Class 9/19

Upon reading last night, it is apparent that many philosophers believe that human nature is "tainted". In "Man's Nature is Evil, Hsun Tzu tells us he believes people will immorally act according to their corrupted nature if left without order. Other, such as Mencius, believe that man is inherently good, but as social creatures we generally learn and develop the same as those around us. It is when our views become focused on worldly possessions that our nature becomes "evil". I stand with Mencius and the argument that man's nature is good, and it's the world and how we interact with it that turns our thoughts and desires "evil". 

Class 9/22

Well, what is a ghost? are they devils and demons left here to haunt us? Are they simply unclean spirits or souls of the dead? I agree with the latter identity. I haven't really given much thought to ghosts, but I do strongly believe that there are spirits/ghosts wandering around down here on earth. We can't see them, and because they don't have physical bodies they can't touch or move anything. In a funeral sermon, the Prophet Joseph Smith declared that the spirits of righteous people who have died 'are not far from us, and know and understand our thoughts, feelings, and motions, and are often pained therewith' (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 326).

Class 9/17

Upon reading this, I picture a creepy, dark figure shoving a wrinkled paper towards this girl before rushing out of the room. But then part of me feels guilty for assuming so quickly, so I try thinking of alternative characters for who could have written this. Based on the amount of typos, perhaps it's a younger boy or girl that is just trying to do what is right. It maybe someone is purposefully trying to sound like a creep? Maybe even a rival or enemy that is indirectly trying to insult how this "cute girl" dresses. Whatever it may be, it certainly is an odd letter. As I dove deeper into this letter, however, I was suddenly struck with the actual purpose behind it's grammatically error'd ways. Not only was the person who delivered the letter feeling self-righteous, but he (I'm assuming) was also putting the blame on the girl, blatantly shaming and blaming her for the men she was tempting with her "immodest" clothing. And what does the word "modest" really even mean anymore?

Euthanasia, 500 Word Rant

There are many moral, religious, emotional, and legal aspects associated with the issue of euthanasia, making it an extremely sensitive and controversial issue. Because of my personal religious views, I started this rant with an unpersuadable attitude towards even just the idea of assisted suicide. I was ready to ignore all opposing reasoning because I knew assisted suicide was wrong. I was unmoving in my position against euthanasia and my conclusion was not to be tampered with. That is until I started digging deeper, really educating myself

By reading first hand accounts of those who have struggled with watching loved ones live in prolonged discomfort I have gained a better insight on the subject of assisted suicide, and can understand where several points could be made in favor of euthanasia. Many would say even arguing against assisted suicide is cruel because it's inhumane to prolong the suffering of one that is in much pain and are unable to function for themselves. We tend to see it as an obligation, to relieve the suffering of our fellow human beings; rather than forcing them to live with pain and discomfort they should have the option to die in dignity surrounded by people they love. But despite my new perception on euthanasia, I maintain my position against legalizing it.

The Church believes in the sanctity of human life. As a member, it is by this reasoning I conclude it's not up to us to decide when we leave this mortal life. When asked, the Church stated their position on euthanasia. The release stated that "When dying from such an illness or an accident becomes inevitable, it should be seen as a blessing and a purposeful part of eternal existence. Members should not feel obligated to extend mortal life by means that are unreasonable." The release continues on, saying that when there is nothing more to improve their health, the decision to take someone off life support is to be made by the afflicted's family members based upon medical advice and after having actively sought out guidance through fasting and prayer.

Religion aside, I still hold true to my viewpoint. Society has a moral duty to protect and to preserve all life, and I feel that allowing people to assist in the destruction of human life violates this duty of respect for human life. Since todays society prides itself on its commitment to preserve and protect life, we should not be commissioning people to destroy it! With the continual improvement of technology, we now have the power to sustain the lives of patients whose physical and mental capabilities cannot be restored. As medicine struggles to pull more and more people away from the edge of death, the fight for euthanasia as an end to prolonged pain becomes more prominent. But if we just let nature run its course, would this controversial issue even be an issue anymore? 

Unfortunately for my cause, everybody is allowed to have their own opinions on the subject matter, and it's crazy to think I can change their views with a 500 word rant. But then again, it's not my job to do so.

Class 9/10

In his letter to the grand duchess Christina of Tuscany, Galileo sought to defend Copernicus's heliocentric theory of the solar system. The Heliocentric theory was created to bring different perspective on pre-existing theories involving the universe. Copernicus wanted people to become interested in finding truths and new discoveries regarding science. The grand duchess had criticized the theory of discrediting the church and trying to overthrow religion. Galileo sought to defend the theory, saying that he only wanted to bring greater knowledge in the understandings of the Bible. Unfortunately, the letter was met with displeasure, as the Church saw Galileo as a threat and felt he was trying to disprove the Church, the bible, and religion in general. His argument was that many were taking the bible too literally. In the letter, he asks why would God give us the ability to search and explore, to discover things for ourself if everything was handed to us in a single book?

Class 9/8

The design of the Kmart 'ship' commercial is to motivate viewers to purchase at Kmart stores because of their convenient shipping options. The tone the actors use help to enhance the comical side of the persuasion, and they certainly did a good job of captivating the audience with the bold use of the word 'ship', but the commercial is almost euphemistic because it leaves viewers thinking of another word. The use of different ages, genders, sociological backgrounds, and repetition also help the commercial to be more relatable to viewers.

Class 9/3

What was the craziest thing you did this holiday weekend?

I was shrouded with fear and panic as I looked down at where my toes hung precariously over the massive drop beneath me. I clung tight to the railing, so tight in fact that my sweating palms were caked in rusty metal flakes. As I stood there, teetering on the brink of a 50+ foot drop, I heard the faint jeers and cries of my friends as they urged me off the edge of the bridge.

"We're going to count," They screamed, "and when we hit three you need to jump!"

"O- okay." I managered to stammer. Even I could hear the quiver in my voice.

"Don't hesitate!" They yelled from behind the railing.

I forced myself to look up  from the water, diverting my eyes from the huge drop. As I looked out across the seemingly peaceful river I heard them begin to count. Three came all too quickly, and before I could even scream I had already hurled myself out into open air. With no control over my landing, I raised my hands up above my head and closed my eyes, surprising myself with how calm I was. But as I continued to fall I was again filled with panic.