Despite the many steps toward equality that have been made in the past few decades, Sexism is still a prominent issue in society today. Not only is there a significant gap in the annual salary of male workers compared to women workers of the same field, but there are pervasive attitudes about women and men that are pervasive throughout society. Such as the idea that men are physically superior to women, or that women are generally smarter, both academically and socially. These are not true in full, however ideas such as this are not entirely founded on lies. The average height of a man in the United states is roughly 5 feet 9 inches, where as the average height of a woman is roughly 5 feet 4 inches( McDowell, Margaret A. et al.(October 22, 2008). hi Obviously height alone does not determine physical prowess, however it does give some insight as to why it is generally assumed men, as a whole in this nation, are deemed physically superior to women, as a whole, in this nation. It does not mean that every man is stronger than every woman, that would be ridiculous, however it does mean that your average man, if you took all the men in the country and created the most average man you possibly could, would be physically dominant to an average woman found in the same manor. Many take that generalization the wrong way, believing that men think that any man is better than any woman, when in truth that is far from the case. I'm an athletic guy, I can say that, however there are thousands and thousands of women in the country that are clearly physically superior to someone such as myself, and I, as a reasonable human being, know and accept that fact. However, and average female highschool athlete, compared to me, an average male highschool athlete, would likely possess less strength than myself. One cannot simply compare the best of one sex to the worst of another, which happens quite often. I've heard women say," Yea well a woman UFC fighter would beat you up!" Well of course she would, that's obvious. No, in order to get an accurate view of male and female physical qualities you must compare the physical parallels between the sexes. A female UFC fighter to a male UFC fighter, an average woman to an average man. That is where you will find the truth in that specific "sexist argument". Unfortunately sexism will always exist, just as racism will, because it is human nature to recognize the differences in other humans, specifically between male and female.
PS- I hear a lot about the movement for "full equality" between genders but I can say that it will never happen, ever. Men and women are different, and are treated different. Even if that goal is "achieved" in the workplace, the pay gap lessens or even vanishes completely, socially there will always be generalizations and differences of opinion, which will lead to disputes, which will be labeled as sexism. Also, I will personally side with the "women are basically fully equal" when women are forced to sign up for the draft at 18 just as men are. That's my line to cross, when that happens I'll accept it, but until then, having it be that only men are forced to sign up for the draft shows that this country, in times of great need, will look to the protection of men, not women, therefore showing this countries belief that men are "dominant"(in "" because it's not my feelings/words, but those of a general popular, yet debatable, opinion).
Caravaggio, The Taking of Christ, 1602
Tenebrism
Friday, January 30, 2015
Blog - racism
Not long ago in class, we had a discussion concerning racism. During that discussion it was stated several times by certain members of the class that racism could, and likely will, dissipate until it no longer exists in our society. The idea is that people, over the next few decades, will all decide that they no longer recognize the difference in each other and will come to forget them, leaving only people, who all live in harmony. This proposal is of course, preposterous. The very idea of stripping people of their unique characteristics, of wanting to stop the recognition of differences in each other, an innate human function, is not only idealistic, but reminiscent of a distopic, movie-like society ruled by a "benevolent" leader. THAT is what a world where racism doesn't exist sounds like. Racism is a terrible thing, however, I feel it is the lesser of two evils, for complete and utter sameness in the world, it wouldn't be our world, it wouldn't be humanity, it would be the censored shadow of a once great society, bleak and lifeless, crushed in normal. Why must I create such an extreme scenario you ask? Because the only way to eliminate racism would be to eliminate differences in humans. To erase color, culture, language, and preference. For as long as difference exists, so does preference, and as long as independent thought exists, so does opinion. And as long as opinion, preference, and independent thought, all exist in the same environment, you will have negative thoughts, and you will end up with racism. It is sad, but humans by nature,although capable of love and good, are hostile and violent. As long as it is possible to hate, there will be people in the world who hate. Of course that's not to say that things can progress, improve, obviously they have, however complete elimination of an idea that has existed as long as humans have, is no a feasible option. You cannot control everyone in the world, and you certainly cannot control their thoughts. People will always have likes and dislikes, people will always have personalities of their own, some kind and peaceful, others cruel and hateful. As long as free will exists, there will always be those who choose to hate. However, it is that ability to choose, that makes us human. Although cruel, it is someones right as a human being to like certain things, and dislike certain things. So although violence and murder is against the law, people will always be free to hate what they want to hate. So to any who would like to eliminate racism, take a look at what a "perfect" world looks like in the novel and film," The Giver ". As said by the ruler of that "perfect" society," When people have the freedom to choose, they choose wrong." This is what awaits any who feel racism can just end, any who feel that the basic, innate human function to recognize difference in other humans can simply stop.
Blog- theres a man in the woods
http://youtu.be/IUmkf_l38fA\
This is the link to a video which I personally feel speaks volumes about the way school systems have been corrupted in recent years. Although dark, this short film sends a powerful message about the way school have changed in recent years. That children are running the class rooms now because if a teacher "steps out of line", a line drawn by the parents no less, they will be fired. Years ago if a child failed a test, that child's parents would yell at the child and punish them for not working hard enough, now if a child fails a test it is somehow the -teachers- fault? For some bizzare reason if something goes wrong int he class room it is the teachers fault, rather than the students. At several points in the film, parents obsession with the belief that their children are all "little angels" is shown to be a naive and false assumption. As someone who is only recently become and adult, and who has memories of his years as a child, I can assure you, that NOT all children are honest little angels, in fact it is quite the opposite. I remember as a child being able to lie and have people believe me, simply because I was a child and how dare someone,"... Accuse a child of being dishonest? Monstrous." People love to assume children are innocent of everything however, it is not always so. As a child I knew I could take advantage of this belief, and I'm sure many other children did as well. Although I may not have been as insidious as the character Sid, nor my lies as a child been as severe, it is still a point that needs to be made. Parents need to understand that children can be dishonest, and although every parent will fight to the death, or ruin someone else's life, to defend the fact that their child is NOT one of the dishonest ones, they need to understand that when it happens, it isn't the teacher, or the other persons kid, it's yours. Rather than denying it and letting it persist, stop it, teach your child the right way to be, instead of insisting that they are inherently that way when they are not. Students should not be the ones running the classes, teachers should be. The fact that one lie could destroy a teachers reputation forever is a travesty. Many parents are blinded to their child's dishonesty by their own pride, and that in its own right is wrong. I have watched and re-watched this video many times and looked over many of the details and there is much more to this video than one could gather by simply watching it once.
This is the link to a video which I personally feel speaks volumes about the way school systems have been corrupted in recent years. Although dark, this short film sends a powerful message about the way school have changed in recent years. That children are running the class rooms now because if a teacher "steps out of line", a line drawn by the parents no less, they will be fired. Years ago if a child failed a test, that child's parents would yell at the child and punish them for not working hard enough, now if a child fails a test it is somehow the -teachers- fault? For some bizzare reason if something goes wrong int he class room it is the teachers fault, rather than the students. At several points in the film, parents obsession with the belief that their children are all "little angels" is shown to be a naive and false assumption. As someone who is only recently become and adult, and who has memories of his years as a child, I can assure you, that NOT all children are honest little angels, in fact it is quite the opposite. I remember as a child being able to lie and have people believe me, simply because I was a child and how dare someone,"... Accuse a child of being dishonest? Monstrous." People love to assume children are innocent of everything however, it is not always so. As a child I knew I could take advantage of this belief, and I'm sure many other children did as well. Although I may not have been as insidious as the character Sid, nor my lies as a child been as severe, it is still a point that needs to be made. Parents need to understand that children can be dishonest, and although every parent will fight to the death, or ruin someone else's life, to defend the fact that their child is NOT one of the dishonest ones, they need to understand that when it happens, it isn't the teacher, or the other persons kid, it's yours. Rather than denying it and letting it persist, stop it, teach your child the right way to be, instead of insisting that they are inherently that way when they are not. Students should not be the ones running the classes, teachers should be. The fact that one lie could destroy a teachers reputation forever is a travesty. Many parents are blinded to their child's dishonesty by their own pride, and that in its own right is wrong. I have watched and re-watched this video many times and looked over many of the details and there is much more to this video than one could gather by simply watching it once.
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Met Pictures
 |
| Vincent van Gogh. Shoes, 1888 |
 |
| Marble Statue of an Old Women "The Old Market Women" |
| Pablo Picasso. Woman Asleep at a Table, 1936 |
| Style of Goya, 19th century, A City on a Rock |
Met field trip
Statue of an old market womenCompared to the image we viewed in class, the statue was alot smaller, very mutilated, and the details were much clearer in person.
Women Asleep at a Table by Pablo PicasoThis imagine reminded us of the Pable Picaso image we viewed in class because it was the same colors and style. Also, the lamp in the ceiling reminded us of the one in the image we saw in class.
Bullfight in a Divided Ring by Francisco de Gota y Lucientes
This imagine reminded us of Goya's Third of May because there are acts of violence, there are a trail of people, and because in the center of the painting there is a main person (in white) tiding a white stallion. He stands out in white like the man in the Third of May.
Bohemia Lies in by the Sea by Anselm Kiefer
We were told to look in the abstract and modern section and we found this painting which intrigued us.
We also found this piece which is a abstract take on the Last Supper image.
We also took the challenge to pose in front of images without getting in trouble
Blog 9
Poverty is a world wide problem that is ignored daily. When Ebola struck the United States everyone panicked and had to find a cure for it and no one knew what to do or how to prevent it. Poverty has been a huge epidemic that we have been fighting for years and there is an easy cure that will take time but can be successfully fulfilled. Why did everyone panic about Ebola when poverty takes more lives? Is it because it can't be treated or cured? Poverty can be cured and it needs to be. It is just growing in numbers every hour. The graph clearly shows that almost every area of the United States is fighting poverty. That's just the territory if we move in close on every town or city the blue will become more red in most cases. This is not just living in poverty. This is living below the national poverty line.
Poverty In America
The graph above displays where in America poverty consists the most and the least. Even though we complain there are an immense about of poor citizens in a city like NYC, the south truly suffers the most according to this graph. As you can see the darker the color the bigger percentage of the population in poverty. A rural environment has a huge impact on the economy and social standings in that area. Farming vs Industralization might still be an issue throughout the U.S.
When looking at this graph I see irony in it. Yes the south is poorer than the north but the south also borders neighboring countries where illegal immigrants cross over. Do you think states like Texas and New Mexico suffer more do to the fact these non citizens live there ? Do they hinder growth in the economy and society of that area ?
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Benefits of mediation (blog 9)
For thousands of years mediation has proved to have physiological an physical benefits. These benefits include an effective treatment for stress, weariness, lack of focus, relationship problems, addictions and more. It may also lead to peace of mind and wellbeing, greater creativity and an overall sense of feeling enlightened. Neuroscientist have also found that, after just 11 hours of meditation, people had structural changes in the part of the brain involved in monitoring our focus and control. Research from 163 different studies suggested that mindfulness-meditation practice had an overall positive effect on improving anxiety and stress. Stress has been a major problem in the modern day we live in this is why reducing it is extremely important.
Source
Monday, January 26, 2015
Blog #6 (I think)
http://youtu.be/VGeFpz10baw
Poverty is something that interests me very much. I'm more than determined to go on a mission to Haiti the summer before I goto college to do all that I can to help. I know by now everyone is aware of poverty and what it is but I'm hoping this video will open some peoples eyes to see all the problems that people in poverty face on a daily basis.
In February 2010 a devastating earthquake had struck port-au-prince, Haiti. 220,000 people were killed in the earthquake and over 1 million displaced. Port-au-price Haiti had already officially had the poorest people in the Western Hemisphere, with 80% of the population already living below the poverty line before the earthquake. Four boys, two of them brothers and the other two friends, decided that the only way to understand how the Haitians live was to live like the Haitians by living on 1 single dollar a day. What they're doing is very brave and inspiring, they're putting their lives in jeopardy, just like the Haitians do everyday. They will be living in a tent on the hard ground with just a pillow and a sheet to share amongst each other. They have to learn how to stay alive for 28 days.
I liked this video a lot because is touched on all the important things that most people don't appreciate and/or take for granted . For example food, clothes, water, medicine and education. It's something as simple as food that will make or break a family. It makes me sad to think about how much food my family wastes. I can't even tell you how much food gets throw out of my fridge every week due to going bad bc it was untouched. I can't even imagine how much food is throw out in houses all over the world bc of that reason. It is truly baffling that children and adults across America and in other countries have days when they don't eat when i don't think I have been an area or room for 2 hours without food within a mile radius. While writing this my mom asked me what I wanted for dinner and I thought to myself how lucky I am to have the option to pick from a million things to eat meanwhile thousands of people didn't eat tonight. I wish there was some way I can simply just buy or give starving people my food bc I have way way too much of it.
Another thing that we are we don't realize we are lucky to have is our big beautiful homes. In this documentary, these huts and tents that I wouldn't even consider to call a house were these peoples homes. Families of 8 would live in a tent the size of my room and I complain that my room is too small compared to my friends.
At one part in the video the 4 guys try to experience what it's like to be a box holder and a rubble worker. They soon began to realize how difficult it was. These workers had to haul these 100 lb boxes over their heads down to the market. The Haitian people do this daily for blocks and get maybe a dollar per hour. I worked at the beach bakery this past summer and complained when I had to carry three 15 lb coffee bags from the storage room upstairs to the bakery that's downstairs. I made $9 an hour so that's $72 a day and $288 dollars a week , the box carriers make less than $15 Per week and work 6 hours a day. The bakery wasn't easy but I can guarantee those men in Haiti work a lot harder than I did.
Lastly I'd like to talk about education. Most parents living in poverty can't afford their child's education. I hear people say on a daily basis how much they hate school and how stupid it is meanwhile some children would kill for an education and the opportunities that we have. There are so many kids in the esm school district who see school as a punishment rather than a privilege.
Only half of Haitian ppl can afford to goto primary school with it costing as little as 10$ a month. This showed me to always be grateful of what you have.
Many people in our world today take a lot for granted, myself included. We're all so caught up in wanting the best of the best, the latest car, clothes, shoes, iPhone etc that we don't stop to think "do we really need this?" Even if we do stop to ask ourselves that question most of us would still say yes. But when it comes down to it how many pairs of shoes can u wear at a time? How many Michael khors watches can you wear on your wrist? How many ray-ban sunglasses can you wear on your face? I'm not saying dont buy anything and give all your money to people who are poor im just asking to appreciate what you have and stop complaining about what you don't. 1.2 billion people are living on a dollar a day at this very moment. Spread the word about poverty and make a difference.
-Kelly Gomez
Poverty is something that interests me very much. I'm more than determined to go on a mission to Haiti the summer before I goto college to do all that I can to help. I know by now everyone is aware of poverty and what it is but I'm hoping this video will open some peoples eyes to see all the problems that people in poverty face on a daily basis.
In February 2010 a devastating earthquake had struck port-au-prince, Haiti. 220,000 people were killed in the earthquake and over 1 million displaced. Port-au-price Haiti had already officially had the poorest people in the Western Hemisphere, with 80% of the population already living below the poverty line before the earthquake. Four boys, two of them brothers and the other two friends, decided that the only way to understand how the Haitians live was to live like the Haitians by living on 1 single dollar a day. What they're doing is very brave and inspiring, they're putting their lives in jeopardy, just like the Haitians do everyday. They will be living in a tent on the hard ground with just a pillow and a sheet to share amongst each other. They have to learn how to stay alive for 28 days.
I liked this video a lot because is touched on all the important things that most people don't appreciate and/or take for granted . For example food, clothes, water, medicine and education. It's something as simple as food that will make or break a family. It makes me sad to think about how much food my family wastes. I can't even tell you how much food gets throw out of my fridge every week due to going bad bc it was untouched. I can't even imagine how much food is throw out in houses all over the world bc of that reason. It is truly baffling that children and adults across America and in other countries have days when they don't eat when i don't think I have been an area or room for 2 hours without food within a mile radius. While writing this my mom asked me what I wanted for dinner and I thought to myself how lucky I am to have the option to pick from a million things to eat meanwhile thousands of people didn't eat tonight. I wish there was some way I can simply just buy or give starving people my food bc I have way way too much of it.
Another thing that we are we don't realize we are lucky to have is our big beautiful homes. In this documentary, these huts and tents that I wouldn't even consider to call a house were these peoples homes. Families of 8 would live in a tent the size of my room and I complain that my room is too small compared to my friends.
At one part in the video the 4 guys try to experience what it's like to be a box holder and a rubble worker. They soon began to realize how difficult it was. These workers had to haul these 100 lb boxes over their heads down to the market. The Haitian people do this daily for blocks and get maybe a dollar per hour. I worked at the beach bakery this past summer and complained when I had to carry three 15 lb coffee bags from the storage room upstairs to the bakery that's downstairs. I made $9 an hour so that's $72 a day and $288 dollars a week , the box carriers make less than $15 Per week and work 6 hours a day. The bakery wasn't easy but I can guarantee those men in Haiti work a lot harder than I did.
Lastly I'd like to talk about education. Most parents living in poverty can't afford their child's education. I hear people say on a daily basis how much they hate school and how stupid it is meanwhile some children would kill for an education and the opportunities that we have. There are so many kids in the esm school district who see school as a punishment rather than a privilege.
Only half of Haitian ppl can afford to goto primary school with it costing as little as 10$ a month. This showed me to always be grateful of what you have.
Many people in our world today take a lot for granted, myself included. We're all so caught up in wanting the best of the best, the latest car, clothes, shoes, iPhone etc that we don't stop to think "do we really need this?" Even if we do stop to ask ourselves that question most of us would still say yes. But when it comes down to it how many pairs of shoes can u wear at a time? How many Michael khors watches can you wear on your wrist? How many ray-ban sunglasses can you wear on your face? I'm not saying dont buy anything and give all your money to people who are poor im just asking to appreciate what you have and stop complaining about what you don't. 1.2 billion people are living on a dollar a day at this very moment. Spread the word about poverty and make a difference.
-Kelly Gomez
Poverty and Obesity (Blog post #9)
I found this cartoon interesting because when you think of poverty in other countries you think of the starving people who sometimes will eat nothing that day. I believe that poverty in America is not really pictured that way. A study showed that the BMI for Americans was highest in the lowest income group and the lowest education group. Also, obesity rates increased by 10 percent for all U.S. children 10 to 17 years old between 2003 and 2007, but by 23 percent during the same time period for low-income children. After reading this I wondered why this could be. I found that low-income families choose high-fat foods dense with energy – foods such as sugars, cereals, potatoes and processed meat products – because these foods are more affordable and last longer than fresh vegetables and fruits and lean meats and fish. Poor families often tend to live in neighborhoods that have smaller food stores with less healthy options. Also, the stress associated with a low income can cause people to stress eat, which can also lead to obesity. For children, low income families usually can't afford after-school activities, like sports, which helps children stay healthy and in shape. In poor neighborhoods, parks, playgrounds, trails and free public gyms are usually not safe. This can keep kids inside watching TV and playing video games.
It is sad that children who are poor also don't have too many options to stay healthy. Obesity can lead to lifelong issues. Studies have shown that being overweight in young adulthood is associated with unemployment, limits on educational attainment and lower levels of income. This leads to an unending cycle of poor, uneducated people in America.
Ebola Update (Blog post #7)
Doctors Without Borders has seen a significant decrease in the number of Ebola cases in the countries Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. There are only about 50 patients in their Ebola treatment center. This is from all three countries so this is a very, very small number. An article in TIME magazine stated," “This decline is an opportunity to focus efforts on addressing the serious weaknesses that remain in the response,” Brice de la Vingne, MSF director of operations said in a statement. “We are on the right track, but reaching zero cases will be difficult unless significant improvements are made in alerting new cases and tracing those who have been in contact with them.”" In other words, the lack of tracking and alerting of new cases is making it difficult to get this outbreak under control. For example, in Guinea and Liberia only half of the new cases are people who are known contacts of people with Ebola. This is a serious issue. It only takes one person to start another serious outbreak of Ebola.
In Sierra Leone, incidences of Ebola have dropped to their lowest levels since August, though there are still hot zones like the country’s capital of Freetown. Guinea’s cases are also dropping, but more cases are coming from regions that were previously thought to be improving. Liberia has experienced some of the greatest drops out of all three countries.
The latest numbers from the World Health Organization have recorded 21,724 cases with 8,641 deaths.
Poverty among children in the US
The definition of poverty is "the state or condition of having little or no money, goods, or means of support; condition of being poor". More than 16 MILLION children, or 22% of all children in the united states live in families where incomes are below the federal poverty level.The federal poverty level is making $23,550 a year for a family of four, $18,530 for a family of three and $14,710 for a family of two. According to www.nccp.org, on average, families needs an income of about twice that number to cover basic expenses. Once born into poverty, it is hard to escape. Higher levels of parents education decreases the likelihood that the child will live in poor or low income families. However 46% of low income adolescents and 39% of poor adolescents have a parent with some type of college education.The percentage of children in low income families varies substantially by region. 33% (1.4million) in the northeast, 38% (2milion) in the midwest, 44% (4million) in the south, and 43% (2.5million) in the west are the number of children living in poverty. There are many effective ways to end poverty, however, its just a matter of if we are willing to put in the resources… and money. If the united states offered cash benefits to children in poor families, the child poverty rate could be cut by more than halfAccording to calculations using the 2012 Current Population Survey, poor children need $4,800 per year each, on average, to escape poverty. That’s $400 a month for each child.If we issued a $400 monthly payment to each child, and cut tax subsidies for children in higher-income families, we would cut child poverty from 22 percent to below 10 percent. If one working family member made at least 15,000 guaranteed along with the 400$ a month child poverty would drop to under 1 percent. That is an incredible difference. Therefore, there are ways to cut the poverty rate, however many may not want to try them because of the money that would be put into trying to make it happen. I think that doing this is a great idea. Eventually, when the families get above the poverty line and do not have to live pay check to pay check they will spend money on other things (like entertainment) and will help stimulate the economy and will end up benefiting everyone. 
Sunday, January 25, 2015
Opinion on Yoga
Last Friday we did yoga in class and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I love how relaxed I felt after yoga. I felt refreshed and like a new person. I think what really got me relaxed was when we laid on the yoga mat and the Tibet music was playing in the background. But the best part of laying down was that lavender eye pillow. I don't know what it was about that scent but it just made me feel so calm and happy. I felt like i was laying on clouds. I was so relaxed that i actually fell asleep which was pretty funny to me because I only really sleep in class if I'm incredibly tired. But i really think the lavender made me feel so good. I felt like i was hypnotized with that music and that pillow on my eye as funny as that sounds. So I really hope we do yoga more often because it felt really nice to just relax and just not think about anything.
Poverty
Here's the thing about poverty its a terrible that occurs in the world but some people deserve. For instance, if you filed for bankrupt because of you spending your money and useless items you don't need you deserve to be poor because you weren't saving your money and spending it wisely. I believe that most people who are under the poverty line isn't there fault and those are the people I feel bad for, but the people who spent money on junk deserve to be poor. Don't get me wrong though I wouldn't want anyone to be poor because poor is absolutely terrible. It breaks my heart to see a single mother living with their parents and paying for rent because she cant afford her own apartment. That to me is absolutely horrible and I feel so bad for her because I know she doesn't want her children to live this way but she can't afford it which is so upsetting to me. I love there are food markets that help out people who are poor by using food stamps.It is so sweet of them to do that for the poor and I'm glad we have people like that in our world. Hopefully more people will see what role models they are and start becoming like them because we need more those kind of people in this world. Overall poverty is very sad and is a very heart breaking event that happens throughout the world. I hope in the future that poverty decreases because I hate seeing anyone living on the side of the road and thinking to them self how much longer will they live. No one deserves to live outside in the cold. That's depressing and so hard to watch. So hopefully poverty will decrease in the future.
Slumdog Millionaire
My opinion of the Slumdog Millionaire is that i really enjoyed the movie. I loved how Jamal kept on looking for Latika even after he was separated from her when he was little. I thought it was really sweet that he did that. It broke my heart to see Jamal get seperated from Latika, but at least they ended up together in the end. I honestly couldn't believe Jamal's brother, Salim took Latika away from Jamal. I mean they are brothers who does that to their own brother that's your family. But overall Salim killed himself, which was really sad, but he did it because he let Latika go and find Jamal which was incredibly sweet of him. One scene that broke my heart was when Jamal and Salim were at that camp and Jamal watches a guy putting this burning hot substance over this boy's eyes to make him blind. Honestly that was probably the worst part of the movie because i was a poor innocent child. No matter what it is you should never hurt a child and pouring the liquid over his eyes was so incredibly hard to watch. Anyways overall i really enjoyed this movie and it is probably one of my favorite movies I watched to this date. I would give it 10 out of 10 stars.
Saturday, January 24, 2015
Poverty in the US vs Around the World (9)
Poverty in the US and the World
Since we haven't really discussed how the US compares to the rest of the world in terms of poverty rate I decided to find out where we fall. According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) the US has the highest poverty rate in the developed world. The chart below from UNICEF shows that the US has the second highest child poverty rate among industrialized countries. This study takes into account not only absolute wealth but other factors such as inequality and potential for upward mobility. The US also falls second to last among developed countries in how well it takes care of its poor.We spend the least compared to these countries on social projects to help the poor.
The growing economic inequality in the US is a cause for the high poverty rate compared to other countries. The United Nations found that "Some American cities are as unequal as African and Latin American cities. For example, New York was found to be the 9th most unequal in the world while Atlanta, New Orleans, Washington, and Miami had similar inequality levels to those of Nairobi, Kenya, Abidjan and Ivory Coast." Increasing levels of inequality reduce opportunities for upward mobility for those in poverty. Large income inequalities make for a lower quality of life for all of society:
- Health and social problems are worse in more unequal countries
- Child well-being is better in more equal rich countries
- The prevalence of mental illness is higher in more unequal rich countries
- Drug use is more common in more unequal countries
- Life expectancy is longer in more equal rich countries
- Infant mortality rates are higher in more unequal countries
- More adults are obese in more unequal rich countries
- Educational scores are higher in more equal rich countries
- Teenage birth rates are higher in more unequal rich countries
- Homicide rates are higher in more unequal rich countries
- Children experience more conflict in more unequal societies
- Rates of imprisonment are higher in more unequal societies
- Social mobility is higher in more equal rich countries
- More equal countries rank better on recycling
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Greed's Grip
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QPKKQnijnsM
The video in the link pretty much sums up the reality the documentary we recently watched in a digestible visual graph, but that's not important. I liked the video, but that's besides the fact. Personally I loved Inequality For All to the point where I feel like it should be required viewing. I feel strongly enough about the subject to want every American, regardless of political affiliation or social class or whatever else, to be remotely aware of the reality we face in this country. Now I love America, believe me. The ideals America stands by, these originally enlightened concepts of free speech, justice, equality, liberty, I value them more than anything. They're essential to my moral fiber.. The idea of America is what's genuinely great and beautiful about it. That being said, I'm not afraid to admit the reality of America. And the reality is, we're defending a country that doesn't exist. We believe America to be the land of opportunity, equality, freedom, liberty, all the noble ideals the founders strived towards. We even become enraged at the thought of it being anything else, dismissing any critique of our country like it were treason. And this is where our downward spiral comes from. Because we refuse to question ourselves, to take a step back from the flag waving and chest beating to see what we've become, even to take any opinion but our own practiced ignorance into account. We let the American ideals, the genuine heart of our country, be manipulated into this cutthroat, hateful, bigoted, greedy, and most of all scared country we live in today. It's horrifying how easy it was too.
This all does tie into wealth. So the top 1% is what really runs our country. Not democracy, not our upstanding morally sound citizens, not the working man, wealth. And unfortunately we're being tricked into letting it continue. If you remember the documentary, the end of it tied together political polarization with wealth inequality. To an extent it's like one just escalates the other. You can consider our current political landscape to be an actual plutocracy. We see the power as congress, the house of representatives, the president, etc. But more and more, the power we see is a puppet of whoever bought them into that title in the first place. And we wonder how the wealthy keep getting away with it? The population is tricked into helping them. We're being exploited, again and again, into helping the wealthy stay wealthy. We're digging our own graves. We support politicians that are either too corrupt or too stupid to make a difference, or politicians that literally are the wealth stifling us in the first place. We blindly watch biased news bought and paid for by the men in charge, believing every bit of it and getting more hate filled with every bigoted remark telling us who the enemy is and what anti-american crimes they committed today. We oppose any actual action taken against the injustice we live under, and even get the idea that opposing this is anti american. Because that's just it:They've manipulated the American ideals into a blind, ignorant uber-patriotism for their own benefit. They're keeping us down by keeping us proud. They're dumbing us down, along with our supposed ideals. They turned everything against us, and tricked us into actually supporting it ourselves.
I don't know what the future of the country holds obviously. Whether or not all the corrupt politics, the class gaps, the social ignorance and general bigotry will fade or disappear, or just grow, we'll find out later. But what I know is we need to be able to see it happening, and do our bests not to be tricked into following it all. It's the least we can do, and it's really our responsibility as citizens to realize this before it's too late. We can get America to live up to it's name, to fulfill its ideals and become what it should be. It can be the greatest country in the world and more. But to do that, we need to see what's wrong with it to begin with. And there's a lot of work to be done
The video in the link pretty much sums up the reality the documentary we recently watched in a digestible visual graph, but that's not important. I liked the video, but that's besides the fact. Personally I loved Inequality For All to the point where I feel like it should be required viewing. I feel strongly enough about the subject to want every American, regardless of political affiliation or social class or whatever else, to be remotely aware of the reality we face in this country. Now I love America, believe me. The ideals America stands by, these originally enlightened concepts of free speech, justice, equality, liberty, I value them more than anything. They're essential to my moral fiber.. The idea of America is what's genuinely great and beautiful about it. That being said, I'm not afraid to admit the reality of America. And the reality is, we're defending a country that doesn't exist. We believe America to be the land of opportunity, equality, freedom, liberty, all the noble ideals the founders strived towards. We even become enraged at the thought of it being anything else, dismissing any critique of our country like it were treason. And this is where our downward spiral comes from. Because we refuse to question ourselves, to take a step back from the flag waving and chest beating to see what we've become, even to take any opinion but our own practiced ignorance into account. We let the American ideals, the genuine heart of our country, be manipulated into this cutthroat, hateful, bigoted, greedy, and most of all scared country we live in today. It's horrifying how easy it was too.
This all does tie into wealth. So the top 1% is what really runs our country. Not democracy, not our upstanding morally sound citizens, not the working man, wealth. And unfortunately we're being tricked into letting it continue. If you remember the documentary, the end of it tied together political polarization with wealth inequality. To an extent it's like one just escalates the other. You can consider our current political landscape to be an actual plutocracy. We see the power as congress, the house of representatives, the president, etc. But more and more, the power we see is a puppet of whoever bought them into that title in the first place. And we wonder how the wealthy keep getting away with it? The population is tricked into helping them. We're being exploited, again and again, into helping the wealthy stay wealthy. We're digging our own graves. We support politicians that are either too corrupt or too stupid to make a difference, or politicians that literally are the wealth stifling us in the first place. We blindly watch biased news bought and paid for by the men in charge, believing every bit of it and getting more hate filled with every bigoted remark telling us who the enemy is and what anti-american crimes they committed today. We oppose any actual action taken against the injustice we live under, and even get the idea that opposing this is anti american. Because that's just it:They've manipulated the American ideals into a blind, ignorant uber-patriotism for their own benefit. They're keeping us down by keeping us proud. They're dumbing us down, along with our supposed ideals. They turned everything against us, and tricked us into actually supporting it ourselves.
I don't know what the future of the country holds obviously. Whether or not all the corrupt politics, the class gaps, the social ignorance and general bigotry will fade or disappear, or just grow, we'll find out later. But what I know is we need to be able to see it happening, and do our bests not to be tricked into following it all. It's the least we can do, and it's really our responsibility as citizens to realize this before it's too late. We can get America to live up to it's name, to fulfill its ideals and become what it should be. It can be the greatest country in the world and more. But to do that, we need to see what's wrong with it to begin with. And there's a lot of work to be done
Sacred Water
Did you know?
I found a blog, called "Journalist on the Run". This journalist is a woman who plans to visit as many countries as possible. In the diary excerpt I read, she was in Kenya. She wrote of the importance of water in the village community. She quickly learned of true conservation of the resource and how sacred water is to the people. "The town can ‘run out of internet’ and not bat an eyelid, everyone goes on as if nothing has happened, nothing of value has been lost. But, without water, life ceases to exists" she writes. It really makes you think how much we take for granted. Reading of this makes me feel selfish. Internet to them is not needed, but for most in America, especially teens, it can easily be mistaken for being more important than water. However, it is not a need: water is a necessity. It's devastating that there are people who do not have something they so desperately need to simply survive.
https://janetnewenham.wordpress.com/2011/12/30/dear-diary-prisoners/
- Some 1.1 billion people in developing countries have inadequate access to water, and 2.6 billion lack basic sanitation.
- Almost two in three people lacking access to clean water survive on less than $2 a day, with one in three living on less than $1 a day.
- More than 660 million people without sanitation live on less than $2 a day, and more than 385 million on less than $1 a day.
- Access to piped water into the household averages about 85% for the wealthiest 20% of the population, compared with 25% for the poorest 20%.
- 1.8 billion people who have access to a water source within 1 kilometre, but not in their house or yard, consume around 20 litres per day. In the United Kingdom the average person uses more than 50 litres of water a day flushing toilets (where average daily water usage is about 150 liters a day. The highest average water use in the world is in the US, at 600 liters day.)
- Close to half of all people in developing countries suffering at any given time from a health problem caused by water and sanitation deficits.
- Millions of women and children spend several hours a day collecting water.
- ...Although over 70% of the Earth’s surface is water, 97% of that water is salt water, leaving only 3% for fresh water. Of that, only 1% is fit for human consumption. Though water is technically a renewable resource, our supply of water is decreasing faster than it can be replenished.
How many half-empty water bottles do you see in the garbage, lockers, at the track or in the cafeteria? If we had to collect water ourselves, we would definitely be more aware of the amount we waste vs what we actually use and/or need. I feel that if more people were aware of how much of an impact they have on the world's water consumption, they would be aware of their own and reduce it. If everyone contributed a little, it would make a huge difference. Every little drop of water adds up. I think if people were informed of why water is essential vs just simply being told to conserve, they would dramatically reduce their usage. Connecting real lives with the impact of your actions make you realize how much it really matters. People depend on water. And the truth is, not all people have access to it.
Children as young as four or five, replenish their village's water sources by carrying canisters filled with water for miles (pictured).
I found a blog, called "Journalist on the Run". This journalist is a woman who plans to visit as many countries as possible. In the diary excerpt I read, she was in Kenya. She wrote of the importance of water in the village community. She quickly learned of true conservation of the resource and how sacred water is to the people. "The town can ‘run out of internet’ and not bat an eyelid, everyone goes on as if nothing has happened, nothing of value has been lost. But, without water, life ceases to exists" she writes. It really makes you think how much we take for granted. Reading of this makes me feel selfish. Internet to them is not needed, but for most in America, especially teens, it can easily be mistaken for being more important than water. However, it is not a need: water is a necessity. It's devastating that there are people who do not have something they so desperately need to simply survive. https://janetnewenham.wordpress.com/2011/12/30/dear-diary-prisoners/
Children Without Education
"Less than one per cent of what the world spent every year on weapons was needed to put every child into school by the year 2000 and yet it didn’t happen. " (1997)
http://www.globalissues.org/article/26/poverty-facts-and-stats
These are the priorities of the world.
Is war and conflict is valued more than education? LESS THAN 1% of what is spent EVERY YEAR. We just need one year of empathy, or kindness. If the amount of money spent on weapons was evenly divided throughout the year, it would take three days to solve this....... Of course creating and maintaining functioning school systems worldwide would take lots of time and lots of money..........the amount of money to fund this would be raised, in theory, in three days, if not spent on militant technology. Is it not worth it? What if the world cut back on spending by less than 1%? Or, even less than that over the course of several years. Perhaps, the US cut back minuscule amounts itself, as a model to other nations. Is it - the impact on these children's lives and the world - not worth it?
If you ask most people what is needed to be successful it's education.
At the age of seventeen, I have already had thirteen plus years of education. Kindergarten through twelfth grade. Pre-school. Day-care. School isn't something I'd say I'm thankful for, if asked on the spot. The first word that comes to my mind associated with school is annoying. At times it seems more of a drag than enjoyable. But, thinking about it now, I realize how much I am given. I feel that many of us overlook our lives and the fortunes we have. We're privileged enough in this community to be able to receive a quality education and access to incredible resources allowing us to enrich our minds and continue learning beyond the classrooms and the cell phones, computers, smart boards...
I remember reading once about how the cure for cancer might be trapped in a mind of an impoverished child.
Is it not worth it?
Although school may seem to be a nuisance at times, I know very well that it is important. School is important because it provides us with an education. Education is important because it opens the doors to many opportunities, to have and be a success. School can provide children with opportunities. More opportunities to grow, learn, get a job, have a hobby, foster a passion etc. Many of us come from a family with a stable income and a comfortable living situation. We go out into the world to find success, happiness and make something of ourselves.
But, what if you didn't. What if you couldn't? What if getting an education wasn't the plan... never an option, or even a thought? What if you had to stay home because rebels have taken hold of the school? What if you had a disability? What if you're part of the 11% of children worldwide who are child laborers and must work instead of learn? What if you had to stay home to help your mother take care of your siblings? What if you're not deserving of an education, unlike your brothers? You're a girl, so you can't attend school. This isn't new in Somalia - a country where only 36% of girls attend schools. In Syria, nearly half of the population is not attending school. Two hundred and ninety-schools have been destroyed in recent fightings in the Ukraine. Because of the Ebola outbreak schools have been closed and 3.5 million children are unable to attend school in Liberia and Sierra Leone. In sub-Saharan Africa, there's a lack of qualified teachers leaving 1/5 children who attend unable to read or write by the end of their studies. Natural disasters, diseases, wars, financial and economical issues have interfered with these children's educations.
But evidence shows that if we invest more in education, poverty is reduced at a faster rate. In addition, there are long-term health benefits and greater gender equality
(http://www.aworldatschool.org/news/entry/10-reasons-why-children-dont-go-to-school-1350).
Is it not worth it?
< ~1%
http://www.globalissues.org/article/26/poverty-facts-and-stats
These are the priorities of the world.
Is war and conflict is valued more than education? LESS THAN 1% of what is spent EVERY YEAR. We just need one year of empathy, or kindness. If the amount of money spent on weapons was evenly divided throughout the year, it would take three days to solve this....... Of course creating and maintaining functioning school systems worldwide would take lots of time and lots of money..........the amount of money to fund this would be raised, in theory, in three days, if not spent on militant technology. Is it not worth it? What if the world cut back on spending by less than 1%? Or, even less than that over the course of several years. Perhaps, the US cut back minuscule amounts itself, as a model to other nations. Is it - the impact on these children's lives and the world - not worth it?
If you ask most people what is needed to be successful it's education.
At the age of seventeen, I have already had thirteen plus years of education. Kindergarten through twelfth grade. Pre-school. Day-care. School isn't something I'd say I'm thankful for, if asked on the spot. The first word that comes to my mind associated with school is annoying. At times it seems more of a drag than enjoyable. But, thinking about it now, I realize how much I am given. I feel that many of us overlook our lives and the fortunes we have. We're privileged enough in this community to be able to receive a quality education and access to incredible resources allowing us to enrich our minds and continue learning beyond the classrooms and the cell phones, computers, smart boards...
I remember reading once about how the cure for cancer might be trapped in a mind of an impoverished child.
Is it not worth it?
Although school may seem to be a nuisance at times, I know very well that it is important. School is important because it provides us with an education. Education is important because it opens the doors to many opportunities, to have and be a success. School can provide children with opportunities. More opportunities to grow, learn, get a job, have a hobby, foster a passion etc. Many of us come from a family with a stable income and a comfortable living situation. We go out into the world to find success, happiness and make something of ourselves.
But, what if you didn't. What if you couldn't? What if getting an education wasn't the plan... never an option, or even a thought? What if you had to stay home because rebels have taken hold of the school? What if you had a disability? What if you're part of the 11% of children worldwide who are child laborers and must work instead of learn? What if you had to stay home to help your mother take care of your siblings? What if you're not deserving of an education, unlike your brothers? You're a girl, so you can't attend school. This isn't new in Somalia - a country where only 36% of girls attend schools. In Syria, nearly half of the population is not attending school. Two hundred and ninety-schools have been destroyed in recent fightings in the Ukraine. Because of the Ebola outbreak schools have been closed and 3.5 million children are unable to attend school in Liberia and Sierra Leone. In sub-Saharan Africa, there's a lack of qualified teachers leaving 1/5 children who attend unable to read or write by the end of their studies. Natural disasters, diseases, wars, financial and economical issues have interfered with these children's educations.
But evidence shows that if we invest more in education, poverty is reduced at a faster rate. In addition, there are long-term health benefits and greater gender equality
(http://www.aworldatschool.org/news/entry/10-reasons-why-children-dont-go-to-school-1350).
Is it not worth it?
< ~1%
Blog 9: Caravaggio
Born on September 29th, Michelangelo Merisi de Caravaggio was an innovative painter that is responsible for new art techniques such as tenebrism, or very pronounced chiaroscuro that creates a dramatic effect where the darkness is the dominant aspect of the image. When using tenebrism, Caravaggio also created controversy in his art. The pope, in fact, had a death warrant for him because he was so offended by his work. Because Caravaggio was so poor, he used common people he found on the streets of Rome (often prostitutes) as cheap models to pose for religious pieces. This insulted the pope highly due to the fact that Caravaggio represented holy iconic figures as cheap models.
Caravaggio was a renouned artist who painted many images, including secular and non secular paintings. His followers, called Caravaggistis, carried on his artistic methods in less extreme but noticeable forms of tenebrism and iconic allusions. His art was inspiring to many current artists today.
Update on ISIS
Recently the Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe offered aid of 200 million dollars to countries that have been effected by ISIS. Shortly after a new video was presented of two Japanese hostages and a masked ISIS member. This member demanded the 200 million in exchange for the hostages. He demanded the money be handed over in 72 hours, sometime friday January 22 or else those two men will suffer the same fate as past hostages. The Prime Minister has decided to stick with his offer of aid and called the threat "unacceptable". Tokyo has not participated in any air strikes like the US however because they are a strong ally, they have been singled out.
Although the Prime Minister spoke firmly against the terrorist in his speech on Tuesday, he has not said anything about whether or not he will pay the ransom. We will have to wait and see what his plan is come tomorrow and find out if these men will suffer from a terrible fate.
Although the Prime Minister spoke firmly against the terrorist in his speech on Tuesday, he has not said anything about whether or not he will pay the ransom. We will have to wait and see what his plan is come tomorrow and find out if these men will suffer from a terrible fate.
New York education system (Blog post #6)
Governor Andrew Cuomo recently called for a dramatic reform of our New York education system. He believes that teachers are not being evaluated fairly, since 98% of teachers are being rated effective and only 38% of students are considered prepared. He also called for a five-year probation period before a teacher receives tenure instead of the current three. Right now, teachers are evaluated 20% by their student's performances on state tests, 20% on local tests, and 60% on classroom evaluation. Cuomo said he wants 50% of evaluation to be on state tests and the other 50% to be on independent classroom observations. This stems from a revelation in September that administrators were bumping up scores in classroom observations to stop teachers from being rated as ineffective.
In my opinion, this is ridiculous. How is it fair that teachers in schools where there is a 30% graduation rate and schools with a 97% graduation rate will both be judged by how well their kids pass the same test? Teachers should not be evaluated 50% on how their students score on state tests. In no way will this improve the education system. All this will do is cause teachers to have no option but to teach to the test. This is an awful way for a student to learn. Teaching to the test is not even teaching. All this does is teach children how to pass a test. These kids are just going to learn how to pass these state tests and once they take the test they will forget it all. It's sad and embarrassing that this has where our education system has gone. The thought of what school will be like by the time I have kids is a very scary thought. Who knows what will happen in the next 10-20 years?
In my opinion, this is ridiculous. How is it fair that teachers in schools where there is a 30% graduation rate and schools with a 97% graduation rate will both be judged by how well their kids pass the same test? Teachers should not be evaluated 50% on how their students score on state tests. In no way will this improve the education system. All this will do is cause teachers to have no option but to teach to the test. This is an awful way for a student to learn. Teaching to the test is not even teaching. All this does is teach children how to pass a test. These kids are just going to learn how to pass these state tests and once they take the test they will forget it all. It's sad and embarrassing that this has where our education system has gone. The thought of what school will be like by the time I have kids is a very scary thought. Who knows what will happen in the next 10-20 years?
Children Living in Poverty (Blog 9)
In one of the richest countries in the world, 1 in 5 children are living in poverty.
According to the National Center for Children in Poverty, 22% of children in the United States are living below the federal poverty level, which is $23,550 per year for a family of four. That's $5,887 per person for an entire year. Unsurprisingly, research shows that an income of twice that level is required to cover basic expenses. If one were to use that figure, 45% of children now live in low income families. 16 million would turn into 32 million.
But let's return to concrete facts for the moment, where only 22% children in the United States live in poverty. Pretend our school is the United States. If our school has approximately 3,000 students, 660 of those students live in poverty.
What are the characteristics of these 16 million children? African American and Hispanic children are the most likely to live in poverty, with American Indian children close behind. They are more likely to live in rural areas than urban areas, and are slightly more likely to live in the South than the West, Midwest or Northeast. They probably live with only one parent- 70% of all children with a single parent live in low income families. Their parents may not have graduated college or even high school-86% of children whose parents did not graduate high school live in low income families, while 66% of children whose parents graduated high school but not college live in low income families. This means it is more important than ever to solve the problem that is the growing cost of college education. If a solution is not found, the vicious cycle of poverty will continue to worsen.
Children represent 24% of the country's population, but represent 34% of Americans living in poverty. Children are twice as likely to live in poverty as adults over 65. We must work together to solve the problem of poverty before it is too late.
Source: National Center for Children in Poverty
Becky Reals
According to the National Center for Children in Poverty, 22% of children in the United States are living below the federal poverty level, which is $23,550 per year for a family of four. That's $5,887 per person for an entire year. Unsurprisingly, research shows that an income of twice that level is required to cover basic expenses. If one were to use that figure, 45% of children now live in low income families. 16 million would turn into 32 million.
But let's return to concrete facts for the moment, where only 22% children in the United States live in poverty. Pretend our school is the United States. If our school has approximately 3,000 students, 660 of those students live in poverty.
What are the characteristics of these 16 million children? African American and Hispanic children are the most likely to live in poverty, with American Indian children close behind. They are more likely to live in rural areas than urban areas, and are slightly more likely to live in the South than the West, Midwest or Northeast. They probably live with only one parent- 70% of all children with a single parent live in low income families. Their parents may not have graduated college or even high school-86% of children whose parents did not graduate high school live in low income families, while 66% of children whose parents graduated high school but not college live in low income families. This means it is more important than ever to solve the problem that is the growing cost of college education. If a solution is not found, the vicious cycle of poverty will continue to worsen.
Children represent 24% of the country's population, but represent 34% of Americans living in poverty. Children are twice as likely to live in poverty as adults over 65. We must work together to solve the problem of poverty before it is too late.
Source: National Center for Children in Poverty
Becky Reals
blog 9
The coalition fighting ISIS has killed more than 6,000 fighters, including half of the top command of the terror group, U.S. diplomatic officials said Thursday.
The number of fighters killed has not been publicly discussed before but was disclosed by the U.S. ambassador to Iraq Stuart Jones, who told Al Arabiya television earlier in the day that an estimated 6,000 fighters have been killed. Jones said the military effort was having a "devastating" impact on ISIS.
http://edition.cnn.com/2015/01/22/politics/us-officials-say-6000-isis-fighters-killed-in-battles/index.html
blog 7
According to the Community College Research Center at Teachers College, Columbia University, only 22% of students graduate within three years, and 28% graduate within four. More telling, 80% of students say they want a bachelor's degree or higher, and yet only 20% of these students transfer to a four-year institution within five years. Even if the President's plan passed, it wouldn't help the large number of already-overcrowded community colleges that have waiting lists numbering in the thousands. Tuition is only a small part of the funding needed to educate additional students.
The larger question the proposal misses is not how to allow students to afford college, but how to make college affordable. There's a huge distinction. The focus should be to make postsecondary education less costly and of better quality, such that the question of how to afford it becomes manageable. The President's proposal merely charges education, in the form of debt for future generations of taxpayers, rather than changes it. By supporting free community college, President Obama is merely leaving it for future generations to confront. We need a better strategy for skills training overall before we go further down the track of subsidizing students to attend community college only to emerge with little to show for it.
The larger question the proposal misses is not how to allow students to afford college, but how to make college affordable. There's a huge distinction. The focus should be to make postsecondary education less costly and of better quality, such that the question of how to afford it becomes manageable. The President's proposal merely charges education, in the form of debt for future generations of taxpayers, rather than changes it. By supporting free community college, President Obama is merely leaving it for future generations to confront. We need a better strategy for skills training overall before we go further down the track of subsidizing students to attend community college only to emerge with little to show for it.
blog 6
Most experts project an average 6% increase per year. That means the cost to send a newborn child to a 4-year public university in the year 2023 will reach over $145,000 or over $335,000 for a 4-year private university. The graph shows the rate these costs are expected to grow over the next 18 years. This is completely unfair to anyone who wants to go on to another level of school. How is a normal middle class or lower class family even suppose to think about going to college when they are going to be paying this much just to go there.
Some people might say that this can be avoided if you are given a scholarship but even with that the rate that the price is increasing it will still be at an outrageous price after being given a scholarship. This could force more people into public universities and even discourage people from wanting to go on to a higher education. At a time when most people are trying to find out where they will be in the next couple months price can be a big factor into the decision. This takes away a opportunity to attend a private university that they might like a lot more then the place they end up.
Some people might say that this can be avoided if you are given a scholarship but even with that the rate that the price is increasing it will still be at an outrageous price after being given a scholarship. This could force more people into public universities and even discourage people from wanting to go on to a higher education. At a time when most people are trying to find out where they will be in the next couple months price can be a big factor into the decision. This takes away a opportunity to attend a private university that they might like a lot more then the place they end up.
Husdon River Valley Paintings (Met Trip)
Thomas Cole (1801–1848), The Oxbow, View from Mount Holyoke, Northampton, Massachusetts, after a Thunderstorm, 1836.
One of my favorite rooms in the entire Metropolitan museum of Art is the Hudson Valley River Paintings. These 1800's American landscapes capture the vast romanticized beauty of nature. There purpose was to show nature and humans peacefully coexisting in these newly settles environments, which was believed to be an ineffable manifestation of god. Painters would often do various sketches of different subjects and later compile them together in their studio because conditions were often too harsh to paint outside.
The manor in which Cole captures this majestic expanse is absolutely breathtaking. The clouds above are displaying natures' temperament; although she can be angry there is beauty within the horrid conditions.
Seeing the large size of this painting, 51.5" x 76", aids his purpose of displaying natures seemingly endless essence. Even though there are boarders and a picture frame, the way Cole cuts off some of the large broken tree shows that there is so much more to what we the viewers are actually seeing. Nature is so vast that it grows beyond the restrictions of the canvas and the artist knows that.
The manor in which Cole captures this majestic expanse is absolutely breathtaking. The clouds above are displaying natures' temperament; although she can be angry there is beauty within the horrid conditions.
John Frederick Kensett (American, 1816–1872)
Oil on canvas; 18 x 36 in. (45.7 x 91.4 cm)
"Long Island's north shore near Huntington in Suffolk County, would have required an hour long sail or more across the Long Island Sound from Kensett's studio off Darien, Connecticut."
Continuing my browsing in American landscape paintings, my eye wondered to this particular piece and I immediately said
"That looks like Long Island!"
When I reached the information tag, what do you know, it is Long Island. That to me was an amazing experience in itself to be looking at a local area that was painted as seen in the mid 19th century.
ESM's Rankings in U.S. Public Schools (blog 9)
https://k12.niche.com/eastport-south-manor-junior-senior-high-school-manorville-ny/rankings/#country
Nationally, Eastport-South Manor Jr Sr High School is top ranked in Best Extracurriculars (414th of 9,593 in the country of Public High Schools), Best Middle School Teachers (747th of 15,151 in the country of Public Middle Schools), Best Facilities (468th of 5,984 in the country for Public High Schools), and as the list goes on our ranking dimishes. Our school scores B+ in academics, A in extracurriculars, B+ in food, A- in resources and facilities, A- in teachers, and the list goes on. Our school is great, right?
As you look down the list, we are bottom ranked in Best Outcomes (4,684th of 6,034 in the country for Public High Schools), Most Diverse Public Middle Schools (22,762nd of 23,538 in the country for Public Middle Schools), and Most Diverse Public High Schools (9,365th of 9,538 in the country for Public High Schools). It's not surprising to see that our school is at the bottom for diversity. According to censusreporter.org, Easport is 80% white and Manorville is 95% white. Why is there little diversity? It is a surprise that our school is low ranked in the Best Outcomes. Our area is fairly well off, in turn we have more opportunties, so how come we are at the low end of the scale? What do you think?
See the link above to see all the data.
Allen,South Dakota ( blog # 9)
People have been living well in America for quite some time now but not all all people are living the way we are familiar with. In Allen, South Dakota the population is 420 people,and is listed as the poorest city in the United States.The estimated median household income in 2012 was 17,,548 dollars it was 10, 000 dollars less 12 years before that so its growing but is still a city in extreme poverty. The per capita income in Allen is 2,859$ and i bet some people in our community spend that type of money in a few weeks. Most of the residents their are depressed by the fact that there are no jobs for them not even in surrounding cities due to the current recession. Alcoholism and other drugs is a huge problem on the Indian reservation, "not too many people die of old age here." said Clarence Stood. The 23 year old man, Clarence Stood tried to kill himself at 15 years old but his mom walked in the room right when he was about to and a few years later he overdosed on pills but was rushed to the hospital, he said " this type of life, you got to be strong to live it" and he's completely right. No one deserves to live a life in so much poverty, their is very little food for these people to eat, poor education, small little houses, tiny bedrooms, and many graves due to the amount of people that kill themselves, car accidents, and illness. There is very little opportunity for the people on the reservation and many of the people who live there surprisingly have a difficult time leaving, Clarence stated " I wanted to be somebody at one time but it didn't happen for me because i stayed around here. I had big dreams. I wanted to go as far as my legs would take me". Almost everyone of us in our school district has a great opportunity to be successful later on in our lives that other people across the country do not and we must take advantage of it.
David Sherlock
Trying to visualize 50 million people (Blog post #5)
The poverty line in the United States is drawn at American families of four who make $23,850 or less per year. Most Americans will spend at least one year below the poverty some point in their lives between age 25 and 75. The percentage of Americans under the poverty currently is about 14.5%. This is almost 50 million Americans of our 320 million population. 50 million is a difficult number to visualize, but I found these images on http://www.kokogiak.com/megapenny/ that can help to put it into perspective. The MegaPenny Project takes the penny, an everyday object, to help people grasp just how much a thousand, a million, a billion or even a trillion really is.
This image shows a 5'10, 180 pound man standing next to one million pennies. The wall is 5 feet by 4 feet by one feet, with a 9 inch cube next to it. It is equal to ten thousand dollars and weighs 3.14 tons, or 6,273.6 pounds. This is only a fiftieth of the amount of Americans in poverty!
This next image shows ten million pennies next to the same size man. This cube is 6 feet by 6 feet by 6 feet, weighs 31.3 tons, and if all the pennies were in one stack, it would be 9.88 miles high. If they were laid flat, they would fill .9 acres. This is only a fifth of the Americans in poverty!
Although there was no picture of 50 million pennies, it would be five of this last picture. That would be 5 6x6x6 foot cubes of pennies. Now try to imagine each penny as a person. This is how many people are living in America in poverty! It is difficult and sad to realize that this many humans in America alone do not have an acceptable amount of money, something that people like us often take for granted.
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