"Crazy Love"

Many people develop their own definition of what “true love” actually is, but this variance in love can also misconstrue the beauty of love to such an extent that it becomes ugly. Love can be a wonderful, happy, and joyous thing involving two people that are thoroughly invested in one another. To some people, love can turn into a heart wrenching pain involving threats, crazed actions, and unreasonable behaviors. I do agree that love is a human universal instead of a social construction. This ideology that love is a human universal pretty much declares that nearly every individual will either be searching for or come across love at some point in their lifetime. I feel that the important part of this process is to not expect perfection, but to also not settle for anyone that doesn’t accept you for you. If the two people involved aren't truly invested, then that is when the negative aspect of love can shine through and completely shatter the joyous wonders of love. I believe that people need to understand that love does exist, and it will continue to exist only if the two people involved are deeply passionate; if this is not the case, then happiness of love tends to spiral downwards, and fast. 

"Battle Stories Bring Former Enemies Together"

Often times, the land, culture, race, or ethnicity that an individual is born into can categorize them as a friend or enemy based on state or cultural standards. Individuals can find themselves fighting for a war, not because they are fighting for what they believe in, but because they are Palestinian or Israeli, for instance. Usually it takes a severe incident or a dramatic eye opening experience for an individual, such as Elhanan or Al-himri, to recognize that they were not standing up for what they truly believed in. I think it is truly amazing to see these two men, from two different states employed in war against each other, to recognize a common interest amongst them, and that interest being “peace.” I feel that if there were more individuals that recognized their inner desires instead of conforming to society, people would realize that we aren’t that different from one another. Accepting the similarities and common interests could ultimately decrease the amount of violence and warfare occurring in the world today. People do stand up for their true beliefs should speak out and stand up to what they feel is wrong, such as the formation of the Combatants for Peace Organization. It is worth it to make a stand, because no matter how insignificant it may seem, it can make a difference to the lives of some people. 

"When You Have to Shoot First" Response

Having to kill another individual that intends to perpetrate a violent act may be a difficult and terrible thing to do; however, I do feel that it is the right thing to do. I agree that shooting down a suicide bomber, even under severe suspicion, is worth saving the lives of innocent people. It is not worth it to risk it and let the suicide bomber continue on his way, if there is potential that the innocent people will be harmed by his or her horrid and deadly actions. Considering that the United States is a democracy and the job of law enforcement, judges, and executives is to protect the individual from the power of the state, I feel even more strongly about this issue. When it comes to warfare and implementing force for the sake of the people of our nation, then any necessary violent action much be taken to ensure protection. I completely agree with the statement, “We do terrible things only when it is necessary to prevent something even worse from happening.” This really sums up my position on this issue of whether or not suicide bombers should be initially shot. It is much more beneficial to shoot a suspicious suicide bomber then to take the chance that it was a mistake. Now granted, precautionary actions should be taken and there should be clear cut signs and orders to open fire on the dangerous individual. Overall, I feel that being the one to shoot first is a very difficult thing to decide; however, it is worth it to take action in order to prevent a more horrible situation from developing. 

"Warfare: An Invention-Not a Biological Necessity" Response

            This article takes a very different position on war, one that I haven’t thought of before reading this article. It is very interesting to look at war merely as an invention, an invention that is known to some people, and completely unknown to others. It makes sense that a society that knows what warfare is, is very likely to use it to solve issues than compared to a society that is unaware of war. It is also an interesting point that some societies look at warfare like it is a game of some sorts. This just goes to show that warfare is invented amongst certain societies and cultures, in which one group organizes against another group to kill them.

 

"Some Convenient Truths" -Easterbrook

I feel that it is very important to view the prevention of global warming in a more optimistic way. There are more people that feel that it is useless to try and stop global warming, therefore, there aren't many individuals providing any possibilities of ways to prevent it. I agree with the author, that if more people had a more positive view on the issue and felt confident that actions could be taken to prevent runaway global warming, then the chances of actually preventing it would be increased. The author uses very key and important examples to help prove his point, that preventing global warming is, in fact, possible. He mentions the actions that the United States took to invent policies and machinery to decrease the smog and acid rain. There was a time when people though it would be impossible, however, they were clearly proven wrong. This is a time when people think preventing global warming is impossible, however, they too can be proven wrong if more individuals make the effort to propose solutions to preventing runaway global warming. 

"DNA Test Gives Students Ethnic Shocks" Response

            The reading titled, “DNA Test Gives Students Ethnic Shocks,” by Emma Daly, was a very shocking reading in itself.  The multiracial culture that has developed in today’s society had definitely had an impact and changed the views of individuals. In the past, a white person would never even have thought it plausible to be part black, let alone hope to be part black. Yet students partaking in the DNA tests administered were actually saying, “Oh man, I hope I’m part black.” This goes to show how far along modern society has come and the multiracial culture that has transcended. I really think that these DNA tests are extremely interesting and something that everyone should have done. To the naked eye, people may appear one race, when in actuality they are a higher percentage of another race. People tend to develop judgments about individuals and their race solely based on physical appearance. The DNA tests allow students to realize that although someone may appear Black, or Asian, they could still be 60% white.  Being familiar with our ethnic background, and the idea that physical appearance is only skin deep, will help society envelop this new multiracial culture and deplete the racial bigotry.  Another thing that I found interesting was that the one student made a clear distinction between his genes and his culture. Despite what genes we as individuals are composed of, the culture within which we are raised, and the beliefs and values that we have developed, are the main components of identity and individuality. The culture and the beliefs of an individual should be his or her identity, and genetics should not cause any individual to stray from that identity.

"Your Gamete, Myself" Response

            My response is in correspondence to the article, “Your Gamete, Myself,” by Peggy Orenstein. In today’s society, several methods have been developed and have been implemented by individuals to conceive children. There are several common ways to conceive children, which include, donor conceived, I.V.F, or naturally. There is controversy over whether children should be conceived by I.V.F. or egg/sperm donors. Although there are arguments to both sides of this issue, I feel that individuals who wish to have children, yet aren’t able to naturally, should be able to use any available means of conceiving. The decision of whether egg/sperm donors or I.V.F. are ethical and moral is ultimately up to the individual who wishes to conceive a child. If these options are available, then individuals have the right to implement these options if so desired. The lifestyle of the child that is conceived by a sperm/egg donor or I.V.F is placed in the hands of the woman and man that have chosen to conceive in one of these methods.  The fact that the child may not be theirs through “blood” is not relevant, nor the issue at hand. The child still belongs to them, is still nurtured by them, is raised and sheltered by them; therefore, they deserve the title of “parents” to that child. It is not the job of society to judge those that conceive children through these methods. I feel that men and women, whom wish to have a child to love, raise, and nurture, must be free to welcome any options that may provide them with such an amazing opportunity, and society should not pass judgment on them by any means.