doesn't mean there aren't many issues I'm passionate about.  I'm extremely passionate about habitat preservation, particularly in regards to marine environments, such as coral reefs.  I've also been sympathetic towards animals my whole life, and would like to do work to help with animal rights and fight against cruelty.  The advantage of pursuing film is that it is such an influential medium; I hope that I will be able to spread positive messages about individuals who really make a difference, encouraging others to try and do so.  Outside of influence, I hope to donate money to charity, and to live a  more 'green' lifestyle.  I think global warming is a great and immediate issue that we can easily fight against.  Small lifestyle changes can make a big difference, and I think that's where I'm going to start.

What is the biggest threat facing Canada in the next 50 years?

I think one of the biggest threats to any nation, even democratic countries such as Canada, is internet censorship.  I was very disturbed by the SOPA and PIPA bills that were in consideration earlier this year, even though they were only applicable in the United States.  Even more concerning was ACTA, which would've operated in the United States.  Luckily, none of these came to pass, but countries around the world are still faced with censorship every day.

Of course, my love for the internet is likely a generational thing.  I grew up with it, and it has become one of my primary means of communication.  Most importantly, I think the internet is a great way to spread information and show different opinions.  For example, the Kony 2012 campaign, despite how ineffectual it ended up being, could not have become as well known if not for the internet.  The internet is also a way to show support for a topic.  One has to look no further than Facebook to see support and activist groups with millions of members.  People even sign petitions and organise demonstrations online.  The internet is the easiest and most expansive way to receive knowledge, but is becoming increasingly more important in organising people and spreading awareness for equal rights and freedom.

ISU Reflection

I was really intrigued by Becky's presentation on Invisible Children and the Kony 2012 campaign.  Although the campaign in question was extremely controversial, the presentation was well balanced between opinions.
I was able to 'step back' and see the bigger picture, see what was really at risk.  Living in Canada, I admittedly often forget how good I have it.  Of course, school is stressful, and I'm allowed to get upset over things... But I am truly fortunate to even be able to go to school.  I'm fortunate that my only exposure to violence has been in a movie theatre, and I'm fortunate that everything I know about sex trafficking came from research, not experience.
Learning about the children in these countries, and the horrible crimes committed by Kony, we are reminded that there is a serious issue and, no matter what the means, something should be done.  Although I disagree strongly with the Kony 2012 campaign, and do not think Western countries should force their help onto Africa, the presentation made me realise that there was more to the issue than trendy videos and campaign tactics.

What do you think the affects of legalising and de-criminalising marijuana use would be? Should this be enforced?

I believe marijuana should be legalised and de-criminalised.  It's an extremely accessible drug, as far as I'm aware, and there is no practical use in prohibiting it.  Besides from logistics, there would be a positive affect.  Even if one wishes others would stop using the drug, education about it would be more accessible, as there would be less of a taboo surrounding the topic.  Along these lines, there could be less attraction to the drug, considering many choose it as a sign of rebellion against society or authority.  The greatest difference, in my opinion, would be the change in organised crime.  Historically speaking, prohibition has never worked out.  For example, in the 1920s, alcohol was still being consumed and, although petty crime was down, organised crime skyrocketed.  Gang activity and related violence would be greatly decreased if they did not have such an important role in drug movement.  Besides, studies have shown that there are no harmful, long term affects of marijuana use, so there is no reason to prohibit it in the first place.  Made legal, marijuana use would be easier to keep tabs on, making sure people used it in appropriate amounts.  Crime would go down and taxes could go towards punishing crime that have a more harmful affect than drug use.

How does the media relate to hate crimes against youths today?

Youths take up approximately 38% of all convicted hate crimes (StatCan), and this number is increasing.  Although it peaked in 2006 (StatCan), it is still significantly higher than in previous decades.
One possible reason for this scewed statistic could be how impressionable teenagers and young adults are.  Teens get a lot of unsupervised media exposure, whether on film, television, the internet or through music.  Society encourages hyper masculine and violent behaviour, so this likely contributes to the aggression amongst 12-17 year olds.  Additionally, media continually reinforces negative stereotypes about subcultures, beliefs or sexuality, and shows the use of terms such as 'gay' as derogatory.  This continual reinforcement could definitely influence kids to, firstly, believe such things, and secondly, due to society's violent means of communication, take negative action about it.

Political Cartoon Response

I think this is a really interesting and powerful illustration.  We are fortunate to live in a democracy (albeit it not a true one, but I digress), as are citizens of the United States.  However, we often take this for granted or complain about the political state.  The latter is extremely hypocritical, because we vote for our leaders.  Although we do not have control over specific parts of a campaign, we constantly attack our political leaders, even though we voted them in.  Aside from this, if a political landscape becomes truly detestable, the people have more power than they realise.  Although many try to muff the voices of protestors or petitioners, we live in a time were information travels around the world instantly.  The general population is still the majority and still capable of change.  People have to learn how to band together to change their countries politics.

Facebook's IPO

I think that Facebook's IPO is incredibly overpriced.  The company has been declining in value, and there hasn't been a lot of financial interest in the company for several months as the company was valuing itself at too high a price ($100 billion).  With such a high IPO, stockholders will not be interested, since it is not a good investment, and shares will be too inaccessible to common investors.
As I mentioned in passing, Facebook shares are simply not a good investment.  Although users continue to increase, individual activity is quickly declining, as is interest in online games, such as Farmville, which drew in a lot of money for the company.  Like Myspace, Facebook will soon become obsolete as other social networking websites, such as Twitter or Keek, become more popular.  Therefore, no one should invest in Facebook, considering the shares will have virtually no value within about two or three years.

"What have you learned about yourself during the course?"

I realised that the issues we learned about weren't 'black or white,' and couldn't be dealt with as such.  The same applies for real life, from 'drama' between friends and grades at school.  Nothing is black and white, and compromises will always have to be made.  I think this is an important lesson to learn before university.

Also, I learned that I am very opinionated and vocal, often speaking up or arguing in class.  Although participation is appreciated, I should probably work on controlling my emotions, or waiting for my turn to speak.

"What are the three most important issues that you've learned about during the course?"

The AIC was something I was glad to learn about.  Besides being extremely relevant right now, I believe it will dictate many major political decisions in the near future.  It's also a conflict so deeply rooted in the history of these nations, and it was interesting to learn about that and their changing allies over time.

During the ISUs, I was also glad to learn about the corruption in Russia.  I believe that corruption is inevitable in any political system, but the shocking statistics in Colin's presentation were a real eye opener about the affects it can actually have.

Lastly, I enjoyed time spent discussing the Invisible Children organisation.  Since our class watched their documentary shortly before the Kony 2012 campaign, it was interesting to see people's changing views on the subject.  Debates on the legitimacy of the campaign were also really interesting.

Non-Violent AIC Solutions

Since both 'sides' of the conflict feel entitled to land, violence could, in theory, last indefinitely. However, a non violent solution, while likely involving great compromise, may be more beneficial. However, there are individuals who will inevtiably carry out violence, regardless of laws or treaties.  Therefore, force may actually be seen as necessary to protect citizens and keep the peace at large. I don't think here is a black and white answer, but, at this point, a peaceful solution would be amazing, if only we could arrive at one.

Invisible Children

Having only seen the last few minutes of the movie, it's remarkable how moved I was.  I was in tears after hearing a young boy talk about wanting to see his brother in heaven, as opposed to going on in this life.  This showed the harrowing affect the war is having on Africa's children.  No one so young should be talking this way.  They shouldn't have to be.  Children should be learning and experiencing a life of joy and wonder... Not fighting in wars they didn't begin, not suffering casualties that shouldn't have happened.  But, having grown up in this environment, these children know nothing else.  I imagine they'd be living in an extreme state of fear, or become extremely aggressive themselves.  They're also given no outlet or resources for changing or controlling their situation.  They feel helpless, abandoned, and violent.

HIV/AIDS in Africa

HIV, which further progresses into AIDS, is an epidemic widespread throughout Africa. Not only does this lower life expectancy, but it also creates social and economic issues, leading families and even countries to fall into a downward spiral. For example, when parents succumb to disease, their children are left to take care of and raise entire families, often watching after elders, as well. This would be extremely stressful as is, but the real harm is that it prevents children from getting an education. As long as this pattern continues, generations may never learn about HIV prevention or resources. As is, HIV/AIDS isn't discussed, in these countries, as frequently as it should be, since it is considered something to be ashamed of. This thinking is incredibly harmful, because it discourages those suffering from identifying themselves, therefore putting other at risk of contraction. Many have tried to help by donating monetary aid, however this has little effect. There is no way to determine where the money ends up, and there are often 'strings attached' from the donating country or organization. However, these countries also need a societal shift, so that those suffering with HIV/AIDS will be made comfortable enough that they are willing to seek our education and resources.

Take Action! Decision making skills

Using the CARE Mode, the Take Action Ethics Tests, and your own judgment, consider how you would deal with the following scenarios. Share your reasoning and final decision. 1) Realistically, I would definitely turn down the offer, however might not prevent the individual in question from using. Ideally, one would caution them against marijuana and remind them of their sobriety. Of necessary, one could contact an adult authority figure. 2) I would never actually lie on a résumé. However, assuming I had, I would tell my employer. Continuing to lie will only cause stress to oneself (I.e. Being given jobs you're not prepared for), place strain on you and your friend's relationship, and bring down the integrity of the business. 3) Having been in this situation, I think it's important to be completely honest with your friend: of course you should tell someone what your friend is considering- its dangerous and a BAD IDEA. However, since you don't want to lose your friends trust, no matter what you said to them beforehand, make sure they know your thoughts on the situation and that you intend to tell somebody who can help them. 4) I would caution against trespassing, since it may take away the group's integrity. 5) I have no idea. As horrific as it may sound, part of me believes torture is worth it (the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few). However, I'm also aware that this is a violation of human rights and demonstrates great disrespect for the human body. It is also likely to anger other terrorist and even activist groups, eventually causing more harm than good. I don't know what I would do.

2012 Political Predictions

• I think that the totalitarian government in Korea will continue as it was, especially since the new leader essentially trained under his father for the last three years.  I think any attempts to unify the two states will be largely unsuccessful, due to political differences and their new leader trying to remain strong and patriotic
• I think the economy in Europe will continue to go downhill, and the EU will be dissolved
• I think 2012 will be the highest grossing year in film ever, and citizens spending more over the summer may help improve the American, and therefore Canadian, economy
• Oh and the world won't end (trust me, I'm a psychic)

World Issues - Lyric Analysis

What You Don't Know (Theme from Dollhouse) by Jonatha Brooke

What you don't know won't hurt you,

Maybe the lies are true,

Try to remember, try to forget,

Those yesterdays bleeding through

I believe this verse says a lot about ignorance and human nature.

The first line, "What you don't know won't hurt you," shows how individuals turn away from issues that do not affect them.  They likely don't want to hear about all the horrible things happening in the world; but it also shows that people will not take action against something that doesn't immediately affect them.  Why risk judgment, pain or punishment if it wouldn't affect you anyways?  This is why man seems reactive, as compared to proactive: if there's nothing affecting you, ignore it until it does.  This is why we choose to remain ignorant to important issues.  We believe our lives will be simpler.  "Ignorance is bliss," as they say, and it definitely rings true.

The second line, "Maybe the lies are true," shows how passive we can be, as well as commenting on corruption.  Whether those in power are corrupt and lying to us doesn't matter, as long as we don't have to deal with the issues our selves.  We choose to be passive and accept a corrupt society to remain ignorant and, therefore, seemingly happier.

The last two lines, "Try to remember, try to forget,/ Those yesterdays bleeding through," can be interpreted as a comment on loss of innocence.  Once one becomes aware of the injustices and corruption in our world, they cannot forget it.  They cannot move past it, and may feel guilt over their inaction upon gaining awareness.  No one wants to live with this, and instead, we, as a society, choose to remain ignorant, only acting when necessary.

Belarus' Corrupt Democracy

What does the situation in Belarus say about democracy and its flaws?

Although democracy functions very well in theory, human nature is to do anything in order to gain an advantage in life.  Lies.  Corruption.  Violence.  These are all inevitable in politics.  However, in a democracy, these issues are often brushed aside, scoffed at.  Behind the smoke are manipulative, scared individuals, who can easily create any persona they want just to be admired by their people.  No one knows their true nature.  Alternatively, when one's true psyche is known, they employ the other old magician's trick: mirrors.  It's so easy to a politician to say, "This is all your fault, you voted for this.  This is what you wanted," and we are expected to live with it, because our only alternate is to be accused of disrupting the state, causing political unrest, etc., etc.

Occasionally, if the individual is corrupt enough and society wants change enough, politicians will employ both smoke and mirrors, and blatantly lie.  Lukashenko did not win 80% of the vote, and his opposition didn't win less than 3%.  These are fabrications, poorly spun tales.  And when someone tries to untangle them; reveal the truth?  Arrest.  Torture.  Being forced to flee.  You don't even have to be aggressive.  Michalevic was arrested after the election, prior to, he hadn't even been inappropriately accusatory or insulting.  This is mankind at some of its worst.  They are manipulating and torturing and doing horrible things to ensure one man stays in power, therefore ensuring economic unrest for all his people.  That is not right at all.  That's not democracy, however it is possible because of it.  It's all just smoke and mirrors.

"Think Twice, Canada, Before Attacking Tehran" Response

On November 22, 2011, the Globe and Mail published an article, written by Paul Heinbecker, entitled "Think Twice, Canada, Before Attacking Tehran."  The article discusses the controversy over Iran's rumoured nuclear development, and wether Canada should take military action or not.

Definitions:
Cassus Belli: A justification of war, an amoral or obscene act that instigates and give grounds for violent offense

Impunity: Freedom given in place of punishment for a malicious, violent or harmful action

Unilateral: An act provoked by a single country

Questions:
Many have the mentality that the 'needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.'  Does this justify an attack on Iran, as entire nations could be saved if there are nuclear weapons in development, even though many soldiers and even citizens are likely to be killed?


Would Canada's decision to militarise actually improve our relationship with Israel and, consequentially, the United States?


Is there a way to investigate the situation, and find out if there even are nuclear systems in development before attacking?

Opportunities

Today we were asked to blog about a time when we had the opportunity to help.  To make a difference.  To save someone.

Off the top of my head, I actually can't think of anything big or heroic, but I do try to make a difference in peoples' day to day lives.  Even if I'm just trying to cheer someone up, or letting them vent their problems, I think it makes a difference.  After all, life isn't necessarily about the big things that happen.  It's the little moments that shape who we are and influence what we do.  These little moments eventually lead to the big ones, however.

One conversation comes to mind: two summers ago, I was an LIT (Leader in Training) at 'my' summer camp.  There was one little girl, let's pretend her name is Anne, who was always protesting and disrespecting her counsellor's rules and ideas.  She complained about how must she wanted to go home, and had horrible, violent, tantrums.  One night the the leadership group below LIT held the annual 'Carnivale,' where campers go for junk food, activities, music, dancing, and (hilarious) skits by staff members.  Carnivale is always a lot of fun and is also mandatory.  However, 'Anne' decided she did not want to go.  At all.  Under any circumstances.  Being her LIT, I was supposed to go and supervise her while she waited back in the cabin.  She wasn't enjoying herself there, and I wanted to go to Carnivale, so I figured I may as well talk to her.  Besides, she was on the verge of being sent home, maybe I could help her change her mind.

I don't even remember what we talked about, but after some screaming and then a lot of crying, 'Anne' and I had a really great discussion.  I won't say what about, because that's not my story to tell, but after that we went on down to Carnivale.  With a fresh slate and new state-of-mind, 'Anne' was willing to talk to some of the other campers and take part in a lot of the activities.  After words she said 'thank-you,' and that she had a lot of fun.  The next morning she told me she was going to stay at camp after all.  For the remainder of her stay, she was noticeably happier and was much more cooperative.

Even though we just had an honest and kind conversation, I think 'Anne' realised that her opinions mattered and that people respected her more than she thought (that was a big part of her initial anger).  She enjoyed herself more and decided to stay at camp.  I'm just happy that I was able to improve her night, and then eventual stay at camp.  I don't know what ever happened to her, but I hope I was able to improve her summer over all, and maybe she'll remember that others respect her a lot more than she expects.

RIP Ashlyn Connor ~ Society NEEDS to Change

Update:  I spelled her name wrong, it's Ashlynn, with two N's.  My apologies.

This was not a prompted blog post, however one I feel very passionate about.  I believe it says a lot about modern society, and shows that we must do something about bullying and discrimination in general.

I recently learned that a ten year old girl named Ashlyn Connor was bullied to the point of suicide.  I immediately wrote about it on my Facebook.  There are quite a few typos, since I was very emotional at the time, however I believe it captures the passion I feel towards this issue.

"RIP Ashlyn Connor

A ten year old girl shouldn't be bullied to suicide- I am disgusted right now. Everyone is unique and HUMAN and should try to respect one another and realize the weight of their actions.
I'm going to try and be kinder and more accepting from now on, and I suggest others do as well
Bullying is getting worse, and we need to (and can) change this pattern

"Every one has been talking about a documentary Finding Kind, and I intend to check it out and I suggest others do as well.

Also, look into the charities To Write Love On Her Arms and the Sophie Lancaster Foundation, the latter of which isextremely close to my heart. The story of Sophie Lancaster's murder made me cry when I first heard it a few years ago, and the circumstances under which is occurred disgusts me.

As a society we need to change our thinking pertaining to popularity and subcultures. Everyone is amazing. I love everyone, even of I don't like them, because they are all amazingly complex individuals. I don't always show it, but I truly believe it. Also, people should stop saying everyone is 'perfect the way they are'... This is wrong. We are all imperfect, but that is what gives us humanity and an identity. Without it we wouldn't need to develop relationships, we wouldn't experience passion (without which, I believe, we would be truly dead) and there would be little worth living for. It's our IMPERFECTIONS that make us LOVE one another.

I am do saddened to hear about this suicide; RIP, and may your story inspire society to change, even if our revolution begins with only a few individuals. God bless..."

That was all I've posted at the moment, however I've spoken about the Sophie Lancaster case and foundation before.

I can't think of any realistic way to shift society's views, since I'm still extremely devastated, however I know that I can start with myself.

I encourage everyone who reads this to tell their friends and family about it.

RIP Ashlyn, may you never be forgotten...