Creationism and Darwanism: Oh How the Roles Have Reversed

Hello everyone. It has been too long since I last posted, and, for that, I apologize. I shall do my best to be more vigilant in this task from now on. Now, on to the main topic of my post:

So, I was watching Footloose today, and I was struck by the amazing similarity to today's time. So, as many of you who've seen it know, this is a story about a kid (Ren) who moves into an environment entirely unlike what he is accustomed to. After all, Chicago to the podunk town Bomont? Yeah, a huge change. Anyway, the main plot of the movie is that it's illegal to dance in the town and dancing is a major part of his life, so he fights against it. However, this becomes incredibly difficult when he finds out that this anti-dancing initiative was founded and is still supported by the local religious leader, Reverend Shaw

An accident that had happened to the Reverend's son (also Ren's romantic interest's brother) gave the Reverend not only a personal vendetta, but a perfect way to further it. Due to this accident, he was able to ban both rock-n-roll music and dancing on the grounds that they were dangerously deadly. Another part of his campaign that they were also facilitators of sin. However, in the end, the protagonist wins and both dancing and music are returned to Bomont.

Along the course of the film, although he is not the main character, it seems to be Reverend Shaw who gets the most character development. Along the course of the film, he is gradually convinced of the fault of his ways, by many examples:

1. First off, things were never the same between him and his daughter after the ban was enacted. Even though he was entrusted with the spiritual well-being of the community overall, he was most concerned about his daughter. He felt similar to Grand Moff Tarkin when princess Leia said, "The more you tighten your grip, Tarkin, the more star systems will slip through your fingers." The more he tried to keep his daughter safe, the more rebellious she became. She was the first hint that he might be wrong.
2. Under Reverend Shaw's "rule" certain books had also been outlawed from the community, to try and keep the minds of the children safe. If only they hadn't banned Fahrenheit 451! But...that is a discussion for another day. In a sort of exaggeration of this policy, the parents of the town one day take to burning all the books that they see unfit for their children's eyes. Reverend Shaw is alerted, and runs to the library to stop the madness. He, of course, entirely disapproves of the practice, but realizes that it was him who started this philosophy.
3. Well, all the previous and Ren. However, this is getting lengthy, so I'm going to let you read the plot summary.

Although this is apparently based off a true story where dancing was banned in a town, I believe it is a much greater allegory to a much more significant event. Most of my readers will be too young to remember this, as am I, but there was a time where Darwinism fought for it's place in the American education system. They believed that they were right, but were willing to compromise and be taught right alongside Creationism in the classroom as two point's of view to be thought upon. Actually, many of the people who believed in Darwinism at this time would have rather there been a debate and thought process surrounding it than having them be taught alone. The majority of Creationists were against this idea for the same reason that Bomont citizens were against dancing: they believed it was a dangerous idea that could harm their children's spirituality.

There's a great movie on this topic, it's called Inherit the Wind. It's a real eye opener, and I think you should all obtain a copy and watch it. That being said...

If you'll notice, the exact same thing is happening, except it is now the other way around. Darwinism and evolution are now the absolute curriculum, and Creationism is being left out. And, still, for almost the same reason: Creationism is a dangerous idea, that may cloud the intellectual minds of the children. Oh, how the roles have reversed. Just something for you guys to think about (which is why I will not expound any further).

Until next time, my faithful readers. Hopefully next time will be an examination of recent time's "Bread and Circuses". Good night, and good luck.

Teenage Plagues: Entitlement and Ignorance

I am slowly losing faith in the human race. Actually, not really: let me clarify. I am losing faith in the ever-present teenage population of the human race. Now, I realize that I am technically part of the group in which I am losing faith. That would be a logical fallacy, so I must clarify again. I am losing faith in the majority of the teenage popu... Never mind. Basically, there is a certain viewpoint that it becoming more and more prevalent in teenagers that I can't stand.

I do not speak of teenage delinquency, nor of teenage selfishness, nor of teenage impatience. I speak of the fact that teenagers are, over time, gaining an increased sense of entitlement. A sense that everything should be easy. And, if it isn't, it should be made to be that way.

Please not, I do not speak of all teenagers. I do not even necessarily mean the majority. I am simply saying that it is becoming more prevalent over time, and that I have too many examples in my life. I will give some case files. I will not give out any names (I mean, really? That would just be cruel.), but I will describe the situation will keeping the subject as anonymous as possible. If you read this, and recognize yourself, good for you! Maybe you can alter your ways.

1: John
Now, John is, overall, a nice kid. He has a lot of friends, he treats other people well (an underestimated relation), he's just awesome overall. Except for when he meets someone that is outside his idea of acceptability. This is also contributed to by the fact that he is very strongly religious (by which I mean that he can take it too far), he's one the top side of the middle class (up near the upper top area), and he's very good looking. Coincidentally enough, he's also a bit of a perfectionist. This is the main root of his problem.

Perfect is the way John wants things, and he believes he's entitled to having things that way. No, he's not really that cruel. It's more of a subconscious thing. He deals well when things are like him (which seems to be his idea of perfection. But, I'm not entirely surprised. It sucks to be a perfectionist and not meet your own standards. Yes, this knowledge is from personal experience), but when things, particularly people, are not like him, he becomes acerbic, although not publicly. If you're fat, atheist, a jerk, anything unlike him, he doesn't generally like you very much. It's more of a fear, I think, than anything else. He's been treated to a very homogeneous environment all his life.

This is the end of that situation. I will say that, since then, he has improved. That attitude mostly occurred, oh, I'd say two or three years ago. A bit of financial hardship and diversity put him straight.

Okay, I'm a five paragraph essay sort of guy, but, I'm to tired for three body structures, so I'm going to keep the examples to two.

2: Kathy
Kathy is...to wealthy for her own good. The daughter of a public figure, she always has everything provided for her. Always drives a nice car, gets things she wants without being given the responsibility, and has a really nice house...actually...a really nice house. I love her house, it's a beautiful piece of architecture. Anyway, since everything is always given her, she has no clue how to fend for herself. Just a total lack of common sense. Sadly, that's not even the worst part.

Kathy has a very discreet dislike for the...not wealthy. Which includes me (more on this later). We worked together for a long time (much to my disdain). She always seemed nice, but, at the same time, tried to keep herself away from me as much as she could. Although, I must comment that she was either torn about it, or it is subconscious, because it was not entirely consistent. Nonetheless, I refuse to give specific examples on this front, because it then becomes obvious. But, that's the way it is. And, sadly, this one has yet to improve.

3. Michael
Yes, me (even though I said only two examples). I used to be very much like this, although, in an innocent manner. This was when I was younger, much younger. My father, in attempts to give me the best life had to offer, made me a bit spoiled. Never afraid to ask for something, and, almost always, expected to receive.

Around the time I was ten, my family hit a bit a hard financial spot (and have been there since). It was a very difficult transition, for both of us. It took me a bit to realize I couldn't always get everything I wanted, and it hurt him to know that he couldn't provide as I willed. (By the way, my parents divorced during my third year of life, and my father has custody.) However, I have since changed. I have become more financially conscientious, and more giving with my money, more humble, and more understanding of other people hardship. Overall, it's been a good experience for me. Above other things, it made me aware of the plague of which I speak.

Spurt of Randomocity: Honorable Mention (But not in the "runner-up"ish sort of way)

I wish to give thanks to my good friend Ally Skinner. She is one of the few people I know who is not under the effect of the aforementioned effect. On top of everything else, she is always understanding. Whenever I have an issue (and I only use me because I can not speak for others), she's always, not only present to help, but looking to help.

One of the worst effects of the disease this post is about is a lack of understanding. An incapability to realize the difficulties present in others hardships. I wish to give kudos to those in my generation who have not fallen into this, and I hope, for the sake of mankind, that we can stay out.

I believe I am done. Thank you for tuning in, and, if you wish, watch for my next post. Until next time, my friends, up to the bitter end.

"Hallowed Be Thy Name": Iron Maiden and Religion

Well, I haven't missed a day yet: I guess I'm holding to my goals. Speaking of which, I don't think I'm going to post everyday. I think everyone would start to get sick of me if I posted everyday. So, I'll just post when I have something important to put up. Yeah, I don't have anything philisophical or intelectual to post today. But!...

Musical Analysis:

So, I was listening to some music on my computer today, and a song came on: "Hallowed Be Thy Name" by Iron Maiden. I don't know why, but I've never really listened to the lyrics on this one before.They struck me as very interesting. The lyrics are as follows:

"I'm waiting in my cold cell, when the bell begins to chime.
Reflecting on my past life and it doesn't have much time.
'Cause at 5 o'clock they take me to the Gallows Pole,
The sands of time for me are running low...

Running low--ooohhh...

When the priest comes to read me the last rites,
I take a look through the bars at the last sights,
Of a world that has gone very wrong for me.
Can it be that there's some sort of error?
Hard to stop the surmounting terror.
Is this really the end, not some crazy dream?

Somebody please tell me that I'm dreaming,
It's not easy to stop from screaming,
But words escape me when I try to speak.
Tears flow but why am I crying?
After all I'm not afraid of dying.
Don't I believe that there never is an end?

As the guards march me out to the courtyard,
Somebody cries from a cell "God be with you".
If there's a God then why does he let me go?
As I walk my life drifts before me.
Though the end is near I'm not sorry.
Catch my soul, it's willing to fly away.

Mark my words believe my soul lives on.
Don't worry now that I have gone.
I've gone beyond to see the truth.
When you know that your time is close at hand,
Maybe then you'll begin to understand
Life down here is just a strange illusion.

Yeah, Yeah, Yeah...Hallowed be Thy name
Yeah, Yeah, Yeah...Hallowed be Thy name"

This is, obviously, the story of a man who has been ordered execution by hanging. Now, Iron Maiden has been known by a few to be a Satanic band (if you are among this group you don't know Satanic Rock. It's quite scary). However, I have noticed recently that they seem to incorporate a lot of religion into their music. First off, there's this song. A man going to the gallows who seems to believe quite strongly in an afterlife. Granted, near the middle he seems to have his doubt ("If there is a god, why does he let me go?) But, I think that, overall, this man realizes the answer to his question.

There also the song Revelations. The first stanza of this song is a direct scriptural quote:

"Oh, God of earth and altar
Bow down and hear our cry.
Our earthly rulers falter;
Our people drift and die.

The walls of gold entomb us;
The swords of scorn divide.
Take not thy thunder from us,
Take away our pride"

Okay, I take that back: it's from a hymn. But, it still seems to have a lot of religious significance.

I don't usually post things having to do with religion. However, it's The Sabbath and I figured I might as well, as this seemed to come randomly to me. Anyway, I think this is it for this post. I would encourage our audience to listen to these songs somehow. Even without their philosophical meaning, it's just good music.

It's been good discussing with you guys. Drive home safe!

To be or not to be? Simply a matter of destiny.

Even though I am writing this during the same "awake period" as my last post, you can't get mad at me because it is technically the next day. Yes, I am writing this at 12:22 A.M. because I feel the need to.

So, I was watching more Star Trek. (Of course: What else do I do these days?) Specifically I was watching more Enterprise, the third season. I came across this episode called Similitude. You'll have to read the linked synopsis (please, it makes my life so much easier) to understand entirely, but here's my quick summary:

Basically, Trip receives neural tissue damage while saving the ship. This puts him in a coma. To try and treat this, Dr. Phlox proposes to grow a clone to harvest said neural tissue. After being assured that this clone will survive the procedure, Capt. Archer approves it. Everyone gets attached to this clone, and then they find out that to perform the operation, the clone (by this point having been names "Sim") will not survive. By the point, Sim has discovered that he isn't Trip. It's also important to note that sharing Trip's genetic profile gave Sim all of Trip's memories.

So, Sim wants to live, but gets persuaded not to by Capt. Archer and his own conscious. He goes in for the operation, but before being sedated, he says this, "You said to me once that commanding a starship was what you were meant to do. I guess this is what I was meant to do."

Now, I may have left out some details, but that why you should read Memory Alpha's synopsis, linked above.

The reason I found this so worthy of posting that I must do so at...it's now 12:36 in the morning...is because I am currently confronted by a similar though process, although not of such profound proportions. I have always been interested in science, ever since I was young. This, when combined with my diagnosis of Diabetes (Type 1), made me all the more likely to pursue my current career choice: microbiologist in medical research. However, as of late, I am not entirely sure if this is what I really want. I have been doing genetic research in a college lab this Summer, and the more I do it, the more it seems like I'm sure if this is what I'd be the best doing. You should know that I am also skilled in music, acting, and speech. I could try to be a composer, an actor, or maybe even a politician if I chose.

This is where Sim's conflict seems to hit me. What am I meant to do? I may want to be a musician of sorts, but I may be meant to come out with a breakthrough treatment for Diabetes, or some other disease. Or it may be vice-versa. My worst fear, is that I don't want to take up the one that may seem more fun, or more quickly satisfying, while I was meant to do the other. Then there's also to consider if there truly is a "meant to be". If there is such a thing as destiny, to any extent.

Anyway, that's my dilemma. It's one I hope I am able to solve. It'll probably end up having something to do with the Man upstairs. (Yes, I am religious. Also, I'm LDS. Deal with it.)

Well, I'm tired. It's now...12:56... I'm going to bed. I hope I don't wake up in the morning, re-read this post and freak out due to it's lack of coherence. We'll have to see.

Until...probably later this afternoon. Good night, and good luck.

Goals and Blog Traditions

Well, I've decided that, since I spend so much time on the computer, I might as well use some of my time to post on this blog. My goal is a post every day, although I realize that probably won't happen. I figure that one should always set their goals higher than what one think they are capable of. It helps expand one's potential. So, that's the new goal. Expect to see now posts often, even if their kind of short.

Speaking of post length, I feel that I will be letting you all down with this post. If you noticed, my previous post seemed to be increasing exponentially in length over time. Especially with that last one; that was a monster. Not only in length, but in content. If you haven't read "Third Post: Latin Pride and Black Comradery", please do. It's very...interesting, to say the least. Back to the main point of this paragraph. Due to the increased post frequency, I will not have as much content to post each time I do. So, yeah, that means less reading if you check back often, possibly more if you wait a few days.

Something else you guys will learn about me quite quickly is that I am a Trekkie. Not just a Trekkie, but a fairly dedicated Trekkie. I don't go to Comic-Con or any similar festival. But, I know quite a bit about Star Trek, and enjoy watching and episode now and then. Except for Deep Space Nine. Many of you (again, using many when I have no followers...) who have seen Deep Space Nine may understand why.

Okay, I was going to give the summary of an episode, but I'm just going to let you guys read up on it, if you care enough to do so. The link to the episode Stigma is http://memory-alpha.org/wiki/Stigma. Bassically, it's a allegory for AIDS. I'll try to do this every time too, a Star Trek episode that I think my audience (all X/0 of you) might enjoy or appreciate.

Looks like I'm done. Good day to you all...until next time.