Take Action Reflection
The Take-Action project was focused on further developing our environmental ethic and to express our perspective to a community audience. I worked with my classmate, Anish Wells on this project because we had similar ideas and environmental ethics. The project we chose was to create and distribute 'seed bombs' in the name of lowering CO2 levels while creating oxygen, as well as stimulating biodiversity.
The essential question for this project was: “How do your sense of place, your environmental ethic, and your understanding of our energy needs influence your perception of human’s use of Earth’s resources and your own lifestyle decisions?” My project answered this question by expressing the need for biodiversity on our planet. Because life on earth is found in various ecosystems across the globe and biodiversity directly effects the stability of an ecosystem, biodiversity directly effects all life on earth.
This project was a futile stab at stabilizing ecosystems to strengthen them against the destructive wrath of human beings. I have learned through my environmental ethic essay that life on earth is possible because of the balance of many ecosystems and species. This project will not make any large scale differences in the unbalance being caused by humans takeover of planet Earth. Large scale changes would only be possible if there was a huge drop in human population or a worldwide change in the way we interact with the environment.
The Take-Action project was focused on further developing our environmental ethic and to express our perspective to a community audience. I worked with my classmate, Anish Wells on this project because we had similar ideas and environmental ethics. The project we chose was to create and distribute 'seed bombs' in the name of lowering CO2 levels while creating oxygen, as well as stimulating biodiversity.
The essential question for this project was: “How do your sense of place, your environmental ethic, and your understanding of our energy needs influence your perception of human’s use of Earth’s resources and your own lifestyle decisions?” My project answered this question by expressing the need for biodiversity on our planet. Because life on earth is found in various ecosystems across the globe and biodiversity directly effects the stability of an ecosystem, biodiversity directly effects all life on earth.
This project was a futile stab at stabilizing ecosystems to strengthen them against the destructive wrath of human beings. I have learned through my environmental ethic essay that life on earth is possible because of the balance of many ecosystems and species. This project will not make any large scale differences in the unbalance being caused by humans takeover of planet Earth. Large scale changes would only be possible if there was a huge drop in human population or a worldwide change in the way we interact with the environment.
Energy and place
1. How does energy production impact place?
2. How does your sense of place, environmental ethic and understanding of our energy needs influence your
perception and decisions regarding energy production.
Project Reflection
This project was focused on developing an understanding of energy production and the different opinions that surround the very controversial topic. We were encouraged to develop our own environmental ethic through research assignments like the sense of place essay. We were instructed to do extensive research on different environmental ethics and formulate our own opinions, we were then tasked with writing a 1500 word essay about a place that has meaning to us and our personal environmental ethic.
I learned a lot during this project and took it upon myself to do tons of research. I focused on the history of life on Earth and the circumstances that make it possible. I looked at human impact on the biodiversity of the planet as well as some potential solutions. As a result my thinking has slightly changed about my role as an individual in a species on Earth. I now have more of an understanding about what makes life possible and the things we can do to promote it.
Essay
2. How does your sense of place, environmental ethic and understanding of our energy needs influence your
perception and decisions regarding energy production.
Project Reflection
This project was focused on developing an understanding of energy production and the different opinions that surround the very controversial topic. We were encouraged to develop our own environmental ethic through research assignments like the sense of place essay. We were instructed to do extensive research on different environmental ethics and formulate our own opinions, we were then tasked with writing a 1500 word essay about a place that has meaning to us and our personal environmental ethic.
I learned a lot during this project and took it upon myself to do tons of research. I focused on the history of life on Earth and the circumstances that make it possible. I looked at human impact on the biodiversity of the planet as well as some potential solutions. As a result my thinking has slightly changed about my role as an individual in a species on Earth. I now have more of an understanding about what makes life possible and the things we can do to promote it.
Essay
sense_of_place_essay.docx | |
File Size: | 256 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Hapiness and meaning
Project Description
Philosophy Statement
The human brain is the most advanced brain throughout all the known inhabitants of this planet. The human brain is the result of millions of years of evolution. One of the first complex brains is known as the reptilian brain, capable of sustaining basic body functions such as breathing and balance. This brain eventually evolved to the mammalian brain. The mammalian brain is now capable understanding social hierarchy and some communication skills. The mammalian brain is the foundation for the human brain. The human brain is perhaps the most complex thing known to man. This brain has some features unique to humans including the pre frontal cortex. Unlike apes, humans are now capable of advanced math calculations, sophisticated communication or language, the ability to make predictions about the future, awareness of death, and of course, the questioning of existence.
Albert Camus once said, "Life should be lived to the point of tears." In other words, we should live to be moved because humans desire to be touched by something greater than themselves. That’s a difficult task however; many people turn to religion and blind faith. I do not turn to faith or religion instead I am comfortable with admitting the unknown. With what is known to me I attempt to 'experience design' which is basically hacking experience and subjectivity. My whole existence is the outcome of compiled experiences creating subjectivity. These first person experiences that unfold moment by moment are all that we have, it's all that we are. So if your experiences are your existence how can we script this, and be the directors of our own movie, so to speak? The trick to taking control of experience is attention. Attention leads to states of immersion or of absorption. This immersion is the imperative for any sort of personal persuasion or ideals. Any sort of interpersonal transformation or realization comes from the deep sense of immersion brought on by focused attention. So if attention is the key to experience and the key to directing your own movie, than this is subsequently the key to our own happiness, or the meaning of life.
Philosophy Statement
The human brain is the most advanced brain throughout all the known inhabitants of this planet. The human brain is the result of millions of years of evolution. One of the first complex brains is known as the reptilian brain, capable of sustaining basic body functions such as breathing and balance. This brain eventually evolved to the mammalian brain. The mammalian brain is now capable understanding social hierarchy and some communication skills. The mammalian brain is the foundation for the human brain. The human brain is perhaps the most complex thing known to man. This brain has some features unique to humans including the pre frontal cortex. Unlike apes, humans are now capable of advanced math calculations, sophisticated communication or language, the ability to make predictions about the future, awareness of death, and of course, the questioning of existence.
Albert Camus once said, "Life should be lived to the point of tears." In other words, we should live to be moved because humans desire to be touched by something greater than themselves. That’s a difficult task however; many people turn to religion and blind faith. I do not turn to faith or religion instead I am comfortable with admitting the unknown. With what is known to me I attempt to 'experience design' which is basically hacking experience and subjectivity. My whole existence is the outcome of compiled experiences creating subjectivity. These first person experiences that unfold moment by moment are all that we have, it's all that we are. So if your experiences are your existence how can we script this, and be the directors of our own movie, so to speak? The trick to taking control of experience is attention. Attention leads to states of immersion or of absorption. This immersion is the imperative for any sort of personal persuasion or ideals. Any sort of interpersonal transformation or realization comes from the deep sense of immersion brought on by focused attention. So if attention is the key to experience and the key to directing your own movie, than this is subsequently the key to our own happiness, or the meaning of life.
Native American Historical INQUIRY
How can an examination of multiple sources and perspectives lead to a more enlightened understanding of history AND contemporary social, cultural and political realities?
Journals
Journal 2
The movie we watched in class today outlined some of the different ways the media has portrayed Native Americans through movies and TV shows. The movie examines stereotypes and misunderstandings and the myths of the “real injun”. Over the years the stereotypes and generalizations have changed several times. From the noble savage to the drunken Indian, Native Americans have been as many different generalizations of people. The movie contains interviews with many diverse people that helped to inform people of the Native American experience in the American Film industry.
I found the film interesting and some of the discussions made me think. One thing in particular was the camp that taught what appeared to be only white children about the Native American culture. This is peculiar because it looked like a bunch of people acting like natives and conforming to a lot of stereotypes. You would never see this replicated with cultures such as African Americans or Jewish people.
Journal 4
Quote 1: “You’re nothing important, you’re just another goddamn Indian like me.” (Crazy Horse Dreams)
Quote 2: “These skeletons are made of memories, dreams, and voices.” (A Drug Called Tradition)
Quote 3: “I needed to be a hero and earn my name.” (A Drug Called Tradition)
These stories provide a unique perspective of Native American life and some of the cultural boundaries that exist. Throughout the stories Alexie shows some of the forces that influence a Native American’s life. We are all influenced by our elders and certain traditions that may occur in our families or communities. Native Americans have a very strong sense of tradition and in this day of age they are struggling to hold on to their sacred traditions while modern culture is tearing it from their grasps.
Journal 5
As a white male coming from a primarily Scottish background I have a lot to learn about the Native American history and modern lifestyle. In the stories we have been reading in class each one emphasizes the importance of community and connection with your family and friends. In “First Persons, First Peoples” Mariane Chamberlain states, “There is a web, intricate and beautiful, that weaves itself around everyone and through everything. It is through this web that knowledge, strength, and humility are earned” (Garrod and Larimore 156). Having a strong sense of community and collaborating with others are crucial components for success in new and old environments.
Since I was a baby I have been raised in a community called Heartwood. Heartwood is a group of about 25 homes all tucked together in the hills by Bayfield. I have learned very much about people from living in direct contact with my neighbors. The founder’s of Heartwood wanted to put emphasis on community and interconnectedness. They created things like common meals and work parties all designed to bring people together. Communities and families play substantial roles in everybody’s life. The people around you shape the person that is you. In “This is what it Means to say Phoenix Arizona” Sherman Alexei brings up the importance of creating connections with people and having a sense of community, he writes: Thomas Builds-the-Fire closed his eyes and told this story: ‘I remember when I had this dream that told me to go to Spokane, to stand by the Falls in the middle of the city and wait for a sign. I knew I had to go there but I didn't have a car. Didn't have a license. I was only thirteen. So I walked all the way, took me all day, and I finally made it to the Falls. I stood there for an hour waiting. Then your dad came walking up. What the hell are you doing here? he asked me. I said, Waiting for a vision. Then your father said, All you're going to get here is mugged. So he drove me over to Denny's, bought me dinner, and then drove me home to the reservation. For a long time I was mad because I thought my dreams had lied to me. But they didn't. Your dad was my vision. Take care of each other is what my dreams were saying. Take care of each other.’(Alexie 69).
This dream that Thomas has emphasizes the reoccurring theme of community throughout Alexei’s pieces. The short story that this quote is from, “This is what it Means to Say Phoenix Arizona” is about not being afraid to ask for help. Leaning on other people is essential and should not be discouraged.
In “First Persons, First Peoples” Robert Bennett talks about some of his experiences as a Native American child growing up and trying to create crucial relationships with his peers. He says, “Because many Indian high school students feel extremely un-welcome among non-native teachers and students, they join together for support” (Garrod and Larimore 141). Bennett points out that in unfamiliar territory the Native American students in his school tended to reach out to each to feel more secure. By nature people desire human interaction and a sense of community.
Seminar Prep
1. How do you think America would have been if Columbus wouldn't have found it?
2. Could there have been a better solution to the manifest destiny and the way they treated Native Americans?
3.how has your perspective changed throughout these chapters.
(Sean N.)
a) Don’t put wealth over human life. (Columbus’ hunt for gold).
b) Question the history books (Zinn’s accounts of the dark side of history).
c) Society is constantly progressing
- In the past the media has portrayed very stereotypical Native Americans in TV and magazines. These stereotypes make Native people feel like there is no way to break this norm so they find themselves conformists. (A drug Called Tradition)
- This project made me question previous knowledge I have obtained from history books and articles. “The quiet acceptance of murder in the name of progress” (Zinn 9)
- Do you think Marianne would have had an easier time in college if she were male?
- Should Natives make an effort to learn their past or concentrate on building their future?
- What should our duties as whites be to assist Native Americans?
Project Reflection
This project was aimed at engaging in the critical thinking work of real historians to critically examine our own prejudices and those portrayed by the media. through the course of the project it was our goal to answer thought provoking questions such as:
1. How did Columbus treat the indigenous people he encountered upon arriving to the Americas?
2. What was the “Trail of Tears” and why did it happen?
3. What really happened at the Wounded Knee Massacre and why did it happen?
4. What are some experiences of contemporary Native Americans?
5. How do the media portray Native Americans today?
The most significant lesson for me in this project was learning how to take long difficult writings and gather the important information. Ashley guided us however we had to develop our own methods for reading and taking notes effectively. I was challenged in this project with some of the facts provided in the Howard Zinn writings. There were a few claims that I did not fully believe and I made several annotations asking for evidence of a specific claim. This project was chalk full of emotion and for me, watching the different films such as The Reel Injun was very interesting because we were able to see real people that were affected by the exact things we had spent so much time learning about.
The socratic seminar at the end of the project was a great way to get the students engaged and to summarize all the content we had been trying to grasp over the last couple weeks. For my seminar two Native American students, Kody and Noah, sat in to provide their personal views and to give the primarily Caucasian class a unique perspective. The seminar that I participated in went well and it was very interesting to see all my classmates different opinions on this topic.
Essential Question: How can an examination of multiple sources and perspectives lead to a more enlightened understanding of history AND contemporary social, cultural and political realities?
I think it is very important to inform people that things are not always as one person says they are, you often need to dig deeper, bringing in other opinions and knowledge, to learn the whole truth and develop and understanding for yourself. This was very relevant in this project because of all the different stories and opinions surrounding Native American history and culture. A major example is the stories surrounding Columbus' journey through the Americas. If no one had question the previous accounts of the story we would all still believe the content we read once in a textbook. When attempting to develop and understanding of a topic or issue it is very important to ask questions and explore many opinions.
Journal 2
The movie we watched in class today outlined some of the different ways the media has portrayed Native Americans through movies and TV shows. The movie examines stereotypes and misunderstandings and the myths of the “real injun”. Over the years the stereotypes and generalizations have changed several times. From the noble savage to the drunken Indian, Native Americans have been as many different generalizations of people. The movie contains interviews with many diverse people that helped to inform people of the Native American experience in the American Film industry.
I found the film interesting and some of the discussions made me think. One thing in particular was the camp that taught what appeared to be only white children about the Native American culture. This is peculiar because it looked like a bunch of people acting like natives and conforming to a lot of stereotypes. You would never see this replicated with cultures such as African Americans or Jewish people.
Journal 4
Quote 1: “You’re nothing important, you’re just another goddamn Indian like me.” (Crazy Horse Dreams)
Quote 2: “These skeletons are made of memories, dreams, and voices.” (A Drug Called Tradition)
Quote 3: “I needed to be a hero and earn my name.” (A Drug Called Tradition)
These stories provide a unique perspective of Native American life and some of the cultural boundaries that exist. Throughout the stories Alexie shows some of the forces that influence a Native American’s life. We are all influenced by our elders and certain traditions that may occur in our families or communities. Native Americans have a very strong sense of tradition and in this day of age they are struggling to hold on to their sacred traditions while modern culture is tearing it from their grasps.
Journal 5
As a white male coming from a primarily Scottish background I have a lot to learn about the Native American history and modern lifestyle. In the stories we have been reading in class each one emphasizes the importance of community and connection with your family and friends. In “First Persons, First Peoples” Mariane Chamberlain states, “There is a web, intricate and beautiful, that weaves itself around everyone and through everything. It is through this web that knowledge, strength, and humility are earned” (Garrod and Larimore 156). Having a strong sense of community and collaborating with others are crucial components for success in new and old environments.
Since I was a baby I have been raised in a community called Heartwood. Heartwood is a group of about 25 homes all tucked together in the hills by Bayfield. I have learned very much about people from living in direct contact with my neighbors. The founder’s of Heartwood wanted to put emphasis on community and interconnectedness. They created things like common meals and work parties all designed to bring people together. Communities and families play substantial roles in everybody’s life. The people around you shape the person that is you. In “This is what it Means to say Phoenix Arizona” Sherman Alexei brings up the importance of creating connections with people and having a sense of community, he writes: Thomas Builds-the-Fire closed his eyes and told this story: ‘I remember when I had this dream that told me to go to Spokane, to stand by the Falls in the middle of the city and wait for a sign. I knew I had to go there but I didn't have a car. Didn't have a license. I was only thirteen. So I walked all the way, took me all day, and I finally made it to the Falls. I stood there for an hour waiting. Then your dad came walking up. What the hell are you doing here? he asked me. I said, Waiting for a vision. Then your father said, All you're going to get here is mugged. So he drove me over to Denny's, bought me dinner, and then drove me home to the reservation. For a long time I was mad because I thought my dreams had lied to me. But they didn't. Your dad was my vision. Take care of each other is what my dreams were saying. Take care of each other.’(Alexie 69).
This dream that Thomas has emphasizes the reoccurring theme of community throughout Alexei’s pieces. The short story that this quote is from, “This is what it Means to Say Phoenix Arizona” is about not being afraid to ask for help. Leaning on other people is essential and should not be discouraged.
In “First Persons, First Peoples” Robert Bennett talks about some of his experiences as a Native American child growing up and trying to create crucial relationships with his peers. He says, “Because many Indian high school students feel extremely un-welcome among non-native teachers and students, they join together for support” (Garrod and Larimore 141). Bennett points out that in unfamiliar territory the Native American students in his school tended to reach out to each to feel more secure. By nature people desire human interaction and a sense of community.
Seminar Prep
1. How do you think America would have been if Columbus wouldn't have found it?
2. Could there have been a better solution to the manifest destiny and the way they treated Native Americans?
3.how has your perspective changed throughout these chapters.
(Sean N.)
a) Don’t put wealth over human life. (Columbus’ hunt for gold).
b) Question the history books (Zinn’s accounts of the dark side of history).
c) Society is constantly progressing
- In the past the media has portrayed very stereotypical Native Americans in TV and magazines. These stereotypes make Native people feel like there is no way to break this norm so they find themselves conformists. (A drug Called Tradition)
- This project made me question previous knowledge I have obtained from history books and articles. “The quiet acceptance of murder in the name of progress” (Zinn 9)
- Do you think Marianne would have had an easier time in college if she were male?
- Should Natives make an effort to learn their past or concentrate on building their future?
- What should our duties as whites be to assist Native Americans?
Project Reflection
This project was aimed at engaging in the critical thinking work of real historians to critically examine our own prejudices and those portrayed by the media. through the course of the project it was our goal to answer thought provoking questions such as:
1. How did Columbus treat the indigenous people he encountered upon arriving to the Americas?
2. What was the “Trail of Tears” and why did it happen?
3. What really happened at the Wounded Knee Massacre and why did it happen?
4. What are some experiences of contemporary Native Americans?
5. How do the media portray Native Americans today?
The most significant lesson for me in this project was learning how to take long difficult writings and gather the important information. Ashley guided us however we had to develop our own methods for reading and taking notes effectively. I was challenged in this project with some of the facts provided in the Howard Zinn writings. There were a few claims that I did not fully believe and I made several annotations asking for evidence of a specific claim. This project was chalk full of emotion and for me, watching the different films such as The Reel Injun was very interesting because we were able to see real people that were affected by the exact things we had spent so much time learning about.
The socratic seminar at the end of the project was a great way to get the students engaged and to summarize all the content we had been trying to grasp over the last couple weeks. For my seminar two Native American students, Kody and Noah, sat in to provide their personal views and to give the primarily Caucasian class a unique perspective. The seminar that I participated in went well and it was very interesting to see all my classmates different opinions on this topic.
Essential Question: How can an examination of multiple sources and perspectives lead to a more enlightened understanding of history AND contemporary social, cultural and political realities?
I think it is very important to inform people that things are not always as one person says they are, you often need to dig deeper, bringing in other opinions and knowledge, to learn the whole truth and develop and understanding for yourself. This was very relevant in this project because of all the different stories and opinions surrounding Native American history and culture. A major example is the stories surrounding Columbus' journey through the Americas. If no one had question the previous accounts of the story we would all still believe the content we read once in a textbook. When attempting to develop and understanding of a topic or issue it is very important to ask questions and explore many opinions.
The Morality And politics of justice
Artist Statement
My political campaign poster represents my perspective on euthanasia. I focused on communicating that everyone should have freedom to make important end of life decisions. I did my best to incorporate pathos with the clipart of the elderly person in the hospital. My poster has a very blue color scheme, which is calm and not too cluttered I decided on a Photoshop poster because I have a general knowledge about adobe programs and I enjoy creating digital art. I am proud of the way my poster turned out however there were times that I was rushed so small mistakes were made. One thing I am disappointed about is the wrinkles in the poster caused by the glue. This could have easily been avoided had I taken my time I am overall happy with my project and I think it does a good job of conveying my ideas related to euthanasia
Op Ed
The Right To Die
Al Thomson
On February 25th 1990 at the age of 26, Terri Schiavo collapsed in her home in full cardiac arrest. She sustained massive brain damage due to lack of oxygen. Terri spent two months in a coma before physicians changed her diagnosis to “vegetative state”. Over the next two years physicians attempted to return her to a state of awareness. After eight years Schiavo’s husband petitioned Florida’s laws against euthanasia to remove his wife’s feeding tubes. Terri’s parents fought back claiming their daughter was conscious. What ensued was a massive legal battle that lasted several years eventually making it to Washington where president George W. Bush signed a legislation to keep her alive. Many court cases later it was decided that her feeding tubes should be removed. On March 31st 2005 Terri died a much-prolonged death. (World Net Daily)
Euthanasia has been a topic of dispute since the 1800s. According to The Merriam-Webster Dictionary, euthanasia is “the act or practice of killing or permitting the death of hopelessly sick or injured individuals in a relatively painless way for reasons of mercy.” Of course there are two side to this issue, people who support the freedom of choice and the ability to die peacefully without prolonged suffering, and people who believe death should be natural and ending a human’s life, no matter the circumstances is immoral.
We all know the unforgivable truth that eventually our time will come and we will all die some day. But in this era of technological breakthroughs and advanced medicine the human life can be prolonged, sometimes indefinitely. Euthanasia grants terminally ill patients the right to die with dignity and the ability to end prolonged suffering. As a society there should be no doubt in our cultural conscience to allow euthanasia and guarantee everyone this right.
When someone becomes terminally ill, the patient and their loved ones must make challenging decisions. When do we stop doing everything we can do and allow nature to take its course? Decisions like this should not be left to governments, judges, or legislators, however that is precisely what is occurring. Individual citizens do not have the responsibility of deciding and communicating end-of-life decisions in advance.
Terri left no instructions for her death, yet what young adult ponders death, or even worse, suspended suffering early in life? However that is one of the biggest problems in this case. Because Terri did not set aside the time to make heads up decisions and discuss the end of her life, her relatives and loved ones were forced to fight over their own intuitions.
Creating advance instructions for the end of life should become a norm in families throughout America. It is relatively simple however the process could still be much easier. It seems that every state has a different law about euthanasia and a national standard would simplify the decision process. Many people already make heads up decisions such as donating organs in the event of a sudden accident. When deciding if they desire to become an organ donor at the DMV, people should also be handed advance directive forms so these crucial choices surrounding euthanasia aren’t left to family members or the government.
Evidence shows that once confronted, a majority of families can reach a consensus on desired treatment: “The American Hospital Association has estimated that 75% of hospital deaths are somehow negotiated” (LA Times). Most of these decisions however, were made once the family was faced with bad news and unable procrastinate any longer. Families, doctors, and patients can come to a quiet decision eventually, but these choices should be made years in advance before they are forced on families who have just received inexcusable news.
As Americans we should all be guaranteed the right to die. A libertarian would argue that no one should stop us from harming only ourselves. Ronald Reagan once said, “Government exists to protect us from each other. Where government has gone beyond its limits is in deciding to protect us from ourselves.” In short, it is not the government’s job to tell anyone they do not have the right to end their life. People should be heads up and make decisions about end of life circumstances that will inevitably arise.
Work Cited
The Whole Terri Schiavo Story." WND. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Oct. 2014.
http://www.wnd.com/2005/03/29516/
22, March. "Planning for Worse Than Taxes." Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles Times, 22 Mar. 2005. Web. 30 Oct. 2014.
http://articles.latimes.com/2005/mar/22/opinion/ed-wills22
Nitschke, Dr. Philip, and The Opinions Expressed in This Commentary Are Solely Those of Dr. Philip Nitschke. "Euthanasia: Hope You Never Need It, but Be Glad the Option Is There." CNN. Cable News Network, 27 Nov. 2013. Web. 29 Oct. 2014.
http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/27/opinion/opinion-pro-euthanasia-philip-nitschke/
"Doctor-assisted Death: A Dad's Choice Sheds Light on National Issue - NBC News." NBC News. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Oct. 2014.
http://www.easybib.com/cite/view
Project Reflection
The purpose of this project was to develop an understanding of moral and political philosophies and to be able to use that knowledge when researching a specific topic. We read a play called "The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail" about a man who questions ideals and norms in society. We examined moral dilemmas and studied various philosophies and their philosophers. We also examined rhetoric and practiced incorporating ethos, pathos, and logos into our work. Once a topic was chosen we were instructed to write Op Ed articles and create a visual piece incorporating the different subjects we studied.
This project has taught me about myself and some of the processes I go through when forming an opinion. I learned that it is important to formulate individual opinions based on what you truly believe and not based on what you have heard from parents or peers. I also learned about different skills and techniques needed for writing a strong op ed. It is also very important to be open and flexible to others believes and to respectfully voice your own opinion.
I feel my project is overall fairly strong and the message is clear. I do feel however that this project could have benefited from more refinement. I was only able to do minimal refining to the poster because I created several drafts and it wasn't until the last day that I was able to create a piece that I was satisfied with. To improve this I should have planned out more time for the visual piece knowing it would take several tries.
If I had another week to work on this project I would refine, refine, refine! I would probably keep tweaking my op ed and visual piece until the day it was due. I would try to incorporate more advanced photoshop techniques and possibly another paragraph making my proposition very clear.
My political campaign poster represents my perspective on euthanasia. I focused on communicating that everyone should have freedom to make important end of life decisions. I did my best to incorporate pathos with the clipart of the elderly person in the hospital. My poster has a very blue color scheme, which is calm and not too cluttered I decided on a Photoshop poster because I have a general knowledge about adobe programs and I enjoy creating digital art. I am proud of the way my poster turned out however there were times that I was rushed so small mistakes were made. One thing I am disappointed about is the wrinkles in the poster caused by the glue. This could have easily been avoided had I taken my time I am overall happy with my project and I think it does a good job of conveying my ideas related to euthanasia
Op Ed
The Right To Die
Al Thomson
On February 25th 1990 at the age of 26, Terri Schiavo collapsed in her home in full cardiac arrest. She sustained massive brain damage due to lack of oxygen. Terri spent two months in a coma before physicians changed her diagnosis to “vegetative state”. Over the next two years physicians attempted to return her to a state of awareness. After eight years Schiavo’s husband petitioned Florida’s laws against euthanasia to remove his wife’s feeding tubes. Terri’s parents fought back claiming their daughter was conscious. What ensued was a massive legal battle that lasted several years eventually making it to Washington where president George W. Bush signed a legislation to keep her alive. Many court cases later it was decided that her feeding tubes should be removed. On March 31st 2005 Terri died a much-prolonged death. (World Net Daily)
Euthanasia has been a topic of dispute since the 1800s. According to The Merriam-Webster Dictionary, euthanasia is “the act or practice of killing or permitting the death of hopelessly sick or injured individuals in a relatively painless way for reasons of mercy.” Of course there are two side to this issue, people who support the freedom of choice and the ability to die peacefully without prolonged suffering, and people who believe death should be natural and ending a human’s life, no matter the circumstances is immoral.
We all know the unforgivable truth that eventually our time will come and we will all die some day. But in this era of technological breakthroughs and advanced medicine the human life can be prolonged, sometimes indefinitely. Euthanasia grants terminally ill patients the right to die with dignity and the ability to end prolonged suffering. As a society there should be no doubt in our cultural conscience to allow euthanasia and guarantee everyone this right.
When someone becomes terminally ill, the patient and their loved ones must make challenging decisions. When do we stop doing everything we can do and allow nature to take its course? Decisions like this should not be left to governments, judges, or legislators, however that is precisely what is occurring. Individual citizens do not have the responsibility of deciding and communicating end-of-life decisions in advance.
Terri left no instructions for her death, yet what young adult ponders death, or even worse, suspended suffering early in life? However that is one of the biggest problems in this case. Because Terri did not set aside the time to make heads up decisions and discuss the end of her life, her relatives and loved ones were forced to fight over their own intuitions.
Creating advance instructions for the end of life should become a norm in families throughout America. It is relatively simple however the process could still be much easier. It seems that every state has a different law about euthanasia and a national standard would simplify the decision process. Many people already make heads up decisions such as donating organs in the event of a sudden accident. When deciding if they desire to become an organ donor at the DMV, people should also be handed advance directive forms so these crucial choices surrounding euthanasia aren’t left to family members or the government.
Evidence shows that once confronted, a majority of families can reach a consensus on desired treatment: “The American Hospital Association has estimated that 75% of hospital deaths are somehow negotiated” (LA Times). Most of these decisions however, were made once the family was faced with bad news and unable procrastinate any longer. Families, doctors, and patients can come to a quiet decision eventually, but these choices should be made years in advance before they are forced on families who have just received inexcusable news.
As Americans we should all be guaranteed the right to die. A libertarian would argue that no one should stop us from harming only ourselves. Ronald Reagan once said, “Government exists to protect us from each other. Where government has gone beyond its limits is in deciding to protect us from ourselves.” In short, it is not the government’s job to tell anyone they do not have the right to end their life. People should be heads up and make decisions about end of life circumstances that will inevitably arise.
Work Cited
The Whole Terri Schiavo Story." WND. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Oct. 2014.
http://www.wnd.com/2005/03/29516/
22, March. "Planning for Worse Than Taxes." Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles Times, 22 Mar. 2005. Web. 30 Oct. 2014.
http://articles.latimes.com/2005/mar/22/opinion/ed-wills22
Nitschke, Dr. Philip, and The Opinions Expressed in This Commentary Are Solely Those of Dr. Philip Nitschke. "Euthanasia: Hope You Never Need It, but Be Glad the Option Is There." CNN. Cable News Network, 27 Nov. 2013. Web. 29 Oct. 2014.
http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/27/opinion/opinion-pro-euthanasia-philip-nitschke/
"Doctor-assisted Death: A Dad's Choice Sheds Light on National Issue - NBC News." NBC News. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Oct. 2014.
http://www.easybib.com/cite/view
Project Reflection
The purpose of this project was to develop an understanding of moral and political philosophies and to be able to use that knowledge when researching a specific topic. We read a play called "The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail" about a man who questions ideals and norms in society. We examined moral dilemmas and studied various philosophies and their philosophers. We also examined rhetoric and practiced incorporating ethos, pathos, and logos into our work. Once a topic was chosen we were instructed to write Op Ed articles and create a visual piece incorporating the different subjects we studied.
This project has taught me about myself and some of the processes I go through when forming an opinion. I learned that it is important to formulate individual opinions based on what you truly believe and not based on what you have heard from parents or peers. I also learned about different skills and techniques needed for writing a strong op ed. It is also very important to be open and flexible to others believes and to respectfully voice your own opinion.
I feel my project is overall fairly strong and the message is clear. I do feel however that this project could have benefited from more refinement. I was only able to do minimal refining to the poster because I created several drafts and it wasn't until the last day that I was able to create a piece that I was satisfied with. To improve this I should have planned out more time for the visual piece knowing it would take several tries.
If I had another week to work on this project I would refine, refine, refine! I would probably keep tweaking my op ed and visual piece until the day it was due. I would try to incorporate more advanced photoshop techniques and possibly another paragraph making my proposition very clear.