Essay #4

Controversy Between Gay Marriage

 

Based on the two articles read, “Speaking Out: Why Gay Marriage Would

Be Harmful”, by Robert Benne and Gerald McDermott, and “Who Cares If Gays Marry?”, by Gregory Blair both have a different perspective when it comes to the theme of gay marriage. One of these articles, “Speaking Out: Why Gay Marriage Would Be Harmful”, demonstrates factors that are mostly prejudice. They are discriminating against different people’s way of life when it comes to choosing a partner of the same gender. On the other hand, “Who Cares If Gays Marry?”,  is an article that informs us that there shouldn’t be any difference with other people and their choices of partners, that marriage shouldn’t always be a woman and a man.

In the article, “Speaking Out: Why Gay Marriage Would Be Harmful”,

it informs the readers of the components that contribute to harming current and future heterosexual marriages, such as, bad for marriage, children, and society. All of these categories are affected in various ways. “The concept of marriage necessarily includes the idea of a man and woman committing themselves to each other. Any other arrangement contradicts the basic information.”(Benne and McDermott 300)

First of all, the definition of marriage doesn’t

 usually have to include a man and a woman, what matters is that they both respect each other and are capable of agreeing when conflicts arrive between them. The differences are what join them together to become stronger as one.

“Gay marriage will change marriage more than it will change gays.”

(Benne and McDermott 301) Troy Perry told The Dallas Morning News that fidelity is living in an honest relationship and looking out for one another, but due to varying options people comment around that committed couples sometimes have more than one sexual partner. There has been a research made in the Netherlands and they came to the conclusion that in homosexual relationships they have an average of about eight partners per year outside of their one mate relationship. The author says that if we agree to gay marriage then the role model that they will play will be letting others believe that it is okay to have more than one partner at a time while being married. In other words, they are setting the example of infidelity which would not be the correct example of a marriage.

Second, children become affected by this situation

they might begin to get bullied in school because they have parents of the same gender. In other cases they even begin to feel uncomfortable with their own gender because they fear that they will inherit or have the same preferences as their guardians. Even though there are some problems that children face, as well as not getting to know one of their biological parents there are also they good factors that contribute. When two people of the same gender cannot have kids or aren’t capable of doing so they can always adopt children or receive sperm donations. These children run a good probability that they will get molested within the family and have homosexual experiences themselves.

Third, it seems that gay marriage can affect society, too.

Not only is it a struggle to be able to keep marriages together, but with gay marriage it will make things more complicated. People believe that gay marriage will ruin the lives of true Americans.  “Let us keep the definition as it is, and strengthen our capacity to live up to its deals”. (Benne and McDermott 303) They believe that the definition of marriage should remain as one man and a woman that there is no room in society for individuals that prefer their own gender as mates. The idea of gay marriage will ruin how Americans are viewed throughout the world.

In the article of, “Who Cares If gays Marry?”, by Gregory Blair, he describes

the definition of a marriage, God, and against American values.

In the definition of a marriage,

“Other cultures around the globe; many of them have different variations of what constitutes a marriage.” (Blair 307) The author, in other words, is making the point that in a marriage it doesn’t really matter what kind of preferences you have. That in other countries there are marriages where there might be one husband and a multiple number of wives. Also that in other places there have been people of the same gender that have been married and that they haven’t made it that big of a deal that they are accepted just the way they are. “The word ‘marriage’ itself is not discriminatory…and neither should we be.” (Blair 307)

When it comes to the theme of God

Blair believes that it is alright to believe in our own beliefs, but that doesn’t mean that we should use the government to enforce the law.  After all there are different ways that gay marriage is interpreted and not all of us take it the same way. There will always be different views in this matter.

“It is meant to equally prevent people from being persecuted

or discrimated against because of their beliefs.” (Blair 308) The author gives a reason that no one should be treated differently because of their choices in partners. Everyone has the freedom and liberty to be with whoever they decide to be with. The ideal protects homosexuality form being a sin and it can be an acceptable lifestyle. It is not hard to try to understand other customs or point of views from other peoples.

In conclusion the article that best uses evidence would be

Gregory Blair’s, “ Who Cares If Gays Marry?” He goes into detail and proves his points based on what the facts are and what people may not know about gay marriage. Blair makes all of his argument strong enough for readers to understand his point and where he is coming from between the debates on gay marriage. 

Factors of Culture Workplace

“Always remember you are unique, just like everyone else” (Margaret Mead).

Everyone has a distinct perspective on how to manage to do things not everyone will have the same techniques, but the outcomes might end up to be the same. After all we were all brought into the world with different personalities and different ways of thinking. The structures based on how we accomplish our goals will be different. It all depends on how well we work our best. There are multiple ways to overcome challenges.  

Based on “Human Resources: The Seven Classic Types of Workplace Behavior”,

by Francie Dalton describe the concepts categorized by groups, such as, commanders, drifters, attackers, pleasers, performers, avoiders, and analyticals. On the other hand, in “Cultural Differences” by the Iowa State University Study Abroad Center, categorize time orientation, the context of communication and individualism versus collectivism. The groups described by Dalton belong in one of the units in “Cultural Differences.”

Commanders are people who like to take control of others

and like to tell them what to do and what not to do. They do not want to offend anyone, but in others eyes it mostly hurts them they feel possessed over. They are similar to  the group of a collectivist society. “Kinship ties are much stronger and may take precedence over expertise in matters of appointments and promotions” (207 Iowa State University). They are most likely looking for better advantages they have rather than those individuals that aren’t strong enough to tell their own opinions in the matter. Analyticals can also be combined in this group as well. This group also decides on what looks to be best for others with no circumstances.

Attackers are people who believe they are better than

anyone else they are working with. Attackers tend to take everything serious, as a competition; even if they are with their own they will try to make others feel incompetent. They are comparable to the group of individualistic societies. “Individuals are rewarded for behaving independently, making their own plans, and working toward achieving their personal goals” (207 Iowa State University).

The collectivist and individualistic societies are both against each other

because they both have their differences. It demonstrates how both are opposites. For example in individualism, their goals are more valued. Not only because they have done it along, but because they have faced the obstacles on their own and have been able to work things out and struggled to get to that point. In being collectivistic the needs of all the members in the group are more important than one standing alone. They incline to make changes without the other knowing what’s coming next.

Drifters are individuals who tend to be unorganized.

“Their short attention span means they miss details and fail to follow up” (141 Dalton). They don’t actually pay enough attention to the small details that may be important. At the end they just miss the shots that they could have made. They are like the categorization of time orientation, polychromic individuals, people who believe that socialization and relationships are more important than any other tasks. They do not know how to value their time and at the end might end up regretting what they have done, but it will already be late for them to fix the mistakes.

On the other hand, there are the avoiders who prefer to work in a good and quiet

environment. They can be categorized in the monochromic group that deals with time orientation as well as polychromic. Monochromic individuals know how to maintain everything organized. They don’t like to fall behind. They know that there are certain times for work and other times for them to socialize. Avoiders know that being  organized helps to get things done faster without mixing everything up at once and forgetting to do an important task.

Monochromic and polychromic individuals are the opposites from each other.

One is more organized than the other and one is less organized due to how a person might be and like to work. “Individuals are divided into two groups in the ways that they approach time” (205 Iowa State University).

People who are easy to get along with are called pleaasers.

They will in most cases never say no to you they treat others as if they were all related. Leaving someone behind will cause them to feel bad. They do not like to make anyone feel less than what they are. Pleasers would mostly belong in the unit of communication under high context cultures. “Behavioral rules are implicit; in other words, the context is supposed to give you the cues you need to behave appropriately” (206 Iowa State University). They will do as one says just to be able to satisfy them in their needs.

Performers, however, will belong in the group of low context cultures.

They have the most wonderful personalities in a work place. Others will laugh and have a good time while getting entertained by their performers. They are also doing what they are told to of course so that they won’t get left behind. In low context cultures the rules are explained directly. There are no reasons why one should be confused of what they are supposed to be doing. For example, we as students when we receive a syllabus, it tells us what is required from us or when you open pieces of furniture you have the direct instructions right there so that you can follow them without any problems.

These are two types of communication styles high context cultures

and low context cultures. Each are opposites as well as the others mentioned in the other groups. There are always multiple cases that stem from one principle.

As a result, Dalton does do an accurate job in including the different

types of workplace behaviors that can be matched with cultural differences. There will always be different ways to manage to do things. There are people who prefer things directly and others that don’t. Some that work at their own pace and others that work in a rush. People that like to work alone and others that like to be dependent of mates. No matter what the style is they end up getting their work done most of the time.

Class Assignment 10/11

cultural differences

Based on cultural experiences I have experienced being in a group of other cultures and it feels weird because when they talk about something you can’t say anything because you never heard or know anything about the topic they choose to talk about. They always had something new to talk about, but I didn’t know anything so I didn’t want to join into their conversation and then regretting something I said because it might have sounded dumb. I would always stay a couple of minutes with them, but after a while I stopped because I didn’t feel comfortable there.  When I saw them I still said hi to them, but other than that it was it.

Essay #2 1st Draft

Society Weakens Individuals

 

Many times we have to hide our identities because of

criticism from the people surrounding us. There are periods in which we may feel isolated to hide our inner selves because of the outcomes that may arise. We always have a choice, things can be done in one way or another. The barrier that separates them is the obstacle that we have to overcome. Never change yourself to fit into society. At the end everyone has a different perspective, and the people that accept you for your flaws are the ones worth being around.

Furthermore, in “Call Me Crazy But I Have To be Myself”,

by Mary Seymour, she demonstrates the situation she is facing of being bipolar,  has sudden mood swings. Every now and then she has the thought of revealing herself to others, but she is intimidated by their actions. The different thoughts that invade her mind only discourage her to do what she pleases. I yearn for people to know me-the real me-in all my complexity, but I’m afraid it would scare the bejesus out of them (Seymour 130). Seymour finds herself in a very drastic unpleasant situation. She is afraid that she might get discriminated against or lose some of the relationships with people she is close to. Yet when she meets someone with the same disorder of being bipolar, she reflects into them and views things from a different angle. All she wants to do is then reveal herself to the world without changing their attitudes toward her. She struggles in trying to be normal.

In addition, in “Night Walker” by Brent Staples it clarifies that he

has the disorder, insomnia, where he can’t sleep during the night. Most of the nights he decides to take walks. Since he is a colored man the people in his society see him as a threat. For example, the women will hold on to their purses just to make sure that he won’t try anything. Staples is a well educated young man that has never given trouble before. After the reactions of the people he decides to fit in and cover who he really is. He has seen that in many cases some of the colored people have been part of multiple incident, such as, being mistaken for robbers, or burglars. They have been falsely accused and he doesn’t want to be another victim and put his life at risk.

As a result, we may hide under various rocks, but the

crystals reflect who we are. We cannot run away or hide from the complications that may arrive into our lives. Society always manages to change us in certain ways in order for us to be able to fit in. We may not be comfortable with the decision, but sometimes it’s these little actions that will harm us. Many times people feel alone when they face these types of situations and look for a way to get involved and be like others. Yet sometimes I feel like an impostor (Seymour 130). Seymour feels as if she is being dishonest with her peers because she cannot express herself. Seymour feels tied down to a world full of lies where she cannot speak or act as she would desire.

In other cases underestimating someone may provoke

for their true selves to be set free. One can only take so much from certain people, everything is not what it seems. People have stories to tell and within them there are the small details that one may have to look up to and others that might have to be excluded. There will always be times when one can go as far to where people let them. For example, Staples had to change not because he wanted to, but because of the risks he was facing. Late at night in his walks people thought he was a danger without getting to know him which was unfair.  

“Judgements prevent us from seeying the good that lies

beyond apperances” (Wayne Dyer www.lushquotes.) Many people do not see or are capable of realizing that everyone has a story to tell or their own secrets. It is hard for people to accept the reality specially to tell it.  When they finally manage to tell people about their situations they are criticized.  They believe it is better to join in with the crowd than be different, maybe that’s why some people are less outgoing because of what others might believe. It isn’t easy to trust anyone and confess about their condition. It is more challenging trying to cover up who you really are.

Everyone should have the freedom to be themselves

without being judged based on looks, or personality. Others should understand the reasons of a certain complication in others’ lives not everyone is perfect. We should all be honest and let people know how they are from the beginning. If they do not accept us for who we are then it is their loss. We shouldn’t change our ways for others, they should be open minded and accept the reality that being normal isn’t that great. If we were all the same there would not be any situations like these.

In conclusion, we should replenish our mistakes of

misunderstandings towards other because we aren’t any different. If they truly do care about you then they will not take you for granted. Even if they don’t feel secure around you then they can be honest and tell you. It’s better to know the truth than being lied to and hurt. In life we have to take chances and realize that not everyone will be by our side. The ones that remain are true friends and the ones that don’t have their reasons not to which we shouldn’t judge either. In life nothing is set as stone to keep us distant. It’s all about finding the ones worth having next to as companions who are willing to help in the hardest times.  

Outline For Second Essay

Outline Essay #2

 

“Call Me Crazy, But I Have to Be Myself” by Mary Seymour

• I’m one of the mentally ill.
• An intricate balancing act.
• Only a certain amount of people know she is bipolar.
  • Looks normal.
    • By looking at her one would never know what she’s done.
    • By listening to her one wouldn’t know she received messages from god in her computer.
      • Diagnosed as bipolar.
      • Fell into a period of depression.
        • Just to understand she was bipolar.
        • “I yearn for people to know me-the real me-in all my complexity, but I’m afraid I would scare the bejesus out of them.”
        • Was asked to counsel a bipolar student.
          • Shared stories about medications and psychosis
          • Wanted to prove that her sickness wasn’t meant to have a weakened life.
          • Wants to integrate both sides of her.
            • Own her identity as bipolar.
            • Wants to let others know what she’s been through.
            • She can help others that are in her same shoes.
            • “Fear has kept me from telling my story.”
              • Making people uncomfortable.
              • Viewed differently.

 

“Night Walker”, by Brent Staples

• “A youngish black man-a broad six feet two inches with a beard and billowing hair, both hands shoved into the pockets of a bulky military jacket-seemed menacingly close.”
• A lady was scared of him had bad ideas about his intentions.
• He had insomnia.
• “Where fear and weapons meet-and they often do in urban America there is always the possibility of death.”
• People always thought the worst when he was seen, especially in the evenings.
• He learned to keep his distance from other people.
• He learned that they did not feel comfortable around him, at least until he hummed tunes that were recognized by others surrounding him. 

Failure is the Main Key to Succeess

Failure is the Main Key to Success

 

“Life has knocked me down a few times, it showed me things I never

wanted to see. I experienced sadness and failures. But one thing for sure, I always get up.”(J. Johnson www.searchquotes.com). This quote proves a lot of important points that have not yet been understood by many people. The point of failure is to make stepping stones for yourself to be able to accomplish you initiatives. Learn to be independent and pick yourself up at the worst possible situations you may find yourself in. For example, in Zero by Paul Logan it demonstrates how his early years led to success that didn’t last long, as he would have expected. Logan started in eight grade being a straight A student at the top of his class doing all that he was asked of, accomplishing his short term goals, as he had planned. Later on he moved into a new regional high school were his transformation begun. He did as he was supposed to earn his good grades, but something clicked.

Instead of being congratulated by other students for his achievements

 he began to get bullied. His days at school for being a high achieved pupil were over. All of the words that others said to him, such as geek, nerd, and many more were just the beginning. Soon enough he felt like these words also brought physical problems. It didn’t last long until Logan stood up for himself and transformed. He started to dress differently and treat others that were far worse than him. Logan found a job a job that helped him pay for supplies to fit in with his friends. He dropped form an A student to a C student in less than a year. All he wanted at the time was to be able to fit with the crowd. It wasn’t long after he realized he had much more problems than trying to fit in.

After wasting much of his time with friends that were in some ways

strangers to him, he had the slight chance to get accepted into a four year university.  His first semester in college was a total fail. In high school he had always put other assets before education, such as, a job, car, and his girlfriend. He skipped orientation and did whatever he pleased. Logan thought everything would be similar to high school. Later on he realized that he had started to fall behind and the work he had to finish would be impossible with his new job he now had at a warehouse, Sam’s Club. It wasn’t easy to take a step. At the end he failed his classes and it wasn’t until he felt embarrassed and humiliated again by the same people he had in high school that he thought it was time to transform and be himself. He didn’t want to follow anymore, but be a leader instead.

Logan was able to manage to find another job,

he learned what education was all about, a better future. His friends whom he had fit in actually concentrated in college afterwards while he was still in the wrong footsteps. The coincidence of running into them accidently helped him open his eyes and have a better understanding.  At first it wasn’t easy because he had to take time to comprehend the concepts he had missed learning in high school. It was a challenge, but with the effort he put into it he was able to accomplish it. As a result, Logan graduated with a 4.0 average out of a community college. It took Logan sometime to actually understand why he should keep trying instead of just failing and staying at a certain place.

On the other hand, we have “To Err is Wrong”, by Roger Von Oech

demonstrates that as soon as you know you are failing or making a mistake you should pick your head up and give it another try. It’s about believing in yourself without letting others bring you down. If you think your perspective of viewing things is different than others, you should stick to your method. Besides if you make a mistake you will just have learned a lesson that can be well cherished than taken for granted.

We have learned in school that if we make mistakes in assignments

or other materials that there is always a right or wrong answer. Based on what we answer is how we will be graded. Sometimes others are scared of the outcomes that may result, but there is always more than one way in trying to figure things out, never give up. Oech encourages us to take risks without being intimidated by the results that may appear. He does mention that there may be tasks where we are not required to fail, but they‘re the small ones.  He said it’s better for one to make mistakes in public so you can catch what you did wrong at that exact time.

Logan’s narrative represents von Oech’s concept in action when

he learns that all the time he wasted in high school had its affect later on when he started college. “But even failure, as painful as it is, doesn’t have to be an ending. It can be a learning experience—one that builds strength and gives direction”(Paul Logan 102). Logan understood and clarified what he had missed on since high school. He was able to learn that with persistence he was able to accomplish what he was always striving for, but didn’t have the chance to embrace. As Carl Yastrzemski says, “If you want the hits be prepared for the misses”(Roger Von Oech 88). Von Oech represents Logan’s situation in a sense because it refects how Logan wanted to succeed in college and after dedicating himself to his education he was able to do it.

In conclusion, Logan clarifies for us that failure leads to success

as well as , Von Oeach.  It may seem difficult along the way, but everything has its complex downfalls. It’s worth giving it a try and keep moving forward than to sink down.  Thomas Edison found 1, 800 ways not to build a light bulb. This lets us understand that no one is perfect and we should never give up. He didn’t achieve his goal in the first try, but along the way he fought the problems. Edison might have even found out new things that he didn’t before. He took his experience more of a lesson that a failure and that’s what we should all do and try to inhabit. 

My name is Diana Garcia. I like to play softball and my favorite team i the Phillies.