Why am I listing these? I don't know - I guess I'm hoping that anyone who actually fits into one or more of these categories will read this and make an effort to reform their ways (yeah, I know that sounds a little too optimistic considering those people probably don't bother to read my blog anyway). Plus, listing stuff is fun! Here goes:
1) Skeptical people who treat you as if you're strange even though in doing so, they are the ones who come off as awkward. Seriously, we all have our share of problems to deal with in life. It doesn't mean we should take out our frustrations on others.
2) Opportunists. We all know those people who don't make any effort to talk to us, but call us once in a long while when they want to reap the benefits of being our friend. They want us to get them a job, lend them our stereo system, or give them a ride somewhere.
3) Superficial people who shun those who they feel are less attractive. Physical features are inherent, and looks are subjective; therefore, people can't take credit for them. However, they do exert control over how they treat other people. Looks will fade as one grows older, but personality will continue to exist.
4) Tactless people. We all have insecurities, and the last thing we need is for people to draw attention to them. Usually, those same people are insecure about their public image, and they feel that shedding light on other people's imperfections will help others forget about their own flaws.
5) Racist people. Enough said.
6) People who mistake privileges for rights - those who feel a sense of entitlement and guilt-trip you as if you are indebted to them in some way just because you've offered them your kindness in the past.
7) Groups of people who move like molasses and in the process, they take up the entire sidewalk so you can't even walk around them. The worst is when they look at each other as if you're creepy or stalker-ish if you're right behind them, even though it's their fault for taking half-inch steps.
8) People who are excessively flaky. It is rather annoying when you and someone else agree to meet somewhere at a certain time and then the other person just doesn't show up. Now, I don't mind at all if the person has a lot on their plate and forgets (as long as it's not a regular deal) or if the person has the courtesy to call/text me. However, if someone repeatedly and knowingly just bails and doesn't inform me, then that's when I get frustrated because it means that I have to waste my time waiting around.
9) People who judge others for drinking/experimenting with drugs/having premarital sex. I'm not advocating these practices or saying that everyone needs to engage in them, but I think people should realize taking part in one, two, or all of the aforementioned activities doesn't make someone an immoral person. It's only human to want to test the waters.
10) People who try to make other people over. You're not always going to agree with how people physically present themselves. Still, there's no need to enforce trends upon them that they aren't comfortable with (unless they've specifically asked you to make them over). That fact is that people want to be appreciated for who they area and when you express an interest in changing their appearance, you are hurting their self-esteem.
11) People who turn everything into a debate. Now, there's only one reason why people do this, and it's because they want to prove their intelligence to others, but in doing so, they sometimes come off as ignorant for not being able to understand issues from other perspectives. Now, I see no harm in teaching someone something that he or she might not already know, but there are a lot of people who derail others in the process.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Monday, January 3, 2011
Identity
After watching an episode of Twilight Zone this afternoon, my friend and I came to the conclusion that people shape their identities according to their surroundings. When their surroundings change, so do their identities. I feel like this certainly applies to my own life.
From elementary school to high school, I lived with my parents, so I didn't have the privacy to explore beyond certain limits (and neither did most of my peers). In high school, I mainly hung out with the honor students with whom I had classes and my fellow band members. Factoring in my busy homework and extracurricular activity schedule along with the presence of our family members (and lack of personal transportation - I didn't get my driver's license until I was 18), I didn't have the time or means to test the waters. I defined myself as a band geek, and I was content in doing so.
In a way, my college experience was more sheltering than my high school experience (which is not the norm for the average United States resident) because I went to Smith, a 100% female liberal arts school. The process of defining myself was different because most people who went to Smith were straight-A students in high school. It came time to figure out which people I could relate to on a level deeper than just diligence. After all, not only was I in a classroom with these students, but I was living with them on a campus for an entire four years. By the end of the four years, I didn't change much from who I was in high school other than the fact that I had acquired more knowledge from textbooks. However, with this knowledge came the discovery that I no longer wanted the label of "band geek." I figured out that there was more to me than my love of playing the piano and the trumpet. I developed other interests including video-editing, writing, attending rock concerts, and reading news articles.
After graduating from college, I underwent a more extreme case of self-identification. I attended Columbia University for a year of grad school, and not only was I surrounded by geniuses in the classroom, but I was fending for myself in a huge city and working two jobs in order to pay for my living expenses. I was back in the co-ed world, and I dealt with all the situations and pressures I might have already experienced had I gone to a more happening college. I was faced with decisions pertaining to alcohol, drugs, dating, sex, and while I won't touch upon my experiences regarding each category (or lack thereof, depending on the category), I will say this. 2010 was the most life-changing year I've had yet. I learned to let loose and take chances, and at the risk of sounding cornier than corn bread, I realized that I shouldn't let my my mistakes define me as an individual. Rather, I should see them as opportunities for growth.
I'll miss certain aspects of 2010, but I also know that there are some that I'm never going to get back, no matter how much it pains me. I'm an Atheist, but I feel that the Serenity Prayer applies to the nonreligious as well. The truth is, there are some things you just can't change even if you put in all the effort in the world. In two realms of life (I'm not going to say what they are, but I'm pretty sure one is obvious to most of you), I really did try hard this past year to make myself happy. My efforts didn't bring me the results that I wanted, but there comes a point at which you get tired of wallowing in depression. When you put it into perspective, it's silly to ruin your life over circumstances beyond your control. Of course, it's easier said than done to pick oneself up. But for now, I'm ready to move forward and continue this journey of self-exploration.
From elementary school to high school, I lived with my parents, so I didn't have the privacy to explore beyond certain limits (and neither did most of my peers). In high school, I mainly hung out with the honor students with whom I had classes and my fellow band members. Factoring in my busy homework and extracurricular activity schedule along with the presence of our family members (and lack of personal transportation - I didn't get my driver's license until I was 18), I didn't have the time or means to test the waters. I defined myself as a band geek, and I was content in doing so.
In a way, my college experience was more sheltering than my high school experience (which is not the norm for the average United States resident) because I went to Smith, a 100% female liberal arts school. The process of defining myself was different because most people who went to Smith were straight-A students in high school. It came time to figure out which people I could relate to on a level deeper than just diligence. After all, not only was I in a classroom with these students, but I was living with them on a campus for an entire four years. By the end of the four years, I didn't change much from who I was in high school other than the fact that I had acquired more knowledge from textbooks. However, with this knowledge came the discovery that I no longer wanted the label of "band geek." I figured out that there was more to me than my love of playing the piano and the trumpet. I developed other interests including video-editing, writing, attending rock concerts, and reading news articles.
After graduating from college, I underwent a more extreme case of self-identification. I attended Columbia University for a year of grad school, and not only was I surrounded by geniuses in the classroom, but I was fending for myself in a huge city and working two jobs in order to pay for my living expenses. I was back in the co-ed world, and I dealt with all the situations and pressures I might have already experienced had I gone to a more happening college. I was faced with decisions pertaining to alcohol, drugs, dating, sex, and while I won't touch upon my experiences regarding each category (or lack thereof, depending on the category), I will say this. 2010 was the most life-changing year I've had yet. I learned to let loose and take chances, and at the risk of sounding cornier than corn bread, I realized that I shouldn't let my my mistakes define me as an individual. Rather, I should see them as opportunities for growth.
I'll miss certain aspects of 2010, but I also know that there are some that I'm never going to get back, no matter how much it pains me. I'm an Atheist, but I feel that the Serenity Prayer applies to the nonreligious as well. The truth is, there are some things you just can't change even if you put in all the effort in the world. In two realms of life (I'm not going to say what they are, but I'm pretty sure one is obvious to most of you), I really did try hard this past year to make myself happy. My efforts didn't bring me the results that I wanted, but there comes a point at which you get tired of wallowing in depression. When you put it into perspective, it's silly to ruin your life over circumstances beyond your control. Of course, it's easier said than done to pick oneself up. But for now, I'm ready to move forward and continue this journey of self-exploration.
Friday, December 31, 2010
2011
Topic of the day: People think 2010 sucked and can't wait for 2011 so that they can "start over."
Sorry, but that's as illogical as saying, "Forgive and forget." You can always forgive someone who has wronged you, but you're never going to forget what they did. Similarly, you can look forward to the events that the new year holds for you, but there's no such thing as "starting over." Life isn't a game of Street Fighters II: Turbo! In reality, you don't get an extra life if you mess up. You don't get to replace yourself with Zangief, Guile, or some other personality when your Dhalsim attempts are failing (like how I used the Indian one as an example?). Furthermore, you can't beat up everyone who is a threat to your happiness or yell a hearty "HADOKEN!" while throwing blue flames in order to knock them to the ground.
2011 is merely a number and not an allegory for starting over. You can look forward to the rest of your life, but the feelings sparked by events that affected you in 2010, whether positive or negative, will carry over to 2011 - and affect you and possibly your decisions in 2011. Even if you do use this new year as an "out with the old, in with the new" window of opportunity, then you, my friend, are no different than the Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz. You are running away from the past, instead of confronting that which is bothering you. You should be making amends or dealing with issues head-on, in a rational manner. Otherwise, you're going to wake up one day with regrets, and you're going to feel like it's too late to facilitate changes. I speak from personal experience when I say that it's usually not too late. People inherently underestimate each other. What they don't realize is that when they take that bold initiative, they are doing more than putting themselves at the risk of feeling humiliated. They are making others THINK. They are causing them to assess their current opinions and reform them, hopefully for the greater good.
With the countdown nearing, I present a challenge to all of you (and myself). Use this new year, not to start over, but to end! End what, you say? End your frustrations! How? A wise man once said, "I'm as mad as hell, and I'm not going to take it anymore!" What did this man do correctly (albeit in a tempestuous manner)? That's right! He told the world what was on his mind, and this is how one serves as a catalyst for positive change. The next step, which is perhaps a bit more puzzling, is coming up with a solution. I dare you to take that next step, which varies depending on your situation.
That being said, I mainly wrote this because I'm bored. But I still meant every word. I hope you all have a happy new year! May you achieve that which you desire! Should misfortune come your way, remember that a good thing can potentially stem from a bad situation, whether a friendship, relationship, epiphany, or the glory of winning an entire Street Fighters game after being stuck on the same level for hours! :D
Sorry, but that's as illogical as saying, "Forgive and forget." You can always forgive someone who has wronged you, but you're never going to forget what they did. Similarly, you can look forward to the events that the new year holds for you, but there's no such thing as "starting over." Life isn't a game of Street Fighters II: Turbo! In reality, you don't get an extra life if you mess up. You don't get to replace yourself with Zangief, Guile, or some other personality when your Dhalsim attempts are failing (like how I used the Indian one as an example?). Furthermore, you can't beat up everyone who is a threat to your happiness or yell a hearty "HADOKEN!" while throwing blue flames in order to knock them to the ground.
2011 is merely a number and not an allegory for starting over. You can look forward to the rest of your life, but the feelings sparked by events that affected you in 2010, whether positive or negative, will carry over to 2011 - and affect you and possibly your decisions in 2011. Even if you do use this new year as an "out with the old, in with the new" window of opportunity, then you, my friend, are no different than the Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz. You are running away from the past, instead of confronting that which is bothering you. You should be making amends or dealing with issues head-on, in a rational manner. Otherwise, you're going to wake up one day with regrets, and you're going to feel like it's too late to facilitate changes. I speak from personal experience when I say that it's usually not too late. People inherently underestimate each other. What they don't realize is that when they take that bold initiative, they are doing more than putting themselves at the risk of feeling humiliated. They are making others THINK. They are causing them to assess their current opinions and reform them, hopefully for the greater good.
With the countdown nearing, I present a challenge to all of you (and myself). Use this new year, not to start over, but to end! End what, you say? End your frustrations! How? A wise man once said, "I'm as mad as hell, and I'm not going to take it anymore!" What did this man do correctly (albeit in a tempestuous manner)? That's right! He told the world what was on his mind, and this is how one serves as a catalyst for positive change. The next step, which is perhaps a bit more puzzling, is coming up with a solution. I dare you to take that next step, which varies depending on your situation.
That being said, I mainly wrote this because I'm bored. But I still meant every word. I hope you all have a happy new year! May you achieve that which you desire! Should misfortune come your way, remember that a good thing can potentially stem from a bad situation, whether a friendship, relationship, epiphany, or the glory of winning an entire Street Fighters game after being stuck on the same level for hours! :D
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Facebook Ramblings
I just got back from seeing The Social Network.
The film focuses mainly on the business logistics of Facebook from the perspectives of those involved in the creation process, but it definitely makes one think about how much of our lives are consumed by this social networking website. Through this online tool, we can store memories through various media outlets, play games, learn more about what makes other people tick, keep in touch with friends, share links, make plans, or let people know where we are and what we're doing at any given time.
As much as Facebook is useful for establishing connections with the outside world, it is not without its disadvantages. In the social networking vortex, people often stumble upon information that they would be better off holding in oblivion because it distorts their idealizations of certain Facebook friends. Of course, this isn't so much a website-based issue as it is a human nature issue that has no feasible resolution. When our inherent curiosity about our peers collides with negligence (in this case, the failure to privatize information), both external and internal conflict are inevitable.
I wonder - obviously, Facebook is more advanced than Myspace and Friendster in terms of functionality and is constantly being updated, but will it become a thing of the past in a few years?
The film focuses mainly on the business logistics of Facebook from the perspectives of those involved in the creation process, but it definitely makes one think about how much of our lives are consumed by this social networking website. Through this online tool, we can store memories through various media outlets, play games, learn more about what makes other people tick, keep in touch with friends, share links, make plans, or let people know where we are and what we're doing at any given time.
As much as Facebook is useful for establishing connections with the outside world, it is not without its disadvantages. In the social networking vortex, people often stumble upon information that they would be better off holding in oblivion because it distorts their idealizations of certain Facebook friends. Of course, this isn't so much a website-based issue as it is a human nature issue that has no feasible resolution. When our inherent curiosity about our peers collides with negligence (in this case, the failure to privatize information), both external and internal conflict are inevitable.
I wonder - obviously, Facebook is more advanced than Myspace and Friendster in terms of functionality and is constantly being updated, but will it become a thing of the past in a few years?
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Koran Burner Fired From Job
Sadly, people are quick to jump to his defense. Although I can certainly sympathize with anyone who doesn't have a job in this economy (heck, I majored in a subject that I thought would land me a job, and I still don't have one that is sufficient to pay for rent, transportation, bills, and food), he did bring it upon himself. With any job comes a set of standards. Seeing that he works in public service, he is expected to treat people with respect regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, or economic background. Sure, people violate moral codes all the time, but he stupidly put himself in a position to get caught. Of course, burning a Koran behind closed doors doesn't make it justified, but his job could have been spared had he not been in the public eye. It bothers me when people say that NJ Transit is encroaching upon his right to protest. What about the fact that he's not protesting on behalf of a noble cause? He is offending a specific group of people (who might be potential NJ Transit customers) just because he's too ignorant to realize that the entire Muslim population isn't responsible for 9/11.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Are Cash Bonuses The Answer To Curbing Population Growth?
I just read this article in the New York Times about how the government is giving recently married couples cash bonuses to wait two years before having children.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/22/world/asia/22india.html?pagewanted=1&hp
Setting aside the whole population growth issue, it does make sense for couples not have to children immediately after getting married. I believe that couples should take some time to enjoy the freedoms of being childless because once they have kids, they won't be able to get those freedoms back (at least not until the kids go off to college, and by then, they might be too old to want to experience the things they would have done when they were newlyweds). Children are a huge responsibility, more so when they are young and do not have an understanding of how the world functions.
As the article states, such a strategy would require the implementation of more programs educating young people about contraception. A lot of Indian parents don't go out of their way to educate their kids about birth control because (1) They expect their kids to procreate directly after getting married and (2) The act of premarital sex is one that tends to be frowned upon in Indian culture, so sex education is a rarity in schools. Considering that marriage at an early age is common within the culture, one can imagine how many girls in India enter marriages knowing about the various types of contraception.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/22/world/asia/22india.html?pagewanted=1&hp
Setting aside the whole population growth issue, it does make sense for couples not have to children immediately after getting married. I believe that couples should take some time to enjoy the freedoms of being childless because once they have kids, they won't be able to get those freedoms back (at least not until the kids go off to college, and by then, they might be too old to want to experience the things they would have done when they were newlyweds). Children are a huge responsibility, more so when they are young and do not have an understanding of how the world functions.
As the article states, such a strategy would require the implementation of more programs educating young people about contraception. A lot of Indian parents don't go out of their way to educate their kids about birth control because (1) They expect their kids to procreate directly after getting married and (2) The act of premarital sex is one that tends to be frowned upon in Indian culture, so sex education is a rarity in schools. Considering that marriage at an early age is common within the culture, one can imagine how many girls in India enter marriages knowing about the various types of contraception.
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