Citizenship is not something I think about on a
regular basis. When I think about immigration, I immediately think about
politics, and the extreme popularity it portrays in the media, especially
during election season. Clearly this has become more of an issue with
population growth, and the massive diversity of human culture. You hear extreme
stories of sacrifice for even the smallest chance at the dream people call
America. A common theme I notice is struggle and heartache, mixed with strong
determination and a dash of invincible will, which usually leads to some eventually
triumph. In many of these experiences or stories people appear to go to hell
and back before their dreams are made possible. For those who sought to know
this great land, they’re steadfast persistence pays off. In my mind, modern day
America is made up of this vast variety of people with common goals, many times
making something out of nothing, but somehow making it work. My wish or hope is
that anyone who had a desire to come to America would have the opportunity. I
don’t know much about the process, but legal immigration seems fair, and
illegal immigration needs some work. I know we provide aid to other nations, I
also know that on the world stage the United states seems to capitalize on the
small guys, and find some way for it to majorly favor the country. This is where
I’m torn. I see other struggling countries, and ask, why can’t we fix this.
There is a reason people are desperate to come to America. You hear or see
stories that break your heart, but how can I fix this. These eternal ethical
philosophical debates mostly occur when asked questions that force you to
actually think about current issues. It’s nice to get them down on paper, and
would encourage people to ask more questions. How can we help solve this issue,
and how can we get started on and more involved in the process.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Gass1
Christopher Gass
Professor Kelly Warren
ENC 1102
February 19th, 2013
Response to Digital Nation
Digital Nation was
extremely eye opening to say the very least. I am part of this digital nation. Although there is much controversy
surrounding digital media and its impact on the world we live in, it is a
subject that needs to be addressed. The opposition finds it more challenging to
see the possible positive benefits of being so well connected. There are more
than just a few benefits of using social media to our advantage. The
Educational aspect is huge. How we can a collective can use our digital nation
as a tremendous tool for educational improvement. Big business also stands to
benefit from being on the cutting edge of staying connected, making a better
work environment for other wise bored employees. The amount of relationships
that have developed from the introduction of the internet is astronomical.
There is no possible way to survive in today’s modern life with out being
plugged in or connected in one way or another.
The opposition has
any number of reasons why being so plugged in may pose more harm than good. This
is the question that we face. At a
time when technology is moving at an exponential rate, these questions need to
be addressed. Who are we as a people, and are we headed in a
healthy direction with so much time spent online. Is the time online taking us
away from human interaction? In South Korea the amount of time spent online or
gaming has now led to addiction centers for young people who have become so immersed
in gaming they would spend days at a time consumed by one game.
The educational
aspect has improved in schools throughout the country. The numbers say that
math and reading scores have increased due to having access to internet in the
class room. Teachers have complained about skills sets not being up to par, but
in the right circumstance it has been proven to teach kids in away that has
never really been done before until this last decade. According to Digital
nation reading scores are up 40%, and math scores are up 50% in particular
school districts. Especially today, kids learn so differently. The brain is
stimulated, and you now have multiple ways to engage children that would other
wise be left behind.
Part of what
excited me most about digital nation was the idea of virtual worlds. Not in a
gaming aspect, but more for using these tools in a business environment. I know
plenty of people that work from home, and have their teams they meet with a few
times a week on conference calls. When I saw what IMB was doing with second
life, I thought to myself, brilliant. Corporate settings are loosing ground,
unless your working for Google, most people don’t love their cubicles. With
Options like virtual workspaces, just like education, you are again instantly
engaged. Making it fun, while getting to know the people you talk with
regularly, but rarely get to meet. Further more there are other options for keeping in touch with your neighbor.
Building a blog is
exciting, just another way to share your life online. Many relationships form
online with or without intention, but they are happening left and right. These
could be professional relationships or romantic involvement. I read that forty
million Americans have attempted online dating, and many of these first dates
lead to successful marriage and family. Sometimes just meeting a kindred spirit,
a close friend, or someone who you can share hobbies with.
Digital Nation was
extremely eye opening to say the very least. I am part of this digital nation.
It’s interesting how you don’t seem to be given much of a choice especially
when if your younger, or being raised in this environment that is by most
defaults somehow connected in one way or another. A question to ask is weather
this huge phenomenon is doing more harm than good. I personally kicked and
screamed when it came to the idea of being “connected”. I could not stand the
idea of being plugged in, this was about six years ago. I waited as long as
possible, even to get something as simple as an email address. One day it just
hit me, there is no possible way to survive in today’s society without some
connection or plug in.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Journal 3
Digital Nation was extremely eye opening to say the very
least. I am part of this digital nation. It’s interesting how you don’t seem to
be given much of a choice especially when if your younger, or being raised in
this environment that is by most defaults somehow connected in one way or
another. I personally kicked and screamed when it came to the idea of being
“connected”. I could not stand the idea of being plugged in, this was about six
years ago. I waited as long as possible, even to get something as simple as an
email address. One day it just hit me, there is no possible way to survive in
today’s society without some connection or plug in. I’m still carful about even
facebook, and other forms of social media, but I’m attached to my phone for
email, and direct access to the Internet. I understand the need for connection
that many people crave through gaming or even to keep in touch through
something as simple as facebook, I’m still a little apprehensive about diving
in head first with all the latest in social media. No twitter for me as of
right now. Building a blog is exciting. Part of what excited me about digital
nation was the idea of virtual worlds. Not in a gaming aspect, but more for using
these tools in a business environment. I know plenty of people that work from
home, and have their teams they meet with a few times a week on conference
calls. When I saw what IMB was doing with second life, I thought to myself,
that’s brilliant. Make in fun, more engaging, and get to know more about the
people you talk with regularly but never see. Saving money on travel I’m sure
was a plus for them. The negative effects also made me think. The way they
spoke of South Korea, and the addiction aspect. There are many pros and cons
that should be contemplated. The
rate of upgrade and change is growing exponentially and is impossible to keep
up with. It seems like there should be more acknowledgement on the potential hazards.
In an educational environment I love the idea. One thing I can safely say is
the Internet and now our extreme dependence on it is necessary to stay in touch
even at the most basic level. This is the point of no return. How will we move
forward?
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Journal 2
So I started asking classmates and coworkers, thumbs up or
thumbs down, on reality television shows? I guess I didn’t realize the gravity
of the question. Almost every response was something like, “well I don’t know!
I mean I guess it just depends on what reality show you’re watching.” Mostly
everyone agreed that reality TV was anything but reality. This is the appeal. In
the book they use the term Humilitainment, which is defined as the tendency for
viewers to be attached to spectacular mortification. I have to admit I have
never considered myself a big reality tv fan. I don’t have the luxury of cable
television, but every time I’m at family or friend’s house I’m hooked. It
usually stops me in my tracks, and I am hypnotized by the insanity. I personally
love when I see teams, and a race is involved. I became a huge fan of Ru Paul’s
Drag race. Jersey Shore is bogus, you don’t even realize what you’re doing, but
before you know it your eyes seemed to be glued. I have been known to spend the
entire weekend watching every episode in every season. This just goes to show
you the power of the wild idea that they now call reality TV. “Reality TV is
just as real as anything else, it’s not”. The desire for human connection has
never been greater. This combined with pure curiosity could easily explain the
enormous popularity of this latest TV trend.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)