Prama. In other words, prom drama. To all the senior guys out there, stop being rude. Prom is for mainly seniors. It is SENIOR Prom. Key word, senior. This year so many boys are asking girls younger than them to prom. But what about the senior girls? Senior girls are not being asked becuase senior boys are choosing to ask those younger instead. But why??? This is what girls look forward to. Prom is the last time the whole grade is united. So why ask people in other grades? I understand if you are dating, but if not please ask a senior girl. And only if you can't find a senior girl to ask, you could ask someone younger. Boys, it is a slap in each senior girl's face if you choose to ask someone else. It doesn't matter if you aren't hooking up or dating the senior girl. Go as friends! This is the last time seniors are together! Just think about it before you ask someone younger. Think before you act boys...
Shout out to Jack Silberman. Prom 2012 wooooo
Monday, March 19, 2012
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Affirmative Action
When we were first assigned to rank each applicant to a college, I thought it was easy. I started with the students with the highest GPAs and SAT scores. I ranked them accordingly. But then I realized that I didn't even take into account their extracurricular activities, involvement, and leadership and service roles. So I started from scratch again. I realized all their GPAs ranged from a 3.5-4.0. These were all amazing GPAs! How was I supposed to pick? I began weighing their activities and experience more than the GPA and SAT score. I took the academics into account when ranking the applicants, but the experience became a larger factor. I then realized that two students were tied in my opinion; one student was of a minority, and the other was white. I picked the minority. But why did I do this? Why did some of my peers act the same way?
Race often becomes a factor in the admissions process. A part of me finds this wrong and unfair, but a part of me finds this completely understandable and beneficial. If students of different race are accepted into the university, the school becomes more diverse. This ultimately adds to a unique college experience. Classes and discussions might be veered in different, better directions. Students may begin to exhibit what people label "color blind" by interacting and building strong friendships with those of a minority. Race can clearly be beneficial in a college environment.
But there's always that counterargument that shows how unfair it is to take affirmative action. First off, one might argue that there are other differences among students that satisfy diversity needs. Harvard noticed this and took students from all around the nation. According to Harvard, "Diversity meant students from California, New York, and Massachusetts; city dwellers and farm boys; violinists, painters, and football player; biologists, historians, and classicists; potential stockbrokers, academics and politicians." They are completely right, but race is just one more type of diversity.
Race can transform a university. In California vs. Bakke a special type of admission was added to the university, to incorporate students of different race to the school. This specific admission had lower academic standards and whites were not allowed to apply here. Justice Powell indicated the three major flaws of this system: "First, it may not always be clear that a so-called preference is in fact benign. . . Second, preferential programs may only reinforce common stereotypes holding that certain groups are unable to achieve success without special protection. . . Third, there is a measure of inequity in forcing innocent persons in respondent's position to bear the burdens of redressing grievances not of their making." I find the University's admission process to be very unfair and bias. Minorities are assumed to not be as intelligent as whites, and whites are automatically assumed to be more intelligent and smarter. But what the university has not considered is that many successful schools have a diverse student body and all students academically thrive. The University should have one admission process for fairness and to maintain the quality of the school.
University of Michigan also counted race as a large factor in admission. The process functioned as a point system. There were a set amount of points given for specific activities, extracurricular, experiences, leadership and service roles, academics, etc. But what I found interesting is that race played a large factor in this point system. A student of a minority was given 20 points just for the sake of being a minority, whereas the admission essay was worth only three points. I don't understand how this is fair. Yes, the 20 points account for the disadvantages of most of the minorities, but I believe it shouldn't be weighed as much. I like the point system, but the University should reconsider the weight of certain values.
Race should be a factor in college admission, but it shouldn't be a big determining factor. Race definitely should be a factor, but only to an extent. Everything, including academics and outside experience and activities, should be considered first. Then race can be revealed a play a factor. The fact that whites argue that this is unfair can seem abhorring. Minorities have so much more to deal with, so much more to struggle with and whites ignore this fact. Minorities often attend schools that don't have support, or aren't academically to the high standards of white schools. This needs to be taken into account. But the common white person forgets this small, but important factor because we are selfish. We all are selfish and fail to recognize that we are privileged, that we always get the benefit of the doubt. Tim Wise expresses this idea in "Whites Swim in Racial Preference." He states, "We strike the pose of self-sufficiency while ignoring the advantages we have been afforded in every realm of activity: housing, education, employment, criminal justice, politics, banking and business. We ignore the fact that at almost every turn, our hard work has been met with access to an opportunity structure denied to millions of others." I agree with Tim Wise. Take Deerfield for example. Our student body is white dominated and we are a very strong school academically. Now take Deerfield and compare it to a public city-school. There is obviously more diversity, but the quality of the school is also lower than that of Deerfield's. Race needs to be a factor in admission in order to give everyone a fair opportunity, but some universities need to re-evaluate their admission process and need to make sure to weigh race appropriately. Affirmative action is very complex, and can be looked upon in various ways.
Race often becomes a factor in the admissions process. A part of me finds this wrong and unfair, but a part of me finds this completely understandable and beneficial. If students of different race are accepted into the university, the school becomes more diverse. This ultimately adds to a unique college experience. Classes and discussions might be veered in different, better directions. Students may begin to exhibit what people label "color blind" by interacting and building strong friendships with those of a minority. Race can clearly be beneficial in a college environment.
But there's always that counterargument that shows how unfair it is to take affirmative action. First off, one might argue that there are other differences among students that satisfy diversity needs. Harvard noticed this and took students from all around the nation. According to Harvard, "Diversity meant students from California, New York, and Massachusetts; city dwellers and farm boys; violinists, painters, and football player; biologists, historians, and classicists; potential stockbrokers, academics and politicians." They are completely right, but race is just one more type of diversity.
Race can transform a university. In California vs. Bakke a special type of admission was added to the university, to incorporate students of different race to the school. This specific admission had lower academic standards and whites were not allowed to apply here. Justice Powell indicated the three major flaws of this system: "First, it may not always be clear that a so-called preference is in fact benign. . . Second, preferential programs may only reinforce common stereotypes holding that certain groups are unable to achieve success without special protection. . . Third, there is a measure of inequity in forcing innocent persons in respondent's position to bear the burdens of redressing grievances not of their making." I find the University's admission process to be very unfair and bias. Minorities are assumed to not be as intelligent as whites, and whites are automatically assumed to be more intelligent and smarter. But what the university has not considered is that many successful schools have a diverse student body and all students academically thrive. The University should have one admission process for fairness and to maintain the quality of the school.
University of Michigan also counted race as a large factor in admission. The process functioned as a point system. There were a set amount of points given for specific activities, extracurricular, experiences, leadership and service roles, academics, etc. But what I found interesting is that race played a large factor in this point system. A student of a minority was given 20 points just for the sake of being a minority, whereas the admission essay was worth only three points. I don't understand how this is fair. Yes, the 20 points account for the disadvantages of most of the minorities, but I believe it shouldn't be weighed as much. I like the point system, but the University should reconsider the weight of certain values.
Race should be a factor in college admission, but it shouldn't be a big determining factor. Race definitely should be a factor, but only to an extent. Everything, including academics and outside experience and activities, should be considered first. Then race can be revealed a play a factor. The fact that whites argue that this is unfair can seem abhorring. Minorities have so much more to deal with, so much more to struggle with and whites ignore this fact. Minorities often attend schools that don't have support, or aren't academically to the high standards of white schools. This needs to be taken into account. But the common white person forgets this small, but important factor because we are selfish. We all are selfish and fail to recognize that we are privileged, that we always get the benefit of the doubt. Tim Wise expresses this idea in "Whites Swim in Racial Preference." He states, "We strike the pose of self-sufficiency while ignoring the advantages we have been afforded in every realm of activity: housing, education, employment, criminal justice, politics, banking and business. We ignore the fact that at almost every turn, our hard work has been met with access to an opportunity structure denied to millions of others." I agree with Tim Wise. Take Deerfield for example. Our student body is white dominated and we are a very strong school academically. Now take Deerfield and compare it to a public city-school. There is obviously more diversity, but the quality of the school is also lower than that of Deerfield's. Race needs to be a factor in admission in order to give everyone a fair opportunity, but some universities need to re-evaluate their admission process and need to make sure to weigh race appropriately. Affirmative action is very complex, and can be looked upon in various ways.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Friends are Forever
Last week, a body was found in the Park ridge Forest Preserve, fifty feet from the sidewalk. The body's hands and face were decomposed and there was a wound in the head. A few days later the body was identified. John Tsichlis, husband and father of three sons. Investigators then declared that he died of a self-inflicted wound, suicide. The middle child, Louie Tsichlis, 18 years old, is my good friend, now a friend who has to grieve the loss of his role model, best friend, and hero--his father.
I first heard of Louie's loss through facebook. He had written a long status expressing his feelings and how he was going to stay strong for his family. He stated: "My father raised his family with the most passion and love imaginable. Who would have known that all our amazing moments would suddenly end. . . One day I will be healed, but will forever live with the scar of a loss that will make me always remember how much I loved my father, and how much he loved his family and me. . . I promise myself and my family that I will be stronger than ever to fight through this indescribable pain and stay proud to who I am. My pride will make me strong, knowing that my father will always be looking down from Heaven at me, as proud of me as I was of him." To see a friend in such pain breaks my heart. I have been there for him, always trying to provide an escape or someone to talk to. However, when I am back at home I fall weak at the knees as someone mentions the loss. I cry for my friend; I cry for his family; I pray for them and his father, hoping they can overcome this pain. I have lost my grandma and others close to me, but to lose a father is nothing comparable to what I have experienced. I cannot dictate and put words to my feelings for Louie and his family. I pray that he will stay strong and turn to others, including myself, when in need. I am always here for you Louie.
This same week, a few days later, Apostolos Kougias passed away. A husband, father, grandfather, and friend. My friend Theo was a grandson filled with pain when he heard the news. He, too, felt sadness and pain. Although I have not known Theo for that long, I still pray for him, his family, and his pappou (grandfather in Greek). I lost my grandmother nine years ago and I remember the day like it was yesterday. I know it is hard, but it will only get easier. The love will never go away, just like the memories. I am here for you Theo, and I hope our friendship will only grow.
Everyone dies. But this doesn't mean that it is easy to watch someone die or live with a death. It affects everyone, even if they didn't directly know the person who passed away. I did not know Theo's pappou, nor Louie's dad, but I do know Louie and Theo. This stressful, sad week has taught me many different lessons. I have learned to value life and those around me more. I cherish the moments I spend with those I love and save the memories. I have learned that memories truly are eternal and I try to share this with Louie and Theo. I have learned that friends and family are critical to those dealing with a loss. I have reached out to both of them and have prayed every day. I cry for them and feel pain, but I know that I need to be strong for them in case they choose to turn to me. I love you Louie and Theo and am sorry for your losses. Just remember, they are looking down at you from Heaven, urging you to continue on with your life. And also remember that they are only gone if you dismiss them from your life. Keep them in your heart, in your mind. remember all the memories you had and cherish them. But remember to make new memories with friends and family. Just as Louie stated, make them your inspiration and make them proud.
I first heard of Louie's loss through facebook. He had written a long status expressing his feelings and how he was going to stay strong for his family. He stated: "My father raised his family with the most passion and love imaginable. Who would have known that all our amazing moments would suddenly end. . . One day I will be healed, but will forever live with the scar of a loss that will make me always remember how much I loved my father, and how much he loved his family and me. . . I promise myself and my family that I will be stronger than ever to fight through this indescribable pain and stay proud to who I am. My pride will make me strong, knowing that my father will always be looking down from Heaven at me, as proud of me as I was of him." To see a friend in such pain breaks my heart. I have been there for him, always trying to provide an escape or someone to talk to. However, when I am back at home I fall weak at the knees as someone mentions the loss. I cry for my friend; I cry for his family; I pray for them and his father, hoping they can overcome this pain. I have lost my grandma and others close to me, but to lose a father is nothing comparable to what I have experienced. I cannot dictate and put words to my feelings for Louie and his family. I pray that he will stay strong and turn to others, including myself, when in need. I am always here for you Louie.
This same week, a few days later, Apostolos Kougias passed away. A husband, father, grandfather, and friend. My friend Theo was a grandson filled with pain when he heard the news. He, too, felt sadness and pain. Although I have not known Theo for that long, I still pray for him, his family, and his pappou (grandfather in Greek). I lost my grandmother nine years ago and I remember the day like it was yesterday. I know it is hard, but it will only get easier. The love will never go away, just like the memories. I am here for you Theo, and I hope our friendship will only grow.
Everyone dies. But this doesn't mean that it is easy to watch someone die or live with a death. It affects everyone, even if they didn't directly know the person who passed away. I did not know Theo's pappou, nor Louie's dad, but I do know Louie and Theo. This stressful, sad week has taught me many different lessons. I have learned to value life and those around me more. I cherish the moments I spend with those I love and save the memories. I have learned that memories truly are eternal and I try to share this with Louie and Theo. I have learned that friends and family are critical to those dealing with a loss. I have reached out to both of them and have prayed every day. I cry for them and feel pain, but I know that I need to be strong for them in case they choose to turn to me. I love you Louie and Theo and am sorry for your losses. Just remember, they are looking down at you from Heaven, urging you to continue on with your life. And also remember that they are only gone if you dismiss them from your life. Keep them in your heart, in your mind. remember all the memories you had and cherish them. But remember to make new memories with friends and family. Just as Louie stated, make them your inspiration and make them proud.
Terrill Swift
At first, I thought, "How can someone accidentally confess or give a fake confession? What idiot would do this?!" I didn't understand. Yes, they obviously were under pressure, but it didn't make sense until Swift told his story. He was manipulated into signing a sheet of paper which stated the confession. They would not allow him to go home, until he signed it. So he obviously did. . . . without reading what it was. Swift emphasized that this was his biggest mistake, that it cost him fifteen years of his life and advised us to READ THE FINE PRINT from then on. He didn't exactly confess himself, but was rather tricked. I find it so cruel that someone would go to these measures just to convict a man of a name that had been mentioned by one the other three members of the "Englewood Four." Realistically, I know that I will not read all the FINE PRINT so to speak, but I will be more conscious of this type of manipulation. I will look at the contract before signing, but I know that I will not take the time and be patient to read everything. I hope my peers learn from his mistake and I hope that they will not make a silly mistake, costing them years of their life in prison.
I reflect upon what Swift said, and I am still awe stricken. I never realized how much the world changes in fifteen years, and I never realized that that is almost how many years I have been alive. In the past fifteen years so much has happened. In 2000, a new millenium began. In 2001, the Twin Towers and the United States were attacked. Troops were sent to Iraq and recently came back. The first iPod and touch screen were made. Apple macs along with other high-tech materials were introduced. The first black president was elected in the US. Osama Bin Laden was caught. To come back to a completely different lifestyle is challenging, especially on parole. He explained that if he was two steps away from his destination, he would be arrested or questioned. To not have the freedom to explore the new world is very hard. And to also have to re establish social skills makes it even harder. Swift lost 15 years of his life, along with opportunities all because of a signature. I hope to learn from Swift and to value each day I live in society.
Monday, February 6, 2012
White Like Me
Tim Wise's chapter "Privilege" is a collection of stories and instances from his life where he feels he has felt more privileged than blacks. He describes how being white was beneficial and a bonus in every situation, that if he was black he would be treated more differently and harsher. He talks about his experience at elementary school and how racism was still evident, even if he didn't notice it right away. It was there, and would always be present no matter the age or no matter how hard someone tried to ignore the difference of race. But what I found intriguing was that the colored students noticed the racism because they lived through it. Wise reflected upon that one day at recess when he played monkey in the middle football and said, "They were able to make me not only a nigger, but their nigger. . . Today Tim, you the nigger. Today, you will be the one who gets to jump and run, and huff and puff. Today we laugh, and not with you, but at you. We like you and all that, but today, you belong to us" (26). His friends had those few moments of power each time they played, but for the rest of their lives the power was instilled within the whites. That was the reality though. Whites unconsciously thought more highly of themselves and unconsciously didn't recognize racism at a young age like blacks. Wise thought of it as a privilege to be white, he got the better "version" of life, so to speak.
As Wise grew older, the idea of white superiority became more pronounced. He clearly saw that it was a privilege to be white, but here is where I disagree. He shared how drama and the debate club were mainly white and how the white teams were overall better. This may be true at instances, but I feel as if he looked too much into both experiences. Not to be stereotypical, but not that many blacks act or are on the debate team. There obviously are some blacks in both activities, but the majority are white. Therefore, white actors usually get the lead roles, which I believe is not racist. Tim Wise had a passion for acting, was good at it, and grew up with his dad as an actor by his side. Thus, he was the lead roles in plays. And for the debate team, blacks usually don't enter into this type of activity. However, there are black teams that are successful. The all black Wiley College Debate team of the 1930s beat the top white debate team due to their drive, determination, passion, and motivation. The Wiley College Debate Team just shows how race does not matter at some instances and that anyone can be successful if they work towards it.
What I agree with and find intriguing is that Wise was correct about police action regarding drugs and alcohol. I find that many police officers remain stereotypical and would pull over a beat up car, believing a black man was inside driving. I find it very true and unfair to blacks that officers treat blacks this way, but I guess they are just trying to keep the community safe. It may seem racist to say this, but blacks do seem to be in more crimes than whites. Therefore, I find the officers' actions to be justifiable. I am not racist, but I do prefer whites over blacks. Key word used - PREFER. As Wise shared, many others feel the same way. I guess being white did give him an advantage when he was under the influence, which I find unfair. Police officers should not have let him or his friends go, but hold back the blacks. I would find it more reasonable if they arrested both, but more readily or often blacks. But to let them off the hook is dangerous because they could be just as big of a threat as a black man. I feel as if police officers today are much more fair and do not bypass whites as easily. If they break the law, the break the law. They are more strict, but I do believe that Wise's experiences still circulate the air today, just not as often. Whites are still let off the hook more than blacks, but I guess its just a part of life, a part of racism. I do not believe racism will ever disappear fully and I do not believe this white privilege will ever diminish either. That is the sad reality, but we can always try.
As Wise grew older, the idea of white superiority became more pronounced. He clearly saw that it was a privilege to be white, but here is where I disagree. He shared how drama and the debate club were mainly white and how the white teams were overall better. This may be true at instances, but I feel as if he looked too much into both experiences. Not to be stereotypical, but not that many blacks act or are on the debate team. There obviously are some blacks in both activities, but the majority are white. Therefore, white actors usually get the lead roles, which I believe is not racist. Tim Wise had a passion for acting, was good at it, and grew up with his dad as an actor by his side. Thus, he was the lead roles in plays. And for the debate team, blacks usually don't enter into this type of activity. However, there are black teams that are successful. The all black Wiley College Debate team of the 1930s beat the top white debate team due to their drive, determination, passion, and motivation. The Wiley College Debate Team just shows how race does not matter at some instances and that anyone can be successful if they work towards it.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Second Semester Senior
Dear last semester of high school,
I have senioritus. Not a bad case of senioritus, but nonetheless a case. I go home, not wanting to do homework, not wanting to do anything actually. I feel so lazy. I want to slack so much, but teachers are still so tough and demanding. Why? Why are our expectations so high? It's senior year, what do they expect? Straight A's? Ok yeah, it is Deerfield and we are academically strong, but its SENIOR YEAR! So stop expecting so much out of me mom and dad! I'm supposed to have fun these last few months. Enjoy my time with my friends. I should be checked out. I truly am not though. Those two AP classes are brutal and making me bust my ass. And to just drop them or slack in them would look so bad. So thanks senior year, I still don't have the social life I wanted my last few months. Sweeeeeeet. So ap bio and ap eng, please give me a break...
Looooove,
Jell
I have senioritus. Not a bad case of senioritus, but nonetheless a case. I go home, not wanting to do homework, not wanting to do anything actually. I feel so lazy. I want to slack so much, but teachers are still so tough and demanding. Why? Why are our expectations so high? It's senior year, what do they expect? Straight A's? Ok yeah, it is Deerfield and we are academically strong, but its SENIOR YEAR! So stop expecting so much out of me mom and dad! I'm supposed to have fun these last few months. Enjoy my time with my friends. I should be checked out. I truly am not though. Those two AP classes are brutal and making me bust my ass. And to just drop them or slack in them would look so bad. So thanks senior year, I still don't have the social life I wanted my last few months. Sweeeeeeet. So ap bio and ap eng, please give me a break...
Looooove,
Jell
Hidden Bias
The Race IAT test was not able to give me an interpretation of my data due to my many errors. Therefore, I cannot speak to my results. But I can write about my experience. I believed this test was very stressful. For the first two surveys I didn't even understand what I was doing so I understand why my results were uninterpretable. And once I understood what I was doing, I was very frustrated and shaken up. I would often mix up what the "e" and "i" stood for. I also found the questions before and after to not be necessary because the interpretation should only be based upon the data received from taking the test. Discussing with my peers different interpretations, few people seemed pleased. Someones interpretation of data told them that they moderately to strongly prefer European American to African American and she was appalled! She does not find that to be true at all, and frustrated her a lot. Someone else was told that they preferred African Americans to European Americans and she too was surprised to be in the 6%. I was not surprised with the breakdown of the interpretations though because many people still do have bias feelings, but just don't let them influence their every day behavior.
What I gained from this experience, is that this test did not label someone racist or not. what I find important for people to realize is that this test interpreted data, telling you what you prefer. Just because you prefer a white person over a black person, it does not mean you are racist. It just means you feel more comfortable with one more than the other. I definitely see that I prefer whites over blacks, but I am not racist. I do not hate blacks. I can also say how I prefer Greeks over Jews because I am Greek. It doesn't mean anything. I don't hate Jews, in fact I live in a Jewish-dominated neighborhood. People need to understand that this just told each test taker what they preferred and not whether or not they were racist.
What I gained from this experience, is that this test did not label someone racist or not. what I find important for people to realize is that this test interpreted data, telling you what you prefer. Just because you prefer a white person over a black person, it does not mean you are racist. It just means you feel more comfortable with one more than the other. I definitely see that I prefer whites over blacks, but I am not racist. I do not hate blacks. I can also say how I prefer Greeks over Jews because I am Greek. It doesn't mean anything. I don't hate Jews, in fact I live in a Jewish-dominated neighborhood. People need to understand that this just told each test taker what they preferred and not whether or not they were racist.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Columbine #5 - Judgment Day
I felt that this was a good conclusion to the novel. Everyhting was tied up and presented appropriately. All the information and research was used in the novel and now conclusions were made. Detectives found the motive to be psychopathy. They had left journals, sites, and even tapes called the basement tapes. Everything was left, they wanted people to know why they had done it. It was no mystery. I again find this very sick and disturbing because most people would want it to be a mystery and seem innocent, with no connection to the scene. But Eric was a psychopath and Dylan feeded off of him so Eric was already messed up psychologically. According to doctors, his brain scan would even turn up different. So I guess he doesn't need a reason. He is a psychopath.
What I loved about the end of the novel is that God became more prevalent. The community turned to God to cope and became more religious. Faith was strengthened and the community united. The God inside of everyone came out. Rachel, known as the martyr, helped other students/witnesses/victims turn to God and believe. People began praying in groups, holding hands. This is very powerful, showing that God is always there waiting for you to reach out for him. However, many questioned God and asked why this had to happen. I found this normal becuase it is human for us to question, but to curse God is the worse sin. No one blamed God in Columbine, but asked for support. Faith grew in this town.
Every book I finish, never answers all my questions. I ask this main question to the world: How do friends, family, the community not notice the signs of a killer and how can they ignore them? I have watched so many depression and suicide videos that I am to recognize the signs and do something about it. How were they not able to see that Eric was so dark and saw humans as his specimen? And how did Dylan's parents not notice his drinking habits? How were Eric's vandalizing and bullying actions forgotten so easily? I guess friends and family would answer that they didn't think it was too serious. And I believe the world needs to be educated so we don't disregard actions and feelings like these again. If we are educated, we might be able to prevent another crime like this.
What I loved about the end of the novel is that God became more prevalent. The community turned to God to cope and became more religious. Faith was strengthened and the community united. The God inside of everyone came out. Rachel, known as the martyr, helped other students/witnesses/victims turn to God and believe. People began praying in groups, holding hands. This is very powerful, showing that God is always there waiting for you to reach out for him. However, many questioned God and asked why this had to happen. I found this normal becuase it is human for us to question, but to curse God is the worse sin. No one blamed God in Columbine, but asked for support. Faith grew in this town.
Every book I finish, never answers all my questions. I ask this main question to the world: How do friends, family, the community not notice the signs of a killer and how can they ignore them? I have watched so many depression and suicide videos that I am to recognize the signs and do something about it. How were they not able to see that Eric was so dark and saw humans as his specimen? And how did Dylan's parents not notice his drinking habits? How were Eric's vandalizing and bullying actions forgotten so easily? I guess friends and family would answer that they didn't think it was too serious. And I believe the world needs to be educated so we don't disregard actions and feelings like these again. If we are educated, we might be able to prevent another crime like this.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Columbine #4 - Take Back the School
In the fourth part of the novel, I was introduced to a new theory regarding why Eric and Dylan wanted to kill. Psychopathy. One word to explain almost all of it. After all the investigating, conclusions were made that he was not normal, but neither was he insane. He was a psychopath. Doctors studying the boys and psychopathy discovered that this is what drove them to kill. They found emotions fascinating. They had random outbursts. They feel like they are a different being. They find pleasure out of killing. They operate like robots. Just like we devour a turkey, Eric and Dylan find humans to be their specimens. Eric had almost all the signs: "gratuitous lying, indifference to the pain of others, defiance of authority figures, unresponsiveness to reprimands or threatened punishment, petty theft, persistent aggression, cutting classes and breaking curfew, cruelty to animals, early experimentation with sex, and vandalism and setting fires" (242). Eric had bragged about nine of the ten in his journal and web site. He also didn't have a plan for his future. And what is interesting is that Dylan feeds off Eric. Eric, the psychopath was in control of course, but Dylan the sidekick can hold his excitement for the big day. They made a great duo. They both found horror to be intellectual.
So I questioned in other posts their motive and why and how. This is the answer. I, along with the rest of the world found their deed to be sick. Well it was. He was a psychopath, he didn't have feelings most the time and saw humans as specimens. I guess I now understand, but it still puts me in awe. How could this take over someone so easily and control them? It makes sense, but I don't want to believe that there are many psychopaths out there because there is no cure. What if there is a psychopath at Deerfield? We already had bomb threats, what if the actual thing happened? All it needs is one angry psychopath like Eric who has a friend like Dylan.
So I questioned in other posts their motive and why and how. This is the answer. I, along with the rest of the world found their deed to be sick. Well it was. He was a psychopath, he didn't have feelings most the time and saw humans as specimens. I guess I now understand, but it still puts me in awe. How could this take over someone so easily and control them? It makes sense, but I don't want to believe that there are many psychopaths out there because there is no cure. What if there is a psychopath at Deerfield? We already had bomb threats, what if the actual thing happened? All it needs is one angry psychopath like Eric who has a friend like Dylan.
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