Humans or Animals?

I remembered very clearly my experience at Six Flags Marine World about 30 minutes from Davis on my 22nd birthday. A group of friends, my siblings, and I, the infamous birthday girl decided to enjoy and celebrate "my holiday" at the theme park. During the ride on the freeway, there was already light traffic and being a frequent speeder, I wished I could somehow drive on the shoulder which is the lane to the left of the carpool. But doing that will probably result in a ticket and just the thought of that demolished my devious plan. I wasn't surprise because once we got there, a line had already form for parking. As my boyfriend's car slowly inched its way up to the parking booth to pay for parking, I thought, "What a way to start off my day, just waiting for everything to be done." But it was my birthday so a little waiting is alright. Next, after we all found parking, we had to form yet another ridiculous line to pay for our entrance fees. It was a hot day and I can still feel the hot rays beaming down on my fair skin while it burns slowly. Even thought I was drenched in sunblock, I still felt as though I was being baked in an oven. It had only been about an hour and I was already getting irritated waiting in the hot sun while sweating and feeling smothered and squished by those in the same line. I then thought about just cutting all these people and going straight to the front to pay, but that would stir up a lot of commotion and the chance of getting kicked out. So I stood my ground and waited impatiently like everyone else. Furthermore, after finally getting inside the park and past the security checkpoint, I breathed a sign of relief as I watched everyone dispersed. I looked around and took in the beautiful sight of many happy people laughing and heard many cameras going off as people freeze for a pose. Our group too, took some time and posed happily for the many cameras pointed at us. In addition, we were all very eager to fill our stomach with oily fast food and forced ourselves to get in one of many lines. Munching down my last piece of pizza topped with mouth watering pepperoni, pineapple, bell peppers, and a thin crust, I was finally full. Finishing off with a final gulp of cold and refreshing coca cola, I was ready to continue my adventurous yet annoying journey of getting into more lines that can last for hours, yet, just to experience about a minute of gut flipping and organ spilling ride. Furthermore, being somewhat of an impatient being, I also found that to be the case with the majority of the people there. However, what puzzles me most is that people still form lines for everything even though it leaves them anxious and frustrated. In my special case, I have an excuse because it was my holiday so it was worth the wait. Okay so maybe we all have to go through these hectic times of forming lines and what not to get where we want to be. I guess it also pays off in the end because we get what we want. Maybe that is what makes us human because we have a system of order. Or on the flip side, we can just be animals and avoid the anger and frustration by breaking into lines, cutting people off in the parking lot, and zooming past red lights thus breaking order and with the possibility of ending up in jail.

A Disappointing Fourth

The fourth of July may be a pleasant day for many this year, but it is a rather hectic and annoying experience for me. The gloomy weather and busy traffic both contributed to this unpleasant day.

In the past few years, the weather has been pleasant on every Fourth of July. The skies were usually clear enough to see the fireworks, and it was never really too cold or too windy to stand in the open air. However, tonight was a different story. The day started out just fine, with enough sun and clear skies, another great holiday was expected. After an hour of driving, we spotted the exit to Treasure Island. Even though the skies started to form thick gray clouds we still found parking and waited 90 minutes to see the infamous Fourth of July’s fireworks. As it approached 9:30 p.m fireworks struck the sky, but like lightning, none was spotted. Five minutes went by, then ten minutes. The clouds were persistent, “we’re not going anywhere,” they seemed to be saying. Everyone seemed to be standing under the cloud filled sky expecting the clouds to disappear. Also, it was a given that every one was hoping the weather would clear up, but it never did. The dumb weather disappointed everyone, especially the ones that were at Treasure Island.

Not only did the clouds cover all the beautiful fireworks, but the traffic to go home was horrible. Some people including our group left as soon as we realized there was no way to see fireworks. The thought of leaving early meant that traffic could be avoided. But that did not live up to our expectations. We were stuck in the parking lot for about 45 minutes and without moving that much. It was very hectic and frustrating to hear people cursing and honking at one another. The Fourth of July is supposed to reflect our unison in gaining our independence right? We are supposed to stick together and support one another right? Well at least as a country. But no, many people just use this holiday as an excuse to stay home from work, discover dark patches of cloud in place of vibrant fireworks, and being rude to our fellow Americans. What a way to start off the month of July.

Parents may be the reason for increased violence

Violence and aggression in children seems to be more common in today’s modern society. Many factors are and can be reasons why youth engage in crimes such as robbing, fighting, and killing. These factors consisted of peer pressure and the need to fit in, media’s portrayal of violence in award winning movies, and linking our favorite celebrities, such as Angelina Jolie, with crime worthy roles. However, it was not until last week did I realized that parental negligence seemed to be a more powerful reason in youth aggression.

Last weekend, I went to go see “Wanted” starring Angelina Jolie. As always, this seductive woman played a bold and bad ass role that involved guns, other weapons, and of course blood. But that was expected, it was after all an action flick. However, what struck me as a complete surprise was sitting next to a very young boy of about seven or eight years old. His eyes were glued to the enormous screen while Wesley, the main character, was being stabbed and punched until he was drenched in blood. I glanced over to the boy’s right and realized an older woman, who seemed to be his mother, was sitting there with her eyes stuck to the screen as well. That was when I started to have second thoughts. Is it really media that indirectly influences children to behave aggressively? Or could it be merely the reason that parents are exposing their own children to these acts of violence? I don’t think that some parents, like the mother I briefly described earlier, are aware of their contributions to their children’s aggressive behaviors. Many still blame T.V and other sources for today’s increased violence.

Many factors surely contribute to the never ending violence we have seen thus far. However, one source is controllable and that is the parents. Parents need to realize that they have control over what their kids watch. They can prevent young children from being exposed to violence too soon by simply monitoring certain channels at home and discouraging their children from seeing anything rated R at the theater. When they have done all that they can to shield their children from violence, then they can blame the media as the reason for today’s crimes in youth. Until then, it isn’t fair for parents to blame only the media because they too are the culprits.

The "Purpose" of our " Wants"

Is there really a fine line between wants and needs? This topic was the center of attention and stirred up individual thoughts and feelings of many classmates. What fascinated me the most was the idea of the hierarchy of basic human needs. The three basic ingredients that sustained the human race consisted of food, water, and shelter. In order to survive, humans must satisfy those basics in order to reproduce and to stay alive. However, when those needs are fulfilled, what must we do with our time in order to avoid being bored to death and repeating everyday’s typical routines.

We must change things up a little to make life more exciting and worth living, therefore, we have to have a purpose. For example, ancient people started trading excess food and material goods with their neighbors when food was no longer a scarcity factor. In addition, people started building bigger and more sophisticated shelters such as houses with more than one door or houses with ceiling windows. Once they got that system down, humans became bored and wanted to do something else to entertain them and at the same time to give them a purpose to continue living. This is where development of the government system and waging wars with other countries come into play. Since we have everything that we needed, we want to dominate the world next by first taking over other people’s land and countries since we have nothing better to do. Centuries later, after we have successfully become well off and have dominated the world, we moved into building technology to amuse ourselves and at the same time keep us occupied. We are a race that is constantly searching for something else that we can do to kill time and to create a purpose. Moreover, why did our ancestors suddenly want more out of life? Simply because they got bored and needed reasons, goals, and purposes to feel motivated to live.

Regardless of whether we are after material goods to satisfy our wants or needs, or even after political power to rule; our desires rightfully serve as a purpose for human kind to advance. Our wants also pushes us to work harder in order to obtain the things we want in life, and that is a purpose to live and thrive. Without those feelings of wants and needs, there is no point in having a meaningful life. Therefore everyone ought to go out there and spend their hard earned cash on something they have always wanted. Or better yet, they should go out there and do something they have always want to do. Try skydiving, tak or invent something cool. What is the point in living life without pushing yourself to live life to the fullest? What is the point in living life without having wants or needs? Do yourself a favor and create a purpose in life; whether it is to become the richest person in the world, or to become the president of the United States, or even to marry your favorite celebrities. Thus, keep working on your goals and life will be more exciting and purposeful.

Appreciate those who are still here

Violence, gunshots, and death, these words scare me. Growing up in a town called Oakland seems very uncertin, living day to day not knowing who will be a victim next. However, it came as a shock to me when my sister called me on Monday to tell me the tragic news. Good friends of my parents recently lost their son to gang related violence. He was only 20 and died on Saturday June 21st. Two days later, my parents’ friends decided to watch the news and became very interested because the clip showed a young man being shot at and immediately died. He was surrounded by a mob of passersby who immediately called the police. The parents thought to themselves, “Poor guy, his parents would be devastated to know their son had just died.” That was when it hit them; their son has not been home for a few days. He was always out for a few days, then came home for a day and then continued to disappear. They quickly called the police and reported him missing. Immediately the police told them that their son was involved in a shooting and was shot to death on Saturday. Tears started to pour down their faces and their hearts were both destroyed at that moment. You hear of people dying all the time, but when it’s a loved one, it’s extremely difficult and emotionally heartbreaking. I know An and I know that he’s young and just uncertain. He’s not a bad kid and it breaks my heart to hear how lost both his parents are after his death. They have cried a river and can no longer shed any more tears. My sympathy goes out to his family; they are really sweet people and I wish I can undo the pain. What saddens me the most is that violence seems to be out of control since I have graduated from high school. One by one, the people I know slowly become victims of violence. An is the sixth person and I hope is the last. I do not understand why people have to kill one another just to prove they are more supreme and better than the rest. Does taking a life make a person seem more invincible and hardcore? Or does it make the world a scarier place? Does having the ability to make someone else suffer necessarily mean one is powerful and almighty? Life is a precious thing and no one in this world has the right to take that away, at least not to violence and hatred. I urge each and everyone of you to live each day without regrets and make sure your loved ones know you love them with the purest of heart. You never know who may be the next victim, whether it is to violence or an accident, because life is indeed very uncertain and too short. Rest in peace An, you will be missed.

Old theory vs. new theory

Throughout my academic schooling, I’ve heard the term “theory” tens of thousands of times. Whether it is in a textbook or verbally from a teacher, it sounds so familiar, yet so distant and foreign. The word “theory” triggers my memory of many wonderful and innocent experiences during elementary school. I can still see clusters of children running around during recess playing tag or jumprope. I can also still smell the scent of old crayons and hear the mutterings of talkative children as if it was yesterday. The musical notes playing from a piano reminded me of a typical day of music lessons. But none of that memory can vanquish this one particular incident. I remembered in the third grade, my teacher Ms. Wilson wanted all of us to get into pairs to engage in food science. I don’t quite remember too clearly what we had to do; however, I do remember the food we used were leftover sausages my teacher and her family had for dinner. After we were done, Ms. Wilson stated that we can throw the sausages away or even eat it if we please. Yeah right, like who would eat that stuff right? Wrong! One of the boys in my class actually munched down his portion and had a smile on his sausage smeared face. And that was the day I developed my theory of him and that consisted of three words: Disgusting, cooties, and gross. Needless to say, from that day on, I was never once nice to him, all the way till Junior High. It was not until High school when I became more girly and more tolerable of disgusting boys that I saw him again. We spoke for awhile and this time I remembered to be nice and courteous. I also developed a new theory of him and it also consisted of three words: a manly hunk!

Do we have the time?

“Time is such a simple word and yet it is also very complex for it carries different meanings and experiences; time is very important to the human race. Indeed there are many definitions of time but listing their mere definitions is just plain boring so I am going to tell you what I think of time, but in a history sense of course because that’s what I’m supposed to do. When I think of time, I think of history and how that shapes our world today. Time in a history sense is related to past events that have already happen and usually in an ordered sequence. From the first discovered cave paintings to the development of the constitution to today’s hottest topic of skyrocketing gas prices that leave everyone broke and angry at the government, these events reflects the power of time. Without time, there will be no history and without time and history, we would not even know if gas prices increase or decrease.
“Time” also contributes to evolution and when I think of evolution I think of how the human race has evolved to very advanced creatures that can invent just about anything. If we can think it, we can create it. From the first beings with very limited knowledge of the world to modern man dominating the world with a government system to keep order is just fascinating. Without evolution and time, we wouldn’t be able to learn from past mistakes as well as accomplishments of our people and cannot better ourselves and improve our future. Take a few minutes to think how we have come such a long way to obtain superb technologies and how much brain power we have exerted to be where we are today. Such devices like an ipod or even something as simple as a calculator takes time and history to build and create. Inventions of these things take time and it seems we have a limitless amount of time to continue to build history. With bundles of time we can also invent more advanced and useful things. But have you ever wondered what would happen if time is taken from us? What would happen if time ended? What would happen to us then? How would this world look like in absence of time? Just a scary thought to ponder whenever you have nothing better to do.