Wild Men

The only movie I could really think of on this topic that I have actually seen is “The Outsiders.” It was first a book based off the lives of young men that lived on opposite sides of town and therefore divided themselves into the “greasers” and “socs.” It is told from one of the youngest greasers, Ponyboy who seems to have a more naïve outlook on his life and the different events that take place throughout the movie and novel. I believe this is a case of “Wild Men” because after Johnny (a greaser) kills a soc in self defense, he and Ponyboy are forced to run in order to avoid time in jail. They are two teenagers forced to survive on their own and stay hidden from family and friends. They end up miraculously becoming hometown heroes when they save children from a church fire; an accident that cost Johnny his life. Ponyboy has to return home and face the troubles he left behind between his family, the greasers, and the socs from the nicer side of town. The socs and greasers are continuously fighting and will never seem to stop, not even with the help of the slain soc’s girlfriend Cherry. This movie takes on the classic issue of how kids from “opposite sides of the tracks” will never get along or understand things from the other group’s point of view.

In Jack Boozer’s article on wild men and wild women he mentions while analyzing Thelma and Louise the importance and effect the setting can have on its characters and the overall theme that is trying to be portrayed (208). Boozer discusses the influence the West has on Thelma and Louise and how that setting plays into the culture of the film; this is similar to what is occurring in “The Outsiders (209)’ Where the story takes place sets up all the conflict as well as the pivotal moment where Pony and Johnny become real wild men. It is through this setup of men from opposite sides of town that lessons are learned and lives are changed forever. This view of where the story takes place also creates opportunity for culture to be involved which is another factor the author Boozer mentions (Boozer, 208). The feud between both groups in the movie is based around two cultures colliding. The Socs are clean-cut, wealthy, letterman jacket wearing young men while the Greasers are less privileged, rough around the edges, leather jacket wearing boys. It is through their constant fighting and “Rumbles” that boys become men and both sides have their bonds tested when they lose people they care about. The fact that a woman tries to play the peacemaker or problem solver in this movie is also a reverse of the gender roles (Boozer, 210). Although she plays the “innocent girlfriend bystander” Cherry takes on a much more important role, a role that does not usually belong to the woman in a story of this nature.

Even though Ponyboy and Johnny only live like wild men or fugitives for a short period of time, they, as well as their other Greasers, really embody the characteristics of real wild men. Especially since Pony, along with his brothers are parentless in their situation. The other important factors that attribute this behavior are where the movie is taking place as well as the colliding cultures present in the story. Without the lack of parental supervision, classic setting of “who lives on what side of town,” and the constant reminder of cultural differences between the groups the presence of wild behavior would not have existed.

Boozer, Jack. “Seduction and Betrayal in the Heartland: Thelma and Louise.” Literature Film Quarterly, vol. 23 no. 3, (July 1995). Salisbury State University.

Week 4 Blog Reviews

Week 4 Blog Reviews:

Whitney: I think Whitney did very well this week. She was able to objectively sum up the painting she chose as well as give a well written opinion and insight into what she believed Kahlo was trying to express. My only criticism would be to include a more descriptive analysis of the painting. She did the objective aspect very well and chose many objects and aspects of the piece to point out, but I was missing a vivid description of the work itself. I wanted to know about the different colors and more about why Whitney believes Kahlo created this piece the way she did. I really enjoyed this week’s post. =)

Victoria: Victoria’s objective description was very impressive. She really was able to break down all the major factors that make up the portrait and discuss those elements in a distinct objective manner. I really enjoyed reading that aspect. I also liked how Victoria connected this particular painting into her own life by saying how sometimes she feels beaten down as well. My only constructive criticism is similar to what I said about Whitney’s post. I was really missing the vivid detail of the work itself. I wanted her to describe the painting so that even if I did not have a picture at the top of the post I could still have good insight into how it looked. I was looking for more of what Victoria had to say about the different elements and her opinion on how those pieces came together to form the whole picture. I didn’t have the guts to choose a painting that intense and controversial so kudos to that aspect as well! Good job this week =)

Nicole: I really enjoyed reading Nicole’s post this week. I think she did an excellent job describing the painting in both an objective and descriptive way. I read about the colors, shapes, and positions of all the factors that made up this piece. She also described how each element could possible relate to real life events that were taking place with the artist. Her ability to connect the two was very impressive. Great job this week! =)

Frida Kahlo was a very brilliant, tortured artist in the last century. Her work has inspired books, other artists and leaders, and even a film about her life. During her lifetime many viewers of her pieces believed they were outlandish or shocking simply because she chose not to depict the average life or objects the majority of artists choose to create. One particular painting of Kahlo’s really caught my eye, and seems to relate back to her sometimes painful and dark lifetime.

In the painting entitled, “Tree of Hope” the artist herself is depicted in two separate settings. On the left side of the picture is Kahlo wrapped in hospital blankets on a gurney. She has either current lacerations or scarring from what appears to be a horrible accident. On this particular side, Kahlo has chosen to hide her face from view, showing the viewer only her lower back and her long black hair. The background includes a depiction of almost a canyon-like floor with cracks and mountain views toward the back. This half of the painting also shows the bright, burning sun in a somewhat clouded sky. The scene on this side promotes a more lively appearance.

On the right side of the painting the artist has chosen to face the viewer, this time fully dressed in traditional Mexican garb with her hair fully done and enlaced with bright red flowers. She holds a sign in one hand and her back brace in the other, although she appears to be wearing the brace as well. Kahlo also wears jewelry like earrings and a necklace on this side as opposed to the other where she only has a simple sheet over her. The background also has mountains and the appearance of a canyon, although on this side the sky is dark with only the luminescence of the moon for light. There is much richer color on this half of the piece.






Frida Kahlo has frequently been criticized for her choice of subject in paintings as well as the sometimes graphic and obscure way in which she chose to create. “Tree of Hope” is no exception to the unusual pieces Kahlo created throughout her lifetime. This particular painting seems to have a real resemblance and value to the life of the artist. In Martha Zamora’s Excerpts from Frida Kahlo: The Brush of Anguish, the author discusses a terrible accident Frida was in while traveling on a bus. Frida suffered horrific injuries that she had to deal with everyday for the rest of her life. This particular painting seems to capture the anguish and pain she went though after that particular encounter.

The left side of the painting shows the artist with long lacerations or scarring on her back, while she is lying on a hospital gurney. The fact that she has chosen to hide her face gives the viewer the impression that she is too humiliated to show her face and her pain. The unusual aspect of this particular piece lies in the background. While other artists typically let the colors and the lighting of their painting help enhance the mood or theme they are trying to convey, Kahlo does the opposite. On the side where she is miserable in pain the sun burns brightly and happily, giving off the impression that she is feeling this way as well. That however is not the case.

On the opposite side Kahlo appears to be liberated from her wounds although she still bears a back brace. The contraption she is holding in her hands appears to be the dream of one day living without it. The artist wears bold, rich colors which really stand out against the dark background. As mentioned above, the scene behind Kahlo does not seem to match the mood. On the right side the dark canyon, cloudy sky, and light lamination of the moon promotes an eerie, depressed mood, rather than liberation from medical obstacles.

Overall, this painting “Tree of Hope” really caught my eye. While I was expecting something outrageous and graphic from Kahlo, I found a more demur yet still unusual piece really makes a dramatic impact on its viewer. Kahlo really fits into the category of surrealism, with the particular objects she chooses to incorporate within her artwork as well as the change up of backgrounds in order to keep the viewer on their toes. Throughout her life and career Frida Kahlo chose to use the anguish and horrors she actually experienced in order to really make unusual, amazing surrealistic artwork as well as a name for herself in history.


Zamora, Martha. Frida Kahlo: The Brush of Anguish. Chronicle Books.

"Tree of Hope." Art Archive. 17 Sept. 2009 .

The "Wright" Way to Show Others AI

Wright’s essay was not what I was expecting in terms of an article about Artificial Intelligence, especially since previous articles have set a more scholarly, rigid tone. His piece really made it easier for those who do not really have a great deal of interest or understanding of the subject to really grasp the ideas and concepts behind machines and AI in general. Wright begins his article by describing a chess match that had just taken place between a human and computer; the computer represented AI and whether or not machines can really do it better than humans while the man, Garry Kasparov, was a symbol of hope for real flesh and blood people. Wright’s introduction has an obvious bias toward human existence, making it clear which team he was hoping to succeed. Wright goes on to discuss how Kasparov narrowly wins the match but shows a fatal flaw in AI in general: no common sense or soul for that matter (Wright, 140).

By exposing this lack of emotion in our machines, the author sets the reader up to discover how this absence of so called “street smarts” and passion has led to more scientific question about our own mind and state of consciousness. Wright mentions several different scientists and philosophers with their own views on Artificial Intelligence such as: Turing (creator of the Turing Test), Minsky, and Chalmers. Wright discusses their particular points of view as well as their discoveries in the world of AI. The author manages to stay with the reader throughout the article, making it feel as though we are all learning the baby steps and beginning stages of such a complex subject. Most readers, and as Wright mentions, have trouble separating our actual consciousness and ideas from our brain (Wright, 142). Some scientists claim to have discovered it all and have truly unlocked the secrets of the brain while other strongly state that the mind is still a mystery (Wright, 143). The author does very well to show both sides of the issue and let the reader know just how much thought and research has gone into solving the complexity that is consciousness.

Overall, Robert Wright made it much easier to complete this particular writing assignment. Instead of feeling like an outsider, barely grasping the ideas behind Artificial Intelligence, I felt revived. I now know even the smartest scientists in the world still argue about what exactly our thoughts and state of consciousness actually is and whether or not it is a mystery that will ever be solved. How can we know if a machine we just created has thoughts or its own level of awareness when we do not fully understand what that entails? Even if they did function with a mind of their own, machines still lack the basic instincts as well as common sense needed in order to essentially survive in the world today. It was a very pleasant surprise to read an article I could actually understand, and even come away with more knowledge when it comes to AI. Not only is the questioned raised regarding a machine’s ability to possess a state of total awareness, but the thought of us not being able to completely comprehend our own consciousness is brought to the light.


Wright, Robert. Can Machines Think? Maybe So, As Deep Blue's Chess Prowess Suggests.
Time: 25, March 1996. Time Inc.

Reviews a Second Time Around

Whitney: I agreed with Whitney’s opinions a great deal this week, especially in regards to artificial intelligence and consciousness. I too had never really stopped to think about whether or not machines really had their own state of being, or what the actual definition of consciousness was. It really is something I’m sure not many have thought about. Her free write blog also contained a great deal of information especially on the scientific end of what the brain and consciousness consists of. She went into great detail about how our thoughts work and the different processes that make up our ideas. Way to go Whitney!

Victoria: I had trouble starting the week’s writings as well! It was really difficult to know where to start from or even write an entire post about something I had never really thought about or understood. Even though it was a challenge, I believe Victoria did a nice job explaining the article while injecting her own opinions and voice into her piece. She’s absolutely right when she states something along the lines of how scientists do not even completely understand the mind and how consciousness works entirely. Great job Victoria!

Nicole: I really enjoyed Nicole’s Blog this week. Her organization of ideas makes it very easy to read and also makes her point of view really stand out. Her examples were also very creative too, like when she mentioned a growling stomach or even why people side with a particular political party. Her article on Artificial Intelligence was also a great read. While she was very firm in her ideas and beliefs, she also presented both sides of the story and had plenty of statements to back up her opinion on the subject. Nice Job Nicole!

Once again the blogs were so much fun to read! The group did a really great job this week.

Can Machines Do It Better?

Can Machines Do it Better?

Over the past century or so the debate over technology and whether or not it will surpass the human race’s intelligence has become more and more prominent. Some think computers will one day take over the planet and perform everyday tasks for us, making man and his abilities obsolete. Scientist Marvin Minsky believes computers and other forms of technology are more conscious than humans (Davidson, 116). Even though Minsky is a genius on the topic of artificial intelligence, some disagree with his ideas and research. The type of technology he was working on would be most used to complete tedious tasks at a much faster rate, making assembly lines and production much more efficient (Davidson, 117). The machines are also able to store many more memories and experiences because their state of consciousness is built to do so. Minsky states that people are only able to remember small amounts because of how we are programmed and how we have been set up to evolve (Davidson, 120). This makes the human mind seem much less capable than the “consciousness” of a machine. In regards to the question, “Has technology taken over our lives” the answer seems obvious to me.

Instead of believing computers will one day be able to run errands for us or for cars to drive themselves I want to look at the aspect of how much our society relies on technology and the intelligence behind it. In a person’s everyday occurrences they typically use several different outlets of technology such as a cell phone, laptop, television, and GPS. In these way computers have become smarter than humans just because humans have fallen to the temptation of the speed and convenience these devices give us. Do I believe my GPS is smarter than me because it can give me turn by turn directions? Or is it simply easier to punch my destination into the system, than it is to get out a map and find it myself? In this sense I do not agree that the system is more intelligent than I am, but that I would rather rely on its particular function.

Overall, the debate will go on. In some cases technology wins: we constantly use out-sourcing, cell phones, and even medical equipment with a much higher capacity to keep track of the human body. (Interestingly enough we use a machine and its intelligence to track the brain waves and activities of our own mind). However, in other ways the human mind triumphs: we can feel emotions, solve so called “everyday issues,” and even as Minsky said clean the house. Technology has yet to reach the point where it can complete those seemingly miniscule tasks, but even when they do humans will still be needed. Somebody has to press the “on” button right?


Davison, Clive. “I Process, Therefore I Am”. New Scientist. 1993 Vol. 137 No. 1866.

What is an idea? Do I truly know?

It is very difficult for me to pin-point exactly what a thought or idea is. The topic itself is truly never something that has crossed my mind. I doubt many people have ever taken the time, or even the opportunity to look at it from a more abstract perspective. Impressive scientists like Crick and Edelman have taken this topic far beyond the questions asked within our text. Inside their books and articles they delve deeper and deeper within the mind to discover how our thought process and emotions truly work. My personal opinion of what an idea actually is does not stretch quite as far as those scientists, but it is what I choose to believe.

I believe thoughts and ideas come to us not only from our own personal morals and ideals, but outside sources like school, family, and what we perceive from the media. We have the amazing ability to take what we see and hear through media outlets and turn it into our own opinions and ideas. In reality a thought is something our curiosity and sense of discovery makes us create in order to answer the questions the universe and those within it provide. While scientists and theorists choose to “pick apart” the brain in order to see why we think the things we do, I along with millions of others, just want to know why we are here and how to get through the difficult times in our lives. Instead of breaking down my emotions scientifically, I choose to just leave it up to the matters of my heart. I would much rather believe love, anger, and happiness are emotions to feel within.

In the end it is very difficult to break down exactly what an idea or thought is, because it for one is something I have not ever taken the time to truly ponder, along with the fact that there is no one definition to go by. I choose to use my thoughts and ideas in order to make sense of my own life and get through the day, as opposed to exploring the dark, depths of my mind that I will never understand. While I use the influences, ideas, and thoughts of others in order to answer more fundamental questions in my own life, I can create my own morals and ideas in order to become a more complete and well rounded person.

Week 2 Blog Reviews

Nicole:
I think Nicole did a really nice job on both blogs for last week. She used references from the text to help tie in her ideas to the facts presented to us and even used personal experiences in order to prove her point in the first blog. The only part of her writing I can honestly give constructive criticism to is her conclusion of both blogs. I was waiting for an overview of all her main points and just a wrap up of her writing, but instead I felt as if something was missing. The facts, commentary, and personal additives make her ideas and points very strong; she’s just missing the over-the-top ending. Nice Work Nicole =)

Victoria:
Victoria had some really great points for both topics this week. She too was able to call upon past experiences and personal interactions in order to make her arguments stronger which really enhance her writing overall. She really lets the reader get to know her through the examples and words she uses which in itself is very impressive. Many writers struggle to find their voice while writing and Victoria has managed to achieve that. The constructive criticism I have for Victoria is to just proofread her posts before she submits them. There are a few small spelling and grammatical errors that distract from her main ideas. Just by making those small changes Victoria can continue to succeed. Good Job Victoria =)

Whitney:
Whitney did very well with last week’s blog subjects. She really had some great opinions and ideas for both topics which made for a very interesting read. For our “Good without God” discussion she brought up some really great points and was able tackle the subject from a different angle, which really made me view the question in an unusual way. My only suggestions would be to thoroughly read over her blog before submission. I think that would eliminate the minor grammatical and spelling errors, as well as to help her really organize her thoughts. Awesome Work Whitney =)

It was really exciting to read everyone’s blogs this week! It is really fun to see different point of views and writing styles. I cannot wait to read the work over this semester and see everyone’s writing improve. Great Job this week Ladies!

I Still Believe!

Religion is constantly fought over subject throughout the entire world. Some believe in a single personal savior, while others follow several on their path to inner peace and alignment with the universe. In the end the overall goal for most religions or followings is to be a well rounded, kind person in order to make it to heaven or reincarnate into something really meaningful. It was very surprising to read in Lisa Conyers and Philip D. Harvey’s article entitled, “Religion and Crime: Do They Go Together?” that a person of religion is more likely to commit a crime or do otherwise known as “shameful” acts than a one who does not choose to follow (Conyers & Harvey, 1996). This seems to be the opposite of what most believe to be true, although I cannot say I truly subscribe to what their article is saying.

As I child and even now I have been surrounded by a “Catholic way of life.” Going to church and following the examples of my parents and community members truly instilled what my mom and I like to call our “Moral Compass.” It is the small alarm bell that goes off in my head whenever I am in a situation I should not be in. Catholics have the reputation of being very stark, stick to “The Book” type of people unwilling to evolve to an ever-changing world. This is somewhat true, they are out there but I have found many Catholics especially in my family and around my community who are more up to date or those who understand the new challenges we face in the modern world. While we make these adjustments in order to try to keep the world in balance, we still follow our “Moral Compasses” and God in order to continue being kind, understanding people in the world.

I was extremely surprised to read in the same article Catholics are the most violent and most likely to commit crimes (Conyers & Harvey, 1996). While everyone, no matter their religion or following, makes mistakes and must learn from experience I find it hard to believe that Catholics are most volatile. It seems to be the common perception that more Middle Eastern religions are more crime-ridden or violent. This is another opinion that I do not agree with. I do not think crime rates and acts of violence should be broken down by religion, race, or other ways they are currently reported. People tend to focus on the details and begin to form stereotypes and biases against certain groups just because color or religion was reported on the news. No matter what a person is a person, regardless of what religion they follow or what neighborhood they live in.

Overall, I agree with the first article when it discusses the fact that part of a person’s willingness to act out relies on personality and moral followings (Conyers & Harvey, 1996). Parts of those moral choices come from family beliefs and religions followed. That is something that cannot be denied. Does it mean my moral compass as a Catholic is much different than a Lutheran? Not necessarily. It is up to the person and the choices they make in order to determine if they can live a fulfilled life and stay on the right path without the assistance of God or other religious leaders. There are thousands even millions of people who have chosen to not follow God and still make good decisions. In my life, however, I need the extra help God gives me in order to keep my moral compass pointing in the right direction.


Conyers, Lisa and Philip D. Harvey. Religion and Crime: Do They Go Together?
In Free Inquiry, vol. 16 no. 3, 1996. Council for Democratic and Secular
Humanism.
Beedles, Bonnie and Michael Petracca (2001). Academic Communities/ Disciplinary
Conventions. New Jersey: Prentice Hall.

Social Psychology

Social Psychology- The Individual Self Blog

On the first day of school first impressions mean everything. Fellow classmates and educators get the chance to scope out those that they will be interacting with over the next few months. Cliques and groups are also formed by those that dress the same, play the same sports, or participate in similar activities. In essence a great deal is decided and the impression you make on others with speech, body language, and other actions determines where you stand among classmates. However, for students enrolled in online courses all of the above rules are different. People on a computer do not have the opportunity to interact with their fellow classmates and determine their personalities based on the voice or actions simply because that type of interaction never takes place. Although the traditional rules have been placed aside in an online class, people still have the opportunity to show who they really are.

The author Kenneth Gergen discusses how in our society face-to-face interaction is fading very quickly (Gergen 1991). With the capability and convenience of today’s technology more and more are choosing alternative methods of communication such as texting, social networking cites like Facebook and MySpace, and even video calling sites like Skype. We live in an “on the go” society and these advances in our communication have made life easier for all. Once again the question of being able to fully express one’s true self via the internet arises. Is it really possible to make a connection and impression on an individual you have never seen, but rather chatted with online or via text messaging? Even though technology seems to have taken away this sense of individuality and self expression by lessening the number of face-to-face meetings, it has also given people the opportunity to show their true colors in other ways.

Websites today provide adequate opportunity for its followers to express themselves in ways words cannot. Our blog webpage for example gave each student the opportunity to choose colors, layouts, fonts, music, as well as photographs to place on their individual page. It is through these choices our classmates will get a sense of who we really are as well as what we love to do. A student that chose the most basic layout with no pictures and a two sentence explanation of who they are gives others a sense that maybe this person does not like to put all their information out there, or does not take the class seriously. These are obviously just first impressions or observations, but in the end it is those first impressions that really last whether in person or via some outlet of technology. Gergen also put forth the idea that people will act the way society or those around them are acting (Gergen 1991). Meaning in order to not seem radical or unusual to others, people will act relatively the same way. In an online class students do not have to worry about this aspect of social behavior. A student can complete the assignments listening to loud, offensive music wearing a bathrobe, but due to the fact that no other classmates can actually see or hear them they are able to just be their natural selves without fear of rejection. People in traditional classroom settings do not have such luxuries.

In the end most believe the internet or other technological outlets can only hinder a person’s idea of their “true self” instead of opening up new possibilities for self expression. Those online have ample chances to really show others who they are, what their story is, and what they hope to get out of their time spent on a particular website. The world is constantly changing and allowing new opportunities for people to put themselves and their ideas out on the line without having to leave the comfort of their home or favorite bathrobe.





Gergen, Kenneth J(1991). The Saturated Self. Basic Books Inc.
Beedles, Bonnie and Michael Petracca (2001). Academic Communities/ Disciplinary
Conventions. New Jersey: Prentice Hall.