Paideia So Far

I have thoroughly enjoyed my Paideia experience thus far. I was a little worried about the cohort and Dr. G, because I only knew two people prior to the program. Fortunately, our group is incredibly talkative and easy to get to know. I think that a big part of why I’ve enjoyed myself so much is because of the passion of those in the cohort, as well as the conflicting ideas everyone has on EVERYTHING. I love debating, and it’s nice to be in an environment where people are not shy, but rather jump at the chance to discuss and expand on ideas. I think that the only way a person can truly grow academically is through debate and being exposed to different ideas and different ways to view the same idea. Our group has been awesome with that. I also feel that, for the most part, people are respectful in debates, although I know that I at least have gotten a little too animated on occasion. I think that as long as we are all able to remain respectful, the next three years will be so beneficial for everyone.

             I’ve really enjoyed our discussions on the Fifty Facts book; I feel that a lot of the issues we’ve talked about are important ones that tend to fly under the radar. Many of them were issues that really could not be brought to light by the media on a large scale, or we (Americans) would really have to start questioning our government and it’s priorities (which is not necessarily a bad thing, but it isn’t gonna happen), like Katie’s discussion on torture. I was also really surprised by the opinions people had on certain issues that contradicted the perceptions of them that I had established- which is awesome.

            I’m really excited about our civic engagement at the Boys and Girls Club next semester; I think it will be a great growing experience for all of us. I hope that everyone is on board with it, and will bring enthusiasm to the event. I also hope that this volunteer experience will help change some peoples perceptions of what it means to volunteer and the potential benefits. I’m also glad that we picked an organization that has a good deal of flexibility time-wise.

            The only things I would change would probably be that it would be cool to talk more about how the issues we discuss pertain to psychology and Understanding Human Behavior, and also, I have really enjoyed our outside events, and would like to have more… laser tag maybe?

            Overall, I have had an extremely positive experience; I have grown academically and personally from this group in a short amount of time. Also, Dr. G is an amazing professor, and always gives a great deal of really interesting perspective on all the issues we talk about in class. I’m excited to see where we go with this cohort, and if we can all help each other grow a little or a lot (corny…sorry).    

On-Campus Event

For my on-campus event, I attended the Writer’s Voice, with Azar Nafisi. It was incredibly interesting and inspirational. During her speech, she did not talk too explicitly about her book, Reading Lolita in Tehran, but she did make various references to the literature featured in it, such as Lolita and some works of Jane Austen. For the most part though, she lectured on culture, both here and in Iran. I found this to be exceptionally captivating and, surprisingly, very pertinent to many of my interests. I enjoy literature, but as a Sociology minor and a Political Science major, I really like to learn about culture, the role it plays in government, and how problems are created and then solved. Her analysis of the cultural polarization between the United States and Iran was incredibly insightful. The part of her speech that I found most interesting was when she was talking about how often Americans only associate the Middle East with headscarves, or Islamic fundamentalism, or crazy rulers like Ahmadinejad. She compared it to a scenario in which Iranians would only associate America with McDonalds or George Bush. It was a startling way to look at the cultural divide; I never realized how much of Middle Eastern culture is marginalized, and how overemphasized the (perceived) negative aspects, such as headscarves, of Middle Eastern culture are in the media and in our own opinions and stereotypes. Even the stereotypes that are overemphasized are often misconstrued. Nafisi discussed the issue of headscarves, and how in some places they are mandatory, like in Iran during a brief period, but how often they are simply the choice of a woman, who chooses to follow that aspect of Islam.        

She put a great deal of emphasis in her speech on choice, in how in relates to culture. Nafisi said that often people misconstrue Western culture, and judge her for choosing to live in America, but she tells them that she loves American culture and that is her choice. Even so, she still tries to retain aspects of her Iranian culture. This hybrid of cultures that she has adopted is incredibly interesting- I think it shows that though Western and Middle Eastern cultures are incredibly different, they are not incompatible. We read an article by Samuel Huntington in several of my political science classes, called the Clash of Civilizations. In this article, Huntington discusses culture as a catalyst for conflict, specifically within the Middle East as it pertains to the West. I think that Azar Nafisi is absolutely indicative of the possible confluence of multiple cultures, and perhaps even the benefits of a multicultural world, both in the political world, and within individuals. The more integrated cultures are with one another, the less likely there will be conflict; by understanding the culture of others, it is easier to empathize, and easier to see them as equals, humans. I feel that cultural awareness and difference will not push us towards the brink of a clash of civilizations, but instead further integrate societies into one another in a positive way.        

Off-Campus Bingo!

For my off-campus event, I went to go play Bingo with Brady and Megan. When we got there, we were a little surprised by the people who were playing. We had originally planned to go to Sun City and play, so we were expecting a certain…uh…age of clientele. The people at Creekside Bingo were certainly far more varied in ages, as well as races, and social classes. The name of the Bingo place in it’s entirety was Creekside Charity Bingo, which I thought meant that the proceeds of the game were going to charity. Instead, to play the game, it cost 5 dollars, and the payout was huge- anywhere from 250 dollars to 750 dollars a hand. The game itself was the charity part of Creekside Charity Bingo. Most people in the hall were pretty intense upon the game; I’ve rarely felt so much tension in such a small space! We sat down at a table, completely mystified by what was taking place around us. People were stamping their cards faster than my eyes could follow. Even so, the woman next to us stopped stamping, and took us under her wing. She told us what we were to stamp, and the basic rules of the game. Between games, I went to go and get a coke, and I ended up talking to this woman. She had migrated from Houston to Round Rock following Hurricane Ike, and she had recently become immersed in the competitive world of Bingo. The place she had been staying at in Houston had been completely ravaged by Ike, and now she was living with friends in Round Rock. I could tell from her clothes that she wasn’t well off, and she, like many people around her, took the Bingo games and prizes very seriously. Though every person in the hall who I spoke to was incredibly nice, I couldn’t help feeling out of place, and a little awkward. I found myself hoping I wouldn’t win, because I really don’t need the money, and I would probably feel a little guilty if I did. I think its sad that I was unable to feel comfortable around the people in the hall, but it wasn’t an uncomfortableness sprung from fear or anything like that, but more of an awkward knowledge that I had so many more opportunities than most people in that room. I feel that our society sort of conditions people with more opportunities, to pity those who have less, and so the class differences become more apparent. I wish that people regardless of social class, or race, or gender, or sexuality, or any other characteristic could enter any situation and not feel like a different KIND of person. We are all essentially the same, just brought up in different kinds of circumstances.   

50 facts Blog

So, I thought that my discussion went pretty well. The discussion on why we should help people in the extreme poverty class, I found to be the most interesting. I also thought it pertained fairly well to our discussion we've been having on civic engagements. My opinion on it is that we should help those who are in the extreme and moderate poverty levels, but my reasoning is two-fold. First, I feel that on a moral level, it is imperative that we help those in that sort of pain, regardless of how far away there are, or the obstacles that stand in the way. For me, I don't know, we're all human, part of the same conscious, all interconnected through our common Dna, common needs, and (as corny as it is) common love. I can't differentiate between Americans and Ugandis, because children in both countries can feel the same pain, can hurt the same, and if I can do my part to help prevent that, I can't see any other alternative. The second aspect is one that was brought up in class; from a practical standpoint, helping others, in Africa for example, is a logical step. One, if these countries were able to emerge from the state of poverty that they are embroiled within, then economically, we would be able to benefit globally from increased capital, markets, and increased comparative advantage. If the situation were improved, there would be less crime; many studies have shown that often the cause of increases in terrorist recruitment is less about ideology, and more about poverty ad desperation. This would obviously have positive ramifications for our safety. Thirdly, it would be practical to help others because it could help restore some of the moral, "soft", power that America has lost in the past eight years. 

p.s.

sorry my irish temper came out, btw :)

Civic Engagement Take Two

I think that our debate about people only participating in volunteer work because they are self-righteous or pretentious is absolutely ridiculous. While I will not deny that these people exist, so what? I have more respect for people who help with wrong intentions than for people that do not help. Honestly, many people say they don't want to help because they do not want to end up like those people, but I feel that says a great deal more about the person they are, than their subjects of criticism. This may seem slightly harsh and it is, but I get very angry when people accuse people who their time to help others as having only self-interested motivations, especially by people who do nothing to help, nor have had much experience, if any, in volunteering. You may not want to volunteer, and that is fine, but don't you dare sit there from your ivory towers criticizing those who are making a difference, many of whom are incredibly amazing people, who are giving themselves to something they believe in. Frankly, I think those people who criticize are not only incredibly selfish, but they are ignorant of what it means to help people. One another thing that is incredibly annoying to me is when certain people have these logically structured ideas about volunteerism and helping people, when they themselves have never volunteered. How can you know anything about anything without actually experiencing it? Because you've read a philosopher or pundit who espouses those same ideals that you espouse during our Paideia group? Try then expanding your horizons and reading Rousseau or Marx. Or actually get hands on experience, and formualte your OWN opinions.
A problem that I had with our discussion in Paideia was that I constantly heard, what will I get out of this? While I believe that volunteering is not a one way street, it should be much less about me, me, me, and much more about the people we are interacting with. If it isn't, then you will probably be the only one who gets something out of it, and it will be a one way street. In fact, only caring what you get out of an interaction seems much more selfish and pretentious than helping to make yourself feel better. Actually, I take that back. It seems EXACTLY the same. And it screams egotistical. It makes me sad that certain people don't understand how alike we are as humans. When I help someone, it certainly does shape who I am as a person and I am fine with that. When I help someone, and I can connect with someone on a deeper lever, I see myself in them and I learn a great deal about myself. So, there is a benefit to helping others, but it is not one that is appreciated enough, in my opinion.
Many people were constantly asking why we should help. To me this has always been an obvious thing; if I see a person who is hurting, I want to help. When I see a child starving in Africa, it absolutely breaks my heart. There is such a polarization of us versus them in so many peoples opinions. I feel as though a great deal of people can't see the common thread that connects humanity, and so often people far away, spatially or even situationally, are seen as different, and by some, as lesser. This to me is the essence of losing what it is to be human. While our reason and logical faculties are a large part of what separates us from animals, I think the most important thing is that we are able to empathize and sympathize with others, often in spite of our logical rationale and egocentric nature.

Civic Engagement Blog

To me, civic engagement encompasses helping others from the local, national, and international level. I think civic engagement can involve helping those thousands of miles away, simply because we share the commonality of all being human. I would love to do something for our Civic Engagement program that really has a tangible effect on someone. I think the best way to do that is to focus on a specific group of people to help, and then figure out what they need, and how we can get it to them. Some issues I care about are basically anything having to do with helping kids. I think that education is the greatest type of volunteering, so that might be an idea for a future project. The only worries I have are ones I have from other projects I've participated. One is that logistically, these things are often difficult to work out, and two, many times apathy is the most difficult roadblock to helping people.

Study Abroad Blog

So sorry this is so late and here goes...

I never saw study abroad as fitting into Paideia as much as I saw Paideia fitting into my study abroad plans. I spent a month in France the summer before my senior year in high school, and since then I have always planned on returning. When I found that the Paideia program was geared towards promoting study abroad, I was sold. When I was in France, I gained an immeasurable amount of experience and life lessons that have helped shaped the person I am today. I would say that the most obvious and beneficial outcome of study abroad from my limited experience is the way in which you really learn to be independent and self-sufficient. It really is a growing process that cannot be replaced by anything else. This is what I hope to gain from my study abroad experience. I always expected study abroad to fit in with my educational plan at SU. I would love to take some courses in French at a French University, perhaps in politics or philosophy. I feel like this would be an amazing challenge. The only real concern I have with study abroad is the monetary aspect, and if it would fit into my budget. At this point, I have a fairly good idea about where I want to study. I would love to spend a summer in Africa, preferably on the francophone west coast. I also want to spend a semester in France, although I am not sure where yet. I think I would like to be in a large city, but not Paris. 

 

Cait

What I Expect From Paideia

So, here goes my first Paideia blog; i hope all goes well! 

I first learnt about the Paideia program at the beginning of my freshman year, and I was instantly attracted to the idea of a honors program that emphasized intercultural interaction and personal growth within a larger group. Understanding Human Behavior appealed to me because I am very interested in psychology, but I have little opportunity to take classes in psychology within the discipline of my major. Additionally, I felt that a group centered around the idea of human behavior would facilitate a great deal of strong debate, which I also enjoy. 

My goals for my experience in this cohort are fairly straightforward; I would like to become more eloquent in my delivery of arguments, form strong bonds with my cohort, and become more culturally, as well as ideologically open. I also am looking forward to the volunteer work and study abroad opportunities. 

I would like to study abroad in two places. Ideally, I would like to spend a summer in Africa and a semester in France. In Africa, I want to study in a francophone area of the continent, which will most likely turn out to be Senegal. In France, I would like to live near enough to Paris so I could visit on weekend, but live far enough away that I could experience the more provincial areas of France.

I would love to do some kind of activity that would raise awareness and even money for various causes, such as the situations in Darfur and Tibet. 

I really have few reservations about the program. I would say that my greatest concern is the amount of time that will be necessary to devote to the program, and if I can give 100 percent to the cohort.  

Thanks for reading!

Cait

FIRST POST WOOHOO

Cait's Paideia blog is up and ballin'. Hey everyone!