I was stumped when I first heard of this writing prompt that Mr.Sutherland had given us... What does it mean to be human? I'm human... Is that an explanation? No, it's not a complex enough answer I'm guessing. To be human means to have an intuition between knowing whats right and whats wrong. Some follow these intuitions and others go ahead and stomp all over them. We as humans know whats wrong, as we grow and mature we observe others to learn the wrongdoings or the good deeds they do. We were not created as automatons programmed for a preset course. Instead we are endowed with free will. Humans have the option of making an unwise choice. Throughout the centuries, from the time of Greek philosopher Socrates to the twentieth century, there have been so many debates regarding just what goodness and the standard of right and wrong might be. Some believed right and wrong were determined by the popular opinion of different people. Others said right and wrong was focused on the individuals right to choose for them self, their actions should be entirely up to them and in what they stand up for and believe in. We should not allow the opinion of other people's minds to determine our standards. Popular opinion is a very unreliable guide. For example, if you had lived in a society where the majority of people thought it was acceptable to kill, would that make it right? No, it wouldn't. That proves that the popularity of something does not make it right. We have treacherous hearts with the ability to identify what is right but with the tendency to follow what is wrong. How do we have the moral strength? Since actions are motivated by the heart, we must have love doing good for others. By choosing the right course we could demonstrate our love, gratitude, appreciation and compliance. Bringing happiness to ourselves and to others. Us humans have conditioned ourselves to relate pain with vulnerability, unhappiness with coldness, abandonment with unworthiness, difference with plague as if it were contagious to be unique. As if these feelings were to be feared because of the unemotional people in this world. People who force smiles on to their poker faces. People who come off as strong and confident individuals, but end up going home and crying... I bet you didn't know she was just really good at lying. People who go through out the day smiling, and talking, acting as if everything were okay. But in reality felt like they were carrying a heavy weight of unhappiness on their shoulders. People who spit out lies to cover up their problems. We are humans. We are not made of plastic, we have love and life boiling in our blood. We are meant to feel and show emotion. We are intricate and amazing beings. We should never hide the feelings we have been blessed with, if we do... What's left to show? I strongly believe that humans who walk this earth today, are afraid to show how they really feel and take great hardship in considering whats right because of the great pressure to be perfect. Everyone has someone they try to make a good impression on. So we act differently and are afraid to show our real selves to others who are believed to be above us. Or there are others who stay distant from the humans of this world because of the frightfulness of being humiliated due to their beliefs and opinions. This point also comes to mind that others don't follow their intuition of good, and rebel against their own conscience and make fun of others for no apparent reason. Such as being made fun of for liking someone of the same sex. That is their decision not yours, let them be. Humans should have an open mind and respect an individuals tastes because we all have some type of strong belief. Our beliefs sometimes clash with other people beliefs, causing an array of emotions. Sometimes these emotions are branches of hate or pain. Humans, are not all the same, and most definitely do not think in the same fashion. We will never agree upon a decision, nor have the same personality or morals. Some humans learn how to build a tolerance, or accept. While others just learn to hate. This is why we have so many problems in our world today. The nonacceptance of others will always be a problem, causing no real peace.


I believe that being respected for your differences whether it's the way you view things, who you trust and accept, or even the way you dress. All these things are taken as something very precious to another person so it should also be accepted as being precious in your eyes to. Respect, tolerance and love are the main components of being human. When you are treated with hate, abhor, and no respect you are not being treated the way a human ought to be treated. We all have free will. Freedom of speech, thought and the ability to govern our own selves. There are still people in many areas around the world who are not treated as human beings but more like objects. Although there is no longer any place in the world that enforces the right to have property over another person, the abolishment of slavery does not mean it ceases to exist. There are mostly children and women who are sold into marriage or servitude to others. I recently read an article in The National Geographic of how girls of my age were being sold by their own families to men of fifty years old who were known as rapists, abusers and barbaric men. Yet, these girls were still forced to be their future wives. This is an example of how lucky some of are to be able to have free will even though others are not fortunate enough to have the ability to be treated with the greatness of being human.

Well I don't really know what to write about... So to tell you the truth that's exactly why my last two posts were all suckish. BUT.... I will try to make this one just as colorless as the last two. Which I hope to accomplish. I was procrastinating this entire week because I felt like I had already wrote to much in the last week and my brain was blocking my writing skillz. So now I'm just sitting in my room, when I really don't want to be doing this... it's homework come on I'm not gonna lie, this is boring. I'm glad that it is finally Friday, that means no school, and no school means more homework? Blah.. Life. I went to the Island Bowl today it was fun I guess, but there was a lot of drama, unfortunately. Well people equals drama in high school, oh well people make the world go round. What would I do without 'em... I have ballet this weekend, I'm looking forward to it since I missed three days this week. Which, I am not proud of, but it felt good to have at least a small break. My feet sure did thank me for it. It is 11:43 right now and I'm like basically about to fall asleep on my keyboard... now only fifteen more minutes. I feel really dumb posting this but oh well.. I put a lot of thought into this thoughtless post. Now I know better that to procrastinate, well I'm tired now. See y'all on Monday! Have a good weekend and Happy Autumn

It may come across that im calling guys jerks. I am but not all of them are.

Christina's post made me realize that I also get so many phone calls from all my girlfriends telling me the things similar to what she is getting phone calls for. "He hates me," "He lied to me," Why would he do this to me!?" All of these things just make me think damn it must be so easy being a guy. "Hey, I'm a average teenage boy just going through life breaking hearts one at a time! :)"  Don't get me wrong...  I don't think all guys are the same some of them just warp in with the others to "fit in." By trying to see who can "get" with a girl the fastest.. classy right? Others, play it cool and are just like whatever school work comes first. Those are the preferred ones. Lately it has been seeming as though every guy from each generation is getting a bit more rude and disrespectful towards any girl. I just find it shocking some of the things they tell us and want us to do. What ever happened to chivalry? I'm tired of certain guys acting like jerks to girls, how would you feel if someone was treating your own mother the way you treat girls. Yea, please let that idea seep through your noggin. It is unquestionably not cool, nor will it ever get you anywhere with a girl. Sorry try another approach. Maybe being nice?

Death Row.. opinions?

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2011/09/23/national/a002450D05.DTL
Today I was thinking about the prisoners in are jails that are on death row... Do you think its right for people to take away someone elses life for punishment? This is a topic that is barely spoken of but I actually don't agree with putting a felon to death even if they did do something wrong. No one should take away something so special as life, even if the criminal on death row did take away a life. I tried understanding from the point of view of the families who had something or someone in the family attacked by a wrongdoer, how would they feel about this topic... death will solve the problems for them I guess. If someone in my family was hurt or killed by a civilian I would of course feel anger and hurt, but I wouldn't want the person who committed the crime to die, maybe jail for life but not death. It's a topic that also causes many different and varied opinions depending on who you ask. If I were to be in the felons shoes I would of course regret whatever I did, considering the severeness of the situation. So being locked up for life seems like the most fair and the best solution instead of death. The United States also uses a lot of our tax money on the jails. We spend on average billions of dollars just for something that can be solved, without death putting a end to everything. What do you think?

Genocide Watch

I have just finished watching Sometimes in April it's a movie that describes the conflicts between the Tutsis and the Hutus. All this week I have been deciding on what to write about and after watching this emotionally moving movie it seemed like writing about the Rwanda genocide seemed perfect. The two neighboring tribes of Rwanda, Africa the Tutsis and the Hutus were killing each other in constant bloodshed. They shared the same religion, language, and they all looked the same. I just found it unbelievable that these two tribes couldn't find peace considering the many things they shared and had in common. They had lived in peace in the past, why did the conflicts arise later on? The Hutus accused the Tutsi people for the death of their two presidents, even though there was no proof to prove so. The Hutu military killed innocent civilians that had any origin of Tutsi in their blood. Later the Tutsi's gained power and got back at the Hutus. In estimate their was nearly five-hundred thousand people killed in a one-hundred day period. The Rwandan massacre caused so much sorrow and grief, the innocent Hutu people had been begging The United Nations for help that never came. This is something that is rarely spoken of, but it is a major problem in my eyes. The United Nations found this conflict insignificant. Could it be because these people are so poor or the geographical location where these people lived. 

Who decides why the people living in poverty can't receive help? 

What gives the United Nations the right to decide who receives help and who does not. Why is it that the most poverty stricken nations are always the last to receive help, or when help does arrive it is usually to late. 

Once The United Nations and The Navy stepped in they were able to defuse the situation and take out the Commanding General the motivator of this evil, in one fell swoop...  I ask myself was it really necessary for five-hundred thousand people to die within that hundred day span, when all it took was one elite group of navy seals to bring this conflict to an end. This is a major point that I would like to highlight from this movie that is truly tragic. It is our responsibility as a globally informed nation to keep watch and voice our concerns regarding any acts of this kind. That is why I ask that you all please keep in mind that this is still a very real and present issue that is plaguing many impoverished countries. Please check out this website so you can be informed. Genocide is a process not a event: http://www.genocidewatch.org/

Current  Places on Genocide Watch:

Darfur           Burma

Sudan           Kenya

Somalia

Ethiopia

Chad

Zimbabwe

Remember or Forget?

I actually read the comment from Nick Collins blog but it actually came from Rowland and i wanted to comment on this quote as well

I tend to not like remembering bad stuff from the past. I mean, if it's bad why should you keep it in your mind? 

I agree with Rowland and Nick in this case. I think its important to forget the horrible things that happened in the past, or else it will haunt you for the rest of your life and you won't be able to move on. It will also make you a wiser person, so when something horrible happens again in your lifetime which is probable of happening.. I mean come on hardships are part of our life on this planet, and we must overcome them. That's why the bible says we will all have to go through many obstacles during are lifetime, I believe the reason we do have these horrible things happen to us everyday is so we can become stronger and learn. Dwelling will only cause more pain and tears. I also don't understand why the people of America celebrate 911 if it is a time of grief, a time when thousands of people were hurt emotionally and physically. The families that have their husband's and son's at war because of the cause of this horrible day. The families of the hardworking mothers and fathers who were at the scene of this disastrous moment working hard too support there families. Who were anxious too see their kids right after work, only to see death instead. I doubt any of these people will be out in the streets trying to remember what happened. They will of course remember their loved ones but if I were in that horrible situation I would just remember the happy life they lived instead of the tragic death they had. My suggestion is just move on people, it will prepare you for more things that will come. 

Boys are Made of Frogs Snails and Puppy Dog Tails

It's horrible how they use to torment us when we were to scared to climb the monkey bars. How they would run around the playground threatening to pull are hair. Or how they would call us the producers of "cooties."   Now these nose picking boys that consist of: frog's, snails, and puppy dog tails, still cause constant torment in our lives. But a much worse torment then just pulling are hair and smearing paint all over are clothing, they have found something that is really affective and that puts us to tears much faster. I know this is a post that most girls will relate to... because no matter how pretty or sweet you are these pests will still find a way to have you surrounded by a puddle of tears. That's just how normal boys are. Boys will be boys. Its common to feel this way towards them. Yet, girls still fall under their stupid trances, go through the same cycle and once again end up with there hearts burnt on a skewer. I hate how teenagers say how they are in love after being with a guy for a week. I know, it sounds pretty ridiculous, we don't know what love is. To be honest very few people do. That's not called love honey its called hormones. :P This is a really awkward post for me to put up but I was just thinking of this all day. Just thinking about all my friends who have had their hearts splattered across the walls and ran over by a truck. Friends who had their grades decrease because they are either so in "love" or so depressed about their relationship that they can't even concentrate in school all they hear from the teacher is "blah blah blah blah blah.." I know cuz I have been in this situation way to many times to count. But now I know, that it's time for me to put boys last on my list because they just cause way to many problems to keep track of.

Current Events: Drug Cartels

Lately as my parents have been flipping back and fourth from the English and Spanish news channels I have been hearing many problems happening in Mexico, caused by the very violent and dangerous drug traffickers. I think this is a big problem that has also been affecting the United States, because many people who travel to Mexico are being robbed, threatened and even killed. Mexico is in a state of a national emergency, fifty thousand people have died in the last six years due to the war against drugs. The innocent civilians of Mexico have already had enough they have been trying to speak out against all the violence. This is coming from people who have had there son's, father's, and even their own neighbors killed. These peace searching citizens have been trying to stand up against this horrible and bloody time, which I find very brave, because many have died trying to speak out against this terrifying problem. Mexico is a place where you no longer have your freedom of speech and a place where you no longer feel safe. There is to much blood, many people from around the world are now staying away from traveling anywhere near Mexico because of its dangers.

 I believe its smart to legalize Marijuana in the US and in Mexico because it is the biggest cash crop and the government will be able to get itself out of any recession if they tax it. The main cause of this violence is because of the black market. There will never be a decline in marijuana. It takes up a very big percent of the illegal drug trade, Marijuana is safer than alcohol and tobacco. There are millions of people smoking it already. So it will be smart to do so. Marijuana is also proven to be less addicting then caffeine.  It also does not cause serious heath problems. This will solve many problems in both countries.

Perfection in Mistakes

When we come across the flaws and mistakes our adored heroes commit, it can be quite disappointing. The person looked up to is someone who we admire, someone who we want to follow in their same path, and someone who has created a enormous impact in our lives. By understanding the bad decisions they have made in their life can lead us to making the right decisions in the future. Everyone makes mistakes and just because a loved one that we admire does not succeed in being flawless, that does not mean that they should be looked down upon by us. There is no disgrace in making mistakes, only shame in not correcting them. Making mistakes is only human, and no one in this world is perfect. God created us with imperfections so we can fail then learn from our mistakes and have others learn as well. When similar situations happen to us we will be wiser and stronger. When someone we admire makes a mistake, it has us realize that we all have the capability to reach the realization and fulfill are potential to become role models to others. 

“We come to love not by finding a perfect person, but by learning to see a imperfect person perfectly.” This quote has always raised the same question in my head, "how can we see someone imperfect as being perfect?" The older and more mature I become I have realized that the most cherished people that have been walking right beside me, and that have watched me grow, have all stumbled at some point in their lives. The imperfect people I call my heroes have all warned me how to avoid the things they had tripped over. So one day I can become a even greater person that they will be proud of. As I sit down and analyze this "perfect" quote I have now understood the meaning of perfect. Perfection is the small things you stumble over. Perfection is trying again and again when you had failed the last twenty times. Perfection is loving, loving the people who have showed you the correct path. The people who have helped you create your own path, so you can teach others how to become a loving, kind, and successful person. And one day perfection will have a true meaning in every one's eyes, only if we teach, care and love one another. Only then perfection will be accomplished.