FALL 2024
BUSE 119
Persuasive Writing
I am the ideal candidate for this position as I have many strengths and unique qualifications that set me apart from other candidates seeking a similar position. I am the type of person that can & will learn anything that is required of me and apply it accordingly. Through dedication, one of my greatest strengths, I have found myself able to accomplish anything I set my mind to do. Alongside my tenacity, my overall mindset has set me up for my ultimate successes. I am able to perceive every experience from a stable position of growth & learning, allowing me to relinquish my personal attachment to any outcome. As a new member of your team I will bring a creative, and direct approach to work; with a general sense that the team’s ideas are established by the individuals involved, I believe in collaboration and inspiring one another. If I were to join your team I know that we will be able to continue making an impact on the industry itself, and I look forward to the opportunity to join you!
Informative Writing
I am the best candidate for this position as my prior experiences have set me up with the skills necessary to meet these job requirements. I have 5 years of military experience onboard a US Navy submarine; which has formed me into the organized, productive creator that I am. Also, the military service taught me to be calm in moments of possible panic and to accomplish the task-at-hand no matter the extremity of the circumstances involved. Upon completing my military service I lived for half a decade on and off the streets which afforded me the humbling experience of struggle; through which I have discovered abundance in everything I encounter. In recent history I have been enrolled in community college, having now completed 2 Associates degrees, with eyes on my 3rd in less than two semesters! The beginning of my higher education has been focused on Communication, Language Arts & Psychology all of which have a cross-sectionality in story-telling (in my humble opinion:) which is the main need of the position I am seeking.
POLI 102
The United States of Federalism: Evolved
Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided, by a constitution, between a central government and regional governments. The implementation of Federalism in the United States has included many revisions and is still continuing to develop today. In its earliest application, as the Constitutional framers were creating doctrine designed around individual liberty, equality, justice and the pursuit of happiness; along with the separation of powers, federalism was a means to, “...ensure that the government they created did not pose an even greater threat to its citizens’ liberties and property rights than did the radical state legislatures they despised.” (Ginsberg, et. al. Pg. 47) Learning from their mistakes within the Articles of Confederation, and insight from writings of men like John Locke; the framers aimed to create an opportunity for government, and those it governed, to interact and live cohesively. This paper will discuss the early historical inclusion of Federalism by the Constitutional framers, the different forms Federalism has taken in the United States since its implementation, and conclude with the advantages and disadvantages of Federalism. Ultimately, discovering how federalism has evolved in the United States in its 250 year conception.
America was founded in turmoil. Between slavery and settler colonialism, the founders of this country and their constituents held highly polarizing beliefs and values. On one hand they were committing, now commonly known atrocities, and on the other they fought for “freedom for all” from the crown, and any form of dictatorial government (if you were a landowning Causcasian male.) However, it was recognized rather quickly that the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation were directly in-line with the lack of, and mostly in opposition to, a strong centralized government being written into them. The benefit to the states, in sovereignty, that the Articles offered was a complete disregard for any common interest of the newly formed nation as a whole. Foreign commerce began taking advantage of these sovereignties and pitting states against one another with no central means of taxation or tariffs, creating a dysfunctional and sometimes dangerous market. Furthermore, with no centralized government, foreign affairs in general were left up to each state individually. Upon sending John Adams to the British Parliament, it became apparent that foreign officials were going to take advantage of a decentralized government, aiming to work with each state separately, further segregating the states power from one another. With all of this in mind, the “second founding” had a national government at its core, the question was how to implement this contradictory plan. With this question came The Compromises. The Virginia Plan was biased towards larger states, with population size and financial contribution being represented on the national stage in a bicameral legislature. The New Jersey Plan declared a unicameral legislature wherein representation would be equal amongst the states regardless of population size or finances contributed to the national government. Whereas The Connecticut Compromise, better known as The Great Compromise, implemented ideas from both. It offered a bicameral legislature, with a Congress consisting of two chambers, The House of Representatives–seats by population, and The Senate–equal seats. The acceptance of this compromise (and a few other “things” not being discussed in this paper…three-fifths) is what allowed federalism in America to evolve the first time; changing from a confederation of sovereign states to a unified sovereign country. The constitutional framers understood the desire for individual freedoms, and the necessity of a national representation (for the global scale) thus leading them to include federalism directly into The Constitution of the United States to protect those same individual freedoms.
Initially, the Constitutional framers feared a strong central government and as such developed a state-centered federalism, or dual federalism, wherein the states were given most of the power to create and enforce state legislation and the national government was strictly directed to oversee and implement international tariffs, interstate business dealings, patents and to manage items like a national currency. From 1789 to 1937 a number of changes were made that expanded the reach of the national government, still keeping the state and federal sides separate but cohesive to one another. In 1937, following the Great Depression, President Roosevelt and his administration forever changed the face of federalism in the United States when they implemented the New Deal. “The economic crisis of the Great Depression and the nature of the government response signaled a new era of federalism in the United States…[President Roosevelt] proposed a variety of temporary relief and work programs, most of them to be financed by the federal government and administered by the states.” (Ginsberg, et. al. Pg. 78) This change shifted the power schema of the United States from dual federalism (layer cake) to cooperative federalism (marble cake) within which the national government provided relief to the states in the form of federally funded grants-in-aid. Each ‘grant’ gives specific purposes and means by which they can be applied, as regulated by the national government. Although these programs may be regulated by the national government, it is difficult to distinguish where national policies end and state and local control begin. In order to better define these distinctions, in the 1970’s Congress shifted its stance from cooperative to regulated federalism (which is more like the icing encompassing the cake.) Regulated federalism is that in which the national government sets “standards of conduct” for the states. This is a direct means of creating uniformity across the states even when differences in policy making arise. This administered version of federalism ensures states follow rules and regulations regarding pollution, health and safety, disabled access, etc. Although every state maintains its sovereignty, in its particular decision making, federalism has created a blanket for each state to preside under; creating a strong national government that is supplemented by the freedom of the states, and their residents, to decide what is best for each of them specifically individually.
Federalism is a double-edged sword; the benefits of its revolution like that of forged steel, bringing with it the potential of fatal downfalls. The advantages and disadvantages of federalism is the conversation and debate that has been going on in America since its implementation in the Constitution. More than a conversation, this is the line that is being moved whenever a new policy, law or amendment is created. Whether at the national, state or local level, each time the line is drawn between federalism and sovereignty and how to balance both simultaneously. As OpenStax College explains on oertx.highered.texas.gov, “Among the merits of federalism are that it promotes policy innovation, political participation and accommodates diversity of opinion.” (2021) The innovations that can be seen are typically from the state and local level, as at these stages of government decisions are simpler to pass and ratify into action. Although not all state or local legislation may see the national policy floor, some prepare the way for the national movement. Examples of this can be seen in desegregation, child labor and specific rights to vote. Where the federal government took time to implement policy and law on these matters, some states had already forged the way and given the national government frameworks to pull from. OpenStax College goes on to further explain some weaknesses of federalism, “...economic disparities across states, race-to-the-bottom dynamics…and the difficulty of taking action on issues of national importance.” (2021) The race-to-the-bottom dynamics that are being spoken of here are what led the United States to issues like the Great Depression and the Housing Market Collapse of 2008. Competition amongst states is great for business until states start undercutting one another to draw businesses to their area, ultimately destabilizing the market and creating the complete collapses we now colloquially recognize. This ‘sovereignty’ in decision making can also lead to bad strategy at the local and state level which can ultimately create a ripple that affects the national government as well. The balance of these advantages and disadvantages will be debated and redrawn for the foreseeable future as the United States and federalism continue to evolve.
Since its adoption by the Constitutional framers, some 250 years ago, federalism has evolved. Recognizing the failures of the Articles of Confederation and the need for a strong central government, the founding members of this country included expressed and implied powers into the Constitution that gave the national government the authority to develop a nation. The advantages and weaknesses of federalism continue to be tried and tested, which continues to add to the development and evolution of it. In the United States federalism has shifted from a state-centered dual federalism for its first 150 years to a federally set “standards of conduct,” regulated federalism, after the 1970’s. Again, Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided, by a constitution, between a central government and regional governments. My biggest concern…will the United States federal government ever become a cake pan?
POLI 121
Discussions
Week 4
In his book What Money Can’t Buy, author Michael Sandel suggests that, “we need to rethink the role [and reach] markets should play in our society…we need to think through the moral limits of markets. We need to ask whether there are some things money should not buy.” (Sandel, Pg. 7) He then goes on to further explain the two ‘daunting obstacles’ that occur when attempting to do this ‘rethinking,’ “One is the persisting power and prestige of [markets and] market thinking [a mechanism for organizing the production and distribution of goods]…the other is the rancor and emptiness of our public discourse.” (Sandel, Pg. 11)
Market economy: a tool–-a valuable and effective tool–-for organizing productive activity. (Sandel, Pg. 10)
Market society: a way of life in which market values seep into every aspect of human endeavor. It’s a place where social relations are made over in the image of the market. (Sandel, Pg. 10-11)
I DO think there are some things, money, should NOT be able to buy! The author gives an impressive list at the start of the introduction to his book, which I seem to fall pretty in line with: prison cell upgrades, access to anything “carpool” while being solo, the services of a surrogate mother to carry a pregnancy, the right to immigrate, the right to shoot endangered animals, a cell phone number of any health professional in a “concierge” status, the right to pollute, admission of children (with wealthy parents) into university without the academic history to back it up, private military enlistment, paying children to read books in school, financial incentives by health insurers for weight loss and healthy behavior, and the purchasing of other people’s life insurance policy
I feel like this is a great scale for the types of things money should NOT be able to buy, as some of them are a bit simpler like “carpool” access when solo, all the way to betting on people’s deaths for a profit margin gain. The commodification of some things is inherently unhealthy for the human experience and as such should be kept within the holy ground in which it was razed… raised.
Aaron James in Asshole Capitalism utilizes John Rawl’s ‘veil of ignorance’–-”suggesting we are to consider what kind of society we would be willing to live in, assuming that we are ignorant of our particular social position, including such things as our race, gender, class, or talents…” (James, Pg. 160) which is the antithesis to “asshole reasoning” which tells us all that we are “fundamentally special.”
Something that I say, “No one is special, I’m special to me.”
In this chapter, James compares the capitalism of Japan, Italy and the U.S. stating, “Japan has little reason to worry, because its ‘collectivist’ culture keeps people on a cooperative footing. Italy is already an asshole capitalist system…[while] the United States stands on the precipice…” (James, Pg. 148)
I’m not sure if I’m missing something in the reading about which version of capitalism James thinks is better; but a quote I did find is, “Japan is fine, Italy already qualifies as an asshole capitalist system, and the United States is in trouble.” (James, Pg. 171)
The Family - is itself subject to the powerful tendencies generated within an entitlement capitalist system…Asshole parents will tend to beget asshole children. (James, Pg. 166)
Religion - there's no reason to think that asshole capitalists do not regularly attend church. (James, Pg. 168)
Punishment - [the asshole] is most effective in the gray areas, where violations of a social rule are difficult to establish in the public way needed to support unified efforts in social sanction…often effectively [turning] cooperative people against one another precisely when agreement in such efforts is most needed. (James, Pg. 169)
Shame - witness the United States today, where an asshole parade in politics, cable news, and reality TV mainly reinforces a culture of shamelessness. (James, Pg. 169)
Liberal Society - any positive influence on virtue induced by market relations might cease or be swamped by a more powerful sense of entitlement. (James, Pg. 170)
Perceived Fairness - an entitlement system of capitalism… loses support among cooperative people precisely because it is perceived as insufficiently beneficial and fair. (James, Pg. 171)
Cooperative Faith - societies once marked by trust do, after all, fall apart. (James, Pg. 171)
Week 6
Identity politics is many things, as it has evolved since its inception in the, “1977 manifesto of the Combahee River Collective, an organization of queer, Black feminist socialists…” (Taiwo, Pg. 6) and was created as a means for, “entry points for Black women to engage in politics.” (Taiwo, Pg. 8) The initial aim was that of ‘solidarity & collaboration’ for black women and more specifically a place that, “would guarantee a voice for lesbians.” (Taiwo, Pg. 7) What identity politics has become and is used for is far more widespread and sometimes shares a sinister plot.
Taiwo’s central claim is two fold; identity politics is “the ideology that emerged to appropriate [the] emancipatory legacy in service of the advancement of political & economic elites…” (Taiwo, Pg. 8-9) using the strategies of elite capture to “target ideas that aren’t essential to identity-based movements or that misconstrue their basic goals entirely.” (Taiwo, Pg. 9) Stating that the bureaucracy takes control of certain narratives and manipulates them to their advantage all the while giving the facade of care for the individuals it represents, through ideological concepts of identity.
Elite capture is, “a kind of system behavior–a phenomenon articulated at the population level, an observable (predictable) pattern of actions involving individuals, groups and subgroups [the bureaucracy], each of whom may be pursuing any number of different goals from their own narrow point of view. Elite capture is not limited to the scope of their intentions. The constant dynamic of individual and group interactions makes up a social system, and elite capture emerges out of that dynamic.” (Taiwo, Pg. 10-11)
His first example of elite capture is that of the “Black bourgeoisie,” a social class of wealthy people, merchants, and business owners, whom Edward Franklin Frazier, “accuses of being an insecure, powerless group constantly constructing a world of ‘make-believe’ to deal with an ‘inferiority complex’ caused by the brutal history of racial domination in the United States.” (Taiwo, Pg. 15-16)
“Neocolonialism [elite capture]: a condition in which those young nations’ new ruling elites were either sharply constrained by or actively colluding with the corporations and governments of the former colonial powers–and the international system they dominated.” (Taiwo, Pg. 17)
Less collective action by people.
More remote decision sites.
The rise of technocrats, a member of a technically skilled elite.
Taiwo shares a quote by Shannon Keating, A BuzzFeed writer who states this about ‘queer politics’, “the best way for queer people to get ahead, it seems, is still to act as though we are just like everybody else.” (Taiwo, Pg. 31) Which in and of itself is an example of how deep rooted ‘elite capture’ has grasped into this community and many others like it.
“Karl Marx famously observed, ‘Philosophers have only interpreted the world in various ways; the point, however, is to change it.” (Taiwo, Pg. 114) Which I would say is a critique of philosophers' inactive, and more so reactionary approach to life.
Taiwo claims, “this virtue [deferential politics], also becomes a vice when trauma’s importance and prevalence are framed as positive bases for social credentials and deference behaviors, rather than primarily as problems to deal with collectively.” (Taiwo, Pg. 118-119) Which if I’m being completely honest I have no clue what he is getting at here, and my brain cannot interpret any more politics right now.
I think this reading is a great insight into the many layers that involve elite capture and identity politics. I agree with many of the perspectives laid out within and can comprehend many of the others. I think the idea that this may be a conspiracy is slightly disheartening as that is just one more barrier of contention to explain when getting into such topics. I would hope that in the years to come we can learn to see these traits of systems and to change them… isn’t that, after all, the point?
Capitalistic Me
The American dreamscape is a facade. A glinting mirage. An oasis that exists in the mind's eye. Market madness is the cut of the day and will be forced on repeat until further notice. Maintenance is on staycation from a global scamdemic, which occurred a lifetime ago. They will not return until you have perished because they are too afraid to be replaced by AI. The machine is in motion. You may only exit the ride–barring giving up all your most valuable thoughts & emotions; even so, we will tax you 2 coins for the crossing of the River Styx. Be prepared to-give-in-to your darkest fears as you are embraced by the warmth of convenience. Relax and stay a while, as we squeeze the last drops of joy from your thoughts’ wallet. Hand over the keys so we may ensure the long lasting endurance of concrete & drywall. Join us in this, ever-expanding & 1000-year, market society! Or better stated, “a way of life in which market values seep into every aspect of human endeavor. It’s a place where social relations are made over in the image of the market.” (Sandel, Pg. 10-11) I will henceforth reflect on the experience of my ‘life as labor in America’ and analyze the type of psychobabble bullshit I feed myself within my daily dietary requirements of self-indulgence.
I am a United States Navy–Submarine–Veteran. Let’s start it right there. I always have to include that “submarine” part. In some way, shape, and form this distinguishes me, in-my-own-mind along with others, from any other thing to do with the US military. After all, only 2% of “our” fractionally small Navy will serve onboard a submarine, I’m unique… it also infers that I didn’t personally partake in any form of direct killing; although I may have lost “my mind” in other ways, my hands are clean, so to speak. I'm a terrestrial alien, that we call human. Any further than that I am a blue collar worker and a student. I am a writer, author and publisher… I’m transcribing the first 77 copies of my first book by hand and have the first 7 copies completed. Why these numbers? Why these firsts? To put it simply because it works out to writing 1001 pages by hand, which seems reasonable and achievable. To analyze its meaning, everything is all a gamble. On some levels I feel as if I have won the lottery, on others, not so much. I am a second generation American that comes from a middle class family of convicts and lawyers, managers and employees. Artists and computer scientists, farmers and hustlers; hard-working, driven individuals …Unfortunately that is all we ever really are in my “family”...individuals. Each of us on our own path, most separated and trekking in the multiverse, discovering ourselves. Through this experience, any form of familial wealth is given through the lessons we learned along the way together. I have come to appreciate the simple beginnings I stem from with shared morals, and story time; imagination & reason. I am still learning how to create any form of financial wealth for myself as this is not something that my relatives focused on or discussed for that matter. Which is part of the lottery that I am still trying to interpret. My personal purchasing power goes as far as my smile & authenticity can take me, as a six foot tall caucasian man (I hold no real weight within any financial institutions), sometimes it's a card that plays for me and others it's against… There is no definitive way to distinguish when these times will be, as it is all a matter of the moment. All the previous of which has been a bunch of ‘hooyah’ for, I'm unique. Ooops. That being said, by the time I was 22 I was nearly $100,000 in debt, and by the age of 27 I was living on the street (mostly at the beach) in a tent. So however the story goes, I’m still here at 35 indulging in my achievements & downfalls. Basking in the glory of my own perceived ability to survive the apocalypse. Accepting the privileges within which I was born. “We need to rethink the role [and reach] markets should play in our society…we need to think through the moral limits of markets. We need to ask whether there are some things money should not buy.” (Sandel, Pg. 7) Are there some things money should not buy? To be frank, I think there is a clear answer of, ‘yes’. However, I also think the point where that yes crosses the line into ‘maybe,’ it all becomes a very shady & blurred space. The commodification of some things is inherently unhealthy for the human experience and as such should be kept within the holy ground within which it was razed. Why continue to play with fire?
The reason we continue to play with fire is because we like getting burned. The reminder of the pain that we can overcome and the perceived control we feel over the dancing of its flames. How far can we push the envelope before it is engulfed by the air of audacity? I am an Asshole Capitalist. ‘No one is special, I am special to me.’ This is one of my ways of being. It feels way to similar to John Rawls ‘veil of ignorance’ described by Aaron James, “[which suggests] we are to consider what kind of society we would be willing to live in, assuming that we are ignorant of our particular social position, including such things as our race, gender, class, or talents…” (James, Pg. 160) Seeing as how I partake in a society, freely and willingly, that is the antithesis of ‘asshole reasoning’ it stands to be that I agree with its function; otherwise I would not partake or furthermore, would stand and see it to its end!!! But I am just an individual. How could one person’s political beliefs that each party is right-and-wrong depending on the intentions behind their action be of any effect. Or that my identity is mine own to bear, and that my values and ideals are available to witness by those willing to see. This grand scheme of a parlor trick, that is cannibalistic capitalism has led us on a path dissecting preferences with a fork, like a knife in the road. Party preferences are deciding whether you prefer shit or piss in the alley of your favorite night club. Falling on one side of the fences, means that you have fallen. Balance upon the beam of shadow cast by your own light. Be willing to step into the fray, as those with good intentions must sometimes commit acts of perceived criminality to tip the scales of Righteousness. Justice will be served, not in the court of man, but within the heart of creation. Revenge is the cold blooded brother of vengeance, each wielding blades doubly crossed. Do not tempt those who would see to the demise of us, as they will snatch at any opportunity to do so. Embrace The Self within and be accepting without. I know that you got all that I needed from that and any misinterpretations are not of malicious intent.
Overall, I think personally, growing up in an America and partaking in the governmental system within which we find ourselves has created many days of personal disbelief. Somehow shocked, that we have all agreed to continue this charade, all the while partaking in it myself. How do we get off a ride that we were born strapped into? Especially when speaking with the conductor may only come once in a lifetime, and the gear turns. Where are the tools or devices that others have utilized to remove themselves from this merry-go-round of whiskey-tango-foxtrot. Why is no one else speaking of this? Oh excuse me, you can’t use this bathroom.
PSYC 230
Reflection Journal
Unit 1: Research & Critical Thinking
The most memorable thing for me from Unit 1; which is more of an appreciation, is the review of the basics of research definitions. At times, I still have difficulty remembering the difference between the dependent and independent variables in a research environment. Having even the simplest of things, such as that broken down, has helped even just with the reminder of the definitions.
I am naturally an observer and although I have never done any formal research (in a lab, or even for a class) I have definitely been researching “reality” my entire conscious existence. This unit has reminded me of some of the basics that I use naturally in my interpersonal relationships; such as collecting data and interpreting correlations, or recognizing lack thereof:)
I didn’t realize this question before answering the previous, to clarify, I think Unit 1 can be directly reflected in how many of us interact within our own interpersonal relationships. We may not go to the extent of some top end research facility. But the foundation for these ideas takes place within each of our personal experiences and relationships with others.
With my little understanding of these theories of development, and pulling little more than from the page of information the professor gave us about these theories; Bronfenbrenner sticks out the most to me. It seems as though his ideas of development intermingle with every other theory described. As an example: Piaget’s theory of thinking and reasoning can also be applied through the social forces, environment, and relationships theory that Bronfenbrenner explains. Or rather, is it because of these things that Bronfenbrenner addresses that our thinking and reasoning skills change over time?
Unit 2: Prenatal Development
I am very new to the understanding of child development (and human biology in general) so every topic we are going to cover is basically brand new to me. I say “basically brand new” because I may have some idea, or heard about the concepts, such as; conception, embryo, uterine wall, and even chromosomes. But this class is doing an amazing job of defining those things for me in a simple and easily digestible manner.
The single page given to us in class depicting the stages of pregnancy and the growth that a zygote, embryo and fetus go through to develop into a human baby is a great resource for my understanding of the process.
I am the oldest of 5 kids on my moms side, and as such much of my childhood revolved around a pregnant mother. I have always done fairly well to understand that I have no clue what someone is experiencing, going through that process, and that I should just stay out the way.
Unit 2 has given me a bit more understanding of the process itself and the nuances that pregnant women are going through such as postpartum depression and the mental & physical stressors they experience before, during and after pregnancy.
I am an eternal uncle and don’t perceive any version of this reality where I have children. In that experience I have always kept myself delightfully ignorant to the natural processes occurring to bring all my nieces & nephews into this world. This Unit has done a great job of simplifying a void of information in my reality. Although I don’t have a direct need for the information in my career path, the tertiary knowledge will assist me in understanding that which pregnant mothers all around me may be experiencing, guiding me to act accordingly.
I wouldn’t say a specific theory sticks out necessarily, but more of a way that I am tying it together in my head, into a question. Erickson’s theory of, “social relationships fostering our development…and the competence or inadequacy that impacts future development stages.” As such, how does a success or failure in any of the life stages of development that mothers experience themselves impact their pregnancy and the child’s development?
Unit 3: Infancy & Toddlers
The most memorable part of the information from this chapter was about newborn development and nutrition in the first 1-2 years. Learning the different time frames for a baby's sleep/eat schedule along with the speed at which their early growth rate occurs was all new for me. I had a brief understanding just from living around my younger siblings, while growing up, that I would say is residual knowledge; but I had no idea about the specifics until now. Realizing that a baby needs breast milk or formula for at least the first year, and no water for the first six months is all news to me!
As I said I grew up around children being raised, I’m the oldest of 5 on my mom’s side. Each child was born around every 4-5 years so in every phase of my early life I remember a baby being involved. I just went back and read my previous journal from Unit 2 and it relates very similar to my life in the sense I didn’t ever fully pay attention to all this information even though I was around childhood development my whole life.
Although, I don’t have any specific babies in my life at the moment. In the future I will have a much greater understanding of what they are going through in early development and the simple ways in which I can help their parents. Whether it's keeping an eye on their baby for a brief moment or helping a new parent learn simple tools, and to stay on top of it!
Jean Piaget’s theory of Cognitive Development and the introduction to the different stages that he has defined was a great insight. Understanding the differences between gross & fine motor skills and the ways in which we can assist babies in developing was a great help to knowing their limits and when it is safe to push them.
Unit 4: Early Childhood
Overall, I took away that communication and modeling are very important at this age. The way in which we all interact with children between the ages of 2-6 regardless of our relation to them is very important to their development, physically & emotionally. I appreciated the distinction between Initiative & Guilt and Punishment & Consequences. This has given me a greater understanding in general of the means by which humans interact and healthier ways to approach certain situations.
As I have shared in class I have a niece in this age group, she just turned 6, and it was great to be able to reflect some of the concepts and stages to my perspective of her experience. As I don’t have any say in her nutrition or physical activity, I won’t contribute much with the information from this lesson; however understanding some of the cognitive and emotional states a child of this age is, will go a long way to my interaction with her.
This unit was applicable to my overall education because I have no prior structured knowledge of this information and starting to understand the early childhood years of 2-6 has given a structure to my comprehension of human development in general. I feel that a strong argument can be made that humans, at this age, are beginning to grapple with conscious awareness of the world around them and without the proper guidance or structure later life becomes difficult to navigate. I think a difficulty comes with attempting to reflect back on our personal experiences at this age, as memory is not fully developed yet, and we can never quite get a clear picture through others' explanation of it to us (i.e. I can remember, or be told about some adversities that I faced as a youth, but will I be able to fully understand why & how it affected me.)
I brought it up above, but Erikson's Social Theories about the differences of Initiative & Guilt and being able to teach children how to think of implementing ideas rather than comparing along with added negative criticism empowers them to think critically and be more solution-oriented. I personally think this is a very important skill for kids to start getting familiar with at an early age, so they can develop the application of them in youth.
Unit 5: Middle Childhood
The most memorable part of this unit was the understanding that youth in this age bracket are juggling some major concepts of life, such as; self-esteem, and conscious awareness of the Self. Understanding the the youth start grappling with these ideas at such an early age is important to our application of how we engage with them. Knowing that they can be affected by the ways in which we communicate with them and also the things they see us do is very important to their overall development, and determining the type of personality they experience.
I have been speaking of my niece a lot throughout this class as she is just turning 6 years old and going through many of the things we are discussing. However, with this module specifically it started leaning more towards my youngest brother as he is just getting out of this part of his childhood, and I can see how he has been affected by his peers, family, and environment around him. He is still learning how to speak for himself, and yet he still carries so much personality with him. Moving into the next units I am excited to see how I can reflect on my understanding of him as I was 21 and drinking a beer the day he was born:)
This unit was applicable to my relationships as I have recently been reestablishing my relationship with my younger brother. He now has a cell phone and a bit of freedom in terms of being able to decide what he wants to do, and also a bit more leeway to get him away from my moms side:) That being said, this is also a big reminder as to why I have separated myself from my family, in some sense, I am a bad influence. I fully think for myself and don’t always go with the grain, and for a young impressionable youth that is not the best guidance to be given. As such I am also attempting to change some of my habits and perspectives to give a bit more space for his childhood.
Piagets’ Concrete Operational Theory is a great explanation of the types of mental changes that children are going through. Moving from Centration into Decentration, understanding reversibility & conservation, the application of logic to thought. Now I know some of the things that children may be able to grasp conceptually, and I will act as such.
Unit 6: Adolescence
A couple of the questions raised during the warm-ups had me in an existential crisis… but in the best kinds of ways. I was a bit oblivious to the way that they tied to the unit, but as we progressed through some of the things that young adolescence face, the warm-ups made more and more sense.
This unit was one big reflection of all the things that I am still going through as a 35-year-old “young” man… although my physical development has occurred much of my mental & emotional development is still ongoing. I still go through moments of egocentrism, everyone always watching me, and my story is “special.” Overall, this was a major wake up call to the lessons in life that I am still learning, on so many levels.
Unit 6 was applicable to my relationships as my youngest brother is currently in the stage of life, and understanding some of the things he may be going through gives me more of an opportunity to be there for him as he faces some of life's more difficult questions.
Piaget Formal Operational model feels like the basis of my own mind. In terms of how my mind operates; from abstract principles to deductive reasoning, I am still developing these concepts of the mind… one day I will grow up:)
Unit 7: Early Adulthood
To be completely honest I feel like I missed so many class sessions for this unit (I believe 2) but I felt like I missed most of the unit… or it just went by faster than I expected it to. With that the few discussions that we had when I was there were great insights into some more philosophical discussions through the warm-ups and group chats we have. I remember specifically having to think quite deeply about my responses, as some of the questions were things I had not thought of in a long while, or not at all. Ask me what the questions & responses were and I couldn’t tell you on the fly, yet I remember enjoying the thought experiments.
We are now starting to get into the parts of life that I am currently experiencing on a more realistic level. Although the “In-Between” area of emerging adulthood is represented from the ages of 18-29, I personally feel that I am fully in this stage: I am deeply exploring my identity and the possibilities that lay before me. As for the physical development section of this unit, I am on the more youthful side of health, with more to show in aging from my height than any other thing I experience; my posture is starting to feel the force of gravity for sure.
It was more applicable to my own life experience in terms of the “age” that I am, or rather the things that I feel that I am going through in relation to this unit's material. It was a great couple weeks of reflection; recognizing things within myself, being reminded of things to work on, and seeing the changes that I have come through since a more youthful age.
I don’t fully remember talking about all the different theories of development for this chapter, the one I have notes for was Ericksons’ Intimacy vs. Isolation concepts. This stood out to me in terms of the way that it related to me directly. I have an Avoidant Attachment Style, and many people call me ‘Monk’ colloquially. Let’s just say I tend to Isolate, so learning some of the ways in which Intimacy can be impactful has at least given me insight into some of the changes that I can learn to make for myself to be more involved with my community.
Unit 8: Middle Adulthood
The most memorable conversation for me was when we discussed “Intelligence” at middle age, and the difference between fluid-information processing and crystallized-accumulated knowledge. More specifically the idea that for some, fluid-information processing decreases (and some times is non-existent). Which leads me to think that as we age, it is not just genetic that we start having these declines, but also maybe a choice. Investing a lifetime into being “on” may lead some to eventually turn “off” their need for fluid-information processing. Just a thought.
I already recognize myself forgetting microcosmic things in my day-to-day life. “How did the keys get there?” “Where did I need to go again?” and many other minor moments of forgetfulness, which I always chalk up to, “there are some things that I don’t need to remember.” I wonder if for some of us, as we get older, the need to remember becomes more about the experience rather than the details.
Although I am not quite in this phase in life by age, I do feel like parts of it relate to my current experience. Especially in regards to returning to education. The more years I go through, the more I come to appreciate the structure that the education system gives me here in the United States. I decided in the last couple years that I will receive a Master’s Degree of some kind, what that is specifically I am not quite sure. I am now just enjoying the journey!
Erickson’s theory of Generativity & Stagnation was intriguing to me as it is quite distant to my current experience with my family and I have personal ideas of Generational Philanthropy for the entire planet. As I shared in class, I have gone through multiple phases of growth that some may label as “crisis” throughout my life, each time finding myself unsatisfied with the position I put myself. I have now come to realize that I was in crisis because I believed my life to be “mid” (or inadequate). With hindsight I can understand the changes I was going through and appreciate the experiences that led me here, to my present moment. Overall, I think Erickson has pinpointed a scale that many experience, at multiple ages in life.
Unit 9: Late Adulthood
The most memorable thing to me was the conversation on sex life/drive of the elderly because the myth of “the lack thereof” seems so prevalent. It seemed wild to me that many people believe as we age that our sexual drive diminishes. I guess because of my personal experience, being around and speaking with people of all ages, I have learned otherwise…but the overall idea that collectively we think our elders stop engaging in sexual acts is wild to me.
Honestly, I am not anywhere near this age group, but at my current age of 35 I can completely understand how many adults in this age bracket experience life. Even in the minute ways in which some of my memories fail me, or my body's physical ability, as I age I can see the effects that life itself has on each person’s experience. This year is the year I decided to recognize my health on a personal level and have begun going to my primary care doctor regularly to build a record of my health as I age. I am starting to comprehend the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and how our early life decisions have an effect on our later years. Although I have not made all the changes I see fit to living a fully healthy lifestyle, I have made some alterations that are seeing to the improvement of my personal experience.
This unit was relevant to my personal life as my grandparents are getting older now, and I have begun to engage more with them over the last couple years. Moving forward I will be more tentative to their needs and be understanding of their limitations and capabilities. I will be more aware of their health needs and be sure to check in with them about their mental space and happiness. Having spent a portion of my life in isolation from society I can understand that which they may just be starting to experience, and I will do better to be sure and connect with them on any levels that I am capable.
I really enjoyed thinking about Erickson’s ideas of integrity and despair as it seems that the more we don't strive to meet our goals and dreams in early life, the more we are mournful of our decisions in our later years.
Unit 10: Death & Dying
The most stand-out thing I remember was the idea that “middle adults” have the most anxiety about death compared to any other age group. This was surprising to me as I am amongst that age bracket and have never felt that, or heard of any other people my age speaking like that. I understand these are broad ideas and cover the full range of people in the world, it was a bit different than what I experienced. I personally would have thought that those closer to death would have more fear or anxiety, but it makes complete sense after the lecture about their level of understanding and the responsibilities they have completed or turned over by that stage in their life.
I have come to terms with death long ago, and have settled with my fear of it for far longer. The unknown will always bring fear, which also brings the opportunity for courage to thrive. To understand death, is to comprehend the finality of existence. I am happy to have woken today and to have another opportunity to experience that which we call life. I will do my best to enjoy every moment.
This unit is applicable to everyone's life, as each of us is heading towards death's door, alongside each other. No matter when our time comes, and however it may be, each of us experiences that moment once in a lifetime.
I wouldn’t say that it was a theory discussed fully in this unit, but I do think contemplating Bronfenbrenner’s idea that a “multitude of influences on human development (social forces, environment, relationships, etc.)” and how this all comes into play as we each are entering the final stages of life, especially when thinking about any type of social death that we may experience along the way. Imagining how someone must feel that they dedicated their life to fostering healthy and strong relationships and then at some point are dehumanized and ostracized from that same community they helped develop is truly painful to think about.
