Entry #5 Quality over Quantity?

Will Allen

"Profit Over People"- This is just one of the many great quotes that could be extirpated from the move Fresh. This documentary delves into the industrialization of the agriculture market and how we are affected by it. It was truly an eye-opening work. Contrast to many of the other movies that revolve around this subject, this movie takes a lighter but just as powerful approach. They have an extensive introduction that really drew me in with its showcase of how industrialization was harming the crops, animals, and people involved.

One of the parts that struck me the most was the story of  Will Allen, a farmer and owner of Growing Power. Growing Power revolves around healthy farming and creating a self sustaining farm. I found it quite interesting how even him, a man who had gone to college in business, thought it was more appropriate that we go against industrialization. He felt he could use what he learned in college and make a company that uses methods that were healthier for everyone involved in agriculture as well as the consumer.

Logically speaking, it also makes more sense that it would cost less to run a "multiculture" farm than a "monoculture" one. Diseases become less rampant and the ecology is able to take care of themselves. In turn, the people benefit greatly because the food does not have all of the diseases or the pharmaceuticals that may harm the people. It is worth paying a little extra for a better quality food but the point was also made that if more farms followed the self-sustaining method that food could become more accessible to everyone. Overall, I took the idea that quality is better in the long run because quantity will end up becoming more detrimental for everyone which is important to take into account if we look to help the earth we live in.

"Cheap food is an illusion. The real cost of the food is payed somewhere..."

(Extra Credit) Human Trafficking

The concept we looked at in the second presentation was human trafficking. Our host, Detective Heidi Chance led us through the inner working of human trafficking. She told us the people who were most targeted and most vulnerable were younger girls who may have had a rough life growing up. Pimps, the people who take advantage of these girls, notice the attention these girls seek and take advantage of them with the use of monetary influence or even brute force. These pimps will take a girl (and in some cases guy) away from their family and accrue a dependence to control the person. The victim will have no other choice than to sell their bodies in order to appease the person causing them harm. The signs human trafficking included public violence between an older man and a younger woman but it was not limited to that. Key words, like pimp, botom, daddy are all indicators of "the life" that they are involved in.

Detective Heidi Chance

This presentation was definitely eye opening. It feels like this is something that is only seen in movies but as she explained, by giving examples from all around phoenix, this happens on a daily basis. The psychology that goes into this victim and criminal relationship was the most interesting aspect. The person that was causing them the most harm was also the person that they felt loved them the most; so much so that the victims would even go as far as protecting their abuser. Nonetheless, the criminal had leverage over the victim most of the time. 

If you are looking for a way to combat this problem, Phoenix Police is always looking for recruits, and they have phone numbers online for a more discrete way of aiding their cause. 

(Extra Credit) Civil Discourse

The Civil Discourse talk revolved around health care. There was a statement written on the board: Resolved that the U.S. Govt. should make health care a right and we were asked to take a stance.

The discussion was intense as we were asked to take a position where we strongly agreed, agreed, remained neutral, disagreed, or strongly disagreed. The crowd was split almost evenly on the subject so the proctor asked for volunteers to represent each group. A girl named Ashley, and four guys named Dylan, Marco, Joaquin, and Paul represented each group respectively. Ashley's group of people who strongly agree stated that it should be a right because of the people who really need it like children and the elderly. Dylan expressed that he agreed somewhat because there were people who could not afford to pay insurance for others but it should still be available to the majority. Marco who remained neutral made the most sense to me, as there were more factors to say that it should be a right for everyone. The people who disagreed and strongly disagreed, Joaquin and Paul focused on how it would be unfair for people who remain healthy and follow healthy lifestyles. Paul used the example of how it is unfair that he pay for somebody who chooses to smoke. Lastly they bring up the fact that it would raise taxes greatly. 

I would say that I lean more towards the neutral group as there are many factors to take into account. The raise in taxes does not bother me but it might bother others. I do not agree that I should pay for the medical expenses of somebody who chooses a more reckless style of life but I do not think they should not get medical attention. I propose that they have health screens before had to check everybody's health habits and determine a fair tax. 

It is fair to give everybody a fair chance for medicare but I remain neutral because everyone's case is different and needs to be taken on a person to person basis. If you too feel undecided I recommend checking out, renowned YouTuber, John Green's Video on the matter. 

 

Entry #8 Phoenix Comicon

Growing up watching Batman and Superman, I have always enjoyed the "nerd and geek culture". It was only a matter of time until I found out about Comicon and geeky conventions.

Conventions offer plenty of ways to have fun for people of any culture.  It lets people dress up like any of their favorite characters and simply have fun in a welcoming environment. As long as you are friendly towards others, everyone is friendly towards you. At conventions, you are able to meet all kinds of people including favorite actors and voice actors. It is like having a giant Halloween party where everybody is there to have fun and talk about their hobbies and interests. Many actors take panels at these conventions where they talk to their fans and about upcoming projects.

I am not the person who dresses up by more of an observer. Taking a look at all the costumes that people make and all the memorabilia is what keeps me going. It is like taking a stroll through nostalgia avenue and each year something new is added to the line-up. Additionally, if you go to some of the bigger conventions held in places like San Diego, you have a higher chance of seeing more famous celebrities like Robert Downey Jr. and the rest of the cast of the Avengers movie franchise. Of course, it all depends on the movies that need promoting, but you are definitely bound to find most trending pop culture idols at Cons. 

 Conventions of any type give people a chance to meet others with similar interests. Phoenix Comicon specifically was a fun way to spend a day and meet interesting people. 

Entry #4 Take A Hike

I, by no means, claim to be a hiking expert but I do think of hiking as a fond pastime.

I started hiking in high school with our history teacher as part of the hiking club. We would meet every other Saturday to adventure in one of the many trails he blazed through. Our teacher bolstered our love of hiking by explain the history we walked through in our hikes. We would learn all about what used to happen and what is happening now, as the trails were always full discovery.

I gained a new admiration for nature because of hiking with the hiking club. We would see how people left trash all over the trails and it would ruin the experience. We felt it was our duty to keep the trails clean as not only was it unpleasant to the eye but the landscape deteriorated because of the trash left by others. There is beauty in nature that needs to be preserved for our future generations.

One of the benefits of hiking is the exercise it provides. Taking a walk up a moment is great for your heart, and your muscles definitely feel it the next day. I am always busy with either work, or school so making time to exercise or take a vacation becomes a problem. By hiking, I am able to enjoy the outdoors as well as get a good work out.

The moments shared in our club would be so influential for me that it would birth my love of adventuring as an adult. In consequence of being an adult, I am not able to hike as often as my younger self, but that does not mean I do not take the chance to get out more often. I feel this is in due to the positive memories I have with the club.

(motorcylces on the road)

Hiking is a simple way to stay in shape and enjoy nature while doing so. Therefore, I encourage anybody to go out and take a hike.

Entry #3 A New Sense of Self?

In a way, I feel that teens and preteens have always faced this idea of self-worth and staying relevant. There was always a need to be a part of the popular group or become the popular kid. The only difference between how it was before and how it is that now, is that it is now more open for anybody to see.

What resonates with me the most, is how this is still relevant even as an adult. Ira Glass speaks about how when his tweets gets shared or added to favorites, he feels the same way the girls feel. It is interesting to see how even though we feel we grow and change we still do things similar to how when we were younger. This idea interested me because most people think that social media applies mainly to a younger generation when it encompasses anybody, even if you go out of your way to not comment.

              

(Ira Glass)

This podcast provides a good example of the mindset that goes through our younger generation. I believe that this culture has existed before but it only now so advertised because of social media. We are a social species and this is our new way of socializing whether it be an adult or teen. Our view of ourselves does seem to be warped but I do not think it is because of social media.

The way the girls seemed to portray themselves as products was a bit scary. I understand that the likes and shares may add to this feeling but I still think it goes deeper than just blaming social media. Social media gives people an outlet for the things we may think inside. The need to present oneself in the best way can be influenced by anything ranging from finding a job to a spouse, and social media acts as an outlet for people's inner feelings.

It was interesting to see how people were more open about their feelings. For example, the girls that would post comments about hating Jane was openly jealous enough to tell her that she hated her for being so pretty. This is not something that people would be so open about. Even though she was able to post this through social media, it was not social media that made her feel that way.

We are not losing ourselves to social media but instead being open in ways we may not mean to be.

Entry #2 The Music In Me

Growing up, I was not a music enthusiast but my father would play the classical masters in order to, according to him, make me smarter. I enjoyed it very much but I did not seek it on my own. It was until he decided to change things up by introducing me to the rock genre, that I was able to see the potential in music.

It was in middle school when I started to listen and really search the genre for bands and styles that I liked. The deafening instruments and hardy lyrics truly resonated with my rebellious middle school mind. Like any other kid my age, I was trying to understand my preteen self and rock music gave me an outlet for those feelings.

In high school, I was shown the hip-hop and rap scene. The rhymes and catchy beats attracted me, who at the time was realizing the significance of growing up in a rough neighborhood. Although, many of the artists may not be suitable for school, the songs that reflected more with me were the ones that told a story.

After high school, the group of people I hung out with was mostly into country. I did not think I would enjoy it at first, but after some time, I came to appreciate the different types of stories and rhythms provided. My friends, who were going to college at the time, would invite me to go line dancing which is where I enjoyed country music to the fullest.

Having listened to a little bit of all types of genres, I honestly feel that music can act as a great way for people of different backgrounds to connect. It is all a matter of finding the artist or song that speaks the best for you. Staying in one genre of music is safe and comforting, but taking in different genres can help us understand each other better.