This past Sunday morning, after five hours of sleep and before going to my first Bears game, I spent some time volunteering at Keshet. This Sunday school offers a fun and educational environment for children and adults with disabilities. My experience at Keshet was unlike any other. 

Before I got there, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. All I had was some previous experience babysitting for a neighbor: a girl who was the same age as me except she had severe disabilities. Once I arrived at Keshet there were a dozen of volunteers who braved the cold and ice to come out that morning. Having no idea where to go, I asked one of them. After being directed down the hall, I met Rana, the Sunday school director. She was an incredibly busy woman, trying to single-handedly run the whole place. Rana quickly explained to me what Keshet was about and where I was assigned that day. I was in a room with two students, Alex and Gilit, and two other teacher aids, Tracy and Lindsey. Gilit was my student. She’s a forty-year old woman, who beyond her disabilities is one of the sweetest people I have ever met with a smile that can light up with world.

Gilit and I participated in a full day of singing. First we went to prayer along with several other Jewish songs, none of which I knew since I’m Christian but I joyfully clapped along. Then we went upstairs to watch a choir from another temple sing to all of the students. Next we went to snack, where I was introduced to Gilit’s best friend, Zach. Finally we all gathered back in the room for more prayers and songs from the Rabbi.

It was incredibly rewarding when Gilit smiled or when she started a conversation with me. All of the volunteers there help keep Keshet running and provide one-on-one attention to those who attend. Together, all of them give the students a remarkable Sunday experience and something to look forward to every week. Just as much as I hoped I touched Gilit’s life, she touched mine. I really hope I can get back there when Keshet starts up again after winter break because the three hours I spent there were amazing.

May 17th, 1954: The incredibly moving court case, Brown vs. the Board of Education, ruled in favor of desegregation in all public schools across the United States.

Before this ruling, psychologist Dr. Kenneth Clark researched the impact segregation had on black children in the 1940s. His famous experiment became known as the "Doll Test" found segregation was detrimental to personality development in black children. His studies provided strong evidence that was used in Brown vs. the Board of Education. (Brown vs Board and Clark's Experiment)

Recently, his study was replicated in the short film A Girl Like Me (watch film here: A Girl Like Me). It is apparent our society's strides against racism haven't gotten as far as we hoped because children still favor white dolls over black dolls, even if they are black themselves because the white dolls are "nice" and look "good". To be exact, fifteen out of the twenty studied chose the white doll over the black one. 

Other girls were interviewed in the film and felt removed from their culture being generalized as "from Africa". Just as each state in America has its different culture so do the individual countries that form Africa, but slowly these girls are forgetting where they came from and their distinct roots.

Our nation has the tendency to label those that aren't white, which is only over-simplifying several cultures and throwing them into groups based off of skin color. Solely labeling people based on this ignores the culture that makes them who they are. It also impacts they way they see themselves, wanting to be white. The black girls from A Girl Like Me wanted the straight, blond hair white girls have. It seemed they saw themselves as less beautiful because they weren't white.

What I don't understand is why. Why did whites feel entitlement and superiority? What exactly is so special about us that makes us "better" than others? Who were we to think that? We shouldn't be entitled to anything nor should we feel superior to anyone strictly because we are white. 

Continuing to remove racism from our society is crucial because kids are still learning traces of it early on.
 

Maybe one day society will finally reach perfect equality without any hints of racism.

Americans can change their social class, but it's insanely difficult and borders practically impossible. So many factors go into determining your social mobility, an important one being education. 

My grandparents on my dad's side were first generation: my grandma being entirely Polish and my grandpa entirely Italian. When my grandma was thirteen she became a second-mom to her siblings after her mother passed away. She dropped out of school, raised her brothers and sisters, then got married to my grandpa who worked long days at the Chicago Tribune, and had four children. Coming from a lower-class family, my dad worked several low-paying jobs and commuted to the University of Chicago so he could receive a higher education. He worked his way up in the work place and today is the CIO of WMS Gaming. 

I think every generation wants to be bigger and better than the one before. It takes insane amounts of work and effort to move up the social ladder, especially when you're starting from nothing. 


For several years my aunt has worked at a West Chicago public school as a principal and school administrator. A majority of her students' families struggle because they're apart of the lower-class with hardly enough money to buy them food and clothes, let alone a nice place to live in a good community that offers a great education at a public school. So many of these families can only afford cheaper homes or apartments, and the districts that offer them have a poor public education. This only puts their children at a greater risk of living in the same social class as they did. 


Something needs to be done to improve the education and school system in these districts because otherwise too many kids will fall to poverty and the struggles of the lower-class.

Side note: The New York Times dedicated a series to social class in America. For a year they studied social class in our society and titled their series "Class Matters".

Every afternoon at 2:45 there's a man who bikes along Route 22 to Dominick's where he's worked for years. He bikes home at night through any kind of weather with his backpack. No lights, all dark clothing, just the small reflectors on his pedals.

Some days near Lake Zurich I come across the same man I saw while practicing how to park in the parking lot of my old church. Two years ago he was there with his bike, a stuffed animal, skinny jeans, black tank top, top hat, a studded belt, and a dark beard. He bikes the streets around Lake Zurich, occasionally leaves to visit Deer Park mall where he's looked strangely at by others. 


According to students at our high school, each feeder middle schools represents a different social class. I came from the wealthy, upper-class, rich school with kids who are "loaded" and selfish. Realistically, my family is fortunate and well taken care of, but we don't match the classification. We support my cousin who is divorced with a seven year old daughter and we supported my aunt who was struggling with a million things and had no money. I was never raised to believe I was entitled to anything, but that I should always be there for others who were in need of help.

Being classified by a social class simply sucks. Writing others off to a generalized group restricts them from overcoming what they're limited by. What we should be noticing is that there are millions of people, let alone Americans, in the world who are trying to make ends meet and could use a little bit of our help. 

I'm sick of athletes, celebrities, big-named artists receiving billions of dollars to spend on some mansion while so many people are left to sleep on the streets. I hate seeing wealthy people treating Starbucks employees like crap trying to order some $5.30 drink that could go toward buying someone else dinner for the night (I love my Starbuck's employees, but I do spend too much on coffee). 

So many people get caught up in their own world, in their money, to notice some of it can go toward something greater. It's time to start doing something different, especially with the holidays coming up. Let's bring some happiness to everyone this season.

Young Deviant Dependence on Drugs

Just this morning one of my friends told me she was arrested last night for drug paraphernalia. She didn't break down crying. She didn't consider changing her lifestyle. For some reason, she almost seemed proud for ending up in the office of a local jail. 

Sixteen years old and she's already been handcuffed. She magically avoided the incident being written in her record. But neither were enough to tell her she's basically hit rock bottom. Within a few hours, she was back at home and already certain her her life as a druggie wasn't over.

I tried to be role-model for my friend, someone to go to no matter what was going on, someone who would love her and help her, someone to look up to when she had on else to go to. 

Apparently I'm just some ignorant, straightedge seventeen year old who doesn't know how "awesome" weed is because I refuse to be a part of it. To be honest, I don't need to try it nor care to. I don't need a drug to make me artificially happy because I'm stronger than that.

What makes me upset is seeing my friends actually think they need to be dependent on drugs to bring happiness in their lives when everything seems dark.

Our school's society is writing off kids who would probably be seriously punished if they lived elsewhere. I believe our school and our community are ignoring a serious issue and allowing excuses to cover the truth. Drugs ARE a problem; no matter what the kind or their effects. Clearly there is a problem when so many teenagers resort to being deviant by smoking or drinking because they love feeling of being "bad ass", or when so many kids think they need weed to get by. Punishments need to be implemented, programs need to be started, resources and help need to be provided so we can actually attempt to do something.


No more justifying weed or ignoring the problem. It disgusts me seeing so many people rely on marijuana just to forget and numb everything that's hurting them. There are other answers, but of course hardly anyone is there to actually help them.

post 12.

My mom always instilled this idea of "a random act of kindness" in my brother and I. At dinner my dad used to always ask two things we learned that day, while my mom overlooked it and wanted to hearthe random, kind things we had done for others.

Each individual in our society is self-centered to some extent. We're always determined to get where we need to be, focused on what we need to do, and worried about what needs to get done. Helping others is easily forgotten. 

Going out of your way to bring someone else happiness should become apart of your to-do list because it has more value than a test score, getting to class on time, or catching your favorite TV show.  

The random acts of kindness give others a small reason to smile that day. We need to start going out of our way to give something great to someone else.

Doing something awesome for others just-because is deviant. It's weird, strange, and unexpected, but it's beyond worth it.


I want to start challenging myself to do something every week because I get way too caught up in the little things. Giving someone else a reason to smile or feel awesome that day is way more important.

Is 80 lbs good enough?

Last night I made a quick trip to the grocery store to buy tea. As always I got caught up in the magazines by the checkout line for a few seconds. Portia de Rossi, Ellen Degeneres's wife, had recently been a guest on Ellen's show where she openly discuss her story, one of modeling and anorexia (to watch the highlights click here: The Ellen Show). 


At 12 years old Portia was being objectified and "sexified", instead of modeling for others her age. The once somewhat confident young girl lost her self-esteem and started comparing herself to all of the other models, judging every part of her own body. She wanted to be in control, to be like the others, to be admired for being the impossible "too thin". She kept secrets, started obsessing over dieting and exercising until she starved herself to 80 pounds. 

Every girl and woman adores these models, secretly craving to look like them; but to look like the images, you have to destroy your body.

Portia still occasionally calls out parts of her that aren't "perfect" enough, but then realizes how unrealistic and irrational she's being. Today she looks into the mirror and accepts herself because she is healthy instead of constantly trying to be in control over work outs and food.


Females in today's society want stick-thin legs, a flat stomach with hip bones showing, tiny arms, highlighted cheekbones, revealing shoulder bones, a huge butt and bust, along with the defining haircut and iimpeccable complexion shown in the media. Portia said the media is damaging who we are and who we are supposed to be. Our culture is providing all females with an irrational, unrealistic, impossible image to reach that affects us every time we see it, and half the time it's affecting us on a sub-conscious level.

This is not me ignoring what guys have to face, but me explaining what's affecting me, my friends, and women and young girls all over the world. It would be awesome if we could start challenging the media to publish un-airbrushed, healthy looking models. And we need to remember, no matter how difficult it is, that who we are is just as gorgeous and beautiful as that girl on a magazine cover. Our natural beauty with our flaws along with our personalities is what makes us truly beautiful. 

Lyrics from Ke$ha's new single:
"Got that glitter on my eyes
Stockings ripped all up the side
Looking sick and sexyfied
So let's go uh oh
Let's go"
 - why do we need to have make up and revealing clothes to be sexy? I really don't understand. 

Volunteering for Habitat

This past weekend I dragged myself out of bed at 8 to drive my brother to football practice, quickly came home and threw on jeans and a t-shirt because me and Caitlin were off to volunteer at a local church that was making soup packets to benefit the Habitat For Humanity home. I felt a little off walking into the church because a few years ago I started questioning my religion and dropped out of my Catholic church; but instantly we were taken in and greeted by a group of older people who were extremely energetic and kind. 

A group of sociology students put with an interesting couple and a group of older people made for an amazing and fun three hours. We were working in groups putting packets of noodles together, switching out old instructions for correct ones, re-sealing bags, putting together new bags, and having a great time on a rainy day. 

I started with changing out instructions in some of the bags that had already been made. There were about 8 boxes with 16-20 bags each that needed to be re-opened and replaced with new instructions. For a while it seemed like we were getting no where, but once we got into a rhythm it went by really fast. Then I was asked to put baggies of noodles together to add to the soup packets. I worked with some of the older ladies, listening to their stories and talking to them until we ran short of noodles. Then one of them went out to buy at least 10 more boxes of noodles, while the rest of us put more soup packets together. We filled them with spices, dried vegetables, any noodle baggies we had, an instruction slip, and a Habitat For Humanity card. There were hundreds of packages that needed to be put together, but slowly and surely we got through all of them. Once we got more noodles, we quickly threw together more noodle baggies to fill the packages that needed them. After all of the filling, packaging, and counting the packets we had finally finished.

Somewhere along the way the older people ordered us all pizza, which was incredibly sweet. We all sat down and ate together and talked, which was a nice break after standing on your feet for almost three hours. Before we left the group of older people told us how grateful they were for helping them out and how much fun they had being with us. Before they left they shook our hand or gave us hugs and it was really amazing to see how much we helped them and how appreciative they were of our hard work. If we weren't there, I can't even begin to imagine how long it would have taken to do all of that. 

Later that night Lee mass-texted all of us (she told us how she wants to be "hip" like us and go for texting over email). She thanked us once again for all of our work and how much fun she had with us that day, which made me smile (and her use of "u" for "you" made me laugh). I really had a great time helping them accomplish such a massive task while getting to listen and talk with all of them. It was definitely a great volunteering experience.

My brother calls me defensive, but I like to think I'm opinionated.  

When something bothers us, we should have the strength to say something back. Often no one says anything and things become silent, which is when problems start. So this is me saying something back to one of our sociology students: http://mrpanfil.blogspot.com/. 

You left a comment on some one's blog the other night: i fell the same way about being taught to be obedient,neat,and polite as kid. I fell that society has turned its back on parents/ or other adults being able to hit kids around. It was good fro kids it taught them a lesson and taught them to be tuff. Now we got a bunch of sissies and weenies running around. Bro. 


Parenting your child by hitting them is not okay. It's as simple as that.

For a few years a family of three has lived next to mine. Their son, Jack, is the one of the cutest kids I've ever met. Ever since he was born, I've babysat him and seen him grow. Jack is surrounded by different authoritative figures throughout the week. His parents work full time, he has an incredible nanny who takes care of him daily, his teachers at the daycare that he attends five days a week, and me. Over the years we've all noticed how he has behavioral problems beyond that of an average kid his age.

After spending countless hours there over the summer, I can't describe how difficult it was to handle him. Half the time I wanted to pull my hair out or cry or sit in a corner and pretend I wasn't there. Despite how badly I wanted him to behave, I never wanted to hit him. However, I know Jack's parents have conflicting feelings on how to discipline him. His mom tries handling it rationally, even though it takes insane amounts of patience and understanding. Then there is his father who willingly threatens him and has been tempted to hit him. (on a side note: a few months ago, Jack's dad was informed at work that you can punish your child by putting vinegar on a napkin and putting it on your child's tongue, which he actually now uses). 


Don't get me wrong, I know Jack's parents love him even if they're probably struggling everyday with raising him. But over the past year I sometimes worry about Jack. It's an understatement to say his dad's beliefs and temper bother me. But more importantly than me being bothered, I know Jack is scared. After spending so much time with him, you can see through his eyes and reactions how much he fears his own dad.


Lessons taught through pain aren't effective and aren't going to build your child a strong character. They're going to remember the pain more than the lesson. According to the National Association of Social Workers, physical punishment leads to: "physical injury, increased aggression, antisocial behavior, poorer adult adjustment, and greater tolerance of violence" along with, "a risk to the safety and development of children". Building a strong character is done by supporting your children, letting them follow what the believe in, and instilling confidence in them. Harming them in any way for any reason will get them no where.

I realize there are so many factors that impact how a parent raises their child, but physically punishing them shouldn't be one of them. I loathe in the greatest way how history and society continues to lead parents in using this kind of discipline. And if you're parents raised you that way or someone told you that hitting a child is alright, I'm indescribably sorry.

So bro, I hope you realize there are a bunch of kids around you who never had a hand laid upon them and aren't "sissies" or "weenies", but incredibly strong individuals. And bro, these people are unquestionably tough. I'm sure if you weren't so ignorant and put some research into what you said, you'd understand how wrong you are, bro. There is enough all of us have been through in life that's makes us strong and tough without being hit, thanks so much bro. 

Run Forest Run

Normally I stay up late every night, being a night owl is a part of who I am. Since I can't sleep in during the week anymore, I've come to adore sleeping in on weekends. This past Saturday I gave up hours of sleep and hesitantly got out of bed at 5:00 am to volunteer at the Prarie State Marathon, which took place at Independence Grove in Libertyville. I dragged myself out of bed, threw myself in the shower to wake up, quickly got ready, grabbed a thermos full of coffee, and slowly headed out. I drove to my best friend, Taylor's, house so we could share the hours and experience together. While we were driving it was still dark out, which made the whole waking up process way harder. Partying out to music in the car and discussing how pathetic boys can be woke us up a bit though.

We got to the forest preserve, which was beautiful especially with the sun rising, and got out of the car. Stepping out of the car was a bit of a shock because it was definitely a chilly morning. We had no idea where were supposed to go so we followed the mass of early bird runners who had gotten there hours before the race was scheduled to start. Everything was already chaotic and I knew that day was going to be an unorganized mess. Unorganized messes don't bode well with control freaks like myself. 

Quickly, Taylor and I were sent off to two different things. Tay was at registration and I was assigned to passing out electronic anklets that matched each runner's number. The anklets tracked their starting and stopping times, and 600 runners needed to be individually handed one so numbers wouldn't be mistakenly taken by the wrong person. There were 7 boards with 100 numbered anklets on each. For a while it was me and an older man giving the anxious runners their anklets, and slowly more people were allocated to help us. Two girls from Mundelein High School were there along two people from Vernon Hills High School who I coincidentally knew through my ex-boyfriend. Each of us haphazardly ran to the boards as bunches of runners approached us, and our process was disorderly. One of the kids tried taking on all of the runners, despite other volunteers assisting them and he would yell at you if you didn't move fast enough. If there is one thing I am confident in, it's my leader skills. After I got increasingly annoyed, I suggested each of us take care of a board so we could be more efficient. Everyone went for it and everything became easier.

Immediately after we got through the runners, the race started and everyone was cheering for them as passed by to start their 13 mile half-marathon or 26 mile full marathon. The guy who led the marathon didn't entirely know where to put us originally, and that didn't change after the race started. A lot of us lifted boxes of food off of a truck to a table for the end of the race. I have never seen so many bananas in my entire life. There were hundreds and every single one needed to be separated, which became our new task. Between the smell of bananas and the irritating bees, I was more than ready to do something else. So I was asked to help set up the sign at the finish line, which was easy and quick. 

After that me and Taylor got bunched together to record finish times through the computer they had set up. I read of the numbers of the runners who came in while Taylor typed their numbers into the computer which somehow also corresponded to their anklets. Being recorders was stressful and more complicated than I imagined. The numbers weren't always easy to catch, groups of runners came in at one time, and just reading the correct number seemed difficult when you were under pressure. Around 11:30 most of the half-marathon runners had crossed the finish line and two new girls took over our position. 

Despite waking up before anyone in my house at 5:00, it was actually a lot of fun. Everything was faced paced and there is something about working under pressure that I like, which also made it fun. A lot of the runners thanked us because they appreciated our help and how organized we were. But we were only a small part of the work that was involved in making a marathon work. From what me and Taylor were told by one of the moms running it, Peter and his friends go for three or four days without sleep in order to make everything work. I felt good knowing I helped tackle a few of the hundred tasks those people take on every time. 

The marathon also reminded me how much I missed running and how I would really love to be a part of a half-marathon one day. So after going off of almost 5 hours of sleep and 6 hours of volunteering, I still decided to go to the Y and run a few miles on the treadmill. Reconnecting with running felt great, but what was even a greater feeling was helping out the hundreds of people at the marathon that morning.

Becoming Awkward or a Sannyasin?

American society values youth and devotion to the workplace where you are constantly going somewhere or doing something, even if you're 60 years old. William Hamilton of the New York Times recently dug at the negative connotation that is becoming increasingly associated with the word "retirement' in our culture (to read the article, click here: Whatever You Do, Call It Work ). 

According to the AARP in 2005, 69% of people between 45 and 74 years old who were employed or trying to find employment planned to continue working while retired. Today, it is becoming popular for America's older generation to feel socially unaccepted and awkward when they're not employed. People question what they are doing with so much free time. With these conflicting feelings, older Americans continue to work just on a smaller scale. They are feeling a constant pressure to take up anything, as long as it's something. 


When concluding his article, Hamilton mentioned India's Hindu culture. There they approach retirement entirely differently. Hindus embrace the idea of becoming a wanderer, or a sannyasin, who is starting down an unknown path with goals to accomplish.


Our culture obsesses and revolves around stress and work. If you're noting feeling the pressure, you're not working hard enough; no matter if you're hitting 25 or 65. Sometimes it feels like we work ourselves to our death without ever giving ourselves the chance to enjoy life or notice the world around us. 

We need to start looking at how are values are really impacting us. American society needs to adopt the belief of relaxation, and beyond adopting we need to accept it. It is okay to breathe and to have fun otherwise you'll hit insanity easily. Life goes by fast enough, we all need to learn to enjoy it some more.

Even in high school, students really need to know it is okay to give yourself a break; going through Stevenson without one will break you.

"Values Americans Live By": According to Megan

I really don't think any of us are aware how impacted we are by the values our culture instills. Values unknowingly become apart of us. 

1. I can be ridiculously controlling, but that makes me a good leader. At the same time I adore surprises, but only the good ones like birthday presents. 

2. Change is a touchy subject. Tradition means a lot to me, like cutting down the Christmas tree as a family every year.  But if I'm trying to improve at something, I'm usually all for change. 

3. Sticky notes cover my assignment notebook and my nightstand; they dictate what needs to get done and when. That could just be me being an organizational freak. 

4. "All men are created equal". Give me a break. Equality is a never ending argument and is constantly evolving in our country. Opportunity for all took a while to achieve, even though it was something we were all apparently given. It's apparent equality and opportunity still need work, but I'm thankful for not being stuck at one place in society.

5. There's a good chance that I'm told I'm "different" on a daily basis, but I love that. I live for having a quirky personality; and I adore all the other things that make me who I am because that sets me apart from everyone else. If a day ever comes when I start blending in and become fake, I hope someone snaps me out of it. Independence is something I embrace; same with having time to myself because there's a good chance I'd hit insanity without it.

6. Pride and accomplishments are so important to have. I like taking credit and being proud of getting somewhere. That can mean finally picking up all my clothes or placing in a horseback riding competition or writing this blog at 2:30 am when I'd rather be sleeping. I know I'm always working hard to do what I want to do and get where I need to be.

7. When looking at myself I know I make a competition out of everything: grades, ACT scores, horseback riding, strength, and just about a million other things. Competition keeps me going. 

8. Do better, be better. I go to school and constantly try to do better so I can get higher grades, which will get me into a better university, which will land me a better job, which will establish a better for life me. Basically, it's that repetitive cycle of life that's currently being crazily stressed upon us.

9. There's this need to have fun, but also a guilt that comes with it. I have to go to the barn and see my friends to get through each week and not be constantly stressed, but I know how to balance it with studying and school. Being a student and hard worker is a part of me, but I still know I need to chill out a few times a week so I can continue to be those things. 


10. Comfy clothes at school help me get by each week; always looking dressed up freaks me out because I slowly start feeling uncomfortably uptight. Informal and casual lifestyles let me be more myself and more laid back, instead of being particularly proper and poised.


11. Maybe it's my slight impatience, but when something is important I need everything to be to the point and open. I'm borderline procrastinator and borderline assertive, it all depends. But it's nearly impossible for me to be direct with someone because I feel unsympathetic and harsh towards them.


12. REP! Realistic, efficient, and practical. I try to be efficient as possible, but sometimes it's just not practical. I guess that's my realistic side there, as much as I hate admitting it.


13. "I want this, this, and this, along with this, this, and this" was, still sometimes is, a good representation of my brother once winter hits. It's always about wanting, getting, and having and people get too caught up in it. Materialistic things are easy to get caught up in, but I try to keep my material and non-material things at an equilibrium, which is easier said than done. 


I knew these things where something I valued, but I rarely ever seriously thought about it, nonetheless thought other people were enrooted with the same beliefs. Also, it's somewhat shocking that cultures outside of ours disagree with everything we follow and live by. Traveling and exploring the world should be some sort of global requirement because you never really know how other people live until you experience it.

New Immigrants in the United States

Today, Lindsay Peterson of The Tampa Tribune posted and article on immigrants in the United States (to read the short article click here: Immigrants Feel Unwelcome). 

According to Peterson, immigrants are increasingly feeling inhospitably and unsympathetic attitudes. Sociologists are noting that America's welcome is becoming artificial. When surveying 1,300 immigrants in South Florida, many felt unwelcome. Many of the immigrants stated "being harassed and feeling humiliated by immigration officials [in] airports". 

In another study, between 35 and 40% of immigrants who reported these feelings to officials were less likely to feel at home in the United States. The Census Bureau says 38.1 million or 12.6% of America's population is foreign-born (of the foreign-born population, 48% were Hispanic).

Peterson wrote U.S. officials are preoccupied with national security and worried about illegal immigrants. The unwelcoming attitudes towards the newcomers leave them less likely to get involved. These people are the ones bringing life back into communities that are falling apart and are taking the jobs no one else would want. 

The 1900s marked the beginning of the "melting pot". Since then, the separation between native and foreign cultures has begun to diminish, but some walls still remain. I think American's are being cowards for separating themselves from newcomers. Everyone in the United States is entitled to equality and freedom; this should include respect and understanding for others. Some of us are scared to look at things with a different perspective. Differences in language, customs, gestures, etc of other cultures shouldn't be weird just because of its unfamiliarity. And whenever we're not used to something or think it's strange, we instantly think our culture is better.

I simply don't get it. I really don't understand why we can't just see each other as different, but entirely equal and just as great. It's okay to have difference; we should want differences otherwise everyone in our country will be indistinguishable.

It's typical to take the ethnocentric attitude toward other cultures but it needs to stop. I think everyone looks at groups other than their own with skepticism; but despite being uncertain of people different than us, we should all keep open minds and know diversity is something this country should strive for.

It's 1:30 a.m. and I have Spanish homework left to do so tonight's blog is going to be a bit different. No New York Times and no lengthy post. 

Two words, cyber-bullying. It is defined as "an aggressive, intentional act carried out by a group or individual, using electronic forms of contact, repeatedly and over time against a victim who cannot easily defend him or herself" (Define Cyber-Bullying).


High schools students are preoccupied with a million things: waking up in the morning, picking out clothes, scrambling to get homework done, cramming for tests, getting to classes, and managing a social life. Whenever we get a spare second, we're texting. Whenever we have a few minutes to kill, we're on Facebook. Everything is discrete when it is being shared through texting or laptops. A lack of verbal communication increases the chances of cyber-bullying. According to National Crime Prevention Center, 40% of teenagers reported being bullied online (National Crime Prevention Center). 


I watched a video posted by an organization called A Thin Line (watch it here: Ryan's Story), which was filmed by Frontline. Ryan was a young boy in middle school who experienced excessive cyber-bullying. Students at his school repeatedly insulted him and Ryan was never able to escape. One of his online friends supported Ryan in ending his life.  

The consistent harassment led to Ryan's suicide on October 7, 2003. He was thirteen. His parents never knew the real story until they dug through Ryan's secretive online life, when Ryan's friends spilled the truth.


Cyber-bulling was at an all time high in 2004 with a victimization rate of 40.6%. Today it has decreased to 10.8% (Cyber-bulling Research and Facts).


I think harassment goes unnoticed and untold. Students keep it to themselves, but re-live it every single day. Insults are things people remember. They stick. Being online with friends makes it convenient to say things you'd never say to their face. I have never been cyber-bullied or been aware of anyone who has. I do know that fights between friends are intensified when you can hide behind a text or instant message, instead of being face to face. 

We are shaped by our society, family, school, and friends. Your actions do affect the lives around you. Joking and sarcasm aren't excuses. Make an effort to hesitate before you hit send. Realize your words will have a lasting impact on the people you're talking to, especially negative comments. Understand when you're the victim, you take the words you're told seriously.

Keep your mouth shut if you don't have anything nice to say; it's not that hard.

Evolution of Hello

Around a year ago, Sarah Kershaw of the New York Times wrote an article on changes in greetings among teenagers in America. Today, just giving a hand shake or a high five comes across as standoff or distant. For our generation it is becoming socially expected to greet each other with hugs (to read the full article click here: For Teenagers, Hello Means 'How About a Hug?').

Kershaw addresses that hugs are no longer strictly romantic, but a greater way of connecting to one another. Parents of today's teenagers are accustomed to handshakes and high fives rather than intimate and physical contact. According to a parent she interviewed, they feel as if they're "tourists in a country where [they] do not know the customs and cannot speak the language". But parents aren't the ones who are uncomfortable with the evolution of saying hello, it's the schools. 

Some teachers and staff against public displays of affection loathe the new trend of physical contact. Staff and teachers think it undoes the professional and academic environment in schools. They're also worried that hugging can lead to sexual harassment and inappropriate touching. Other critics think hugs start to lose their meaning and importance as they become more prominent. However, kids disagree; hugging isn't romantic or sexual, but "simply the 'hello' of their generation". 


Sociologists are studying the factors that could be behind this evolution. Some have noticed that current teenagers commonly grew up in organized groups (such as after school playgroups) that were closely overseen by parents. Those groups could be the reason behind increased cooperation among teenagers today than in other generations, along with more dedication and loyalty to a group. Another sociologist, Amy L. Best of George Mason University, thinks it is a continuation of the less formal greetings that started in 1970. The evolution of the American greeting is becoming less restrictive on touch boundaries. 

The unwritten rules that hugs have to be between a boy and girl or two girls are disappearing. It is becoming more socially acceptable for anyone to hug someone. With new "bromance" hugs, experts are seeing a greater comfort level for boys to express emotions. Not to mention, texting and Facebook have increased physical separation. Hugs may be making up for the lack of human contact in communication between teenagers. In addition, hugs could be a sign of increased acknowledgment of emotions and the need to be cared about in this generation.

Considering I'm apart of the generation this article is on, I can honestly say that it has point. I don't remember the last time I shook one of my friend's hands or just gave them a high five. To me, greeting a friend that way is cold and remote. I think a quick high five or a professional handshake is borderline too formal to do between friends. Hugs have never taken away from the "professional" environment in school. To be blunt, I think it is ridiculous for schools to have rules banning or regulating public displays of affection, especially hugs. Rules against extreme forms of PDA are understandable because it's disgusting and awkward to see people making out in front of hundreds of kids at school; no one wants that.

It's expected for everything to evolve as time goes on. I think people need to accept that our generation isn't an exception. Our lives and the way we do things are going to be different than our parents, and that's something adults are going to have to try to understand. 

The point is, hugs are more emotional than shaking a friend's hand for three seconds. They are simply a more sympathetic way of letting a friend know you're happy to see them and that you care.


go go go! Free Hugs Campaign

The Happiest Place on Earth

Six months ago the New York Times posted a sociology article on the happiest country in the world. According to the columnist, Nicholas Kristof, Costa Rica is "arguably the happiest nation on earth" (to read the whole article click here: The Happiest People). 

Kristof and his daughter traveled to Costa Rica to experience more than sloths and gorgeous coast lines. They were there to understand what makes the people of this South American country so exceptionally happy. Even though it can't be measured by an exact science, three systems have been established to estimate happiness in countries. 

The first is by the World Database of Happiness which was created by a Dutch sociologist. This database determines levels of happiness through surveys that are collected from 148 countries. On average, the citizens of Costa Rica have rated their happiness at an 8.5 out of 10 points. The United States has an average of 7.4. 

Another system involves "happy life years", which averages these rates and life expectancy. Costa Rica remained in the top while the United States came in 19th. 

In the final system, established by the New Economics Foundation, happiness and life expectancy are matched with environmental impacts (i.e: the amount of carbon countries put off). Once again, Costa Rica managed to have high happiness levels and long life expectancy while being respectful to the environment. Our country ranked in at 114th, which could be due to our massive ecological footprint. 

Costa Rica could be the happiest nation for several reasons. The people of Costa Rica strongly protect their environment. Kristof's daughter was fascinated by the beaches, national parks, and wildlife. But many believe the biggest factor behind their exceedingly high amounts of happiness is their choice to abolish their armed forces. 


After discontinuing their armed forces, Costa Rica invested the money in education. Increased importance on learning made their country more stable while bringing in many other benefits. Since then their economy has improved, there had been more gender equality (topping the United States in the gender gap index, created by the World Economic Forum), refined their health care, and promoted longer lives. In addition, their environmental preservation has allowed for more economic benefits. Costa Rica's culture values social life over financial stresses. This and their love for family and friends has greatly impacted their happiness.


Quickly applying this to my family, I know my parents are both devoted to working and taking care of our family. My dad comes home stressed and unhappy from work every day and my mom worries about getting everything done around the house. We still manage to spend time with each other, but I think my parents forget that life doesn't need to be so work-oriented and it should be enjoyed a bit more.


The United States is considered a self-serving country, where everything involves around one individual. Their success and their failures only revolve around themselves. Outside of our country, other nations believe in working and succeeding together. They also strongly value family, community, and culture; where as the United States puts financial values on top. 


There is a huge stress on work, money, and independence that we forget what is irreplaceable and important. No matter what happens, your family and friends will always be there. They're the ones who make you laugh, get you to smile, and will be there for you. No amount of money will ever buy you that or happiness. 

Our country periodically loses the idea of community, which is something we need to make stronger. We're usually quick to shut people down when we need them the most, but needing help is more than okay. The people around us are the ones we should be able to rely on to pull us through.

I also know armed forces is a controversial issue, and one that I don't know enough about to have an exact opinion. However, maybe we could consider placing more emphasis on education and a little less on violence.


The column states Togo, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe are some of the unhappiest nations. Even though we aren't the least happy country in the world, maybe we should make an effort on becoming a happier nation and a happier planet. 

Role Reversal - "The Rise of Wives"

I just finished reading an article from New York Times on women taking up jobs in the work place while more men are staying at home (to read the whole article click here: She Works. They're Happy.). 

The author, Tara Parker-Pope, interviews different couples, and includes recent research and statistics about this change. Parker-Pope explains the 15% increase in women making the majority of household income. Many couples never imagined this role reversal, but financial reasons put them there. With men handling more household responsibilities, divorce rates have decreased and there are more happy marriages. In the 1970s, according to to the article, divorces hit an all time high at 23 divorces per 1,000 couples. Today, there are less than 17 divorces per 1,000 couples. These statistics contradict the popular belief of female financial independence increasing chances of divorce. Also, women are choosing better relationships knowing they no longer have to marry for economic or educational reasons. The men they choose are supportive of their independence and equality. 

This sociological change has positive and negative impacts on couples. Men aren't used to women having an equal or greater income than them, and feel as if they aren't meeting social expectations. One sociologist also found some men have poorer health if their wives earn more money. At the same time, women are having a harder time letting go of their power and dominant roles at home. Women still do 2/3 of the housework, but men are taking up more household responsibility than ever before. Women are more able to work through problems when they're earning greater income. Equally important, when couples both work and participate in household chores, they are less likely to separate (versus when men are the breadwinners and women stay at home). 



Men are no longer the superior spouse, which allows for a balance of power between men and women. Along with that, women are in a better position being with someone who embraces social equality. Since women are less likely to be dependent on men, they are more prepared financially if something were to happen. Finally, stereotypical roles are no longer normal expectations which allows more social mobility and freedom. 


I think this article is extremely interesting, especially considering my interest in feminism. It is amazing that attitudes toward this social change are positive and supportive. Seeing women gain independence and strength is an incredible thing, but it's great to know their new roles benefit and have a great impact on their relationships. 

This role reversal is apparent throughout different generations in my family. My grandmother on my dad's side grew up taking care of her siblings after her mom passed away when she was thirteen. It was expected of her to stay at home and raiser her kids while my grandfather went to work. This could be one of the reasons why my uncle was raised and has more chauvinistic beliefs. However, after I was born, my mom chose to stay at home while my dad continued to work. She has and always had the choice to go back. Once my brother joined Cub Scouts many years ago, my family and I became close to one of the other Scout families. In their household, the father stays at home and raises his boys while his wife continues to work and travel. It is interesting to see the role reversal among people you know and how it has changed over generations.

As long at men don't get their children put on What Not To Wear for picking out their clothes in the morning, this is definitely a remarkable social change.

About Me

Hi everyone! I'm not really digging writing about myself, but here it goes... 

I'm seventeen and a senior in high school. Horseback riding is absolutely one of my favorite things to do. I started riding when I when I was six and have never turned back. Being around horses makes me happy and lets me unwind. If being in love with music is possible, I definitely am. The Fray is my favorite band and I've been addicted since I was in seventh grade. I've been to four of their concerts and am desperately waiting for them start touring again. But I also love finding and listening to a whole bunch of other bands. I also really love coffee. Caribou Coffee's blended vanilla white chocolate mocha is the greatest thing ever created. Camping is another one of my favorite things to do; along with just being outside. I like working out or going for a run too. On top of all of that, I've been babysitting an insane amount lately which stops my debit card account from plummeting because of coffee. My family and friends mean everything to me and they're a huge part of my life.

It's practically impossible to describe yourself in an entire blog so I think I'll stop here, and maybe you'll find out more about me in my writing on sociology.