How has the digital storytelling project of “Other” allowed
you to reflect, empathize and/or connect to marginalized people in the novel or
in today's society?
from the things i did not know before, i now know after this others project. it helped me to fully understand what others really meant and how they are being "marginalized". Us in America dont really see the people themselves and that is why we even have people being marginalized. We all know that marginalizing is happening everywhere, is anbody in the world is even mad at all for what is happening right now? There should be and maybe perhaps that we have to see the story behind every small detail. We should in fact that having to understand every stlye of character to not have marginalization. But this is America and it is just part of who we are. We want the change but its hard to come by. no single person should be singled out, America is a free country. You may feel that you are being marginalized right now. This project has relly touched on me on the poeple of "others". Quoted from Adam Hogue, "Eventually, as time passes, the arguments will transform into solutions and we will find new things to argue about; in real time. It is all in search of the quality".
I completely agree with you that although change is necessary for us to progress as a society, it is hard to accept change. It is a natural human tendency for us to reject change, in fact. It is not familiar to us, therefore we cannot accept it.
It is interesting how you pointed out how America is a nation built on change. I find it ironic how we all innately fear change but as a society attempt to embrace it. This is why the "other" of society is marginalized. As hard as we try to deny it, we all marginalize people in our lives.
I agree with you completely, in America, we naturally marginalize people and don't even notice it anymore, even though we claim to be a "free country". But I don't think it's only America, but most of the world in general. I don't think there's a country that doesn't have a person that's not marginalized. So i don't really see this as a more of an American problem but an international problem, as well.
It must be noted that not only are we marginalized, everyone around us is marginalized. However, we only consider the marginalization when it takes to the majority. It must be considered what we want to think marginalization is. Must it always be so negative?
I completely agree with you. I feel that society is not as welcoming to change and different ideas as we think we are. Although change can be good, it pushes people out of their comfort zones.
Rudy brought up a good point. I also find it ironic how we as Americans are the most free and diverse in culture however we are the ones that put people into their prejudiced groups. Since we have the point of view of so many different types of people, should we be the country that accepts change the most?
TPQ: Has America made more or less minorities than before? http://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&gbv=2&biw=1081&bih=544&tbm=isch&tbnid=RzV0KAyPm6mlOM:&imgrefurl=http://theoblogicuscalifornicus.wordpress.com/2011/09/07/immigration-jesus-and-farm-animals-part-2-of-4/&docid=L96JGwPKJjSCOM&imgurl=http://theoblogicuscalifornicus.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/border_crossing_sign.jpg&w=1447&h=1332&ei=ENfWT5ycNvH22AWVlfmlDw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=262&vpy=214&dur=906&hovh=215&hovw=234&tx=126&ty=211&sig=105659862352136179926&page=1&tbnh=145&tbnw=153&start=0&ndsp=10&ved=1t:429,r:6,s:0,i:119
My group’s other project has pulled the wool off our eyes to the marginalization of the people that are being discriminated against in society. Even though our differences separate each other, no one is any greater than anybody else, and equality should be distributed everywhere. Our topic for the other project was the one percent. Currently, the one percent in America is being discriminated against because they have more money and are more successful. Just because they live in better places or wear fancier clothes, we feel that it is a gateway for bullying discrimination rather than work clothes or preference of setting. People need to rethink why they outcast people and what the motivation is behind their social exclusion. Even though society frowns upon discrimination, diversity is key for the progression of society. The one percent is seen as powerful and fearsome, but they are not invincible. They can be hurt too, through discrimination and exclusion. This one percent is also seen at Whitney High School. Even though the true statistic may not be one percent, the people who are successful and get the top 4.0 GPA are discriminated and looked upon differently than others. This goes to prove that the successful are not as successful as they seem, and that global issues can still have an effect on us hundreds of miles away. This project opened my eyes to the atrocities that are prevalent in society and taught me about how to see things from others’ points of view.
This is a really interesting perspective. Usually, us middle class citizens resent the upper class people with the money, the looks, etc. I look forward to seeing your video to really get the "wool taken off my eyes"! :)
It seems that the 1 percent is discriminated against both by envy but more likely because of the actions of that one percent of the entire 1 percent that we are judging. With that tiny portion of the one percent, we automatically assume about the rest of that one percent that could possibly be running a life of altruism and philanthropy.
I like how you related the 1% to our school. I feel that they are marginalized in more of an envious way due to jealousy from the not as successful. In addition, because they are only 1%, it makes them an easy target for the majority.
We all are marginalized in some way. Whether it be due to race, wealth, or an extensive variety of reasons why. Being "marginalized" means more than just belonging to a minority. People are pushed to the margin because a society refuses to acknowledge their needs, their beliefs, and their concerns. My group's topic was body image and how people can be bullied and insecure because of how people criticize them and how they make them that way. My group kind of related insecurities to Mayella Ewell from To Kill a Mockingbird. She is insecure with herself and she very is lonely and miserable at her home without any friends. She tries to kiss Tom Robinson, and her father catchs her. They go to trial, as Atticus explains, "to remove her doubt". The state accuses Tom of raping her in a trial. Mayella are like people who are insecure, who want nothing but to be liked by others and even go to extreme lengths to do it. But it's not only body image that's an issue, appearances can make a person quickly judge people. People can mistake a punk rocker for a devil worshiper and little girls as an angel, but the two can actually have switched personality.
I completely agree how we subconsciously marginalize people. As part of the United States Democracy we have today, it is this shunning of the minority that defines the majority. They use this to establish themselves. This is the flaw of it. As we hear the voices of majority, we block out the voice of the minority.
It is our fault that we marginalize people, though we do not believe it is our fault. Just look at Hitler's Nazis against the Jews. Though it is clearly their fault, we can also find fault with the every person in the rest of the world--for acting as bystanders, and letting this cruel segment of history take place. Fault can be found with everyone that have consciously or unconsciously marginalized people and have chosen to turn a blind side to the struggles they face in order to selfishly move ahead without disturbing their own lives.
I think we marginalize ourselves really we try to find others like us because it is familiar to us. We as humans do not like to step out of our comfort zones thus we force ourselves in to a set boundary in society.
I agree, we think that becuase we marginalized others, and then that leads us to the fact that maybe we are actually marginalizing ourselves in the process
My group's topic was Social Hierarchy. We all know that society always creates the inevitable: the social ladder. This is found in every environment: your school, your neighborhood, even in your own family. There is always a dominant figure chosen based on specific attributes such as strength, leadership, looks, etc. And there is always a submissive figure on the bottom of the food chain; the one that is picked on. We have thoroughly researched the topic of Social Hierarchy found in our very own Whitney High School. We have realized how stereotypical our not so stereotypical school is. Although Whitney is known to be a strictly academic school, our social hierarchy is not that different from others. We still have the jocks/ASB leaders on top, and the hopelessly nerdy people on the bottom. And in between contains the "nice" kids. We have also taken examples from Huck Finn, where slaves are obviously on the bottom even though there are many other white men that live disrespectfully, such as Pap. These white men should be the true bottom, but instead, society had sterotyped blacks as the dirt of society. This shows that human beings are stubborn. We cling to our traditional ways, even if they may prevent us from progressing to the future. Through this project, I have realized that human beings as a whole must take off their blindfold of stereotypes in order to prevent the marginalized from being shunned from society. We must all remember that at one point, all the great historical figures were marginalized. However, through their efforts and unique attributes, they became revered as key historical figures that led to a great change in our world.
I think change is only appealing in a time where is it is needed. When change isn't needed and society is in a good spot, people are unlikely to support change, but at a time of recession or civil unrest, society is bound to want change in order to improve conditions in life. Therefore, I think change only appeals to people if it there is basically no doubt that it can only help society.
I believe change could become more appealing to people when there is an incentive or a reward at the end. Change can be scary, but more people would be willing to change if they know that it's worth it in the end.
I believe change is especially appealing to people when they are in a hard time and they see change as a better way to move forward. Therefore, you can always throw a society into turmoil, offer change, otherwise known as a better option, and naturally they will gravitate towards it.
I think that this project has changed me in so many ways. I realized how many people are going through so many hardships in their life. Even though we are different on the outside due to our genes and heritage, we're all still human. Society discriminates and judges due to appearances. But honestly, what is appearance? None of us could choose how we want to look, or what society we are born into, and yet, people get judged for it. Because of this project, I realized that everyone is marginalized or feels marginalized in some way. There would be always that person who would discriminate against you, no matter who you are. No one is perfect, and everyone has a prejudice against something, therefore, everyone is marginalized in some way. I feel like this is the one way that everyone is similar, no one is the "perfect" human that no one in the world could make accusations against. People need to think about how they treat others, because everyone has their own story to tell. In places as secure as America, or even Whitney- we feel secure. But the question is, how do others view us? They may not say it to over faces, but everyone talks. People need to get to know a person before completely excluding him or her from their life.
Even though it is impossible to live in a world with no judgments towards others, do you think there is anything we could do besides just keeping our thoughts to ourselves so we don't offend others?
Honestly, I don't think there is anything we could do besides just keeping our thoughts to ourselves so we don't offend others because we always subconsciously judge people instantly, whether we recognize that we're doing it or not. It almost always happens every single day in a persons life.
One major thing we can do in order to avoid hurting others is to keep an open mind. We should open ourselves to new things and avoid making assumptions about other people. Stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new things allows us to spend a day in someone else's shoes and see what their life might be like.
I agree, it is impossible to live in a world without any judgements. As of now, I'm wondering how many people may be judging me for spelling the word "judgements" wrong. However, letting out your thoughts helps the world revolve. Just think, if you didn't let your mind open up and express yourself, even if what you were thinking MIGHT offend someone, do you think that anyone can get anything done? We would live in a world full of ignorance. Keeping your thoughts to yourself would be like stuffing a small box full of big things. Eventually, it has to open up and let out some of the weight, or the box could break.
This other project really did help me empathize with the people our society marginalizes and we do not accept because of. Our group chose to focus on the marginalization of the "1%" or the wealthiest in America. We found how these people were shunned and labeled because of success in a society based on capitalism. Though much of the majority did have some justification in wanting equal representation, much of the news and stereotypes surrounding this isolated bubble of people conveyed a overly negative connotation. I personally found the flaw of democracy to be the will of the majority drowns out the voice of any minority. Do you believe that democracy can become a perfect system if improved? http://doctorbulldog.files.wordpress.com/2008/02/stop-the-oppression-of-women-in-the-islamic-world.jpg
Nothing can really be "perfect" but yes if we improve our democracy by lessening the conflict between different political parties,I do think it can become a better system.
I feel that a democracy cannot give equal representation to every person, even the minorities, because of the fact that it is a system based on the vote of the majority. There is really no way to "improve" the system other than reducing the corruption and bribery going on under the table. If that happened, then yes, maybe the system would improve over time, but I don't think it would ever be perfect.
I don't think that the world could ever have a "perfect system." It's impossible. People would always think and judge others before they get to truly know them because that is just human nature. We can't force ourselves judge another when we first meet them.
The project of "Other" has affected me because it has allowed me a chance to fully reflect on the hardships other people must endure and it has made me think a lot more on how I could make easier their hardships or make efforts to understand them. I think that it has made us less centered on ourselves and out hardships and futures, but rather more on our surroundings and the people around us as we strive to know them. This project has also made us less ignorant of people's troubles, though we have always known they've existed, few have thought of the real thoughts, feelings, and grievances these people must suffer. I think that when we compare ourselves to others, we feel that we are different, special, and maybe even superior. However, this project has made us connect to others and understand that we all face hardships. We all struggle to find a better future for ourselves and the people we care about, and in because of that, we are all similar in one way or another. It reminds me that we don't always have to argue or go to war or fight over our problems if we could try to understand to begin with. We might be separated by ethnicity, background, and personality, but the many struggles we endure and our fight for a better future tie us all together.
Name or describe someone that has never been through a single hardship in their life, and when you realize you can't, indicate why this is so and how it brings people together.
and/or-
"Peace cannot be kept by force, it can only be achieved by understanding" -Einstein
One cannot simply have a hardship-free life due to the fact that hardship can not only come in many forms but, it surrounds us daily. Hardship can be the death of a loved one, spiraling into financial debt, losing a job, etc. Because the world is extremely diverse, hardship is one of the few areas people can identify with each other and build relationships upon. In Nazi concentrations camps, many groups such as Jews, gypsies, homosexuals, and the disabled existed; all very adverse in culture and tradition. However, relationships and friendships were built upon the fact that so many people were going through the same grief and sorrow as their neighbor.
To answer your first question, no, I definitely do not know anyone who has never gone through hardship. When we come to realize that nobody, not a SINGLE person, has a perfect life, then we are able to empathize and come together with our minds unbiased of people with hardships that aren't necessarily like yours.
P.S. I really like your first question; it's very "thought-provoking" and has much meaning to it!
The "Other" project really did help me reflect, yet with some sort of empathy, about many of the people in our society that we do not understand well. Most of the times we respond to the unknown with our sense of xenophobia, and marginalize what we fear through whatever we may respond with in order to push out what seems to be so hostile. We surmise that it may be the creation of evil, but, typically, it's a creation of the mind, a figment that we think to be reality. I have realized that one must not assume, yet, unfortunately, we unconsciously preempt judgement of a person, but also a group.
I think we fear the unknown because through human nature we just have a tendency to stick with what we know and an unknown situation frightens us. This is also because of stories we hear and what society has ground itself into. Each person has their own bias through their individual personality. Some people don't fear some unknowns and some do.
I think we fear the unknown because humans have always come to live until now trying to do what's the most comfortable to them. For example, when a person goes to a party with people they do not know, that adult will most likely become acquainted with people that share their interests. It would be hard for them to become friends with people they don't know anything about. Not knowing the uknown results in not knowing the outcome, and the future. That's what scares people the most because they don't know how they would react if a problem came up.
I think we fear the unknown because we don't like getting out of our comfort zone. Better we're scared too, because no one knows what might be on the other side. Humans like to have an answer to everything before actually doing something. They might feel unprepared and they don't know what the result and their reaction will be.
The "Other" project has clearly affected many of us in different ways. For me, the "other" project helped to open my eyes and help me see that there are many more groups in society that are made outcasts, discriminated against, and very misunderstood. Growing up, I was only exposed or made aware of certain, common types of discrimination and marginalization. However, this project has aided me in seeing that even though some may claim to be one nation, society, population, community, etc., we all end up separating ourselves through ignorance, misunderstanding, assumption, and ultimately, fear of the unknown. A narrow mind segregates whereas, an open mind reunites.
Is America getting better at reducing the number of minorities we create or, has it gotten worse?
I agree with your opinion on our "eyes opening" through this project b/c our education and way of growing up has definitely only aided us on the knowledge of merely the "typical" stereotyped outcasts.
I believe America is lessening the number of Minorities.. we are lessening the number of Minorities by becoming less ignorant and learning about the point of views of others and learning to share ideas and become less of a minority and a majority but one big country.
I agree that our way of growing up in our childhood really did affect our opinions we have now. People are based on what they learn when they knew nothing, and that's what truly makes a person who they are. Learning discrimination when they are younger stays with them as they grow up.
This "other" project has definitely either changed our points of view on certain topics or even just opened our eyes to the fact that there even is this group of "others". For me specifically, I was able to more clearly realize just how common it is to feel like "the other". I began to relate more to others by creating this project and really step into the shoes of a new perspective this month. We're all so different with diverse personalities, features, and thoughts, yet we're really all the same: human. In our world, it's so easy to differentiate and separate "kinds" of people and that, I believe, is most fatal.
My question to you all: How have YOU ever felt like the other?
P.S. I really like this picture because I feel like it really shows how our world is so diverse culturally, physically, and emotionally, and yet we all come together as one world.
i agree with your statement about "how common it is to feel like the other". And yes, i have felt like the other. I think everyone has felt like one at some point in their life, because they would not ALWAYS feel like they fit in. And I also agree with your statement that we are all very diverse. That is where "marginalising" begins,I think.
I feel like everyone has felt like the other whether in one situation or the other. Some might feel it because of judgement on their race, others might feel like it in their own homes, etc. It is almost impossible to always feel like you're part of "the group" because you can not be everything. You would have to be perfect.
This other project has taught me that I too am an other. My other topic is those that are pressured. This can be pressure by others or themselves to get a 4.0, learn an instrument, play a sport, go to a good college, etc. All these things are good but when you continue to push yourself further and further that pressure can lead you to break. I relate, especially since I go to Whitney, here we are given piles of homework, tests, projects, and even forced to prepare for college. Yes this is great but it can be too much at times and cause me to have a nervous breakdown. I also feel connected to those characters in the book. One character in particular, Reverend Parris is one of the many pressured characters in the book “the Crucible”. He is pressured to be a good and holy model for the rest of the village. Forcing him to always keep is image clean and never steps out of line, this also causes him to be somewhat selfish because he mainly cares about his job and image. IN the same way I am forced to be a model for the younger kids in our society. But this leads me to only care about my own image and forget about the feelings of others around me. This project has opened all of our eyes to the fact that all of us are marginalized in some sort of way. Is it better to stay in out marginalized places where it is safe and familiar to us or is it better to step out of these set boundaries and try something new and different? http://traceybaptiste.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/homework2.jpg
I think its best to go out and try something new and different even though you'd be going out of your comfort zone but in any point or given time the new thing you tried could always become your new comfort zone.
I agree with Niki that it is better to step out of these set boundaries and try something new and different because with less ignorance, comes more peace & love in the world. A lot of times, people fight because they don't know or understand the other's point of view, but when you go out to the unknown & try something new and different, you will learn more and be a happier person.
I think that it is best to step of of your comfort zone because you'll never grow or prosper. You'll always stay in the same place without trying something new.
The Other Project has taught me to think outside of the boundaries. I get to see other people's points of views and how different things can be marginalized. Our project is about people and their thought process in a way and it opens up a lot of different things. There are many "Others" in the world and this project has helped me to look at them. People's thought process like how they speak of other races only with stereotypes put those people into the other category. The people being spoken about are truly not the "other" even though that's where the speaker is trying to put them. We see the borders between each race and ethnicity throughout a lot of the books we read like in The Adventure of Huckleberry Finn with Jim, Huck and the 'french' cons. Our project focuses on the ignorance of people. Why is it that a lot of people know they don't know about a specific race and be racist but continue not to learn about it?
WARNING: This picture is quite vulgar and contains some bad words but I truly think it depicts my groups Other project. It's called the World According to Americans: http://www.kartonista.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/The-World-According-To-Americans-500x333.jpg
From this project, I have learned to empathize with the others of society. My group's theme was "low self-esteem" , and we chose Mayella Ewell from TKAM to relate to. I could see that she really had problems, and that her life was truly bad. I was able to look more closely at her lifestyle, and found that she was seen as "trash" to most people. This is what happens in society. So many people are cast off to the side, judged for their differences. No one sees the bruises, the tears. No one understands her lack of self-esteem and self-worth. I have learned to relate to others by trying to walk in their shoes, and relating my own personal experiences as an other. This "other" project has also taught me that humans are all way too diverse. Transgenders, homosexuals, poor people, single mothers, abused children, etc. They are all brought up differently in different environments, how can they be the same? For example, poor people and rich people have different backgrounds and lifestyles. Because of this, they marginalize each other. Yes, people with stable lives and more-than adequate incomes may also be seen as "others". It's not just the "unfortunate" ones. These differences are what leads to marginalism in society, i think.
Thought provoking question: Is everyone marginalized at some point in their life?
most likely, many are to be in some point in their lives to be marginalized. This is not a perfect world, nor have we achieved peace among nations. constantl people are being marginalized. There is possibily nothing we can do about it other than take huge actions.
The Other project has definitely given me a different perspective of life to look through. The project was/is a constant reminder of how fatal stereotypes and cover-based judgements can really be. My topic of social hierarchy focuses especially on how people, no matter how smart they are, are almost always based on their looks. The gaps between the steps of the social ladder are created by this quick judgement, and through my Other project, I've learned that these quick judgements are an essential factor of the differences between the bottom and the top of the social pyramid. In general, though, these Other projects have really put in perspective the fact that I am accepted for who I am and how lucky I am for that. The projects have given me a sense of sympathy for those who are targeted and even a sense of contempt for those who do the targeting. This project has made me want to work harder in changing these social borders and helping those who are being targeted on a daily basis. Do you think that it's just human nature to judge and there is really no way of ending it, or do you feel that everyone has the opportunity to change the way judgement is given, but they just don't make use of that opportunity?
This picture shows the "tree" of hierarchy as well as the fact that one thing we don't realize about being an "other" is an emotional roller coaster as well, because those others are often also the saddest people of society. http://www.homepagedaily.com/uploads/20090902/21530bf9-52e0-4773-af42-240bd3ec77b8/4581109a-i1.0.jpg
I totally agree, people today in society are always judged by their looks and not who they are as a person. People need to realize looks aren't everything.
I feel that judgement is an initial reaction to appearance, that the thing that's actually important is what the person does with this kind of thinking afterwards. You can not stop someone from judging based off of prior knowledge or off of what they live by/ have been taught; it's impossible, something that has been integrated into human nature for the purpose of "survival". However, I believe that if people begin to open up their minds and look past that initial judgment, they will find that people are not always the way that they appear to be.
As cliche as this sounds, the Other Project has really broadened my perspective and has made me realize that we are all marginalized in our own unique ways. My group is doing our project on social hierarchies displayed in high school. High school, the quest to establish your identity and the path to the ever so bright future. All though academics play one of the major roles in our high school careers, we see this idea of social status applied. The kids who seem to have it all put together are at the top, while the ones that don't are placed at the bottom. In addition, those perceived as different in a negative way are marginalized. There is this complicated system that puts pressure on students to fit in yet stand out in a positive light. We related this to how in the novel To Kill a Mocking Bird, blacks are marginalized because their skin is a different color tone. Why is it that if change is supposed to be good, people who are different are marginalized by society? http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTMubaGgyGgnv7iwdvkjopZILZ7cb8xrcoC9o5DO8BqB4L8JPkQ
People who are different are still marginalized because they dont understand. People are scared of the unknown and most people aren't open minded. Most people stick with their point of view, and in their point of view "different" people are weird.
How has the digital storytelling project of “Other” allowed you to reflect, empathize and/or connect to marginalized people in the novel or in today's society?
The process of completing the "Other" project has made me realize so many things in moderation. Continuously working with our topic of "low self esteem in teenage girls" has shown me the different problems that teenage girls go through. This can be a topic that I can relate to, but it has created a skill in me to be able to better understand my peers. It has also made me develop a further understanding of other problems that may go unnoticed in our society today, but create big waves in the people around us. I am able to connect with these marginalized people, not because we may have the same problems, but because everyone is marginalized, and therefore everyone should be able to understand each other. Our problems might be different in scale, but everyone hurts, and has something to deal with. This helped me better understand the true feelings of Mayella Ewell in To Kill A Mockingbird, and her actions towards Tom Robinson. Although it was definitely not an ideal thing to do, I am able to see what may have pushed her to do such actions. Mayella suffered through a time of low self esteem that everyone goes through. Although Mayella handled her feelings in a less than ideal manner, this is so understandable because I think people go through a time of making a mistake because of a damaged heart like her.
http://youthvoices.net/sites/default/files/image/10913/apr/selfesteem.png I found this picture while researching for the project, and it gets my attention because although the girl is obviously pretty and has no problem appearance wise, she is still scarred by what society makes of her by comparing her to other girls.
How has the digital storytelling project of “Other” allowed you to reflect, empathize and/or connect to marginalized people in the novel or in today's society?
Doing the "other" project has allowed to realize that our society is controlled by technology which is our topic. People can be so easily influenced. Just like in F451 Mildred constantly always has her earphones on and it forces her to be pushed and shunned away from society. It causes her to act differently than she normally would. In our society today we don't even read books anymore, we just read them from online. So many people spend less time outside hanging out with people and instead keep themselves glued to their computer. One day technology will not be there for us to rely on. https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRTRjRErHcclILLc-VVSjHAxwZN4uw-WDJJRFmGzXkD2rtj8llr We used this picture in our project and it really shows how people can be addicted to technology.
I think that whether we know it or no, technology has had a positive and negative influence on everyone. Just as you said before, technology has lured us into a more solitary lifestyle instead of really living life to the fullest by going outside and really experiencing what life is really about.
Having lived a very shielded, protected life, I have not been exposed to the idea that there are many people who are "marginalized" as outcasts in society. This "other" project has truly opened my eyes in a sense that I know now how others feel. I can understand and empathize with them. From this "other" project, I have learned not only about these "others"' lives, but also how to connect with them.
Question: What can we do to help these marginalized "others?"
With working on this "other project" i've noticed in reality how many people are really insecure in their own way. Their low self-esteem can be coming from different things that maybe they grow up with. Many people who are insecure tend not to show it thinking it might make them seem weak, and take it out in a different way which might not be healthy. I've learned that everyone has their own story and only they live it. No one can truly understand what they are going through. No one sees the tears and abuses that are caused by low self-esteem.
Thought Provoking Question: If you had to choose between doing the right thing in result being marginalized for your way of thinking because its different and not "cool" would you do the right thing?
First of all, what is the right thing? What we perceive as "right" is based off of our own experiences, what we have been taught, and what we learn through our surroundings. Personally, I would stand for what I believe in and am willing to be marginalized if it means living up to my own standards, but we should always keep an open mind and see what the other side has to say- we aren't always right when we think we are.
This project helped change my view on people in general. Maybe, the "popular kid" doesn't have such a normal life. Maybe he/she really likes to read or paint or do something that completely bends the rules of a normal person. This comes to show that you can't judge a person by judging them based on appearances. It's cliche, but "you can't judge a book by it's cover" which I believe is completely true. I also believe that the people who are more creative in mind are more happier and have less of a burden to carry that those who have to hide their true personalities and interests.
Why do people have to hide their true ambitions? Is there a specific reason?
Tim, I agree with what you're saying about people hiding their true personalities and i think that people choose to do this because they just want to fit in with everyone else. Nobody in the world want to be alone, so people often change for the sake of others.
good question timothy. i think that people hide their true ambitions because they don't want other people doing what they want to do. this causes competition among people and creates your ambition harder to deal with
Doing this digital story telling project about the other really opened my eyes to the problems of not just America but the entire world. Marginalized people are no different from you and I, society just chooses to put a blanket on their head and turn their heads. Marginalized people don't have a choice in whether or not they want to be the "other". Unfairly and almost predetermined, they can't change their how other people see them. However, that doesn't mean WE can't try to see them differently. Anyone can make a difference and step by step, help the "other" community.
Question: How would the world be different without "others"?
Through my group's "other" project, i feel like i was really able to connect to the students at whitney more than i did to society. I was able to see the reason behind stress. Also, i can relate to the "other" idea. My group's topic was "happiness is key to success" and if you "find something you love to do, then you never work a day in your life" (Harvey McKay). At WHS, it's all about college, doing things that colleges like, study hard, get good grades for college. but where does the enjoyment come in? we are constantly pressured to do well and perform at an excellent level and honeslty, i never really get the satisfaction of high performace unless it was me pushing myself and not my parents. It's the ones that are self-motivated but also enjoy themselves when studying hard and when they are simply doing something they love. then they, then I, truly feel successful.
Though my initial reaction to this project was of rejection to extra work, as I worked with my group and the class about the marginalized people of society, I found myself immersed deeper and deeper into a topic of greater importance. Looking into the harshness of the social hierarchy, I found myself thinking about the people who are pushed out of the group, left alone, stranded with no hope of escaping. Before this, I was more or less oblivious to the fact that even a school so sheltered as Whitney could face drastic effects from a social hierarchy, that literally anyone could feel overpowered and helpless, stuck at the bottom of the pyramid. This project made me rethink my position in life and caused me to consider even more carefully the individualistic feelings that everyone had, that I may be able to reduce the pain inflicted to others by reducing naivety. Through these "other" projects I hope that everyone will take notice of the individuals that make up society, that each and every person is unique in their way of contributing and shaping the future, and that each person does matter- no one deserves to be marginalized and pushed to the edge.
i think that Whitney is marginalized but not as drastic that its a problem. For example a group of people who are marginalized are those who play LOL. even though it is not as big of a aspect in some people's lives then others, outsiders still look at them differently. The most interesting thing is that that's not the main drawing line behind making of social groups
My other project was how technology disenfranchises humanity. If any of you have seen the movie Idiocracy, it is about a future earth were the people became more idiotic as the genrations passed because the less educated castes of people produced more babies than the educated ones. Well they still had advanced technolgy, but they were stupid an example is they would water palnts with energy drinks. This is a comedic, yet insightful way to view our future. We are losing the human condition, there is no struggle to survive, nothing can compete with us on earth. The thing that keeps us above being animals is the way we think, act, socialize. Yet we are losing the humanity of it and becoming more robotic. This is a problem that must be corrected because what would make us different from our robotic creations.
Question: Do you belive that we has a race will reach the point were nothing is "marigialized" PHOTO:http://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&gbv=2&biw=1024&bih=507&tbm=isch&tbnid=VxxXzxMQh_GVMM:&imgrefurl=http://adageblog.wordpress.com/2012/06/04/age-discrimination-claims-must-disprove-innocent-explanations/&docid=s6YA5Ku70uLLGM&imgurl=https://adageblog.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/age_discrimination_suit_805395.jpg&w=500&h=357&ei=69HWT-aQPOXE2gXsjr2gDw&zoom=1
no, although the human race should come to it senses and stop, it won't. there will always be extremists in any beliefs. there will always be a different way of thinking and when there is different ways of thought her will be clashes and conflicts.
nice question mr lieb. i think no because it is our natural insticnts to marginalize things. Everyone has a different perspective and a way of life and thinking.
no, the human race would never have a point where there is nothing marginalized because just like evolution, you have your normal group of organism/humans then you have your mutated/different part of that group. however, that mutation/difference is not always bad. the interesting part is that it's that difference that keeps the human race progressing forward. if the world didnt publicly marginlize something, they would in their hearts.
although i never really stereotyped or marginalized anyone or a group of people, the other project has allowed me to look into specific cases of marginalization and stereotypes. it has opened my eyes to the harshness of society and has allowed me o think about what i can do about these injustices. the digital other project also gave me the ability to tell the series of others, who need there story to be shared so that atrocities can stop. knowing what is going on, it is now my duty to spread the story. my project has allowed me to overall broaden my view to different perspectives and i enjoyed making the video
do you think using the word "others" marginalizes within itself?
My other project has really allowed me to reflect on my first year at Whitney and how mush my life has changed. It has also allowed me to think about first experiences and the the rush of emotions that come along with it.They say that first impressions are lasting impressions and I believe that it's because of instances like that this that make people focus so much on these first meetings/experiences. Q: Is the saying completely true that first impressions are lasting impressions
here is a cartoon of the first impressions amongst business men/ women http://www.global-integration.com/images/cartoon_007.jpg
Yes, I do think that the first impression is a lasting impression until a certain point. The first imression lasts until you get to know that person better.
my other project was focused on how we marginalize technonlogy. our society in this world is becoming more and more dependent on technology. instead of doing this assignment on a sheet of paper, we depend on this blog to help us do our homework much quicker and easily. we are so close to these machines, where it gets to the point where we are selves are becoming machines. it is as if something is controlling us (If you get what i'm saying). this project has opened my eyes onto the effects of technology all around us.
Question:Do you fell that this shcool is ever marginalized?
My group’s project is happiness leads to success. At Whitney High School, most people do things because they have to and not because they want to. For example, people volunteer just to make there extracurricular activities look better and not because they actually want to volunteer. Another example, some people join softball because there is only one team and its automatically “varsity.” I could relate to people at Whitney because I was one of those people. When I was looking for pictures for my project, I saw so many successful people who were unhappy. For my college career project, I chose to be a DNA technician because it would make me successful. I always thought that if you were successful, you would be happy but this project changed my thought process. I now see that happiness leads to success, not success leads to happiness. I truly want to be a criminologist because I am so fascinated with shows like CSI and Law and Order. I decided that I don’t want to be like those people who do things because they have to and not because they love to do them.
Are you doing things because you love to do them or are you just doing them? http://images.firstcovers.com/covers/userquotes/d/doing_what_you_love-7480.jpg
For my group, our "other" were the teenage girls that have low self esteem. Many people have low self esteem, but the girls, especially at Whitney, we face the pressure and stress of being attractive and also being intelligent. Before this project, I thought that low self esteem would be easy since its soething I can definatly relate to, but as we go through the project, I learned that not just me, but everyone else is going through thte same problem. Here at Whitney, the school known for it's smart students, are always pushing the students to do more than they can and eventually just lowering their self esteem more and more. In TKAM, Mayella Ewell is obviously a young lady, caught in between unwritten laws, gradually pushing down her pride, dignity, and her self esteem. Are you like this student? Stressing yourself too much? It may be lowering to not be a "smart" student, but the pressure and intensity of Whitney causes the low self esteem. http://edgehopper.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/stressed.jpg
from the things i did not know before, i now know after this others project. it helped me to fully understand what others really meant and how they are being "marginalized". Us in America dont really see the people themselves and that is why we even have people being marginalized. We all know that marginalizing is happening everywhere, is anbody in the world is even mad at all for what is happening right now? There should be and maybe perhaps that we have to see the story behind every small detail. We should in fact that having to understand every stlye of character to not have marginalization. But this is America and it is just part of who we are. We want the change but its hard to come by. no single person should be singled out, America is a free country. You may feel that you are being marginalized right now. This project has relly touched on me on the poeple of "others". Quoted from Adam Hogue, "Eventually, as time passes, the arguments will transform into solutions and we will find new things to argue about; in real time. It is all in search of the quality".
ReplyDeleteThat is what we are all waiting for.
I completely agree with you that although change is necessary for us to progress as a society, it is hard to accept change. It is a natural human tendency for us to reject change, in fact. It is not familiar to us, therefore we cannot accept it.
DeleteIt is interesting how you pointed out how America is a nation built on change. I find it ironic how we all innately fear change but as a society attempt to embrace it. This is why the "other" of society is marginalized. As hard as we try to deny it, we all marginalize people in our lives.
DeleteI agree with you completely, in America, we naturally marginalize people and don't even notice it anymore, even though we claim to be a "free country". But I don't think it's only America, but most of the world in general. I don't think there's a country that doesn't have a person that's not marginalized. So i don't really see this as a more of an American problem but an international problem, as well.
DeleteIt must be noted that not only are we marginalized, everyone around us is marginalized. However, we only consider the marginalization when it takes to the majority. It must be considered what we want to think marginalization is. Must it always be so negative?
DeleteI completely agree with you. I feel that society is not as welcoming to change and different ideas as we think we are. Although change can be good, it pushes people out of their comfort zones.
DeleteRudy brought up a good point. I also find it ironic how we as Americans are the most free and diverse in culture however we are the ones that put people into their prejudiced groups. Since we have the point of view of so many different types of people, should we be the country that accepts change the most?
DeleteTPQ: Has America made more or less minorities than before?
Deletehttp://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&gbv=2&biw=1081&bih=544&tbm=isch&tbnid=RzV0KAyPm6mlOM:&imgrefurl=http://theoblogicuscalifornicus.wordpress.com/2011/09/07/immigration-jesus-and-farm-animals-part-2-of-4/&docid=L96JGwPKJjSCOM&imgurl=http://theoblogicuscalifornicus.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/border_crossing_sign.jpg&w=1447&h=1332&ei=ENfWT5ycNvH22AWVlfmlDw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=262&vpy=214&dur=906&hovh=215&hovw=234&tx=126&ty=211&sig=105659862352136179926&page=1&tbnh=145&tbnw=153&start=0&ndsp=10&ved=1t:429,r:6,s:0,i:119
My group’s other project has pulled the wool off our eyes to the marginalization of the people that are being discriminated against in society. Even though our differences separate each other, no one is any greater than anybody else, and equality should be distributed everywhere. Our topic for the other project was the one percent. Currently, the one percent in America is being discriminated against because they have more money and are more successful. Just because they live in better places or wear fancier clothes, we feel that it is a gateway for bullying discrimination rather than work clothes or preference of setting. People need to rethink why they outcast people and what the motivation is behind their social exclusion. Even though society frowns upon discrimination, diversity is key for the progression of society. The one percent is seen as powerful and fearsome, but they are not invincible. They can be hurt too, through discrimination and exclusion. This one percent is also seen at Whitney High School. Even though the true statistic may not be one percent, the people who are successful and get the top 4.0 GPA are discriminated and looked upon differently than others. This goes to prove that the successful are not as successful as they seem, and that global issues can still have an effect on us hundreds of miles away. This project opened my eyes to the atrocities that are prevalent in society and taught me about how to see things from others’ points of view.
ReplyDeleteThis is a really interesting perspective. Usually, us middle class citizens resent the upper class people with the money, the looks, etc. I look forward to seeing your video to really get the "wool taken off my eyes"! :)
DeleteIt seems that the 1 percent is discriminated against both by envy but more likely because of the actions of that one percent of the entire 1 percent that we are judging. With that tiny portion of the one percent, we automatically assume about the rest of that one percent that could possibly be running a life of altruism and philanthropy.
DeleteI like how you related the 1% to our school. I feel that they are marginalized in more of an envious way due to jealousy from the not as successful. In addition, because they are only 1%, it makes them an easy target for the majority.
DeleteWe all are marginalized in some way. Whether it be due to race, wealth, or an extensive variety of reasons why. Being "marginalized" means more than just belonging to a minority. People are pushed to the margin because a society refuses to acknowledge their needs, their beliefs, and their concerns. My group's topic was body image and how people can be bullied and insecure because of how people criticize them and how they make them that way. My group kind of related insecurities to Mayella Ewell from To Kill a Mockingbird. She is insecure with herself and she very is lonely and miserable at her home without any friends. She tries to kiss Tom Robinson, and her father catchs her. They go to trial, as Atticus explains, "to remove her doubt". The state accuses Tom of raping her in a trial. Mayella are like people who are insecure, who want nothing but to be liked by others and even go to extreme lengths to do it. But it's not only body image that's an issue, appearances can make a person quickly judge people. People can mistake a punk rocker for a devil worshiper and little girls as an angel, but the two can actually have switched personality.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree how we subconsciously marginalize people. As part of the United States Democracy we have today, it is this shunning of the minority that defines the majority. They use this to establish themselves. This is the flaw of it. As we hear the voices of majority, we block out the voice of the minority.
DeleteThought provoking question: Is it our fault that we marginalize people? Or do we do it without thinking and it's not our fault?
DeleteMedia: http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lres8q3Btr1qm61xyo1_400.jpg
It is our fault that we marginalize people, though we do not believe it is our fault. Just look at Hitler's Nazis against the Jews. Though it is clearly their fault, we can also find fault with the every person in the rest of the world--for acting as bystanders, and letting this cruel segment of history take place. Fault can be found with everyone that have consciously or unconsciously marginalized people and have chosen to turn a blind side to the struggles they face in order to selfishly move ahead without disturbing their own lives.
DeleteI think we marginalize ourselves really we try to find others like us because it is familiar to us. We as humans do not like to step out of our comfort zones thus we force ourselves in to a set boundary in society.
DeleteI agree, we think that becuase we marginalized others, and then that leads us to the fact that maybe we are actually marginalizing ourselves in the process
DeleteMy group's topic was Social Hierarchy. We all know that society always creates the inevitable: the social ladder. This is found in every environment: your school, your neighborhood, even in your own family. There is always a dominant figure chosen based on specific attributes such as strength, leadership, looks, etc. And there is always a submissive figure on the bottom of the food chain; the one that is picked on. We have thoroughly researched the topic of Social Hierarchy found in our very own Whitney High School. We have realized how stereotypical our not so stereotypical school is. Although Whitney is known to be a strictly academic school, our social hierarchy is not that different from others. We still have the jocks/ASB leaders on top, and the hopelessly nerdy people on the bottom. And in between contains the "nice" kids. We have also taken examples from Huck Finn, where slaves are obviously on the bottom even though there are many other white men that live disrespectfully, such as Pap. These white men should be the true bottom, but instead, society had sterotyped blacks as the dirt of society. This shows that human beings are stubborn. We cling to our traditional ways, even if they may prevent us from progressing to the future. Through this project, I have realized that human beings as a whole must take off their blindfold of stereotypes in order to prevent the marginalized from being shunned from society. We must all remember that at one point, all the great historical figures were marginalized. However, through their efforts and unique attributes, they became revered as key historical figures that led to a great change in our world.
ReplyDeleteThought Provoking Question: How do you believe change could become more appealing to people?
DeleteI think change is only appealing in a time where is it is needed. When change isn't needed and society is in a good spot, people are unlikely to support change, but at a time of recession or civil unrest, society is bound to want change in order to improve conditions in life. Therefore, I think change only appeals to people if it there is basically no doubt that it can only help society.
DeleteI believe change could become more appealing to people when there is an incentive or a reward at the end. Change can be scary, but more people would be willing to change if they know that it's worth it in the end.
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ReplyDeleteI believe change is especially appealing to people when they are in a hard time and they see change as a better way to move forward. Therefore, you can always throw a society into turmoil, offer change, otherwise known as a better option, and naturally they will gravitate towards it.
DeleteI think that this project has changed me in so many ways. I realized how many people are going through so many hardships in their life. Even though we are different on the outside due to our genes and heritage, we're all still human. Society discriminates and judges due to appearances. But honestly, what is appearance? None of us could choose how we want to look, or what society we are born into, and yet, people get judged for it. Because of this project, I realized that everyone is marginalized or feels marginalized in some way. There would be always that person who would discriminate against you, no matter who you are. No one is perfect, and everyone has a prejudice against something, therefore, everyone is marginalized in some way. I feel like this is the one way that everyone is similar, no one is the "perfect" human that no one in the world could make accusations against. People need to think about how they treat others, because everyone has their own story to tell. In places as secure as America, or even Whitney- we feel secure. But the question is, how do others view us? They may not say it to over faces, but everyone talks. People need to get to know a person before completely excluding him or her from their life.
ReplyDeleteEven though it is impossible to live in a world with no judgments towards others, do you think there is anything we could do besides just keeping our thoughts to ourselves so we don't offend others?
Honestly, I don't think there is anything we could do besides just keeping our thoughts to ourselves so we don't offend others because we always subconsciously judge people instantly, whether we recognize that we're doing it or not. It almost always happens every single day in a persons life.
DeleteOne major thing we can do in order to avoid hurting others is to keep an open mind. We should open ourselves to new things and avoid making assumptions about other people. Stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new things allows us to spend a day in someone else's shoes and see what their life might be like.
DeleteI agree, it is impossible to live in a world without any judgements. As of now, I'm wondering how many people may be judging me for spelling the word "judgements" wrong. However, letting out your thoughts helps the world revolve. Just think, if you didn't let your mind open up and express yourself, even if what you were thinking MIGHT offend someone, do you think that anyone can get anything done? We would live in a world full of ignorance. Keeping your thoughts to yourself would be like stuffing a small box full of big things. Eventually, it has to open up and let out some of the weight, or the box could break.
DeleteThis other project really did help me empathize with the people our society marginalizes and we do not accept because of. Our group chose to focus on the marginalization of the "1%" or the wealthiest in America. We found how these people were shunned and labeled because of success in a society based on capitalism. Though much of the majority did have some justification in wanting equal representation, much of the news and stereotypes surrounding this isolated bubble of people conveyed a overly negative connotation. I personally found the flaw of democracy to be the will of the majority drowns out the voice of any minority.
ReplyDeleteDo you believe that democracy can become a perfect system if improved?
http://doctorbulldog.files.wordpress.com/2008/02/stop-the-oppression-of-women-in-the-islamic-world.jpg
Nothing can really be "perfect" but yes if we improve our democracy by lessening the conflict between different political parties,I do think it can become a better system.
DeleteI feel that a democracy cannot give equal representation to every person, even the minorities, because of the fact that it is a system based on the vote of the majority. There is really no way to "improve" the system other than reducing the corruption and bribery going on under the table. If that happened, then yes, maybe the system would improve over time, but I don't think it would ever be perfect.
DeleteI don't think that the world could ever have a "perfect system." It's impossible. People would always think and judge others before they get to truly know them because that is just human nature. We can't force ourselves judge another when we first meet them.
DeleteThe project of "Other" has affected me because it has allowed me a chance to fully reflect on the hardships other people must endure and it has made me think a lot more on how I could make easier their hardships or make efforts to understand them. I think that it has made us less centered on ourselves and out hardships and futures, but rather more on our surroundings and the people around us as we strive to know them. This project has also made us less ignorant of people's troubles, though we have always known they've existed, few have thought of the real thoughts, feelings, and grievances these people must suffer. I think that when we compare ourselves to others, we feel that we are different, special, and maybe even superior. However, this project has made us connect to others and understand that we all face hardships. We all struggle to find a better future for ourselves and the people we care about, and in because of that, we are all similar in one way or another. It reminds me that we don't always have to argue or go to war or fight over our problems if we could try to understand to begin with. We might be separated by ethnicity, background, and personality, but the many struggles we endure and our fight for a better future tie us all together.
ReplyDeleteName or describe someone that has never been through a single hardship in their life, and when you realize you can't, indicate why this is so and how it brings people together.
and/or-
"Peace cannot be kept by force, it can only be achieved by understanding" -Einstein
http://www.google.com/imgres?num=10&um=1&hl=en&client=firefox-a&sa=X&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&biw=1440&bih=714&tbm=isch&tbnid=Fo71bBmtpYZeyM:&imgrefurl=http://clemison.blogspot.com/2011/05/partners-in-mission.html&docid=VcCGpUsPm8oCoM&imgurl=http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GvcM_uvwVS8/Tcv_YQqJ2kI/AAAAAAAAAY8/xeC2pOsikGk/s1600/unity.jpg&w=300&h=300&ei=rJHVT8rXF-ru2gW8l8GSDw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=774&vpy=183&dur=2245&hovh=225&hovw=225&tx=94&ty=173&sig=101360290436564091822&page=1&tbnh=160&tbnw=167&start=0&ndsp=18&ved=1t:429,r:3,s:0,i:122
^Elaborate more on this
One cannot simply have a hardship-free life due to the fact that hardship can not only come in many forms but, it surrounds us daily. Hardship can be the death of a loved one, spiraling into financial debt, losing a job, etc. Because the world is extremely diverse, hardship is one of the few areas people can identify with each other and build relationships upon. In Nazi concentrations camps, many groups such as Jews, gypsies, homosexuals, and the disabled existed; all very adverse in culture and tradition. However, relationships and friendships were built upon the fact that so many people were going through the same grief and sorrow as their neighbor.
DeleteTo answer your first question, no, I definitely do not know anyone who has never gone through hardship. When we come to realize that nobody, not a SINGLE person, has a perfect life, then we are able to empathize and come together with our minds unbiased of people with hardships that aren't necessarily like yours.
DeleteP.S. I really like your first question; it's very "thought-provoking" and has much meaning to it!
The "Other" project really did help me reflect, yet with some sort of empathy, about many of the people in our society that we do not understand well. Most of the times we respond to the unknown with our sense of xenophobia, and marginalize what we fear through whatever we may respond with in order to push out what seems to be so hostile. We surmise that it may be the creation of evil, but, typically, it's a creation of the mind, a figment that we think to be reality. I have realized that one must not assume, yet, unfortunately, we unconsciously preempt judgement of a person, but also a group.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.maryblackfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Together-2.jpg
Why do you think that we fear the unknown with such uncompromising bias?
DeleteI think we fear the unknown because through human nature we just have a tendency to stick with what we know and an unknown situation frightens us. This is also because of stories we hear and what society has ground itself into. Each person has their own bias through their individual personality. Some people don't fear some unknowns and some do.
DeleteI think we fear the unknown because humans have always come to live until now trying to do what's the most comfortable to them. For example, when a person goes to a party with people they do not know, that adult will most likely become acquainted with people that share their interests. It would be hard for them to become friends with people they don't know anything about. Not knowing the uknown results in not knowing the outcome, and the future. That's what scares people the most because they don't know how they would react if a problem came up.
DeleteI think we fear the unknown because we don't like getting out of our comfort zone. Better we're scared too, because no one knows what might be on the other side. Humans like to have an answer to everything before actually doing something. They might feel unprepared and they don't know what the result and their reaction will be.
DeleteThe "Other" project has clearly affected many of us in different ways. For me, the "other" project helped to open my eyes and help me see that there are many more groups in society that are made outcasts, discriminated against, and very misunderstood. Growing up, I was only exposed or made aware of certain, common types of discrimination and marginalization. However, this project has aided me in seeing that even though some may claim to be one nation, society, population, community, etc., we all end up separating ourselves through ignorance, misunderstanding, assumption, and ultimately, fear of the unknown. A narrow mind segregates whereas, an open mind reunites.
ReplyDeleteIs America getting better at reducing the number of minorities we create or, has it gotten worse?
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__hspjzfC024/TMk7k1TdCEI/AAAAAAAACR4/rkUcTEJYfHk/s1600/ignorance-of-basic-islamic-doctrine.jpg
I agree with your opinion on our "eyes opening" through this project b/c our education and way of growing up has definitely only aided us on the knowledge of merely the "typical" stereotyped outcasts.
DeleteI believe America is lessening the number of Minorities.. we are lessening the number of Minorities by becoming less ignorant and learning about the point of views of others and learning to share ideas and become less of a minority and a majority but one big country.
DeleteI agree that our way of growing up in our childhood really did affect our opinions we have now. People are based on what they learn when they knew nothing, and that's what truly makes a person who they are. Learning discrimination when they are younger stays with them as they grow up.
DeleteThis "other" project has definitely either changed our points of view on certain topics or even just opened our eyes to the fact that there even is this group of "others". For me specifically, I was able to more clearly realize just how common it is to feel like "the other". I began to relate more to others by creating this project and really step into the shoes of a new perspective this month. We're all so different with diverse personalities, features, and thoughts, yet we're really all the same: human. In our world, it's so easy to differentiate and separate "kinds" of people and that, I believe, is most fatal.
ReplyDeleteMy question to you all: How have YOU ever felt like the other?
P.S. I really like this picture because I feel like it really shows how our world is so diverse culturally, physically, and emotionally, and yet we all come together as one world.
http://www.google.com/imgres?q=united+world&num=10&um=1&hl=en&biw=1366&bih=659&tbm=isch&tbnid=daOIKf6PnU-fSM:&imgrefurl=http://www.myspace.com/310877184/comments&docid=tqjyNds2lk4I5M&imgurl=http://msp452.photobucket.com/albums/qq249/ArlanBerglas/gfdaylog0_white_no_words.jpg&w=800&h=426&ei=UIDWT5-yO8Hd0QGuzeD9Ag&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=328&vpy=199&dur=825&hovh=164&hovw=308&tx=147&ty=186&sig=110620902122675650733&sqi=2&page=1&tbnh=89&tbnw=168&start=0&ndsp=21&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:0,i:141
i agree with your statement about "how common it is to feel like the other". And yes, i have felt like the other. I think everyone has felt like one at some point in their life, because they would not ALWAYS feel like they fit in.
DeleteAnd I also agree with your statement that we are all very diverse. That is where "marginalising" begins,I think.
I agree not everyone in the world is the same. Everyone belongs in their own group.
DeleteI feel like everyone has felt like the other whether in one situation or the other. Some might feel it because of judgement on their race, others might feel like it in their own homes, etc. It is almost impossible to always feel like you're part of "the group" because you can not be everything. You would have to be perfect.
DeleteThis other project has taught me that I too am an other. My other topic is those that are pressured. This can be pressure by others or themselves to get a 4.0, learn an instrument, play a sport, go to a good college, etc. All these things are good but when you continue to push yourself further and further that pressure can lead you to break. I relate, especially since I go to Whitney, here we are given piles of homework, tests, projects, and even forced to prepare for college. Yes this is great but it can be too much at times and cause me to have a nervous breakdown.
ReplyDeleteI also feel connected to those characters in the book. One character in particular, Reverend Parris is one of the many pressured characters in the book “the Crucible”. He is pressured to be a good and holy model for the rest of the village. Forcing him to always keep is image clean and never steps out of line, this also causes him to be somewhat selfish because he mainly cares about his job and image. IN the same way I am forced to be a model for the younger kids in our society. But this leads me to only care about my own image and forget about the feelings of others around me.
This project has opened all of our eyes to the fact that all of us are marginalized in some sort of way.
Is it better to stay in out marginalized places where it is safe and familiar to us or is it better to step out of these set boundaries and try something new and different?
http://traceybaptiste.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/homework2.jpg
I think its best to go out and try something new and different even though you'd be going out of your comfort zone but in any point or given time the new thing you tried could always become your new comfort zone.
DeleteI agree with Niki that it is better to step out of these set boundaries and try something new and different because with less ignorance, comes more peace & love in the world. A lot of times, people fight because they don't know or understand the other's point of view, but when you go out to the unknown & try something new and different, you will learn more and be a happier person.
DeleteI think that it is best to step of of your comfort zone because you'll never grow or prosper. You'll always stay in the same place without trying something new.
DeleteThe Other Project has taught me to think outside of the boundaries. I get to see other people's points of views and how different things can be marginalized. Our project is about people and their thought process in a way and it opens up a lot of different things. There are many "Others" in the world and this project has helped me to look at them. People's thought process like how they speak of other races only with stereotypes put those people into the other category. The people being spoken about are truly not the "other" even though that's where the speaker is trying to put them. We see the borders between each race and ethnicity throughout a lot of the books we read like in The Adventure of Huckleberry Finn with Jim, Huck and the 'french' cons. Our project focuses on the ignorance of people.
ReplyDeleteWhy is it that a lot of people know they don't know about a specific race and be racist but continue not to learn about it?
WARNING: This picture is quite vulgar and contains some bad words but I truly think it depicts my groups Other project. It's called the World According to Americans:
http://www.kartonista.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/The-World-According-To-Americans-500x333.jpg
From this project, I have learned to empathize with the others of society. My group's theme was "low self-esteem" , and we chose Mayella Ewell from TKAM to relate to. I could see that she really had problems, and that her life was truly bad. I was able to look more closely at her lifestyle, and found that she was seen as "trash" to most people. This is what happens in society. So many people are cast off to the side, judged for their differences. No one sees the bruises, the tears. No one understands her lack of self-esteem and self-worth.
ReplyDeleteI have learned to relate to others by trying to walk in their shoes, and relating my own personal experiences as an other.
This "other" project has also taught me that humans are all way too diverse. Transgenders, homosexuals, poor people, single mothers, abused children, etc. They are all brought up differently in different environments, how can they be the same? For example, poor people and rich people have different backgrounds and lifestyles. Because of this, they marginalize each other. Yes, people with stable lives and more-than adequate incomes may also be seen as "others". It's not just the "unfortunate" ones. These differences are what leads to marginalism in society, i think.
Thought provoking question: Is everyone marginalized at some point in their life?
http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1&hl=en&sa=N&biw=1600&bih=805&tbm=isch&tbnid=bYCIpI6z1YC_FM:&imgrefurl=http://www.bestcollegesonline.com/blog/2012/03/01/education-rich-vs-poor/&docid=Or9j8on3SeCYWM&imgurl=http://www.bestcollegesonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Rich-vs-poor-directions.jpg&w=400&h=400&ei=BLbWT4zQH-my2QWXtfSZDw&zoom=1
Deletemost likely, many are to be in some point in their lives to be marginalized. This is not a perfect world, nor have we achieved peace among nations. constantl people are being marginalized. There is possibily nothing we can do about it other than take huge actions.
DeleteThe Other project has definitely given me a different perspective of life to look through. The project was/is a constant reminder of how fatal stereotypes and cover-based judgements can really be. My topic of social hierarchy focuses especially on how people, no matter how smart they are, are almost always based on their looks. The gaps between the steps of the social ladder are created by this quick judgement, and through my Other project, I've learned that these quick judgements are an essential factor of the differences between the bottom and the top of the social pyramid. In general, though, these Other projects have really put in perspective the fact that I am accepted for who I am and how lucky I am for that. The projects have given me a sense of sympathy for those who are targeted and even a sense of contempt for those who do the targeting. This project has made me want to work harder in changing these social borders and helping those who are being targeted on a daily basis.
ReplyDeleteDo you think that it's just human nature to judge and there is really no way of ending it, or do you feel that everyone has the opportunity to change the way judgement is given, but they just don't make use of that opportunity?
This picture shows the "tree" of hierarchy as well as the fact that one thing we don't realize about being an "other" is an emotional roller coaster as well, because those others are often also the saddest people of society.
http://www.homepagedaily.com/uploads/20090902/21530bf9-52e0-4773-af42-240bd3ec77b8/4581109a-i1.0.jpg
I totally agree, people today in society are always judged by their looks and not who they are as a person. People need to realize looks aren't everything.
DeleteI feel that judgement is an initial reaction to appearance, that the thing that's actually important is what the person does with this kind of thinking afterwards. You can not stop someone from judging based off of prior knowledge or off of what they live by/ have been taught; it's impossible, something that has been integrated into human nature for the purpose of "survival". However, I believe that if people begin to open up their minds and look past that initial judgment, they will find that people are not always the way that they appear to be.
DeleteAs cliche as this sounds, the Other Project has really broadened my perspective and has made me realize that we are all marginalized in our own unique ways. My group is doing our project on social hierarchies displayed in high school. High school, the quest to establish your identity and the path to the ever so bright future. All though academics play one of the major roles in our high school careers, we see this idea of social status applied. The kids who seem to have it all put together are at the top, while the ones that don't are placed at the bottom. In addition, those perceived as different in a negative way are marginalized. There is this complicated system that puts pressure on students to fit in yet stand out in a positive light. We related this to how in the novel To Kill a Mocking Bird, blacks are marginalized because their skin is a different color tone.
ReplyDeleteWhy is it that if change is supposed to be good, people who are different are marginalized by society?
http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTMubaGgyGgnv7iwdvkjopZILZ7cb8xrcoC9o5DO8BqB4L8JPkQ
People who are different are still marginalized because they dont understand. People are scared of the unknown and most people aren't open minded. Most people stick with their point of view, and in their point of view "different" people are weird.
DeleteHow has the digital storytelling project of “Other” allowed you to reflect, empathize and/or connect to marginalized people in the novel or in today's society?
ReplyDeleteThe process of completing the "Other" project has made me realize so many things in moderation. Continuously working with our topic of "low self esteem in teenage girls" has shown me the different problems that teenage girls go through. This can be a topic that I can relate to, but it has created a skill in me to be able to better understand my peers. It has also made me develop a further understanding of other problems that may go unnoticed in our society today, but create big waves in the people around us. I am able to connect with these marginalized people, not because we may have the same problems, but because everyone is marginalized, and therefore everyone should be able to understand each other. Our problems might be different in scale, but everyone hurts, and has something to deal with. This helped me better understand the true feelings of Mayella Ewell in To Kill A Mockingbird, and her actions towards Tom Robinson. Although it was definitely not an ideal thing to do, I am able to see what may have pushed her to do such actions. Mayella suffered through a time of low self esteem that everyone goes through. Although Mayella handled her feelings in a less than ideal manner, this is so understandable because I think people go through a time of making a mistake because of a damaged heart like her.
http://youthvoices.net/sites/default/files/image/10913/apr/selfesteem.png
I found this picture while researching for the project, and it gets my attention because although the girl is obviously pretty and has no problem appearance wise, she is still scarred by what society makes of her by comparing her to other girls.
How has the digital storytelling project of “Other” allowed you to reflect, empathize and/or connect to marginalized people in the novel or in today's society?
ReplyDeleteDoing the "other" project has allowed to realize that our society is controlled by technology which is our topic. People can be so easily influenced. Just like in F451 Mildred constantly always has her earphones on and it forces her to be pushed and shunned away from society. It causes her to act differently than she normally would. In our society today we don't even read books anymore, we just read them from online. So many people spend less time outside hanging out with people and instead keep themselves glued to their computer. One day technology will not be there for us to rely on.
https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRTRjRErHcclILLc-VVSjHAxwZN4uw-WDJJRFmGzXkD2rtj8llr
We used this picture in our project and it really shows how people can be addicted to technology.
How has technology changed you?
DeleteI think that whether we know it or no, technology has had a positive and negative influence on everyone. Just as you said before, technology has lured us into a more solitary lifestyle instead of really living life to the fullest by going outside and really experiencing what life is really about.
DeleteHaving lived a very shielded, protected life, I have not been exposed to the idea that there are many people who are "marginalized" as outcasts in society. This "other" project has truly opened my eyes in a sense that I know now how others feel. I can understand and empathize with them. From this "other" project, I have learned not only about these "others"' lives, but also how to connect with them.
ReplyDeleteQuestion: What can we do to help these marginalized "others?"
Picture: http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1&hl=en&biw=1280&bih=833&tbm=isch&tbnid=MDla_DwoJEZzqM:&imgrefurl=http://www.swartzentruber.com/12-excommunication-church-discipline.htm&docid=rggRF_LSy1KHnM&imgurl=http://www.swartzentruber.com/art-archives/mennonite-art-gallery/excommunication-2.jpg&w=567&h=475&ei=5cHWT8CyGOGC2AXZ0rG-Dw&zoom=1
With working on this "other project" i've noticed in reality how many people are really insecure in their own way. Their low self-esteem can be coming from different things that maybe they grow up with. Many people who are insecure tend not to show it thinking it might make them seem weak, and take it out in a different way which might not be healthy. I've learned that everyone has their own story and only they live it. No one can truly understand what they are going through. No one sees the tears and abuses that are caused by low self-esteem.
ReplyDeleteThought Provoking Question:
DeleteIf you had to choose between doing the right thing in result being marginalized for your way of thinking because its different and not "cool" would you do the right thing?
First of all, what is the right thing? What we perceive as "right" is based off of our own experiences, what we have been taught, and what we learn through our surroundings. Personally, I would stand for what I believe in and am willing to be marginalized if it means living up to my own standards, but we should always keep an open mind and see what the other side has to say- we aren't always right when we think we are.
DeleteThis project helped change my view on people in general. Maybe, the "popular kid" doesn't have such a normal life. Maybe he/she really likes to read or paint or do something that completely bends the rules of a normal person. This comes to show that you can't judge a person by judging them based on appearances. It's cliche, but "you can't judge a book by it's cover" which I believe is completely true. I also believe that the people who are more creative in mind are more happier and have less of a burden to carry that those who have to hide their true personalities and interests.
ReplyDeleteWhy do people have to hide their true ambitions? Is there a specific reason?
http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1&hl=en&sa=N&biw=1366&bih=667&tbm=isch&tbnid=iNbSbtBkIoypUM:&imgrefurl=http://www.webdesignerdepot.com/2011/02/comics-of-the-week-63/&docid=HZUu-T7Wwe3NVM&imgurl=http://netdna.webdesignerdepot.com/uploads/2011/02/81.jpg&w=615&h=450&ei=JMjWT6uCA6mq2gWn6PWYBg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=1070&vpy=319&dur=697&hovh=188&hovw=258&tx=186&ty=70&sig=114475809004762375555&page=1&tbnh=136&tbnw=186&start=0&ndsp=20&ved=1t:429,r:12,s:0,i:112
Tim, I agree with what you're saying about people hiding their true personalities and i think that people choose to do this because they just want to fit in with everyone else. Nobody in the world want to be alone, so people often change for the sake of others.
Deletegood question timothy. i think that people hide their true ambitions because they don't want other people doing what they want to do. this causes competition among people and creates your ambition harder to deal with
DeleteDoing this digital story telling project about the other really opened my eyes to the problems of not just America but the entire world. Marginalized people are no different from you and I, society just chooses to put a blanket on their head and turn their heads. Marginalized people don't have a choice in whether or not they want to be the "other". Unfairly and almost predetermined, they can't change their how other people see them. However, that doesn't mean WE can't try to see them differently. Anyone can make a difference and step by step, help the "other" community.
ReplyDeleteQuestion: How would the world be different without "others"?
Picture:http://www.google.com/imgres?q=marginalized+people&hl=en&safe=off&sa=X&nord=1&biw=1024&bih=653&tbm=isch&prmd=imvns&tbnid=K4xN_K_LcXm5wM:&imgrefurl=http://www.magmart.it/videos.php%3Fw%3Dbn%26n%3DMacedonia&docid=4czWyBXlHF8_vM&imgurl=http://www.magmart.it/images/think_before_you_judge-dragana_galevska.jpg&w=290&h=302&ei=4MbWT-3xH4SW2AXlwrCwDw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=233&vpy=153&dur=241&hovh=148&hovw=142&tx=129&ty=83&sig=118259877827534226871&page=2&tbnh=148&tbnw=142&start=15&ndsp=19&ved=1t:429,r:6,s:15,i:143
Through my group's "other" project, i feel like i was really able to connect to the students at whitney more than i did to society. I was able to see the reason behind stress. Also, i can relate to the "other" idea. My group's topic was "happiness is key to success" and if you "find something you love to do, then you never work a day in your life" (Harvey McKay). At WHS, it's all about college, doing things that colleges like, study hard, get good grades for college. but where does the enjoyment come in? we are constantly pressured to do well and perform at an excellent level and honeslty, i never really get the satisfaction of high performace unless it was me pushing myself and not my parents. It's the ones that are self-motivated but also enjoy themselves when studying hard and when they are simply doing something they love. then they, then I, truly feel successful.
ReplyDeleteThough my initial reaction to this project was of rejection to extra work, as I worked with my group and the class about the marginalized people of society, I found myself immersed deeper and deeper into a topic of greater importance. Looking into the harshness of the social hierarchy, I found myself thinking about the people who are pushed out of the group, left alone, stranded with no hope of escaping. Before this, I was more or less oblivious to the fact that even a school so sheltered as Whitney could face drastic effects from a social hierarchy, that literally anyone could feel overpowered and helpless, stuck at the bottom of the pyramid. This project made me rethink my position in life and caused me to consider even more carefully the individualistic feelings that everyone had, that I may be able to reduce the pain inflicted to others by reducing naivety. Through these "other" projects I hope that everyone will take notice of the individuals that make up society, that each and every person is unique in their way of contributing and shaping the future, and that each person does matter- no one deserves to be marginalized and pushed to the edge.
ReplyDeletepicture: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XWmAGJhTWNk/TO7AJgW4CDI/AAAAAAAAA8U/Cq_jZqv5uE4/s1600/octo%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529-15.jpg
Question: Do you feel marginalized at Whitney? How so?
i feel whitney itself is the margin within our community, since were always classified differently. but i dot feel marginalized within whitney
Deletei think that Whitney is marginalized but not as drastic that its a problem. For example a group of people who are marginalized are those who play LOL. even though it is not as big of a aspect in some people's lives then others, outsiders still look at them differently. The most interesting thing is that that's not the main drawing line behind making of social groups
DeleteMy other project was how technology disenfranchises humanity. If any of you have seen the movie Idiocracy, it is about a future earth were the people became more idiotic as the genrations passed because the less educated castes of people produced more babies than the educated ones. Well they still had advanced technolgy, but they were stupid an example is they would water palnts with energy drinks. This is a comedic, yet insightful way to view our future. We are losing the human condition, there is no struggle to survive, nothing can compete with us on earth. The thing that keeps us above being animals is the way we think, act, socialize. Yet we are losing the humanity of it and becoming more robotic. This is a problem that must be corrected because what would make us different from our robotic creations.
ReplyDeleteQuestion: Do you belive that we has a race will reach the point were nothing is "marigialized"
ReplyDeletePHOTO:http://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&gbv=2&biw=1024&bih=507&tbm=isch&tbnid=VxxXzxMQh_GVMM:&imgrefurl=http://adageblog.wordpress.com/2012/06/04/age-discrimination-claims-must-disprove-innocent-explanations/&docid=s6YA5Ku70uLLGM&imgurl=https://adageblog.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/age_discrimination_suit_805395.jpg&w=500&h=357&ei=69HWT-aQPOXE2gXsjr2gDw&zoom=1
no, although the human race should come to it senses and stop, it won't. there will always be extremists in any beliefs. there will always be a different way of thinking and when there is different ways of thought her will be clashes and conflicts.
Deletenice question mr lieb. i think no because it is our natural insticnts to marginalize things. Everyone has a different perspective and a way of life and thinking.
Deleteno, the human race would never have a point where there is nothing marginalized because just like evolution, you have your normal group of organism/humans then you have your mutated/different part of that group. however, that mutation/difference is not always bad. the interesting part is that it's that difference that keeps the human race progressing forward. if the world didnt publicly marginlize something, they would in their hearts.
Deletealthough i never really stereotyped or marginalized anyone or a group of people, the other project has allowed me to look into specific cases of marginalization and stereotypes. it has opened my eyes to the harshness of society and has allowed me o think about what i can do about these injustices. the digital other project also gave me the ability to tell the series of others, who need there story to be shared so that atrocities can stop. knowing what is going on, it is now my duty to spread the story. my project has allowed me to overall broaden my view to different perspectives and i enjoyed making the video
ReplyDeletedo you think using the word "others" marginalizes within itself?
http://www.google.com/imgres?q=rwandan+genocide&num=10&um=1&hl=en&client=safari&rls=en&biw=1140&bih=576&tbm=isch&tbnid=UPW2iYunyVmlgM:&imgrefurl=http://jonestream.blogspot.com/2011/12/why-do-leading-leftists-deny-rwandan.html&docid=VQeQWQvtvxFwoM&imgurl=http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BZ8RH7O2PL8/TQgdpy3NDDI/AAAAAAAAAAY/KQaMmyNHhHU/s1600/rwandan-genocide.jpg&w=500&h=337&ei=A9HWT6zjMOiM2gWj7MWLDw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=229&vpy=208&dur=2055&hovh=184&hovw=274&tx=154&ty=128&sig=108347024358261631149&sqi=2&page=1&tbnh=170&tbnw=226&start=0&ndsp=10&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:0,i:141
My other project has really allowed me to reflect on my first year at Whitney and how mush my life has changed. It has also allowed me to think about first experiences and the the rush of emotions that come along with it.They say that first impressions are lasting impressions and I believe that it's because of instances like that this that make people focus so much on these first meetings/experiences.
ReplyDeleteQ: Is the saying completely true that first impressions are lasting impressions
here is a cartoon of the first impressions amongst business men/ women
http://www.global-integration.com/images/cartoon_007.jpg
Yes, I do think that the first impression is a lasting impression until a certain point. The first imression lasts until you get to know that person better.
Deletemy other project was focused on how we marginalize technonlogy. our society in this world is becoming more and more dependent on technology. instead of doing this assignment on a sheet of paper, we depend on this blog to help us do our homework much quicker and easily. we are so close to these machines, where it gets to the point where we are selves are becoming machines. it is as if something is controlling us (If you get what i'm saying). this project has opened my eyes onto the effects of technology all around us.
ReplyDeleteQuestion:Do you fell that this shcool is ever marginalized?
https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTzvieAyapCmEBEQhQXqpk5UDhd7mXYOWmEQy40gQzfpmkCcRbP
My group’s project is happiness leads to success. At Whitney High School, most people do things because they have to and not because they want to. For example, people volunteer just to make there extracurricular activities look better and not because they actually want to volunteer. Another example, some people join softball because there is only one team and its automatically “varsity.” I could relate to people at Whitney because I was one of those people. When I was looking for pictures for my project, I saw so many successful people who were unhappy. For my college career project, I chose to be a DNA technician because it would make me successful. I always thought that if you were successful, you would be happy but this project changed my thought process. I now see that happiness leads to success, not success leads to happiness. I truly want to be a criminologist because I am so fascinated with shows like CSI and Law and Order. I decided that I don’t want to be like those people who do things because they have to and not because they love to do them.
ReplyDeleteAre you doing things because you love to do them or are you just doing them?
http://images.firstcovers.com/covers/userquotes/d/doing_what_you_love-7480.jpg
For my group, our "other" were the teenage girls that have low self esteem. Many people have low self esteem, but the girls, especially at Whitney, we face the pressure and stress of being attractive and also being intelligent. Before this project, I thought that low self esteem would be easy since its soething I can definatly relate to, but as we go through the project, I learned that not just me, but everyone else is going through thte same problem. Here at Whitney, the school known for it's smart students, are always pushing the students to do more than they can and eventually just lowering their self esteem more and more. In TKAM, Mayella Ewell is obviously a young lady, caught in between unwritten laws, gradually pushing down her pride, dignity, and her self esteem.
ReplyDeleteAre you like this student? Stressing yourself too much? It may be lowering to not be a "smart" student, but the pressure and intensity of Whitney causes the low self esteem.
http://edgehopper.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/stressed.jpg