Theme of "power" over society

One of the main themes across all of the texts seems to involve the influence of power over our society and how this affects our every day lives. In each novel we have read thus far, we have been "warned" on what can and may already be happening in our society. For example, in Fahrenheit 451 there is no free-thinking, Culture Jam touched base on our disconnection with the world through technology, Feed labeled individuals as a consumer society where technology was their life in a sense, and Clockwork Orange expressed youth violence. All of the above themes are present in today's society whether we can see it or not, but what will happen in the future? Is there a solution?

In class today we were shown a very interesting video about what the world and society could be like in the future. I believe it is very possible that our society will one day no longer consist of free thinking individuals, but instead a bunch of robots with tracking devices so those in power can know our every move and hold all of the power. In my opinion this is society's way to escape the real issues. Instead of trying to tackle crime and violence we have created a short cut to deal with the real problems in our society. When in all reality no matter what is implanted or used to identify people, there will always be crime, so why not try to figure a way to resolve this issue.

I mean, I can definitely see the benefit of having a device under our skin; to find those who are missing, determine records and health, and other things. But where is the privacy? Where is our freedom anymore? If someone knows our every thought, desire, actions then how can we be free flowing individuals in society? I believe that those who are in power or want to be in power wish us all to be robotic and not have the opportunity to stick up for ourselves. Just like in Fahrenheit 451, their soceity was "wonderful" because everyone did as they were told and did not question why things were the way they were. In my opinion it is sad because our differences is what truly builds and strengthens a society.

“There is more than one way to burn a book"

In class today we were presented a list of books that were banned in schools and their libraries. It is obvious why some of these books were banned because of their title alone, but I feel that a lot of the books should not be on that list. I feel that some of the material in the books may be viewed as offensive and conflict with some of the belief's the parents want to instill in their children. Therefore, the politics in the school system make it almost impossible to NOT have a banned list. In my opinion, this is a sad but true reality. I feel that a lot of the books on the list are really interesting and should be explored, but I can see why they may not be appropriate for the entire population of a school.

As for the quote "there is more than one way to burn a book", I feel that in this society we value what society tells us to value. Our own opinions are then swayed in order to follow the norms and beliefs that are acceptable to society and flow with the hierarchy as a whole. Because society does not think something is acceptable others conform to this belief and are afraid to express their own personal views about the important topics and issues. I truly don't think books and poetry are valued in society anymore because our values have been changed to think that technology and electronics are what is the most important because that is the norm, which when you think about it is really sad.

Farenheit 451

So far I really like the book. The idea of a world where firemen actually start fires seems almost impossible. I couldn't even imagine a world where anyone was allowed to start fires. But I do wonder if it will ever come to this. I mean, are books threatening? I certainly know that "free-thinking" individuals are commonly seen as a threat, even in today's society, but will it come to eliminating books and these individuals all together? One of the topics we discussed in our group today was what we thought really happened to Clarisse. Quite honestly most of us agreed that her and her family were either killed or asked to leave because they "knew too much" or had their own point of view, which threatens the society they live in. And what would happen if more people thought like Clarisse and her family? Would being a fireman even be accepted?

As an in class writing assignment I decided to elaborate on question number one when asked to discuss the symbols used in the book. I thought some of the symbols were the books, which show the intimidation felt from the firemen and also the diminishing of free thinking, the firemen which expresses the power in society, and the dandelion which I feel is the scene where Montage truly questions his happiness with his life, and therefore creates questions with his employment and his marriage. Overall I am very pleased with this reading and I am eager to see what happens.

End of A Clockwork Orange

I thought the book as a whole was very strange and not something I would normally read. A lot of important themes were disscussed like youth violence and freedom of choice, but the ending was very odd to me. I mean, once Alex was released he was pretty much a vegetable and I sort of pittied him and how he was targeted from his past gang members, but after a while he went back to his old ways anyway. So is it really necessary to pity or feel bad for someone because they do not have a choice anymore? I mean, when he was brainwashed he could not think for himself, so I did feel a little bad for him because you would think everyone should have the right to have a choice. But then when he could finally have a mind of his own, what did he do with it? He went right back to his old, violent ways. So are we supposed to pity those who do not have a choice if the choice they make will harm others? As discussed in class I believe this is one of the major issues being debated.

It also makes me sort of frustrated with the fact that in an instant, Alex decided he wanted to be "good" and have a family. On page 212 he blames his violent actions as being young in stating "And all it was was that I was young. But now as I end this story, brothers, I am not young, not no longer, oh no. Alex like groweth up, oh yes." So to me it is bizarre that all of a sudden he wants to "change his ways" and have a family just because now he is grown up? I don't think so. How can somebody truly change that quickly? It seems almost impossible and almost as if there should be "A Clockwork Orange II". I would like to see how Alex "changed" when he met a woman, fell in love, and had children. It would be sort of scary for the fact that he has a reputation for raping women and being very physically aggressive towards others so I would be very curious how he would even act around a woman and a child.

A Clockwork Orange

A quote I would like to elaborate on is found on page 61 in stating "The Mansion or the Manse or some such piece of gloop. Where this very starry ptitsa lives with her cats and all these very starry valuable veshches. Such as? Gold and silver and like jewels." The question I brought up in our group today was: why do you think, in this case, Alex and his gang targeted wealthier individuals, especially because there is a lot more security surounding their homes when they can rob the "slums" and get away with more. My group members responded by saying that the gang would have to rob a lot more homes in the slums to equal the amount of profit from a wealthier home. But then again by doing so there is a greater risk for getting caught whereas in the slums you are more likely to get away with robbery, rape, violence etc... I find this interesting because it seems smarter to rob the slums and not have the risk of getting caught than to rob a mansion and have a great risk of getting caught. I feel that the smart choice would be to target the slums, but at the same time there is a larger reward when targeting the wealthier families. But if Alex and his gang did not care whether or not they got caught then what is there to lose? Nothing.

Lastly I would like to express how I feel about one the topics discussed in class today. We were asked whether or not society is to blame for youth violence. My answer was no. Although parents, teachers, education, media, and society play a role in how we view the world and react in certain situations, it is not solely the cause of "acting out" in our youth. Every individual has the personal choice on how they want to express their emotions. Some people shut down and some people act out. But no matter what it is the individual's choice how they want to deal with their pain. Some people seek help while others feel it is neccessary to steal or murder others for example. Even though our parents are a huge influence on how we see the world, we have the choice on how we want to live our lives. So to blame society and the media and other forms of influence is completely ridiculous. Our actions are chosen by us. We have the choice!

CHALLENGE COMPLETE!!

Yesterday was the last day of this challenge for me and I am very excited today!! I feel as if I gained a part of me that I was missing for a week. Overall I think this was a very interesting exercise but would probably never do it again. But it did teach me that I use a lot more technology than I thought I did and we take advantage of technology because it is so readily available. It is neat looking back now realizing that I participated in activities I have not done so in a while (card playing, board games, going for a walk, reading). I am sure than if it was nice outside this challenge would have been a little easier, but luckily for me I had a lot of studying to do so this really got me to focus! I think the important lession from this is use things if you NEED to, not just because you want them.

Day 6

So yesterday I went to the gym to work some of the stress out of my system and it felt pretty good, but I got very bored not being able to watch TV like everyone else. Since I do not have cable at home the gym is a nice little treat for me to get caught up on some of my favorite shows. My normal workout is usually around one hour, but yesterday I just was not feeling it, so I was at the gym around a half hour (due to boredom). It is sort of sad to admit but I usually only like to work out when I have some sort of entertainment, that being music or TV. So I did feel a little pathetic that I went to the gym for a half hour...eye-opener I guess. And then I had work and went home to eat dinner and study. I am so glad that I decided to do this challenge this week because I have a lot of things to keep me busy. I have two tests on Friday, both of which I am freaking out about, so this challenge is definitely getting me to open the books and get right to work. I have to wonder if I would be as successful if I were to do this challenge during spring break or something. I do not plan on trying it but it does make me wonder.

Today was a very busy day. I had classes from 8 am - 1 pm and then I had work until 5 followed by volunteer tutoring from 5-6. I didn't need any technology of course because by now all of my studying is simply "fine-tuning" for Friday. I did plan on going to Nick's because I miss not being able to talk to him but because of the storm I did not want to risk it. So now I am finishing up my blog and then plan to look for some advertisements online for our project due next week. Once I go home I plan on having a snack, studying some more and then getting to sleep knowing that tomorrow is my LAST DAY of this challenge. I must admit it feels pretty great and I will probably use more technology than I usually do on Friday just because I can, which again is very sad and pathetic but in my case, it is true. I am kind of proud of myself for doing this challenge because at first I was skeptical. I mean, this was easier said than done, especially for someone who does not necessarily engage themselves in a lot of technology, at least I didn't think I did. But now I realize that even the little bit of technology I normally use, I have become dependent on. As I mentioned in a previous blog, would someone who is addicted to texting be able to do this? Or facebook? Seriously, we all have become so reliant on these "simple pleasures" that we do not know what we take for granted or what we have until it is gone. And trust me I am feeling the pain! But I do thank Dr. Mortimore for allowing me to challenge myself and my "will power". It is neat to see my own strengths, and realize how truly weak I am.