I love this upcoming weekend. Who wouldn't love a long weekend to kick off the fall season? The leaves are beginning to turn, the air is starting to crisp, and even to me, an apathetic spectator, the thought of football games on Sundays is appealing. Like so many other holiday weekends, though, we seem to lose sight of why we celebrate. Since I am guilty of this oversight, I decided to do some investigation about Columbus Day.
When I think of elementary school, a few popular rhymes come to mind, "In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue," being one of them. In high school, however, I learned that this little rhyme may not be exactly true. So, who really discovered America? If it wasn't good 'ol Columbus, why do we celebrate him?
As it turns out, Columbus was not the first person to discover the Americas. Nope, not even close. Besides the Native Americans, indigenous to America for some thousand of years before 1492, others came before Columbus. The Vikings, led by Leif Erikson, journeyed to America in 1000 AD. The name, America, even precedes Columbus. Amerigo Vespucci, an Italian explorer, is recognized as having named the "New World." Maybe we should consider following Hawaii's lead and rename this holiday weekend, "Discoverer's Day." Whatever its origin, I'll take the long weekend.
http://www.lawzone.com/half-nor/swearinger.htm
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,807597,00.html
Living in the (desensitized) digital age
First of all, I would like to start by saying that technological advances have accomplished some pretty amazing feats: expanding medical capacities, broadening the scope of communication, and modernizing methods of education, to name a few. Advancements in technology, however, come with serious repercussions. Recently, I read an article (
http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Society/2010/1001/Rutgers-student-death-Has-Digital-Age-made-students-callous) about two students from Rutgers University who allegedly set up a Webcam that publicly streamed a gay student's sexual activity. The victim of this hate crime, Tyler Clementi, consequently committed suicide by jumping off the George Washington Bridge just three days the videos aired.
This tragic, extreme incident calls into question some of the implications of modern technology. Even if this instance of cyberbullying was not the sole cause of Clementi's suicide (there are likely to have been other factors), this worst-case scenario highlights the importance of evaluating the dangers of technology abuse. It seems ironic that with an influx of technology, especially that which pertains to communication, we are experiencing such a desensitization, such an interpersonal disconnect. In a New York Daily News article (http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ny_crime/2010/09/29/2010-09-29_rutgers_freshmen_busted_for_spying_on_fellow_students_online_sex_session_officia.html) the authors recall that Clementi's last Facebook status read:
"Jumping off the gw bridge sorry." In a world in which we document our every actions through status updates, Twitter posts, and text messages, there is an undeniable loss of sympathy among people. We are more connected than ever before, yet we are by no means more in touch with one another.
This case has also raised awareness regarding the issue of cyberbullying. Typically associated with teens in middle and high school, cyberbullying is becoming more prevalent (or more widely reported) on college campuses. In a Wall Street Journal article entitled, "Cyberbullying Goes to College" (http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2010/09/30/the-rutgers-students-suicide-cyberbullying-goes-to-college/), author Jennifer Valentino-DeVries writes, "Cyberbullying is such a new phenomenon that psychologists don’t know much about exactly what causes it, but in theory it’s similar to ordinary bullying, Dr. Kowalski said. That sort of bullying was long thought to result from overcompensation for low self esteem, but in fact it’s typically people who have high self esteem. These are people who just 'think that this is sort of funny,' Dr. Kowalski added." Although I have never experienced cyberbullying, it is evident that this practice occurs at colleges and universities throughout the US. In the case of the Rutgers student, this cyberbullying aggression had grave effects. In the wake of this tragedy, the only positive result lies in awareness. One can only hope that such a calamitous event enlightens others about the seriousness of cyberbullying.
For more information on the Rutgers tragedy and other instances of cyberbullying, see:
http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2010/10/05/2010-10-05_hate_crime_may_not_be_option_in_rutgers_case.html
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ny_crime/2010/09/29/2010-09-29_rutgers_freshmen_busted_for_spying_on_fellow_students_online_sex_session_officia.html
http://stopcyberbullying.org/
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2010/10/02/rutgers_mourns_freshman_who_committed_suicide/
http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Society/2010/1001/Rutgers-student-death-Has-Digital-Age-made-students-callous) about two students from Rutgers University who allegedly set up a Webcam that publicly streamed a gay student's sexual activity. The victim of this hate crime, Tyler Clementi, consequently committed suicide by jumping off the George Washington Bridge just three days the videos aired.
This tragic, extreme incident calls into question some of the implications of modern technology. Even if this instance of cyberbullying was not the sole cause of Clementi's suicide (there are likely to have been other factors), this worst-case scenario highlights the importance of evaluating the dangers of technology abuse. It seems ironic that with an influx of technology, especially that which pertains to communication, we are experiencing such a desensitization, such an interpersonal disconnect. In a New York Daily News article (http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ny_crime/2010/09/29/2010-09-29_rutgers_freshmen_busted_for_spying_on_fellow_students_online_sex_session_officia.html) the authors recall that Clementi's last Facebook status read:
"Jumping off the gw bridge sorry." In a world in which we document our every actions through status updates, Twitter posts, and text messages, there is an undeniable loss of sympathy among people. We are more connected than ever before, yet we are by no means more in touch with one another.
This case has also raised awareness regarding the issue of cyberbullying. Typically associated with teens in middle and high school, cyberbullying is becoming more prevalent (or more widely reported) on college campuses. In a Wall Street Journal article entitled, "Cyberbullying Goes to College" (http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2010/09/30/the-rutgers-students-suicide-cyberbullying-goes-to-college/), author Jennifer Valentino-DeVries writes, "Cyberbullying is such a new phenomenon that psychologists don’t know much about exactly what causes it, but in theory it’s similar to ordinary bullying, Dr. Kowalski said. That sort of bullying was long thought to result from overcompensation for low self esteem, but in fact it’s typically people who have high self esteem. These are people who just 'think that this is sort of funny,' Dr. Kowalski added." Although I have never experienced cyberbullying, it is evident that this practice occurs at colleges and universities throughout the US. In the case of the Rutgers student, this cyberbullying aggression had grave effects. In the wake of this tragedy, the only positive result lies in awareness. One can only hope that such a calamitous event enlightens others about the seriousness of cyberbullying.
For more information on the Rutgers tragedy and other instances of cyberbullying, see:
http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2010/10/05/2010-10-05_hate_crime_may_not_be_option_in_rutgers_case.html
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ny_crime/2010/09/29/2010-09-29_rutgers_freshmen_busted_for_spying_on_fellow_students_online_sex_session_officia.html
http://stopcyberbullying.org/
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2010/10/02/rutgers_mourns_freshman_who_committed_suicide/
What happened to Lindsay Lohan?
When I think of Lindsay Lohan, I think of the cute pre-teen from The Parent Trap and the idolized teenager from Mean Girls. Unfortunately, over the past several years, this Hollywood actress has taken a turn (or a few) for the worse. A victim of drug abuse and the tantalizing Hollywood lifestyle, Lohan is now more known for her stints in rehab than for her roles in film.
So, what transpired in the eight or so years between Lohan's breakout performance in The Parent Trap and her downward spiral into cocaine usage, driving under the influence, and inappropriate behavior? Her downfall can be attributed to poor influences and family pressure, among other factors. While the press is ruthless about revealing each and every one of Lindsay Lohan's misdemeanors, I think the true story lies in why Lohan succumbed to such a lowly state. Lohan, like many child stars, experienced a pattern of overwhelmingly promising success followed by reckless rebellion. The root of Lohan's problems, substance abuse has deprived the young actress from continuing her career and has essentially annihilated her reputation.
Recently, Lohan has attracted media attention for yet another jail release after being arrested for violating probation. On Friday, an appeals court judge allowed Lohan to be released from jail if she agreed to the following, among other conditions:
*She offers $300,000 bail.
*She does not attend any places where alcohol is a primary purchase.
*She wears a SCRAM ("Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring")bracelet at all times.
Prior to this court rendering, Lohan confessed her struggles on her Twitter page: "Substance abuse is a disease, which unfortunately doesn't go away over night. I am working hard to overcome it and am taking positive steps."
Additionally, Lohan has expressed her desire to return to rehab rather than endure another jail sentencing. However, perhaps her constant special treatment, allowing her to evade jail time, is not benefiting Lohan. Hopefully Lohan was serious in her Twitter post and continues to take "positive steps," not only to revive her career, but to provide recovery.
http://perezhilton.com/category/lindsay-lohan/
http://www.tmz.com/2010/09/25/lindsay-lohan-jail-denied-bail-rehab-cocaine-failed-drug-tests/
http://www.boston.com/ae/celebrity/articles/2010/0924/lohan_arrives_at_jail_after_judge_denies_bail/
http://www.monstersandcritics.com/people/news/article_1587046.php/Lohan-eludes-jail-again-but-at-top-price
http://articles.cnn.com/2010-09-24/entertainment/lindsay.lohan.jail_1_shawn-chapman-holley-judge-remands-michael-lohan?_s=PM:SHOWBIZ
A Sweet Surprise?
When major corporations issue advertising campaigns aimed at clarifying a national misconception, it's evident that something has gone awry. In this case, I'm talking about the American obsession with high-fructose corn syrup. I'll admit, when I read nutrition labels, the four words "high fructose corn syrup" seem to jump out at me. The negative hype about high fructose corn syrup has convinced me that I shouldn't consume it; I'm not sure why, I just know it's something I should avoid. I, like so many other American consumers, am (or was) a victim of basing my decisions on the general public's misconceptions. After seeing a couple of the commercials released by the Corn Refiners Association, I decided to research the ingredient shunned by much of the American public.
What did I find?
A lot of conflicting opinions. In one of the television commercials (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEbRxTOyGf0), two actors personify the differing attitudes about high fructose corn syrup. One, a mother pouring a sugary juice for her kids, defends the ingredient when approached by another mother who snidely comments, "Wow, you don't care what the kids eat, huh?" The woman responds by clarifying that high fructose corn syrup is made from corn, has no artificial ingredients, and, "like sugar, is fine in moderation." This dialogue is characteristic of the American attitude towards health and nutrition; we aren't always sure of why something is unhealthy, but we'll avoid it nevertheless (think back to the Atkins diet and America's abandonment of carbohydrates).
When I googled "high fructose corn syrup," I found various health websites, personal blogs, and news articles criticizing -- or supporting -- the ingredient. According to the Corn Refiners Association website (http://www.sweetsurprise.com/), "High fructose corn syrup or corn sugar contains the same two simple sugars as table sugar (glucose and fructose) and is handled the same by the body as table sugar. The American Dietetic Association found that 'once they are absorbed into the bloodstream, the two sweeteners are indistinguishable.'" In fact, on September 14, 2010, the association issued a request to the Food and Drug Administration to change the product's name from "high fructose corn syrup" to "corn sugar." Clearly the negative hype about HFCS has caused serious negative repercussions for the company.
While the Corn Refiners Association is busy attempting to revamp the American perception of HFCS, others are adamant about condemning the sugar. Mark Sisson, health expert and inventor of Primal Nutrition, Inc., expresses his disdain for high fructose corn syrup on his blog, Mark's Daily Apple (). In one post, Sisson writes: "While there are a few slightly more terrible liquids out there – liter fluid, for example – it’s really a shame that the 'foods' available to us are so commonly laced with HFCS."
After discovering a little more about high fructose corn syrup, I am able to make a more informed decision. Perhaps Americans do not necessarily need to avoid high fructose corn syrup but need to reduce their sugar intake in all forms. Thus, I won't fear those four words on nutrition labels but will try to minimize my consumption of sugar, "high fructose" or not.
For more information on high fructose corn syrup and the proposal to change its name, see:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/high-fructose-corn-syrup/AN01588
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/09/14/a-new-name-for-high-fructose-corn-syrup/
What did I find?
A lot of conflicting opinions. In one of the television commercials (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEbRxTOyGf0), two actors personify the differing attitudes about high fructose corn syrup. One, a mother pouring a sugary juice for her kids, defends the ingredient when approached by another mother who snidely comments, "Wow, you don't care what the kids eat, huh?" The woman responds by clarifying that high fructose corn syrup is made from corn, has no artificial ingredients, and, "like sugar, is fine in moderation." This dialogue is characteristic of the American attitude towards health and nutrition; we aren't always sure of why something is unhealthy, but we'll avoid it nevertheless (think back to the Atkins diet and America's abandonment of carbohydrates).
When I googled "high fructose corn syrup," I found various health websites, personal blogs, and news articles criticizing -- or supporting -- the ingredient. According to the Corn Refiners Association website (http://www.sweetsurprise.com/), "High fructose corn syrup or corn sugar contains the same two simple sugars as table sugar (glucose and fructose) and is handled the same by the body as table sugar. The American Dietetic Association found that 'once they are absorbed into the bloodstream, the two sweeteners are indistinguishable.'" In fact, on September 14, 2010, the association issued a request to the Food and Drug Administration to change the product's name from "high fructose corn syrup" to "corn sugar." Clearly the negative hype about HFCS has caused serious negative repercussions for the company.
While the Corn Refiners Association is busy attempting to revamp the American perception of HFCS, others are adamant about condemning the sugar. Mark Sisson, health expert and inventor of Primal Nutrition, Inc., expresses his disdain for high fructose corn syrup on his blog, Mark's Daily Apple (). In one post, Sisson writes: "While there are a few slightly more terrible liquids out there – liter fluid, for example – it’s really a shame that the 'foods' available to us are so commonly laced with HFCS."
After discovering a little more about high fructose corn syrup, I am able to make a more informed decision. Perhaps Americans do not necessarily need to avoid high fructose corn syrup but need to reduce their sugar intake in all forms. Thus, I won't fear those four words on nutrition labels but will try to minimize my consumption of sugar, "high fructose" or not.
For more information on high fructose corn syrup and the proposal to change its name, see:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/high-fructose-corn-syrup/AN01588
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/09/14/a-new-name-for-high-fructose-corn-syrup/
About Me
- Kayla
- Hello! I'm Kayla: student, writer, learner, reader, sister, friend, coffee-drinker, picture-taker, Spanish-speaker, dreamer, and believer. I am about to graduate from the University of Rhode Island with a double major in Writing & Rhetoric and Spanish and a minor in General Business. I hope to contribute my strong writing and communication skills, as well as my creative capacities, in a marketing, advertising, or writing position.