Quote Response 10-24-11

1. Yes I agree because close mindedness is a sign of a lack of intelligence. Someone who can atleast understand an idea even if they disagree with it will posses a wider understanding. 

Me VS. We

1. In a collectivist society a conformist and loyal person would be ideal. In an individualistic society it is more favorable to be productive and successful.

2.  PHD with the most books would be true of an individualistic society because it is based on merit and success while age would be more important in a collectivist society because they better know the system and it is not based on merit and success.

3. A teacher moving from a collectivist culture to an individualistic one would encounter a wide gap in grades and test scores. She would value the growth of the group as opposed to having a few students that excel.

4. Someone that you know, but you wouldn't consider a friend. It possesses a negative connotation because it is often used as a polite way to say you don't like someone very much.

2+2=5 by Radiohead

1. He is talking about a society that is blinded and sheep-like in that they aren't paying attention and they follow blindly.

2. The music does mirror the message. The message is very repetitive and almost droning and the steady tempo and set rhythm of this song create the same feel.

3. Because 1984 much like the society in the song clouds truth and manipulates the public. As we've seen in 1984 if you control truth you control reality.  

Globalization and Conflict 10-19-11

1. It is a blend of internal and external conflicts. Internally one conflicts on how to blend cultures in globalization. Externally though conflict arises when cultures collide with one another.

2. Globalization creates conflict because when very different cultures collide often people become defensive and attempt to fight to protect their culture. It is all the spread of western ideas and showing wrong in other cultures.

3. It allows for new role models to be viewed in societies especially for women which creates empowerment.

4. The west follows the constitution while Muslims follow the Koran.

1984 Post 1

1. In 1984 equality is established through distribution and monitoring. Everyone's actions are closely monitored and even minor infractions carry heavy consequences. Equality is also established through the distribution and rationing of goods. For instance clothing credits are issued to citizens allowing them access to only so much clothing. In addition food is rationed as we see in this first section when chocolate rations drop from 30 grams to 20.

2. Conflict has been eliminated through control. Big Brother controls everything establishing one single truth. Which we see an example of during the 2 minute hate which sends everyone into a frenzy of anger.Through strict laws and monitoring though and action are not allowed to deviate from Big Brothers predetermined route preventing almost all conflict.

3. 1984 clearly depicts a dystopia. The world the characters live in is full of old buildings that are falling apart and in extreme disrepair. The entire citizenry is completely restricted in thought as well as action. However some like many of the characters the author works with and his neighbors seem completely unaware of what they are missing although they aren't exactly what I would consider happy. For those individuals though  it may very well be a utopia, but based on my perspective the personal restrictions and the poor quality of life depicted in 1984 can bring me to no other conclusion than the fact that it is dystopia.

Utopia

1. A utopia is a balanced world or society in which crime, violence, and ill will do not occur. They live outside of conflict and crisis. The economy is in constant growth.

2. In my ideal world the days would be longer to allow for more sleep and productivity. People would be far slower to act and speak. Thus thoughtless words and actions wouldn't devastate so many people. It wouldn't contain alcohol or cigarettes because those things bring only pain and regret. There would be no poverty because people would legitimately care about their neighbors and fellow citizens.

3. My utopia would play classical music and uplifting music. Lyrics would involve hope and helping others and self betterment.

"You Were Right" by Built to Spill

1. The speaker feels as though he has been wronged in some way and that he has missed out. "You were wrong when you said everything would be alright" and "You were right when you said you can't always get what you want."

2. The loud and heavy music in the song indicates the frustration being conveyed by the lyrics.

3. The smooth lyrics seemed to contradict the loud fast music. The lyrics are far more flowing than the music that accompanies them.