What's your major? Underwater basket weaving?!

One logical fallacy [straw man] I was able to identify in PCU was that students could choose any major and successfully obtain a degree as long as the student was able to 'bull shit' well. This comment in the movie irritated me to the fullest extent. I am a nursing major and I work hard. I do not sit around in my dorm twiddling my stubby, little thumbs. I designate much time to studying. I put forth the effort to attend SI sessions after lectures, I make appointments with my professors if I need help, I participate in group study sessions before tests and quizzes. I put my heart into my work, not excrement from my rear end. This movie totally underestimates college students and does not give credibility to the students who work hard.

The Modern Day Thoreau: Chris McCandless

It has been difficult to stomach the common stereotype of a female college student. I have no problem admitting that I do not fall into this 'cool' category. I have enough respect for myself where I will not get piss drunk and wake up in the morning wondering who the naked boy is laying next to me. I go out in moderation and prioritize. I spend my free weekends exploring Atlanta with friends. I work to strengthen the relationships with my friends and family members. I attend poetry readings and watch local bands perform at The Variety Playhouse and the Masquerade. I support the members of Hare Krishna by donating whatever change I have in my pockets. According to society, there must be something wrong with me. There is no way I can have fun experiencing college the way I am. Well I think society needs a reality-slap-in-the-face.
I believe that all college students obviously further their education for a purpose,but the reasons are numerous. Some may want to conform to society and get that ‘true’ college experience. Others want to obtain a degree that will guarantee money in the long-run. Some may want to branch out and develop long-lasting relationships and create one-of-a-kind friendships. And few journey through college with questions which they want answered. The story of Chris McCandless is so sensational because it defies what a 'normal' college student should be like. Because he is one of the few who questioned life and appreciated the simple entities that completed life itself.
Chris McCandless was able to separate himself from the materialistic world. Money was not important to him. The $20,000 dollars he had in his bank account upon graduation was donated to the Oxford Famine Relief Fund. Not only does this show his lack of interest for money but his passion to help others. After his yellow Datsun broke down in July of 1990, McCandless burned whatever remaining money he had left. He did not want to have a care in the world. He wanted to experience it all first hand. “Chris McCandless intended to invent a new life for himself one in which he would be free to wallow in unfiltered experience” [Krakauer 4]. Nothing could stop him; he was determined to live his life to the fullest.
Along with being able to set himself apart from the materialistic world, Chris was able to overlook all he had in his life and start over. He was the perfect student in high school, receiving all A’s and he graduated from a highly accredited university with honors. Besides school, he was one of the top distance runners and was named captain of his high school cross-country team. While at Emory, McCandless was given the opportunity to actually be a ‘real’ college when he was asked to join a fraternity. He left all this behind and traded it all in for a fishing rod, a rifle, sleeping bag, a camera, and some books. With these few items he was able to settle himself in the Denali National Park and survive for an entire 113 days.
Every college should aspire to do what Chris McCandless did. Question life and seek the answers. Take risks; do not be afraid to make mistakes. Everything should be treated as a learning experience. Have faith and hope. One should not be afraid to test their abilities. It will only increase their inner strength.

A little more to consider

These are just some other Benetton ads that I found interesting.

AIDS Awareness

I was shocked and maybe a bit frightened when I first saw the photograph of David Kirby dying on his hospital bed. He did not look human at all. There was no life in his facial expression and his body was so frail, looking like a skeleton dipped in candle wax. Initially, I would have never guessed that this photograph was part of a campaign for the United Colors of Benetton. After the discussion in class I did some research on Benetton and their mission. When Benetton first began campaigning they had used the “United Colours” message to portray their purpose. Through this, they wanted to unite people of races. They photographed small multiracial children hand in hand and interracial couples. But that is beside the point. When considering the message being relayed in Kirby’s photograph, I do believe it is appealing to consumers.
During the early ninety’s there was a great epidemic about the AIDS virus. Ignorance caused the public to completely fear those who contracted the disease. Most believed that you could simply contract the disease from kissing or sharing glassware. Through public advertising Benetton attempted to break the tension barrier between those who had AIDS and those who did not.
This photograph of David Kirby contains all the ideal elements of what an advertisement should truly be. It captures the attention of the audience, forces them to think, and consider the product. On the bed lies a man that looks near death. He is surrounded by his family. His father, a larger man, has an expression of such hurt and pain on his face. This man is crying. I did not know men were allowed to cry? The mother holds her child against her breast. She looks scared. There is so much fear and pain in this photograph that it causes me to wonder what is happening to the man on the bed. What is he dying of? How did he get it? Is it treatable? Does he have a chance of living? After finding out that this man is dying of AIDS I pause and take a step backward. No man or woman should have to suffer like this man is. Nor should they be treated differently depending on what their physical state is or what disease they may have.
Benetton is not trying to make money off those who are suffering from AIDS. They are simply raising AIDS awareness and trying to educate the public. If Benetton were to create an ad today of a current issue, I believe the effect would be different. Right now, AIDS is no longer an issue. People have become more aware and there have been medical advancements that can help those with the virus. Today there are issues with the war in Iraq. If Benetton published a photograph with an American soldier and an Iraqi man wearing his traditional attire, this would open the eyes of America.
Despite the fact that Benetton is making money off their advertisements, the messages relayed are powerful and do make a difference. The advertising techniques are appropriate and accomplish what they should. Not everything is about money and profit. Benetton’s goals are to accept differences and reality and exercising the right to free speech. Take a little more time to consider David Kirby, his family, and they way he and others were treated because of AIDS. Then think about what the Benetton campaign did to help him and others.

Namaste

I thought this was cool.

Anyway, I just returned home from Amicalola Falls with the Incept Team. It was my first time back in the mountains since I lived in California. I forgot how beautiful the stars look in the night sky, when you can see them at least. It was interesting being among 23 people I hardly knew. I was amazed at how close we became during this weekend and by how much I ate. But, I can honestly say that I am terribly excited for this year to finally begin. I have so much to look forward to. Happy late new year everyone!