Muzician The Green Upside to the Meltdown Marc Gunther Greenbiz.com December 2, 2008 http://www.greenbiz.com/blog/2008/12/02/the-green-upside-meltdown
Marx: Humans are very materialistic. This has been proven by the economic tumble due to the fact that so many people are living beyond their means. People demand goods, whether or not they are eco-friendly, and companies supply them. Not to mention the fact that the goods that are produced are produced by employees who's creativity cannot be shown through their work. Being more considerate of the ecosystem and environment takes time in and through the corporate world. Adaptation is key, also it's very hard to pass on going to the mall for massive sales to, instead, better your conscience by giving to those who actually are in need. This way, that which you give is an expression of who you are inside. Your giving is unique to you, which is something no corporation can control or take away from you. Social change is possible by using your social position and social interests to shape your impact on society.
Bailey05 Friday Night Lights: Helicopter Parenting Meghan O'Rourke Slate Online Magazine Feb 2, 2009 http://www.slate.com/id/2208682/
Durkheim,
This article itself shows you how in fact individuals do make a society. It is because parent's as these do in fact hover in a sense over their children and mold them in a way in which is right for society, it's what makes society the way it is. And in effort we as society continue following these types of patterns. The type of situation that these type of helicopter parents have their children in is a type considered mechanical soldiarity in which the children keep to their tight knit groups and are not allowed to go past what these rules placed down by the "helicopter parents" have given.
Tarpon Sports Injuries May Cause Lasting Brain Damage Jon Hamilton NPR.org 4 February 2009 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=100071753&ft=1&f=1024
In this case the proletariat would be the football players and the bourgeoisie would be the fans. The proletariat seeks a means to continue their struggle to survive in the world of professional sports; to do this they must sacrifice their bodies to maintain their playing time, and by doing so increase their appeal to the requirements of the bourgeoisie. The players know that if their abilities were to waiver and therefore cost the player time on the field; then the bourgeoisie would lose faith or lose a need for that player. The football league (industry) has an almost unlimited supply of athletes to replace the ailing ones. The fans require that the industry always be productive and more importantly running at peak production. The fans are only maintaining the arrangement of providing for the players as long as the needs of the fans are met; in this case a winning team or the best team. As a result of this interaction between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat, the proletariat must continue to compete regardless of the risk of physical injury. Since man is materialistic in nature the fans and the players both perpetuate the cycle; the fans need to see the competition of the game, and the players need to continue playing in order to provide for themselves and their families.
1.Asia 2.Remembering How to Cope 3. Anne Applebaum 4. Slate 5. Wednesday, Feb. 4 2009 6. http://www.slate.com/id/2210527/?from=rss
In the case of snow in London, we see the pitfalls of the division of labor in a modern society. Where members of society become dependent on one another for what they no longer can do for themselves, we find unpreparedness "both psychology and practically," as the author says. In this case, 5 inches of snow closed airports and canceled school and work. Individuals could not shovel snow off their sidewalk to leave their homes. In a society of organic solidarity, such as this, individuals are guided by restitutive laws, encouraging them to give back to society in such a way that they become interdependent. This does not mean that individuals obtain a collective conscience, as would be the case in a primitive society, where everyone is working to achieve the same goal - in this case, to overcome the weather and continue to work. No, instead it means that each person has the freedom to develop a greater level of individuality and because one person deffers so much from the next, they need each other to do what they themselves cannot. If only one person knows how to shovel snow, everyone else is depending on that person for help. The author points out that this idea carries over to other areas, including economic hardships where individuals of new generations have lost skills learned from previous economic hardships. As wonderful as it is to be a part of a society where we are free to specialize in any field and explore our own individuality, we must remember that there is a bigger picture and we need to find some balance between needing another person for their skills, and being self sufficient.
Clifford New Bolivia constitution in force No Author listed BBC News February 7th, 2009 http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7877107.stm
Marx
Bolivia wants change, and Evo Morales is the social force that is bringing about change in the country. Even though he is of indigenous descent, and of a socialist party, he acts as a liberal reformer trying to make change in his society. His ideas alone are not enough to form change, and now it seems that he has finally understood that concept. With his changes to the constitution he is creating change for the poor. The referendum he added was largely supported by the indigenous population in the country because it limited the size of rural landholdings. Evo Morales is not very well liked among the wealthy of the country, but he has still managed to make these changes because of his social position and status. I believe that social interests are determined by the position we hold in society and our class status heavily affects how we get that position. Because he was appealing to a certain group’s oppressed social position, he got backing from those in need. The people that oppressed are going to work even harder to get where they want to be when a political figure is backing them. The wealthy in the country are not for his policies and changes to the constitution because it is not giving them any sort of gain in society.
Tayler California Work Program for the Young is Threatened Malia Wollan NYT> Environment February 8, 2009 http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/08/us/08corps.html
Durkheim:
This article displays early potential signs of anomic suicide. The state of California has an outstanding program for young men to simultaneously establish a sense for themselves while becoming more responsible young adults. As result of the economic downfall, there is a chance that the program may be terminated, due to budget cutting. In this modern society of organic solidarity, doing away with the program may be the equivalent to demolishing these hard-working young men reason for being, which may result in cases of anomic suicide. Jason Prue would be a perfect example as he states that he doesn't know what he will do if the program is eliminated. For this reason, it would be a smarter decision to find other ways to meet the budget defecit, than to take away from the country's oldest, largest work program.
pyrrus the clash of the stimuli Lydia DePillis Slate Magazine Feb 8, 2009 http://www.slate.com/id/2210815/?from=rss
Marx: The capitalist superpower is collapsing like a house of cards with private companies needing to be subsidized by the federal government. That sounds a lot like socialism, which is showing that true capitalism does not function in the long run. It has run its course and much like nature it must evolve into something new and superior to what it was. Americans are afraid of the word communism and even socialism for that matter. However their economy is heading towards the latter with breakneck speed. Eventually they will learn to accept the truth that capitalism is only a precursor to the highest form of society communism.
1. Galatasaray 2. Why the Muslim World Can’t Hear Obama 3. Alaa Al Aswany, translated from Arabic by Geoff D. Porter 4. New York Times 5. February 7th, 2009 6. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/08/opinion/08aswany.html
Durkheim
This article deals with the Egyptians' view of Barack Obama and their own political situation in Egypt. Obama's first real test, in the eyes of many in Egypt and the Arab world was the crisis in Gaza in which 1300 Palestinian civilians were killed by the Israeli Army. There is mechanical solidarity in Palestine. This is seen in the case of suicide bombers, who in their minds are martyring themselves for the good of everyone. This form of altruistic suicide occurs because of the mechanical solidarity that the Palestinian people are forced to operate under. The Palestinian people are forced into attitudes that are highly religious and transcendental (collective goals above personal ones). I don't want to say that their whole society, including Israeli citizens, is forced into mechanical solidarity. The point I want to get across is that Israel's oppressive presence in the Palestinian land forces its people into a mechanical solidarity which in turn creates a situation where someone can find it necessary to commit altruistic suicide.
P.S. it seems that Durkheim's ideas were inspired by Ibn Khaldun...a great philosopher who we ignore.
1. Smarley 2. Looking In on the City’s Samaritans at a ‘Dark Time’ in the Land 3. Clyde Haberman 4. New York Times 5. February 2, 2009 6. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/03/nyregion /03nyc.html?scp=6&sq=suicide&st=cse
Durkheim:
In today's modern society where organic solidarity is present and individuals and groups are interdependent, there have been an increase in social phenomena that have led to more suicidal threats. All parts of society depend on each other and when there is a downfall of one part, it can affect many people. With the poor economy and worsening stock market, people have the fear of losing themselves and losing their reasons for living. They are terrified of losing their life goals, and many may choose to end their lives as an escape. Anomic suicide will continue to increase as long as there is such a huge economic problem and the phone lines of the Samaritans suicide lines will continue to ring off the hook. Society needs to remedy the problem in order to decrease the desire for its individuals to take their own lives.
In New York there has also been in increase of callers who are terminally or chronically ill. Egoistic suicide is also very present in this society type, because individuals may feel as if they are no longer a part of society, and are just a drain. They feel as if they no longer fit into society due to their illness. It is better for them to take their own lives then to have a lonely end to their lives.
There is more than one thing that leads someone to suicide. It is a combination of many social factors, including fear of one's future, fear that they may not have good relationships and that society may not accept them. Fear is a leading factor in anomic suicides in today's world. Our nation is emotionally wounded and unless emphasis is put on fixing this, and helping those who are suffering, more people will take their lives as a last resort.
PURA VIDA The Case for Bankers Jacob Weisberg Slate Online Magazine February 7, 2009 http://www.slate.com/id/2210720/?from=rss
Marx:
It is evident that humans by nature are material beings. This statement is obvious given the current economic situation that our country is in. Due to the large amount of Americans that are involved in the current banking crisis, it is easy to blame the bankers themselves for putting society in this position. Many bankers and financial representatives had nothing to do with the crisis that we are in, however; society can and will change through a movement of the people. Ideas by themselves aren’t enough to create change. A person’s social interest is determined by their class. The individuals who fall into the oppressed social position that they are in due to the banks will form an alliance of some sort in order to bring about a positive change to their situation. If this means cutting the salary of a CEO or other top executives who could possibly get us out of the crisis, so be it. There will be a liberal reform and the people will decide!
1. Yellar 2. The Case for Bankers 3. Jacob Weisberg 4. Slate 5. February 7, 2009 6. http://www.slate.com/id/2210720/?from=rss
What Karl Marx would say...
It must first be noted that the current situation and the fate of these bankers is evidence that capitalism has exceeded its usefulness. Although America does not truly operate under the ideals of pure capitalism, it has followed this outdated modification of capitalism for too long and it is time to move on to the next stage in modes of production, which is communism.
The bankers themselves are not to blame. The people controlling the companies that employ and work with the bankers, such as AIG are to blame. The bankers are victims as well because they do not have prime control over the distribution of wealth like the owners and decision makers of these companies. The owners have the economic, political and cultural power to promote their own self interest.
Humans are naturally material beings that value commodities and need "stuff" to live happily. These financial firms and the people in charge of them are guilty of commodity fetishism--they want money and the commodities that can be bought with it, without valuing or recognizing the labor behind it. These firms rewarded people in ways that supported their desire to fulfill their own interests at the cost of the shareholders, ultimately cutting out the principles of labor.
Although the bankers are not truly to blame, they do help this capitalist society function. Weisberg thinks we should stop scorning them so that they risk their capital again and "get back in the game" but maybe people, mainly the laboring class, should continue to ridicule them so that they realize that the capitalist foundations they work under are wrong. Maybe if we continue to harp on them, they can create social change and invest their money into more worthwhile endeavors and their community.
Finn "Turning Cooking Oil Into Fuel for the County" DIANA MARSZALEK New York Times 02/08/09 http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/08/nyregion/westchester/08greasewe.html
Marx: Although the switch to cooking oil instead of completely diesel fuel for the city vehicles is healthier for the environment and more cost efficient, it is still working under a capitalist system. Where one job is lost (the companies that haul the oil for the restaurants), another is formed(builders and workers of the convergent plants). The division of labor is still prevalent though it may be for a better cause. The proletariat will still be hauling the cooking oil for the government and working in the convergent plant for a higher power than themselves. They will still not technically reap the same rewards for their labor as say the county commisioner that is head of the operation, who is not directly touching the oil and converting it and driving the vehicles. In this sense the beourgeoise will still prevail and exist due to the labor of the prolateriat.
1. Sparky87 2. "Ethiopia Facing World's 'Most Urgent' Food Crisis" 3. Nicholas Benequista 4. One World.net 5. February 9, 2009 6. http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2008/09/04-10
Marx:
The situation in Ethiopia should come as no surprise to us in our current world. Ethiopia is an extremely poor country, and the hunger and poverty experienced by its inhabitants are a direct result of of their low capital. What has created the troubles in Ethiopia? Capitalism. Rich, capitalist countries have exploited this country and caused Ethiopia to lose its power as a nation. Even though Ethiopia's economy has grown quickly in the last five years, it is doomed to fail because it is attempting to model itself under a capitalist model, which will never work out in the long run. Western nations' attempts to help Ethiopia are a very concrete example of how the propertied class has the power to control the distribution of wealth because they have the economic and political power to do so. Capitalism has exploited countries, and then provided a helping hand. But the damage has been done, and until capitalism ceases to be the model that all countries strive for, the hunger will continue.
1. uwh01 2. "Ethiopia Facing World's 'Most Urgent' Food Crisis" 3. Nicholas Benequista 4. One World.net 5. February 9, 2009 6. http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2008/09/04-10
Ethiopia is having a class crisis. The bourgeois of the nation are probably sitting in their mansions unaffected by the three-year draught, while the vast majority of the nation is suffering from the most severe cases of malnourishment and disease. The class crisis reaches beyond Africa, though, because Ethiopia depends on the UN for assistance. Ethiopia used to receive significant amounts of support from abroad, but the recent economic downfall has reduced this aid. Foreign nations are keeping more of what they produce, and Ethiopia is producing more; the gap between nations (and classes) is increasing. A revolution is coming. Resources throughout the world are abundant enough for everyone to eat, but Ethiopia is experiencing extreme poverty and malnutrition. Further, this vulnerable state has destroyed the human essence of Ethiopians: there is no means for them to have creative, meaningful, joyful work. This revolution of capitalism will give way to the beginnings of communism, when all will eat.
Codepink Slapped in the Facebook: Social Networking Dangers Exposed. Bill Brenner Network World 2/9/09 http://www.networkworld.com/news/2009/020909-slapped-in-the-facebook-social.html?hpg1=bn
This article is perfect example of the development of social networking online as a new form of social integration. The belief that the use of these websites (facebook, myspace, and twitter)is safe and secure meets the first standard.Also many of the sites users believe that by having the privacy settings in use will prevent hacking on their pages. When viewing the profile of a friend one develops trust with the website that the person is who they say they are. Users of these websites have to agree to a statement of rights (i.e. the terms and conditions) created by the website before beginning use of the website. The internet then becomes the church used by all of the followers of social networking. The single moral of these users is to stay connected to one another even though they are miles apart.
FredSegal Will recession dull hip-hop's bling? John D. Sutter CNN.com February 6, 2009 http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Music/01/29/hiphop.bling.recession/index.html?iref=mpstoryview
The styles displayed at Grammy Awards were quite different this year. The movement away from the flashy demonstration of one’s possessions is a step in the right direction for the hip-hop community. Private property has been the source of conflict for this society for many centuries. The bourgeoisie’s shift towards a more society conscious style is an important change that should take place for the better of society. The coming together of social classes is important, for they have long been in direct opposition. The power of the upper classes has always been the ability to guide the lower classes. A shift towards conservatism and environmentalism is long awaited. The embrace of this shift by the entertainment industry is important and influential as well. As the recession continues and more jobs are lost, the lower classes will embrace the entertainers who choose to talk about important issues and identify with them during these hard economic times.
CY-CHI FEMA Is Faulted on Aid After Hurricane Ike The Associated Press The New York Times 8 February 2009 http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/09/us/09hurricane.html
Marx:
People affected by Hurricane Ike have applied to FEMA for aid in rebuilding/repairing their homes. Ninety percent of the applicants have been denied help because they “do not understand the limits of the agency’s help”. They admit that sometimes inspectors make mistakes but that in general people file claims for things that FEMA can’t/won’t help with. People are materialistic. This is just a fact. The people of FEMA want to pay the least amount of money and hold onto inspectors that might not be as well trained but will for less money, while remaining in the good graces of the government. The people affected by Hurricane Ike want their homes restored to the way they were. With there being a housing crisis as it is, any damages that are not repaired will only lower the value of their home even more. Not to mention, that some people might feel outraged, nay, entitled, by pumping money into the government and not seeing an equivalent amount in return. Social inequalities and social interests are the key ingredients to a change. The American people, specifically but not limited to those affected by Hurricane Ike, need to fight back and realize that they should not slink back and accept class dynamics. Especially after the absolute travesty of Hurricane Katrina. People are still waiting on FEMA. Change needs to happen now. A revolution needs to happen now.
Grenada California work program for young is threatened Malia Wolan New York Times February 7, 2009 http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/08/us/08corps.html?_r=1
The article discusses how a program in California may be terminated due to state budget cuts. When the program was threatened all the workers began to gain a sense of what I would like to call class consciousness. They did not necessarily realize that they are of the proletariat class until the beginnings of this economic struggle within their program. Now that their jobs are threatened they realize that the work that they are doing is the work of the working class and those in the bourgeois society have not aided in any of the completed product. All these workers realize that they all share a common interest and that the people that they work for not only has the power to terminate them because they are too costly, but also that those that control them (bourgeois class) are reaping the benefits of every project completed by the proletariat class. Until they are able to shift the capital system to socialism and change the social relationships that is the foundation of the class system, and into a society where one’s benefits, benefits the rest of society, we will continue to be a society in which class is a social constraint.
1. Millicent 2. Why Do Americans Love Peanut Butter? 3. Brian Palmer 4. Slate 5. 2/09/09 6. http://www.slate.com/id/2210837/?from=rss
The commodity of peanut butter has a use-value that was not employed by peanut factories until WWII, providing a creamy, protein-rich substitute for meat, which was scare during that time for soldiers abroad. Before that time, the labor that went into producing peanut butter was more daunting and time-consuming for the laborer, and its overall value was higher, serving the benefit of only the rich that ate it to accompany their cup of tea. Once its production became simplified, its labor-value went down, and this commodity could be enjoyed by the masses. For some period of time its exchange-value was high due to its social acceptance within American society; it became a tokened lunchbox commodity. Perhaps a newly emerging health-conscious America is what has led to a surplus of peanut butter, but its overall utility has appeared to have gone down in recent years. This newest industry-gaffe in Georgia will only make things worse, as public opinion continues to dwindle as a result of the recent salmonella outbreak, likely equating as we speak those unskilled (or selfish) laborers’ output to that of the entire industry.
Jules The Case For Bankers Jacob Weisberg Slate Magazine Feb. 7, 2009 http:// www.slate.com/id/2210720/?from=rss
In the Words of Marx: At first glance it seems apparent to blame the banking industry as a whole for the current state of the economy. But in actuality there are a select few that are rightfully to blame. Top ranking officials that work hand in hand with bankers and have the power to enact policies at will do more deserve to shoulder the blame. The present day fiasco involving investors and their negligent behavior as it relates to the downward spin of the economy was caused by this minority of people with great amounts of power acting without accounting for the necessary labour involved. The consequences of these acts of the minority of people are exact examples of the downside of fetish commodities... man, by his industry, changing the forms of material, in such a way to make them useful to him. The materialistic nature of these beings has lead our country to ruins, but someday this will all be a thing of the past as the oppressed will consolidate and make right this wrong.
Mj23 Geithner Offers New Bank Rescue Plan Edmund L. Andrews Feb. 10, 2009 nytimes.com http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/11/business/economy/11bailout.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&hp
Marx: The Secretary of the Treasure, Timothy F. Geithner spoke at the Treasury Department Tuesday afternoon. He was trying to ensure Americans that we can and will get through this economic crisis and that Wall Street would not buckle under the trillions of unsellable assets it now possesses. His plan has many holes and unanswered questions. Even as he gave the speech, the Dow Jones went down 350 points, more than four percent. Hopefully, by now Americans you see clearly like I do that capitalism is not the answer. Greed and Materialism have caused this collapse that we know see. We have tried to recieve fullfilment and happiness far to long in commodities and we are now paying dearly for it. We have dug our own graves by relying on CEO's and mortgaging companies to handle our money. They have made foolish gambles with it not caring about the consequences. We need to live in a world where the poor man is not taken advantage of by the rich whose only concern is using you to make a few dollars. This must end now. We need to start a revolution. Communism is the answer. Until we decide to do what is right we will continue to pay for what the upper class as cuased.
Ynnus Social Divide Sparks India Violence Feb. 10, 2008 By Sanjoy Majumder BBC News, Delhi http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7858157.stm
Engels
There is social conflict (inequality) in society that is caused by expected gender roles in many society structures. It is very apparent in this story about the expansion of the big city New Dehli, India. Many farmers that lived in the outskirts of the city sold their land and became "instant millionaires." The problem with this is that the people who lived in rural areas have kept their traditional values, and views of women. The men who live in the village area viewed women as lower then them and there was extreme domination of women. This is an extreme case, which unfortunately led to the violent gang-rape of a college student, but male domination is evident in most societies. In this particular situation, it is very clear that there is male domination of women because the social norm is for the women to not be allowed to travel alone or show their faces to men. When men from the village were interviewed about the gang-rape and following arrests of 11 men, he seemed very upset that the men were arrested at all- contradictory to evidence. Women may have the choice to marry who they wish, or not marry at all, but they would not be able to live as nice of a life (as is suggested by the abuse of the female college student).
ZetaBeta California Work Program for Young is Threatened by: Malia Wollan New York Times February 7, 2009 http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/08/us/08corps.html?_r=1
Marx, The proletarian are being threatened to lose their low paying, harsh work conditioned jobs due to budget cuts. Their work with nature in national parks such as Yosemite and the Grand Canyon is being valued as much as their pay, very little. The upper class individuals in political power believe that cutting out the California Conservation Corps work crew is necessary in order to help the $42 billion budget deficit they are facing in California. Labor theory of value is demonstrated with the lack of respect shown for the work done by these individuals because their pay is not extravagant. Capitalism has brought this state into debt it is time to attempt a system that treats every profession equally, communism. Why do they not cut the pay of professional athletes whose million dollar bank accounts can afford the pay cut, instead of cutting the ones that can't stand the loss. Let's make these workers aware of the unjust being done to them and help them rise up against the political influence trying to shut them down.
reneeb Senate Approves Stimulus Plan David m. Herszenhorn New York Times Feb 10, 2009 http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/11/washington/11web-stim.html?hp
Marx: The current economic problems of the world in general and the United States more specifically is perfect evidence that capitalism has served its purpose. Instead, the government is trying to fight the inevitable by passing a near trillion dollar stimulus package. The elected officials are members of the propertied class and like always they control who gets money and how much they get.
The ruling politicians care little for the proletariat. Their lack of caring can be evidenced by the fact that they have spend billions of dollars on bankers who were responsible for their own collapse while in this most recent stimulus bill they have forty billion dollars that in large part would have gone to education. Just to further show the inequality, the people who were unable to pay for their homes were not in any way bailed out. It is in the best interest of the propertied elite to have an uneducated proletariat. This crisis should convince what doubters that remain that society should now move into the final stage of communism.
Petite California Work Program for Young is Threatened Malia Wollan NYT> Environment February 7,2009 http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/08/us/08corps.html
Durkheim
As I read this article, I noted Jason Prue's inability to integrate with the society to which he belongs. The fact that we now live in a modernized society where there aren't a lot of strict rules and regulations to adhere to, leaves certain individuals questioning the need for their existence. I sense Mr. Prue loosing his sense of self and his overall reason for being in this "free world". He specifies that his living arrangements were confined to the interior of his vehicle and that there isn't a job that suits his interest. After finally joining a work corps tailored to hard luck teenagers and adults who are prison bound, the state of California are placing this youth work program on the chopping block and threating his only sense of security. The fact that my most famous work is SUICIDE; which proved this was a social phenomena with social causes, I recognized that Jason Prue could be a candidate for anomic suicide. I see that there is a greater trend in men who experience an economic downturn and clearly Mr. Prue is on that path of self destruction. He states that "if this goes down I don't know what I'm going to do"; which I assume is a cry for help. I, Emile Durkheim feel that "no living being can be happy unless its needs are sufficiently proportioned to its means, for if its needs surpass its capacity to satisfy them, then the result can only be friction, pain and a general weakening of the impulse to live."
believer FEMA Is Faulted on Aid After Hurricane Ike The Associated Press The New York Times February 8, 2009 http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/09/us/09hurricane.html?_r=1
Marx:
In this situation, FEMA would act as the Elite and the citizens in need of assistance would act as the proletariat. FEMA is in charge of distributing the goods and services while the citizens of Texas must count on FEMA to receive them. More than 650,000 applications were denied for assistance in Texas after hurricane Ike. A lawyer has found the reason is in part due to the poorly trained FEMA inspectors who are paid a flat fee per inspection and have to pay their own expenses. The system today is set up where you are only worth as much as you can earn. I feel that because of this, workers are less likely to put forth the effort and time needed to produce something efficiently, especially in the scenario of the FEMA workers. It is up to the proletariat, the residents of Texas to rise up with the FEMA workers, the bourgeois, to go up against the larger FEMA, the Elite, to get the services and money they need to rebuild their homes.
1.) Florida 2.) Why do Americans Love Peanut Butter? 3.) Brain Palmer 4.) 02/09/2009 5.) Slate 6.) http://www.slate.com/id/2210837/?from=rss
Marx:
After reading this article I was able to relate some of Marx’s ideas and questions to the importance of this article. Marx philosophy deals with what brings about social changes and the kind of changes that are desirable and possible. Within the context of this article it deals with a social movement that favors Peanut Butter rather then meat. However, it took a while for this change to come about. Even though peanut butter has been around for more than a century it wasn’t until the 1920’s that it became popular. With the outbreak of meat having salmonella a lot of people started to consume peanut better, because of it’s low costs and high protein it offers. After analyzing this situation I can see how it applies to the fundamental assumptions of Marx’s theory. I believe awareness that peanut butter provides greater health benefits than meat and costs less created a clash of social interests which allowed social change to happen. Being the more people are becoming aware of peanut butter this creates a division among peanut butter and meat. While doing my analysis I did take into consideration that class may play a role in the reason why so many American like peanut butter. Marx deals with the bourgeois and the proletarians and the difference among them. I feel that the low cost of peanut butter would be highly favored by the proletarians because it’s cheap and affordable. Being that a good portion of Americans would fall under the proletarians that probably explained why peanut butter is becoming more favor.
1) emilio bestevez 2) "Bad economy forcing immigrants to reconsider U.S." 3) By Thelma Gutierrez and Wayne Drash 4) CNN.com 5) February 10, 2009 6) http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/02/10/immigrants.economy/index.html?iref=mpstoryview
Marx:
The fact that laborers, legal or illegal, cannot find work in this modern day industrialized "superpower" is unacceptable. This industrialized nation that has championed capitalism is now failing terribly. If capitalism worked there would not be such a massive collapse of the economy. The American economy is in a crisis and has an unemployment rate of 7.6% which continues to rise. CEOs and the ultra-wealthy are still bringing in more money than ever. The capitalistic bourgeoisie that created this crisis get a slap on the wrist and still get paid while millions of workers are unable to find work. All of this proves the capitalist system, which even has checks in place to protect itself from the inevitability of communism such as a minimum wage, has failed. It is time for the proletariat working class to lead the revolution against the capitalistic bourgeoisie and create the inevitable communistic utopia.
emmitt The Poodle Can't Talk Now; She's In With Her Stylist Katie Thomas The New York Times February 9,2009 http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/10/sports/othersports/10dogs.html
Durkheim The process of bringing groups of people together is very important for a society to exist. Groups coming together for certain events to "celebrate" or to hang out is much needed. The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is something that brings people together. This event has a high level of group interaction, which is something that is very important when studying a society. The Dog Show has many sacred rituals and collective behavior symbolizing group interaction. With an event like this people can share common beliefs as well as socialize and enjoy what they have in common. This event brings people together for them to have fun and "interact" with eachother, which is what is most important for a society to survive.
ICMA Five Reasons The Markets Don't Like the Bank Bailouts Jeff Cox CNBC 2-10-09 http://www.cnbc.com/id/29121916/page/2/
Marx:
One of the main reasons the economy is not responding well in reference to the news of the bank bailout and the new Treasury Secretary's ne financial plan is because of the great uncertainty. Much of what's going on in the economy is because their is no conventional wisdom on how to handle this financial crisis. In some insistances we try to hold the economy accountable and call it a free market, which is capitalism at it best. But because of the regulation and deregulation of the market; also the bailout of many large lending institutions, it is going to be hard to be hard to bring about confidence within the economy and to get credit moving again within the credit markets.
It seems that a few people, the bourgeoisie, are controling most of the wealth within the market and their decisions are effecting the larger community, the proletariat. In order to gain long term stability there is going to have to be a shift in the current model of bourgeoiste and the proletariat. If this continues then their will continue to be people like those that are currently suffering from the economic down turn in the future.
1) Jordans (Justine Connolly) 2) “Octuplets’ mom was hoping for just one more girl, ‘grandmother says” 3) Jessica Garrison and Kimi Yoshino 4) Los Angeles Times 5) January 31, 2009 6) http://www.latimes.com/news/science/la-me-octuplets31-2009jan31,0,841716.story
In words of Engles:
Nadya Suleman resides in Whittier, California. Nadya has given birth to octuplets, eight children through in-vitro fertilization. However, she already gave birth to six other children previously, making her a mother of fourteen children. She and her fourteen children live in a three bedroom home with her mother and father. This woman and her lifestyle do not fit into Fredrich Engele’s patriarchal society, because she is a single woman, who has been divorced, and the father of all her children is unknown. Ms.Suleman does fit the role of a domestic bearing woman in society, because she raises her children and takes care of her household duties. As many citizens around the world have been saying about Ms.Suleman and her wrongful actions; Engles would tell her that women should be subordinate to men for the economic structure of society to be successful. Since she did not follow those rules of society her economic structure has been fruitless and hope the government will be a provider for her family. This lady proved she was not subordinate to any man, by being divorced and by having more kids after her divorce Engles believes men are the production of the means and women are the production of human beings. Engles belief that the economical society will be functional if women are subordinate holds true to this case. If she followed by the rules her doctor set when planting those eight embryos she would of ended up with only one child instead of eight, but she didn’t not want to kill off seven of the embryos like her doctor permitted. The role men and women play in society is for the betterment of their own family, not for a grandfather to go to Iraq for work to support his grandchildren and daughter financially.
MrFlock “Economic downturn causes more to seek mental help” OR “Therapists in high demand as economy crumbles” By: Valerie Garman The Independent Florida Alligator 10 February 2009 http://www.alligator.org/articles/2009/02/10/news/local/090210_suicide.txt
Durkheim: As observed in the current faltering of the world economy, the relationships formed between people, their environment, peers, and society become strained. The solidarity that binds people to their society, particularly organic solidarity, which is based on the mutual interdependence of individuals and groups, becomes more relevant to their lives as new regulatory devices seek to quell the troubles of the economy. According to the USA Today, mental health therapists experienced a 40% increase in patients from June to December 2008 as the world economy continued to struggle. The Alachua County Crisis Center and the UF Counseling Center, for example, have experienced an increase number of patients citing financial trouble, home foreclosures, and unemployment as factors contributing to depression symptoms. It would be expected that, in this current era of economic unrest, the number of anomic suicides would rise because many new economic regulatory devices do not immediately or directly improve the financial difficulties experienced by some people. Also, that some people are suffering from depression because of their financial troubles, home foreclosures, and unemployment, their sense of self-worth is compromised – another facet of anomic suicides.
Orchid 9/11 claims one more victim Michael Daly Daily News-NY local September 4, 2008 http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2008/09/03/2008-09 03_911_claims_one_more_victim.html
Durkheim:
As I read this tragic story I immediately realized that this is a case of anomic suicide. Life was good for Kenny Johannemann until 9/11 took place. With such a drastic change of having plenty of friends to none can make you feel lost and you lose a sense of who you are. Due to the intense complications that lead Kenny to suicide places him the anomic category. He took to drinking and felt that he did not have much stability in his life, especially since he would soon become homeless. This burden wouldn’t allow him to continue with life. This event took place in a modern society but everything seemed to decline for Kenny. This is a series of unfortunate events for Kenny and it seems as if suicide was definitely driven by a social phenomena.
Monkey Economic Troubles Bring Many to the Brink Paul Vercammen CNN.com January 29, 2009 http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/mentalhealth/01/28/economy.mental.woes/index.html#cnnSTCText
Durkheim
In this modern society people have been socialized to accept concept of success as having a job or career. People are distracted by the idea that they must have a job, and they must work. It becomes a part of their identity. One of the most popular conversation topics is “So, what do you do for a living?” and the answer “Oh, I don’t have a job, ” is generally not accepted. Americans are “work-aholics.” They work to make a living, and often confuse this with living to work. The economic downturn that is now affecting the whole country has had a major impact. People who have centered their lives around their careers are now finding themselves jobless, and therefore world-less. This situation drives some to extremes. These are precursors to anomic suicide. The woman on the phone is job-less. She has called the free hotline to speak with a counselor. She says she doesn’t want to live if she doesn’t find a job. This hotline was set up as a response to the rise in suicidal incidents seen recently because of the economic downturn. A few weeks ago a couple killed themselves and their children after losing their jobs. This sense of losing yourself when you lose your job is a product of the modern society and organic solidarity, and can lead to anomic suicide. The counselor on the phone tells her that she will get her professional help and sets up an psychological evaluation for the suicidal woman. This is another characteristic of the modern society and its organic solidarity, restitution. The counselor tries to find a way to restore this woman so she can function normally in society again.
Mr.Tibbs The Poodle Can’t Talk now; She’s in with Her Stylist Katie Thomas The New York Times http://sya4110spring2009.blogspot.com/2008/12/assignment-1-due-211.html
From the perspective of Durkheim: The Westminister Kennel Club Dog Show is a sacred event that brings about an attitude of respect and honor to those who are involved. The Dog Show creates high rates of group integration. Everyone comes with a sense of togetherness. Although they may have a difference in dog preference, they all love dogs in general. By competing they obtain group membership and strengthen their shared beliefs over time. Everyone who participates engage in collective ritual behavior. As stated in the article, some dogs require five hours a week of grooming and it takes years to learn proper methods. This shows people have a strong desire to be involved in this sacred event. The final thing they share is their aspirations and emotions. They are aspiring to achieve the same goals and all share very similar emotions when engaging in the Dog Show.
1. Yellow Bird 2. Zimbabwe opposition says it's ready for unity government 3. No Author Listed 4. CNN.com 5. January 30th, 2009 6. http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/africa/01/30/zimbabwe.power/index.html?iref=newssearch
Marx: This article is discussing how Zimbabwe’s President is working with a Movement for Democratic change to help end poverty and suffering in the country. Marx would critique this situation by saying that while it is a good thing that the people have come together to create a movement for democratic change, he would not have the change be done in a democratic fashion. Instead, Marx would rather have intellectuals aid the underprivileged aka proletariat class in a movement to overthrow the government (in this case those that are oppressing the poor and suffering of Zimbabwe) and then give up their power to the people to govern and distribute material goods evenly. Marx would also say that while this movement is a step in the right direction, having a President who has the final say on the matter, and can end these negotiations at anytime, is not ideal for the proletariat. This is because the President holds more power than the proletariat and in an ideal Utopian communist society, no one has more power than his fellow man.
efollet The Power of Positive Deviance Susan Worthman Green Buzz Feb. 10, 2009 http://www.greenbiz.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-power-positive-deviance?page=0%2C0
A positive deviance is "individuals or groups whose behavior and attitudes help them avoid problems that plague the rest of their community." This factor is key in a society. Positive deviance are the small number of individuals whom have similar ideas of the brighter side of life. They share optimistic views of situations at hand but are constricted and a part of an undifferentiated mass. What is already known is comforting and easy to agree with and abide by. Most of society's population is comfortable with this but what about the rest?
With positive deviance, organic solidarity is produced allowing for the rest of the population, individuals or small groups, to break free from the collective conscience and develop their individuality. The norm and what most of the population in a community perceives becomes weaker and more abstract. To accomplish this and gain their mutual interdependence, individuals of these small positive deviant groups must effectively communicate with one another and with others outside of their group (in their community) to establish concrete and reliable social networks. Conversation, visual media and social ties are a great bases for message. Soon these individuals will become teachers and learners and experts. Positive deviance is "solving problems by looking, and thinking, about how we act, rather than acting upon how we think."
Tadpole Tsvangirai's tough choice Peter Biles BBC News February 10, 2009 http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7882703.stm
Marx, Morgan Tsvangirai has chosen to join an inclusive Zimbabwean government in an effort to move towards a more democratic governmental system. In turn he has become more a second in command to the current President Robert Mugabe, as opposed to an equal leadership. Meanwhile, the people of Zimbabewa are experience a state of collapse as Cholera reaches crisis levels and adequate food sources run slim for a portion of the population. This is the prime example of how capitalism has exceeded it's usefulness and a time for change has come, on a global scale. The proletariat are the people who are most likely to cause change but because this same group of people are most affected by disease and poor nutrition, this change is not likely to come any time soon. The dictatorship that President Robert Mugabe has assumed over the last 25 years eliminated societies influence in any form of government that will only now be changed by great conflict.
Stars California Work Program for Young Is Threatened Malia Wollan The New York Times February 8, 2009 http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/08/us/08corps.html?_r=1
Durkheim
Thousands of youth’s lives are at risk due to the possibility of California Conservation Corps being eliminated due to recent budget cuts. Less fortunate, some even homeless, youths are being saved by this program. One young man goes from sleeping in his car to feeling good about himself while being evolved in the Corps. He states “If this goes down, I don’t know what I’m going to do.” The program helps disadvantaged kids to gain a chance to experience working when they might not have the opportunity to do otherwise. If the corps are taken away from these youths they will be thrown back into less fortunate situations with no where to go. This could lead many youths to experience anomic suicide. If they loose their position in the Corps they could be loosing everything they have; leaving them feeling useless and unimportant in society.
Pharaoh Archeologist search for unbaptized babies’ grave Shawn Pogatchink Associated Press (Yahoo News) February 10, 2009 http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090210/ap_on_re_eu/eu_nireland_infants__mass_grave;_ylt=AikY0wjDYHI8tsxhtUt_6lY7Xs8F
Durkheim: Baptism is a collective ritual, in which the infant begins the process of integration into society both by strengthening collective beliefs and morals and by mutually bonding the participants, in this case the children and the religious community. But when outside forces disrupt this ritual, which already generates strong emotions it becomes problematic. The issue at stake here is the status within a deeply religious society of a group that because they did not undergo the necessary rituals lack recognition. The group is children who have died without undergoing baptism. According to beliefs of the community these children died with original sin and as such do not merit burial on consecrated ground. However, due to changes within the community itself the parents of the children who where interred in unmarked graves, are demanding that church leaders apologize, identify the grave sites, and include the land to the cemetery with new grave markings.
1.Culinary Kitty 2.The New Sustainability: Surviving While Waiting To Thrive 3.Julian Darley 4.GreenBizSite 5.02/10/2009 6.http://www.greenbiz.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-new-sustainability-surviving-while-waiting-to-thrive
A Marxist view:
As humans we need possessions to survive, one of these possessions is a home. Since the proletarian cannot afford to buy a home with cash they must take on a loan with a bank. This current economic crisis the direct result of the proletarian settling for the lending practices of the banks. The proletarian should be enraged with the idea of adjustable rate mortgage that were marketed towards them because of their status as workers. However, social change is born of these realizations of inequality within our society. Barack Obama is taking action to combat the economic crisis by creating green initiatives that create jobs. Change must also come from the clash of the proletarian with businesses, such as banks. They must force the businesses to listen to their needs and adapt to fit them. It is a rare occasion when proletariats realize that the businesses need them to survive. This economic storm allows for the proletarian to demand communication between businesses and customers. Businesses will be forced to educate themselves in culture sensitivity because they must adapt to survive. In our evolution from a primitive society to one that is considered civilized we must make a transition from this capitalist society, which is clearly not working, to communism, the final stage of our societal evolution.
Rizal Obama Scores a 28 on the Change-O-Meter Emily Lowe Slate Magazine February 10, 2009 http://www.slate.com/id/2211016/?from=rss
It is truly a comical thought when thinking about what has been occuring on the political front of the United States. Never had I thought in my wildest dreams that I would see the day when a bureaucratic democracy would show such great dedication in fixing an economic crisis. Today I smile, because I know that Marx was wrong and I was right. One of his so called "proletariat" finally rose up to take control of a messy political situation, yet a communist form of government has not yet occured! Although Mr. Obama is certainly charismatic enough to inspire without controlling, his bureaucratic administration is finally giving the much needed order that the previous administration lacked. My advice to Mr. Obama would be this though; do not let yourself become to charismatic lest you fall into a category of rulers who have associated themselves with great notoriety. Although it is true that we live in a time where traditional authority is a memory of the past, remember that you are President in a democracy, not the King of the United States. Trust that all tiers of your bureaucracy will function efficiently but most importantly that they will function under your vision of a better tomorrow.
1. Bourgie 2. Turning Cooking Oil Into Fuel for the County 3. Diana Marszalek 4.New York Times 5.February 5, 2009 6.http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/08/nyregion/westchester/08greasewe.html?_r=1
Westchester county official's use of 3,5000 local restaurants cooking oil to fuel cars is an example of organic solidarity. The county has accomplished to run seven vehicles off of oil and 125 vehicles off of cooking oil and diesel fuel. The partnership between the county and restaurants demonstrates a mutual interdependence of individuals and groups. In order for societies to have the upmost functionability there must be unity and this situation exemplifies two groups coming together for the common good.
Additionally, according to the article the benefits of running vehicles on cheaper and cleaner fuel is invaluable. This article exemplifies Durkheim's belief that knowledge is shaped by the social world. As a society we hav come to value "going green", combating global warming, and reducing the amount of plastic used by carrying cloth grocery bags. The use of two different sources to come together for one purpose that will benefit both taxpayers and the environment is, well, priceless.
It can be said of this situation that there is a tremendous lacking of social solidarity. And as a result of this absence, it is easy for me to see how difficult it is for this societal cluster to exist at all, let alone in harmony. These Rohingya are having to flee their homes before being expelled by force by the overpowering Burmese army. This is a primitive society caught in the midst of a modern world, and it adds a twist to my traditional theories of mechanical solidarity. Instead of the weaker Rohingya society, both in mind and in force, willingly following the command of the collective conscience that is the tyrannical Burmese army, the Rohingya are denouncing and fleeing to avoid expulsion and exile.
There is a strong presence of regulation within this society, to the point where it can lead to suicide amongst the innocent citizens. There may be an adequate level of integration between each opposing group, but as a whole, integration is lacking. The highly regulated environment could lead one to commit fatalistic suicide, as a result of the oppression. And in the case of getting a familial group to safety in the even of fleeing, I could imagine one committing altruistic suicide, goodness forbid.
It is apparent that this social environment is a hostile one missing a key element of success, and that is solidarity, union amongst it members. Please consider the effects this can have on all who do not have a voice.
Todd Efficiency Alone Could Cut US Electricity Use GreenBiz Staff GreenBiz.com Feb 10, 2009 http://www.greenbiz.com/news/2009/02/10/efficiency-us-electricity
Durkheim: New studies show that by simple energy efficiency and conservation, the US could cut 60% of all coal fueled energy consumption almost immediately. This would result in a 30% overall decrease in energy consumption and work towards creating a more ‘green’ nation, an objective the nation honestly should have been working on for the last few decades. Because of the government’s previously elusive demeanor towards the existence of the greenhouse problem, individuals had little-to-no knowledge or information upon which they could draw value from in order to create social facts about the situation, a useful tool which would have allowed individuals to create cultural norms with which to think about this problem and begin setting up the necessary social structures to handle this issue. Instead, the government has not taken appropriate steps to rectify this issue, and instead had hoped the issue to be pushed ‘under the mat’ in comparison with the growing degree of social anomie in the nation. In order to fully correct this problem, officials need to instate laws which would create a form of social solidarity and social cohesion which would direct individuals how to feel and act towards this problem.
- “Stimulus deal 'possible' by Wednesday, lawmaker says” - CNN's Dana Bash, Ted Barrett, Brianna Keilar and Deirdre Walsh contributed to this report. - Cnn.com - 02/10/09 - http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/02/11/stimulus.plan/index.html
As Marx the philosopher and revolutionary:
I am still waiting for Obama’s stimulus bill to go into affect. The proletariat workers are over worked and under appreciated. With the white house officials roughly estimating that the bill will be about $800 billion and go into effect, possibly as soon as today, I am ecstatic for my people. They have been alienated from their labor for too long now. The idea of social creativity is slowly disappearing. When will the capitalists realize that even they are not free? This is the only thing keeping me from overthrowing the capitalist society to liberate my fellow modern proletariat! With the final vote in the Senate was 61 in favor and 37 opposed, it is inevitable to ever convince the entire house full of Bourgeoisie that the treatment they are given is not equal to those working twice as hard in the factories. It brings me some joy that the $70 billion to patch the alternative tax, that used to be targeted to the wealthy, is now redirected to hit many middle-class families.
therock California Work Program for Young is Threatened Malia Wollan New York Times February 7, 2009 http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/08/us/08corps.html?_r=1
Durkheim:
After reading this article, I see anomic suicide waiting to happen. These young men who have had it hard their entire life and now they finally have something to live for, to appreciate. Most people would not enjoy sleeping in the rain and under tents, but these men appreciate it because they know that this is the first opportunity they have been given in their lives. Taking this program away from these young men will give them a sense non-value and that they have no place in society. They could lose all reason for being and resort to anomic suicide. Mr. Prue is even quoted as saying at the end, "If this goes down, I don't know what I'm going to do." Most of these young men will feel like this because they will be forced to go back and live in their cars or on the streets with no opportunity on the horizon.
Love87 ‘Imagine No Religion’ Message Billboard Goes Up In Sacramento Trina Hoaks Examiner.com February 9th, 2009 http://www.examiner.com/x-2044-Atheism-Examiner~y2009m2d9-Imagine-No-Religion-Message-Billboard-Goes-Up-in-Sacramento
Religion is not merely a function of popularizing actual religious beliefs, but instead a mechanism for creating and re-creating social cohesion and unity. The overarching trend that can be seen in religion and religious practices that have not traditionally been seen as “true religion” is a common need to unite people and create a sense of solidarity. The article presents an ideal example to illustrate that religion functions outside of established, formal religion. Alluding to the fact that even those outside of established, formal religion still indeed use their non-belief as a form of religion. The atheist group has proposed to erect a billboard containing the phrase, “Imagine No Religion” as a means of empowering and unifying the atheist population. They themselves argue that the billboard’s purpose is to spread their message and make fellow non-believers realize that they are not alone. Their attempt to refute religion’s existence is actually a testament to society’s need to erect religion as a form of unification. It’s all rather interesting. The group discussed exemplifies the concept of religion in action without any particular adherence to specific religious tenets. Instead the focus of their religion is to unite and create a camaraderie or solidarity, the true purpose of religion.
1. Bella 87 2. California Work Program for the Young is Threatened 3. Malia Wollan 4. NYT>Environment 5. Feb. 9, 2009 6.http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/08/us/08corps.html
Durkheim
for the country's largest and oldest work program for these young adults, these young men might soon be jobless due to a budget crisis. Are we looking at a case where in modern organic societies, anomic suicide might be taking these young men's life because of the economic downfall? These young men might feel there is no reason for being and lose a sense of themselves. These young men might now know who they are? For a young man of the name Jason Prue this is exceptionally worry some after he said, "If this does down, I don't know what I'm going to do." Will this young man be able to pick himself back up considering he had nothing before except living in his car or will he commit anomic suicide?
Nikaye Michelle Obama makes Vogue Cover BBC News February 11, 2009 http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/americas/7883253.stm
Durkheim: Fashion has now become a religion where a set of beliefs have been developed about what one should wear and not wear and especially pertaining to the First Lady. It is expected that Michelle should act a certain way in her outfits and the moral community is the fashion world. If Michelle did not live up to the beliefs and the fashion world she would be severely criticized especially since so much is expected of her and needs to think critically about her decisions in clothes. What Michelle wore to the inauguration was somewhat of a religious ritual in that there were high rates of group interaction where she made appearances on different tv shows that discussed her apparel and there were even polls made for the people to vote on what designer she should choose. The sacred symbols would be that of the clothing article and even designer names and labels. What Michelle Obama wears sets trends and strenghtens shared beliefs of what is the current popular style to wear.
Nikaye Michelle Obama makes Vogue Cover BBC News February 11, 2009 http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/americas/7883253.stm
Durkheim: Fashion has now become a religion where a set of beliefs have been developed about what one should wear and not wear and especially pertaining to the First Lady. It is expected that Michelle should act a certain way in her outfits and the moral community is the fashion world. If Michelle did not live up to the beliefs and the fashion world she would be severely criticized especially since so much is expected of her and needs to think critically about her decisions in clothes. What Michelle wore to the inauguration was somewhat of a religious ritual in that there were high rates of group interaction where she made appearances on different tv shows that discussed her apparel and there were even polls made for the people to vote on what designer she should choose. The sacred symbols would be that of the clothing article and even designer names and labels. What Michelle Obama wears sets trends and strenghtens shared beliefs of what is the current popular style to wear.
Scientia “The Last Stop for a Young Utopian” Richard Fausset LATimes.com January 31, 2009 http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-anarchist31-2009jan31,0,3296515.story?page=1
From the perspective of Karl Marx:
The story of Kirsten Brydum, and her journey to find a better world, is a perfect example of the eventual downfall of capitalism. Philosophers have only interpreted the world, in various ways; the point however is to change it. Activists, such as Kirsten, have been working hard to bring about this social transformation. They hold the belief that one day, people will reject a society in which goods and services are exchanged for money, and embrace something better. Kirsten, like many opposed to capitalism, had refused to accept that we live in a world of scarcity. She saw this myth of scarcity as a production of a capitalistic society. Her proposed solution, which seems to be the only logical progression of our current society, is a world in which resources and goods are taken care of and shared equitably. The history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggles. Today’s current capitalistic society is no different. On her expedition, Kirsten was confronted by the poorest of the poor. In New Orleans, she saw the broken down houses and the damage that still remained three years after the Hurricane. She believed this to be a place where an autonomous, post-capitalist movement might flourish. Kirsten’s death was a production of a capitalistic society, in which people rob and kill in order to gain some sort of material possession. Her ideals, which are consistent with those of communism, would end this misdistribution of resources and hopefully promote a sense of community and classlessness.
Betty Turning Cooking Oil Into Fuel for the County Diana Marszalek NY Times February 5, 2009 http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/08/nyregion/westchester/08greasewe.html?_r=1
As resources are depleting daily and society must find a way to fuel its essential modes of transportation, an ecological solution has come to the aid. The use of used frying oil from various eateries is a new avenue of oil consumption and use that might eventually turn into a capitalistic opportunity. Instead of said restaurants paying to have the oil removed from their establishments, they might eventually be able to charge a small price in exchange for the oil in its use as fuel. This would make fuel cheaper to those who have access to it, hopefully those of a lower and economically needier class. This would be a great change in the way that people have been for the last few decades. Instead of being impulsive and unconcerned, they could move towards a more eco-friendly and thoughtful regime. This, of course, is all yet to be seen.
How To Help a Vet - Many veterans charities aren't very good. But there are other ways to aid returning soldiers
By Patty Stonesifer and Sandy Stonesifer
Slate.com
http://www.slate.com/id/2210847/?from=rss
February 11, 2009
Durkheim: Recognizing the state in which veterans support/charities stand currently is important to see the ripple effect it has on the veterans who need this support. The inefficiency of charity programs can be reflected through the rising suicide and PTSD rates of returning veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan, demonstrating anomic suicide. These men and women come back to a lack of support medically and socially, leaving them questioning what that have fought for if the citizens of America, which whom they went to protect, cannot support them.
The efforts to develop a stronger support/charity system will show these men and women, although through material standards, that people do care and appreciate their work as soldiers and that what they have done for their country has been worth while. Also, these programs can offer recovery and stability, allowing soldiers to reestablish themselves within the community with social networks and new job stability, rather then leaving them feeling lost and without a new purpose.
The current economic crisis should not be a burden these foundations and charities should have to endure because people are capable of volunteering their time, something that may help these soldiers understand their worth more than money could.
Fiddler "Workers Rebel in Eastern Europe" Heather Cottin Worker's World Feb. 8, 2009 http://www.workers.org/2009/world/east_europe_0212/
Marx,
Eastern Europe is becoming a hotspot for change through conflict. The proletariat is speaking out against the injustice they are enuduring. Unemployment is rising, and in the materialistic world that has been created, change is inevitable. The lower class is calling for the resignation of their government, and are tired of the same petty existence. They are being offered little or no wage for their labor, and their conflict with the bourgeoisie is at a breaking point. Capitalism is crashing around them as they seek a new system. A system that affords them what they are worth. A system that allows them to reap the benefits of their labor while giving a chance to others. The time of their exploitation seems to be coming to an end.
xChomskyx Bailout Plan: $2.5 Trillion and a Strong U.S. Hand Edmund L. Andrews and Stephen Labaton New York Times 2/10/2009 http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/11/business/economy/11bailout.html
I believe Marx would view this time of bailouts, and such the time at which it would be necessary for the United States to evolve from a system based around capitalism to communism. This second bailout, is supposed to protect the interests of the working class, which has the highest unemployment rate since 1992, and take the country out of this harsh economic climate. However, Marx would state that as this economic decline is increasing the alienation of the working class, from the goods and services they produce. Now if this 2.5 trillion dollar bank bailout does not end in stimulating the economy enough were the working class isn’t scared to spend his paycheck and creates jobs for those hit hardest by this economic downturn (the unemployed) it will cause great conflict between the upper class capitalists and the working class.. The situation in America at the present creates conflict between the upper, and working classes, and this conflict would catalyst this change.
Marx would argue that this whole economic downturn was due to capitalism’s instability as a system. He didn’t doubt the power of capitalism to create economic growth because of investments in new technologies that could be used to improve means of production. However, this investment in new technologies is very problematic because, when capitalists invest more and more in new technologies they disregard the importance of labor and the workforce. This can be seen as a cause of the economic fallout that is currently being bailed out by Washington. This impoverishment of the proletariat (working class) would as aforementioned create a climate of dissenting outrage among the American people, and would end in a violent uprising to overturn this system. So if Geithner is not able to turn the economy around with his new bailout plan, bailing out the very banks that placed the country in such a delicate position losing over 3 million jobs, it will not bode well for the life of capitalism in America. Marx’s idea of the proletariat getting fed up with the economic collapses caused by capitalists and capitalism is shown in the wariness of the republican and democratic law makers both, because they know the voters are disgusted with the results of the previous bailout that was proposed by the Bush administration. Washington is stepping delicately across the current situation which could spark this communist powder keg of which Marx speaks, demanding more details about this new bailout for the American public, and also to help the lawmakers decide what to do with these plans laid by the treasury. The lack of details is not a negative as of right now, but if the spaces in this plan are not filled soon it will end in descent.
mmw3506 California Work Program for Young is Threatened Malia Wollan The New York Times Feb. 7, 2009 http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/08/us/08corps.html
I believe Durkheim would have seen this article as anther way a society is contributing to the cause of suicide. The corporation was founded for young people who were unemployed and didn't mind having a "dirty" job. The idea of this job being taken out of the market would severely limit the possibilities for employment for these people who already have a hard time finding a job. marx would classify a suicide by one of these soon-to-be former employees as an anomic suicide. He would say that the economic downturn of the society would have influenced the individual so much that they could not bear to live in a a state of mind where they have no sense of their self and reason for being. Through the event of being laid off work, these people may have no alternative for income, so they look for a way out. This type of job would engulf their whole life, so to lose it would be very devastating.
1 Phil 2 19 killed in suicide Attacks on government sites in Kabul 3 RICHARD A. OPPEL JR. and ABDUL WAHEED WAFA 4 New York Times 5 2/11/2009 6 http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/12/world/asia/12afghan.html?_r=1&hp
Durkheim
This suicide tragedy in Kabul was an example of Durkheim's Altruistic Suicide. Taliban suicide bombers took 19 lives in Kabul. Suicide bombers put everyone before them and thought that it would be a good idea to take everyone else with them when they commit suicide. These suicide bombers had suicide vests on and therefore the innocent people around them had no idea that the bombers were going to commit suicide around them and take them down too.
Charlie M. Senate, House Begin Talks on Stimulus Shailagh Murray The Washington Post Feb 11, 2009 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/10/AR2009021001397_2.html?wprss=rss_print/asection&sid=ST2009021001436&s_pos=
Marx:
In this article, Congress is debating over tax breaks and spending within the stimulus package. One side called for less federal spending and more tax cuts. Federal funding for programs such as Medicaid and school construction were seen by the opposers of the bill to be wasteful. This group also wanted the tax cuts for the bougoisie from the previous leader to stay in place. I find this rather amusing, that in a time of economic meltdown of a country, the debate is over who is more important in the recovery plan. Is it the proletarians or the bougois? Which is more important, education of future generations or the prosperity of a few of the current? Some members of this congress are worried of "big government" but it seems that the proletariat has had enough of a government that is too small to oversee the behavior of Wall Street.
The proletariat is suffering once again because of the greed of the bougois. The top echelon of banks, insurance, companies, and other corporations do not seem to value the workers, as they lay off employees as a sacrifice to preserve their own well-being. The middle class (who tend to be obedient to rules in society) has shrunken dramatically, allowing for the proletariat to demand change in the ways in which things operate. The working class and the middle class are becoming more aware of inequalities with the use of this amazing widget called "the internet". In this manner, the internet is a dream come true for the proletarians.
As I have observed how this economic system has operated through capitalism, my theories are being proven to be correct through the mistakes of the capitalists themselves. Capitalism can be a benefit to a people when when regulated, so that the working class is not so alienated from the means of production. But when the bousoisie abuses the capitalist system, they are doing so at the expense of the legitimacy of capitalism itself. Once this occurs, the fragile economy reveals the weaknesses of class-based economics. Thus, it is not the outrage of the proletariat as much as the carelessness of the bougoisie that renders capitalism obsolete via exploitation and overall greed.
Araby FEMA Is Faulted on Aid After Hurricane Ike By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS The New York Times Published: February 8, 2009 http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/09/us/09hurricane.html
Marx
If Karl Marx was reading this article, I feel that he could come up with several ways that many citizens of Southeastern Texas have become victims of socio-economic inequality. According to the article, FEMA has denied more than 650,000 requests for federal aid. Many claim that these rejections stem from the fact that the federal government is hiring inspectors that are not properly trained. These inspectors are also facing issues of timing, as they are paid per inspection and can hardly cover expenses. This is an example of the government underestimating the cost of labor for this particular agency.
Those who applied for aid are asking for help with expenses that their homeowner's insurance was not willing to pay. Many of the homes in question are not liveable and need a great deal of work. FEMA is now claiming that if anyone feels that their claims were wrongfully denied should submit an appeal. This would be helpful for those who have the means to hire a lawyer for representation and challenge their rejections. Many do not have this option and are paying on homes that have been absolutely demolished. I feel that this is a case where people who are in a vulnerable economic position have little power to sway the government and may end up being completely overlooked.
TampaBiz Will Recession Dull Hip-Hops Bling John Sutter CNN 2-9-09 http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Music/01/29/hiphop.bling.recession/index.html#cnnSTCText
Capitalism can be measured in many ways in many groups. The Hip-Hop industry is a new powerful one that not only is very deep in capitalist roots, but its job is to show off the luxurious commodities in which it envelops itself in. It is also the ‘bling’ that the industry raps itself in. Now with an economic recession plaguing the country, it seems as if this ‘show-off’ industry is toning its money flashing down, in order to be more in line with the audience. A good example of this is famous rapper ‘Lil Wayne’, winning two Grammy Awards, performed in a plain white T-shirt, jeans, and a simple necklace. It could be that the famous rapper is low on finances, but I doubt it. It is more of theater by the still upper class trying to show they ‘understand’ the proletariat and are feeling the same woes. The lower class will continue to feed into what they believe is the real world and keep the bourgeois in their place by feeding their bank accounts.
Libra Blessed be the Newsmakers Stephen Bates Slate Magazine Feb. 11 2009 http://www.slate.com/toolbar.aspx?action=print&id=2210912
Durkheim;
According to the article, the New York Times is not making profits anymore from newspapers, and they are seeking to make the Newspaper a "tax-deductible outfit that chases donations" instead. The author of this article believes that if the Newspaper wishes to make money it should turn itself into a religion. I fully agree with the author. The New York times is already cited so widely in commmon day literature and renowned as one of the best news reporting medias around. Society creates these religions and society helped create the New York Times into a religion. The author argues that the Times already has "religious discipline and rituals". Developing beliefs and a set of rituals are the first steps to constructing a religion. The overarching church of this religion is the New York Times newspaper. The author states, "'Public corruption brings forth righteous wrath from the press's pulpit. Reporters strive to 'evoke indignation at the violation of social values,' media scholars James S. Ettema and Theodore L. Glasser observe in their book 'Custodians of Conscience'—as, they add, the prophet Jeremiah did." The New York Times brings together a big group of followers, this isnt just a nation wide following also, this is a world-wide following. This religious institute is important because it brings people together they can all talk about one topic or several topics found in the Times, and this brings a sense of unity. That is what religions do.
1. Muzician 2. Another Female Suicide Bomber Strikes Iraqi Province, Killing 15 Near Courthouse 3. RICHARD A. OPPEL 4. New York Times 5. June 23, 2008 6. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/23/world/middleeast/23iraq.html?scp=5&sq=recession,%20suicide&st=cse
Durkheim:
This article is a perfect example of altruistic suicide. What is being discussed is a female suicide bomber. In past times males have been predominantly known for participating in suicide bombing, proving their efforts to die for something they believe in, believing that they are doing something to help the greater good, as well as themselves. Females are finding acceptance in this kind of activity as well. This female decided to risk her life, not because she was thinking about herself, but because she thought others would benefit from it as well. This shows the correlation between being in a primitive society and being under high integration. She knowingly knew that strapping a bomb to herself and detonating it would definitely mean death, but In her heart she felt that she was making a difference.
Emile Durkheim's Response to New York Times Article
The Catholic dioceses in the United States have begun to offer a sacred ritual that was previously discarded decades ago–the indulgence. Indulgences are acts which reduce purgatorial time by a certain number (partial indulgences) of days or years or can eliminate all of them (plenary), until another sin is committed. This return to the Catholic church, has come about partly due to the effort to get Catholics back to confession, a "happy incentive" as stated by Pope John Paul in 2001. One of the prerequisites of an indulgence is that you must have a session of confession. The Catholic authority is making a concerted effort to reintroduce this concept back into the sacred practices of their religion in order to achieve a new level of moral standing with it’s followers.
This act or reinstatement follows all the other powers the Catholic church reinforces. The act of indulgences is a way for the church to regulate the moral life of society. By having a way to reduce the purgatory sentence due to sin, the dioceses are adding on to and above the real. This activity creates a renewed sense in the person receiving this rite and he feels transformed ultimately transforming his own surroundings. Changing one's surroundings is one of the primary goals brought up in the article. Keiran Harrington, spokesman for the Brooklyn diocese acknowledges that "It's more about praying for the benefit of others, doing good deeds, acts of charity".
This act is sacred for it is not something that is done every day, therefore making it a sacred act that rises above the mundane profane world. There are special years and specific times of the year that are designated for the prayers, devotions or pilgrimages that make up the indulgences. The rarity of these acts and the important meaning behind their completion creates a crescendo of emotions and energy in man that will allow him to be transformed and renewed. The intense nature of these acts will heighten the senses and allow man to look above the real world into an ideal world. All of this cannot be achieved by man if the concept of indulgences is not accepted by the collective community.
In trying to assimilate this once abandoned concept back into the fabric of Catholic existence it becomes a tall order to find where it’s place is. There must be a collective acceptance in the community before this practice is embraced and becomes part of the religious ideal. The power of one individual cannot will the act of indulgence into society, society as a group must first accept it and then the individual can idealize it. The scrutiny that this practice is receiving from practicing Catholics is the first intuition of the existence of truth. This higher idea must be scrutinized and people must ask how this concept fits into their lives and therefore individualize the concept. The groups must accept it before it can find it’s proper space in the Catholic ideal.
1. bugzapper 2. California Work Program for Young is Threatened 3. Malia Wollan 4. The New York Times 5. February 7, 2009 6. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/08/us/08corps.html?_r=1
Durkheim:
The threatened status of the California Conservation Corps work program due to the state budget crisis is one not to be taken lightly - its elimination has the potential to put the lives of hundreds of young men at risk. Advocates of the program that are quoted in the article view this risk in narrow economic terms, in that it discontinues the boys' current employment, and cuts off their future opportunities for "green collar" jobs that work to restore natural habitats and environments. However, I perceive the risk in more social terms, especially in regards to suicide.
The young men are described in the article as "hard-luck teenagers and young adults," many of whom are from poor urban neighborhoods and without high school diplomas or job prospects. Becoming crew members of the California corps gives them the opportunity to become productive members of society through gainful employment; It provides a feeling of integration with similar peers and people in general, and a sense of regulation through job structure and stability.
The elimination of this program may have dire consequences for these young men, who might be driven to suicide with the loss of this steady, structured employment that allows them to form social ties with others. I predict them as being at increased risk for egoistic suicide (low integration, not well-connected with others, excessive individualism and loneliness) and even anomic suicide (low regulation, lose sense of selves and reason for being) post-Corps service, if the program were to suddenly be taken away from them.
The story of Jason Prue is an excellent (though tragic) profile of one of the young men who might be at particular risk. Prue is reported to have lived in his car as a drifter in the time before he joined the California Corps, until he decided that he needed to "find a job I loved; This is it." He also admits, "I'm not that good a planner. If this goes down, I don't know what I'm going to do."
...Commit suicide as the result of the loss of identity and sense of purpose, a lack of decent options and of social connectedness? Perhaps he will, but this social theorist certainly hopes not.
As a student of Hegel, Marx would have said that the changes that this article points out about the government were eventually going to occur some time in the future. This is due to his proposal of all societies going through the 5 stages: primitive-ancient-feudal-capitalism-communism. He would not have been surprised with the fact that times are changing especially after Obama became president. This is because, according to him, liberal reformers are one of the two groups that he says want to create change. In order for them to create change they have to take action and that's what Obama is doing by putting expedience ahead of extra spending and by being straightforward about the way the government is going to handle different situations.
However, Marx would argue against the part in which the article took points away from Obama on the chart because of his administration taking the same position as the Bush administration's position on the "Mohamed v. Jeppesen Dataplan". I believe he would defend this by saying that the different political parties are not always going to have opposing views and will eventually agree on some stuff. For the most part, he would agree with the change that is occurring because he would relate it to the possibility of conflict, which he believes to be the engine of progress. This progress is a part of the advancement of human consciousness and will lead to things getting better in a civilization.
1. Dream 2. FEMA is faulted on Aid after Hurricane Ike 3. The Associated Press 4. The New York Times 5. February 8, 2009 6.http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/09/us/09hurricane.html?_r=1
“The source of social change is the clash of social interest arising from social inequalities”. Our society in the United States faces conflict of interest’s everyday within the economy. Money is a serious matter that people can cause unfairness, differences, and change. While there are those in the high classes who demand their way with the functioning of the economy there are also those in the low working classes who are now realizing that they have a position in how the financial system should be administered. It is because of the never ending cycle between the high class and working class that economy exists. If there was no one to work the low paying jobs then there would be no high class rollers in the high positions. There is a dependent relationship between the classes, in return the dependency affects economy and should allow everyone a voice. An example of economic unfairness would be that of the article “FEMA Is Faulted on Aid after Hurricane Ike” which states that a government funded aid organization is failing to assist more only 82,000/ 730,000 applicants that have lost or damaged their homes. There is an unfair qualification process taking place in this community that is limiting far more than half to be granted assistance. The idea of this article is to point out that those in the low ranking or non say positions in society are speaking up and fighting for what they believe is right. Marx believed that social change can be achieved through conflict that is produced by social inequalities. Government money should have a criterion in the form that it is dispersed, however, when less than a quarter of needy people are receiving help there is a flaw in the system. Change does not occur alone there has to be a driven force that causes social change and within this small community people are driven by the unfairness of the FEMA criteria and the unqualified agents that have been making the decisions. They know the mission of the organization and they know that the money is there. It is the holding back of the money that is making the selection process unfair. A natural disaster is not brought upon by one’s self it is unexpected and in return the government should help in any way possible. These people and their lawyers are doing the right thing to be motivated and question the conspiracy going on with the aid from the government, only then will they achieve a change. Perhaps even a change in an application process, a criterion, or the amount of people being accepted. In a small scale, this situation can be an example of Marx’s conflict theory (which was based on larger social change situations in history) and how it takes conflict triggered by inequalities that cause people to act on their realizations. This article is not going to change how the entire economic system functions in the United States but it can change it within the FEMA organization and push for a small social change in a state within our country that needs help dating back to September 2008.
1. Venezuela 2. California Work Program for Young Is Threatened 3. Malia Wollan 4. The New York Times 5. February 7, 2009 6. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/08/us/08corps.html
Marx:
Once again we find the worker, and his labour, objectified and the big picture ignored. To please a budget committee that will see savings of a mere 34 million dollars in an already 43 billion dollar state deficit, the livelihood of many young people will be stripped away. These young workers and their labour have no practical worth to the powerful. In the article Attorney General Jerry Brown says that, "kids need to get out of the concrete of the urban world and encounter the complexities of nature." Unfortunately, nature does not translate to dollar signs like the concrete jungle does for those empowered predators. Jason Prue, age 21, turned his life around with the help of the California Conservation Corps and now it may all be over. Many, including four former governors, have stood up to Governor Schwarzenegger's plan to end the country's oldest and largest work program and give back what little the worker has left.
Done4Now Trillion Dollar Baby Maureen Dowd New York Times (online) 10 Feb 2009 http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/11/opinion/11dowd.html?_r=1
It is time for the beast known as capitalism to be slain. Unfortunately, capitalism now has become a demented phoenix [with the aide of the granted by the bail-out package]. Though it has gone up in flames, it has been rejuvenated not for the better, but for the worse. The bourgeoisies have alienated the proletariat even further. It has already been the case where this elite group has controlled a vast majority of the economy, and they have benefited from this control. Now the case is that they have turned the market sour [by taking on toxic assets]. Logic would hold that it is the bourgeoisies [Wall Street] that should thus loose out, because it is them who have been benefiting from the market; however that is not the case. This new demented phoenix is fed by the hard sewn fruits of the protectorate even more so than the original phoenix from which it was spawned[that is to say that tax payer money is what is being used to pay for this bailout]. The government has proposed that the mistakes of the bourgeoisies [toxic assets and sub-prime mortgages] should be covered at the expense of the proletariat not only with their labour, but now also with their money. What is more appalling though is that the bourgeoisies yet still control everything, and it is they, who should be loosing, that are still gaining [Wall Street executives not having their salaries capped and still receiving bonuses]. The proletariats are thus even further alienated than they ever were before. Now it is they who are paying to keep the bourgeoisies alive in that is now their money and labour that are keeping the institutions of the bourgeoisies viable, yet they still exercise no control over these forces [the bail-out package]. I say it once, and shall state it again, capitalism ha been rejuvenated for the worse and it is time for the proletariat to take control of market and put an end to the life of the demented phoenix.
1.Codeword: Parrot 2.Title: Despite Odds, Women's Movement Persists In Iran 3.Author: Jacki Lyden and Davar Iran Ardalan 4.Source: NPR.org 5.Date: February 1, 2009. 6.Link: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=100039579
Engels: Women around the world continue to be oppressed and are still victims to persecution. They are not considered equal and have to live by traditionalists laws to where a veil and are not allowed in politics and other professional arenas, and are under a capitalistic society. Women in Iran faced many changes after the Shah was no longer in power and with the new regime under government by Ayatollah, women were no longer judges, lawyers, and other professions but instead were excluded from public economic sphere and restricted to household labor; they became non-entities or were executed. Men gained complete control in Iran as in many other traditionalist countries. “What is a boon for the one is necessarily a bane for the other.”(‘The Patriarchal Family,’ by: Engels pg. 67) In other words for every group that has a positive gain, there is a group that is oppressed and looses out; in this case it would be women. The traditionalist men gained power and as a result the women were oppressed in Iran. Engels supported moving from a capitalistic society structure to one of communism; where it would be egalitarian, classless, stateless, and based on common ownership. Women would definitely benefit from this change and become equals and have the same economic, social, civil, and political rights as men. In order to do this Engels believed that the removal of private property is the solution to equality. He believed that whatever the ruling class gets, everyone else should also gain in the same manner.
1. Grane 2. A-Rod, Bankers' Salaries, "25 Random Things," and the Grammys 3. Stephen Metcalf, Jody Rosen, Dana Stevens, and Julia Turner 4. Slate Magazine 5. February 11, 2009 6. http://www.slate.com/id/2211059/?from=rss
(Marx)
The current culture today displays a strong sense of materialism. The athletes today earn multi-million dollar salaries, while law enforcement, teachers, and even health professionals get paid significantly less. With these huge salaries these professional athletes, such as Mr. Alex Rodriguez, become tempted to use steroids either to live up to their large contracts or to increase their value when the time comes for contract extension. The same effect relates with other types of celebrities. People treat these celebrities as royalty and contributes funding and ratings towards their ceremonies, such as the Grammys, while these celebrities use more of their profits towards more selfish desires rather than societal contributions. These public controversies show the examples to America that the message is to strive for material, and society is providing this material to whoever reaches high enough. The concept of materialism is increasing, and it will worsen in the future.
President Barack Obama is putting a cap on the top executives at banks. It seems as if President Obama is attempting to even out and close the gap between the middle and the upper class, and he strives to give the proletarians more comfort in their quality of life, recognizing that the elite is already quite comfortable. He believes that the labor work value of these top executives is a maximum of $500,000, implying that this number symbolizes their mental and physical capabilities. The middle class needs to lead the proletarians in an up-rise against the elite.
Facebook can be utilized as a positive tool. It provides a certain level of communication that can generate influence within the culture. Many of the young people currently have extraordinary ideas; however, ideas must be used in order to take action. Facebook can display these ideas and start the process of taking action.
pongo “Bailout Plan: $2.5 Trillion and a Strong U.S. Hand” Edmund L. Andrews and Stephen Labaton New York Times February 10, 2009 http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/11/business/economy/11bailout.html?ref=politics
Marx:
The current U.S. economic crisis represents a clash of social interests arising from social inequalities. Honest, hard-working taxpayers are angry that their money is being squandered by the bourgeois CEOs making foolish business deals. The recent election of President Barack Obama is a solid indication that the proletariat is demanding real social and economic change. In a recent speech, President Obama related that the previous administration’s economic policies involving tax cuts for the bourgeoisie were not effective in stimulating the economy and promoting growth. Their own president sees the failure of the capitalist system! The new administration’s economic plan involves a $2.5 trillion government bailout. This change in governmental policy represents the beginning of a shift away from capitalism. Such high governmental involvement in the nation’s corporations is, instead, characteristic of communism. It is obvious that capitalism has worn out its usefulness in the U.S. economic realm.
I also can’t help but to believe that more radical social change will be necessary before the struggle between the U.S. proletariat and bourgeoisie comes to an end. Although the bailout plan signifies an attempt to appease the proletariat and achieve greater equality, the bourgeoisie are the ones who are really benefiting from the plan. Banks and corporations have lost millions of dollars but are not responsible for their debts and mistakes because the government will take care of it. On the other hand, the government is not paying anyone’s mortgage or other outstanding bank debts. Instead, the proletariat are responsible for their own debts even though their tax dollars are funding the bailout. Once again, the powerful bourgeoisie benefits at the cost of the workers. This clash of interests will only be resolved by a revolution.
3SGTE "Why Free-Market Capitalism Will Follow Communism Into the Trash-Heap of History" Philip Slater Huffingtonpost.com January 28, 2009 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/philip-slater/why-free-market-capitalis_b_161709.html
Marx:
Though I agree with your sentiments that capitalism will eventually fail, and in these times, it is almost eminent that the time is near, however capitalism will not follow communism into the "trash heap", it will however follow after the fall of capitalism. The flaw that "greed is good" is as good one to point out. What I believe for capitalism to work is that all commodities must sell for the appropriate value. Since we live in an era where greed, and self advancement takes priority, that value steadily increases to a point where everything will fail internally. Competition forces out the weaker corporations and monopolies will eventually form cornering the market in whatever commodity is being produced. To a point, capitalism will no longer be a free market and government is going to step in to take over.
1. Sweet 2. California Work Program for Young is Threatened 3. Malia Wollan 4. The New York Times 5. February 7, 2009 6. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/08/us/08corps.html?_r=1
Durkheim,
Do to the circumstances in today’s economy; many people are losing their jobs. This is a reality for many to face and struggle with the responsibilities of everyday living. Even many of the big corporations and companies are going through budget crisis. This is true for the California Conservation Corps, the country’s largest and oldest work program for mostly hard-luck teenagers and young adults, on the chopping block. A hard decision has to be made in which the program will be eliminated and as a consequence, many of this young adults will be jobless and opportunities will be taken away from them in order to succeed and accomplish their dreams one day. Certainly many people have suffer at some point or another from existential crisis and people that feel their dream of succeeding in life will be gone, might be more prone to suffer from this. Been in a position in which you feel hopeless, like many of these young adults should feel, since their options to work for a hard future are limited, might force you to do irrational things like taking your life away since they might feel their life is purposeless. This will be an example of egoistic suicide, in which ties attaching the individual to others in the society are weak. Since the individual is only weakly integrated into the society, their suicide will have little impact on the rest of the society. In other words, there are few social ties to keep the individual from taking their own life. And they might feel that their presence in life is worthless so they might as well take their life away.
"The Power of Positive Deviance" By Susan Worthman greenbiz.com Feb. 10th, 2009 http://www.greenbiz.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-power-positive-deviance?page=0%2C1 (Marx)
Positive deviance (P.D.) seeks to view a group that lacks something. Rather than viewing the deprived members to figure out why they do not have, they view the members who do have and ask what they are doing differently. Furthermore, once they do figure it out, they have these "deviants" share with the their skills with the others. "The P.D. model works because experts become learners, teachers become students, leaders become followers" This system seeks to equalize the field whereby those with power and resources pass on that knowledge to other members of society. Granted the system only works when resources are plenty and not when everyone is desperate. It seeks change from within the organization instead of form outside sources. From this system the worker becomes less of a commodity and more valuable due to the knowledge they teach to other members in a way creating a collective knowledge. The gurus become teachers and students at the same team. Everyone learns from each other. In ignoring the status quo, we seek a different perspective and to better understand everyone's struggles while "solving problems by looking, and thinking, about how we act, rather than acting upon how we think." It is looking past the self-centeredness of capitalism. Deviance breaks the status quo which, when nourished positively, brings about change.
DanteBelante Florida’s unemployment hits 16-year high Marcia Heroux Pounds South Florida Sun Sentinel 11:14 AM EST, January 23, 2009 http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sfl-december-unemployment-0123,0,643976.story
Florida’s unemployment has reached a 16 year high. The article indicates that the majority of the lost jobs are amongst labor intensive jobs and in the lower income areas of the state. Marx’s concept of The Division of Labor and application of Conflict Theory are useful mechanisms for understanding this trend from a social point of view as well as predicting a possible result of the trend. The modern day Proletariat are not only being funneled into the manual labor jobs but are further being oppressed by having those jobs be first on the chopping block during economic crisis. Economically marginalized persons are further being denigrated and are being portrayed as a disposable mechanism to help combat economical depression. Rather than there being a trickle down effect creating equal cuts to all levels of employment, the bottom of the food chain is simply being cut and as they are the cogs of the Capitalist machine their removal may result in a failure of that machine. This issue may be seen as the social catalyst that will stimulate the working class to fight off their invisible hand and revolt making their grievances and marginalization visible. Perhaps the beginning of the transition from Capitalism to Communism is about to unfold and the persons once seen as simply pieces of a larger machine will become the tools by which the social and economical structure is rebuilt.
Tigers219 Blessed Be the Newsmakers A new business model for the press: Declare itself a religion. Stephen Bates Slate.com Feb. 11, 2009 http://www.slate.com/id/2210912/?from=rss
Marx: The transformation of the press into a religion would be a substantial breakthrough in today’s bureaucratic society. Since the press is no longer earning profits for the newspapers, they need money to fund their projects. Some have suggested asking for donations from different companies, and others look to charge people an online fee. One way to overcome most of the fees would be to convert them into a religion. Becoming a religion would create a loophole for the press. It would allow them to portray their views of self-government on the people, without paying dues to the government. As a religion, they would be able to fulfill what they want to do, and not have to worry about capitalism. As a religion the press would receive tax benefits that would be a significant amount, and help funding. Receiving tax benefits would be considered to be help from the government, but then again it would be fighting against them. Turning the press into a form of religion would be a beneficial move for the press, and it would only be finishing what they are already becoming.
Shooting Star Ethiopia Facing World's 'Most Urgent' Food Crisis by Nicholas Benequista CommonDreams.org September 4, 2008 http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2008/09/04-10
Over time societies will grow in size causing resources to be scarce. Many societies are being affected economically hence affecting those like Ethiopia. With pure understanding one could see that those who populate Ethiopia are not at fault for their condition, where they are facing the "most urgent" food crisis. They are in drought not allowing them to grow their own own hence having them to get food imported which has quintupled in cost. Only a few in Ethiopia could survive this being that they have had only double digit growth in the past five years. Only the wealthiest in this case the strongest will succeed by demolishing the weakest. For one they could buy the only food that is left, and second 75,000 children are said to die of starvation and in this case they are the weakest because they are dependent. Ethiopia is asking for an extra 140 million, the main problem is that problems are arising all over the world causing more people to ask for help. Since people who have money are trying to hold on to every penny they have they are not distributing much and as a matter of fact are holding out and people are losing jobs. It's a chain of events because society is linked.
All these arising problems will arise in people committing acts of suicide. People are increasingly becoming stressed and isolated because of their economical problems. In Ethiopia people probably feel invisible, as if no one cares because less people are offering aid. Worldwide extreme hunger is arising as a society everyone needs together and compromise for a solution.
psalmbird Iran's Revolution turns 30 John Simpson BBC News February 10, 2009 http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7881635.stm
Iran, once a primitive society characterized by its government, celebrates more than liberation; its a celebratory transition of a modern society. Hundreds of people filled the streets celebrating in remembrance of February 1979. For Iranians, their religion, rituals and routines have kept them grounded in these trying times. Today clearly symbolizes their ability of integration. Chants of their national anthem could be heard, echoing their strength and beliefs that are shared among them. The Iranian flag waved in the air uniting Iranians of young and old together. Two-thirds of Iran's population of 70 million are under the age of 25. While many of the attendees were too young or not alive when the revolution took place, the crowd was filled with many eager and supportive young people. One young man was seen wearing a Dolce and Gabbana jacket, with a spiked punk hair style. The young man exemplifies Iran's transition into a modern society. The youth no longer perform the same tasks or jobs as their parents; nor do they hold the same perspectives on life. Their change has come.
2."California Work Program for Young is Threatened" 3.Malia Wollan 4.The New York Times 5.February 7, 2009 6.http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/08/us/08corps.html?_r=1
Marx
California is suffering from a large economic crisis of a $42 billion deficit. The reason the California Conservation Corps is now being threatened is because of the conflict that exists regarding scarce money. The existence of the organization is based solely on whether or not it can be afforded. When there was not a deficit, the organization was not questioned or threatened. This conflict is also visible in the social classes themselves. The middle/upper classes are the ones creating economic and political policies, which are the ones proposing the cut of these programs. Coincidentally, the Corps is a program that created jobs for the underprivileged urban youth (lower class). Marx's theory remains just as relevant and alive. Members of the community have organized already and are educating others about the validity and importance of the program, and are also educating on why the program is trying to be cut. Education and community building are the two necessary components for social change to occur, according to Marx, which is initiated by inequality. I understand that when there is a limited amount of resources (in this case money), where the money is spent needs to be addressed, evaluated, and cuts will most likely need to be made. But what is a consistent pattern is that programs or areas that are always cut during budget crisis are those where the working class are affected. This shows the gap that exists between classes, something less apparent when things are going "well."
Marisa Green Jobs Multiplying By Ariel Schwartz Greenbiz.com Feb. 10, 2009 http://www.greenbiz.com/blog/2009/02/10/green-jobs-growing-us-around-world
Marx:
Conflict is the engine of progress. A social force must take place in order to bring about change. This is exactly what is occurring now. Now that our world is going through rough times financially and our resources are being limited it is now that we must come up with new and improved solutions to solve our worries. Many countries are expecting these new green jobs to take us out of recession. The problem is who is actually capable of being employed. Not only is this a problem but also some employers offer wages beneath the poverty wage standard of $10.19 an hour in household income for a family of four. And this goes hand-in-hand with my idea that workers are alienated from the profits of their labor. Although green they are not always good jobs, and the worker is not able to gain much profit out of his/her work.
Lemon87 Recession to Fuel More Family Murder, Suicide Robert Roy Britt Feb 2, 2009 http://www.livescience.com/culture/090202-recession-suicide.html
Durkheim: The nature of capitalism encourages man to pursue unlimited desires and unrealistic goals. The government proposes the notion that every man is for himself; the possibilities are endless. However, one will never achieve happiness by chasing the fulfillment of constant wants. It is like a vicious cycle: the more one has, the more one wants. The human being needs an equilibrium where his needs are proportioned to his means.
The article discusses the recent increase in home violence and suicides. Due to the economic downturn, people are being forced to change their lifestyles drastically. People are accustomed to living beyond their means in U.S. society due to capitalism therefore they have worked for years to improve their existence and cannot fathom financial failure without demeaning one’s self. Unfortunately, people define themselves by their socio-economic status and feel at a loss when their position in society has been abruptly changed thus increased suicides occur. They may feel like they have lost themselves or lost their reason for being. Therefore, people begin committing anomic suicides because of low integration and low regulation within their society.
U.S. society promotes freedom from regulation and an abundance of options that leaves people with a constant internal struggle that becomes more violent and painful due to increased competition and little control. Heightened discipline and regulation can alleviate society in this current state of upheaval through an authority that can be respected and not feared. This can create a greater feeling of equality thereby decreasing violence and suicide rates.
1. mokibear 2. Google Taking a Step Into Power Metering 3. Matthew Wald and Miguel Helft 4. The New York Times 5. 12//9/09 6. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/10/technology/companies/10grid.html?_r=1
Google is taking a step in an undeveloped market to gain control and sharing its new product with the public. It states that the company will allow the public free access to PowerMeter, a service that follows energy consumption. This is going to improve the economy, but in terms of who has access to it. Free is a general term, free for one person may not be free to another. In our society, classes are not equal and resources are certainly not, the economy is owned and organized through those with the means to control. Who has this power? Those whom can use this service are limited to those who have technology and the salary to have internet access as well. Not everyone has the ability to gauge their electricity use or worry about their plug-in hybrid cars.
Myrtle US economy plan 'compromise' near No author listed BBC News 02/11/2009 http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/business/7884537.stm
This article discusses the new "compromise" stimulus package that President Obama has been urging Congress to pass. This stimulus package, though not as large as Obama initially planned, will go a long way in easing the burden of the working class, who have suffered a great deal in the current economic climate. I must commend the President, as well as Congress, for taking such steps to improve the lives of the average American, but I cannot help but think that this is little more than a band-aid on a much deeper wound.
Seeking to "fix" the economy will do little, because our capitalist system is outdated and growing increasingly dysfunctional. Certainly, it served its purpose for a time, but we are in a new era, one which demands sweeping change. This is not the first time we have found ourselves in such an economic predicament, and we cannot fool ourselves into thinking it will be the last.
This stimulus package is proof that Americans are dissatisfied with laissez-faire capitalism. It is only a matter of time before they realize that a new system, one that ensures the liberty of all Americans, is in order, and unite to make it a reality. President Obama's election alone is proof of the power of all Americans, regardless of class, to make positive change. This economic crisis is the people's opportunity to put that power to the test.
Minkoko California Work Program for Young Is Threatened Malia Wollan NYTimes.com February 7, 2009 http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/08/us/08corps.html?_r=1
The concept of social class and social structure are crucial in developing capitalism. Specifically, classes are defined through the understanding of work and labor, as well as means of production. This article demonstrates a clear division of those social classes. In the article, most of the workers who face the danger of losing their jobs are “hard-luck teenagers and young adults,” or what Marx would classify as members of the proletariat class. Since these workers have no property, their only means of survival and providing for themselves and their family are through their hands and labor. If these workers were to lose their jobs, they could very well sink down to the class that Marx calls ‘Lumpenproletariat’, the dangerous class that society chooses to ignore and disregard.
1. Cuda05 2. "The Smell of Death" 3. Rod Norland 4. Newsweek 5. Jan 19, 2009 6. http://www.newsweek.com/id/180483
Durkheim:
The oppression of the Palestinian people, especially in the area of Gaza, is driving people to altruistic suicide. The Israeli army is currently under an operation in Gaza where they are carrying out air strikes as well as ground attacks. The people of Palestine’s homes are being occupied and/or demolished by these Israeli soldiers and because of the oppression they are being driven to altruistic suicide. Since in this society, collective needs of the community are put before the needs of the individual (in this case, the suicide bomber), the individual deems it necessary to end his or her own life for the better good of society. They feel it will bring about social change and give the Palestinian people what they have been wanting- national recognition as a legal state and defined boundaries for their country.
AIR888 Zimbabwe PM pledges 'new chapter' BBC News 02/11/08 http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7884282.stm
In this article, the Prime Minister of Zimbabwe’s states that he wants to get the country back to work and end the violence within his country. Although it is controversial whether this leader is trustworthy, his statements reflect an intent to bring about social change. Marx would recognize that Tsvangirai, being a new leader, may be intellectual elite that would be the catalyst for the conflicted groups in Zimbabwe to redistribute power and settle in the name of peace. Maybe this man will guide his people to take their own country in to their own hands and move into a period of needed social change. Promises of brotherhood are promising, but much depends on the few elite leaders. If they use their power in government in the right way, much may improve admits the turmoil and Zimbabwe could progress through the phases towards communism. Also, basic humanitarian needs need to be address so that the citizens of that country can focus on finding their own essence.
Peaches Suicide Victim May Have Hidden Millions Abroad Lynnley Browning New York Times September 16, 2009 http://dealbook.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/16/suicide-victim-may-have-hidden-millions-abroad/?scp=5&sq=suicide&st=cse
Durkheim: “…In an instant he was gone— his privileged life ended, by his own hand, with a single gunshot to the head.” In the explanation of Finn M. W. Caspersen’s death it can only be described as social phenomena that developed from the social causes surrounding Mr. Caspersen. Caspersen suffered for many years from kidney cancer and it only worsened as he neared the day of his suicide. He put his estate up for sale for $10.9 million and was relinquishing prestigious titles he held as he steered away from other philanthropic. By the narrative presented above it could be seen Caspersen taking an altruistic approach in order to spare his family because he can no longer benefit society due to his illness. To continue, another underlying cause of Caspersen’s suicide was the fact he had millions of dollars stored away in offshore accounts and owed over $100 million in back taxes. As the IRS was closing in on him he could not bear the stresses of life and decided to take it instead. Caspersen demonstrated a fatalistic approach as the oppression of society’s rules on taxes attacked him. In a short period of time Caspersen’s level of high integration became overcome by high integration which proved fatal due to his social environment.
1. Mohawke 2. "California Struggles With Paroled Sex Offenders." 3. Solomon Moore 4. The New York Times 5. September 26th, 2009 6. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/27/us/27parole.html?pagewanted=1&ref=us
As Durkheim:
This article addresses one of the significant signs of the shift to organic solidarity. The weaker collective consciousness by comparison to America's pioneering years has led to the usage of restitutive laws rather than repressive ones. In colonial America, these sexual offenders would have been promptly tried by their community members and given swift, severe punishment for their actions. Public hanging or shunning would not be uncommon. Today however, restitutive laws have created the concept of parole, whereby prisoners who may have behaved well in prison are allowed to live outside of those walls with less supervision. These changes in society's laws confirm the belief that solidarity as well as collective consciousness ideals have altered.
The ways in which the prisoners are detailed leads me to wonder if my theory on suicide can be also applied to parolees. It seems that many of these parolees experience a form of anomie, wherein their alienation from society due to their deviance may affect their decisions to repeat offenses. In the case of the parolees who returned to the streets and harassed prostitutes or kidnapped underage females, there was clearly very low regulation of their activities by their parole officers, due in part to their sheer numbers. This coupled with the fact that they were released from prison to roam freer than if they were inside may have created confusion in what was expected of them. A loss of their identity as an inmate led to confusion and an inability to assimilate back into regular society, leaving their old habits as an easier option.
1.mother 2.More school: Obama would curtail summer vacation 3.Libby Quaid 4.Yahoo! News; Association Press 5.September 27, 2009 6.http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090927/ap_on_re_us/us_more_school
Durkheim,
The United States is largely represented by an organic solidarity. Higher degrees of specialization make it necessary for children to receive formal education through the school systems. The initial education that students receive in grade school provides a substantial base for further education that is important for the specialization that keeps the US at a competitive level with other nations that are also characterized by organic solidarity. However, collective conscious, as it is tied to beliefs of the government, is a lot weaker than it would be if it were connected by mechanisms found in mechanical solidarity such as religion. As a result, citizens are less likely to accept changes in the education system that will force more hours of studying upon the children. It is also possible that these increase pressures from material and non-material social facts may lead to an increase in fatalistic suicide.
Lucas Smuggling Europe’s Waste to Poorer Countries Elisabeth Rosenthal New York Times September 28, 2009 http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/27/science/earth/27waste.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss
Recycling waste is very costly. These unrecylced materials are very hazardous to our environment and to people’s health. European countries were found to be sending illegal waste hidden with legal waste to poorer countries. There is great risk placed on peoples health because if waste not recycled or disposed of in a environmentally friendly way water and air is being polluted. European countries are looking out for their social interest and their social position by reducing cost and pollution and sending waste to poorer countries. Since European countries are more economically affluent they are more powerful. Their social interest is costing African and other people in poorer countries their well-being. This is an example of social inequality; the poor countires are given a lesser value due to their social status.
Lucas Smuggling Europe’s Waste to Poorer Countries Elisabeth Rosenthal New York Times September 28, 2009 http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/27/science/earth/27waste.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss
Marx: Recycling waste is very costly. These unrecylced materials are very hazardous to our environment and to people’s health. European countries were found to be sending illegal waste hidden with legal waste to poorer countries. There is great risk placed on peoples health because if waste not recycled or disposed of in a environmentally friendly way water and air is being polluted. European countries are looking out for their social interest and their social position by reducing cost and pollution and sending waste to poorer countries. Since European countries are more economically affluent they are more powerful. Their social interest is costing African and other people in poorer countries their well-being. This is an example of social inequality; the poor countires are given a lesser value due to their social status.
1.Footlocker 2. Smuggling Europe’s Waste to Poorer Countries 3. Elisabeth Rosenthal 4. The New York Times 5. 26 September 2009 6. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/27/science/earth/27waste.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss According to Marx: The idea of European countries selling their waste illegally to poorer countries in Asia and Africa is a quintessential example of class struggles. The poorer countries can be considered the proletariat, the working class poor, while the rich countries (who can afford to through perfectly good electronics out by the millions of tons) are the Bourgeoisie. The governments of those countries accepting E-waste and other smuggled in waste products for “recycling” or dismantling are using the unaware proletariat for their labor. Many of these workers who spend hours each day dismantling computers and other electronics in unsafe/unregulated conditions are kept almost completely unaware that they are being exposed to highly dangerous toxins for pennies per day. While the people recognize they are getting sick and their children are being born with deformities, the government preaches that if they work hard, all will be okay. This is a more modern day version of the Catholic Church’s hold on the proletariat’s work ethic in my day. While recognizing the need for change is a step in the right direction, the proletariat must become aware that their circumstances can change and they must work to change them. The land-owners and government who control the ports and the dismantling shops where the smuggled goods are brought in and worked on have the power to control the distribution of the wealth in society, and they do. While the government officials and landowners live in nice homes with good food and water, the laborers are not paid enough to provide solid shelter and clean food and water for their families because they live in the same areas where the toxins are being released into the environment. Revolution will result from these dire environmental circumstances when the pauperization of the proletariat continues and grows to the point of starvation. Smuggling is being stopped more and more at the export end of the deal; as less tons are exported into China, the laborer will become worth less and less because there will be less work available and more people ready to take any job available. The proletariat will rise up against this and strike and demand more, when they finally become aware that their circumstances are a-typical.
Greece Does poverty make people obese, or is the other way around? Daniel Engber Slate September 28, 2009 http://www.slate.com/id/2229523/?from=rss
Marx: Even something so personal as obesity is said to be linked to one's social class. The proletariat or working class are more likely to be obese because food options are limited in poor neighborhoods. Low income workers have less time to cook their own meals and are not financially able to join sports clubs or gyms. Being obese can make you sick which in turn can make you poor through hospital bills and missed days of work. Being poor is linked to both obesity and sickness. The "health-wealth" gradient refers to the general rule that the richer you are the healthier you are. Thus money brings one health. The "girth-wealth" gradient is the general rule that socioeconomic status and body size are inversely related. The reciprocal relationship between being poor and being in poor health is so ingrained into society that universal healthcare will not be able to counteract the effects of capitalism in the United States. Princeton economist Angus Deaton concluded that a direct redistribution of wealth might be an efficient way to improve the health of the poorest Americans. Where would this wealth come from? The bourgeoisie are unlikely to give up their wealth to improve the status of the proletariat when they have the power to control the distribution of wealth. Only the laboring poor whose health is at stake can revolt and make a change in their own lives. Action must be taken to improve their status in the world of capitalism where the upper class enjoys the perks of wealth, health, and thin bodies.
1. Speedy 2. Schools Promote Waste-Free Lunches 'Trash talk' takes on new meaning as more schools promote waste-free programs 3. Karen Ann Cullotta 4. Commondreams.org 5. September, 28,2009 6. http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2009/09/28-5
Durkheim
Stowe Elementary School students are being taught moral rules and social integration through the waste-free lunch program movement. Students are learning how to better the environment and make less of a carbon footprint in order to better their lives and the lives of others. The waste-free lunch program movement has been implemented for the whole school and even the parents are being integrated by being asked to send their kids to lunch with reusable lunchboxes and less pre-packaged food. The uniform look around the lunchroom is less plastic bags and more reusable containers. Student “cadets” watch over and help out their fellow students by participating in the sorting ritual after every meal. One child was even called the recycling king, a true leader who other students looked up to. The school has established a set of shared beliefs and has then taught the students how to apply those beliefs in the lunchroom. The school itself provides the single overarching moral community in which to have the waste-free lunch program movement.
Students have mutually bonded over these collective rituals of sorting their recyclables, trash, and compost materials after every lunch meal. Just like a religion, the waste-free lunch program movement integrates the students into an eco-friendly society. The collective rituals of the waste-free lunch movement bond the students, teachers, and parents, making them feel good about doing the right thing for the environment. They all become attached to these beliefs and carry them out Monday through Friday in the ceremony of school lunch time. Participating in the waste-free lunch strengthens their collective beliefs, morals, and bonds to one another.
1.Banana 2.Smuggling Europe’s Waste To Poorer Countries 3.Elisabeth Rosenthal 4.The New York Times 5.26 September 2009 6. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/27/science/earth/27waste.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss
Marx: Poor countries and their people have been paying the price for industrialization for decades now. Europe and its bourgeois are not the only places and people guilty of dumping their trash all over the proletariat; this is the epitome of the class struggle. The rich are not concerned with the plight of the poor and if they can just get rid of their problems by sending them somewhere else, why not? The people of China, Indonesia, Africa and India suffer because disposing of this electronic waste properly is far too expensive for the people of more developed countries. In addition, it is not the only the European countries or American that stand to profit from dumping our problems on other people. China for example wants the materials so they use their poor to dismantle the machinery and the poor suffer greatly, not only are they not paid enough but they are exposed to extremely hazardous materials and waste. The poor of these countries need to realize that they are being used by their own people and by more developed nations. They need to see that the pennies they are being paid are not worth the risks and they need to rise up and attempt to create change for themselves. In addition, countries like China and Africa need to take a stand against these countries and not allow their people to be so abused by the bourgeois. Revolution will only occur when the proletariat rise up and reject their false consciousness.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMuzician
ReplyDeleteThe Green Upside to the Meltdown
Marc Gunther
Greenbiz.com
December 2, 2008
http://www.greenbiz.com/blog/2008/12/02/the-green-upside-meltdown
Marx:
Humans are very materialistic. This has been proven by the economic tumble due to the fact that so many people are living beyond their means. People demand goods, whether or not they are eco-friendly, and companies supply them. Not to mention the fact that the goods that are produced are produced by employees who's creativity cannot be shown through their work. Being more considerate of the ecosystem and environment takes time in and through the corporate world. Adaptation is key, also it's very hard to pass on going to the mall for massive sales to, instead, better your conscience by giving to those who actually are in need. This way, that which you give is an expression of who you are inside. Your giving is unique to you, which is something no corporation can control or take away from you. Social change is possible by using your social position and social interests to shape your impact on society.
Bailey05
ReplyDeleteFriday Night Lights: Helicopter Parenting
Meghan O'Rourke
Slate Online Magazine
Feb 2, 2009
http://www.slate.com/id/2208682/
Durkheim,
This article itself shows you how in fact individuals do make a society. It is because parent's as these do in fact hover in a sense over their children and mold them in a way in which is right for society, it's what makes society the way it is. And in effort we as society continue following these types of patterns. The type of situation that these type of helicopter parents have their children in is a type considered mechanical soldiarity in which the children keep to their tight knit groups and are not allowed to go past what these rules placed down by the "helicopter parents" have given.
Tarpon
ReplyDeleteSports Injuries May Cause Lasting Brain Damage
Jon Hamilton
NPR.org
4 February 2009
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=100071753&ft=1&f=1024
In this case the proletariat would be the football players and the bourgeoisie would be the fans. The proletariat seeks a means to continue their struggle to survive in the world of professional sports; to do this they must sacrifice their bodies to maintain their playing time, and by doing so increase their appeal to the requirements of the bourgeoisie. The players know that if their abilities were to waiver and therefore cost the player time on the field; then the bourgeoisie would lose faith or lose a need for that player. The football league (industry) has an almost unlimited supply of athletes to replace the ailing ones. The fans require that the industry always be productive and more importantly running at peak production. The fans are only maintaining the arrangement of providing for the players as long as the needs of the fans are met; in this case a winning team or the best team. As a result of this interaction between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat, the proletariat must continue to compete regardless of the risk of physical injury. Since man is materialistic in nature the fans and the players both perpetuate the cycle; the fans need to see the competition of the game, and the players need to continue playing in order to provide for themselves and their families.
1.Asia
ReplyDelete2.Remembering How to Cope
3. Anne Applebaum
4. Slate
5. Wednesday, Feb. 4 2009
6. http://www.slate.com/id/2210527/?from=rss
In the case of snow in London, we see the pitfalls of the division of labor in a modern society. Where members of society become dependent on one another for what they no longer can do for themselves, we find unpreparedness "both psychology and practically," as the author says. In this case, 5 inches of snow closed airports and canceled school and work. Individuals could not shovel snow off their sidewalk to leave their homes. In a society of organic solidarity, such as this, individuals are guided by restitutive laws, encouraging them to give back to society in such a way that they become interdependent. This does not mean that individuals obtain a collective conscience, as would be the case in a primitive society, where everyone is working to achieve the same goal - in this case, to overcome the weather and continue to work. No, instead it means that each person has the freedom to develop a greater level of individuality and because one person deffers so much from the next, they need each other to do what they themselves cannot. If only one person knows how to shovel snow, everyone else is depending on that person for help. The author points out that this idea carries over to other areas, including economic hardships where individuals of new generations have lost skills learned from previous economic hardships.
As wonderful as it is to be a part of a society where we are free to specialize in any field and explore our own individuality, we must remember that there is a bigger picture and we need to find some balance between needing another person for their skills, and being self sufficient.
Clifford
ReplyDeleteNew Bolivia constitution in force
No Author listed
BBC News
February 7th, 2009
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7877107.stm
Marx
Bolivia wants change, and Evo Morales is the social force that is bringing about change in the country. Even though he is of indigenous descent, and of a socialist party, he acts as a liberal reformer trying to make change in his society. His ideas alone are not enough to form change, and now it seems that he has finally understood that concept. With his changes to the constitution he is creating change for the poor. The referendum he added was largely supported by the indigenous population in the country because it limited the size of rural landholdings. Evo Morales is not very well liked among the wealthy of the country, but he has still managed to make these changes because of his social position and status. I believe that social interests are determined by the position we hold in society and our class status heavily affects how we get that position. Because he was appealing to a certain group’s oppressed social position, he got backing from those in need. The people that oppressed are going to work even harder to get where they want to be when a political figure is backing them. The wealthy in the country are not for his policies and changes to the constitution because it is not giving them any sort of gain in society.
Tayler
ReplyDeleteCalifornia Work Program for the Young is Threatened
Malia Wollan
NYT> Environment
February 8, 2009
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/08/us/08corps.html
Durkheim:
This article displays early potential signs of anomic suicide. The state of California has an outstanding program for young men to simultaneously establish a sense for themselves while becoming more responsible young adults. As result of the economic downfall, there is a chance that the program may be terminated, due to budget cutting. In this modern society of organic solidarity, doing away with the program may be the equivalent to demolishing these hard-working young men reason for being, which may result in cases of anomic suicide. Jason Prue would be a perfect example as he states that he doesn't know what he will do if the program is eliminated. For this reason, it would be a smarter decision to find other ways to meet the budget defecit, than to take away from the country's oldest, largest work program.
pyrrus
ReplyDeletethe clash of the stimuli
Lydia DePillis
Slate Magazine
Feb 8, 2009
http://www.slate.com/id/2210815/?from=rss
Marx:
The capitalist superpower is collapsing like a house of cards with private companies needing to be subsidized by the federal government. That sounds a lot like socialism, which is showing that true capitalism does not function in the long run. It has run its course and much like nature it must evolve into something new and superior to what it was. Americans are afraid of the word communism and even socialism for that matter. However their economy is heading towards the latter with breakneck speed. Eventually they will learn to accept the truth that capitalism is only a precursor to the highest form of society communism.
1. Galatasaray
ReplyDelete2. Why the Muslim World Can’t Hear Obama
3. Alaa Al Aswany, translated from Arabic by
Geoff D. Porter
4. New York Times
5. February 7th, 2009
6. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/08/opinion/08aswany.html
Durkheim
This article deals with the Egyptians' view of Barack Obama and their own political situation in Egypt. Obama's first real test, in the eyes of many in Egypt and the Arab world was the crisis in Gaza in which 1300 Palestinian civilians were killed by the Israeli Army. There is mechanical solidarity in Palestine. This is seen in the case of suicide bombers, who in their minds are martyring themselves for the good of everyone. This form of altruistic suicide occurs because of the mechanical solidarity that the Palestinian people are forced to operate under. The Palestinian people are forced into attitudes that are highly religious and transcendental (collective goals above personal ones). I don't want to say that their whole society, including Israeli citizens, is forced into mechanical solidarity. The point I want to get across is that Israel's oppressive presence in the Palestinian land forces its people into a mechanical solidarity which in turn creates a situation where someone can find it necessary to commit altruistic suicide.
P.S. it seems that Durkheim's ideas were inspired by Ibn Khaldun...a great philosopher who we ignore.
1. Smarley
ReplyDelete2. Looking In on the City’s Samaritans at a ‘Dark Time’ in the Land
3. Clyde Haberman
4. New York Times
5. February 2, 2009
6. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/03/nyregion
/03nyc.html?scp=6&sq=suicide&st=cse
Durkheim:
In today's modern society where organic solidarity is present and individuals and groups are interdependent, there have been an increase in social phenomena that have led to more suicidal threats. All parts of society depend on each other and when there is a downfall of one part, it can affect many people. With the poor economy and worsening stock market, people have the fear of losing themselves and losing their reasons for living. They are terrified of losing their life goals, and many may choose to end their lives as an escape. Anomic suicide will continue to increase as long as there is such a huge economic problem and the phone lines of the Samaritans suicide lines will continue to ring off the hook. Society needs to remedy the problem in order to decrease the desire for its individuals to take their own lives.
In New York there has also been in increase of callers who are terminally or chronically ill. Egoistic suicide is also very present in this society type, because individuals may feel as if they are no longer a part of society, and are just a drain. They feel as if they no longer fit into society due to their illness. It is better for them to take their own lives then to have a lonely end to their lives.
There is more than one thing that leads someone to suicide. It is a combination of many social factors, including fear of one's future, fear that they may not have good relationships and that society may not accept them. Fear is a leading factor in anomic suicides in today's world. Our nation is emotionally wounded and unless emphasis is put on fixing this, and helping those who are suffering, more people will take their lives as a last resort.
PURA VIDA
ReplyDeleteThe Case for Bankers
Jacob Weisberg
Slate Online Magazine
February 7, 2009
http://www.slate.com/id/2210720/?from=rss
Marx:
It is evident that humans by nature are material beings. This statement is obvious given the current economic situation that our country is in. Due to the large amount of Americans that are involved in the current banking crisis, it is easy to blame the bankers themselves for putting society in this position. Many bankers and financial representatives had nothing to do with the crisis that we are in, however; society can and will change through a movement of the people. Ideas by themselves aren’t enough to create change. A person’s social interest is determined by their class. The individuals who fall into the oppressed social position that they are in due to the banks will form an alliance of some sort in order to bring about a positive change to their situation. If this means cutting the salary of a CEO or other top executives who could possibly get us out of the crisis, so be it. There will be a liberal reform and the people will decide!
1. Yellar
ReplyDelete2. The Case for Bankers
3. Jacob Weisberg
4. Slate
5. February 7, 2009
6. http://www.slate.com/id/2210720/?from=rss
What Karl Marx would say...
It must first be noted that the current situation and the fate of these bankers is evidence that capitalism has exceeded its usefulness. Although America does not truly operate under the ideals of pure capitalism, it has followed this outdated modification of capitalism for too long and it is time to move on to the next stage in modes of production, which is communism.
The bankers themselves are not to blame. The people controlling the companies that employ and work with the bankers, such as AIG are to blame. The bankers are victims as well because they do not have prime control over the distribution of wealth like the owners and decision makers of these companies. The owners have the economic, political and cultural power to promote their own self interest.
Humans are naturally material beings that value commodities and need "stuff" to live happily. These financial firms and the people in charge of them are guilty of commodity fetishism--they want money and the commodities that can be bought with it, without valuing or recognizing the labor behind it. These firms rewarded people in ways that supported their desire to fulfill their own interests at the cost of the shareholders, ultimately cutting out the principles of labor.
Although the bankers are not truly to blame, they do help this capitalist society function. Weisberg thinks we should stop scorning them so that they risk their capital again and "get back in the game" but maybe people, mainly the laboring class, should continue to ridicule them so that they realize that the capitalist foundations they work under are wrong. Maybe if we continue to harp on them, they can create social change and invest their money into more worthwhile endeavors and their community.
Finn
ReplyDelete"Turning Cooking Oil Into Fuel for the County"
DIANA MARSZALEK
New York Times
02/08/09
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/08/nyregion/westchester/08greasewe.html
Marx:
Although the switch to cooking oil instead of completely diesel fuel for the city vehicles is healthier for the environment and more cost efficient, it is still working under a capitalist system. Where one job is lost (the companies that haul the oil for the restaurants), another is formed(builders and workers of the convergent plants). The division of labor is still prevalent though it may be for a better cause. The proletariat will still be hauling the cooking oil for the government and working in the convergent plant for a higher power than themselves. They will still not technically reap the same rewards for their labor as say the county commisioner that is head of the operation, who is not directly touching the oil and converting it and driving the vehicles. In this sense the beourgeoise will still prevail and exist due to the labor of the prolateriat.
1. Sparky87
ReplyDelete2. "Ethiopia Facing World's 'Most Urgent' Food Crisis"
3. Nicholas Benequista
4. One World.net
5. February 9, 2009
6. http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2008/09/04-10
Marx:
The situation in Ethiopia should come as no surprise to us in our current world. Ethiopia is an extremely poor country, and the hunger and poverty experienced by its inhabitants are a direct result of of their low capital. What has created the troubles in Ethiopia? Capitalism. Rich, capitalist countries have exploited this country and caused Ethiopia to lose its power as a nation. Even though Ethiopia's economy has grown quickly in the last five years, it is doomed to fail because it is attempting to model itself under a capitalist model, which will never work out in the long run. Western nations' attempts to help Ethiopia are a very concrete example of how the propertied class has the power to control the distribution of wealth because they have the economic and political power to do so. Capitalism has exploited countries, and then provided a helping hand. But the damage has been done, and until capitalism ceases to be the model that all countries strive for, the hunger will continue.
1. uwh01
ReplyDelete2. "Ethiopia Facing World's 'Most Urgent' Food Crisis"
3. Nicholas Benequista
4. One World.net
5. February 9, 2009
6. http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2008/09/04-10
Ethiopia is having a class crisis. The bourgeois of the nation are probably sitting in their mansions unaffected by the three-year draught, while the vast majority of the nation is suffering from the most severe cases of malnourishment and disease. The class crisis reaches beyond Africa, though, because Ethiopia depends on the UN for assistance. Ethiopia used to receive significant amounts of support from abroad, but the recent economic downfall has reduced this aid. Foreign nations are keeping more of what they produce, and Ethiopia is producing more; the gap between nations (and classes) is increasing.
A revolution is coming. Resources throughout the world are abundant enough for everyone to eat, but Ethiopia is experiencing extreme poverty and malnutrition. Further, this vulnerable state has destroyed the human essence of Ethiopians: there is no means for them to have creative, meaningful, joyful work. This revolution of capitalism will give way to the beginnings of communism, when all will eat.
Codepink
ReplyDeleteSlapped in the Facebook: Social Networking Dangers Exposed.
Bill Brenner
Network World
2/9/09
http://www.networkworld.com/news/2009/020909-slapped-in-the-facebook-social.html?hpg1=bn
This article is perfect example of the development of social networking online as a new form of social integration. The belief that the use of these websites (facebook, myspace, and twitter)is safe and secure meets the first standard.Also many of the sites users believe that by having the privacy settings in use will prevent hacking on their pages. When viewing the profile of a friend one develops trust with the website that the person is who they say they are. Users of these websites have to agree to a statement of rights (i.e. the terms and conditions) created by the website before beginning use of the website. The internet then becomes the church used by all of the followers of social networking. The single moral of these users is to stay connected to one another even though they are miles apart.
FredSegal
ReplyDeleteWill recession dull hip-hop's bling?
John D. Sutter
CNN.com
February 6, 2009
http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Music/01/29/hiphop.bling.recession/index.html?iref=mpstoryview
The styles displayed at Grammy Awards were quite different this year. The movement away from the flashy demonstration of one’s possessions is a step in the right direction for the hip-hop community. Private property has been the source of conflict for this society for many centuries. The bourgeoisie’s shift towards a more society conscious style is an important change that should take place for the better of society. The coming together of social classes is important, for they have long been in direct opposition. The power of the upper classes has always been the ability to guide the lower classes. A shift towards conservatism and environmentalism is long awaited. The embrace of this shift by the entertainment industry is important and influential as well. As the recession continues and more jobs are lost, the lower classes will embrace the entertainers who choose to talk about important issues and identify with them during these hard economic times.
CY-CHI
ReplyDeleteFEMA Is Faulted on Aid After Hurricane Ike
The Associated Press
The New York Times
8 February 2009
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/09/us/09hurricane.html
Marx:
People affected by Hurricane Ike have applied to FEMA for aid in rebuilding/repairing their homes. Ninety percent of the applicants have been denied help because they “do not understand the limits of the agency’s help”. They admit that sometimes inspectors make mistakes but that in general people file claims for things that FEMA can’t/won’t help with.
People are materialistic. This is just a fact. The people of FEMA want to pay the least amount of money and hold onto inspectors that might not be as well trained but will for less money, while remaining in the good graces of the government. The people affected by Hurricane Ike want their homes restored to the way they were. With there being a housing crisis as it is, any damages that are not repaired will only lower the value of their home even more. Not to mention, that some people might feel outraged, nay, entitled, by pumping money into the government and not seeing an equivalent amount in return.
Social inequalities and social interests are the key ingredients to a change. The American people, specifically but not limited to those affected by Hurricane Ike, need to fight back and realize that they should not slink back and accept class dynamics. Especially after the absolute travesty of Hurricane Katrina. People are still waiting on FEMA. Change needs to happen now. A revolution needs to happen now.
Grenada
ReplyDeleteCalifornia work program for young is threatened
Malia Wolan
New York Times
February 7, 2009
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/08/us/08corps.html?_r=1
The article discusses how a program in California may be terminated due to state budget cuts. When the program was threatened all the workers began to gain a sense of what I would like to call class consciousness. They did not necessarily realize that they are of the proletariat class until the beginnings of this economic struggle within their program. Now that their jobs are threatened they realize that the work that they are doing is the work of the working class and those in the bourgeois society have not aided in any of the completed product. All these workers realize that they all share a common interest and that the people that they work for not only has the power to terminate them because they are too costly, but also that those that control them (bourgeois class) are reaping the benefits of every project completed by the proletariat class. Until they are able to shift the capital system to socialism and change the social relationships that is the foundation of the class system, and into a society where one’s benefits, benefits the rest of society, we will continue to be a society in which class is a social constraint.
1. Millicent
ReplyDelete2. Why Do Americans Love Peanut Butter?
3. Brian Palmer
4. Slate
5. 2/09/09
6. http://www.slate.com/id/2210837/?from=rss
The commodity of peanut butter has a use-value that was not employed by peanut factories until WWII, providing a creamy, protein-rich substitute for meat, which was scare during that time for soldiers abroad. Before that time, the labor that went into producing peanut butter was more daunting and time-consuming for the laborer, and its overall value was higher, serving the benefit of only the rich that ate it to accompany their cup of tea. Once its production became simplified, its labor-value went down, and this commodity could be enjoyed by the masses. For some period of time its exchange-value was high due to its social acceptance within American society; it became a tokened lunchbox commodity. Perhaps a newly emerging health-conscious America is what has led to a surplus of peanut butter, but its overall utility has appeared to have gone down in recent years. This newest industry-gaffe in Georgia will only make things worse, as public opinion continues to dwindle as a result of the recent salmonella outbreak, likely equating as we speak those unskilled (or selfish) laborers’ output to that of the entire industry.
Jules
ReplyDeleteThe Case For Bankers
Jacob Weisberg
Slate Magazine
Feb. 7, 2009
http:// www.slate.com/id/2210720/?from=rss
In the Words of Marx:
At first glance it seems apparent to blame the banking industry as a whole for the current state of the economy. But in actuality there are a select few that are rightfully to blame. Top ranking officials that work hand in hand with bankers and have the power to enact policies at will do more deserve to shoulder the blame. The present day fiasco involving investors and their negligent behavior as it relates to the downward spin of the economy was caused by this minority of people with great amounts of power acting without accounting for the necessary labour involved. The consequences of these acts of the minority of people are exact examples of the downside of fetish commodities... man, by his industry, changing the forms of material, in such a way to make them useful to him. The materialistic nature of these beings has lead our country to ruins, but someday this will all be a thing of the past as the oppressed will consolidate and make right this wrong.
Mj23
ReplyDeleteGeithner Offers New Bank Rescue Plan
Edmund L. Andrews
Feb. 10, 2009
nytimes.com
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/11/business/economy/11bailout.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&hp
Marx:
The Secretary of the Treasure, Timothy F. Geithner spoke at the Treasury Department Tuesday afternoon. He was trying to ensure Americans that we can and will get through this economic crisis and that Wall Street would not buckle under the trillions of unsellable assets it now possesses. His plan has many holes and unanswered questions. Even as he gave the speech, the Dow Jones went down 350 points, more than four percent. Hopefully, by now Americans you see clearly like I do that capitalism is not the answer. Greed and Materialism have caused this collapse that we know see. We have tried to recieve fullfilment and happiness far to long in commodities and we are now paying dearly for it. We have dug our own graves by relying on CEO's and mortgaging companies to handle our money. They have made foolish gambles with it not caring about the consequences. We need to live in a world where the poor man is not taken advantage of by the rich whose only concern is using you to make a few dollars. This must end now. We need to start a revolution. Communism is the answer. Until we decide to do what is right we will continue to pay for what the upper class as cuased.
Ynnus
ReplyDeleteSocial Divide Sparks India Violence
Feb. 10, 2008
By Sanjoy Majumder
BBC News, Delhi
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7858157.stm
Engels
There is social conflict (inequality) in society that is caused by expected gender roles in many society structures. It is very apparent in this story about the expansion of the big city New Dehli, India. Many farmers that lived in the outskirts of the city sold their land and became "instant millionaires." The problem with this is that the people who lived in rural areas have kept their traditional values, and views of women. The men who live in the village area viewed women as lower then them and there was extreme domination of women. This is an extreme case, which unfortunately led to the violent gang-rape of a college student, but male domination is evident in most societies. In this particular situation, it is very clear that there is male domination of women because the social norm is for the women to not be allowed to travel alone or show their faces to men. When men from the village were interviewed about the gang-rape and following arrests of 11 men, he seemed very upset that the men were arrested at all- contradictory to evidence. Women may have the choice to marry who they wish, or not marry at all, but they would not be able to live as nice of a life (as is suggested by the abuse of the female college student).
ZetaBeta
ReplyDeleteCalifornia Work Program for Young is Threatened
by: Malia Wollan
New York Times
February 7, 2009
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/08/us/08corps.html?_r=1
Marx,
The proletarian are being threatened to lose their low paying, harsh work conditioned jobs due to budget cuts. Their work with nature in national parks such as Yosemite and the Grand Canyon is being valued as much as their pay, very little. The upper class individuals in political power believe that cutting out the California Conservation Corps work crew is necessary in order to help the $42 billion budget deficit they are facing in California. Labor theory of value is demonstrated with the lack of respect shown for the work done by these individuals because their pay is not extravagant. Capitalism has brought this state into debt it is time to attempt a system that treats every profession equally, communism. Why do they not cut the pay of professional athletes whose million dollar bank accounts can afford the pay cut, instead of cutting the ones that can't stand the loss.
Let's make these workers aware of the unjust being done to them and help them rise up against the political influence trying to shut them down.
reneeb
ReplyDeleteSenate Approves Stimulus Plan
David m. Herszenhorn
New York Times
Feb 10, 2009
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/11/washington/11web-stim.html?hp
Marx:
The current economic problems of the world in general and the United States more specifically is perfect evidence that capitalism has served its purpose. Instead, the government is trying to fight the inevitable by passing a near trillion dollar stimulus package. The elected officials are members of the propertied class and like always they control who gets money and how much they get.
The ruling politicians care little for the proletariat. Their lack of caring can be evidenced by the fact that they have spend billions of dollars on bankers who were responsible for their own collapse while in this most recent stimulus bill they have forty billion dollars that in large part would have gone to education. Just to further show the inequality, the people who were unable to pay for their homes were not in any way bailed out. It is in the best interest of the propertied elite to have an uneducated proletariat. This crisis should convince what doubters that remain that society should now move into the final stage of communism.
Petite
ReplyDeleteCalifornia Work Program for Young is Threatened
Malia Wollan
NYT> Environment
February 7,2009
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/08/us/08corps.html
Durkheim
As I read this article, I noted Jason Prue's inability to integrate with the society to which he belongs. The fact that we now live in a modernized society where there aren't a lot of strict rules and regulations to adhere to, leaves certain individuals questioning the need for their existence. I sense Mr. Prue loosing his sense of self and his overall reason for being in this "free world". He specifies that his living arrangements were confined to the interior of his vehicle and that there isn't a job that suits his interest. After finally joining a work corps tailored to hard luck teenagers and adults who are prison bound, the state of California are placing this youth work program on the chopping block and threating his only sense of security. The fact that my most famous work is SUICIDE; which proved this was a social phenomena with social causes, I recognized that Jason Prue could be a candidate for anomic suicide. I see that there is a greater trend in men who experience an economic downturn and clearly Mr. Prue is on that path of self destruction. He states that "if this goes down I don't know what I'm going to do"; which I assume is a cry for help. I, Emile Durkheim feel that "no living being can be happy unless its needs are sufficiently proportioned to its means, for if its needs surpass its capacity to satisfy them, then the result can only be friction, pain and a general weakening of the impulse to live."
believer
ReplyDeleteFEMA Is Faulted on Aid After Hurricane Ike
The Associated Press
The New York Times
February 8, 2009
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/09/us/09hurricane.html?_r=1
Marx:
In this situation, FEMA would act as the Elite and the citizens in need of assistance would act as the proletariat. FEMA is in charge of distributing the goods and services while the citizens of Texas must count on FEMA to receive them. More than 650,000 applications were denied for assistance in Texas after hurricane Ike. A lawyer has found the reason is in part due to the poorly trained FEMA inspectors who are paid a flat fee per inspection and have to pay their own expenses. The system today is set up where you are only worth as much as you can earn. I feel that because of this, workers are less likely to put forth the effort and time needed to produce something efficiently, especially in the scenario of the FEMA workers. It is up to the proletariat, the residents of Texas to rise up with the FEMA workers, the bourgeois, to go up against the larger FEMA, the Elite, to get the services and money they need to rebuild their homes.
1.) Florida
ReplyDelete2.) Why do Americans Love Peanut Butter?
3.) Brain Palmer
4.) 02/09/2009
5.) Slate
6.) http://www.slate.com/id/2210837/?from=rss
Marx:
After reading this article I was able to relate some of Marx’s ideas and questions to the importance of this article. Marx philosophy deals with what brings about social changes and the kind of changes that are desirable and possible. Within the context of this article it deals with a social movement that favors Peanut Butter rather then meat. However, it took a while for this change to come about. Even though peanut butter has been around for more than a century it wasn’t until the 1920’s that it became popular. With the outbreak of meat having salmonella a lot of people started to consume peanut better, because of it’s low costs and high protein it offers. After analyzing this situation I can see how it applies to the fundamental assumptions of Marx’s theory.
I believe awareness that peanut butter provides greater health benefits than meat and costs less created a clash of social interests which allowed social change to happen. Being the more people are becoming aware of peanut butter this creates a division among peanut butter and meat. While doing my analysis I did take into consideration that class may play a role in the reason why so many American like peanut butter. Marx deals with the bourgeois and the proletarians and the difference among them. I feel that the low cost of peanut butter would be highly favored by the proletarians because it’s cheap and affordable. Being that a good portion of Americans would fall under the proletarians that probably explained why peanut butter is becoming more favor.
1) emilio bestevez
ReplyDelete2) "Bad economy forcing immigrants to reconsider U.S."
3) By Thelma Gutierrez and Wayne Drash
4) CNN.com
5) February 10, 2009
6) http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/02/10/immigrants.economy/index.html?iref=mpstoryview
Marx:
The fact that laborers, legal or illegal, cannot find work in this modern day industrialized "superpower" is unacceptable. This industrialized nation that has championed capitalism is now failing terribly. If capitalism worked there would not be such a massive collapse of the economy. The American economy is in a crisis and has an unemployment rate of 7.6% which continues to rise. CEOs and the ultra-wealthy are still bringing in more money than ever. The capitalistic bourgeoisie that created this crisis get a slap on the wrist and still get paid while millions of workers are unable to find work. All of this proves the capitalist system, which even has checks in place to protect itself from the inevitability of communism such as a minimum wage, has failed. It is time for the proletariat working class to lead the revolution against the capitalistic bourgeoisie and create the inevitable communistic utopia.
emmitt
ReplyDeleteThe Poodle Can't Talk Now; She's In With Her Stylist
Katie Thomas
The New York Times
February 9,2009
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/10/sports/othersports/10dogs.html
Durkheim
The process of bringing groups of people together is very important for a society to exist. Groups coming together for certain events to "celebrate" or to hang out is much needed. The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is something that brings people together. This event has a high level of group interaction, which is something that is very important when studying a society. The Dog Show has many sacred rituals and collective behavior symbolizing group interaction. With an event like this people can share common beliefs as well as socialize and enjoy what they have in common. This event brings people together for them to have fun and "interact" with eachother, which is what is most important for a society to survive.
ICMA
ReplyDeleteFive Reasons The Markets Don't Like the Bank Bailouts
Jeff Cox
CNBC
2-10-09
http://www.cnbc.com/id/29121916/page/2/
Marx:
One of the main reasons the economy is not responding well in reference to the news of the bank bailout and the new Treasury Secretary's ne financial plan is because of the great uncertainty. Much of what's going on in the economy is because their is no conventional wisdom on how to handle this financial crisis. In some insistances we try to hold the economy accountable and call it a free market, which is capitalism at it best. But because of the regulation and deregulation of the market; also the bailout of many large lending institutions, it is going to be hard to be hard to bring about confidence within the economy and to get credit moving again within the credit markets.
It seems that a few people, the bourgeoisie, are controling most of the wealth within the market and their decisions are effecting the larger community, the proletariat. In order to gain long term stability there is going to have to be a shift in the current model of bourgeoiste and the proletariat. If this continues then their will continue to be people like those that are currently suffering from the economic down turn in the future.
1) Jordans (Justine Connolly)
ReplyDelete2) “Octuplets’ mom was hoping for just one more girl, ‘grandmother says”
3) Jessica Garrison and Kimi Yoshino
4) Los Angeles Times
5) January 31, 2009
6) http://www.latimes.com/news/science/la-me-octuplets31-2009jan31,0,841716.story
In words of Engles:
Nadya Suleman resides in Whittier, California. Nadya has given birth to octuplets, eight children through in-vitro fertilization. However, she already gave birth to six other children previously, making her a mother of fourteen children. She and her fourteen children live in a three bedroom home with her mother and father. This woman and her lifestyle do not fit into Fredrich Engele’s patriarchal society, because she is a single woman, who has been divorced, and the father of all her children is unknown. Ms.Suleman does fit the role of a domestic bearing woman in society, because she raises her children and takes care of her household duties. As many citizens around the world have been saying about Ms.Suleman and her wrongful actions; Engles would tell her that women should be subordinate to men for the economic structure of society to be successful. Since she did not follow those rules of society her economic structure has been fruitless and hope the government will be a provider for her family. This lady proved she was not subordinate to any man, by being divorced and by having more kids after her divorce
Engles believes men are the production of the means and women are the production of human beings. Engles belief that the economical society will be functional if women are subordinate holds true to this case. If she followed by the rules her doctor set when planting those eight embryos she would of ended up with only one child instead of eight, but she didn’t not want to kill off seven of the embryos like her doctor permitted. The role men and women play in society is for the betterment of their own family, not for a grandfather to go to Iraq for work to support his grandchildren and daughter financially.
MrFlock
ReplyDelete“Economic downturn causes more to seek mental help” OR “Therapists in high demand as economy crumbles”
By: Valerie Garman
The Independent Florida Alligator
10 February 2009
http://www.alligator.org/articles/2009/02/10/news/local/090210_suicide.txt
Durkheim:
As observed in the current faltering of the world economy, the relationships formed between people, their environment, peers, and society become strained. The solidarity that binds people to their society, particularly organic solidarity, which is based on the mutual interdependence of individuals and groups, becomes more relevant to their lives as new regulatory devices seek to quell the troubles of the economy.
According to the USA Today, mental health therapists experienced a 40% increase in patients from June to December 2008 as the world economy continued to struggle. The Alachua County Crisis Center and the UF Counseling Center, for example, have experienced an increase number of patients citing financial trouble, home foreclosures, and unemployment as factors contributing to depression symptoms.
It would be expected that, in this current era of economic unrest, the number of anomic suicides would rise because many new economic regulatory devices do not immediately or directly improve the financial difficulties experienced by some people. Also, that some people are suffering from depression because of their financial troubles, home foreclosures, and unemployment, their sense of self-worth is compromised – another facet of anomic suicides.
Orchid
ReplyDelete9/11 claims one more victim
Michael Daly
Daily News-NY local
September 4, 2008
http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2008/09/03/2008-09 03_911_claims_one_more_victim.html
Durkheim:
As I read this tragic story I immediately realized that this is a case of anomic suicide. Life was good for Kenny Johannemann until 9/11 took place. With such a drastic change of having plenty of friends to none can make you feel lost and you lose a sense of who you are. Due to the intense complications that lead Kenny to suicide places him the anomic category. He took to drinking and felt that he did not have much stability in his life, especially since he would soon become homeless. This burden wouldn’t allow him to continue with life. This event took place in a modern society but everything seemed to decline for Kenny. This is a series of unfortunate events for Kenny and it seems as if suicide was definitely driven by a social phenomena.
Monkey
ReplyDeleteEconomic Troubles Bring Many to the Brink
Paul Vercammen
CNN.com
January 29, 2009
http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/mentalhealth/01/28/economy.mental.woes/index.html#cnnSTCText
Durkheim
In this modern society people have been socialized to accept concept of success as having a job or career. People are distracted by the idea that they must have a job, and they must work. It becomes a part of their identity. One of the most popular conversation topics is “So, what do you do for a living?” and the answer “Oh, I don’t have a job, ” is generally not accepted. Americans are “work-aholics.” They work to make a living, and often confuse this with living to work. The economic downturn that is now affecting the whole country has had a major impact. People who have centered their lives around their careers are now finding themselves jobless, and therefore world-less. This situation drives some to extremes. These are precursors to anomic suicide. The woman on the phone is job-less. She has called the free hotline to speak with a counselor. She says she doesn’t want to live if she doesn’t find a job. This hotline was set up as a response to the rise in suicidal incidents seen recently because of the economic downturn. A few weeks ago a couple killed themselves and their children after losing their jobs. This sense of losing yourself when you lose your job is a product of the modern society and organic solidarity, and can lead to anomic suicide. The counselor on the phone tells her that she will get her professional help and sets up an psychological evaluation for the suicidal woman. This is another characteristic of the modern society and its organic solidarity, restitution. The counselor tries to find a way to restore this woman so she can function normally in society again.
Mr.Tibbs
ReplyDeleteThe Poodle Can’t Talk now; She’s in with Her Stylist
Katie Thomas
The New York Times
http://sya4110spring2009.blogspot.com/2008/12/assignment-1-due-211.html
From the perspective of Durkheim:
The Westminister Kennel Club Dog Show is a sacred event that brings about an attitude of respect and honor to those who are involved. The Dog Show creates high rates of group integration. Everyone comes with a sense of togetherness. Although they may have a difference in dog preference, they all love dogs in general. By competing they obtain group membership and strengthen their shared beliefs over time.
Everyone who participates engage in collective ritual behavior. As stated in the article, some dogs require five hours a week of grooming and it takes years to learn proper methods. This shows people have a strong desire to be involved in this sacred event. The final thing they share is their aspirations and emotions. They are aspiring to achieve the same goals and all share very similar emotions when engaging in the Dog Show.
1. Yellow Bird
ReplyDelete2. Zimbabwe opposition says it's ready for unity government
3. No Author Listed
4. CNN.com
5. January 30th, 2009
6. http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/africa/01/30/zimbabwe.power/index.html?iref=newssearch
Marx:
This article is discussing how Zimbabwe’s President is working with a Movement for Democratic change to help end poverty and suffering in the country. Marx would critique this situation by saying that while it is a good thing that the people have come together to create a movement for democratic change, he would not have the change be done in a democratic fashion. Instead, Marx would rather have intellectuals aid the underprivileged aka proletariat class in a movement to overthrow the government (in this case those that are oppressing the poor and suffering of Zimbabwe) and then give up their power to the people to govern and distribute material goods evenly. Marx would also say that while this movement is a step in the right direction, having a President who has the final say on the matter, and can end these negotiations at anytime, is not ideal for the proletariat. This is because the President holds more power than the proletariat and in an ideal Utopian communist society, no one has more power than his fellow man.
efollet
ReplyDeleteThe Power of Positive Deviance
Susan Worthman
Green Buzz
Feb. 10, 2009
http://www.greenbiz.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-power-positive-deviance?page=0%2C0
A positive deviance is "individuals or groups whose behavior and attitudes help them avoid problems that plague the rest of their community." This factor is key in a society. Positive deviance are the small number of individuals whom have similar ideas of the brighter side of life. They share optimistic views of situations at hand but are constricted and a part of an undifferentiated mass. What is already known is comforting and easy to agree with and abide by. Most of society's population is comfortable with this but what about the rest?
With positive deviance, organic solidarity is produced allowing for the rest of the population, individuals or small groups, to break free from the collective conscience and develop their individuality. The norm and what most of the population in a community perceives becomes weaker and more abstract. To accomplish this and gain their mutual interdependence, individuals of these small positive deviant groups must effectively communicate with one another and with others outside of their group (in their community) to establish concrete and reliable social networks. Conversation, visual media and social ties are a great bases for message. Soon these individuals will become teachers and learners and experts. Positive deviance is "solving problems by looking, and thinking, about how we act, rather than acting upon how we think."
Tadpole
ReplyDeleteTsvangirai's tough choice
Peter Biles
BBC News
February 10, 2009
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7882703.stm
Marx,
Morgan Tsvangirai has chosen to join an inclusive Zimbabwean government in an effort to move towards a more democratic governmental system. In turn he has become more a second in command to the current President Robert Mugabe, as opposed to an equal leadership. Meanwhile, the people of Zimbabewa are experience a state of collapse as Cholera reaches crisis levels and adequate food sources run slim for a portion of the population. This is the prime example of how capitalism has exceeded it's usefulness and a time for change has come, on a global scale. The proletariat are the people who are most likely to cause change but because this same group of people are most affected by disease and poor nutrition, this change is not likely to come any time soon. The dictatorship that President Robert Mugabe has assumed over the last 25 years eliminated societies influence in any form of government that will only now be changed by great conflict.
Stars
ReplyDeleteCalifornia Work Program for Young Is Threatened
Malia Wollan
The New York Times
February 8, 2009
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/08/us/08corps.html?_r=1
Durkheim
Thousands of youth’s lives are at risk due to the possibility of California Conservation Corps being eliminated due to recent budget cuts. Less fortunate, some even homeless, youths are being saved by this program. One young man goes from sleeping in his car to feeling good about himself while being evolved in the Corps. He states “If this goes down, I don’t know what I’m going to do.” The program helps disadvantaged kids to gain a chance to experience working when they might not have the opportunity to do otherwise. If the corps are taken away from these youths they will be thrown back into less fortunate situations with no where to go. This could lead many youths to experience anomic suicide. If they loose their position in the Corps they could be loosing everything they have; leaving them feeling useless and unimportant in society.
Pharaoh
ReplyDeleteArcheologist search for unbaptized babies’ grave
Shawn Pogatchink
Associated Press (Yahoo News)
February 10, 2009
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090210/ap_on_re_eu/eu_nireland_infants__mass_grave;_ylt=AikY0wjDYHI8tsxhtUt_6lY7Xs8F
Durkheim:
Baptism is a collective ritual, in which the infant begins the process of integration into society both by strengthening collective beliefs and morals and by mutually bonding the participants, in this case the children and the religious community. But when outside forces disrupt this ritual, which already generates strong emotions it becomes problematic. The issue at stake here is the status within a deeply religious society of a group that because they did not undergo the necessary rituals lack recognition. The group is children who have died without undergoing baptism. According to beliefs of the community these children died with original sin and as such do not merit burial on consecrated ground. However, due to changes within the community itself the parents of the children who where interred in unmarked graves, are demanding that church leaders apologize, identify the grave sites, and include the land to the cemetery with new grave markings.
1.Culinary Kitty
ReplyDelete2.The New Sustainability: Surviving While Waiting To Thrive
3.Julian Darley
4.GreenBizSite
5.02/10/2009
6.http://www.greenbiz.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-new-sustainability-surviving-while-waiting-to-thrive
A Marxist view:
As humans we need possessions to survive, one of these possessions is a home. Since the proletarian cannot afford to buy a home with cash they must take on a loan with a bank. This current economic crisis the direct result of the proletarian settling for the lending practices of the banks. The proletarian should be enraged with the idea of adjustable rate mortgage that were marketed towards them because of their status as workers. However, social change is born of these realizations of inequality within our society. Barack Obama is taking action to combat the economic crisis by creating green initiatives that create jobs. Change must also come from the clash of the proletarian with businesses, such as banks. They must force the businesses to listen to their needs and adapt to fit them. It is a rare occasion when proletariats realize that the businesses need them to survive. This economic storm allows for the proletarian to demand communication between businesses and customers. Businesses will be forced to educate themselves in culture sensitivity because they must adapt to survive. In our evolution from a primitive society to one that is considered civilized we must make a transition from this capitalist society, which is clearly not working, to communism, the final stage of our societal evolution.
Rizal
ReplyDeleteObama Scores a 28 on the Change-O-Meter
Emily Lowe
Slate Magazine
February 10, 2009
http://www.slate.com/id/2211016/?from=rss
It is truly a comical thought when thinking about what has been occuring on the political front of the United States. Never had I thought in my wildest dreams that I would see the day when a bureaucratic democracy would show such great dedication in fixing an economic crisis. Today I smile, because I know that Marx was wrong and I was right. One of his so called "proletariat" finally rose up to take control of a messy political situation, yet a communist form of government has not yet occured! Although Mr. Obama is certainly charismatic enough to inspire without controlling, his bureaucratic administration is finally giving the much needed order that the previous administration lacked. My advice to Mr. Obama would be this though; do not let yourself become to charismatic lest you fall into a category of rulers who have associated themselves with great notoriety. Although it is true that we live in a time where traditional authority is a memory of the past, remember that you are President in a democracy, not the King of the United States. Trust that all tiers of your bureaucracy will function efficiently but most importantly that they will function under your vision of a better tomorrow.
1. Bourgie
ReplyDelete2. Turning Cooking Oil Into Fuel for the County
3. Diana Marszalek
4.New York Times
5.February 5, 2009
6.http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/08/nyregion/westchester/08greasewe.html?_r=1
Westchester county official's use of 3,5000 local restaurants cooking oil to fuel cars is an example of organic solidarity. The county has accomplished to run seven vehicles off of oil and 125 vehicles off of cooking oil and diesel fuel. The partnership between the county and restaurants demonstrates a mutual interdependence of individuals and groups. In order for societies to have the upmost functionability there must be unity and this situation exemplifies two groups coming together for the common good.
Additionally, according to the article the benefits of running vehicles on cheaper and cleaner fuel is invaluable. This article exemplifies Durkheim's belief that knowledge is shaped by the social world. As a society we hav come to value "going green", combating global warming, and reducing the amount of plastic used by carrying cloth grocery bags. The use of two different sources to come together for one purpose that will benefit both taxpayers and the environment is, well, priceless.
ReplyDelete-Astrogirl
ReplyDelete-Burma 'Must Stop Rohingya Abuse'
-No author named.
-BBC News- Asia-Pacific Headlines
-Monday, 9 February 2009
-http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7878089.stm
It can be said of this situation that there is a tremendous lacking of social solidarity. And as a result of this absence, it is easy for me to see how difficult it is for this societal cluster to exist at all, let alone in harmony. These Rohingya are having to flee their homes before being expelled by force by the overpowering Burmese army. This is a primitive society caught in the midst of a modern world, and it adds a twist to my traditional theories of mechanical solidarity. Instead of the weaker Rohingya society, both in mind and in force, willingly following the command of the collective conscience that is the tyrannical Burmese army, the Rohingya are denouncing and fleeing to avoid expulsion and exile.
There is a strong presence of regulation within this society, to the point where it can lead to suicide amongst the innocent citizens. There may be an adequate level of integration between each opposing group, but as a whole, integration is lacking. The highly regulated environment could lead one to commit fatalistic suicide, as a result of the oppression. And in the case of getting a familial group to safety in the even of fleeing, I could imagine one committing altruistic suicide, goodness forbid.
It is apparent that this social environment is a hostile one missing a key element of success, and that is solidarity, union amongst it members. Please consider the effects this can have on all who do not have a voice.
Passe un bonne journée. Au revoir,
Emile Dukheim
Todd
ReplyDeleteEfficiency Alone Could Cut US Electricity Use
GreenBiz Staff
GreenBiz.com
Feb 10, 2009
http://www.greenbiz.com/news/2009/02/10/efficiency-us-electricity
Durkheim:
New studies show that by simple energy efficiency and conservation, the US could cut 60% of all coal fueled energy consumption almost immediately. This would result in a 30% overall decrease in energy consumption and work towards creating a more ‘green’ nation, an objective the nation honestly should have been working on for the last few decades. Because of the government’s previously elusive demeanor towards the existence of the greenhouse problem, individuals had little-to-no knowledge or information upon which they could draw value from in order to create social facts about the situation, a useful tool which would have allowed individuals to create cultural norms with which to think about this problem and begin setting up the necessary social structures to handle this issue. Instead, the government has not taken appropriate steps to rectify this issue, and instead had hoped the issue to be pushed ‘under the mat’ in comparison with the growing degree of social anomie in the nation. In order to fully correct this problem, officials need to instate laws which would create a form of social solidarity and social cohesion which would direct individuals how to feel and act towards this problem.
LOLA:
ReplyDelete- “Stimulus deal 'possible' by Wednesday, lawmaker says”
- CNN's Dana Bash, Ted Barrett, Brianna Keilar and Deirdre Walsh contributed to this report.
- Cnn.com
- 02/10/09
- http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/02/11/stimulus.plan/index.html
As Marx the philosopher and revolutionary:
I am still waiting for Obama’s stimulus bill to go into affect. The proletariat workers are over worked and under appreciated. With the white house officials roughly estimating that the bill will be about $800 billion and go into effect, possibly as soon as today, I am ecstatic for my people. They have been alienated from their labor for too long now. The idea of social creativity is slowly disappearing. When will the capitalists realize that even they are not free?
This is the only thing keeping me from overthrowing the capitalist society to liberate my fellow modern proletariat! With the final vote in the Senate was 61 in favor and 37 opposed, it is inevitable to ever convince the entire house full of Bourgeoisie that the treatment they are given is not equal to those working twice as hard in the factories. It brings me some joy that the $70 billion to patch the alternative tax, that used to be targeted to the wealthy, is now redirected to hit many middle-class families.
therock
ReplyDeleteCalifornia Work Program for Young is Threatened
Malia Wollan
New York Times
February 7, 2009
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/08/us/08corps.html?_r=1
Durkheim:
After reading this article, I see anomic suicide waiting to happen. These young men who have had it hard their entire life and now they finally have something to live for, to appreciate. Most people would not enjoy sleeping in the rain and under tents, but these men appreciate it because they know that this is the first opportunity they have been given in their lives. Taking this program away from these young men will give them a sense non-value and that they have no place in society. They could lose all reason for being and resort to anomic suicide. Mr. Prue is even quoted as saying at the end, "If this goes down, I don't know what I'm going to do." Most of these young men will feel like this because they will be forced to go back and live in their cars or on the streets with no opportunity on the horizon.
Love87
ReplyDelete‘Imagine No Religion’ Message Billboard Goes Up In Sacramento
Trina Hoaks
Examiner.com
February 9th, 2009
http://www.examiner.com/x-2044-Atheism-Examiner~y2009m2d9-Imagine-No-Religion-Message-Billboard-Goes-Up-in-Sacramento
Religion is not merely a function of popularizing actual religious beliefs, but instead a mechanism for creating and re-creating social cohesion and unity. The overarching trend that can be seen in religion and religious practices that have not traditionally been seen as “true religion” is a common need to unite people and create a sense of solidarity. The article presents an ideal example to illustrate that religion functions outside of established, formal religion. Alluding to the fact that even those outside of established, formal religion still indeed use their non-belief as a form of religion. The atheist group has proposed to erect a billboard containing the phrase, “Imagine No Religion” as a means of empowering and unifying the atheist population. They themselves argue that the billboard’s purpose is to spread their message and make fellow non-believers realize that they are not alone. Their attempt to refute religion’s existence is actually a testament to society’s need to erect religion as a form of unification. It’s all rather interesting. The group discussed exemplifies the concept of religion in action without any particular adherence to specific religious tenets. Instead the focus of their religion is to unite and create a camaraderie or solidarity, the true purpose of religion.
1. Bella 87
ReplyDelete2. California Work Program for the Young is Threatened
3. Malia Wollan
4. NYT>Environment
5. Feb. 9, 2009
6.http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/08/us/08corps.html
Durkheim
for the country's largest and oldest work program for these young adults, these young men might soon be jobless due to a budget crisis. Are we looking at a case where in modern organic societies, anomic suicide might be taking these young men's life because of the economic downfall? These young men might feel there is no reason for being and lose a sense of themselves. These young men might now know who they are? For a young man of the name Jason Prue this is exceptionally worry some after he said, "If this does down, I don't know what I'm going to do." Will this young man be able to pick himself back up considering he had nothing before except living in his car or will he commit anomic suicide?
Nikaye
ReplyDeleteMichelle Obama makes Vogue Cover
BBC News
February 11, 2009
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/americas/7883253.stm
Durkheim:
Fashion has now become a religion where a set of beliefs have been developed about what one should wear and not wear and especially pertaining to the First Lady. It is expected that Michelle should act a certain way in her outfits and the moral community is the fashion world. If Michelle did not live up to the beliefs and the fashion world she would be severely criticized especially since so much is expected of her and needs to think critically about her decisions in clothes. What Michelle wore to the inauguration was somewhat of a religious ritual in that there were high rates of group interaction where she made appearances on different tv shows that discussed her apparel and there were even polls made for the people to vote on what designer she should choose. The sacred symbols would be that of the clothing article and even designer names and labels. What Michelle Obama wears sets trends and strenghtens shared beliefs of what is the current popular style to wear.
Nikaye
ReplyDeleteMichelle Obama makes Vogue Cover
BBC News
February 11, 2009
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/americas/7883253.stm
Durkheim:
Fashion has now become a religion where a set of beliefs have been developed about what one should wear and not wear and especially pertaining to the First Lady. It is expected that Michelle should act a certain way in her outfits and the moral community is the fashion world. If Michelle did not live up to the beliefs and the fashion world she would be severely criticized especially since so much is expected of her and needs to think critically about her decisions in clothes. What Michelle wore to the inauguration was somewhat of a religious ritual in that there were high rates of group interaction where she made appearances on different tv shows that discussed her apparel and there were even polls made for the people to vote on what designer she should choose. The sacred symbols would be that of the clothing article and even designer names and labels. What Michelle Obama wears sets trends and strenghtens shared beliefs of what is the current popular style to wear.
Scientia
ReplyDelete“The Last Stop for a Young Utopian”
Richard Fausset
LATimes.com
January 31, 2009
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-anarchist31-2009jan31,0,3296515.story?page=1
From the perspective of Karl Marx:
The story of Kirsten Brydum, and her journey to find a better world, is a perfect example of the eventual downfall of capitalism. Philosophers have only interpreted the world, in various ways; the point however is to change it. Activists, such as Kirsten, have been working hard to bring about this social transformation. They hold the belief that one day, people will reject a society in which goods and services are exchanged for money, and embrace something better.
Kirsten, like many opposed to capitalism, had refused to accept that we live in a world of scarcity. She saw this myth of scarcity as a production of a capitalistic society. Her proposed solution, which seems to be the only logical progression of our current society, is a world in which resources and goods are taken care of and shared equitably. The history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggles. Today’s current capitalistic society is no different. On her expedition, Kirsten was confronted by the poorest of the poor. In New Orleans, she saw the broken down houses and the damage that still remained three years after the Hurricane. She believed this to be a place where an autonomous, post-capitalist movement might flourish.
Kirsten’s death was a production of a capitalistic society, in which people rob and kill in order to gain some sort of material possession. Her ideals, which are consistent with those of communism, would end this misdistribution of resources and hopefully promote a sense of community and classlessness.
Betty
ReplyDeleteTurning Cooking Oil Into Fuel for the County
Diana Marszalek
NY Times
February 5, 2009
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/08/nyregion/westchester/08greasewe.html?_r=1
As resources are depleting daily and society must find a way to fuel its essential modes of transportation, an ecological solution has come to the aid. The use of used frying oil from various eateries is a new avenue of oil consumption and use that might eventually turn into a capitalistic opportunity. Instead of said restaurants paying to have the oil removed from their establishments, they might eventually be able to charge a small price in exchange for the oil in its use as fuel. This would make fuel cheaper to those who have access to it, hopefully those of a lower and economically needier class. This would be a great change in the way that people have been for the last few decades. Instead of being impulsive and unconcerned, they could move towards a more eco-friendly and thoughtful regime. This, of course, is all yet to be seen.
Starfish
ReplyDeleteHow To Help a Vet - Many veterans charities aren't very good. But there are other ways to aid returning soldiers
By Patty Stonesifer and Sandy Stonesifer
Slate.com
http://www.slate.com/id/2210847/?from=rss
February 11, 2009
Durkheim:
Recognizing the state in which veterans support/charities stand currently is important to see the ripple effect it has on the veterans who need this support. The inefficiency of charity programs can be reflected through the rising suicide and PTSD rates of returning veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan, demonstrating anomic suicide. These men and women come back to a lack of support medically and socially, leaving them questioning what that have fought for if the citizens of America, which whom they went to protect, cannot support them.
The efforts to develop a stronger support/charity system will show these men and women, although through material standards, that people do care and appreciate their work as soldiers and that what they have done for their country has been worth while. Also, these programs can offer recovery and stability, allowing soldiers to reestablish themselves within the community with social networks and new job stability, rather then leaving them feeling lost and without a new purpose.
The current economic crisis should not be a burden these foundations and charities should have to endure because people are capable of volunteering their time, something that may help these soldiers understand their worth more than money could.
Fiddler
ReplyDelete"Workers Rebel in Eastern Europe"
Heather Cottin
Worker's World
Feb. 8, 2009
http://www.workers.org/2009/world/east_europe_0212/
Marx,
Eastern Europe is becoming a hotspot for change through conflict. The proletariat is speaking out against the injustice they are enuduring. Unemployment is rising, and in the materialistic world that has been created, change is inevitable. The lower class is calling for the resignation of their government, and are tired of the same petty existence. They are being offered little or no wage for their labor, and their conflict with the bourgeoisie is at a breaking point. Capitalism is crashing around them as they seek a new system. A system that affords them what they are worth. A system that allows them to reap the benefits of their labor while giving a chance to others. The time of their exploitation seems to be coming to an end.
xChomskyx
ReplyDeleteBailout Plan: $2.5 Trillion and a Strong U.S. Hand
Edmund L. Andrews and Stephen Labaton
New York Times
2/10/2009
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/11/business/economy/11bailout.html
I believe Marx would view this time of bailouts, and such the time at which it would be necessary for the United States to evolve from a system based around capitalism to communism. This second bailout, is supposed to protect the interests of the working class, which has the highest unemployment rate since 1992, and take the country out of this harsh economic climate. However, Marx would state that as this economic decline is increasing the alienation of the working class, from the goods and services they produce. Now if this 2.5 trillion dollar bank bailout does not end in stimulating the economy enough were the working class isn’t scared to spend his paycheck and creates jobs for those hit hardest by this economic downturn (the unemployed) it will cause great conflict between the upper class capitalists and the working class.. The situation in America at the present creates conflict between the upper, and working classes, and this conflict would catalyst this change.
Marx would argue that this whole economic downturn was due to capitalism’s instability as a system. He didn’t doubt the power of capitalism to create economic growth because of investments in new technologies that could be used to improve means of production. However, this investment in new technologies is very problematic because, when capitalists invest more and more in new technologies they disregard the importance of labor and the workforce. This can be seen as a cause of the economic fallout that is currently being bailed out by Washington. This impoverishment of the proletariat (working class) would as aforementioned create a climate of dissenting outrage among the American people, and would end in a violent uprising to overturn this system. So if Geithner is not able to turn the economy around with his new bailout plan, bailing out the very banks that placed the country in such a delicate position losing over 3 million jobs, it will not bode well for the life of capitalism in America. Marx’s idea of the proletariat getting fed up with the economic collapses caused by capitalists and capitalism is shown in the wariness of the republican and democratic law makers both, because they know the voters are disgusted with the results of the previous bailout that was proposed by the Bush administration. Washington is stepping delicately across the current situation which could spark this communist powder keg of which Marx speaks, demanding more details about this new bailout for the American public, and also to help the lawmakers decide what to do with these plans laid by the treasury. The lack of details is not a negative as of right now, but if the spaces in this plan are not filled soon it will end in descent.
mmw3506
ReplyDeleteCalifornia Work Program for Young is Threatened
Malia Wollan
The New York Times
Feb. 7, 2009
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/08/us/08corps.html
I believe Durkheim would have seen this article as anther way a society is contributing to the cause of suicide. The corporation was founded for young people who were unemployed and didn't mind having a "dirty" job. The idea of this job being taken out of the market would severely limit the possibilities for employment for these people who already have a hard time finding a job. marx would classify a suicide by one of these soon-to-be former employees as an anomic suicide. He would say that the economic downturn of the society would have influenced the individual so much that they could not bear to live in a a state of mind where they have no sense of their self and reason for being. Through the event of being laid off work, these people may have no alternative for income, so they look for a way out. This type of job would engulf their whole life, so to lose it would be very devastating.
1 Phil
ReplyDelete2 19 killed in suicide Attacks on government sites in Kabul
3 RICHARD A. OPPEL JR. and ABDUL WAHEED WAFA
4 New York Times
5 2/11/2009
6 http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/12/world/asia/12afghan.html?_r=1&hp
Durkheim
This suicide tragedy in Kabul was an example of Durkheim's Altruistic Suicide. Taliban suicide bombers took 19 lives in Kabul. Suicide bombers put everyone before them and thought that it would be a good idea to take everyone else with them when they commit suicide. These suicide bombers had suicide vests on and therefore the innocent people around them had no idea that the bombers were going to commit suicide around them and take them down too.
Charlie M.
ReplyDeleteSenate, House Begin Talks on Stimulus
Shailagh Murray
The Washington Post
Feb 11, 2009
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/10/AR2009021001397_2.html?wprss=rss_print/asection&sid=ST2009021001436&s_pos=
Marx:
In this article, Congress is debating over tax breaks and spending within the stimulus package. One side called for less federal spending and more tax cuts. Federal funding for programs such as Medicaid and school construction were seen by the opposers of the bill to be wasteful. This group also wanted the tax cuts for the bougoisie from the previous leader to stay in place. I find this rather amusing, that in a time of economic meltdown of a country, the debate is over who is more important in the recovery plan. Is it the proletarians or the bougois? Which is more important, education of future generations or the prosperity of a few of the current? Some members of this congress are worried of "big government" but it seems that the proletariat has had enough of a government that is too small to oversee the behavior of Wall Street.
The proletariat is suffering once again because of the greed of the bougois. The top echelon of banks, insurance, companies, and other corporations do not seem to value the workers, as they lay off employees as a sacrifice to preserve their own well-being. The middle class (who tend to be obedient to rules in society) has shrunken dramatically, allowing for the proletariat to demand change in the ways in which things operate. The working class and the middle class are becoming more aware of inequalities with the use of this amazing widget called "the internet". In this manner, the internet is a dream come true for the proletarians.
As I have observed how this economic system has operated through capitalism, my theories are being proven to be correct through the mistakes of the capitalists themselves. Capitalism can be a benefit to a people when when regulated, so that the working class is not so alienated from the means of production. But when the bousoisie abuses the capitalist system, they are doing so at the expense of the legitimacy of capitalism itself. Once this occurs, the fragile economy reveals the weaknesses of class-based economics. Thus, it is not the outrage of the proletariat as much as the carelessness of the bougoisie that renders capitalism obsolete via exploitation and overall greed.
Araby
ReplyDeleteFEMA Is Faulted on Aid After Hurricane Ike
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
The New York Times
Published: February 8, 2009
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/09/us/09hurricane.html
Marx
If Karl Marx was reading this article, I feel that he could come up with several ways that many citizens of Southeastern Texas have become victims of socio-economic inequality. According to the article, FEMA has denied more than 650,000 requests for federal aid. Many claim that these rejections stem from the fact that the federal government is hiring inspectors that are not properly trained. These inspectors are also facing issues of timing, as they are paid per inspection and can hardly cover expenses. This is an example of the government underestimating the cost of labor for this particular agency.
Those who applied for aid are asking for help with expenses that their homeowner's insurance was not willing to pay. Many of the homes in question are not liveable and need a great deal of work. FEMA is now claiming that if anyone feels that their claims were wrongfully denied should submit an appeal. This would be helpful for those who have the means to hire a lawyer for representation and challenge their rejections. Many do not have this option and are paying on homes that have been absolutely demolished. I feel that this is a case where people who are in a vulnerable economic position have little power to sway the government and may end up being completely overlooked.
TampaBiz
ReplyDeleteWill Recession Dull Hip-Hops Bling
John Sutter
CNN
2-9-09
http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Music/01/29/hiphop.bling.recession/index.html#cnnSTCText
Capitalism can be measured in many ways in many groups. The Hip-Hop industry is a new powerful one that not only is very deep in capitalist roots, but its job is to show off the luxurious commodities in which it envelops itself in. It is also the ‘bling’ that the industry raps itself in. Now with an economic recession plaguing the country, it seems as if this ‘show-off’ industry is toning its money flashing down, in order to be more in line with the audience. A good example of this is famous rapper ‘Lil Wayne’, winning two Grammy Awards, performed in a plain white T-shirt, jeans, and a simple necklace. It could be that the famous rapper is low on finances, but I doubt it. It is more of theater by the still upper class trying to show they ‘understand’ the proletariat and are feeling the same woes. The lower class will continue to feed into what they believe is the real world and keep the bourgeois in their place by feeding their bank accounts.
Libra
ReplyDeleteBlessed be the Newsmakers
Stephen Bates
Slate Magazine
Feb. 11 2009
http://www.slate.com/toolbar.aspx?action=print&id=2210912
Durkheim;
According to the article, the New York Times is not making profits anymore from newspapers, and they are seeking to make the Newspaper a "tax-deductible outfit that chases donations" instead. The author of this article believes that if the Newspaper wishes to make money it should turn itself into a religion. I fully agree with the author. The New York times is already cited so widely in commmon day literature and renowned as one of the best news reporting medias around. Society creates these religions and society helped create the New York Times into a religion. The author argues that the Times already has "religious discipline and rituals". Developing beliefs and a set of rituals are the first steps to constructing a religion. The overarching church of this religion is the New York Times newspaper. The author states, "'Public corruption brings forth righteous wrath from the press's pulpit. Reporters strive to 'evoke indignation at the violation of social values,' media scholars James S. Ettema and Theodore L. Glasser observe in their book 'Custodians of Conscience'—as, they add, the prophet Jeremiah did." The New York Times brings together a big group of followers, this isnt just a nation wide following also, this is a world-wide following. This religious institute is important because it brings people together they can all talk about one topic or several topics found in the Times, and this brings a sense of unity. That is what religions do.
1. Muzician
ReplyDelete2. Another Female Suicide Bomber Strikes Iraqi Province, Killing 15 Near Courthouse
3. RICHARD A. OPPEL
4. New York Times
5. June 23, 2008
6. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/23/world/middleeast/23iraq.html?scp=5&sq=recession,%20suicide&st=cse
Durkheim:
This article is a perfect example of altruistic suicide. What is being discussed is a female suicide bomber. In past times males have been predominantly known for participating in suicide bombing, proving their efforts to die for something they believe in, believing that they are doing something to help the greater good, as well as themselves. Females are finding acceptance in this kind of activity as well. This female decided to risk her life, not because she was thinking about herself, but because she thought others would benefit from it as well. This shows the correlation between being in a primitive society and being under high integration. She knowingly knew that strapping a bomb to herself and detonating it would definitely mean death, but In her heart she felt that she was making a difference.
Flaboy6
ReplyDeleteTitle:For Catholics, Heaven Moves One Step Closer
Author: Paul Vitello
News Source:New York Times
Published: February 9, 2009
Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/10/nyregion/10indulgence.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss
Emile Durkheim's Response to New York Times Article
The Catholic dioceses in the United States have begun to offer a sacred ritual that was previously discarded decades ago–the indulgence. Indulgences are acts which reduce purgatorial time by a certain number (partial indulgences) of days or years or can eliminate all of them (plenary), until another sin is committed. This return to the Catholic church, has come about partly due to the effort to get Catholics back to confession, a "happy incentive" as stated by Pope John Paul in 2001. One of the prerequisites of an indulgence is that you must have a session of confession. The Catholic authority is making a concerted effort to reintroduce this concept back into the sacred practices of their religion in order to achieve a new level of moral standing with it’s followers.
This act or reinstatement follows all the other powers the Catholic church reinforces. The act of indulgences is a way for the church to regulate the moral life of society. By having a way to reduce the purgatory sentence due to sin, the dioceses are adding on to and above the real. This activity creates a renewed sense in the person receiving this rite and he feels transformed ultimately transforming his own surroundings. Changing one's surroundings is one of the primary goals brought up in the article. Keiran Harrington, spokesman for the Brooklyn diocese acknowledges that "It's more about praying for the benefit of others, doing good deeds, acts of charity".
This act is sacred for it is not something that is done every day, therefore making it a sacred act that rises above the mundane profane world. There are special years and specific times of the year that are designated for the prayers, devotions or pilgrimages that make up the indulgences. The rarity of these acts and the important meaning behind their completion creates a crescendo of emotions and energy in man that will allow him to be transformed and renewed. The intense nature of these acts will heighten the senses and allow man to look above the real world into an ideal world. All of this cannot be achieved by man if the concept of indulgences is not accepted by the collective community.
In trying to assimilate this once abandoned concept back into the fabric of Catholic existence it becomes a tall order to find where it’s place is. There must be a collective acceptance in the community before this practice is embraced and becomes part of the religious ideal. The power of one individual cannot will the act of indulgence into society, society as a group must first accept it and then the individual can idealize it. The scrutiny that this practice is receiving from practicing Catholics is the first intuition of the existence of truth. This higher idea must be scrutinized and people must ask how this concept fits into their lives and therefore individualize the concept. The groups must accept it before it can find it’s proper space in the Catholic ideal.
1. bugzapper
ReplyDelete2. California Work Program for Young is Threatened
3. Malia Wollan
4. The New York Times
5. February 7, 2009
6. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/08/us/08corps.html?_r=1
Durkheim:
The threatened status of the California Conservation Corps work program due to the state budget crisis is one not to be taken lightly - its elimination has the potential to put the lives of hundreds of young men at risk. Advocates of the program that are quoted in the article view this risk in narrow economic terms, in that it discontinues the boys' current employment, and cuts off their future opportunities for "green collar" jobs that work to restore natural habitats and environments. However, I perceive the risk in more social terms, especially in regards to suicide.
The young men are described in the article as "hard-luck teenagers and young adults," many of whom are from poor urban neighborhoods and without high school diplomas or job prospects. Becoming crew members of the California corps gives them the opportunity to become productive members of society through gainful employment; It provides a feeling of integration with similar peers and people in general, and a sense of regulation through job structure and stability.
The elimination of this program may have dire consequences for these young men, who might be driven to suicide with the loss of this steady, structured employment that allows them to form social ties with others. I predict them as being at increased risk for egoistic suicide (low integration, not well-connected with others, excessive individualism and loneliness) and even anomic suicide (low regulation, lose sense of selves and reason for being) post-Corps service, if the program were to suddenly be taken away from them.
The story of Jason Prue is an excellent (though tragic) profile of one of the young men who might be at particular risk. Prue is reported to have lived in his car as a drifter in the time before he joined the California Corps, until he decided that he needed to "find a job I loved; This is it." He also admits, "I'm not that good a planner. If this goes down, I don't know what I'm going to do."
...Commit suicide as the result of the loss of identity and sense of purpose, a lack of decent options and of social connectedness? Perhaps he will, but this social theorist certainly hopes not.
Peach 89
ReplyDeleteObama scores a 28 on the Change-O-Meter
Emily Lowe
Slate Magazine
February 10, 2009
http://www.slate.com/id/2211016/
Marx:
As a student of Hegel, Marx would have said that the changes that this article points out about the government were eventually going to occur some time in the future. This is due to his proposal of all societies going through the 5 stages: primitive-ancient-feudal-capitalism-communism. He would not have been surprised with the fact that times are changing especially after Obama became president. This is because, according to him, liberal reformers are one of the two groups that he says want to create change. In order for them to create change they have to take action and that's what Obama is doing by putting expedience ahead of extra spending and by being straightforward about the way the government is going to handle different situations.
However, Marx would argue against the part in which the article took points away from Obama on the chart because of his administration taking the same position as the Bush administration's position on the "Mohamed v. Jeppesen Dataplan". I believe he would defend this by saying that the different political parties are not always going to have opposing views and will eventually agree on some stuff. For the most part, he would agree with the change that is occurring because he would relate it to the possibility of conflict, which he believes to be the engine of progress. This progress is a part of the advancement of human consciousness and will lead to things getting better in a civilization.
1. Dream
ReplyDelete2. FEMA is faulted on Aid after Hurricane Ike
3. The Associated Press
4. The New York Times
5. February 8, 2009
6.http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/09/us/09hurricane.html?_r=1
“The source of social change is the clash of social interest arising from social inequalities”. Our society in the United States faces conflict of interest’s everyday within the economy. Money is a serious matter that people can cause unfairness, differences, and change. While there are those in the high classes who demand their way with the functioning of the economy there are also those in the low working classes who are now realizing that they have a position in how the financial system should be administered. It is because of the never ending cycle between the high class and working class that economy exists. If there was no one to work the low paying jobs then there would be no high class rollers in the high positions.
There is a dependent relationship between the classes, in return the dependency affects economy and should allow everyone a voice. An example of economic unfairness would be that of the article “FEMA Is Faulted on Aid after Hurricane Ike” which states that a government funded aid organization is failing to assist more only 82,000/ 730,000 applicants that have lost or damaged their homes. There is an unfair qualification process taking place in this community that is limiting far more than half to be granted assistance. The idea of this article is to point out that those in the low ranking or non say positions in society are speaking up and fighting for what they believe is right. Marx believed that social change can be achieved through conflict that is produced by social inequalities. Government money should have a criterion in the form that it is dispersed, however, when less than a quarter of needy people are receiving help there is a flaw in the system.
Change does not occur alone there has to be a driven force that causes social change and within this small community people are driven by the unfairness of the FEMA criteria and the unqualified agents that have been making the decisions. They know the mission of the organization and they know that the money is there. It is the holding back of the money that is making the selection process unfair. A natural disaster is not brought upon by one’s self it is unexpected and in return the government should help in any way possible. These people and their lawyers are doing the right thing to be motivated and question the conspiracy going on with the aid from the government, only then will they achieve a change. Perhaps even a change in an application process, a criterion, or the amount of people being accepted.
In a small scale, this situation can be an example of Marx’s conflict theory (which was based on larger social change situations in history) and how it takes conflict triggered by inequalities that cause people to act on their realizations. This article is not going to change how the entire economic system functions in the United States but it can change it within the FEMA organization and push for a small social change in a state within our country that needs help dating back to September 2008.
1. Venezuela
ReplyDelete2. California Work Program for Young Is Threatened
3. Malia Wollan
4. The New York Times
5. February 7, 2009
6. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/08/us/08corps.html
Marx:
Once again we find the worker, and his labour, objectified and the big picture ignored. To please a budget committee that will see savings of a mere 34 million dollars in an already 43 billion dollar state deficit, the livelihood of many young people will be stripped away. These young workers and their labour have no practical worth to the powerful. In the article Attorney General Jerry Brown says that, "kids need to get out of the concrete of the urban world and encounter the complexities of nature." Unfortunately, nature does not translate to dollar signs like the concrete jungle does for those empowered predators. Jason Prue, age 21, turned his life around with the help of the California Conservation Corps and now it may all be over. Many, including four former governors, have stood up to Governor Schwarzenegger's plan to end the country's oldest and largest work program and give back what little the worker has left.
Done4Now
ReplyDeleteTrillion Dollar Baby
Maureen Dowd
New York Times (online)
10 Feb 2009
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/11/opinion/11dowd.html?_r=1
It is time for the beast known as capitalism to be slain. Unfortunately, capitalism now has become a demented phoenix [with the aide of the granted by the bail-out package]. Though it has gone up in flames, it has been rejuvenated not for the better, but for the worse. The bourgeoisies have alienated the proletariat even further. It has already been the case where this elite group has controlled a vast majority of the economy, and they have benefited from this control. Now the case is that they have turned the market sour [by taking on toxic assets]. Logic would hold that it is the bourgeoisies [Wall Street] that should thus loose out, because it is them who have been benefiting from the market; however that is not the case. This new demented phoenix is fed by the hard sewn fruits of the protectorate even more so than the original phoenix from which it was spawned[that is to say that tax payer money is what is being used to pay for this bailout]. The government has proposed that the mistakes of the bourgeoisies [toxic assets and sub-prime mortgages] should be covered at the expense of the proletariat not only with their labour, but now also with their money. What is more appalling though is that the bourgeoisies yet still control everything, and it is they, who should be loosing, that are still gaining [Wall Street executives not having their salaries capped and still receiving bonuses]. The proletariats are thus even further alienated than they ever were before. Now it is they who are paying to keep the bourgeoisies alive in that is now their money and labour that are keeping the institutions of the bourgeoisies viable, yet they still exercise no control over these forces [the bail-out package]. I say it once, and shall state it again, capitalism ha been rejuvenated for the worse and it is time for the proletariat to take control of market and put an end to the life of the demented phoenix.
1.Codeword: Parrot
ReplyDelete2.Title: Despite Odds, Women's Movement Persists In Iran
3.Author: Jacki Lyden and Davar Iran Ardalan
4.Source: NPR.org
5.Date: February 1, 2009.
6.Link: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=100039579
Engels:
Women around the world continue to be oppressed and are still victims to persecution. They are not considered equal and have to live by traditionalists laws to where a veil and are not allowed in politics and other professional arenas, and are under a capitalistic society. Women in Iran faced many changes after the Shah was no longer in power and with the new regime under government by Ayatollah, women were no longer judges, lawyers, and other professions but instead were excluded from public economic sphere and restricted to household labor; they became non-entities or were executed. Men gained complete control in Iran as in many other traditionalist countries. “What is a boon for the one is necessarily a bane for the other.”(‘The Patriarchal Family,’ by: Engels pg. 67) In other words for every group that has a positive gain, there is a group that is oppressed and looses out; in this case it would be women. The traditionalist men gained power and as a result the women were oppressed in Iran.
Engels supported moving from a capitalistic society structure to one of communism; where it would be egalitarian, classless, stateless, and based on common ownership. Women would definitely benefit from this change and become equals and have the same economic, social, civil, and political rights as men. In order to do this Engels believed that the removal of private property is the solution to equality. He believed that whatever the ruling class gets, everyone else should also gain in the same manner.
1. Grane
ReplyDelete2. A-Rod, Bankers' Salaries, "25 Random Things," and the Grammys
3. Stephen Metcalf, Jody Rosen, Dana Stevens, and Julia Turner
4. Slate Magazine
5. February 11, 2009
6. http://www.slate.com/id/2211059/?from=rss
(Marx)
The current culture today displays a strong sense of materialism. The athletes today earn multi-million dollar salaries, while law enforcement, teachers, and even health professionals get paid significantly less. With these huge salaries these professional athletes, such as Mr. Alex Rodriguez, become tempted to use steroids either to live up to their large contracts or to increase their value when the time comes for contract extension. The same effect relates with other types of celebrities. People treat these celebrities as royalty and contributes funding and ratings towards their ceremonies, such as the Grammys, while these celebrities use more of their profits towards more selfish desires rather than societal contributions. These public controversies show the examples to America that the message is to strive for material, and society is providing this material to whoever reaches high enough. The concept of materialism is increasing, and it will worsen in the future.
President Barack Obama is putting a cap on the top executives at banks. It seems as if President Obama is attempting to even out and close the gap between the middle and the upper class, and he strives to give the proletarians more comfort in their quality of life, recognizing that the elite is already quite comfortable. He believes that the labor work value of these top executives is a maximum of $500,000, implying that this number symbolizes their mental and physical capabilities. The middle class needs to lead the proletarians in an up-rise against the elite.
Facebook can be utilized as a positive tool. It provides a certain level of communication that can generate influence within the culture. Many of the young people currently have extraordinary ideas; however, ideas must be used in order to take action. Facebook can display these ideas and start the process of taking action.
pongo
ReplyDelete“Bailout Plan: $2.5 Trillion and a Strong U.S. Hand”
Edmund L. Andrews and Stephen Labaton
New York Times
February 10, 2009
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/11/business/economy/11bailout.html?ref=politics
Marx:
The current U.S. economic crisis represents a clash of social interests arising from social inequalities. Honest, hard-working taxpayers are angry that their money is being squandered by the bourgeois CEOs making foolish business deals. The recent election of President Barack Obama is a solid indication that the proletariat is demanding real social and economic change. In a recent speech, President Obama related that the previous administration’s economic policies involving tax cuts for the bourgeoisie were not effective in stimulating the economy and promoting growth. Their own president sees the failure of the capitalist system! The new administration’s economic plan involves a $2.5 trillion government bailout. This change in governmental policy represents the beginning of a shift away from capitalism. Such high governmental involvement in the nation’s corporations is, instead, characteristic of communism. It is obvious that capitalism has worn out its usefulness in the U.S. economic realm.
I also can’t help but to believe that more radical social change will be necessary before the struggle between the U.S. proletariat and bourgeoisie comes to an end. Although the bailout plan signifies an attempt to appease the proletariat and achieve greater equality, the bourgeoisie are the ones who are really benefiting from the plan. Banks and corporations have lost millions of dollars but are not responsible for their debts and mistakes because the government will take care of it. On the other hand, the government is not paying anyone’s mortgage or other outstanding bank debts. Instead, the proletariat are responsible for their own debts even though their tax dollars are funding the bailout. Once again, the powerful bourgeoisie benefits at the cost of the workers. This clash of interests will only be resolved by a revolution.
3SGTE
ReplyDelete"Why Free-Market Capitalism Will Follow Communism Into the Trash-Heap of History"
Philip Slater
Huffingtonpost.com
January 28, 2009
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/philip-slater/why-free-market-capitalis_b_161709.html
Marx:
Though I agree with your sentiments that capitalism will eventually fail, and in these times, it is almost eminent that the time is near, however capitalism will not follow communism into the "trash heap", it will however follow after the fall of capitalism. The flaw that "greed is good" is as good one to point out. What I believe for capitalism to work is that all commodities must sell for the appropriate value. Since we live in an era where greed, and self advancement takes priority, that value steadily increases to a point where everything will fail internally. Competition forces out the weaker corporations and monopolies will eventually form cornering the market in whatever commodity is being produced. To a point, capitalism will no longer be a free market and government is going to step in to take over.
1. Sweet
ReplyDelete2. California Work Program for Young is Threatened
3. Malia Wollan
4. The New York Times
5. February 7, 2009
6. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/08/us/08corps.html?_r=1
Durkheim,
Do to the circumstances in today’s economy; many people are losing their jobs. This is a reality for many to face and struggle with the responsibilities of everyday living. Even many of the big corporations and companies are going through budget crisis. This is true for the California Conservation Corps, the country’s largest and oldest work program for mostly hard-luck teenagers and young adults, on the chopping block. A hard decision has to be made in which the program will be eliminated and as a consequence, many of this young adults will be jobless and opportunities will be taken away from them in order to succeed and accomplish their dreams one day. Certainly many people have suffer at some point or another from existential crisis and people that feel their dream of succeeding in life will be gone, might be more prone to suffer from this. Been in a position in which you feel hopeless, like many of these young adults should feel, since their options to work for a hard future are limited, might force you to do irrational things like taking your life away since they might feel their life is purposeless. This will be an example of egoistic suicide, in which ties attaching the individual to others in the society are weak. Since the individual is only weakly integrated into the society, their suicide will have little impact on the rest of the society. In other words, there are few social ties to keep the individual from taking their own life. And they might feel that their presence in life is worthless so they might as well take their life away.
"The Power of Positive Deviance"
ReplyDeleteBy Susan Worthman
greenbiz.com
Feb. 10th, 2009
http://www.greenbiz.com/blog/2009/02/10/the-power-positive-deviance?page=0%2C1
(Marx)
Positive deviance (P.D.) seeks to view a group that lacks something. Rather than viewing the deprived members to figure out why they do not have, they view the members who do have and ask what they are doing differently. Furthermore, once they do figure it out, they have these "deviants" share with the their skills with the others. "The P.D. model works because experts become learners, teachers become students, leaders become followers"
This system seeks to equalize the field whereby those with power and resources pass on that knowledge to other members of society. Granted the system only works when resources are plenty and not when everyone is desperate. It seeks change from within the organization instead of form outside sources. From this system the worker becomes less of a commodity and more valuable due to the knowledge they teach to other members in a way creating a collective knowledge. The gurus become teachers and students at the same team. Everyone learns from each other. In ignoring the status quo, we seek a different perspective and to better understand everyone's struggles while "solving problems by looking, and thinking, about how we act, rather than acting upon how we think." It is looking past the self-centeredness of capitalism. Deviance breaks the status quo which, when nourished positively, brings about change.
DanteBelante
ReplyDeleteFlorida’s unemployment hits 16-year high
Marcia Heroux Pounds
South Florida Sun Sentinel
11:14 AM EST, January 23, 2009
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sfl-december-unemployment-0123,0,643976.story
Florida’s unemployment has reached a 16 year high. The article indicates that the majority of the lost jobs are amongst labor intensive jobs and in the lower income areas of the state. Marx’s concept of The Division of Labor and application of Conflict Theory are useful mechanisms for understanding this trend from a social point of view as well as predicting a possible result of the trend. The modern day Proletariat are not only being funneled into the manual labor jobs but are further being oppressed by having those jobs be first on the chopping block during economic crisis. Economically marginalized persons are further being denigrated and are being portrayed as a disposable mechanism to help combat economical depression. Rather than there being a trickle down effect creating equal cuts to all levels of employment, the bottom of the food chain is simply being cut and as they are the cogs of the Capitalist machine their removal may result in a failure of that machine. This issue may be seen as the social catalyst that will stimulate the working class to fight off their invisible hand and revolt making their grievances and marginalization visible. Perhaps the beginning of the transition from Capitalism to Communism is about to unfold and the persons once seen as simply pieces of a larger machine will become the tools by which the social and economical structure is rebuilt.
Tigers219
ReplyDeleteBlessed Be the Newsmakers
A new business model for the press: Declare itself a religion.
Stephen Bates
Slate.com
Feb. 11, 2009
http://www.slate.com/id/2210912/?from=rss
Marx:
The transformation of the press into a religion would be a substantial breakthrough in today’s bureaucratic society. Since the press is no longer earning profits for the newspapers, they need money to fund their projects. Some have suggested asking for donations from different companies, and others look to charge people an online fee. One way to overcome most of the fees would be to convert them into a religion. Becoming a religion would create a loophole for the press. It would allow them to portray their views of self-government on the people, without paying dues to the government. As a religion, they would be able to fulfill what they want to do, and not have to worry about capitalism. As a religion the press would receive tax benefits that would be a significant amount, and help funding. Receiving tax benefits would be considered to be help from the government, but then again it would be fighting against them. Turning the press into a form of religion would be a beneficial move for the press, and it would only be finishing what they are already becoming.
Shooting Star
ReplyDeleteEthiopia Facing World's 'Most Urgent' Food Crisis
by Nicholas Benequista
CommonDreams.org
September 4, 2008
http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2008/09/04-10
Over time societies will grow in size causing resources to be scarce. Many societies are being affected economically hence affecting those like Ethiopia. With pure understanding one could see that those who populate Ethiopia are not at fault for their condition, where they are facing the "most urgent" food crisis. They are in drought not allowing them to grow their own own hence having them to get food imported which has quintupled in cost. Only a few in Ethiopia could survive this being that they have had only double digit growth in the past five years. Only the wealthiest in this case the strongest will succeed by demolishing the weakest. For one they could buy the only food that is left, and second 75,000 children are said to die of starvation and in this case they are the weakest because they are dependent. Ethiopia is asking for an extra 140 million, the main problem is that problems are arising all over the world causing more people to ask for help. Since people who have money are trying to hold on to every penny they have they are not distributing much and as a matter of fact are holding out and people are losing jobs. It's a chain of events because society is linked.
All these arising problems will arise in people committing acts of suicide. People are increasingly becoming stressed and isolated because of their economical problems. In Ethiopia people probably feel invisible, as if no one cares because less people are offering aid. Worldwide extreme hunger is arising as a society everyone needs together and compromise for a solution.
psalmbird
ReplyDeleteIran's Revolution turns 30
John Simpson
BBC News
February 10, 2009
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7881635.stm
Iran, once a primitive society characterized by its government, celebrates more than liberation; its a celebratory transition of a modern society. Hundreds of people filled the streets celebrating in remembrance of February 1979. For Iranians, their religion, rituals and routines have kept them grounded in these trying times. Today clearly symbolizes their ability of integration. Chants of their national anthem could be heard, echoing their strength and beliefs that are shared among them. The Iranian flag waved in the air uniting Iranians of young and old together. Two-thirds of Iran's population of 70 million are under the age of 25. While many of the attendees were too young or not alive when the revolution took place, the crowd was filled with many eager and supportive young people. One young man was seen wearing a Dolce and Gabbana jacket, with a spiked punk hair style. The young man exemplifies Iran's transition into a modern society. The youth no longer perform the same tasks or jobs as their parents; nor do they hold the same perspectives on life. Their change has come.
2."California Work Program for Young is Threatened"
ReplyDelete3.Malia Wollan
4.The New York Times
5.February 7, 2009
6.http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/08/us/08corps.html?_r=1
Marx
California is suffering from a large economic crisis of a $42 billion deficit. The reason the California Conservation Corps is now being threatened is because of the conflict that exists regarding scarce money. The existence of the organization is based solely on whether or not it can be afforded. When there was not a deficit, the organization was not questioned or threatened.
This conflict is also visible in the social classes themselves. The middle/upper classes are the ones creating economic and political policies, which are the ones proposing the cut of these programs. Coincidentally, the Corps is a program that created jobs for the underprivileged urban youth (lower class). Marx's theory remains just as relevant and alive.
Members of the community have organized already and are educating others about the validity and importance of the program, and are also educating on why the program is trying to be cut. Education and community building are the two necessary components for social change to occur, according to Marx, which is initiated by inequality.
I understand that when there is a limited amount of resources (in this case money), where the money is spent needs to be addressed, evaluated, and cuts will most likely need to be made. But what is a consistent pattern is that programs or areas that are always cut during budget crisis are those where the working class are affected. This shows the gap that exists between classes, something less apparent when things are going "well."
Marisa
ReplyDeleteGreen Jobs Multiplying
By Ariel Schwartz
Greenbiz.com
Feb. 10, 2009
http://www.greenbiz.com/blog/2009/02/10/green-jobs-growing-us-around-world
Marx:
Conflict is the engine of progress. A social force must take place in order to bring about change. This is exactly what is occurring now. Now that our world is going through rough times financially and our resources are being limited it is now that we must come up with new and improved solutions to solve our worries. Many countries are expecting these new green jobs to take us out of recession. The problem is who is actually capable of being employed. Not only is this a problem but also some employers offer wages beneath the poverty wage standard of $10.19 an hour in household income for a family of four. And this goes hand-in-hand with my idea that workers are alienated from the profits of their labor. Although green they are not always good jobs, and the worker is not able to gain much profit out of his/her work.
Lemon87
ReplyDeleteRecession to Fuel More Family Murder, Suicide
Robert Roy Britt
Feb 2, 2009
http://www.livescience.com/culture/090202-recession-suicide.html
Durkheim:
The nature of capitalism encourages man to pursue unlimited desires and unrealistic goals. The government proposes the notion that every man is for himself; the possibilities are endless. However, one will never achieve happiness by chasing the fulfillment of constant wants. It is like a vicious cycle: the more one has, the more one wants. The human being needs an equilibrium where his needs are proportioned to his means.
The article discusses the recent increase in home violence and suicides. Due to the economic downturn, people are being forced to change their lifestyles drastically. People are accustomed to living beyond their means in U.S. society due to capitalism therefore they have worked for years to improve their existence and cannot fathom financial failure without demeaning one’s self. Unfortunately, people define themselves by their socio-economic status and feel at a loss when their position in society has been abruptly changed thus increased suicides occur. They may feel like they have lost themselves or lost their reason for being. Therefore, people begin committing anomic suicides because of low integration and low regulation within their society.
U.S. society promotes freedom from regulation and an abundance of options that leaves people with a constant internal struggle that becomes more violent and painful due to increased competition and little control. Heightened discipline and regulation can alleviate society in this current state of upheaval through an authority that can be respected and not feared. This can create a greater feeling of equality thereby decreasing violence and suicide rates.
1. mokibear
ReplyDelete2. Google Taking a Step Into Power Metering
3. Matthew Wald and Miguel Helft
4. The New York Times
5. 12//9/09
6. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/10/technology/companies/10grid.html?_r=1
Google is taking a step in an undeveloped market to gain control and sharing its new product with the public. It states that the company will allow the public free access to PowerMeter, a service that follows energy consumption. This is going to improve the economy, but in terms of who has access to it. Free is a general term, free for one person may not be free to another. In our society, classes are not equal and resources are certainly not, the economy is owned and organized through those with the means to control. Who has this power? Those whom can use this service are limited to those who have technology and the salary to have internet access as well. Not everyone has the ability to gauge their electricity use or worry about their plug-in hybrid cars.
Myrtle
ReplyDeleteUS economy plan 'compromise' near
No author listed
BBC News
02/11/2009
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/business/7884537.stm
This article discusses the new "compromise" stimulus package that President Obama has been urging Congress to pass. This stimulus package, though not as large as Obama initially planned, will go a long way in easing the burden of the working class, who have suffered a great deal in the current economic climate. I must commend the President, as well as Congress, for taking such steps to improve the lives of the average American, but I cannot help but think that this is little more than a band-aid on a much deeper wound.
Seeking to "fix" the economy will do little, because our capitalist system is outdated and growing increasingly dysfunctional. Certainly, it served its purpose for a time, but we are in a new era, one which demands sweeping change. This is not the first time we have found ourselves in such an economic predicament, and we cannot fool ourselves into thinking it will be the last.
This stimulus package is proof that Americans are dissatisfied with laissez-faire capitalism. It is only a matter of time before they realize that a new system, one that ensures the liberty of all Americans, is in order, and unite to make it a reality. President Obama's election alone is proof of the power of all Americans, regardless of class, to make positive change. This economic crisis is the people's opportunity to put that power to the test.
Minkoko
ReplyDeleteCalifornia Work Program for Young Is Threatened
Malia Wollan
NYTimes.com
February 7, 2009
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/08/us/08corps.html?_r=1
The concept of social class and social structure are crucial in developing capitalism. Specifically, classes are defined through the understanding of work and labor, as well as means of production. This article demonstrates a clear division of those social classes. In the article, most of the workers who face the danger of losing their jobs are “hard-luck teenagers and young adults,” or what Marx would classify as members of the proletariat class. Since these workers have no property, their only means of survival and providing for themselves and their family are through their hands and labor. If these workers were to lose their jobs, they could very well sink down to the class that Marx calls ‘Lumpenproletariat’, the dangerous class that society chooses to ignore and disregard.
1. Cuda05
ReplyDelete2. "The Smell of Death"
3. Rod Norland
4. Newsweek
5. Jan 19, 2009
6. http://www.newsweek.com/id/180483
Durkheim:
The oppression of the Palestinian people, especially in the area of Gaza, is driving people to altruistic suicide. The Israeli army is currently under an operation in Gaza where they are carrying out air strikes as well as ground attacks. The people of Palestine’s homes are being occupied and/or demolished by these Israeli soldiers and because of the oppression they are being driven to altruistic suicide. Since in this society, collective needs of the community are put before the needs of the individual (in this case, the suicide bomber), the individual deems it necessary to end his or her own life for the better good of society. They feel it will bring about social change and give the Palestinian people what they have been wanting- national recognition as a legal state and defined boundaries for their country.
AIR888
ReplyDeleteZimbabwe PM pledges 'new chapter'
BBC News
02/11/08
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7884282.stm
In this article, the Prime Minister of Zimbabwe’s states that he wants to get the country back to work and end the violence within his country. Although it is controversial whether this leader is trustworthy, his statements reflect an intent to bring about social change. Marx would recognize that Tsvangirai, being a new leader, may be intellectual elite that would be the catalyst for the conflicted groups in Zimbabwe to redistribute power and settle in the name of peace. Maybe this man will guide his people to take their own country in to their own hands and move into a period of needed social change. Promises of brotherhood are promising, but much depends on the few elite leaders. If they use their power in government in the right way, much may improve admits the turmoil and Zimbabwe could progress through the phases towards communism. Also, basic humanitarian needs need to be address so that the citizens of that country can focus on finding their own essence.
Peaches
ReplyDeleteSuicide Victim May Have Hidden Millions Abroad
Lynnley Browning
New York Times
September 16, 2009
http://dealbook.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/16/suicide-victim-may-have-hidden-millions-abroad/?scp=5&sq=suicide&st=cse
Durkheim:
“…In an instant he was gone— his privileged life ended, by his own hand, with a single gunshot to the head.” In the explanation of Finn M. W. Caspersen’s death it can only be described as social phenomena that developed from the social causes surrounding Mr. Caspersen. Caspersen suffered for many years from kidney cancer and it only worsened as he neared the day of his suicide. He put his estate up for sale for $10.9 million and was relinquishing prestigious titles he held as he steered away from other philanthropic. By the narrative presented above it could be seen Caspersen taking an altruistic approach in order to spare his family because he can no longer benefit society due to his illness. To continue, another underlying cause of Caspersen’s suicide was the fact he had millions of dollars stored away in offshore accounts and owed over $100 million in back taxes. As the IRS was closing in on him he could not bear the stresses of life and decided to take it instead. Caspersen demonstrated a fatalistic approach as the oppression of society’s rules on taxes attacked him. In a short period of time Caspersen’s level of high integration became overcome by high integration which proved fatal due to his social environment.
1. Mohawke
ReplyDelete2. "California Struggles With Paroled Sex Offenders."
3. Solomon Moore
4. The New York Times
5. September 26th, 2009
6. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/27/us/27parole.html?pagewanted=1&ref=us
As Durkheim:
This article addresses one of the significant signs of the shift to organic solidarity. The weaker collective consciousness by comparison to America's pioneering years has led to the usage of restitutive laws rather than repressive ones. In colonial America, these sexual offenders would have been promptly tried by their community members and given swift, severe punishment for their actions. Public hanging or shunning would not be uncommon. Today however, restitutive laws have created the concept of parole, whereby prisoners who may have behaved well in prison are allowed to live outside of those walls with less supervision. These changes in society's laws confirm the belief that solidarity as well as collective consciousness ideals have altered.
The ways in which the prisoners are detailed leads me to wonder if my theory on suicide can be also applied to parolees. It seems that many of these parolees experience a form of anomie, wherein their alienation from society due to their deviance may affect their decisions to repeat offenses. In the case of the parolees who returned to the streets and harassed prostitutes or kidnapped underage females, there was clearly very low regulation of their activities by their parole officers, due in part to their sheer numbers. This coupled with the fact that they were released from prison to roam freer than if they were inside may have created confusion in what was expected of them. A loss of their identity as an inmate led to confusion and an inability to assimilate back into regular society, leaving their old habits as an easier option.
1.mother
ReplyDelete2.More school: Obama would curtail summer vacation
3.Libby Quaid
4.Yahoo! News; Association Press
5.September 27, 2009
6.http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090927/ap_on_re_us/us_more_school
Durkheim,
The United States is largely represented by an organic solidarity. Higher degrees of specialization make it necessary for children to receive formal education through the school systems. The initial education that students receive in grade school provides a substantial base for further education that is important for the specialization that keeps the US at a competitive level with other nations that are also characterized by organic solidarity. However, collective conscious, as it is tied to beliefs of the government, is a lot weaker than it would be if it were connected by mechanisms found in mechanical solidarity such as religion. As a result, citizens are less likely to accept changes in the education system that will force more hours of studying upon the children. It is also possible that these increase pressures from material and non-material social facts may lead to an increase in fatalistic suicide.
Lucas
ReplyDeleteSmuggling Europe’s Waste to Poorer Countries
Elisabeth Rosenthal
New York Times
September 28, 2009
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/27/science/earth/27waste.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss
Recycling waste is very costly. These unrecylced materials are very hazardous to our environment and to people’s health. European countries were found to be sending illegal waste hidden with legal waste to poorer countries. There is great risk placed on peoples health because if waste not recycled or disposed of in a environmentally friendly way water and air is being polluted. European countries are looking out for their social interest and their social position by reducing cost and pollution and sending waste to poorer countries. Since European countries are more economically affluent they are more powerful. Their social interest is costing African and other people in poorer countries their well-being. This is an example of social inequality; the poor countires are given a lesser value due to their social status.
Lucas
ReplyDeleteSmuggling Europe’s Waste to Poorer Countries
Elisabeth Rosenthal
New York Times
September 28, 2009
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/27/science/earth/27waste.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss
Marx:
Recycling waste is very costly. These unrecylced materials are very hazardous to our environment and to people’s health. European countries were found to be sending illegal waste hidden with legal waste to poorer countries. There is great risk placed on peoples health because if waste not recycled or disposed of in a environmentally friendly way water and air is being polluted. European countries are looking out for their social interest and their social position by reducing cost and pollution and sending waste to poorer countries. Since European countries are more economically affluent they are more powerful. Their social interest is costing African and other people in poorer countries their well-being. This is an example of social inequality; the poor countires are given a lesser value due to their social status.
1.Footlocker
ReplyDelete2. Smuggling Europe’s Waste to Poorer Countries
3. Elisabeth Rosenthal
4. The New York Times
5. 26 September 2009
6. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/27/science/earth/27waste.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss
According to Marx:
The idea of European countries selling their waste illegally to poorer countries in Asia and Africa is a quintessential example of class struggles. The poorer countries can be considered the proletariat, the working class poor, while the rich countries (who can afford to through perfectly good electronics out by the millions of tons) are the Bourgeoisie. The governments of those countries accepting E-waste and other smuggled in waste products for “recycling” or dismantling are using the unaware proletariat for their labor. Many of these workers who spend hours each day dismantling computers and other electronics in unsafe/unregulated conditions are kept almost completely unaware that they are being exposed to highly dangerous toxins for pennies per day. While the people recognize they are getting sick and their children are being born with deformities, the government preaches that if they work hard, all will be okay. This is a more modern day version of the Catholic Church’s hold on the proletariat’s work ethic in my day.
While recognizing the need for change is a step in the right direction, the proletariat must become aware that their circumstances can change and they must work to change them. The land-owners and government who control the ports and the dismantling shops where the smuggled goods are brought in and worked on have the power to control the distribution of the wealth in society, and they do. While the government officials and landowners live in nice homes with good food and water, the laborers are not paid enough to provide solid shelter and clean food and water for their families because they live in the same areas where the toxins are being released into the environment.
Revolution will result from these dire environmental circumstances when the pauperization of the proletariat continues and grows to the point of starvation. Smuggling is being stopped more and more at the export end of the deal; as less tons are exported into China, the laborer will become worth less and less because there will be less work available and more people ready to take any job available. The proletariat will rise up against this and strike and demand more, when they finally become aware that their circumstances are a-typical.
Greece
ReplyDeleteDoes poverty make people obese, or is the other way around?
Daniel Engber
Slate
September 28, 2009
http://www.slate.com/id/2229523/?from=rss
Marx:
Even something so personal as obesity is said to be linked to one's social class. The proletariat or working class are more likely to be obese because food options are limited in poor neighborhoods. Low income workers have less time to cook their own meals and are not financially able to join sports clubs or gyms. Being obese can make you sick which in turn can make you poor through hospital bills and missed days of work. Being poor is linked to both obesity and sickness. The "health-wealth" gradient refers to the general rule that the richer you are the healthier you are. Thus money brings one health. The "girth-wealth" gradient is the general rule that socioeconomic status and body size are inversely related. The reciprocal relationship between being poor and being in poor health is so ingrained into society that universal healthcare will not be able to counteract the effects of capitalism in the United States. Princeton economist Angus Deaton concluded that a direct redistribution of wealth might be an efficient way to improve the health of the poorest Americans. Where would this wealth come from? The bourgeoisie are unlikely to give up their wealth to improve the status of the proletariat when they have the power to control the distribution of wealth. Only the laboring poor whose health is at stake can revolt and make a change in their own lives. Action must be taken to improve their status in the world of capitalism where the upper class enjoys the perks of wealth, health, and thin bodies.
1. Speedy
ReplyDelete2. Schools Promote Waste-Free Lunches
'Trash talk' takes on new meaning as more schools promote waste-free programs
3. Karen Ann Cullotta
4. Commondreams.org
5. September, 28,2009
6. http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2009/09/28-5
Durkheim
Stowe Elementary School students are being taught moral rules and social integration through the waste-free lunch program movement. Students are learning how to better the environment and make less of a carbon footprint in order to better their lives and the lives of others. The waste-free lunch program movement has been implemented for the whole school and even the parents are being integrated by being asked to send their kids to lunch with reusable lunchboxes and less pre-packaged food. The uniform look around the lunchroom is less plastic bags and more reusable containers. Student “cadets” watch over and help out their fellow students by participating in the sorting ritual after every meal. One child was even called the recycling king, a true leader who other students looked up to. The school has established a set of shared beliefs and has then taught the students how to apply those beliefs in the lunchroom. The school itself provides the single overarching moral community in which to have the waste-free lunch program movement.
Students have mutually bonded over these collective rituals of sorting their recyclables, trash, and compost materials after every lunch meal. Just like a religion, the waste-free lunch program movement integrates the students into an eco-friendly society. The collective rituals of the waste-free lunch movement bond the students, teachers, and parents, making them feel good about doing the right thing for the environment. They all become attached to these beliefs and carry them out Monday through Friday in the ceremony of school lunch time. Participating in the waste-free lunch strengthens their collective beliefs, morals, and bonds to one another.
1.Banana
ReplyDelete2.Smuggling Europe’s Waste To Poorer Countries
3.Elisabeth Rosenthal
4.The New York Times
5.26 September 2009
6. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/27/science/earth/27waste.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss
Marx:
Poor countries and their people have been paying the price for industrialization for decades now. Europe and its bourgeois are not the only places and people guilty of dumping their trash all over the proletariat; this is the epitome of the class struggle. The rich are not concerned with the plight of the poor and if they can just get rid of their problems by sending them somewhere else, why not? The people of China, Indonesia, Africa and India suffer because disposing of this electronic waste properly is far too expensive for the people of more developed countries. In addition, it is not the only the European countries or American that stand to profit from dumping our problems on other people. China for example wants the materials so they use their poor to dismantle the machinery and the poor suffer greatly, not only are they not paid enough but they are exposed to extremely hazardous materials and waste.
The poor of these countries need to realize that they are being used by their own people and by more developed nations. They need to see that the pennies they are being paid are not worth the risks and they need to rise up and attempt to create change for themselves. In addition, countries like China and Africa need to take a stand against these countries and not allow their people to be so abused by the bourgeois. Revolution will only occur when the proletariat rise up and reject their false consciousness.