We should all keep in mind that there will always be bullies. There are always going to be people that were taught from an early age that they should be proud, proud of who they are, where they are from, and how they live - and that's perfectly well and good. But, out of those people, there are some that are never introduced to new ideas and viewpoints from people of another culture, never shown that those differences are equally as important to how we all live, that they should be attempted to be understood and respected. On top of this, there are fewer still that are given the idea that the way they do things is better, that fellow humans that act differently should change because it's "not right", and that those that do not wish to change are too strange or stupid to understand. My friends, we have just witnessed how a bully is made. Such people have been with us as long as there has been diversity within our species, and they will stay as long as we continue to remain even the slightest bit ignorant of each other.
This does not mean we are fighting a lost cause. We just need to make sure we don't fall prey to the same prejudice we see around us and, for some us, experience. For that, we need to realize why we should accept people and love them for their differences, no matter how contradicting our views may be. I used to be frequently harassed, once to the point where I ended up with a broken arm. I have also taken part in numerous situations where I was the one acting narrow-minded. Despite that, I love people.
I love the fact that we all live so close and interact so frequently, but still see the universe through different eyes, experience different things, and can create something no one's ever made or think of something in a way no one ever has before. We were all born into a universe of our own, with its own storyline and characters and true meaning. It's when these different and new ideas are passed between the universes that we truly begin to work for the betterment of our species together. It's a beautiful thing when a group of people don't set aside their differences, but bring them together so that a problem can be assessed from every vantage point. Just look through history, and at one point or anther you will find a great feat of engineering or literature or even politics that spread across the globe to improve the lives of everyone. This is because someone had the sense to see how the power of combined human thought and effort can create wonderful things. This is truly why we should rejoice in the diversity of the world and stand up for those who are silenced, because the occasional harmony of it all only adds to the richness of life we experience.
(This very late post is in response to The Day Of Silence - for the sake of clarity.)
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Day of Prayer
I've never been very religious, I consider myself an atheist, so no, I'm not celebrating the National Day of prayer. I am going to, and would expect all students to, attend school that day whether or not they agree with the day of prayer, and to be tolerant of those participating. As far as the school being invovled, I think that like the day of silence that the school should tolerate the day of prayer. If a group of students want to come in early, or stay after late to celebrate the day, then as long as they have chaperone, and the school is open, then go ahead. I don't think the school should really have to host or make large accomodations for the day of prayer (i.e. excusing students from their classes to pray), all the school did for the day of silence was allow students not to talk. The students involved with the day of silence still had to do all their work and attend all their classes (even if they weren't participating verbally), I think it is fair and reasonable to ask that the students participating in the Day of Prayer do the same.
National Day of Prayer
For the national day of prayer, my youth group is having a special service devoted to praying and the many different ways to pray. My church is having a prayer breakfast (but I can't go cause of school). I think the thing with the planes flying over the capitals is a really neat idea!
For a Christian, everyday is a day needs to be a day of prayer. It's cool, though, to have a day set aside where everyone is praying for our nation together. Kind of like we're all joining hands for a day and lifting up our country and world.
I don't think the school itself needs to acknowledge the Day of Prayer, but should certinally allow students to acknowledge it. The school didn't acknowledge the Day of Silence, the students did. I think this is the right way to go about it.
For a Christian, everyday is a day needs to be a day of prayer. It's cool, though, to have a day set aside where everyone is praying for our nation together. Kind of like we're all joining hands for a day and lifting up our country and world.
I don't think the school itself needs to acknowledge the Day of Prayer, but should certinally allow students to acknowledge it. The school didn't acknowledge the Day of Silence, the students did. I think this is the right way to go about it.
public schools silencing Christian view points
I'm all for being a voice for the voiceless, and I passionately believe that "evil prevails when good men do nothing". If the day of silence was truly a day set apart for harrassed , bullied, and silenced people as described by Ms. Gaboury, I would be 100% behind it. Unfortunately, if you research the "Day of Silence" as we are taught to do when educating ourselves on certain topics, you will find that this day was specifically set apart for gay, lesbian transexuals, and bi sexuals, of which i do not stand in judgment. If our school or Ms. Gaboury would like to celebrate a day that truly celebrates standing up for "all" people, it should be on a different day, so all people could feel represented. As a Christian, not only do i feel discluded from this day, but i feel silenced because of "someone else's idea of a correct world" Tolerance for all view points are much needed in our society and especially in our public schools of which all taxpayers pay for, and should be represented and protected. This does not seem to be the case for Christians, because i have conservative view points and made a decision to not participate in a day that doesn't represent "all" people. I've been targeted and sterio typed as intolerant, and prejudice simply because i protested a day masked by tolerance with zero tolerance for conservative Christian view points. To me, the hypocracy from people who call themselves tolerant is intolerable.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Everybody who knows me should know by now that I am a Christian. 'Christian' means "little Christ." My goal in life is to be like Christ Jesus - an impossible task without my Heavenly Father's help! Now, if this is so that means I need to treat people as Christ would treat them. If the way Jesus treated people was the way Mrs. Gaboury described then I would need to be tolerant of all other people's belief and feelings. Mrs. Gaboury, with all due respect, the way you described Jesus is completely wrong!
'Tolerance' is defined as "acceptance of different views." That is not what Jesus did. His goal wasn't to accept people for who they are but to transform who they are. The reason He welcomed them at his table was to show them how messed up there veiws were. With the prostitutes, he didn't stand by them; he corrected them. Jesus made it quite clear that He wasn't here to bring world peace when he said "I did not come to bring peace, but a sword" (Matt. 10:34).
The fact is, I can't accept (or tolerate) homosexuality as right because it's not! The Bible makes it perfectly clear. I am completely against abusing and harrassing these people; that's not the correct response. But niether is accepting there beliefs as right. This is not the way my Jesus did it so it is not the way I do it. It's that simple.
to be continued w/ stuff on the Natitonal Day of Prayer . . .
'Tolerance' is defined as "acceptance of different views." That is not what Jesus did. His goal wasn't to accept people for who they are but to transform who they are. The reason He welcomed them at his table was to show them how messed up there veiws were. With the prostitutes, he didn't stand by them; he corrected them. Jesus made it quite clear that He wasn't here to bring world peace when he said "I did not come to bring peace, but a sword" (Matt. 10:34).
The fact is, I can't accept (or tolerate) homosexuality as right because it's not! The Bible makes it perfectly clear. I am completely against abusing and harrassing these people; that's not the correct response. But niether is accepting there beliefs as right. This is not the way my Jesus did it so it is not the way I do it. It's that simple.
to be continued w/ stuff on the Natitonal Day of Prayer . . .
Thursday, May 1, 2008
To me the National Prayer day seems like a great idea. It is a day where everyone, from everywhere can prayer in any way their religion preaches. The concept preaches tolerance for all, and the idea of accepting eachother as human beings, and not different races, or nationalities. We are obviously in a time where one's personal success means more to him than the success of the much bigger picture. This is very selfish, but it is the truth about the world in which we live in. To me the solution is simply acceptance. If we accept others for who they are as individuals, the world will be a much better place. Today is we look at someone of middle eastern decent, we automatically think that they are directly related to the terrorists, and jihadists, who pray on the innocent. This is almost always is completely false. They are here in America to escape such persecution from their previous homes and lives. When they come here, they see our nation as being a land of opportunity, justice, and security. What they find themselves encountering now is persecution for their religious beliefs, and the color of their skin. This completely defeats the point of the morals in which this nation was built upon. There are many, many people in America who love thier country, and would do anything to defend it. Some of these people are those who persecute others who were not fortunate enough to be born in these great lands. That is where I am angered, if they were such Patriots, than why do they not realize that their actions, and words do not help America. They only make it a worse place (KKK). Such groups should not be hated, but rather pittied. They should be pittied because they are not dumb, or uneducated, they are just ignerant of the ideal that every man is created equal. Acceptance of others is the answer to our problems.
An Attempt at Clarity and a Call for Peace and Tolerance. And Prayer?
I know the Day of Silence was created to bring about the awareness of the silenced victims of violence due to their sexual orientation, but my point is that in high school and in our class, the idea is tolerance for all.
No matter how hard I try, there always seems to be some under currents of prejudice and fear of people who are unlike ourselves, in classes, in schools. Sometimes it is caused by religion, sometimes by political beliefs, sometimes by sexual orientation, sometimes by economic factors, sometimes by who-knows-what!
My idea in this assignment was to show it on a much grander scale (not just the sexual orientation) so everyone could understand how painful it is to be separated off because of someone else's idea of what is natural and right.
Meaning: Some people feel religions are man-made and not natural. Some people feel one chooses one's sexual orientation and it is not natural. Some people feel mixing races is wrong. Etc.
My point is also to say let's look at this issue through the lens of something everyone can understand--being called names and being picked on. For the most part, everyone has had this happen to them; however, for the most part, most of us have not had to fear for our safety because of our sexual orientation or skin color or religion or anything. However, in parts of the world--this is real. Every day. People have to worry about their safety going to the mall. Going to a show. Going to church. Traveling on mass transit. Going to high school.
To me, that is unfair and unjust.
Just as you have a right to believe such and such about gays, gays have a right to believe such and such about you. And so on. Just as we have Meet Me at the Flag Pole (not sure how active that is this year) and a room set aside for people to pray for their religion during the day, other groups have a right to do 'their thing.' As long as it doesn't interfere with instruction and other people's rights, that is. That's when harassing and name-calling step over the line.
It is a tough topic. It makes people feel uncomfortable and unsure. That's okay with me. What I mean is, I understand how unsettling a topic can be when trying to balance society, culture, religious beliefs and then actual breathing people. So we all have to work it out and rework it and do whatever we do to come to terms with the topic and issue. That's okay. That's human.
I am glad that people are thinking about it. Even if most people seemed to be missing MY point. :-) Ah, the life of an English teacher!
I encourage all to look at the actual assignment, though. Since many people are saying that they are against this day because of their religion, let me tell you one person who stands out in my head as a proponent of the silenced. That is the story of Jesus. He stood beside the lepers and prostitutes and other silenced members of the society. He did not say they had no voice in life, he gave them voice. He listened to them. He did not tell them they were unnatural or wrong. He accepted or tolerated them. He may not have agreed with their ways but they were welcomed at his table. (He did not walk out of school to say they were 'disgusting' or pick on a kid and call him gay and fag.)
In literature I think of Atticus from TKAM. He stood up for Tom Robinson during a time that blacks were not given equal rights. He did the right thing regardless of how he was perceived by the society he lived in.
I think about many students who see someone getting picked on in the halls and they step in. My oldest son stepped in to a fight because one kid was being beat on the head with a pay phone handle! By a football player (my son was a skinny track kid)! He did it because of the injustice of it. He was also called many harsh names during his time in high school-now he wants to be a teacher or a diplomat-and he speaks for the silenced. My other son did the same thing--though no phone was involved. :-)
They are my heroes.
I am sure that you have stood up for the underdog and that the people you hang out with or in this class have done some amazing things-in the name of justice.
Let me say one more thing since I have your attention. It does bother me when people say they are religious and certain things are against their religion--yet they have no problem with cornering a kid or harassing a kid and calling him what is meant to be hurtful and derogatory names. That does not seem to be very religious to me. That seems very hypocritical and cruel. Not at all like the religion they proclaim to be part of. It bothers me equally when people are in a group that suggests acceptance and tolerance and they show neither.
My idea is tolerance. My plea is tolerance. Just as some wish to be tolerated for their religion, they must reach out their hand and tolerate people of other beliefs. Just as some people want tolerance for sexual orientation, they must reach out their hand and understand other's ideas. Just as some wish to show understanding of rights, they must reach out their hand to understand other's ideas.
I am not asking anyone to invite someone over for the holidays and sing songs, I am asking for a classroom and school environment and then a world environment where people are tolerated, if not completely understood and accepted.
Ah, world peace.
Your opinions are always valued, however this assignment did not call for them (I have known you all for many months, I KNOW how many of you think and feel already :-)). The assignment called for stepping out of your skin and into someone else's for a few moments and seeing the world through their eyes. It called for understanding and once again, tolerance. And of course, writing!
Enjoy the weekend! See you Tuesday!
EDITED MONDAY PM: This week contains the National Day of Prayer, May 1st. This week for your blog (ah! Why do I do this to myself?) write a response to this day. Are you doing anything to celebrate it? Are you going to church? A hike? A plane ride over a state capital? Spending time with family and friends? Being extra special nice and tolerant of those who don't pray? :-) Will it just be a day like any other, perhaps filled with English homework? How far should a public school go for this day (consider Day of Silence, Blue and Gold Day, etc) and also consider ALL the different religions NOT just YOURS. :-)
Enjoy!
No matter how hard I try, there always seems to be some under currents of prejudice and fear of people who are unlike ourselves, in classes, in schools. Sometimes it is caused by religion, sometimes by political beliefs, sometimes by sexual orientation, sometimes by economic factors, sometimes by who-knows-what!
My idea in this assignment was to show it on a much grander scale (not just the sexual orientation) so everyone could understand how painful it is to be separated off because of someone else's idea of what is natural and right.
Meaning: Some people feel religions are man-made and not natural. Some people feel one chooses one's sexual orientation and it is not natural. Some people feel mixing races is wrong. Etc.
My point is also to say let's look at this issue through the lens of something everyone can understand--being called names and being picked on. For the most part, everyone has had this happen to them; however, for the most part, most of us have not had to fear for our safety because of our sexual orientation or skin color or religion or anything. However, in parts of the world--this is real. Every day. People have to worry about their safety going to the mall. Going to a show. Going to church. Traveling on mass transit. Going to high school.
To me, that is unfair and unjust.
Just as you have a right to believe such and such about gays, gays have a right to believe such and such about you. And so on. Just as we have Meet Me at the Flag Pole (not sure how active that is this year) and a room set aside for people to pray for their religion during the day, other groups have a right to do 'their thing.' As long as it doesn't interfere with instruction and other people's rights, that is. That's when harassing and name-calling step over the line.
It is a tough topic. It makes people feel uncomfortable and unsure. That's okay with me. What I mean is, I understand how unsettling a topic can be when trying to balance society, culture, religious beliefs and then actual breathing people. So we all have to work it out and rework it and do whatever we do to come to terms with the topic and issue. That's okay. That's human.
I am glad that people are thinking about it. Even if most people seemed to be missing MY point. :-) Ah, the life of an English teacher!
I encourage all to look at the actual assignment, though. Since many people are saying that they are against this day because of their religion, let me tell you one person who stands out in my head as a proponent of the silenced. That is the story of Jesus. He stood beside the lepers and prostitutes and other silenced members of the society. He did not say they had no voice in life, he gave them voice. He listened to them. He did not tell them they were unnatural or wrong. He accepted or tolerated them. He may not have agreed with their ways but they were welcomed at his table. (He did not walk out of school to say they were 'disgusting' or pick on a kid and call him gay and fag.)
In literature I think of Atticus from TKAM. He stood up for Tom Robinson during a time that blacks were not given equal rights. He did the right thing regardless of how he was perceived by the society he lived in.
I think about many students who see someone getting picked on in the halls and they step in. My oldest son stepped in to a fight because one kid was being beat on the head with a pay phone handle! By a football player (my son was a skinny track kid)! He did it because of the injustice of it. He was also called many harsh names during his time in high school-now he wants to be a teacher or a diplomat-and he speaks for the silenced. My other son did the same thing--though no phone was involved. :-)
They are my heroes.
I am sure that you have stood up for the underdog and that the people you hang out with or in this class have done some amazing things-in the name of justice.
Let me say one more thing since I have your attention. It does bother me when people say they are religious and certain things are against their religion--yet they have no problem with cornering a kid or harassing a kid and calling him what is meant to be hurtful and derogatory names. That does not seem to be very religious to me. That seems very hypocritical and cruel. Not at all like the religion they proclaim to be part of. It bothers me equally when people are in a group that suggests acceptance and tolerance and they show neither.
My idea is tolerance. My plea is tolerance. Just as some wish to be tolerated for their religion, they must reach out their hand and tolerate people of other beliefs. Just as some people want tolerance for sexual orientation, they must reach out their hand and understand other's ideas. Just as some wish to show understanding of rights, they must reach out their hand to understand other's ideas.
I am not asking anyone to invite someone over for the holidays and sing songs, I am asking for a classroom and school environment and then a world environment where people are tolerated, if not completely understood and accepted.
Ah, world peace.
Your opinions are always valued, however this assignment did not call for them (I have known you all for many months, I KNOW how many of you think and feel already :-)). The assignment called for stepping out of your skin and into someone else's for a few moments and seeing the world through their eyes. It called for understanding and once again, tolerance. And of course, writing!
Enjoy the weekend! See you Tuesday!
EDITED MONDAY PM: This week contains the National Day of Prayer, May 1st. This week for your blog (ah! Why do I do this to myself?) write a response to this day. Are you doing anything to celebrate it? Are you going to church? A hike? A plane ride over a state capital? Spending time with family and friends? Being extra special nice and tolerant of those who don't pray? :-) Will it just be a day like any other, perhaps filled with English homework? How far should a public school go for this day (consider Day of Silence, Blue and Gold Day, etc) and also consider ALL the different religions NOT just YOURS. :-)
Enjoy!
National Day Of Prayer
I never knew there was a National Day Of Prayer. But now that I know I think National Day Of Prayer is good holiday for people who are very religious because they can be any religion and pray when they want and not be told it is the wrong religion .I am catholic but I don't go to church every sunday or that often. I will probually be spending time with family and friends on National Day Of Prayer. But I will still probually spend it like an regular day.
again: just posting this so i can access it at home.
Picasso, Pioneer of the Artistic Revolution
To many, Pablo Picasso is no more than a name, a group of words associated with an unfamiliar and hard-to-understand art form. But Picasso was more than just a painter, and more than just a poster-boy for abstract artistic expression. His mediums and methods were just as numerous as the methods and styles he invented and inspired. Indeed, his constant pushing of the envelope and constant creation of controversy made him a simply revolutionary artist of the 20th century. In addition to creating many appealing and interesting works, the artistic pioneer also inspired, catalyzed, developed, and co-created several new artistic techniques. His undeniable brilliance and creativity enabled him to rise to be one of the few visual artists ever to be extensively popular and celebrated while still alive. Pablo Picasso’s contributions to art indelibly changed the way people think of art, and permanently changed the course of modern art’s development.
Picasso, Pioneer of the Artistic Revolution
To many, Pablo Picasso is no more than a name, a group of words associated with an unfamiliar and hard-to-understand art form. But Picasso was more than just a painter, and more than just a poster-boy for abstract artistic expression. His mediums and methods were just as numerous as the methods and styles he invented and inspired. Indeed, his constant pushing of the envelope and constant creation of controversy made him a simply revolutionary artist of the 20th century. In addition to creating many appealing and interesting works, the artistic pioneer also inspired, catalyzed, developed, and co-created several new artistic techniques. His undeniable brilliance and creativity enabled him to rise to be one of the few visual artists ever to be extensively popular and celebrated while still alive. Pablo Picasso’s contributions to art indelibly changed the way people think of art, and permanently changed the course of modern art’s development.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
National Day of Prayer
I will say it right away and say that I will be celebrating the National day of Prayer. Some things I plan to do is go in eairly to pray around the flag pole wear my favorite christian shirt. I'll probibally spend almost all of my day with friends and family (not that I dont already) and I'm pretty sure that I wont be "extra" nice and tolerant of people who dont pray because I'm pretty sure I do that almost every day. I'm pretty sure that if student can be silent for a day then I can do alot to suport this day.
Day of Prayer
I am not planning on participating in the Day of Prayer. That day will proabably be a normal day for me. But I will not go home in protest of it (cough, cough) because I know how to give respect and tolerance. I am very happy for all of those who would like to participate in this Day of Prayer, but I will just not take part in it.
I think that public school shouldn't get too invovled in the Day of Prayer. Not because I don't support it, but because religion shouldn't be a part of public school. I am not sure how this Day of Prayer works, but if all people from all religious backgrounds are encouraged to participate, then I think it is fair. But somehow, I don't think it is that way. From what I hear, people come in to school early and gather to pray. That is fine in my opinion. They shouldn't take time out of the school hours because public schools aren't supposed to involve religion. Anyone can pray whenever they like, they don't need a day for it. No teacher could ever know that a student was praying during some downtime in class, if it was to his/herself (in their head). So for those who think prayer should take place during school day--I say go ahead (pray to yourself, God or whomever you believe in will hear your thoughts no matter what so to speak).
As for supporting Day of Silence vs. supporting Day of Prayer...the two cannot even be compared. The Day of Silence is a way of showing support for those who are silenced and are not accepted. Day of Prayer is about praising the lord with fellow Christians and seeking eternal righteousness. I can't even begin to compare the two. I supported both though, because I think tolerance is the most important aspect in finding peace.
P.S. To those of you that stayed home in protest of the Day of Silence-I have nothing to say, because words can't really express the anger and disapoitment I felt. I know you say you don't believe in homosexuality, and that it goes agaisnt your religion, but protesting a fight for justice is the most sinful thing I could think of. People should be able to love whomever they want to love. Just as you should be able to pray whenever you want to, or practice whatever religion you want to. It is your right and your freedom of choice. People should be able to choose for themselves the life they want to live, even if that is different from the majority. And don't tell me that Jesus, who was the help to all those in need, and who was said to love everyone equally, wouldn't give the same amount of love to a homosexual. Sorry Mrs.Gaboury, but I had to write it, because it is how I feel.
I think that public school shouldn't get too invovled in the Day of Prayer. Not because I don't support it, but because religion shouldn't be a part of public school. I am not sure how this Day of Prayer works, but if all people from all religious backgrounds are encouraged to participate, then I think it is fair. But somehow, I don't think it is that way. From what I hear, people come in to school early and gather to pray. That is fine in my opinion. They shouldn't take time out of the school hours because public schools aren't supposed to involve religion. Anyone can pray whenever they like, they don't need a day for it. No teacher could ever know that a student was praying during some downtime in class, if it was to his/herself (in their head). So for those who think prayer should take place during school day--I say go ahead (pray to yourself, God or whomever you believe in will hear your thoughts no matter what so to speak).
As for supporting Day of Silence vs. supporting Day of Prayer...the two cannot even be compared. The Day of Silence is a way of showing support for those who are silenced and are not accepted. Day of Prayer is about praising the lord with fellow Christians and seeking eternal righteousness. I can't even begin to compare the two. I supported both though, because I think tolerance is the most important aspect in finding peace.
P.S. To those of you that stayed home in protest of the Day of Silence-I have nothing to say, because words can't really express the anger and disapoitment I felt. I know you say you don't believe in homosexuality, and that it goes agaisnt your religion, but protesting a fight for justice is the most sinful thing I could think of. People should be able to love whomever they want to love. Just as you should be able to pray whenever you want to, or practice whatever religion you want to. It is your right and your freedom of choice. People should be able to choose for themselves the life they want to live, even if that is different from the majority. And don't tell me that Jesus, who was the help to all those in need, and who was said to love everyone equally, wouldn't give the same amount of love to a homosexual. Sorry Mrs.Gaboury, but I had to write it, because it is how I feel.
First they came for...
(I was absent due to that theatre feildtrip, and that is why this blog is later than others in the class.)
No one should be treated with disrespect because they are different. The minority is always picked on, while the majority stands there on the sidelines laughing, or doing nothing at all. This is wrong. Obviously the people that do the bulling are in the wrong, but so are those that don't try to make it right.
Atticus Finch, in To Kill A Mockingbird was an amazing character that stood up for the underdog. He supported Tom Robinson, a black man, in a case of law and defended him as he would have any white man. He believed in his heart that Tom Robinson was not guilty, and that he did not rape Mayella Ewell. At this time, in the south, this was unheard of. Atticus was treated differently all throughout town. People called him names, people gossiped about his morals, people bullyed his children, and one person even spat in his face. And why? Because he was doing what was right? Yes, they disrespected Atticus Finch for doing the right thing because it was an unheard-of thing as well. And although Atticus Finch was fictional, he was a great man for everything he did, and I definatly look up to him.
Another character that stood up for the underdog was Cherry Valance in The Outsiders. Cherry Valance stood up for Ponyboy and Johnny when her jock boyfriend was making fun of them after the movies. Then later that night, in self defense Johnny killed her boyfriend. She still stood up for them, claiming she would support Johnny in court saying it was for self defense, and she even gave the Greasers information about the Soc's before their rumble. She wasn't the biggest hero, but it still was good of her to break from her group and realize that just because the Greasers were from the other side of town (the poor side), there were some very nice people, and some others. Just like the rich Soc's...there were some nice people and then there were some bad ones. There were people that looked down on her for befriending the Greasers, but it made her a better person in the end.
No one should be treated with disrespect because they are different. The minority is always picked on, while the majority stands there on the sidelines laughing, or doing nothing at all. This is wrong. Obviously the people that do the bulling are in the wrong, but so are those that don't try to make it right.
Atticus Finch, in To Kill A Mockingbird was an amazing character that stood up for the underdog. He supported Tom Robinson, a black man, in a case of law and defended him as he would have any white man. He believed in his heart that Tom Robinson was not guilty, and that he did not rape Mayella Ewell. At this time, in the south, this was unheard of. Atticus was treated differently all throughout town. People called him names, people gossiped about his morals, people bullyed his children, and one person even spat in his face. And why? Because he was doing what was right? Yes, they disrespected Atticus Finch for doing the right thing because it was an unheard-of thing as well. And although Atticus Finch was fictional, he was a great man for everything he did, and I definatly look up to him.
Another character that stood up for the underdog was Cherry Valance in The Outsiders. Cherry Valance stood up for Ponyboy and Johnny when her jock boyfriend was making fun of them after the movies. Then later that night, in self defense Johnny killed her boyfriend. She still stood up for them, claiming she would support Johnny in court saying it was for self defense, and she even gave the Greasers information about the Soc's before their rumble. She wasn't the biggest hero, but it still was good of her to break from her group and realize that just because the Greasers were from the other side of town (the poor side), there were some very nice people, and some others. Just like the rich Soc's...there were some nice people and then there were some bad ones. There were people that looked down on her for befriending the Greasers, but it made her a better person in the end.
Earth Day!
Earth Day is a great holiday! It is a day to celebrate our world. But in recent years, Earth Day has seemed to become a day when we think about all the dangers and negative aspects of Mother Earth. In regards to fuel and energy sources...things haven't been looking up. Gas prices are through the roof and rising more and more. Inflation is occurring right before our eyes. And although I don't drive, I have been effected by this. I have been trying to carpool as much as possible, and I try to avoid unnecessary trips. I haven't seen my family in Connecticut as much this year because the gas is too expensive and well, my family simply can't afford it. My mom even asks me for gas money when she is running low!
I didn't do anything special to celebrate Earth Day this year, but that doesn't mean I have given up. I think we should do good things for our home here on earth way more often than once a year. I am constantly picking up trash, taking plastic bottles on the ground to get recycled, and I'm even trying to take shorter showers in the morning. They may seem like little things, but these are the small steps we all have to take, to make this world a better place! Us humans are the ones that polluted, destructed, and damaged the earth, and we have to be the ones to fix our mistakes.
I didn't do anything special to celebrate Earth Day this year, but that doesn't mean I have given up. I think we should do good things for our home here on earth way more often than once a year. I am constantly picking up trash, taking plastic bottles on the ground to get recycled, and I'm even trying to take shorter showers in the morning. They may seem like little things, but these are the small steps we all have to take, to make this world a better place! Us humans are the ones that polluted, destructed, and damaged the earth, and we have to be the ones to fix our mistakes.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
prayer day
I am not a very religious person so I dont know if I will participate in prayer day, I also really dont know much about it. I think it is totally fine if someone wants to celebrate this day and I dont think someone should be made fun of for it. For me I think it will be a regular day of school. I dont think however that a school should put a lot of emphasis on this day becuase there are some people that my feel offended or not want to take part in it and I dont think they should be forced to. As for other things like day of silence or blue and gold day, people do not have to participate in it but it is there for them if they would like. I think thats how it should be with this too. If someone would like to participate in this day they should be able to and it should be available to them. This way the people that would not like this day wont have to do anything for it. I also think it is okay if someone does not want to pray on this day.
first they came for...
When I think of someone that stood up for an underdog I think of the book To Kill a Mockingbird. Atticus did this for many people. He stood up for Tom Robinson when he knew that people would talk about him and call him names. He did it because it was the right thing and thats how Atticus is. He also stood up for his kids a lot too. Whenever someone would treat them badly he would stand up for them. Atticus is generally precieved as a very good person, especially to the reader. However, to some people in his town he is not liked much. He never did fully help Tom Robinson but he did make a very big impact on the town and especially on his kids. I think he is a guy that someone could look up to (if he was a real person) :)
Day of Silence and The day of Prayer
People picking on each other is just something that everyone does. Me included. I am sure that people have also been picked on. No matter what you do bulling hurts people. It is really difficult to find someone who stands up for the Under dog because they don't want to stand up out of the crowd and face the chance of being picked on or ruining their reputation. The day of silence really didn't affect me much because I didn't take part in it. It was just another day at school. I give people who did it respect because they stood up for and took action for what they believed in.
I didn't even know about the day of prayer until today so I will probably not do anything about it. I think that is is mainly a day for other religions to have some time to do and say things.
I didn't even know about the day of prayer until today so I will probably not do anything about it. I think that is is mainly a day for other religions to have some time to do and say things.
prayerrr dayy
Allrightyy! So for prayer day im not really celebrating it at all, its just going to be like a regular day for me and im not really going to pay much attention to it. I think that the school should do nothing for prayer day or day of silence because i feel like people can pray whenever they want and shouldn't need a day where all they do is pray(this also goes for the day of silence but in the sense that they dont need to be silent). My intake on this is that if you want to pray go ahead and pray but it shouldnt get involved with school.
Prayer Day
Uh, I was raised catholic but i don't believe in religion. This means that I believe there is a god but I dont believe in rules that tell me how to live my life and what i should do to be good and pure. I didn't actually know that this day existed nor do I really care. I mean the idea that religion should be practiced in school is a very bad decision in my view. It's like reversing the idea of seperation of state and church. Respecting someone's religion doesnt mean to change rules around so that people think you practice it, it means to not criticize one on their religion as well as allow them to do what is detailed in the religion. If an administrator makes a room for every religion for people to practice in then the system is screwed. Unfortunately for the religious nuts who believe that every day you should be allowed to stop class and pray for 15 minutes 36 times a day, its not acceptable. Personally I'm tolerant of all religions other than Satanism, but this doesnt mean that I have to believe in them or agree with them. for people to say that I'm being intolerant to religion is hypocritical because that would mean that people are being intolerant of my views to religion. I just don't think this is appropriate.
Day of Prayer
Meh...Day of Prayer, huh? I have to say I'm not very religious at all. My mothers side of the family, including my mother and grandmother who I live with on weekends, are also religious. My sisters boyfreind doesn't exactly believe in God and they didn't take that too well...not to go as far as making her stop dating him which they can't do anyways, they just didn't like that fact.
My dad though is fine with the idea that I'm not very religious because he isn't really religious either.
Of course in my mind, I'm happy for this day because everyone who wants to pray can pray and don't have to worry too much about being critisized for it. Every religion should be accepted because people were born into it and it's a part of them weather they choose to pay close mind to it or just know it's there and go on with their lives.
I won't be doing anything special for the Day of Prayer, just a regular day for me. I won't be making fun of anyone, thats hardly my personality and it's pretty sad to make fun of somebody for your own gain. I've been picked on just like everyone else, it doesn't feel good and it embarrasses you or lowers your self esteem...or both. People are people, no matter which angle you look at it we're all human beings. Be yourself, don't try to be something you're not.
My dad though is fine with the idea that I'm not very religious because he isn't really religious either.
Of course in my mind, I'm happy for this day because everyone who wants to pray can pray and don't have to worry too much about being critisized for it. Every religion should be accepted because people were born into it and it's a part of them weather they choose to pay close mind to it or just know it's there and go on with their lives.
I won't be doing anything special for the Day of Prayer, just a regular day for me. I won't be making fun of anyone, thats hardly my personality and it's pretty sad to make fun of somebody for your own gain. I've been picked on just like everyone else, it doesn't feel good and it embarrasses you or lowers your self esteem...or both. People are people, no matter which angle you look at it we're all human beings. Be yourself, don't try to be something you're not.
I also agree with you. I think it is wrong when people pick on other people because of their sexual orientation. It is their life let them do what they want , your not their boss so leave them alone. Even if you think what they are doing is wrong just keep your mean comments to yourself. How would you like if someone picked on you because you did something embarrassing or you have something wrong with you , you wouldn't like it so don't pick on other people.
I'm not religious so it will be like just another normal day for me. I don't think public schools will do any thing special because your not suppose to talk about religion in school or whatever the rule is. They might do something little but I doubt it. Even though I'm not religious maybe I'll do a pray or something but I don't know.
I'm not religious so it will be like just another normal day for me. I don't think public schools will do any thing special because your not suppose to talk about religion in school or whatever the rule is. They might do something little but I doubt it. Even though I'm not religious maybe I'll do a pray or something but I don't know.
day of prayer
OK I'm a christian and i go to church every Sunday, but i had no idea there was a day of prayer. So really I'm not going to do anything on it, but if i did know about it i would probably respect people of no religion and people of a different religion because that day is most likely for people of different religions than me like Muslims or Jewish people because I'm sure i would have known about it then.
National Day of Prayer
I never knew there was a national day of prayer =o To me it doesn't really mean anything because I'm agnostic,I don't have a religion. Even though I don't believe in any religion it doesn't mean I'm against this day or anything :3 . I think people have a right to their own religion.I don't really know what to say about this day because I don't really know anything about it o.o but people who celebrate this day have fun =O
Day of Silence thing
I know we're not supposed to talk about whether or not we dislike the day of silence but I'd like to make a point to be known that I think its innappropriate to have it in schools. I also understand that people will refer to me as insensitive or a jerk or say that I dont understand but the reality is that I do and I still dont like it. If someone were to participate in the Day of Silence and criticize me for not respecting me they would only be a hypocrite, and be doing exactly what they were saying they were against. Anyway, the person who i would say overcame diversity the most in a book ive read is Mordecai Greene from the novel The Street Lawer by John Grisham. Mordecai is a poor black man who works as a lawyer for the homeless. His annual income is $35,000 although if he wanted to abandon the homeless he could get a job at huge firm in a minute. He is an amazing lawer with lots of experience. Mordecai was so good he got a homeless family the sum of 10,000,000 dollars awarded to them and named himself the best street lawyer to exist.
Day of Prayer
I didn't know that the day of prayer was Thursday but I did know it existed....I guess. I remember last year people were standing around the peace pole thing praying...or maybe it was the flag...I don't know but I remember our school doing something last year for the Day of Prayer. Other than that yeahh....I think that if you want to pray....pray! Whatever religion you are, whatever God you pray to go ahead. Have fun...or don't have fun. Whatever floats your boat. If there's a special day for praying...cool! Take advantage of it and pray! I don't really participate in it, but I do go to church...so I do believe in God. Other than that I don't really think I would particpate in it because I have no need to.
Day of Prayer
In all honesty I have never heard of the day prayer. I dont know if I will do anything to celebrate it, but my church does have a thursday service so maybe me and my family will go to church. I think it is a good idea to have a day of prayer, because it gives everyone a day for their religion no matter what religion they are. But personally I think that people shouldnt be discriminated against because of their religion. I think people should always feel comfortable to pray at anytime and in any place.
I am religious and I will pray on Thursday to honor the day of prayer, but I dont know if the school should make it a school wide day. The school should let people who want to celebrate the day of prayer celebrate it. But if you are nota religious person, than you shouldnt feel uncomfortable at school. This is a public school and it is a school for everyone, so people should be allowed to celebrate it or not, what ever their personal beleifs are.
To be continued...
I am religious and I will pray on Thursday to honor the day of prayer, but I dont know if the school should make it a school wide day. The school should let people who want to celebrate the day of prayer celebrate it. But if you are nota religious person, than you shouldnt feel uncomfortable at school. This is a public school and it is a school for everyone, so people should be allowed to celebrate it or not, what ever their personal beleifs are.
To be continued...
prayer
Well... i actually didn't even know that the national day of prayer was this thursday. I've heard of it before but i never knew when it was. Also i didn't go to church this sunday [ sorry about that one god] because my lacrosse team was participating in a walk for cancer in albany, so if father rodino said something about it at mass and how there will be a special mass or something on thursday.. well i would have missed it. I would like to participate in a mass at my church if there having one but i'm not sure so i will have to find out. I think that this day is pretty cool although i'm not so sure of the purpose, maybe uniting people of different religions to pray together for one day in their own ways. In doing this becoming less ignorant to all the different ways people worship god or gods or just don't praise.
I'm not sure how far a public school should go to celebrate the national day of prayer. I do believe that the school should allow everyone to pray or not pray in there own ways, but then again don't those who pray regularly do this in school anyway? well its time to shut down the computer and to go lunch so i must go ... i hope this is a worthy enough blog =)
- melissa
I'm not sure how far a public school should go to celebrate the national day of prayer. I do believe that the school should allow everyone to pray or not pray in there own ways, but then again don't those who pray regularly do this in school anyway? well its time to shut down the computer and to go lunch so i must go ... i hope this is a worthy enough blog =)
- melissa
Prayer Day.
Prayer day is a very good idea, but I'm not going to actively observe it throughout the day. Sure, I might throw in an extra prayer or two, but it really is a loose ended 'holiday', because prayer is not one single thing. For me, it is folding my hands and thinking about troubles, thanking god for things, and asking for help. But for other people of my faith (Christianity- Lutheran), praying is different. They may pray for different things, in different possessions, or at different times. And I would imagine people of other faiths, prayer would have a whole different meaning. And for the different people in the different religions, prayer is different. Which makes me think that prayer is a personalized thing. Not that group prayer is bad, but it should be kept general, so that no ones feelings get hurt. An example? Once I was at a church service (baptist), and the paster was praying, all our hands were folded and he said something along the lines of "God help us get rid of evil things such as war, abortion...". Now I support abortion under certain circumstances, so I was offended. But back to my main point. I will pray a little more than I normally do, but I will make a concious effort to be more tolerent, for the days sake.
Day of Prayer
Honestly, I didn't even know that thursday was Day of Prayer. Religion is a really cool thing and its awesome that everyone can believe whatever they want to, its totally your choice. But when you bring all the religions together its really not the same. For me it will just be like a normal day. I guess for other people this day is really special but again its totally your choice. I don't really think that religion is a public thing that has to be shared. I don't think the public schools should do anything about this day. Yes, we do have special days like blue and gold days but those days are for fun. This isn't a matter just for fun. It's hard for me to really have a large opinion because I'm not like deeply religious. I go to church and everything but I don't pray every night or anything like that so maybe this year I will do something to celebrate the Day of Prayer and see what it's all about.
Day Of Prayer
Well, to be honest, I didn't know there was a day of prayer. But I think it is great that people are allowed to pray and practice their own religion. I believe people should be able to practice their own religion, no matter what. People shouldn't be forced to change their beliefs, because thats like forcing someone to change themselves.
I am religious, so I will definately pray on Thursday. The school should allow the people who want to celebrate this day to celebrate it. The school should allow people to do what they believe and be thenselves.
Blue and gold day is great because it shows the support for everyone and its a way for everyone to be together. Everyone is supporting the same thing. Everyone is the same. People don't have to try to be someone they're not because of what other people think. Everyone is supporting the school, so no one can say what is right and what is wrong.
I am religious, so I will definately pray on Thursday. The school should allow the people who want to celebrate this day to celebrate it. The school should allow people to do what they believe and be thenselves.
Blue and gold day is great because it shows the support for everyone and its a way for everyone to be together. Everyone is supporting the same thing. Everyone is the same. People don't have to try to be someone they're not because of what other people think. Everyone is supporting the school, so no one can say what is right and what is wrong.
The Human Faith
All human beings are creatures of conflict, whether we realize it or not. We are all born imprinted with unique personalities, different methods of behavior that affect how we view and interact with the world. Our amazingly complex and cryptic brains develop in the presence of varied environmental factors, further distancing our points of view based upon our experiences and the conclusions we draw. On top of all this, when we grow enough to begin communicating with others, we are presented with the ideas of others regarding the subjects we cannot fully understand, and told that they are the absolute truth. It should come as no surprise, therefore, that we take up different (and occasionally conflicting) views dealing with the big unknowns of life and onward.
For the Day of Prayer, I will most likely not participate in anything others would see as worthwhile, because I will be thinking, not doing. I will sit down in a quiet space and look up at the sky and think about God - what He means to me, to others, and what those differences mean in how we relate to each other. Such bonds are especially important to understand on days such as the Day of Prayer, when thinking of faith will (for some people) enter people's minds more than usual. Is it really all that important to identify the differences between our religions? I am constantly curious of other religious teachings around the world, and would enjoy it immensely if we were to set aside time on May 1st to simply discussour beliefs with one another, but I feel that it is not the differences that matter, but the similarities. We are sometimes so wrapped up in defending what we believe and practice that we forget to include the people around us in something we all do when we act religiously.
We hope. We put faith in God and in ourselves, and we hope for and work towards a better life for everyone, whether it be for this life or the next. Whenever we act with our religious teachings in mind, we contribte to a communal hope for a better world, never mind the way we actually contribute. It is this shared hope that brings us together to better understand each other, so we may all work for harmony more efficiently. I am Catholic, and can only look upon this and speak with the teachings and viewpoint of a Catholic. But in matters of hope, I am simply human - as are we all.
For the Day of Prayer, I will most likely not participate in anything others would see as worthwhile, because I will be thinking, not doing. I will sit down in a quiet space and look up at the sky and think about God - what He means to me, to others, and what those differences mean in how we relate to each other. Such bonds are especially important to understand on days such as the Day of Prayer, when thinking of faith will (for some people) enter people's minds more than usual. Is it really all that important to identify the differences between our religions? I am constantly curious of other religious teachings around the world, and would enjoy it immensely if we were to set aside time on May 1st to simply discussour beliefs with one another, but I feel that it is not the differences that matter, but the similarities. We are sometimes so wrapped up in defending what we believe and practice that we forget to include the people around us in something we all do when we act religiously.
We hope. We put faith in God and in ourselves, and we hope for and work towards a better life for everyone, whether it be for this life or the next. Whenever we act with our religious teachings in mind, we contribte to a communal hope for a better world, never mind the way we actually contribute. It is this shared hope that brings us together to better understand each other, so we may all work for harmony more efficiently. I am Catholic, and can only look upon this and speak with the teachings and viewpoint of a Catholic. But in matters of hope, I am simply human - as are we all.
This day is not anything special for me. That doesnt mean that it isnt for anyone else. I will go along with my normal life, with nothing changed for me. I am not a religious person. There are religious people and it really doesnt affect me that they are. I dont mind what they are as long as their views are not obstructing my life and the lives of my friends. Some people are religious because they are brought up to believe something. Thats fine as long as they want to believe that. However, if that religion is forced upon them, and their own views and opinions are being put down, then thats not okay.
This day is supposed to be a special day for religious people. They do things that they think are special and pray a lot. If thats wrong, then please tell me because im not up on this kind of stuff. It seems to me that people should be doing these kinds of things everyday, dont you? If they are very religious and take their religion seriously, then it would be the logical thing that these people are praying everyday. If they want to celebrate their religion, then do it everyday. I dont see why people should wait around all year to do something if they want to and can any other day. Now, im not trying to put down anyone, and no one should take offense to what im saying.
This day is supposed to be a special day for religious people. They do things that they think are special and pray a lot. If thats wrong, then please tell me because im not up on this kind of stuff. It seems to me that people should be doing these kinds of things everyday, dont you? If they are very religious and take their religion seriously, then it would be the logical thing that these people are praying everyday. If they want to celebrate their religion, then do it everyday. I dont see why people should wait around all year to do something if they want to and can any other day. Now, im not trying to put down anyone, and no one should take offense to what im saying.
Day of Prayer
I admit that I also did not know that Thursday was the National Day of Prayer. I'm Methodist, a form of Christianity, and I go to Church and am religious (not excessively but...). The Day of Prayer I think is a good idea. It includes all religions, so no one is really left out. And you don't have to participate so it seems pretty fair to me.
I wasn't planning on doing anything special, considering I didn't know about the day, but maybe now I will be more open minded, like I should have been on the Day of Silence. I don't know what the school is doing already, but I don't think it should go any farther than the kind of stuff we did for Day of Silence. People should feel free to pray or not, they should do what they want.
And about the whole intolerance thing...
I just hate it when people are so close minded and intolerant of other people. I'm not saying I'm a saint, and have not judged someone else or put someone down, because I have. I'm ashamed of it, but I have. I feel that people should have the right to be who they want to be, practice their own religions, and do what they want to do. But that does not include putting others down. Just because someone practices a different religion or is sexually oriented differently than you doesn't mean that you are better than them.
And I always say that I hate when people make fun of other people or put them down or something, but I've never really stepped in. I have, but not in big ways. I really haven't seen that much opportunity to stand up for someone, but I don't know if I would. I really want to but I think I would end up chickening out. I would be too scared to get hurt, physically and emotionally. I hope that I get over the fear and actually help someone, but I won't know until it actually happens. I probably would have the courage to stand up for one of my freinds-I just hope I'll have the courage to stand up for others too.
I wasn't planning on doing anything special, considering I didn't know about the day, but maybe now I will be more open minded, like I should have been on the Day of Silence. I don't know what the school is doing already, but I don't think it should go any farther than the kind of stuff we did for Day of Silence. People should feel free to pray or not, they should do what they want.
And about the whole intolerance thing...
I just hate it when people are so close minded and intolerant of other people. I'm not saying I'm a saint, and have not judged someone else or put someone down, because I have. I'm ashamed of it, but I have. I feel that people should have the right to be who they want to be, practice their own religions, and do what they want to do. But that does not include putting others down. Just because someone practices a different religion or is sexually oriented differently than you doesn't mean that you are better than them.
And I always say that I hate when people make fun of other people or put them down or something, but I've never really stepped in. I have, but not in big ways. I really haven't seen that much opportunity to stand up for someone, but I don't know if I would. I really want to but I think I would end up chickening out. I would be too scared to get hurt, physically and emotionally. I hope that I get over the fear and actually help someone, but I won't know until it actually happens. I probably would have the courage to stand up for one of my freinds-I just hope I'll have the courage to stand up for others too.
Day of Silence
Sometime I, like everyone else, have been picked on/called names and yes, it doesn't make you feel good. It lowers your self esteem and can ruin a day if you let it get to you.
It's hard to find people who will stand up for the "underdog" these days. Mainly because that person probably doesnt want to become an "underdog" also. In one book though, Shock Point I guess you can say that the main character stood up for the "underdog." In the book she fought for all the people that were also held in isolation, being abused and neglected. She broke out and spread her story, which in the end freed the other kids.
But in real life it is hard to find a person who will stand up for someone, but when I do find someone I will admire them greatly.
It's hard to find people who will stand up for the "underdog" these days. Mainly because that person probably doesnt want to become an "underdog" also. In one book though, Shock Point I guess you can say that the main character stood up for the "underdog." In the book she fought for all the people that were also held in isolation, being abused and neglected. She broke out and spread her story, which in the end freed the other kids.
But in real life it is hard to find a person who will stand up for someone, but when I do find someone I will admire them greatly.
All I'm saying is give TOLERANCE a chance, because that will lead to peace (note: this is kind of two posts in one)
I have a tendency to rant. It's going to be hard to say all this without ranting. I'll try to keep it organized.
Why people are intolerant of others because of their differences in identity or belief is beyond me. Well, I know why they are intolerant -- because they disagree with or hate others because of their differences -- but I've found that when I think about this it still doesn't make any sense. If you have an opinion, you think it's right. (Obviously. If you had an opinion you didn't believe, you'd just take another opinion that you thought was true.) So we all (and by "we all" I mean everyone who holds an opinion) think we've got the answers -- in this example let's focus on a discrepancy between religious/spiritual beliefs -- about the "true religion", "the real God/Gods", "the only way to worship", etc. Six billion people with different ideas, all of whom believe they're right. Hmm. Well, we can't all be right, even if you narrow it down to a few million because some people share identical or very similar beliefs. I have a hard time believing that one group is right and everybody else in the world is wrong.
So maybe there's not only one "true religion." (Here's where I get off topic.) An acquaintance of my mother's once said something along the lines of "God is so vast; Maybe God created all the different religions because there are so many different ways to worship God." I agree with this statement completely and totally. I think that God, the Higher Power, whatever name you put to the intangible spirit, exists, and that It is far too all-encompassing, eternal (time-wise, space-wise, all-dimensionally), and, well, big to be worshipped in just one way. For this reason, I would never persecute another for their religion if it were different from mine. I may not share their beliefs, and I would only object if their religious practices were hurting others, but shouldn't all religous people be happy that others are trying to find God as well, even if in a different way?
Mind if I get off topic even more? Hope not. Here's one this thing that bugs me: I have heard/heard of some (few, really; don't hate/misunderstand me) Christians who say that hate Jews, for Jews killed Jesus. This is incorrect. Jews did not kill Jesus. The Romans killed Jesus. Jesus was a Jew. This goes to show how ignorance can lead to hate. The KKK scares me. How much hate has been generated, just by misinformation?
This is my biggest pet peeve existent. I don't think 'pet peeve' covers it in the least; it was just the first word that came to mind, and please pardon me if the stuff from here on gets a little passionate, because I just read some of the other posts on this topic and some of it frustrates me. It upsets me how some people are so narrow-minded and set within their (in my mind, misguided) views that they are unable to see or accept or tolerate other opinions. How can you be so sure you're right when you've never bothered to consider the alternative? How can you be so sure you're right when you've got the facts wrong?
Another sidetracking detour: And this is why tolerance is absolutely crucial, crucial, crucial to having peaceful and harmonious societies and lives! Everyone with an opinion thinks they're right. You can't convince everyone you're right. If you'll only ever be satisfied, happy, content, what have you if everyone around you agrees with you, no one will ever be happy, societies will always have dissonance and tension, there will always be wars. It's so improbable that everyone in the world will agree I'm tempted to use the word "impossible", and so we should just accept others' beliefs (as long as they're not hurting anyone).
Another one! (Occurrence of sidetracking, that is.) How is the existence of homosexuality hurting anyone else? What makes it so evil -- is it really just because that's what that book says? That book, that you were told was true and holy? I believe in God. I respect the Bible; I respect those who believe and go by the Bible. But how can you really believe something just by blindly accepting it? Isn't it better to question, to listen to your instincts, your conscience? I don't have this particular moral dilemma, being a Jew, I was taught to believe only the Old Testament. But I know that even if a were of a New Testament-abiding religion, I would not believe homosexuality is wrong. Think of it! What makes it wrong? The fact that it's different? Imagine a world in which babies were produced by men impregnating other men and women impregnating other women. Would heterosexuality be thought wicked? Perhaps. And why? Well, I think that's obvious.
And so, I get to the actual topic we were supposed to write about: I support and respect both the Day of Silence and the Day of Prayer. I think the Day of Silence is a great way to show respect for anyone or any group that's ever been harassed or bullied, by making personal self-sacrifices (not talking); I think the Day of Prayer is a great opportunity, for people who are into that sort of thing, to come together and worship unanimously. The Day of Silence should, in my opinion, be supported (but not made mandatory) by public schools, as being public schools, should support all differences and diversity. Also, I think the Day of Prayer is another thing to be accommodated for and supported by public schools, as it is a special religious event for some.
Acceptance of all; Total tolerance. It's the only way to peace.
And I apologize if I presented this inappropriately or if any of this was too opinionated or over the line; I just had to let it out. I hope people read this, I hope people agree; I hope that it makes people who disagree consider my opinion and open their minds to alternative ideas. That's my objective. I hope this makes a change.
National Day of Prayer
in this country, we are suppose to have the right to practice whatever religion we want. we are suppose to have the right to whatever sexual orientation we want. we are suppose to be able to walk down the street holding our heads high, and we are suppose to be able to believe whatever we want, not fearing persicution of any sort. has anyone noticed a pattern here? the key word in this is suppose to. when you walk through the halls of high school, you see people hating on eachother, you see the person in the shadows who has every oppertunity to stop what is going on but they do nothing. i guess the message of this first paragraph is to say that you have a choice. dont be the person in the shadows.
OKAY END OF MY LITTLE LECTURE THINGY...
National Day of Prayer (NDOP because i am typing w/ my left hand) was created on the basis of thought that everyone can come together on this day and pray for a common cause, reguardless of their religion. this day symbolizes peace. this day symbolizes tolerance and equality. because no matter what religion you practice, or external force you believe in, we all have things we agree that need to be changed. prayer symbolizes the idea that somebody or something is listening. and the idea that we cannot see what we are talking to sometimes makes it more powerful and meaningful. i think this day is such a great idea.
my grandfather is leading NDOP on the Capital steps in Albany. he is expecting a huge turn-out. i asked him what they would be praying for, and he said that they would be praying for the government. and that not only were they hoping that god would be listening, but they were hoping that maybe the government would take more notice to us. the citizens that they are suppose to be listening to. so there is always more than one meaning to a cause. that is something to remember.
how far should school take it? well i think just as far as they are. NDOP is an optional thing, but i think that it needs to be respected, just like the Day of Silence. giving children the right to pray and to stand up for what they believe in should be what schools aim for. but i dont know. i think that it is a great idea to have silent prayer around the flag-pole in the morning before school. but i also think that the we should be allowed to pray at lunch, and after school too, because this day is important to a lot of people.
i didnt really do anything special on NDOP. it was an normal day. about being extra special/nice to people... i think that i cover that pretty well now. but i dont know, it's all a matter of opinion i guess. Maybe i was a little nicer to my step-father, which is a big thing for me. but i cant remember if he was nicer in return. i guess it doesnt really matter in the grand scheme of things though does it?
OKAY END OF MY LITTLE LECTURE THINGY...
National Day of Prayer (NDOP because i am typing w/ my left hand) was created on the basis of thought that everyone can come together on this day and pray for a common cause, reguardless of their religion. this day symbolizes peace. this day symbolizes tolerance and equality. because no matter what religion you practice, or external force you believe in, we all have things we agree that need to be changed. prayer symbolizes the idea that somebody or something is listening. and the idea that we cannot see what we are talking to sometimes makes it more powerful and meaningful. i think this day is such a great idea.
my grandfather is leading NDOP on the Capital steps in Albany. he is expecting a huge turn-out. i asked him what they would be praying for, and he said that they would be praying for the government. and that not only were they hoping that god would be listening, but they were hoping that maybe the government would take more notice to us. the citizens that they are suppose to be listening to. so there is always more than one meaning to a cause. that is something to remember.
how far should school take it? well i think just as far as they are. NDOP is an optional thing, but i think that it needs to be respected, just like the Day of Silence. giving children the right to pray and to stand up for what they believe in should be what schools aim for. but i dont know. i think that it is a great idea to have silent prayer around the flag-pole in the morning before school. but i also think that the we should be allowed to pray at lunch, and after school too, because this day is important to a lot of people.
i didnt really do anything special on NDOP. it was an normal day. about being extra special/nice to people... i think that i cover that pretty well now. but i dont know, it's all a matter of opinion i guess. Maybe i was a little nicer to my step-father, which is a big thing for me. but i cant remember if he was nicer in return. i guess it doesnt really matter in the grand scheme of things though does it?
God/Prayer/Belief
I have a book called Revolution on Canvas. Actually, I have the "sequal", too. But it's a collection of poetry or unpublished writing that musicians in bands want put out. It's like holding a writing Bible. Not kidding. I worship it.
I was flipping through it last night and one of the guys who got published in it wrote a small paragraph about how God wanted everyone from now on to replace the word GOD with LIFE. It was to be worshipped and praised, just as He had been.
I'll try to post it or send it to you later, Gaboury. :]
---
I, personally, don't believe in God at all. I used to, kinda... but that's only because the people around me did and sometimes I would need a reason to talk to my ceiling. Not kidding. I think the Bible is more of a work of literature (isn't that what it used to be taught as?) that can be used to teach lessons.
I am more of a fate and kharma believer. It doesn't matter to me if you laugh at that. My dad did when I first told him. He didn't know I'm atheist until three weeks ago.
This doesn't mean I won't accept your religion or want to hear about what you do for it. I don't laugh at other people's religions. I think it's cool that so many different people in the world can have so many different beliefs.
Two of my big heroes (mentioned in earlier entries), Jamie Tworkowski and Aaron Gillespie are firm believers in God. I still follow what they say and what they sing. God to me (this might be crazy to explain because I'm not quite sure what I even mean) is a metaphor. Like putting all of your trust and all of your hope into one firm thing that will get you through the hard times and the craziness of the world. That to me is honest faith. And I'm not being a hypocrite because I follow people that believe in God, it's just that my version of "God" is a lot different than what you would define it as.
---
As to the terms of the school day, I think it should be an option. Kids shouldn't be forced to do things that aren't in their belief system. If a teacher had things in a room that were for a certain religion and if people needed them (ex. Bibles in a cabinet in a classroom or something. Yadig?) or if a teacher allowed students to pray when the needed to, I would think that teacher is rad as anything.
My prayer day will probably be a reflection on what is going on in my life and reading through things that people like Jamie or Aaron have written that I adore and need everytime I feel lost. There's one big thing that Jamie wrote that I still feel like I need to read a lot. He wrote a letter to himself and posted it in his blog on Myspace. He talked about one of Aaron's songs (they're friends, which makes it even cooler) called "Amazing Because It Is". It was basically Aaron's version of Amazing Grace. He talked about God and feeling lost. He talked about moving on from things that could not defy him. Sometimes I need a little reminder of that from time to time.
I think that's what God ensures for some people. A safety, a way to hang onto the world when some of us feel like we're going insane.
Just thinking outloud.
I was flipping through it last night and one of the guys who got published in it wrote a small paragraph about how God wanted everyone from now on to replace the word GOD with LIFE. It was to be worshipped and praised, just as He had been.
I'll try to post it or send it to you later, Gaboury. :]
---
I, personally, don't believe in God at all. I used to, kinda... but that's only because the people around me did and sometimes I would need a reason to talk to my ceiling. Not kidding. I think the Bible is more of a work of literature (isn't that what it used to be taught as?) that can be used to teach lessons.
I am more of a fate and kharma believer. It doesn't matter to me if you laugh at that. My dad did when I first told him. He didn't know I'm atheist until three weeks ago.
This doesn't mean I won't accept your religion or want to hear about what you do for it. I don't laugh at other people's religions. I think it's cool that so many different people in the world can have so many different beliefs.
Two of my big heroes (mentioned in earlier entries), Jamie Tworkowski and Aaron Gillespie are firm believers in God. I still follow what they say and what they sing. God to me (this might be crazy to explain because I'm not quite sure what I even mean) is a metaphor. Like putting all of your trust and all of your hope into one firm thing that will get you through the hard times and the craziness of the world. That to me is honest faith. And I'm not being a hypocrite because I follow people that believe in God, it's just that my version of "God" is a lot different than what you would define it as.
---
As to the terms of the school day, I think it should be an option. Kids shouldn't be forced to do things that aren't in their belief system. If a teacher had things in a room that were for a certain religion and if people needed them (ex. Bibles in a cabinet in a classroom or something. Yadig?) or if a teacher allowed students to pray when the needed to, I would think that teacher is rad as anything.
My prayer day will probably be a reflection on what is going on in my life and reading through things that people like Jamie or Aaron have written that I adore and need everytime I feel lost. There's one big thing that Jamie wrote that I still feel like I need to read a lot. He wrote a letter to himself and posted it in his blog on Myspace. He talked about one of Aaron's songs (they're friends, which makes it even cooler) called "Amazing Because It Is". It was basically Aaron's version of Amazing Grace. He talked about God and feeling lost. He talked about moving on from things that could not defy him. Sometimes I need a little reminder of that from time to time.
I think that's what God ensures for some people. A safety, a way to hang onto the world when some of us feel like we're going insane.
Just thinking outloud.
National Day of Peace; What I think
I have never heard of the National Day of Prayer. But, I don't and won't celebrate it. I'm religious but to me religion isn't everything. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that I don't believe in it but, it's not that important to me. No, I won't be going to church. The day will be like any other day. I will be doing wonderful English homework :) I will also be doing other homework and enjoy myself and I won't really talk about it. If someone wants to practice their religion or pray, then go ahead but if they don't that's okay too. I don't feel that someone should have to pray, in order to show their religion. There's other ways.
I don't think the school will do anything. With religion, it's huge and a subject that will get anyone mad(politics also). But the National Day of Silence wouldn't be because being bullied happens to everyone not just one person. So, people shouldn't be all angry and pointing fingers. I think that the Public School shouldn't bring this holiday too far because say one kid was Islamic and he payed towards Mecca, and Lutheran kids saw him, then the Islamic kid could be made fun of. So, I think that this shouldn't be a national holiday but a holiday to remember.
I don't think the school will do anything. With religion, it's huge and a subject that will get anyone mad(politics also). But the National Day of Silence wouldn't be because being bullied happens to everyone not just one person. So, people shouldn't be all angry and pointing fingers. I think that the Public School shouldn't bring this holiday too far because say one kid was Islamic and he payed towards Mecca, and Lutheran kids saw him, then the Islamic kid could be made fun of. So, I think that this shouldn't be a national holiday but a holiday to remember.
prayer
I didn’t even know about the national day of prayer. I am religious but I don’t understand the point of this your suppose to pray everyday. I’m not doing anything to celebrate it because there is no church on Thursday in my religion. I don’t think school should do anything because people are all different religions their not all the same. ButI also think that the school should be toloerante of people who want to participate in this day. I also think that the Day of Silence was wrong to because it promotes the wrong message it says thers onely one group of people who feel differnt but really everyones different. I think blue and gold day is good because its OUR school colors and therefore everyone’s the same.
kristin bradley
kristin bradley
National Prayer Day
I didn't know that May 1st is national prayer day, I didn't even know that there was a day specialized for praying. Although I'm not active in the church or any other type of religion my parents are. From what I was told I thought that people were supposed to pray everyday. I'm not against national prayer day, but I don't get it completely. I think that it is fine for them to have their own day but it doesn't have anything to do with me. As long as what people are doing is good and they arn't harming anyone they should be left to continue what they are doing. I'm not going to do anything special that day. As for the actions the school should take about this day, they should be very simple. I think that the school shouldn't do anything special to celebrate this day. They should just let people invovled in this day do whatever they want to show this day as long as it is safe just like what they did with the day of silence. They will just acknowledge the day.
Day of Prayer
Okay, Day of Prayer. I probably will not be participating because I am not a religiously active person. I do not participate in religious activities, such as mass, so I won't be doing anything for the Day of Prayer. Yes, I know that my not being religious doesn't have to prevent me from doing something for the day, such a tolerance, but despite knowing thise, I still won't be participating. However, that doesn't mean I specifically shun religion. I respect those who feel the need to honor their specific faith. In fact, I think faith is a good thing... Not for me, though.
Since I won't be doing anything, I'll just skip right to the part where I kick some ass... I mean, the part where I talk about the Day of Prayer's place in school =). It is an interesting question, the Day's place in school, and it reflects the bigger issue of religion in schools. Personally, I see no harm from people reflecting on their beliefs or talking to their God. As we have learned in Social Studies, the Abrahamic religions are based on a close bond with God. So if Muslims want to communicate to Allah during school, they can go right ahead. If it causes classroom disruptions, well, that is not my problem. Still, I feel that some of the minority (minority, as opposed to semi-minorities such as Jews) groups like Hindus could feel left out. Granted, we don't have any Hindus in our school, but at the risk of sounding too cliche, I'm going to go ahead and say that it is the principle of the thing. If we did have Hindus in our school, they would feel left out, and any Hindus that aren't in our school would be discriminated against by this act. Hindus do not "pray" because their religion is not based on this close contact with God, and thus, a "Day of Prayer" for a Hindu would be like a Bar Mitzvah for a Christian. As I was saying earlier, there is little direct harm from people praying, and I think it is good for the soul. You know, like chicken soup (Again, though, I don't eat chicken soup).
So I've offered some differing viewpoints here. What about the Day of Silence, though? Well, I don't think the school sponsored that anyway, but if they did, what could happen (knock on wood)? I mean, so they are sponsoring tolerance, call the papers. As I was saying, though, I don't think they did sponsor it, and for the Day of Prayer, as for the Day of Silence, students could participate if they wanted to. On the other hand, I don't think students could skip part of school to pray, while on the Day of Silence, students could essentially withdraw from classes in a shroud of ....
In an twist of fate, I've had another "bird break." The most annoying group of what sounds like 10 birds are calling outside my window. It sounds more like they're dieing, though.
What was I saying again? Oh yes, I was saying that on the Day of Silence, students could withdraw from classes in a shroud of... well, silence. Now how fair is that to those prayer students? An arguement could continually be brought up as to why or why not it should be allowed, but when it comes down to it, one group should not be increased by the taking away of priveleges (or in this case, days) of another. But then, what is life?
Since I won't be doing anything, I'll just skip right to the part where I kick some ass... I mean, the part where I talk about the Day of Prayer's place in school =). It is an interesting question, the Day's place in school, and it reflects the bigger issue of religion in schools. Personally, I see no harm from people reflecting on their beliefs or talking to their God. As we have learned in Social Studies, the Abrahamic religions are based on a close bond with God. So if Muslims want to communicate to Allah during school, they can go right ahead. If it causes classroom disruptions, well, that is not my problem. Still, I feel that some of the minority (minority, as opposed to semi-minorities such as Jews) groups like Hindus could feel left out. Granted, we don't have any Hindus in our school, but at the risk of sounding too cliche, I'm going to go ahead and say that it is the principle of the thing. If we did have Hindus in our school, they would feel left out, and any Hindus that aren't in our school would be discriminated against by this act. Hindus do not "pray" because their religion is not based on this close contact with God, and thus, a "Day of Prayer" for a Hindu would be like a Bar Mitzvah for a Christian. As I was saying earlier, there is little direct harm from people praying, and I think it is good for the soul. You know, like chicken soup (Again, though, I don't eat chicken soup).
So I've offered some differing viewpoints here. What about the Day of Silence, though? Well, I don't think the school sponsored that anyway, but if they did, what could happen (knock on wood)? I mean, so they are sponsoring tolerance, call the papers. As I was saying, though, I don't think they did sponsor it, and for the Day of Prayer, as for the Day of Silence, students could participate if they wanted to. On the other hand, I don't think students could skip part of school to pray, while on the Day of Silence, students could essentially withdraw from classes in a shroud of ....
In an twist of fate, I've had another "bird break." The most annoying group of what sounds like 10 birds are calling outside my window. It sounds more like they're dieing, though.
What was I saying again? Oh yes, I was saying that on the Day of Silence, students could withdraw from classes in a shroud of... well, silence. Now how fair is that to those prayer students? An arguement could continually be brought up as to why or why not it should be allowed, but when it comes down to it, one group should not be increased by the taking away of priveleges (or in this case, days) of another. But then, what is life?
What Are We Writing On!!!
I am not a relgious person so I am probaly going to do nothing. I'm going to let people pray who want to and people that do not I do not care we can un-pray together. I also probaly have a baseball game so I'm going to try to do nothing but win are game which probaly won't happen.
For public school days they should all be optional and I think for the most part they are. I think there should more school pride then Day of Silence and Day of Prayer. For different religions I do not care unless you go running around saying what you are and wearing you turbins. Its a different country go to your own country and pray there.
For public school days they should all be optional and I think for the most part they are. I think there should more school pride then Day of Silence and Day of Prayer. For different religions I do not care unless you go running around saying what you are and wearing you turbins. Its a different country go to your own country and pray there.
Day of Prayer
I personally don't like the day of prayer. If people do or dont want to pray at home, that is their perogative. I dont care about how many times a day people pray. I don't care if they do or don't pray. I dont personally pray. i will not celebrate, or go to church. Some of the fuss abou this day really annoys me. Religion and prayer are people's private life. The whole world doesnt need to know if "Johnny" prays five times a day or not. Not a whole heck of a lot really annoys me, but bringing peoples personal life into public is one of those things that gets under my skin.
Peace,
Christian
Peace,
Christian
Monday, April 28, 2008
First they came for / Day of Silence
On the day of silence, I was not silent. It was impractical to be silent for a day, too much of a hassle for me I suppose. Call me a greedy bum, whatever. I didn't do it. Still, kudos to those who did do it. Takes alot to step into someone else's shoes, even for a whole day.
So what did I think of the day of silence? Besides the occasional silent person, it did not affect me much. Although I did learn that it was for gays mainly (having researched it), but I won't start with that. I think that the kids who did it deserve some sort of recognition in the yearbook. I didn't do it, so no, I'm not wanting my name to be on a paper I'll look at once. It seems that it was a very noble thing to do.
I'm not gay myself, so I get no direct benefit from gay rights, but I do think that gays should be respected as the citizens they are, and not subject to so much hate. I mean, who has the time of day to go out their way to hate a group of people? If you ask me, those haters are the people that really need the help.
All of this is not to say that I don't have my own personal prejudices. I have quite a few. For example, I am not very fond of Mexicans because I associate them with stealing our jobs and making English a less popular language in America. Then again, I'm sure they don't mean to and I'm probably luckier than all of the people that are stealing American jobs. I also have a thing against Chinese politicians because I think they're a bunch of lieing commy pigs. Still, I don't go out of my way to hate these people. I don't have anti-Mexican signs or whatever. No anti-Chinese posters in my room. They are just my personal peeves.
On the topic of a spokesman for the underdogs. I was thinking about this alot. For one, I believe such a spokesman must not be of the minority they are speaking for, because then they have something to directly benefit from. Thus, Martin Luther King Jr. is not of the highest tier of spokesman (sorry fans). They must, similarly, be doing it out of the goodness of their heart, and not for material or political gain. This takes out some politicians that supposedly fight for the minority but really just want to see numbers in the polls, as well as many of the lawyers that fight for minorities just because they are paid. So who does that leave, exactly? No lawyers, politicians, or minorities? Is there such a person? I'm very hard-pressed to think of someone like this. Give me a couple minutes.
...
I have come up with someone after about 4 minutes. If you'll remember, we had a list of people to choose from for our "Do I Dare Disturb the Universe?" Project. I remembered looking at a few people on the list. Now, before I begin, this person is not perfect because he did gain from his actions, but he is very near it.
His name was Oskar Schindler. He was a German industrialist during the holocaust who is creditted with saving 1200 Jews from death due to the holocaust. He had them work in his factories, and thus saved their lives. Of course, their labors gave him gain, and he ironically the Jews whose lives he saved were working making ammunition, likely for the Nazi army. Actually, now that I think about it, that is some kind of sick poetic irony. That has touched be strongly... I might have to change my dude for that project...
Anyway, bottom line, alot of people help the underdog, but generally their is some sort of hidden agenda. Extremely rare are those that are selfless and kind and supportive of a minority. Atticus is the only one I can think of. By the way, on the topic of Oskar Schindler again, if I could save 1200 lives... Just wow. Wow. Who else, I wonder?
So what did I think of the day of silence? Besides the occasional silent person, it did not affect me much. Although I did learn that it was for gays mainly (having researched it), but I won't start with that. I think that the kids who did it deserve some sort of recognition in the yearbook. I didn't do it, so no, I'm not wanting my name to be on a paper I'll look at once. It seems that it was a very noble thing to do.
I'm not gay myself, so I get no direct benefit from gay rights, but I do think that gays should be respected as the citizens they are, and not subject to so much hate. I mean, who has the time of day to go out their way to hate a group of people? If you ask me, those haters are the people that really need the help.
All of this is not to say that I don't have my own personal prejudices. I have quite a few. For example, I am not very fond of Mexicans because I associate them with stealing our jobs and making English a less popular language in America. Then again, I'm sure they don't mean to and I'm probably luckier than all of the people that are stealing American jobs. I also have a thing against Chinese politicians because I think they're a bunch of lieing commy pigs. Still, I don't go out of my way to hate these people. I don't have anti-Mexican signs or whatever. No anti-Chinese posters in my room. They are just my personal peeves.
On the topic of a spokesman for the underdogs. I was thinking about this alot. For one, I believe such a spokesman must not be of the minority they are speaking for, because then they have something to directly benefit from. Thus, Martin Luther King Jr. is not of the highest tier of spokesman (sorry fans). They must, similarly, be doing it out of the goodness of their heart, and not for material or political gain. This takes out some politicians that supposedly fight for the minority but really just want to see numbers in the polls, as well as many of the lawyers that fight for minorities just because they are paid. So who does that leave, exactly? No lawyers, politicians, or minorities? Is there such a person? I'm very hard-pressed to think of someone like this. Give me a couple minutes.
...
I have come up with someone after about 4 minutes. If you'll remember, we had a list of people to choose from for our "Do I Dare Disturb the Universe?" Project. I remembered looking at a few people on the list. Now, before I begin, this person is not perfect because he did gain from his actions, but he is very near it.
His name was Oskar Schindler. He was a German industrialist during the holocaust who is creditted with saving 1200 Jews from death due to the holocaust. He had them work in his factories, and thus saved their lives. Of course, their labors gave him gain, and he ironically the Jews whose lives he saved were working making ammunition, likely for the Nazi army. Actually, now that I think about it, that is some kind of sick poetic irony. That has touched be strongly... I might have to change my dude for that project...
Anyway, bottom line, alot of people help the underdog, but generally their is some sort of hidden agenda. Extremely rare are those that are selfless and kind and supportive of a minority. Atticus is the only one I can think of. By the way, on the topic of Oskar Schindler again, if I could save 1200 lives... Just wow. Wow. Who else, I wonder?
Earth Day
Well, to be honest, Earth Day is not prime on my mind right now. The schoolwork is being thrown at me like confetti... Lots and lots of confetti. So no, I really have not done, nor is it likely that I will do, anything for Earth Day. That is not to say of course, that I don't appreciate what Earth Day stands for... It just comes at a bad time.
So... What does Earth Day stand for anyway? To me, Earth Day represents the unified efforts of the people of the world to make the world a nicer and cleaner place, while we wait for our progressive government to do something serious about it. I remember planting a tree on Earth Day in elementary school (5th grade?). That is probably the most serious I ever got about it.
Despite that I rarely participate in Earth Day, I do care about the environment. I am like the mu... Holy crap, there is this bird outside my window and he is like spasming on top of a tree stump. What on Earth? Ohhh, maybe he's drying himself off... Stupid rain. Anyway, as I was saying, I am like the mute. Of course I still care about conversations, I am just unable to do anything about it right now. Well, perhaps a better comparison would have been someone with laryngitis... Because that is only temporary.
Yes, soon I might participate in Earth Day. This year, however, is not that "soon." So until then, I can only appreciate the actions of people who do participate in this most practical (Not being sarcastic) of holidays.
~Tyler
So... What does Earth Day stand for anyway? To me, Earth Day represents the unified efforts of the people of the world to make the world a nicer and cleaner place, while we wait for our progressive government to do something serious about it. I remember planting a tree on Earth Day in elementary school (5th grade?). That is probably the most serious I ever got about it.
Despite that I rarely participate in Earth Day, I do care about the environment. I am like the mu... Holy crap, there is this bird outside my window and he is like spasming on top of a tree stump. What on Earth? Ohhh, maybe he's drying himself off... Stupid rain. Anyway, as I was saying, I am like the mute. Of course I still care about conversations, I am just unable to do anything about it right now. Well, perhaps a better comparison would have been someone with laryngitis... Because that is only temporary.
Yes, soon I might participate in Earth Day. This year, however, is not that "soon." So until then, I can only appreciate the actions of people who do participate in this most practical (Not being sarcastic) of holidays.
~Tyler
Sunday, April 27, 2008
First they came for . . .
NO RANTS!!! Stick to the assignment. This is an assignment--find somewhere else to purge your ideas--either for or against the day. Many of you are missing the point. READ the assignment-do not just react to words. And yes, I still love you.
First they came for the Communists,
and I didn’t speak up,
because I wasn’t a Communist.
Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn’t speak up,
because I wasn’t a Jew.
Then they came for the Catholics,
and I didn’t speak up,
because I was a Protestant.
Then they came for me,
and by that time there was no one
left to speak up for me.
by Rev. Martin Niemoller, 1945
Have you ever been picked on? Called names? Harassed? It does not make one feel good and strong and in control of one's little piece of the earth, does it? No one should ever have to deal with that.
For any reason. Not because one is heavy, skinny, poor, black, hispanic, slow, blond, gay, lesbian, transgender or has a disabilty of any kind and the list goes on.
On Friday the nation will have a Day of Silence to recognize and give 'voice' to those silenced by bullying, name-calling and harassment. EDITED TO READ:This is NOT a day for/of gay rights or whatever else you may think. OUR SCHOOl AND THIS class celebrates the idea of TOLERANCE. You do not need to accept or approve of someone, but in my class and in this school you do need to tolerate. Therefore, this is a day to stand up against tyranny and bullying everywhere, for EVERYONE. It is a day to stand up against name-calling, bullying and harassment. You do not need to be gay, lesbian or transgender to show your support of breaking the silence on prejudice and the injustices done in the name of intolerance. No one should ever be silenced because of someone's else's idea of a correct world. Intolerance is unbearable and unjust.
Choose a person you know or a character in a book you read, who you feel stood up for the underdog, the silenced, the downtrodden and discuss what happened, how this person is perceived by others and what the outcome was. What type of person was he/she? Do you admire this person?
Peace and kindness,
Mrs. Gaboury
First they came for the Communists,
and I didn’t speak up,
because I wasn’t a Communist.
Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn’t speak up,
because I wasn’t a Jew.
Then they came for the Catholics,
and I didn’t speak up,
because I was a Protestant.
Then they came for me,
and by that time there was no one
left to speak up for me.
by Rev. Martin Niemoller, 1945
Have you ever been picked on? Called names? Harassed? It does not make one feel good and strong and in control of one's little piece of the earth, does it? No one should ever have to deal with that.
For any reason. Not because one is heavy, skinny, poor, black, hispanic, slow, blond, gay, lesbian, transgender or has a disabilty of any kind and the list goes on.
On Friday the nation will have a Day of Silence to recognize and give 'voice' to those silenced by bullying, name-calling and harassment. EDITED TO READ:This is NOT a day for/of gay rights or whatever else you may think. OUR SCHOOl AND THIS class celebrates the idea of TOLERANCE. You do not need to accept or approve of someone, but in my class and in this school you do need to tolerate. Therefore, this is a day to stand up against tyranny and bullying everywhere, for EVERYONE. It is a day to stand up against name-calling, bullying and harassment. You do not need to be gay, lesbian or transgender to show your support of breaking the silence on prejudice and the injustices done in the name of intolerance. No one should ever be silenced because of someone's else's idea of a correct world. Intolerance is unbearable and unjust.
Choose a person you know or a character in a book you read, who you feel stood up for the underdog, the silenced, the downtrodden and discuss what happened, how this person is perceived by others and what the outcome was. What type of person was he/she? Do you admire this person?
Peace and kindness,
Mrs. Gaboury
Earth Day/Month/Year/Life
Greetings everyone.
Today there are two blogs PLUS research to do, so get busy! ;-)
This blog:
Blocks 6 & 7 you already did your research project and most of you mentioned how much you wish you had done MORE to help the environment.
All classes-many of you have expressed interest in the serious issues dealing with the environment. Most of you are concerned with what the future holds in regards to fuel and energy resources (how expensive gas will be by the time YOU drove!) as well as hard it is becoming on your family as prices of gas, food and just about everything rise due to our energy woes.
My questions are for you: What one task (or more) are you undertaking to make this world more energy secure? Less dependant on foreign fuel sources? Your family pocketbook stretch more? Have you made any changes to how you live? Did you do anything special to celebrate Earth Day? Will you do a belated Happy Earth Day Project? (Plant a tree, pick up trash, turn off lights when not using them, turn off water when brushing teeth? etc.)
Enjoy!
Mrs. Gaboury
Today there are two blogs PLUS research to do, so get busy! ;-)
This blog:
Blocks 6 & 7 you already did your research project and most of you mentioned how much you wish you had done MORE to help the environment.
All classes-many of you have expressed interest in the serious issues dealing with the environment. Most of you are concerned with what the future holds in regards to fuel and energy resources (how expensive gas will be by the time YOU drove!) as well as hard it is becoming on your family as prices of gas, food and just about everything rise due to our energy woes.
My questions are for you: What one task (or more) are you undertaking to make this world more energy secure? Less dependant on foreign fuel sources? Your family pocketbook stretch more? Have you made any changes to how you live? Did you do anything special to celebrate Earth Day? Will you do a belated Happy Earth Day Project? (Plant a tree, pick up trash, turn off lights when not using them, turn off water when brushing teeth? etc.)
Enjoy!
Mrs. Gaboury
Earth Day
As a Christian i am very concerned about how we respect and preserve the earth that God entrusted us with, i believe this is one issue both liberals and conservatives can agree on. I believe alternative fuels would be a great option for our country to lesson our dependency on foriegn oil. This would also help us with the war on terror as we wouldn't be sending our dollars over seas to people who would like nothing better than to see America destroyed.
As an imediate action my family has been taking alot less trips with our car, which in turn has led to more quality time at home. My family has always made it a priority not to become dependent on the material things of the world, we've tried not to make these things our source of happiness. If they came they came if they didn't, they didn't. I am a firm believer in personal responsibility, and i believe that if everyone in our country would tighten their belts and did their part, instead of depending on our government to bail us out all the time, we just might be able to become a strong, self sufficient country as we were in the past. Our family pocketbook has definetly been hit hard of late. We've sacrificed and are constantly making adjustments in our daily lives. The sacrifices we have made are alot easier to endure, when i think about the soldiers who are doing their part sacrificing everything they have for my freedom.
As a Christian i believe everyday should honor God and the earth that He has entrusted us with, after all, it's not ours, it's His. Therefore, everyday should be earth day.
As an imediate action my family has been taking alot less trips with our car, which in turn has led to more quality time at home. My family has always made it a priority not to become dependent on the material things of the world, we've tried not to make these things our source of happiness. If they came they came if they didn't, they didn't. I am a firm believer in personal responsibility, and i believe that if everyone in our country would tighten their belts and did their part, instead of depending on our government to bail us out all the time, we just might be able to become a strong, self sufficient country as we were in the past. Our family pocketbook has definetly been hit hard of late. We've sacrificed and are constantly making adjustments in our daily lives. The sacrifices we have made are alot easier to endure, when i think about the soldiers who are doing their part sacrificing everything they have for my freedom.
As a Christian i believe everyday should honor God and the earth that He has entrusted us with, after all, it's not ours, it's His. Therefore, everyday should be earth day.
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