Acceptance. Good or Bad?

During the late 60's one could see the rise of the "punk" style in its youth.   Challenging the norm seemed to be the main goal of the style and music, and would ultimately display one's modernity and self-image.  Andy Warhol's Factory had a profound effect on the style in its beginning.  The style was most noticeable as a fashion statement against the rest of society.  Overall the punk and Warhol's Factory were looked down upon on an academic level  and not accepted by the more conservative audience.  Since then it would seem that any radical or different trend can be turned to the mainstream and becomes a part of our general society, the question is whether this acceptance of diversity is a blessing or curse?

Technological advances and the increase of the media's influence on society have undoubtedly affected the way our generation has developed.  The introduction and commercialization of the internet has deeply impacted society, bringing people together and forming masses where they may have stood alone in the past.  That being said we have been allowed more exposure to different styles and ideals.  Our technology has formed a very diverse youth, though not always tolerant, but none the less we are composed of many different styles, new and old.

This mass exposure has made the punk style acceptable, for the most part, in today's society and is more popular than when it started.  Though it's good that it's accepted now,  this defeats the purpose of the style and the very meaning of being a punk, different and lowly.  With its acceptance in society it has become a part of the mainstream and created another group to conform to.  More moderate punks may be relieved by the acceptance while hardcore punks will only want to find other ways to change and stand out.  It's no doubt that this diverse culture has made it hard for anyone to be different or original.  Perhaps a lack of anything new and unique will be the cost of our broad acceptance and diversity.

WC: 340

Acceptance. Good or Bad?

During the late 60's one could see the emergence of the "punk" style in its youth.   Challenging the norm seemed to be the main goal of the style and music, and would ultimately display one's modernity and self-image.  Andy Warhol's Factory had a profound effect on the punk style in its beginning.  While the punk style was most noticeable as a fashion statement against the rest of society, Warhol's Factory challenged the artistic community with pop-art which celebrated materialism and the mass media.  Overall the punk style and Warhol's Factory were looked down upon on an academic level  and not accepted by the more conservative audience.  Since then many other styles have faced the same trial of acceptance and have passed, or have failed only to be accepted by a later generation (retro). 

Technological advances and the increase of the media's influence on society have undoubtedly affected the way our generation has developed.  The introduction and commercialization of the internet has deeply impacted society, bringing people together and forming masses where they may have stood alone in the past.  That being said we have been allowed more exposure to different styles and ideals.  Our technology has formed a very diverse youth, though perhaps not always tolerant, but none the less we are composed of many different styles, new and old.

This mass exposure has made the punk style acceptable, for the most part, in today's society and is more popular than when it first started.  Though it's good that it's accepted now,  this defeats the purpose of the style and the very meaning of being a punk, different and lowly.  With its acceptance in society it has become a part of the mainstream and created another group to conform to.  More moderate punks may be relieved by the acceptance while hardcore punks will only want to find other ways to change and stand out.  It's no doubt that this diverse culture has made it hard for anyone to be different or original.  Perhaps a lack of anything new and unique will be the cost of our broad acceptance and diversity.

WC: 350

The Beauty and Horror of Truth

Although born in Guatemala I was raised here in America, and thus my list of readings were similar to those of any other U.S. citizen. Read American novels and read American history. But I've had an awakening in my reading of political essays and novels from Latin America. In the past I thought I'd had a decent understanding of the country I grew up in and its standing in the world. From my reading and learning I now know that what I knew before was only the tip of the iceberg.

After reading stories of CIA supported coups to the exploitation of nations through trade agreements, I was painted an entirely new picture of America. Much of my reading had come from James Cockcroft's, Latin America: History, Politics, and US Policy. It's hard for me now to hold America in high regard as I once had, especially considering its involvement in the atrocities that had occurred in Guatemala. The best way to describe the U.S. foreign policy is a saying by Cockcroft: "Preach democracy, practice terrorism."

While reading these articles I was reminded of Malcolm X's own experience, in that I was overwhelmed with anger and disbelief, though not taken to a racial level. I can't agree with most of the U.S. policies made in the past but I can't deny the prosperity those decisions have brought to the country and its people. Now I'm only left wondering, "What about the rest of the world?"

WC: 245

Past Determines Future

My name is Aaron Heilman, my life began January 15, 1991 in the heart of Guatemala.  This was towards the end of the civil war that had plagued the country for generations.  Being aware of this for most of my life is the reason I became interested in governments and how they function for better or worse.

Being adopted I came to America and settled in Maryland.  I attended Washington International School in D.C. for the early part of my life.  Being that it's a private school where global figures send their children while in D.C. I encountered many different people, languages, cultures, etc.  I believe this early exposure helps explain my open-mindedness to different beliefs and ways of thinking.

Now, after learning some about the U.S. government and because of my interest in politics and laws I've become a political science major and hope to go to law school.

WC: 150