Prettypinkprincesskate's Blog

Rotation #3 Review Blog

Katie Barrese — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 02:47:40 +0000

Many people hold many different views and perspectives of what it means to be an American and who is qualified for such a title. In the series of readings we discussed in class, we were able to see the American Identity through the eyes of Native Americans, illegal immigrants, black people, and white people. In the article, “Too Many,” written by Steven Camarota, he defines an American as someone who is patriotically assimilated and holds a multicultural vision. Camarota believes that to be “patriotically assimilated,” one must believe that “American history is one’s own history.” He believes that having a multicultural vision is the acceptance of different cultures, despite a clashing of beliefs and opinions. The two components of “patriotic assimilation” and a multicultural vision are the defining factors of being an American, according to Camarota. In contrast, the article, “Are Illegal Immigrants Pioneers?” by Eduardo Moises Penalver describes the problems of illegal immigration and what it means to be an American from a conservative standpoint. Penalver believes that the government needs to regulate the immigration process because illegal immigrants who are undocumented are susceptible to exploitation. Although he feels that the government should regulate the immigration process, he feels that the best approach is to show “a proper respect for the dignity of illegal migrants and the often legitimate needs that push them to break the law.” As these two articles show, people have different views concerning legal and illegal immigration, and ultimately, the American Identity.

Rotation #2 Review Blog

Katie Barrese — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 01:00:14 +0000

The digital divide proposes the idea that some parts of the population are able to benefit from the new economy in ways that other parts of the population cannot; due to different economic situations and usability. Cell phones have become a vital component in the process of stimulating the economy. In addition to the purchase of a cell phone, users are also responsible for a subscription fee, monthly usage fees, and cell phone accessories. Many people buy wireless headsets, cell phone covers, and supplementary services for their cell phone. The amount of money collected from cell phone related revenue and expenditures is essential for economical stimulation. Cell phones also aide company employees, organizations, and governments in cost efficiency and function as a more rapid form of communication. If people have access to information, they are better informed and can, therefore, be more involved in society. It would not be helpful to distribute a bunch of cell phones and computers because most people are technologically illiterate. Cell phones and computers have become so complex that people are unable to use them properly, even if they are given them at no cost. If we want to design a program to help increase people’s access to information and technology, it is extremely beneficial to provide them with instructions or training as well. Forty percent of the population has lower literacy proficiency, yet most websites and government sites are written in a way that is incomprehensible for anyone without a college degree.

Summary Review of Rotation #1

Katie Barrese — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 01:14:29 +0000

I believe that the articles should be altered to include access to information. They should be changed because access to information is essential to human rights. Access to information is not merely a manifesto right because it is not specifically written down, although it is often implied. In order for access to information to be considered a manifesto right, it would have had to be a written statement defining specific motives or certain views. In Dr. Kelly’s rotation, we learned about the differences and similarities between human rights and natural rights. A natural right is a right that is essential to being a human, therefore a right in which all humans are entitled to, solely based on their humanity alone. A human right is one that is given to individuals who are part of a specific society, given to all or certain individual citizens by that society. Individuals that are “recognized” in such a society or nation have such rights as long as they are and stay acknowledged as society members. I believe that access to information is a human right.

Blog Entry 6

Katie Barrese — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 20:53:20 +0000

The quote from the director of electronic governance in Brazil, Sergio Amadeu da Silva, is about his opinion regarding the importance of ICT access in today’s world and the effect it has on social fairness and inclusion. He feels that it is an inalienable right to be able to communicate with others. Sergio Amadeu da Silva brings up a good point, and I agree with his opinion that it is an inalienable right to be able to communicate with others. If this inalienable right is taken away or not everyone has equal opportunity to this right, then the people without the ICT access are unable to be considered full contributing citizens in our society. Sergio Amadeu da Silva is claiming that it is a natural, inalienable right for everyone to be able to communicate with others, and therefore, the denial to computer access excludes people from basic communication and, consquentially, their societal rights. A natural right is one that is inalienable and one that cannot be suspended or inhibited. If a natural right is withheld, it defeats the entire purpose of an “inalienable right.” Natural rights are claims to freedoms that people acquire essentially by nature. Sergio Amadeu da Silva states that, “In the information society, the defense of digital inclusion is fundamental not only for economic motives or employability, but also for socio-political reasons, principally to ensure the inalienable right to communication.” I believe that digital inclusion is an important part of society because it helps people socially and economically. Companies are able to increase employability of workers by utilizing ICT training to produce better pay or by specializing workers. The access to communication tools such as computers and cell phones is an important and inalienable social equality that shouldn’t be denied to anyone.

Cell Phone Use in Developing Countries

Katie Barrese — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 01:19:41 +0000

People use cell phones for many different reasons. In the United States, it is common for people to use cell phones for communication purposes. Many people communicate via text message, picture message, email, Bluetooth, or by simply talking back and forth on their cellular phones. They have become so popular because they are easily accessible and a quick form of communication. In addition, people in the United States typically use cell phones for business or emergency situations. Although most people in the world use cell phones for similar purposes, they also have different uses for them in developing countries. Cell phones outnumber computers in developing countries because they are generally a small expenditure and typically low maintenance. Studies that have been done in India have shown that access to the internet has enhanced the lifestyle of the rural poor because the information is then within their grasp. Many people in India do not have the money to afford computers so they use cell phones as substitutes. People in India are able to research crop prices, as well as the legal guidelines to obtaining ownership of land through the use of cell phones equipped with internet access. Selling phone services to villages on a per use basis has helped entrepreneurs in developing countries make a profit. In the country of Kenya, people use cell phones for the purpose of mobile money. Mobile money is the electronic transfer of money through a cell phone. It has cut down the traveling time Kenyans spent before the invention of mobile money because they would have to deliver the money in person. Operators working for the mobile money system are also easily accessible, as they can be found on most street corners in Kenya.

Blog Entry 5

Katie Barrese — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 18:15:36 +0000

I do not feel confident about how my semester has progressed so far. It has been extremely hard for me to adjust to college life in general. I thought I would be able to attend college all the way across the country, but the feelings of homesickness haven’t gotten any easier. I am not happy here in Florida, and because of it, I feel like my academic and athletic performance has suffered. Throughout high school, I had a pretty successful running career and had high expectations for myself running at the collegiate level. This past summer, I put my heart and soul into training; running at least twice a day and then working with my personal trainer for strength or aqua jogging in the pool for cross training. I was crushed when I got over here in August and ran at least a minute slower for our first race than I had been running just a few months prior. Ever since that first cross country race, my times have all have been about the same time, or a little slower and it frustrates me more than anything. I have also put a lot of effort and time into my classes here at Florida Southern; but I don’t feel like I am producing the results I want and know I am capable of. If I am not at practice or in class, I am studying. I feel overwhelmed and stressed out because I feel like I never permit myself to relax or take a break. I wish I had the ability to go home when I have a bad day or just need the comfort of my friends and family. I think the biggest challenges I have faced in college so far are finding a balance and learning to be independent. It has been difficult for me to find a balance between my academics and social life because until now, I haven’t let myself have fun or go out and do fun things with my teammates. I also have been dependent on my parents my entire life so it has been a learning experience for me to take on so many more responsibilities.

Slumdog Millionaire

Katie Barrese — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 04:12:56 +0000

I went to the showing that SAGA put together of Slumdog Millionaire. I had heard a lot about the movie from friends and wanted to see it, but never got the opportunity until now. I really enjoyed it and it is definitely a movie that I would want to go out and buy. I thought that the showing of Slumdog Millionaire was a great way to raise global awareness about poverty, child labor, and many other issues. After watching the movie, I am interested in attending other events that SAGA hosts in the future. The movie was hard to follow in the beginning and I really had to pay attention in order to understand exactly how Jamal knew the answers to all of the questions. I liked how the movie was unique in the way they showed Jamal answering a question and then went back to explain how he had learned the answer. I found it sad that Jamal got accused of cheating was tormented by the police simply because of Jamal’s lack of education. I feel like I have become more empathetic to other people’s situations after watching this movie. The movie made me reflect upon all the things that I have taken for granted in my life such as the access to a quality education or the food and shelter that my parents provide for me. I am glad that I decided to go watch the movie because it significantly changed my outlook on life and the way I view others.

Mercer RunFit Sports Invitational

Katie Barrese — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 02:20:23 +0000

We had a cross country meet in Macon, Georgia on September 26th. It was an experience that I will never forget. Our coach selected the top seven girls and guys on the cross country team to compete in Georgia. It was a nine hour bus ride full of laughs and bonding with my teammates. Within the first hour of our trip, we were driving on the freeway and the window vent at the top of the bus flew off. We made a pit stop at Home Depot and purchased a piece of plexiglass in an attempt to temporarily cover the window. Although the trip was a lot of fun, my teammates and I knew that we had traveled to Georgia for a reason; to be competitive and create a name for ourselves. The course challenged us with hills and I knew that I was going to have to stay mentally tough in order to run a fast time. The first mile, I went out in a comfortable pace, but made sure to keep contact with the leaders of the race so that I could make my move when the opportunity presented itself. I finished the race in 7th place in a time of 19:16. Our team ended up placing 2nd out of 16 teams. Prior to this race, our team hasn’t experienced much success so it was a big accomplishment and something we were all proud of. Being part of a team has enhanced my college experience in so many ways. It has given me a support system and I know that all my teammates will be there for me when I need them to be. I also have learned the importance of hard work, dedication, and perseverance from cross country. I have learned to balance my time between athletics and academics. I can’t imagine surviving in college without being a part of an athletic team.

Blog Entry 3

Katie Barrese — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 19:16:55 +0000

Technology is the practical usage of science applied to business or industry. I use technology on a daily basis. As I am attending college all the way across the country, I use my cell phone at least 2 times a day to call my parents or friends back home in California. My cell phone is one of the many ways I stay connected with my friends and family; I don’t know what I would do if I wasn’t able to give my parents a call when I start to feel homesick or when I just need someone to talk to that understands. I am also on my laptop constantly. I use my laptop to write essays for school, chat with my friends on Skype, look up information, and listen to music. Technology makes life in general easier. I use my iPod every day at cross country practice to keep myself occupied and focused. It sets the mood of my run; whether I am doing a hard speed workout and want fast tempo songs or if I am doing a long run and just want songs that help me relax. I use the DVD player when I want to watch a movie, or, occasionally I will watch some television. Technology has become a vital part of my life and something I have learned to rely on. There are many different ways that we utilize information in the world. We may use information to communicate with each other or get a point across. We also may use it to ask someone a question or clarify something that doesn’t make sense. Whether consciously or subconsciously, we use information in our lives on a daily basis.

Blog Entry 2

Katie Barrese — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 14:16:01 +0000

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” -United States Declaration of Independence, 1776

I believe in the idea of human rights. Human rights pertain to the universal rights we are entitled to as human beings; regardless of sex, ethnic origin, nationality, color, religion, place of residence, or language. Human rights are essential because they promote the equality of all people. I believe in human rights because they defend people from legal, social, and political exploitation. We cannot give up our human rights, similar to the way we are unable to give up the rights we have as human beings. I don’t believe in natural rights because they are ambiguous and too subjective to be useful. Natural rights leave way too much room for interpretation. Another reason why I don’t agree with the idea of natural rights is because they express inclinations that cannot be justified logically.

Growing up in Southern California, I have witnessed the mistreatment of people who have come from Mexico to seek a better life and greater opportunities. It has opened my eyes to the cruelty I would have never otherwise been aware of. I have learned to not take certain things such as my freedom for granted. I also believe that being exposed to the abuse has made me more empathetic towards others and because of it, I believe in the idea of universal rights and the idea that everyone should be treated justly.