Peacemaking is an extended realm of existence that is just as significant as breathing air. We must recognize the defeat of violence and aggression, and construct a will so great that it becomes a destiny to battle such threats. Peacemaking is a concept that can be adapted by groups of people or one particular individual (Myers, 2005). I believe that within all people lies a greatness waiting to be unearthed to entice a movement of change in an otherwise corrupted cycle of injustice. One such historical person brought this greatness to life.
The incomparable Martin Luther King, Jr. was a person of our time that enraptured peacemaking beyond all leaps and bounds. It can surely be said that this man was one of the most caring, passionate, intelligent individuals alive in history. He put himself aside for the aid of humanity and displayed true honorary characteristics.
American history has had more than numerous shameful times. The ignominy of hateful prejudice became such a disease in our past that it paralyzed the unity and succession of generations. When this kind of attitude is spread along with the selfish pursuits of individuals, it can be lethal to the good of man. Martin Luther King, Jr. rose to the occasion and demanded respect and acknowledgement as an African American male and as a human being. His focus was on desegregation and rights for people that have been so horridly abused civilly and otherwise in our nation. Because of the flawless demeanor he possessed, along with his peaceful ways of communication, Martin Luther King, Jr. became a brightly lit candle in a time of true darkness.
Martin Luther King, Jr. paved the way for people to not only accept other races and nationalities, but to regard these differences as unique and necessary for a nation to grow and succeed. How can anyone ignore the traces of evil acts that were committed upon others? Unimaginable afflictions that were forced upon African Americans surely gave them every right as a group to lash out and disgrace those that acted against them in such heinous ways. Yet, Martin Luther King, Jr. was able to blend together the many rough barriers that were evident between whites and blacks and promote a fresh start. To be able to do that was a feat unlike any other in historical times.
Our country is becoming greater because of this man's tenacity to sacrifice himself for the whispers of future generations. Desegregation was slowly showing progress after his many difficult endeavors, and today we acknowledge the scientific proof that "school desegregation has produced measurable benefits (Myers, 2005, pg. 539)". What a cry of joy to realize that indeed one person, solely, on their own accord can dramatically change the rest of the world for the better and annihilate a perpetual black plague upon the workings of our history.
Martin Luther King, Jr. was a true peacemaker. His soul still shadows the injustices we face today, and his core ideals live on, echoing in daily life as human beings carefully move forward with one another. His passion for justice through peaceful means is beyond inspirational and his principles remain the imperative foundation of the human heart.
References
Myers, D. (2005) Social Psychology (8th edition). New York, NY: McGraw Hill.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
The Reality of Altruism
Altruism is a somewhat magical concept that we desperately believe to be true. Yet, with the natural tendencies of humanity as an entity, and the deliberation of cruel behavior that is witnessed throughout the world, it is difficult to assume altruism is a reality if not on the verge of extinction. I propose that altruism does indeed exist and that it must be nurtured to survive.
As defined in our text, altruism is "a motive to increase another’s welfare without conscious regard for one’s self-interests (Myers, 2005, pg. 476)". In other words, it is an elevated level of helping that merits true honor. Perhaps the survival of the species depends on this concept that random acts of kindness can and will be done despite the unfortunate circumstance that it is a rare occurrence or that it is seldom put into action. Nevertheless, we must rely on the fact that it does show up in life. And when it does, it lights up our belief system in such a way that it multiplies courage and perpetuates altruism to spread in generous ways.
So how do we know when altruism is genuine rather than a façade? When celebrities donate to causes or exert themselves in humanitarian endeavors, is it just for publicity or is it truly for the cause without any care for how they are perceived in doing such acts? It seems that faith is the only way to truly discern the existence of altruism, and if it really is not evident, at least good deeds are being tended to.
In a world in which we are all guilty of acting upon reward and doing only what promotes personal success or gratification, it is refreshing to have such a concept as altruism alive in the study of psychology. I submit that this is not merely a myth or a fantastical proposition, but that altruism is in fact a part of humanity whether it is uncovered or not. It seems that it must be pruned and cared for so that when it occurs, it will be embraced more readily and cherished as a privilege of being a part of the human race.
References
Myers, D. (2005) Social Psychology (8th edition). New York, NY: McGraw Hill.
As defined in our text, altruism is "a motive to increase another’s welfare without conscious regard for one’s self-interests (Myers, 2005, pg. 476)". In other words, it is an elevated level of helping that merits true honor. Perhaps the survival of the species depends on this concept that random acts of kindness can and will be done despite the unfortunate circumstance that it is a rare occurrence or that it is seldom put into action. Nevertheless, we must rely on the fact that it does show up in life. And when it does, it lights up our belief system in such a way that it multiplies courage and perpetuates altruism to spread in generous ways.
So how do we know when altruism is genuine rather than a façade? When celebrities donate to causes or exert themselves in humanitarian endeavors, is it just for publicity or is it truly for the cause without any care for how they are perceived in doing such acts? It seems that faith is the only way to truly discern the existence of altruism, and if it really is not evident, at least good deeds are being tended to.
In a world in which we are all guilty of acting upon reward and doing only what promotes personal success or gratification, it is refreshing to have such a concept as altruism alive in the study of psychology. I submit that this is not merely a myth or a fantastical proposition, but that altruism is in fact a part of humanity whether it is uncovered or not. It seems that it must be pruned and cared for so that when it occurs, it will be embraced more readily and cherished as a privilege of being a part of the human race.
References
Myers, D. (2005) Social Psychology (8th edition). New York, NY: McGraw Hill.
Monday, April 27, 2009
The Ruins of Our Time
When songbirds do not serenade
When water lays so still
When carefree joy and hapiness
Means swallowing that pill.
When lovers become strangers
When children cannot smile
When tears and angry faces
Become the newest style.
When laughter is a tortured sound
When nature withers more
When God no longer graces lips
And knees don't touch the floor.
The somber night does echoe
The ruins of our time
When your life breathed it's last attempt
As suddenly did mine.
When water lays so still
When carefree joy and hapiness
Means swallowing that pill.
When lovers become strangers
When children cannot smile
When tears and angry faces
Become the newest style.
When laughter is a tortured sound
When nature withers more
When God no longer graces lips
And knees don't touch the floor.
The somber night does echoe
The ruins of our time
When your life breathed it's last attempt
As suddenly did mine.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Paper Doll
Lonely little woman with your tear stained face.
Don't you every wonder why you punish yourself?
Pretty little baby, you have no idea.
The damage you endure is sadly self inflicted....
That poison you complain about was, after all, predicted.
Turn on that t.v. and see what you should be.
Flip that magazine and mimick paper dolls.
Wander down the streets and relish in the praise.
If only they knew you're heart wasn't painted....
Nourishing your body is so over-rated.
Innocent little child with a woman's lonesome mind.
Oh, sweet young lady you are falling to the ground.
The secret of a happy soul lies within yourself.
But you judge who you are by the fabricated world....
Isn't it ironic being a girl?
Don't you every wonder why you punish yourself?
Pretty little baby, you have no idea.
The damage you endure is sadly self inflicted....
That poison you complain about was, after all, predicted.
Turn on that t.v. and see what you should be.
Flip that magazine and mimick paper dolls.
Wander down the streets and relish in the praise.
If only they knew you're heart wasn't painted....
Nourishing your body is so over-rated.
Innocent little child with a woman's lonesome mind.
Oh, sweet young lady you are falling to the ground.
The secret of a happy soul lies within yourself.
But you judge who you are by the fabricated world....
Isn't it ironic being a girl?
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Love is a Magician
Love is a Magician
No longer can I hear the applause
For the mighty Illusionist called Love.
The sparkle ceases to appear
And the once sought feeling of joy slips away.
Does the day fade into night?
Or does the darkness devour the daylight?
Moments tick by endlessly,
Wrapping into each other.
Forced smiles become dimmed.
Soft touches turn into hardened memories.
And love loses its bright color.
Teardrops suddenly nourish sadness
And become the requirement for a thirsty soul.
Laughter only mocks the truth
And fake happiness chips away like a tiled floor.
Is irony the definition of love?
As we all fumble through life to find it.
While we crave the feeling of passion,
Our heart warns us of the coming betrayal.
Love is a magician.
It entices us with its glory.
We become enraptured by its tricks.
The excitement of it eats away reality
And we suffer from its delusions.
Yes love is a magician.
With a quirky smile,
A witty presence,
And the truth hidden behind its back.
By Jeannette Villatoro
© 2008
No longer can I hear the applause
For the mighty Illusionist called Love.
The sparkle ceases to appear
And the once sought feeling of joy slips away.
Does the day fade into night?
Or does the darkness devour the daylight?
Moments tick by endlessly,
Wrapping into each other.
Forced smiles become dimmed.
Soft touches turn into hardened memories.
And love loses its bright color.
Teardrops suddenly nourish sadness
And become the requirement for a thirsty soul.
Laughter only mocks the truth
And fake happiness chips away like a tiled floor.
Is irony the definition of love?
As we all fumble through life to find it.
While we crave the feeling of passion,
Our heart warns us of the coming betrayal.
Love is a magician.
It entices us with its glory.
We become enraptured by its tricks.
The excitement of it eats away reality
And we suffer from its delusions.
Yes love is a magician.
With a quirky smile,
A witty presence,
And the truth hidden behind its back.
By Jeannette Villatoro
© 2008
The Impact and Implications of a Unique Social World
"Essay I wrote for Social Psychology. Kind of tricky because it had to be about myself but APA format kind of denies a writer of the right to use "I". Thus, I used "this author". Eh, you get the picture." - Jeannette Villatoro
The Impact and Implications of a Unique Social World
Jeannette Villatoro
PYD0914A
Professor Debra Booker
April 5, 2009
Abstract
Each individual displays a self-efficacy that can change and morph with different phases of life. Some of the most momentous events in life that encumber the greatest self agility and determination is gaining an education through college. This author demonstrates the challenges and achievements she went through to pursue her undying passion for a college degree, the comparisons between the pursuit of the same goal from past to present, and the effect it has had on her personal life and in the social world she inhabits.
The Impact and Implications of a Unique Social World
A college education is one of the most significant events that one can endure. The pursuit of an elongated educational endeavor can greatly affect how one perceives the outside world as well as the inner workings of their own mind, and the balance between the two elements. This author will illustrate the impact and implications of a unique social world in which educational development and the pursuit of a better self help modify how this author interacts with the world around her and internalizes the knowledge that has been acquired.
This author has always been moved by the learning experience, whether directly from living in a social world or the concentrated knowledge that is delivered from a specific course of study. Learning is a consistent process in which human beings thrive. But the pursuit of an education from college proves to be an enormous tool for success and understanding of one’s self, and has further propelled this author into a positive environment within a social world of learning and achieving. There are some important assertions that have come to light when contemplating the effects of school, however. It seems that the timing must be accurate for the attitude of the student and the place in life in which the student finds them self.
The day that this author chose to continue her education through online college courses at Ashford University was one of the greatest days of her life. Being a stay-at-home mother who focused primarily on her family has been a miraculous experience that has allotted amazing personal growth. It has also forged a more limited view and connection with the outside world in conjunction with this author’s own personal needs and wants. Attending college would no doubt help to eradicate the missing link between her personal world and the world in which she once felt a part of. Being a student once again would surely open her mind to new knowledge and intellectual thinking as well as change her attitude and feelings about herself. For certain it would also impact her family that she has been so dedicated to. It was a difficult challenge to bear for this author, but one that was necessary. Therefore, fine tuning would have to take place in order to continue with her dreams and goals while still maintaining the position within her family structure and keeping the important aspects of her life in the forefront.
In the past, this author went with the wave of most other graduated high school students and attended college immediately at the appropriate age. However, this author was less than motivated to do well, as the distractions prevailed and personal perseverance lacked immensely. “There are numerous variables that affect a student’s performance through college (Nelson, 2003, pg. 1)”. Having to make decisions on their own, the social pressures of college life, and fear of the unknown all contribute to poor college performance (Nelson, 2003). Although this author was arguably still intelligent at this younger age, she did not give college an honest effort. School curriculum was not a focus and the choices she made were sporadic as this author simply took classes that interested her rather than what would place her closer to her goal. The actual possibility of gaining more knowledge and becoming a better person was not a priority to this author and subsequently she gave up and left school. Despite this failure, this author has achieved many amazing goals in life reflected in her husband, children, and home. Her life has been blissfully pertinent and has brought her to a place in life in which responsibility, pride, and personal acceptance has flourished. Due to these elements she now possesses, she has the ability to embrace college with a new perspective.
This author has had great success with attending school in recent circumstances. It has proved to be a more intense and fulfilling experience than she could ever have imagined. Within the structure of learning, she has boosted her self confidence and has felt more valuable to the world around her. She has also been able to strongly acquire a passion for the career direction in which she chose to follow. These accomplishments have been life changing for this author and her family. Her present entrance into college has come at a time in which she was completely prepared due to her seasoned self-efficacy which allowed for the realization that she could complete her goal and obtain the degree that she has always wanted. The issues of the past no longer exist, as growing into an adult, wife, and mother has forced the reality that success comes from hard work and determination. After nearly two years of college, this author has applied those standards to learning and has reaped the rewards. She has proudly maintained a 4.0 GPA, has been on the Dean’s List consecutively, and has recently been inducted into the Honor Society Chapter of Alpha Sigma Lambda.
Life is a magical mixture of growing realization in one’s self and events that stimulate that growth. Failure and disappointment are in fact a part of life, but are meant to be changed into more positive successes. Self-efficacy has played an important role for this author, as it is the drive to go forth with her determination and to do well (Myers, 2005). Going to college was an amazing feat for this author that led to achievements beyond her expectations. The powerful self-efficacy she has allowed herself to gain along with the pursuit of educational growth has enlightened this author in ways that will allow her to broaden this spectrum to the outside world and continue to succeed in the future with confidence.
References
Myers, D. (2005). Social Psychology (8th edition). New York, NY: McGraw Hill.
Nelson, R (2003).Student efficiency: a study on the behavior and productive efficiency of college students and the determinants of GPA. Issues in Political Economy. 12, 1.
The Impact and Implications of a Unique Social World
Jeannette Villatoro
PYD0914A
Professor Debra Booker
April 5, 2009
Abstract
Each individual displays a self-efficacy that can change and morph with different phases of life. Some of the most momentous events in life that encumber the greatest self agility and determination is gaining an education through college. This author demonstrates the challenges and achievements she went through to pursue her undying passion for a college degree, the comparisons between the pursuit of the same goal from past to present, and the effect it has had on her personal life and in the social world she inhabits.
The Impact and Implications of a Unique Social World
A college education is one of the most significant events that one can endure. The pursuit of an elongated educational endeavor can greatly affect how one perceives the outside world as well as the inner workings of their own mind, and the balance between the two elements. This author will illustrate the impact and implications of a unique social world in which educational development and the pursuit of a better self help modify how this author interacts with the world around her and internalizes the knowledge that has been acquired.
This author has always been moved by the learning experience, whether directly from living in a social world or the concentrated knowledge that is delivered from a specific course of study. Learning is a consistent process in which human beings thrive. But the pursuit of an education from college proves to be an enormous tool for success and understanding of one’s self, and has further propelled this author into a positive environment within a social world of learning and achieving. There are some important assertions that have come to light when contemplating the effects of school, however. It seems that the timing must be accurate for the attitude of the student and the place in life in which the student finds them self.
The day that this author chose to continue her education through online college courses at Ashford University was one of the greatest days of her life. Being a stay-at-home mother who focused primarily on her family has been a miraculous experience that has allotted amazing personal growth. It has also forged a more limited view and connection with the outside world in conjunction with this author’s own personal needs and wants. Attending college would no doubt help to eradicate the missing link between her personal world and the world in which she once felt a part of. Being a student once again would surely open her mind to new knowledge and intellectual thinking as well as change her attitude and feelings about herself. For certain it would also impact her family that she has been so dedicated to. It was a difficult challenge to bear for this author, but one that was necessary. Therefore, fine tuning would have to take place in order to continue with her dreams and goals while still maintaining the position within her family structure and keeping the important aspects of her life in the forefront.
In the past, this author went with the wave of most other graduated high school students and attended college immediately at the appropriate age. However, this author was less than motivated to do well, as the distractions prevailed and personal perseverance lacked immensely. “There are numerous variables that affect a student’s performance through college (Nelson, 2003, pg. 1)”. Having to make decisions on their own, the social pressures of college life, and fear of the unknown all contribute to poor college performance (Nelson, 2003). Although this author was arguably still intelligent at this younger age, she did not give college an honest effort. School curriculum was not a focus and the choices she made were sporadic as this author simply took classes that interested her rather than what would place her closer to her goal. The actual possibility of gaining more knowledge and becoming a better person was not a priority to this author and subsequently she gave up and left school. Despite this failure, this author has achieved many amazing goals in life reflected in her husband, children, and home. Her life has been blissfully pertinent and has brought her to a place in life in which responsibility, pride, and personal acceptance has flourished. Due to these elements she now possesses, she has the ability to embrace college with a new perspective.
This author has had great success with attending school in recent circumstances. It has proved to be a more intense and fulfilling experience than she could ever have imagined. Within the structure of learning, she has boosted her self confidence and has felt more valuable to the world around her. She has also been able to strongly acquire a passion for the career direction in which she chose to follow. These accomplishments have been life changing for this author and her family. Her present entrance into college has come at a time in which she was completely prepared due to her seasoned self-efficacy which allowed for the realization that she could complete her goal and obtain the degree that she has always wanted. The issues of the past no longer exist, as growing into an adult, wife, and mother has forced the reality that success comes from hard work and determination. After nearly two years of college, this author has applied those standards to learning and has reaped the rewards. She has proudly maintained a 4.0 GPA, has been on the Dean’s List consecutively, and has recently been inducted into the Honor Society Chapter of Alpha Sigma Lambda.
Life is a magical mixture of growing realization in one’s self and events that stimulate that growth. Failure and disappointment are in fact a part of life, but are meant to be changed into more positive successes. Self-efficacy has played an important role for this author, as it is the drive to go forth with her determination and to do well (Myers, 2005). Going to college was an amazing feat for this author that led to achievements beyond her expectations. The powerful self-efficacy she has allowed herself to gain along with the pursuit of educational growth has enlightened this author in ways that will allow her to broaden this spectrum to the outside world and continue to succeed in the future with confidence.
References
Myers, D. (2005). Social Psychology (8th edition). New York, NY: McGraw Hill.
Nelson, R (2003).Student efficiency: a study on the behavior and productive efficiency of college students and the determinants of GPA. Issues in Political Economy. 12, 1.
Empty Stage
Empty Stage
Here I stand with my knees buckling
Wearing my heart on my sleeve
My bubbling talent waiting to be recieved.
I look to the left,
And then the right.
No director is present
My name is not in lights.
The audience of chairs are silent and encumbered
The only sound is my heart pounding sorrowfully
No tickets were bought to see me perform.
The echoe of laughter teases my senses
And the dull bulbs of thought pierce my mind.
How did I get to this stage so unprepared?
Why is there coldness depleting my breath?
I wither off stage with a tear stained face.
I laugh sarcastically at my hopes to be loved.
No longer will I subject myself to this pain.
Within the theatre lies my demise.
By Jeannette Villatoro © 2008
Here I stand with my knees buckling
Wearing my heart on my sleeve
My bubbling talent waiting to be recieved.
I look to the left,
And then the right.
No director is present
My name is not in lights.
The audience of chairs are silent and encumbered
The only sound is my heart pounding sorrowfully
No tickets were bought to see me perform.
The echoe of laughter teases my senses
And the dull bulbs of thought pierce my mind.
How did I get to this stage so unprepared?
Why is there coldness depleting my breath?
I wither off stage with a tear stained face.
I laugh sarcastically at my hopes to be loved.
No longer will I subject myself to this pain.
Within the theatre lies my demise.
By Jeannette Villatoro © 2008
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