It was a perfect day and the two hour breezy car drive back from the prom group lake house was the perfect time to reflect. Prom, next to graduation of course, was the finale of my high school career. So as we drove back, I wondered what my freshman self would say about my senior self. Throughout high school I have experienced so much; I have made many friends and mistakes, but simultaneously lost parts of who I am and people that were a part of my life. Basically everything changed, from what I wore, to what I was interested in, to who I disliked, to my outlook on life in general.
My freshman self was a closed minded, scared girl, one who was afraid to meet new people and try new things. She might be astounded by the risks I have taken or the diverse people I am friends with. As I looked back on little Sammy, I realized that my old self was a completely different person. If I could pinpoint the feeling it would be disconnected or shaken, almost an out of body experience.
If I could talk to my freshman self, I would give her this advice: The problem with change is that it is inevitable. Everyone must experience it throughout their life and it never stops no matter what we do. It is what connects us as human beings.
Even from the beginning of high school I was afraid of change. I was thrown into a new environment with people I hardly knew. All of my friends from middle school went to a different high school and I felt alone from the start. It took me so long to realize that I would have to accept the new experience. I have no regrets of my decisions throughout high school, I am just happy with the way I have turned out and all of the important life lessons I have learned. I have not completely changed as a person, I have simply molded and shifted shapes into a more intellectual and emotionally secure person.
Monday, May 28, 2012
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
A Guest Blog Post
The following post was written by my good friend Chelsea, who also has her own blog, The Black Umbrella, which focuses on psychology and perception. Here she reflects on her experience as a high school senior and her suffering of senioritis. Enjoy!
A bad case of
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| (via Katey Lynn) |
senioritis: a disease that affects every human being who has ever been a senior in high school. A senior with typical symptoms: not doing homework, not caring that they're not doing homework, not going to school because they're just not feeling going through the dragging process of attending classes that day, they don't pull out their assignment notebook until Sunday night at 11:30 (commonly confused with severe cases of procrastination), etc. They say the disease is contagious; airborne in fact. Seniors who haven't been hit yet, you're part of the lucky bunch. Seniors who have already been hit, you've probably been hit hard. And according to urban dictionary, there's only one cure: graduation.
How can seniors become so apathetic so suddenly?
I was once a junior and boy does that feel like forever ago. A year can change so much. One moment I'm taking the ACT and the next I'm sending in a $300 enrollment deposit, confirming the next four years of my life. One day I'm pulling out my hair from all the stress that comes with US history homework and the next thing I know I don't even care about the C I get on my Calculus quiz.
The concept of time is a complex idea. In reality, you can only move forward with it. You can turn back clocks but you can never make it the same exact time as it was before. It will never be this date, this time ever again. This whole idea, I'll admit, scares me. The fact that I can't relive, that is. I can't relive that moment when I took the ACT (not that I'd want to), I can't be 16 again, I can't legally drive a car for the first time again, and I can't go back to how it used to be. I can only look forward to what's ahead. And there's beauty in that. There's beauty in the mystery of the future. Change can be depressing, sure, but it can also be beautiful. There's so much to look forward to: graduation, college, pursuing a career that you want. It's all scary. But we can't escape the inevitability of change. It's the only thing that is consistent. So we might as well accept it, embrace it, and make the best out of the moments we have because there's no way to escape what we can't control.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Looking Back at Memories
Just as a prelude to what I am about to discuss, it may be a little hard to understand at first, but stay with me.
Ever notice that when you recall a memory, you aren't looking at other people from your own perspective, but from an outsiders view? In other words you are reflecting at the scene as though you are looking at a fish in a fishbowl. You see the situation from a third person perspective as opposed to first person.
While it is possible to think about memories from a first and third person perspective, the idea that we are sometimes the "outsider" of our own memories intrigued me. What does this say about human nature? Does this outsider view reflect how I have changed as a person?
In a study done by Cornell University, faculty had subjects reflect on their present selves and their high school selves. They had the subjects rate themselves on their social skills before and after high school, invoking a third person perspective. The study concluded that the "third-person recall produces judgments of greater self-change when people are inclined to look for evidence of change, but lesser self-change when they are inclined to look for evidence of continuity." This third person perspective seems to be a way of reflecting on the past as someone different, someone who you weren't before.
This isn't to say that we are changed people because of the way we view a memory. But it may reveal something about how we feel about the people or the place in the memory. This weekend I caught myself recalling my trip to Israel in the third person. While I have no bad memories from the trip, I am not as close as I used to be with the people that were there with me, so this space between us may be creating a third person perspective. So next time you catch yourself recalling a memory from an outside perspective, take a step back and ask yourself why.
Ever notice that when you recall a memory, you aren't looking at other people from your own perspective, but from an outsiders view? In other words you are reflecting at the scene as though you are looking at a fish in a fishbowl. You see the situation from a third person perspective as opposed to first person.
While it is possible to think about memories from a first and third person perspective, the idea that we are sometimes the "outsider" of our own memories intrigued me. What does this say about human nature? Does this outsider view reflect how I have changed as a person?
In a study done by Cornell University, faculty had subjects reflect on their present selves and their high school selves. They had the subjects rate themselves on their social skills before and after high school, invoking a third person perspective. The study concluded that the "third-person recall produces judgments of greater self-change when people are inclined to look for evidence of change, but lesser self-change when they are inclined to look for evidence of continuity." This third person perspective seems to be a way of reflecting on the past as someone different, someone who you weren't before.
This isn't to say that we are changed people because of the way we view a memory. But it may reveal something about how we feel about the people or the place in the memory. This weekend I caught myself recalling my trip to Israel in the third person. While I have no bad memories from the trip, I am not as close as I used to be with the people that were there with me, so this space between us may be creating a third person perspective. So next time you catch yourself recalling a memory from an outside perspective, take a step back and ask yourself why.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Choosing Between Opposites
One of my biggest struggles in life is deciding between complete opposites. As one of the most indecisive people you will ever meet, I find myself lost in deciding between two potentially life changing choices. The biggest issue on my mind currently is college. I have been accepted to University of Illinois and University of Miami. Basically complete opposites. Warm vs. cold weather. Big vs. smaller. Far vs. close. Friends vs. strangers.
The more I think about deciding, the more I am unsure of what I want. Both options are great, but both have their pros and cons. How does one make such a huge decision? Making a list of reasons why I should go to one or the other helps, but when I don't have a "deciding factor" it is hard to know which one I want to go to.
I think the hill that I can't seem to get over is the fear of change and whether or not I am ready to break out of my comfort zone. No matter which college I go to, I will have to meet new people and move away from home. But University of Miami is the "riskier" choice. The difficulty of making this choice stems from not knowing exactly what I want, but from the change in general. In The College Spill, Meredith Bazirgan discusses the universal stress of going to college and the difficulties that every student feels,
"Most anyone can and does experience loneliness, and we have found that it is often accompanied by difficulty making friends, homesickness, feeling alone around others, or having too few meaningful acquaintances."
No matter where I go, I will experience the emotional struggles described above. So how can I get past this fear and commit to a school? Part of getting over a problem is recognizing that there is an issue in the first place. Now that I have realized that change and struggle is inevitable, my decision should be easier to make. College is about a change of scenery, a challenge, having fun, and growing as a person. So where can I do that best?
I appear to be at a fork in the road. The Black Umbrella, a blog of one of my classmates, discussed regrets and how to deal with them. We can reflect on our regrets and live in the past if we want, but accepting and realizing there is nothing we can do about the past the only way to move forward. Based on the advice of my fellow classmate, it seems that the University of Miami is the best choice. It offers adventure and challenge at the same time, and no matter what I know that I will have a real, successful college experience.
"Most anyone can and does experience loneliness, and we have found that it is often accompanied by difficulty making friends, homesickness, feeling alone around others, or having too few meaningful acquaintances."
No matter where I go, I will experience the emotional struggles described above. So how can I get past this fear and commit to a school? Part of getting over a problem is recognizing that there is an issue in the first place. Now that I have realized that change and struggle is inevitable, my decision should be easier to make. College is about a change of scenery, a challenge, having fun, and growing as a person. So where can I do that best?
I appear to be at a fork in the road. The Black Umbrella, a blog of one of my classmates, discussed regrets and how to deal with them. We can reflect on our regrets and live in the past if we want, but accepting and realizing there is nothing we can do about the past the only way to move forward. Based on the advice of my fellow classmate, it seems that the University of Miami is the best choice. It offers adventure and challenge at the same time, and no matter what I know that I will have a real, successful college experience.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
The Challenger Deep
While Cameron was in the deep, dark bottom of the Pacific Ocean for three hours, he managed to pull up half a sediment core. This is basically a pile of wet, sandy mud.
I know what you are thinking. Great, a pile of muck. What can we learn from 50 milliliters of mud? And what exactly was the purpose of this exploration in the first place? Exploration certainly plays its role in science, but is this more of the science fiction type of exploration, done just for the purpose of doing it and seeing what is down there? Or will this sample reveal things we never even thought of?
Well, this sample has the potential to change the way we look at geological science, the ocean, DNA, evolution, and so many other parts of science. This part of the ocean has never been explored before, and only time will tell what new species of archaea, bacteria, and fungi are found.
Perhaps the reason I am so exhilarated and excited by this adventure of Cameron's is because it is what science should be about: exploration and imagination. We need more people like Cameron in the world to be brave and go where no one else has gone. Because of his dive, many people are being put to work trying to learn from the sample. Many people are reading about him and being inspired by his story. But on the other side, part of me wonders if it had been a scientist who had gone down to the Challenger Deep, and not a celebrity, if the story would have gotten as much publicity as it did.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Leading up to Success
Over the course of my high school career, I have played at least one sport each year. I have been the freshman who looks up to the older senior players as well as the senior who leads the younger players. Within each sport there are obviously differences in the role the leaders of the team play, but the concept is the same. Recognizing that the idea of a good leader is subjective, in my opinion, team leaders, whether they be captains or older players, should exhibit the following qualities:
1. They lead by example
2. They know the game
3. They treat everyone as equals
These three aspects are the qualities that I feel are the most important in a great team leader. The biggest problem I have seen in high school sports is the lacking in 1 and 3. The leaders of the team are obviously good at what they do, otherwise they wouldn't be playing at such a high level or with the time they are getting. When I played varsity volleyball junior year, the two captains were the two best players on the team, but because they knew they were better than everyone else at the sport, they acted like it and used it as an excuse to look down on people. Instead of giving friendly advice, they would yell at their teammates and criticize them for their mistakes.
When I played on varsity badminton last year, the two captains had the worst attitudes I had ever seen. They refused to run, do the more physically challenging drills, and come to practice on time. They felt that because they were the oldest on the team that they could do whatever they wanted. Because of their lack of leadership skills, the rest of the team and even badminton program itself suffered. The bar wasn't set very high, so the team was not nearly as successful as they could have been.
But seeing these awful leaders in my sports experiences has taught me what not to do. As a senior on the varsity badminton team, I recognize that younger players are going to look up to me not only because I am ranked high, but because I am older and automatically a leader. As cliche as it may sound, being a leader is a huge responsibility and affects more people than one would expect. Being "led" by my previous captains has shown me what influence leaders can have. I quit volleyball this year partially because of my disappointing experience last season. I don't want to be the person to make someone quit something they love to do.
1. They lead by example
2. They know the game
3. They treat everyone as equals
These three aspects are the qualities that I feel are the most important in a great team leader. The biggest problem I have seen in high school sports is the lacking in 1 and 3. The leaders of the team are obviously good at what they do, otherwise they wouldn't be playing at such a high level or with the time they are getting. When I played varsity volleyball junior year, the two captains were the two best players on the team, but because they knew they were better than everyone else at the sport, they acted like it and used it as an excuse to look down on people. Instead of giving friendly advice, they would yell at their teammates and criticize them for their mistakes.
When I played on varsity badminton last year, the two captains had the worst attitudes I had ever seen. They refused to run, do the more physically challenging drills, and come to practice on time. They felt that because they were the oldest on the team that they could do whatever they wanted. Because of their lack of leadership skills, the rest of the team and even badminton program itself suffered. The bar wasn't set very high, so the team was not nearly as successful as they could have been.
But seeing these awful leaders in my sports experiences has taught me what not to do. As a senior on the varsity badminton team, I recognize that younger players are going to look up to me not only because I am ranked high, but because I am older and automatically a leader. As cliche as it may sound, being a leader is a huge responsibility and affects more people than one would expect. Being "led" by my previous captains has shown me what influence leaders can have. I quit volleyball this year partially because of my disappointing experience last season. I don't want to be the person to make someone quit something they love to do.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Women's Rights in the Middle East
All throughout history, people have been persecuted and punished for being different. People have been discriminated against based on race, gender, social class, sexuality, religion, the list goes on and on. But one group that still lacks basic rights is women. Although most people reading this blog right now are from the U.S., we sometimes forget that the rights we have are not universal. Furthermore, the desire for women across the world to have equal rights is not universal either.
The example that led me to write about this issue is the fact that the leading political groups in Egypt are not advocating for equal rights for women. While Egypt claims to be a progressive and modern country, their policies and beliefs do not support that notion. Only two smaller parties agreed to sign pledges for women's rights. While the ousting of Mubarak is one great step for Egypt as a whole, it is only a half step forward for women.
As the picture above clearly shows, it wasn't just men who protested against Mubarak and his oppressive regime. Women had as much to do with the changes made and being made as men. And they certainly were a large part of the struggle. Many women were beaten, raped, killed, and forced to take virginity tests.
So, why are the large majority of parties in Egypt refusing to give them equal rights? Do they really believe women are inferior to men? Part of me believes that the major reason women haven't been given equal rights is because of tradition. So much has already been changed in their society that giving women equal rights is too big of a step right now. They simply fear the change. Plus, giving women equal rights at this moment could prevent them from getting the conservative votes they need in future elections. But this thinking is extremely hypocritical. The people recently elected to parliament gave themselves power and the freedom to run for election, but didn't provide the same opportunities for others.
While Mubarak is gone, the military is slowly but surely losing its power, and a new government is being put in place, Egypt still has a long, long, long way to go. Democracy doesn't happen overnight, and Egypt is a clear example of this. It is a process that takes time, communication, and patience. I wish I could say Egypt is a successful example of a transition from a repressive regime to a democracy that encompasses all of its citizens, but it is not. There is still much Egypt has to learn. But women's rights are important to the success of Egypt as has been proved in many modern, democratic countries, and it is necessary that the new government recognize this fact and factor it into the constitution.
While Mubarak is gone, the military is slowly but surely losing its power, and a new government is being put in place, Egypt still has a long, long, long way to go. Democracy doesn't happen overnight, and Egypt is a clear example of this. It is a process that takes time, communication, and patience. I wish I could say Egypt is a successful example of a transition from a repressive regime to a democracy that encompasses all of its citizens, but it is not. There is still much Egypt has to learn. But women's rights are important to the success of Egypt as has been proved in many modern, democratic countries, and it is necessary that the new government recognize this fact and factor it into the constitution.
Monday, February 13, 2012
The Right to Democracy
The need for new, democratic government is constantly growing and gaining support amongst Islamists as well as a select number of liberals in Egypt. The Muslim Brotherhood currently holds approximately fifty percent of seats in Parliament, more than any other political group. Their spokesman, Mahmoud Ghozlan, spoke recently about the Brotherhood’s desire to appoint a prime minister. They believe that the SCAF has not been successful in controlling violence and facilitating progression into democracy. They want to appoint a prime minister who will take the next step and provide security for the Egyptian people.The only catch is that they want the official to be a member of the Brotherhood.
While instating a new prime minister would ensure the SCAF has less power, the prime minister would then have the ability to form a new government. Plus, if the prime minister can only be chosen from a pool of Muslim Brotherhood members, is this real democracy? The Brotherhood had the clear upper hand in parliamentary elections because of previous experience in politics/elections and also had connections to the Egyptian people. Therefore the Brotherhood needs to recognize that it is not fair to the people to only be able to choose from the Brotherhood members.
Also, the thinking of the Brotherhood is not completely correct in their assertion that instating a new prime would automatically bring about more control and peace. Putting a person in a high powered position with large responsibility could lead to disaster if the person has little experience or undemocratic motives. While it may seem like a good idea, there are underlying factors that the Muslim Brotherhood needs to consider before appointing a new prime minister.
Although the Muslim Brotherhood does seek democracy, when they speak of appointing a member of their party, they "other-ise" the rest of the Egyptian population who isn't Muslim. While Egypt is a predominately Muslim country, they do have a large Christian population (as well as other religious sects). And with the recent clashes between Copts and Muslims, this idea is not one that will sit well with the Christians. Differences in religion will always separate Egyptians to some degree, but policies a predominately Muslim government will make will increase the differences between them. In this time of change, the last thing Egypt needs is further tension.
 |
| Symbol of the Muslim Brotherhood |
While instating a new prime minister would ensure the SCAF has less power, the prime minister would then have the ability to form a new government. Plus, if the prime minister can only be chosen from a pool of Muslim Brotherhood members, is this real democracy? The Brotherhood had the clear upper hand in parliamentary elections because of previous experience in politics/elections and also had connections to the Egyptian people. Therefore the Brotherhood needs to recognize that it is not fair to the people to only be able to choose from the Brotherhood members.
Also, the thinking of the Brotherhood is not completely correct in their assertion that instating a new prime would automatically bring about more control and peace. Putting a person in a high powered position with large responsibility could lead to disaster if the person has little experience or undemocratic motives. While it may seem like a good idea, there are underlying factors that the Muslim Brotherhood needs to consider before appointing a new prime minister.
Although the Muslim Brotherhood does seek democracy, when they speak of appointing a member of their party, they "other-ise" the rest of the Egyptian population who isn't Muslim. While Egypt is a predominately Muslim country, they do have a large Christian population (as well as other religious sects). And with the recent clashes between Copts and Muslims, this idea is not one that will sit well with the Christians. Differences in religion will always separate Egyptians to some degree, but policies a predominately Muslim government will make will increase the differences between them. In this time of change, the last thing Egypt needs is further tension.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
What's up with the weather?
For those of you who do not live in Chicago, the weather over here has been rather odd. Usually in February and January the grounds are fluffed with white snow. Traffic is backed up by piles of snow blocking the roads. People complain left and right about the cold weather.
But this year, and this week especially, winter in Chicago has barely been winter. Tuesday was in the 60s. In years past we have had awful snow storms and multiple snow days. So what exactly is up with the weather? Is it global warming, or is it simply a phase?
Having read a lot about global warming, whether it be in a biology class or on my own, there is no denying that things are changing. Whet Moser on Chicagomag.com referenced an interesting explanation by Dr. Jeff masters about what is happening:
"The natural weather rhythms I've grown to used to during my 30 years as a meteorologist have
become significantly disrupted over the past few years...We're used to seeing the slugger hit the ball out of the park, but not with the frequency he's hitting them now that he's on steroids. Moreover, some of the home runs now land way back in the seats where no one has ever been able to hit a home run before. We can't say that any particular home run would not have occurred without the steroids, but the increase in home runs and the unprecedented ultra-long balls are highly suspicious. Similarly, Earth's 0.6°C (1°F) warming and 4% increase in global water vapor since 1970 have created an atmosphere on steroids."
While changes in weather are expected over time, and it is necessary to consider that humans haven't been able to record and analyze most of the weather that has occurred over the lifetime of the planet, these changes Dr. Masters presented cannot be overlooked. And although the weather and global warming affects each and every one of us, most countries are not doing enough to significantly slow down the effects. We know there is a problem. But governments have so many other problems to deal with currently, such as the economic crises and recent social uprisings, that the environment is put second. This is understandable, but the future of our planet does depend on our current actions, and if we don't make changes soon, the situation, even in Chicago, will only worsen.
But this year, and this week especially, winter in Chicago has barely been winter. Tuesday was in the 60s. In years past we have had awful snow storms and multiple snow days. So what exactly is up with the weather? Is it global warming, or is it simply a phase?
Having read a lot about global warming, whether it be in a biology class or on my own, there is no denying that things are changing. Whet Moser on Chicagomag.com referenced an interesting explanation by Dr. Jeff masters about what is happening:
"The natural weather rhythms I've grown to used to during my 30 years as a meteorologist have
become significantly disrupted over the past few years...We're used to seeing the slugger hit the ball out of the park, but not with the frequency he's hitting them now that he's on steroids. Moreover, some of the home runs now land way back in the seats where no one has ever been able to hit a home run before. We can't say that any particular home run would not have occurred without the steroids, but the increase in home runs and the unprecedented ultra-long balls are highly suspicious. Similarly, Earth's 0.6°C (1°F) warming and 4% increase in global water vapor since 1970 have created an atmosphere on steroids."
While changes in weather are expected over time, and it is necessary to consider that humans haven't been able to record and analyze most of the weather that has occurred over the lifetime of the planet, these changes Dr. Masters presented cannot be overlooked. And although the weather and global warming affects each and every one of us, most countries are not doing enough to significantly slow down the effects. We know there is a problem. But governments have so many other problems to deal with currently, such as the economic crises and recent social uprisings, that the environment is put second. This is understandable, but the future of our planet does depend on our current actions, and if we don't make changes soon, the situation, even in Chicago, will only worsen.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Kurdish Protesters?
Today as I was walking down Upper Wacker Drive at Michigan Avenue, I was greeted by Kurdish protesters outside Turkey's embassy trying to raise awareness about the raids by the Turkish government into Kurdish villages. On December 28, 35 people were killed, most of them children. As I approached the protesters, I was handed an informatory letter describing the issue:
"Current Turkish government, Mr. R.T. Erdogan's cabinet, claims to be a democratic and liberal Islamic country in the Middle East, lectures Syria and Libya for democracy, and accuses Israel of being cruel against Palestinians."
This clearly speaks to the hypocrisy of the Turkish government; the saying "practice what you preach" comes to mind. Certainly this is not the first time in history this has occured. The U.S. government advocated for democracy across the globe, but at the same time did not offer all it's citizens equal rights, for example African Americans were not granted equal rights until 1964.
As I crossed paths with the protesters, I couldn't help but wonder, how does one even begin to get the government to change? Is protesting enough to get the government to recognize the problem and do something about it?
The protesting Kurds would argue yes. The first step to solving a problem is to recognize there is a problem in the first place. What about protesting in the U.S.? Does this help their cause back in Turkey?
It is interesting to see what the media emphasizes and what it does not. As my classmates and I read the signs of the protesters, we were confused as to what the issue was. But us simply being there and recognizing the issue is part of the process of solving it. As I stated above, recognizing the problem and raising awareness is just as important as solving the issue itself.
"Current Turkish government, Mr. R.T. Erdogan's cabinet, claims to be a democratic and liberal Islamic country in the Middle East, lectures Syria and Libya for democracy, and accuses Israel of being cruel against Palestinians."
This clearly speaks to the hypocrisy of the Turkish government; the saying "practice what you preach" comes to mind. Certainly this is not the first time in history this has occured. The U.S. government advocated for democracy across the globe, but at the same time did not offer all it's citizens equal rights, for example African Americans were not granted equal rights until 1964.
As I crossed paths with the protesters, I couldn't help but wonder, how does one even begin to get the government to change? Is protesting enough to get the government to recognize the problem and do something about it?
The protesting Kurds would argue yes. The first step to solving a problem is to recognize there is a problem in the first place. What about protesting in the U.S.? Does this help their cause back in Turkey?
It is interesting to see what the media emphasizes and what it does not. As my classmates and I read the signs of the protesters, we were confused as to what the issue was. But us simply being there and recognizing the issue is part of the process of solving it. As I stated above, recognizing the problem and raising awareness is just as important as solving the issue itself.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Teaching Both Sides
Most of what students learn about is what their teachers force them to read. If a teacher assigns a reading on how Columbus discovered America, they are most likely to believe that Columbus was the first one to reach America and completely ignore the fact that there were previous inhabitants. Of course when students get older and wiser, they learn to think for for themselves. But what happens when students only learn one side of the story?
What teachers choose and choose not to show there students greatly affects how students perceive the world and history. One issue that I have with school is that usually only one side is showed (not to say that this is always the case). Recently, I was assigned to read The Making of the Fittest: DNA and the Ultimate Forensic Record of Evolution by Sean B. Carroll for my AP Biology Class. This book focuses on evolutionary history and provides factual evidence as to how natural selection allows for evolution to occur over time.
While I really enjoyed reading this book and learned more about evolution, I can hear the other side of me crying out, "Hey! What about the side that says evolution doesn't exist?" I do believe in evolution, and can see how evolution fits in with the history of the world. But I am simultaneously interested in the other side. Why can't evolution exist? What are the counter examples to evolution?
I understand that it is a science class and my teachers job isn't to present the other side. But religion does play a role in science, just as ethics does. I can't help but wonder if we lived in a predominantly/extremist Christian or even deeply religious area if the curriculum would be different. Would I even be allowed to read this book in school? To what degree does the majority religion influence education?
This also speaks to how society has become more liberal. Society is changing, evolution is more widely accepted, but this doesn't mean only one side should be taught.
What teachers choose and choose not to show there students greatly affects how students perceive the world and history. One issue that I have with school is that usually only one side is showed (not to say that this is always the case). Recently, I was assigned to read The Making of the Fittest: DNA and the Ultimate Forensic Record of Evolution by Sean B. Carroll for my AP Biology Class. This book focuses on evolutionary history and provides factual evidence as to how natural selection allows for evolution to occur over time.
While I really enjoyed reading this book and learned more about evolution, I can hear the other side of me crying out, "Hey! What about the side that says evolution doesn't exist?" I do believe in evolution, and can see how evolution fits in with the history of the world. But I am simultaneously interested in the other side. Why can't evolution exist? What are the counter examples to evolution?
I understand that it is a science class and my teachers job isn't to present the other side. But religion does play a role in science, just as ethics does. I can't help but wonder if we lived in a predominantly/extremist Christian or even deeply religious area if the curriculum would be different. Would I even be allowed to read this book in school? To what degree does the majority religion influence education?
This also speaks to how society has become more liberal. Society is changing, evolution is more widely accepted, but this doesn't mean only one side should be taught.
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