You're Sixteen, You're Beautiful, and You're a Voter.... Or are you?

In humanities class this morning, we had a Socratic seminar based on an article that discussed whether sixteen year-olds should have the right to vote or not. Interestingly enough we were divided into two discussion groups based on gender, and listened to one another’s thoughts on the issue. Prior to the seminar itself, we had to prepare ourselves by reading and annotating the provided text. I personally used my own method of annotating, which includes color-coordinating sections of the text, depending on its significance, as well as breaking down the article by writing down comments and questions. I also prepared a handful of questions that I might have the opportunity to bring up in the conversation.

In the article itself, the author expressed her opinion that sixteen year olds should be ready to vote, as well as be given other responsibilities. The author brought up the idea of giving youth voters, civics exams and “voting permits” before they could be given the actual right to vote. She also brought upon this same idea and applied it to drinking and alcoholism. Teenagers would have to take an alcohol awareness test, and in turn be given a “drinking permit”. I agree with the author’s incentive and opinion, because I too believe that allowing teenagers to drink would neutralize the amount of illegal drinking and accidents due to alcohol. I personally believe that one of the sole reasons that teenagers do drink is because they aren’t allowed to. It’s teenage human nature to rebel against something that you can’t have. Studies also showed that teenagers whose families allow them to drink at home are less likely to sneak a drink with their friends. I also somewhat agree with the authors notion to allow sixteen year-olds credit cards. However, there should be precautions to this such as proving teenagers first with a financial test, and giving them a certain credit card limit depending on their age. Otherwise, I believe this to be a good decision because it prepares teenagers for later financial circumstances and provides them with experience.

During the seminar there were many different opinions and points brought up. Some of the ideas and points that I contributed to the discussion was that there is no real or specific way in which to measure one’s readiness to vote. Age and little tidbits of our country’s history do not entirely define someone to be ready to help make the decisions for our nation. While we were conversing about this, we were given a sample of questions on the citizenship test, and we all agreed that knowing all of these seemingly insignificant information about our country’s past do not justify someone to be ready to vote. But my real thought was that, how could the government really be able to “test” its citizens if they’re ready to not. I believe these tests to just be a compromise and one of the closest things we can use as a tool to differentiate competent and incompetent sixteen year-old voters. Although majority of people in the seminar believed that sixteen year-olds are not ready to vote, others believed that it all depends on the person. Dorothy brought up the point that the right to vote is a right that should be given regardless of age. If someone under the age of eighteen is very involved, passionate and aware of their political surroundings, then who is to say that they can’t vote? However, majority of the other participants in the discussion responded to that with the argument that most sixteen year-olds are not ready. Majority of teenagers sixteen-eighteen have not yet reached that maturity level.

I found the conversation itself to be quite entertaining and many people had a lot to say. However, there were times where it seemed that people were dominating the conversation, or we as a group didn’t stick enough to the content of the text. Even as the moderator, I sometimes found it hard to guide the conversation back into the text when people were having a heated debate on certain issues or topics. I wanted to give people enough personal space and freedom to express their thoughts and opinions. However, I think we all could have gotten more out of the conversation if we all were able to refer back to the text more successfully. There were times in the conversation where I wanted to speak out in response to one another’s comments, but I refrained from doing so, so that others could have the opportunity to speak. Something that I believe I could improve on, not only as a moderator, but as a seminar participant, is being able to present more thought provoking questions. In the Socratic seminars to come, I hope to get more people involved and raise provoking questions and ideas.

One of the most interesting points I found valuable that Allegra brought up, was whether it would be worth it to lower the voting age. How many teenagers would really take the time and dedication to take a test and show up the polls? Statistics show that the demographic of eighteen to twenty-nine year-olds are the lowest demographic in terms of voter turn out. What would be the real point in lowering the age? However, one of the most though provoking points, brought upon Cortney Golub herself, was that, even if statistics show that less than half of youth voters vote, wouldn’t it be great if even just a fraction of the youth had a say? I feel it to be very vital that the youth have a voice in their country, especially with issues that specifically regard the younger demographic. Although I believe this to be quite important, and Cortney’s point did shed some new light on the issue, I am still quite hesitant whether the youth are up for that challenge. Sixteen and seventeen year-olds must show enough dedication and determination before they could have my vote.

Vocabulary Quiz: SAT 7: The Year of the Youth Vote?

The topic of youth voting is inescapable wherever you look. The subject is discussed in most of the major news magazines and newspapers and in our classrooms. I definitely agree with Shanelle's feelings about Barack Obama, because I have seen him speak before and his words are very powerful. He just has a sense of confidence that oozes out of him. A part of why the youth is so adamant in supporting Obama is because he is one of the most progressive candidates in history. As stated in the article, The Year of the Youth Vote, Barack Obama doesn't just speak of change, he looks like change. The youth of today tend to be more liberal and identify with Obama because they want that sense of reform and see change in the society they live in. I believe that youth is so much for change because the youth themselves are constantly experiencing change, and for them, it seems that it has always played well in their cards. Young voters tend not to be conservative in their views, because although many youth uphold traditional values, most young people look for new and fresh ideas. College students all over the United States have created a coalition of Obama supporters, who together, go out into their campuses and encourage political rallies and fellow students to go out and vote. To go out and make a real difference. A good portion of students under 30 believe that Obama should replace George W. Bush, who is currently the incumbent of President of the United States. However, Many students who are constituents seem not to take advantage of their suffrage, because as statistics show, less than half of 18-24 year olds voted in the 2004 election. Even when the voting age was lowered down to 18, and younger voters gained suffrage, only 55% of 18-24 year olds voted in the 1972 general election. However there seems to be much hype that this year, 2008, is the year of change. A few months ago many vetoed the idea that their would be a high youth vote turn out, and many were quite skeptical as to how it would happen. Although today, it is becoming more and more obvious that the more youth voters will come to the polls in the coming general election.
But as the election draws near, many politicians and citizens are bringing up the idea of lowering the voting age to 16. I personally believe that a referendum should be proposing to the people whether they want or don't want the voting age to be changed. Where I stand on this issue, I'm not sure. Although I do know that the upcoming general election is sure to be a memorable one.

Youth Voting Apathy

The following is a response to a video clip from the cbs news website. View video here: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/12/03/eveningnews/main3570366.shtml

In the video, MTV representative Gideon Yago discusses the low voting turnout of young people, especially those 18-25 years old. It seems to me that young people aren't going to the polls as much as they should be because they aren't given enough incentive. During the Vietnam War, the youth of America was empowered and was able to change the voting age. The people of that generation were able to change the constitution and get their say in what happens. I believe that what made them so passionate to go to the polls and speak out was because politics was directly affecting them and the people they know. Sure, even today the things happening in Iraq, and such issues like stem cell research, the economy, largely effect us, however many of the youth today don't seem to realize that. In my opinion the youth is just plain stubborn. A frisbee has to smack us right in the head for it to really hit hard. However, it does seem that our generation is being more influenced to vote, and are more encouraged than ever before. Through mediums like the internet and websites such as myspace, facebook, and youtube, the youth is becoming more aware of current events and politics.

A new revolution is sweeping the nation, and the rest of the nation wouldn't realize it until they get hit on the head with a frisbee.

Debate Reflection

On Monday the 11th of February, my humanities class had a Mock-Debate and Election based on the current candidates for the 2008 election. Prior to the debate, my fellow classmates and I researched information based on the candidate and issue we were assigned. I looked into Hillary Clinton and her standpoint on education reform as well as the positions of opposing candidates Barack Obama and Mike Gravel. I chose to research education because I believe education to be vital in the success of our nation. To me, education is the very foundation of our youth, and of technological and social progression in the world. Because of this, I was shocked to find out how much our education system if faltering today, and the lack of action to compensate for this. Almost one third of high school students don’t graduate high school and over six million middle and high school students read quite below their grade level. So when I discovered these shocking statistics, it gave me more incentive to find out the plans of actions of the candidates to help fix this.
According to my research, all the candidates had similar ideas on how to improve the education system. Obama and Clinton’s plans seemed almost identical and their plans seemed to coincide with one another. However, Mike Gravel’s opinions, such as teacher merit pay and vouchers differed very much from each other. My experience representing Hillary Clinton on education in the debate was somewhat invigorating. I agreed with most of Hillary’s views on education, like providing more funding to children from low income families and school-based merit pay. So I didn’t have a difficult time defending Clinton and her views since they were quite similar with mine.
There many different issues where I wasn’t quite sure we I stood, or even understood the aspects of the issue. Although the issue of abortion wasn’t brought up in the debate, while researching I came upon different candidates views on the subject matter. On this issue I am stand in the middle because, although I do believe that women have their own right to do what they want to their bodies, I also take into consideration the rights of an unborn child. I know that Hillary is pro-choice, although I myself don’t know if I agree with her or not.
I found the debate to be very enlightening and entertaining as well. It was interesting to see how other people would embody the candidate they represented, and put themselves in that candidates shoes. Something that I found quite controversial and intriguing was the position of the republicans in Iraq war. I personally believe that the United States should leave Iraq, although do so slowly but surely to ensure that the country isn’t left in ruins. However, all three republican candidates, McCain, Huckabee and Romney, would like to stay in Iraq and even increase military spending.
Overall I thought the our Mock Elections were a success, and I’m sure everyone in the class was able to learn a thing or two.

Results of the Mock Elections:

Presidential Nominee – Democratic Party: Barack Obama
Presidential Nominee – Republican Party: Mitt Romney

SAT 6 - Vocabulary Quiz

The following is a summary/response to an article from the NY Times:

"Hold the Chemicals, Bring on the Needles"

It seems that a new way of getting rid of those nasty old wrinkles is taking America by storm. Move out of the way botox and make room for the new method of rejuvenating your skin; acupuncture. According to customers mentioned in the article Hold the Chemicals, Bring on the Needles, the so-called acupuncture-face lift has made their skin gain back that "youthful glow" they had earlier in their life. When performing these acupuncture sessions, the acupuncturist must be very scrupulous and take caution while putting needles into the faces of their customers. Those who use the acupuncture-face lift, could very possibly be at the pinnacles of their career because they would need to have an ample amount of money in order to afford this. However if the acupuncture method did not work, it would as if the clinics usurped the money out of their customer's pocket. It is possible that the clinics who promote the use of this method are conniving together to create different market schemes to in order to convince more of the public that acupuncture could get of wrinkles. Dr. Peter G. Hanson, an acupuncturist claims that cosmetic acupuncture incorporates "microcurrents" that tone and increase the volume of underlying muscles, which could make the skin tight and youthful again. Dr. Hanson states that it also causes a stimulation in the nerves. However, Dr. Richard D'Amico, the president of the American Society for Plastic Surgeon believes that Dr. Hanson fabricated this information because he claims that by doing this, it could result in causing wrinkles to get worse. If Dr. Hanson's claim is true, then acupuncture would not cause atrophy in one's face since it he claims that it stimulates the nerves and won't cause the muscles in the face to waste away.

"Inside the Waiting Room"- A Reflective Essay

The Waiting Room, written by the sensational Lisa Loomer, is a satirical yet emotionally moving play that tells the tale of three women from varying time periods who come together while still in their search for beauty. The Waiting Room provides many laughs and jaw-dropping moments throughout the play while still being able to convey key messages to the audience. Throughout this play we realize that our “quest for beauty” has surpassed the ages, as displayed by the three key characters, and that beauty is constantly changing as we continue to seek for it. One of the significant messages that I believe I got out of this play, was that true beauty resides within one’s self and the respect they have for themselves. During the play we learn of how much these three different women have degraded themselves body and mind in order to become socially acceptable in their society. An important thing that a person should know throughout their lives is that in this “search for beauty”, the main priority is to beautify the soul before working on anything else. A person must believe first they are beautiful without anyone having to interfere. It is the way in which a person carries themselves and how they act that reflects their real beauty, not just the aesthetics.

All of the three characters are a representation of their society’s perception of beauty. Although each of the women come from three very different time periods, it seems that our views about beauty, gender roles, as well as health have changed but have never really progressed. Wanda, who is a modern gal from Jersey strives to become beautiful by going on crash diets, getting breast implants, liposuction, and even taking drugs in order to become thin. She even tries to be a “ditz” so that she may appear to be less intelligent that she really is. However she experiences the repercussions of her actions when she finds herself having breast cancer. Forgiveness who is from 18^th century China, has bound feet which has led her to sacrifice toes and almost even amputate her foot, all just to please her husband. She’s very cheerful and naïve, and it appears that she is almost child-like in personality. While Victoria, a proper and self-controlled woman from 19^th century England, wears a corset with nearly 20 lbs of clothing and tries to hide the fact that she’s reading books from her husband. Each sacrifices their state of mind and health enduring pain all so that they may be able to please society and the opposite sex. With Victoria and Forgiveness, they’re often controlled by their husband, obliging by their demands and their needs. The same can almost said about Wanda and today’s society, however Wanda seems to let herself be controlled by society’s wants and needs.

Although each woman is plagued by their society’s standard of beauty throughout the play, as they play progresses they each one of them changes and goes through a sort of evolution with the help of the other characters. The three women develop an odd but affectionate friendship with one another, and in a way they open each other’s eyes and help each other realize different things. Victoria’s relationship with Wanda helped her become empowered and come out of shell. Although she obliges to her husband’s request of getting a hysterectomy to “cure” her hysteria, in the end she was still able to stand up to her husband and shed some of the control he had over her. Victoria has also aided Wanda in her evolution, telling her that “My dear you have the vote, you can learn Greek you have no obligations, you can read any book in the world…” (pg. 69) having Wanda admit a very personal detail and helped her realize how much time she’s wasted throughout her life. “Ive spent 6,750 hours of my life…on my hair”, Wanda states, “And yeah dying would be a bitch. But isn’t it worse- not living when you’re alive?” (pg.71). One of the most pivotal moments in the play was during Wanda’s monologue, while she was telling a “fairy tale story” to forgiveness. In this fairy tale, Wanda tells the story of how three stupid sisters came to a magician to make them become perfect. But the magic “started to go back”, and when the three stupid sisters came back to the magician, the magician replied, “I didn’t say you’d be perfect forever…Check out the shingles. It says ‘Magician’, not ‘God’” (pg.75). Wanda then talks about how the three sisters broke all of the mirrors in the kingdom and reassured all the women that they looked “beautiful”. While telling this story, Wanda realizes what she knew all along. That one doesn’t have to be this many pounds, and have enhanced features to be beautiful. If you know and believe that you are beautiful, then you truly are. This story is also crucial to Forgiveness’s change. Through this story, Forgiveness was able to “unwrap the bound years” and the chains of society from her feet to become free.

During the play, Lisa Loomer includes insight into the health and drug industry with the characters of Ken and Larry. Ken is an FDA official and Larry is the Vice President of a major pharmaceutical company and on the board of cancer center. The characters are essential to the plot of the play, because they are the ones who decide whether a certain treatment that might help cure cancer could be used. However money, greed, and “business” come into play with this decision reflecting the real-life dilemmas of the health industry and pharmaceutical companies. In the play, there is a treatment that has had some good results with curing cancer which was created in Jamaica. However Larry strongly opposes bringing this treatment into the United States, because it could cause him and others to lose profit in their investment with another treatment. Many businessmen in the health industry do not entirely care for the welfare of the American public, but rather the profit that they gain from us. In a way, the pharmaceutical industry and the beauty industry are very much alike. Each of them do not care about how their decisions or influence effect the health of Americans, because they are solely concerned with financial gain.

The play ended with the final image of Forgiveness finally being able to use her feet as dances and dances; twirling and spinning off the bondage throughout the ages. Whether this resembled Forgiveness’s death or just a dream can be left to interpretation. I personally believe that Forgiveness “moved on”, her soul leaving her mangled physical body and rejoicing in the body of her spirit. In the end, Victoria returned home to 19^th century England with her corset but was wearing a new sense of empowerment. I believe that Lisa Loomer chose this ending for Victoria to signify that things cannot change over night, and many people must still lead the lives that society intended them to. Wanda’s fate is left unknown as she continues her life in the world that we live in now. All three of these characters did not receive a “happy ending”, however I thought that this was a wonderful way to end a wonderful play. We will never know what will happen to Victoria, Wanda, and Forgiveness, because life takes a lot of unexpected twists and turns. It would be quite interesting to create an Act Three of the play, in which Wanda continues to deal with her cancer and with the temptations of going back to her old ways. However, I wouldn’t have had the play end any other way. I think that it is best to leave this play open-ended because it allows the audience to create their own interpretation of what happens to these characters. After all, isn’t everything “in the eye of the beholder”?

Fairy Tales... Males and Females

"...Fairy Tales not so happy ever after"

As I kid and like many other children my age, I loved fairy tales. I loved the princesses that were in it, the handsome prince charming, and I felt satisfied in the end when the ugly old witch would be punished in the end. What I loved most about them, was how each tale always had a "happily ever after". However, after reading an article from Purdue University, I realized the significance of these "fairy tales" in our daily lives. Initially, stories from Grimm’s Fairy Tales were written to educate young boys and girls the roles that they should play and how they should act in society in the 1800's. These stories often depicted women to be the beautiful damsel in distress waiting to be "rescued" by a brave charming prince, and then live happily ever after. These stories are projecting messages that lead little girls to believe that one must be beautiful and fair in order to live a "happy life". In turn young boys often believe that it is their duty to be strong and courageous. These stories are still very alive and with us today, as 43% of the tales have been “reproduced in children’s books or movies”. However, I find that any type of fictional story provides the audience with the very same principles and underlying messages from these fairy tales. In Filipino mythology, it is told that two beings were came out of a bamboo tree after a bird had landed on it. These two people were Malakas (the strong one) and Maganda (the beautiful one) and thus the very Filipinos came to be. In this story alone, it seems that any people have always referred to each sex as either strong or beautiful. Even today, the men and women aspire to be Malakas or Maganda.

All of what is displayed in these magical fairy tales effect and support the gender roles that we play in society. It seems that throughout all of history the woman has always been seen as the weaker, more delicate being, and the man was supposed to be the brave provider. These gender roles were glorified especially during the 1950’s as women were seen as “cheery” perfect housewives and were always prepared for their husbands to come home and enjoy the meal that they cooked. Although during the same time, our perception of beauty reflected the roles that women played in society. This made me realize that, the roles that we play in society affect the way wee see and believe beauty to be. Although I don’t believe a beautiful woman to be a “perfect” housewife who is the caregiver of the family, it seems to me that some of the same beliefs and values that were upheld during the 50s and in Ancient Greek for that matter, can still be seen today. Even though we have such wonderful nick-nacks and sophisticated technology, I still wonder if we really advanced. Throughout our thousands of years of existence, has man-kind truly progressed?