Art Piece
Artist Statement
Brave New World
For this project we read the book Brave New World and compared that dystopia to our world today. We also talked in a seminar and discussed happiness. Another thing we did was write a essay about what happiness is and what makes us happy. Finally we made a art project that shows our understanding of this project.
My Essay
Are You Actually Happy?
Brenden Wedertz
In society today, people have become obsessed with how to become happy. Now psychology doesn’t just focus on what is wrong with the brain, but it also focuses on what is wrought with the brain. To be happy, and actually live your life to the fullest, you first need to seek the activities that make you happy and allow you to flow, you need to be doing kind and helpful deeds along with helping people, also, you need to discover your meaning in life, and finally you need to understand that happiness should only be seeked if you know and or acknowledge the expenses of your pleasures.
People have discovered that flow with physical activity, not only makes people happy, but it can also increase dopamine levels. Flow is when someone is “in the zone”, time stops for you when you are flowing, you head is in the game, nothing can mess you up. In the documentary, “Happy”, it talks a lot about when people find their flow or when an athlete is in the zone, it is truly amazing because not only is the person happy, but they are also increasing their dopamine levels. To me, the most incredible thing about flow, is how it can happen anywhere. I think that this is awesome because this allows everyone to be able to experience flow. Everyone can experience flow, because it doesn’t just happen in sports, and this allows people to do whatever they want or need to do, and at one point eventually, experience flow. Because I skateboard, and don’t play any other sports, the only time that I experience flow, is when I am skating. Ever since I learned about flow, I noticed that when I am “in the zone”, and I know that I am, I actually skate better. I think I skate better, because when I am “in the zone” I feel more confident, and my confidence helps me land more tricks. I truly believe that more people should learn about “flow’, because when combined with physical activity, not only are you happy, but it also increases dopamine levels, which also make us more happy.
Not only does finding your flow make you happier, but it has been proven that helping others can also make you more happy. Also, in the movie “Happy”, it explains that the people who were doing kind deeds, and just helping people, were actually happier than the other people who were not doing those deeds. One common deed that the people were doing was putting their spare change in random parking meters. I think that this is good to know because a lot of people have extra change in their pockets, and one thing they can do with it is put it in a parking meter, to help someone not get a ticket, and this is really a small price to pay, to become more happy. Second, a lot of people have felt how great it feels to help people, not only does this make you more happy, but you also get to help someone out. For example, when a person helps an elder across the street, not only does that helpful person become more happy, but the elder is now where they need to be. I think that once people realize how important their deeds are, people will be more happy, because they are helping others, and also helping themselves be more happy. I hope you can understand that there are many ways people can become happy, but finding your flow, and helping people are two simple ways that almost anyone can do.
Meaning is important, because once you find your meaning, you can then find your purpose in life, and once your purpose and reason, you can then achieve happiness true happiness. Evidence for this is can be found in the article “There is More to Life Than Being Happy”. The article “There is More to Life Than Being Happy”, it says “one must have a reason to be happy”. There isn’t a better example stating that a person really needs to find their meaning or reason in life before they can become happy. Another example of how meaning is necessary for happiness is in the movie “I Am”. In the movie “I Am”, the guy (Tom Shadyac) talks about how the money didn’t make him happy. He explains how when he had 1 billion dollars, he felt pretty good and thought he was happy, and so a logical thought was if 1 billion dollars makes him this happy, 2 billion will make him 2 times happier, but that was not the case. However, because people always want more, he just bought bigger houses and more things to fill the emptiness inside of him. He then goes on to clarify that he wasn’t happy until he really started to find his meaning and reason in life. I think that this really shows that once basic needs are met, food, water, and medical treatment, money doesn’t buy or guarantee happiness.
We should only seek happiness, if we truly know or acknowledge the expenses of what make us happy. Almost everything we consume, that makes us happy, has some kind of cost. In the article, “Children of Congo”, it talks about how the children of Congo are slaving away to get the materials that are used in our smartphones. This shows that people really aren't aware of suffering of others that, in the long run, make us happy. Another idea of people only being happy from the suffering of others, come from the story, “The Ones Who Walk Away From Omela”. This story tells about an entire town being happy, because one little boy is suffering for them all. This little boy suffers for everyone’s happiness. Even though people know he suffers for them, they choose to overlook it. I connect this to society today, because people suffer to build our things, and get the supplies for our things, like people in third world countries who are mining to get diamonds for people like us. However, we overlook it because we really like the jewelry. Of course, we don’t always become happy through the suffering of others. One example of achieving happiness without the suffering of others, is when someone just hangs out with their friends. When someone hangs out with their no one had to suffer for them to have fun and be happy. I think that this shows that you don't need the most popular or expensive things to be happy. I truly believe that people should only seek happiness if they truly know the effects and if they understand that their happiness could be destroying the chances of people achieving their own happiness.
It is critical that we examine how to achieve happiness, because everyone wants to know how to become happy, and it would also save lives. If we continue to examine how to achieve happiness people would actually be able to live their lives to the fullest. People would be able to live their lives to that fullest, because they would be happy! A big population of people say that their life goals are to be successful and happy, and if we could achieve this, those people would we achieving their goals, and also, those people would be happy. If we finally are able to achieve happiness, this has the potential to save lives. One example of how this could save lives, is if people are happy, they wouldn’t be depressed. Without depression people wouldn’t be killing themselves and they would also be happy. Another way this could save lives, is people wouldn’t be dying in Japan. Some people are dying in Japan, because they are working themselves to death. With more fun in their work, their work would be of a fun thing to do, and as much of a tortuous thing. We will create a society that values authentic happiness by continuing to examine and explore positive psychology, and making sure to put the happiness of people before anything else. Happiness is essential in a successful, however I think that people have forgot that. Happiness is essential and everyone has the right to be able to be happy. Again, the only way we will create a society that values authentic happiness is by continuing to examine, and explore positive psychology.
Brenden Wedertz
In society today, people have become obsessed with how to become happy. Now psychology doesn’t just focus on what is wrong with the brain, but it also focuses on what is wrought with the brain. To be happy, and actually live your life to the fullest, you first need to seek the activities that make you happy and allow you to flow, you need to be doing kind and helpful deeds along with helping people, also, you need to discover your meaning in life, and finally you need to understand that happiness should only be seeked if you know and or acknowledge the expenses of your pleasures.
People have discovered that flow with physical activity, not only makes people happy, but it can also increase dopamine levels. Flow is when someone is “in the zone”, time stops for you when you are flowing, you head is in the game, nothing can mess you up. In the documentary, “Happy”, it talks a lot about when people find their flow or when an athlete is in the zone, it is truly amazing because not only is the person happy, but they are also increasing their dopamine levels. To me, the most incredible thing about flow, is how it can happen anywhere. I think that this is awesome because this allows everyone to be able to experience flow. Everyone can experience flow, because it doesn’t just happen in sports, and this allows people to do whatever they want or need to do, and at one point eventually, experience flow. Because I skateboard, and don’t play any other sports, the only time that I experience flow, is when I am skating. Ever since I learned about flow, I noticed that when I am “in the zone”, and I know that I am, I actually skate better. I think I skate better, because when I am “in the zone” I feel more confident, and my confidence helps me land more tricks. I truly believe that more people should learn about “flow’, because when combined with physical activity, not only are you happy, but it also increases dopamine levels, which also make us more happy.
Not only does finding your flow make you happier, but it has been proven that helping others can also make you more happy. Also, in the movie “Happy”, it explains that the people who were doing kind deeds, and just helping people, were actually happier than the other people who were not doing those deeds. One common deed that the people were doing was putting their spare change in random parking meters. I think that this is good to know because a lot of people have extra change in their pockets, and one thing they can do with it is put it in a parking meter, to help someone not get a ticket, and this is really a small price to pay, to become more happy. Second, a lot of people have felt how great it feels to help people, not only does this make you more happy, but you also get to help someone out. For example, when a person helps an elder across the street, not only does that helpful person become more happy, but the elder is now where they need to be. I think that once people realize how important their deeds are, people will be more happy, because they are helping others, and also helping themselves be more happy. I hope you can understand that there are many ways people can become happy, but finding your flow, and helping people are two simple ways that almost anyone can do.
Meaning is important, because once you find your meaning, you can then find your purpose in life, and once your purpose and reason, you can then achieve happiness true happiness. Evidence for this is can be found in the article “There is More to Life Than Being Happy”. The article “There is More to Life Than Being Happy”, it says “one must have a reason to be happy”. There isn’t a better example stating that a person really needs to find their meaning or reason in life before they can become happy. Another example of how meaning is necessary for happiness is in the movie “I Am”. In the movie “I Am”, the guy (Tom Shadyac) talks about how the money didn’t make him happy. He explains how when he had 1 billion dollars, he felt pretty good and thought he was happy, and so a logical thought was if 1 billion dollars makes him this happy, 2 billion will make him 2 times happier, but that was not the case. However, because people always want more, he just bought bigger houses and more things to fill the emptiness inside of him. He then goes on to clarify that he wasn’t happy until he really started to find his meaning and reason in life. I think that this really shows that once basic needs are met, food, water, and medical treatment, money doesn’t buy or guarantee happiness.
We should only seek happiness, if we truly know or acknowledge the expenses of what make us happy. Almost everything we consume, that makes us happy, has some kind of cost. In the article, “Children of Congo”, it talks about how the children of Congo are slaving away to get the materials that are used in our smartphones. This shows that people really aren't aware of suffering of others that, in the long run, make us happy. Another idea of people only being happy from the suffering of others, come from the story, “The Ones Who Walk Away From Omela”. This story tells about an entire town being happy, because one little boy is suffering for them all. This little boy suffers for everyone’s happiness. Even though people know he suffers for them, they choose to overlook it. I connect this to society today, because people suffer to build our things, and get the supplies for our things, like people in third world countries who are mining to get diamonds for people like us. However, we overlook it because we really like the jewelry. Of course, we don’t always become happy through the suffering of others. One example of achieving happiness without the suffering of others, is when someone just hangs out with their friends. When someone hangs out with their no one had to suffer for them to have fun and be happy. I think that this shows that you don't need the most popular or expensive things to be happy. I truly believe that people should only seek happiness if they truly know the effects and if they understand that their happiness could be destroying the chances of people achieving their own happiness.
It is critical that we examine how to achieve happiness, because everyone wants to know how to become happy, and it would also save lives. If we continue to examine how to achieve happiness people would actually be able to live their lives to the fullest. People would be able to live their lives to that fullest, because they would be happy! A big population of people say that their life goals are to be successful and happy, and if we could achieve this, those people would we achieving their goals, and also, those people would be happy. If we finally are able to achieve happiness, this has the potential to save lives. One example of how this could save lives, is if people are happy, they wouldn’t be depressed. Without depression people wouldn’t be killing themselves and they would also be happy. Another way this could save lives, is people wouldn’t be dying in Japan. Some people are dying in Japan, because they are working themselves to death. With more fun in their work, their work would be of a fun thing to do, and as much of a tortuous thing. We will create a society that values authentic happiness by continuing to examine and explore positive psychology, and making sure to put the happiness of people before anything else. Happiness is essential in a successful, however I think that people have forgot that. Happiness is essential and everyone has the right to be able to be happy. Again, the only way we will create a society that values authentic happiness is by continuing to examine, and explore positive psychology.
Reflection
Reflection
1) If I was going to help someone become happy, I would tell them that they need to find their meaning in life. Everyone who is happy, has found their meaning and purpose. In one of the articles we read, the author goes on to explain how one person can't be happy, if they do not know their purpose in life. I would also tell them to develop meaningful relationships with their family and friends. In the movie Happy, all of the happy people had close, supporting, family and friends.
2) My plan to become more happy is to develop deeper relationships with my friends and family. During this project, I started to realize that one of the only ways I can become happy is if I start to develop deeper, more honest relationships with my friends and family. This shows that I have become to understand happiness, because I have began to understand that happiness can only be achieved with the help of others. Not only will my new relationships help me become more happy, but these relationships will also help them become more happy. That is my goal for the summer.
3) I think that this project will impact my life the most. I think that this project will impact my life the most because everyone wants to be happy, and I am apart of everyone. If I really try to be happy, I will also develop better relationships with my family and friends, and this will be good because those relations will also make them more happy. Happiness and good relations are essential for a good life and that is what I want in my life.
1) If I was going to help someone become happy, I would tell them that they need to find their meaning in life. Everyone who is happy, has found their meaning and purpose. In one of the articles we read, the author goes on to explain how one person can't be happy, if they do not know their purpose in life. I would also tell them to develop meaningful relationships with their family and friends. In the movie Happy, all of the happy people had close, supporting, family and friends.
2) My plan to become more happy is to develop deeper relationships with my friends and family. During this project, I started to realize that one of the only ways I can become happy is if I start to develop deeper, more honest relationships with my friends and family. This shows that I have become to understand happiness, because I have began to understand that happiness can only be achieved with the help of others. Not only will my new relationships help me become more happy, but these relationships will also help them become more happy. That is my goal for the summer.
3) I think that this project will impact my life the most. I think that this project will impact my life the most because everyone wants to be happy, and I am apart of everyone. If I really try to be happy, I will also develop better relationships with my family and friends, and this will be good because those relations will also make them more happy. Happiness and good relations are essential for a good life and that is what I want in my life.
Model United Nations 2014
Summary
The MUN project was a big seminar where we were assigned a country, and then we were to simulate the how a united nations seminar would go. I was assigned the United Kingdom, and the two issues we discuses were the North Korea nuclear weapons problem, and the Israeli- Palestine issue. For both of these, I was to act and make discussions as the United Kingdom would. I was also supposed to write a policy paper and resolution acting on the United Kingdom's behalf, and their believes on these issues. During this I was also supposed to give a speech that would convince other countries along with my allies to join with me/ or my beliefs to help choose the resolution or solution that would be support my country.
Policy Papers
United Kingdom (Brenden Wedertz)
Sara Price
United Kingdom Policy Paper
3/4/ 2014
United Kingdom Policy Paper
Even though Israel has been declared the state for the Jewish faith, the United Kingdom believes that the Palestinian people should have the right of return to what is now Israel, because this war has killed too many, and because the Palestinian people once lived there in peace.
The Palestinian- Israeli conflict has been going on for over 70 years and is fought by two religions, by people of Muslim faith, and by people of the Jewish faith. This war is because both the Palestinians and the Jews both want the land because it is the foundation of their faiths. The land fought over, has been declared Israel and rightful home of the Jews. Palestinian people are allowed to live in the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. Even though Palestinian people onced lived in Israel, they are now forced to live in smaller places that are getting smaller because the Jews destroy the homes of Palestinian people and build new settlements for Jewish people. We the United Kingdom truly believe that a solution is needed for these illegal settlements to stop being built and to stop the deaths of thousands of people.
The United Kingdom believes that the Palestinian people should have the right to return to Israel, because this war has killed too many people and reaching a solution is needed soon.
In the article “What Is the United Kingdom's Position on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict?”, it explains, “A solution to this conflict is crucial both for Israelis and Palestinians, and for broader prospects of long-term peace in the region. The Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary are committed, along with international partners, to achieving the vision of a two-state solution: a democratic, viable and peaceful Palestinian state, alongside a secure Israel.”[What]. This really shows how the United Kingdom actually believes on a finding peaceful solution to the middle East conflict.
One other reason that the Palestinian people should have the right to return to Israel, is because they onced lived there in peace, and it is also the foundation of their religion. In the article, No Ordinary Place: Writers and Writing in Occupied Palestine”, it shows a map and you can really see how much of the land has been taken from the Palestinian people, and this map was only from 1946-2010, seeing now that we are in 2014, I can be certain that they have lost more land. Understanding the fact that Israel has been given to the Jews, the United Kingdom still finds this unfair how the Jews are taking the land that was given to the Palestinian People in the 1947 United Nation plan.
The United Kingdom truly believes in a peaceful solution and is willing to listen to any other countries that might have ideas on solving this conflict. One solution that may work if continued is offering the Palestinian people land, and really explaining how if they don’t take the land, they may not ever be able to return to Israel. In the article “What Britain can do for Israeli-Palestinian peace”, it explains how the United kingdom really wants to find a solution to this conflict and how they are actually trying to befriend both the Jews and Arabs. If this doesn’t work the United Kingdom cannot do anything, because they cannot help or support a nation that doesn’t have set boarders. The United Kingdom doesn’t have a set solution and is hoping other countries can add too or help draft a new solution.
Sara Price
United Kingdom Policy Paper
3/4/ 2014
United Kingdom Policy Paper
Even though Israel has been declared the state for the Jewish faith, the United Kingdom believes that the Palestinian people should have the right of return to what is now Israel, because this war has killed too many, and because the Palestinian people once lived there in peace.
The Palestinian- Israeli conflict has been going on for over 70 years and is fought by two religions, by people of Muslim faith, and by people of the Jewish faith. This war is because both the Palestinians and the Jews both want the land because it is the foundation of their faiths. The land fought over, has been declared Israel and rightful home of the Jews. Palestinian people are allowed to live in the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. Even though Palestinian people onced lived in Israel, they are now forced to live in smaller places that are getting smaller because the Jews destroy the homes of Palestinian people and build new settlements for Jewish people. We the United Kingdom truly believe that a solution is needed for these illegal settlements to stop being built and to stop the deaths of thousands of people.
The United Kingdom believes that the Palestinian people should have the right to return to Israel, because this war has killed too many people and reaching a solution is needed soon.
In the article “What Is the United Kingdom's Position on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict?”, it explains, “A solution to this conflict is crucial both for Israelis and Palestinians, and for broader prospects of long-term peace in the region. The Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary are committed, along with international partners, to achieving the vision of a two-state solution: a democratic, viable and peaceful Palestinian state, alongside a secure Israel.”[What]. This really shows how the United Kingdom actually believes on a finding peaceful solution to the middle East conflict.
One other reason that the Palestinian people should have the right to return to Israel, is because they onced lived there in peace, and it is also the foundation of their religion. In the article, No Ordinary Place: Writers and Writing in Occupied Palestine”, it shows a map and you can really see how much of the land has been taken from the Palestinian people, and this map was only from 1946-2010, seeing now that we are in 2014, I can be certain that they have lost more land. Understanding the fact that Israel has been given to the Jews, the United Kingdom still finds this unfair how the Jews are taking the land that was given to the Palestinian People in the 1947 United Nation plan.
The United Kingdom truly believes in a peaceful solution and is willing to listen to any other countries that might have ideas on solving this conflict. One solution that may work if continued is offering the Palestinian people land, and really explaining how if they don’t take the land, they may not ever be able to return to Israel. In the article “What Britain can do for Israeli-Palestinian peace”, it explains how the United kingdom really wants to find a solution to this conflict and how they are actually trying to befriend both the Jews and Arabs. If this doesn’t work the United Kingdom cannot do anything, because they cannot help or support a nation that doesn’t have set boarders. The United Kingdom doesn’t have a set solution and is hoping other countries can add too or help draft a new solution.
Brenden Wedertz
Sara Price
United Kingdom Perspective
2/5/2014
United Kingdom Final Perspective
Although North Korea is a sovereign nation, they should not have the right to develop nuclear weapons because, they are a continuous threat to the our allies and they are not developed enough as a country to have nuclear weapons.
The United Kingdom believes that North Korea should not have nuclear weapons because they are a threat to the United Kingdom’s allies. The article “North Korea–United States relations”, explains , “North Korea–United States relations developed primarily during the Korean War, but in recent years have been largely defined by North Korea's three tests of nuclear weapons, its development of long-range missiles capable of striking targets thousands of miles away, and its ongoing threats to strike the United States and South Korea with nuclear weapons and conventional forces.” [North]. This is important to the United Kingdom as we are in the Security Council, and North Korea does not have the clearance to develop and or test nuclear weapons, because they are not only breaking the rules, (set by the United Nations) by developing these weapons, but they are also threatening our allies with them. One example of North Korea threatening our allies with their nuclear weapons is stated in this article,“North Korean leader warns of nuclear disaster, threatens US”, it states ''If the war breaks out again in this land, it will bring about a massive nuclear disaster and the US will never be safe,'' Kim said in his New Year message, broadcasted on state television.''We are faced with a dangerous situation in which a small, accidental military clash can lead to an all-out war.''[North Korea]. This is a prime example of how North Korea is a threat, not only to the entire world, but specifically a threat to the United States, one of the United Kingdom’s biggest and most powerful allies.
North Korea does not need, or have the right to develop nuclear weapons because they are an unstable nation. In the video “ Inside North Korea”, it reveals facts about North Korea and continues to explain and clarify what some of the big and current problems are in this dictatorship of North Korea. There are approximately 23 million people in North Korea which is about the size of Mississippi. 40% of North Korean children are malnourished. Lastly, North Korea has concentration camps all over their nation mainly for their own people. The video explains how these concentration camps are mainly used to strike fear in their people to obey their country leaders, not speak bad about the leaders, do everything for their leaders approval, and to not try and leave because if you do something that offends the leader or escape they will not only enslave you but also your entire family. These are only some of the big problems that are going on in North Korea but this should help show that if they cannot feed their people and are enslaving their people why should we ever give them the approval to produce nuclear weapons.
The United Kingdom’s solution for the North Korean conflict is to put all sanctions on them to begin with, completely remove them from the outside world, this will be more effective than before because North Korea is finally more involved with the rest of the world. In the article “It’s Not a Hermit Kingdom and 4 Other Myths About North Korea” the authors declare, “The economy has stabilized and even improved. Despite sanctions, trade has expanded significantly, not just with China but also with South and Southeast Asia, Africa, and Europe to the point where the North may have even enjoyed a current account surplus in 2011.” [Wit Town 3]. The facts are showing that North Korea is actually becoming more of an established nation and they are becoming more powerful because and the United Kingdom believes that they are becoming so much more powerful because of their new trading partners. Putting all sanctions on North Korea has a greater chance of working now because before they were trading, there was almost nothing coming in and out of North Korea however, now that their trade is increasing they might finally actually shut down their nuclear facilities. If North Korea is still developing nuclear weapons even after the sanctions, the United Kingdom believes that the only logical action is war. Although war is drastic, none of our other peaceful solutions have worked. In the article, “Chronology of U.S.-North Korean Nuclear and Missile Diplomacy”, the author tells us this, “For years, the United States and the international community have tried to negotiate an end to North Korea’s nuclear and missile development and its export of ballistic missile technology.”[Chronology]. This article notifies how countries have tried to end this nuclear weapons dispute peacefully and every time our peaceful solutions have failed, therefore, our final solution is war.The United Kingdom knows this is the best solution, because this will benefit the majority of the world. This will benefit the United Kingdom’s allies especially the United States and any of our fellow allies in NATO. It is already hard enough situation protecting our allies (and our allies protecting us) from our enemies that have nuclear weapons, and North Korea is just adding to the challenge of only select countries having nuclear weapons. Not only does this benefit our allies, but it will also benefit some of the countries that are allies, mutual, or the countries that trade with North Korea. This will benefit these countries because they will no-longer be in danger of North Korea and their nuclear weapons. Another way this will benefit these countries is because North Korea can not be trusted and if North Korea obtains nuclear weapons it is ignorant to let them possess these powerful weapons. In this article, “ Can North Korea Be Trusted?”, it states this, “Back in 2007, Pyongyang agreed to disable all nuclear facilities in exchange for economic, energy and humanitarian assistance from other states participating in the Six-Party Talks.”. This is a big reason because North Korea claimed to close their nuclear facilities but only for a prize, and even after we supported them we later found out that they were still developing nuclear weapons. Ignoring this lesson is a very big mistake because you can see that even though North Korea was getting support, they still lied and this shows North Korea can not be trusted.This will be the most secure solution for the rest of the world too. This will be safest for the world because they will be protected from North Korea’s lies, threats, and of course their nuclear weapons. Of course sanctions is a good start, but have failed in the past, now that we have reached where we have done everything, if they do not stop their nuclear weapon development the United Kingdom thinks that the only end solution is war. The United Kingdom knows that if the security council pulls together, and fights as one, we can win and make the world safer, because one of largest goals is world peace and a big step towards world peace is ridding North Korea of their nuclear weapons.
Sara Price
United Kingdom Perspective
2/5/2014
United Kingdom Final Perspective
Although North Korea is a sovereign nation, they should not have the right to develop nuclear weapons because, they are a continuous threat to the our allies and they are not developed enough as a country to have nuclear weapons.
The United Kingdom believes that North Korea should not have nuclear weapons because they are a threat to the United Kingdom’s allies. The article “North Korea–United States relations”, explains , “North Korea–United States relations developed primarily during the Korean War, but in recent years have been largely defined by North Korea's three tests of nuclear weapons, its development of long-range missiles capable of striking targets thousands of miles away, and its ongoing threats to strike the United States and South Korea with nuclear weapons and conventional forces.” [North]. This is important to the United Kingdom as we are in the Security Council, and North Korea does not have the clearance to develop and or test nuclear weapons, because they are not only breaking the rules, (set by the United Nations) by developing these weapons, but they are also threatening our allies with them. One example of North Korea threatening our allies with their nuclear weapons is stated in this article,“North Korean leader warns of nuclear disaster, threatens US”, it states ''If the war breaks out again in this land, it will bring about a massive nuclear disaster and the US will never be safe,'' Kim said in his New Year message, broadcasted on state television.''We are faced with a dangerous situation in which a small, accidental military clash can lead to an all-out war.''[North Korea]. This is a prime example of how North Korea is a threat, not only to the entire world, but specifically a threat to the United States, one of the United Kingdom’s biggest and most powerful allies.
North Korea does not need, or have the right to develop nuclear weapons because they are an unstable nation. In the video “ Inside North Korea”, it reveals facts about North Korea and continues to explain and clarify what some of the big and current problems are in this dictatorship of North Korea. There are approximately 23 million people in North Korea which is about the size of Mississippi. 40% of North Korean children are malnourished. Lastly, North Korea has concentration camps all over their nation mainly for their own people. The video explains how these concentration camps are mainly used to strike fear in their people to obey their country leaders, not speak bad about the leaders, do everything for their leaders approval, and to not try and leave because if you do something that offends the leader or escape they will not only enslave you but also your entire family. These are only some of the big problems that are going on in North Korea but this should help show that if they cannot feed their people and are enslaving their people why should we ever give them the approval to produce nuclear weapons.
The United Kingdom’s solution for the North Korean conflict is to put all sanctions on them to begin with, completely remove them from the outside world, this will be more effective than before because North Korea is finally more involved with the rest of the world. In the article “It’s Not a Hermit Kingdom and 4 Other Myths About North Korea” the authors declare, “The economy has stabilized and even improved. Despite sanctions, trade has expanded significantly, not just with China but also with South and Southeast Asia, Africa, and Europe to the point where the North may have even enjoyed a current account surplus in 2011.” [Wit Town 3]. The facts are showing that North Korea is actually becoming more of an established nation and they are becoming more powerful because and the United Kingdom believes that they are becoming so much more powerful because of their new trading partners. Putting all sanctions on North Korea has a greater chance of working now because before they were trading, there was almost nothing coming in and out of North Korea however, now that their trade is increasing they might finally actually shut down their nuclear facilities. If North Korea is still developing nuclear weapons even after the sanctions, the United Kingdom believes that the only logical action is war. Although war is drastic, none of our other peaceful solutions have worked. In the article, “Chronology of U.S.-North Korean Nuclear and Missile Diplomacy”, the author tells us this, “For years, the United States and the international community have tried to negotiate an end to North Korea’s nuclear and missile development and its export of ballistic missile technology.”[Chronology]. This article notifies how countries have tried to end this nuclear weapons dispute peacefully and every time our peaceful solutions have failed, therefore, our final solution is war.The United Kingdom knows this is the best solution, because this will benefit the majority of the world. This will benefit the United Kingdom’s allies especially the United States and any of our fellow allies in NATO. It is already hard enough situation protecting our allies (and our allies protecting us) from our enemies that have nuclear weapons, and North Korea is just adding to the challenge of only select countries having nuclear weapons. Not only does this benefit our allies, but it will also benefit some of the countries that are allies, mutual, or the countries that trade with North Korea. This will benefit these countries because they will no-longer be in danger of North Korea and their nuclear weapons. Another way this will benefit these countries is because North Korea can not be trusted and if North Korea obtains nuclear weapons it is ignorant to let them possess these powerful weapons. In this article, “ Can North Korea Be Trusted?”, it states this, “Back in 2007, Pyongyang agreed to disable all nuclear facilities in exchange for economic, energy and humanitarian assistance from other states participating in the Six-Party Talks.”. This is a big reason because North Korea claimed to close their nuclear facilities but only for a prize, and even after we supported them we later found out that they were still developing nuclear weapons. Ignoring this lesson is a very big mistake because you can see that even though North Korea was getting support, they still lied and this shows North Korea can not be trusted.This will be the most secure solution for the rest of the world too. This will be safest for the world because they will be protected from North Korea’s lies, threats, and of course their nuclear weapons. Of course sanctions is a good start, but have failed in the past, now that we have reached where we have done everything, if they do not stop their nuclear weapon development the United Kingdom thinks that the only end solution is war. The United Kingdom knows that if the security council pulls together, and fights as one, we can win and make the world safer, because one of largest goals is world peace and a big step towards world peace is ridding North Korea of their nuclear weapons.
Resolutions
General Assembly
United Kingdom (Brenden Wedertz)
Illegal Settlements in Israel
ALLOWING PALESTINIAN PEOPLE THE RIGHT OF RETURN
The General Assembly,
Deeply concerned that both Palestinian people, and Jewish people have been continuously fighting for over 70 years,
Bearing in mind that Israel was once ruled by the United Kingdom,
Understanding the fact that this war has caused the deaths of thousands of people both the death of Jews and Palestinians, according to the article, “Israelis and Palestinians Killed in the Current Violence”,
Fully aware that the Israel has been declared the rightful home of the Jews, while allowing Palestinian people to live in the Gaza Strip and the WestBank,
Understanding that both Palestinian people and Jewish people have never had a land to call their own,
Fully alarmed that the Israelis have been taking the land, supposed to be for the Palestinian people, and building settlements for Jewish people,
Noting with regret the Palestinian people who have lost, or were forced out of their homes, almost always become refugees,
Aware that both faiths call Israel to be the foundation land of their religions,
Desiring to end this middle east conflict will end as soon as possible, and with agreeing parties,
Seeking and welcoming any other parties that will help add to, or contribute in drafting to a new resolution that will solve this conflict in the most peaceful way possible,
1. Encourages the United Nations to not favor either the Palestinians or the Jews when drafting or choosing a resolution;
2. Draws attention to the United Kingdom truly believing in peaceful solutions and resolutions;
3. Further proclaims equally separating Israel into town different states:
(a) Following the 1947 United Nations partition plan;
(b) Also allowing any Palestinian refugee the right to return to Israel;
4. Requests the safety and security for every Palestinian refugee:
(a) Emphasizing that Palestinian people will be accepted and treated equally;
5. Strongly supports the idea of Israel having a government ruled by one Palestinian and one Jew:
(a) Hoping that this 2 person government will help create an equal justice system;
(b) Equality in the justice system will only be achieved if both rulers do not favor or look bad upon any of the defendants;
(c) The rulers of Israel, the one Palestinian and the one Jew, would have equal power;
6. Calls upon the United Nations to support the idea of the Jewish people living in the illegal settlements in the Gaza strip or the West Bank, are to be evacuated and those homes would be given to the Palestinian refugees;
7. Further invites the idea of peace talks and negotiations:
(a) Hoping that these will eventually lead to both religions being able to live in peace with one another;
8.Reminds everyone that we the United Kingdom truly believe in peaceful solutions and hope that other countries can add too or help create a new more peaceful resolution.
United Kingdom (Brenden Wedertz)
Illegal Settlements in Israel
ALLOWING PALESTINIAN PEOPLE THE RIGHT OF RETURN
The General Assembly,
Deeply concerned that both Palestinian people, and Jewish people have been continuously fighting for over 70 years,
Bearing in mind that Israel was once ruled by the United Kingdom,
Understanding the fact that this war has caused the deaths of thousands of people both the death of Jews and Palestinians, according to the article, “Israelis and Palestinians Killed in the Current Violence”,
Fully aware that the Israel has been declared the rightful home of the Jews, while allowing Palestinian people to live in the Gaza Strip and the WestBank,
Understanding that both Palestinian people and Jewish people have never had a land to call their own,
Fully alarmed that the Israelis have been taking the land, supposed to be for the Palestinian people, and building settlements for Jewish people,
Noting with regret the Palestinian people who have lost, or were forced out of their homes, almost always become refugees,
Aware that both faiths call Israel to be the foundation land of their religions,
Desiring to end this middle east conflict will end as soon as possible, and with agreeing parties,
Seeking and welcoming any other parties that will help add to, or contribute in drafting to a new resolution that will solve this conflict in the most peaceful way possible,
1. Encourages the United Nations to not favor either the Palestinians or the Jews when drafting or choosing a resolution;
2. Draws attention to the United Kingdom truly believing in peaceful solutions and resolutions;
3. Further proclaims equally separating Israel into town different states:
(a) Following the 1947 United Nations partition plan;
(b) Also allowing any Palestinian refugee the right to return to Israel;
4. Requests the safety and security for every Palestinian refugee:
(a) Emphasizing that Palestinian people will be accepted and treated equally;
5. Strongly supports the idea of Israel having a government ruled by one Palestinian and one Jew:
(a) Hoping that this 2 person government will help create an equal justice system;
(b) Equality in the justice system will only be achieved if both rulers do not favor or look bad upon any of the defendants;
(c) The rulers of Israel, the one Palestinian and the one Jew, would have equal power;
6. Calls upon the United Nations to support the idea of the Jewish people living in the illegal settlements in the Gaza strip or the West Bank, are to be evacuated and those homes would be given to the Palestinian refugees;
7. Further invites the idea of peace talks and negotiations:
(a) Hoping that these will eventually lead to both religions being able to live in peace with one another;
8.Reminds everyone that we the United Kingdom truly believe in peaceful solutions and hope that other countries can add too or help create a new more peaceful resolution.
United Kingdom (Brenden Wedertz)
North Korea Nuclear Weapons
REALISTIC RESOLUTION TO NORTH KOREA NUCLEAR WEAPON CRISIS
The General Assembly,
Keeping in mind that numerous attempts have been made with intention to resolve the North Korean nuclear weapons dispute,
Aware that North Korea is a sovereign nation and should have the right to protect their people, having read the article “ 7 Reasons to Worry About North Korea’s Weapons”,
Deeply disturbed that North Korea holds the threat of a nuclear attack,
Draws attentions to how North Korea has increased weapons of mass destruction (WMD) exports particularly to Syria,
Expresses how much more challenging it is for the US nuclear umbrella provided for their allies ( UK being one),
Emphasizing that past actions to resolve this complication have failed as a result of North Korea being as secretive as they are,
Convinced in the United Kingdom’s potential solution, resulting in a safer planet where only select, well established, and developed countries have them,
1. Seeking hope that everyone approves of this resolution using ally force to begin; but possibly inforced with military force;
2. Reminds everyone that the United Kingdom greatly believes in a safer world, where only certain countries possess nuclear weapons;
3. Further requests that the security council attempts to offer aid for nuclear disarmament once again, but with an added consequence if nuclear disarmament is failed to be achieved;
(a) Minimal aid will be presented until an agreement of complete disarmament of all of North Korea’s nuclear weapons:
(b) Complete disarmament would be North Korea surrendering all of their nuclear weapons:
( c) China being North Korea’s closest ally, would mainly be in charge of the disarmament process:
4. If complete disarmament is achieved, North Korea will be thanked with fewer sanctions, the ability to use nuclear energy as a power source, and support/ aid;
(a) The current sanction would be removed of time with ‘good behavior”:
5. If an agreement is not reached, the United Kingdom the only final result to the North Korean nuclear situation is military force;
(a) This action would prevent the threat of North Korea attacking the world with their nuclear weapons:
(b) The UN would provide the military if military action is needed:
North Korea Nuclear Weapons
REALISTIC RESOLUTION TO NORTH KOREA NUCLEAR WEAPON CRISIS
The General Assembly,
Keeping in mind that numerous attempts have been made with intention to resolve the North Korean nuclear weapons dispute,
Aware that North Korea is a sovereign nation and should have the right to protect their people, having read the article “ 7 Reasons to Worry About North Korea’s Weapons”,
Deeply disturbed that North Korea holds the threat of a nuclear attack,
Draws attentions to how North Korea has increased weapons of mass destruction (WMD) exports particularly to Syria,
Expresses how much more challenging it is for the US nuclear umbrella provided for their allies ( UK being one),
Emphasizing that past actions to resolve this complication have failed as a result of North Korea being as secretive as they are,
Convinced in the United Kingdom’s potential solution, resulting in a safer planet where only select, well established, and developed countries have them,
1. Seeking hope that everyone approves of this resolution using ally force to begin; but possibly inforced with military force;
2. Reminds everyone that the United Kingdom greatly believes in a safer world, where only certain countries possess nuclear weapons;
3. Further requests that the security council attempts to offer aid for nuclear disarmament once again, but with an added consequence if nuclear disarmament is failed to be achieved;
(a) Minimal aid will be presented until an agreement of complete disarmament of all of North Korea’s nuclear weapons:
(b) Complete disarmament would be North Korea surrendering all of their nuclear weapons:
( c) China being North Korea’s closest ally, would mainly be in charge of the disarmament process:
4. If complete disarmament is achieved, North Korea will be thanked with fewer sanctions, the ability to use nuclear energy as a power source, and support/ aid;
(a) The current sanction would be removed of time with ‘good behavior”:
5. If an agreement is not reached, the United Kingdom the only final result to the North Korean nuclear situation is military force;
(a) This action would prevent the threat of North Korea attacking the world with their nuclear weapons:
(b) The UN would provide the military if military action is needed:
Reflection
1. What would you tell another student if they had asked why the MUN project was important?
I would tell another student that even though the model united nations project was really difficult, and we had to do a lot of different things to be prepared for this project, it was one of the most rewarding projects of the year. One reason it was rewarding was because it truly helped me understand how difficult it is to lead a country, and all the things you need to do to, not only to have a resolution pass but also have as many countries agree with it. To have a resolution pass, you would need to try and get as many countries to agree with it as possible, and make sure it meets the needs of the security council so they don’t veto it. This also gave me more confidence in public speaking. I gained more confidence in public speaking because I found out that it wasn’t that difficult and I truly feel like I could do it again, mostly because of how successful I was during my MUM speech.
2. Think of this project overall- which habit of heart mind were you most proud of using during the conference?
During this project I felt like I was really able to advocate for myself and my country, and because we were supposed to do this, I am most proud of how well I was advocating. An example for this, is how I was trying to comment on every speech. I was trying to comment on every speech because I was trying to get the best for the Palestinian people and but putting out my country's perspective I think I helped.
3.What was the greatest challenge you faced in the project and how did you work through it?
The most challenging part of the MUN project to me, was all of the things that we needed to do involving the computer. For example, the policy paper, resolution, and the research. This was challenging because doing all of these projects prior to even doing a run through of the MUN was difficult because you wanted to know how your country felt about the conflicts, you wanted to make a resolution that would at least make it on the docket, and also wanted to make a strong, powerful speech.
4. What was the most interesting speech, resolution, amendment, or comment by one of the delegates?
The most interesting resolution was written by the Russian Federation, or Emily W. This was interesting because it was really impressive how a lot of the countries came together and passed this resolution. This was impressive because for almost all of the countries to agree with this was really cool to see considering we all have different perspectives on the Palestinian right of return.
I would tell another student that even though the model united nations project was really difficult, and we had to do a lot of different things to be prepared for this project, it was one of the most rewarding projects of the year. One reason it was rewarding was because it truly helped me understand how difficult it is to lead a country, and all the things you need to do to, not only to have a resolution pass but also have as many countries agree with it. To have a resolution pass, you would need to try and get as many countries to agree with it as possible, and make sure it meets the needs of the security council so they don’t veto it. This also gave me more confidence in public speaking. I gained more confidence in public speaking because I found out that it wasn’t that difficult and I truly feel like I could do it again, mostly because of how successful I was during my MUM speech.
2. Think of this project overall- which habit of heart mind were you most proud of using during the conference?
During this project I felt like I was really able to advocate for myself and my country, and because we were supposed to do this, I am most proud of how well I was advocating. An example for this, is how I was trying to comment on every speech. I was trying to comment on every speech because I was trying to get the best for the Palestinian people and but putting out my country's perspective I think I helped.
3.What was the greatest challenge you faced in the project and how did you work through it?
The most challenging part of the MUN project to me, was all of the things that we needed to do involving the computer. For example, the policy paper, resolution, and the research. This was challenging because doing all of these projects prior to even doing a run through of the MUN was difficult because you wanted to know how your country felt about the conflicts, you wanted to make a resolution that would at least make it on the docket, and also wanted to make a strong, powerful speech.
4. What was the most interesting speech, resolution, amendment, or comment by one of the delegates?
The most interesting resolution was written by the Russian Federation, or Emily W. This was interesting because it was really impressive how a lot of the countries came together and passed this resolution. This was impressive because for almost all of the countries to agree with this was really cool to see considering we all have different perspectives on the Palestinian right of return.
Greek Tragedy Graphic Novel
Greek Tragedy Project Script
Brenden Wedertz
Derek Junttonen
The Story of Robert D. Hurt
Prologue
(In Jim’s office, August 4, 2010)
Jim F. Gibson: Are you sure you can execute today? You haven’t been yourself lately.
Robert D. Hurt: No, I’m fine boss.
Jim F. Gibson: Ok. Well, get on with it. (jokingly)The criminals have to pay, right?
(Robert D. Hurt exits the room.)
(He enters the execution room, where Darrel M. Smith is strapped in.)
Darrell M. Smith: I’m innocent! You can’t do this to me!
Darrell M. Smith(talking to Robert D. Hurt): You won’t listen to me either, will you?
(Robert D. Hurt turns towards him with the syringe.)
Robert D. Hurt: No. You’ve already lost.
(Darrell M. Smith is executed.)
Chorus:
(As Robert’s good conscience)
You have a job to do,
but is it right?
Is it just?
Every person has begged for mercy
Every person has said they were innocent.
How can you know,
they weren’t telling the truth?
Scene One
Jim F. Gibson(over intercom): Robert, I need you in my office.
(Robert walks into his boss’s office. The boss stands up.)
Jim F. Gibson: Ah, you’re here. I have another one for you.
(He slides a file across the table.)
Jim F. Gibson: The man is Kevin E. Michael. He’s been charged with first-degree murder.
Robert D. Hurt: (sigh) This is happening more and more these days…
Jim F. Gibson: *coughs for attention* I believe you have a job to do.
(Robert D. Hurt nods and steps out of the office.)
Chorus:
(as Robert’s good conscience)
All of the people who are sentenced to death
have already had their trial.
You have no choice but to believe,
You have to believe,
that the justice system has made the right choice.
This is what you do
But nobody can reverse death.
Is what you are doing right?
Scene Two
(Robert D. Hurt is preparing to execute Kevin E. Michael)
Chorus:
(As Robert’s good conscience)
You may have a difficult job,
but what other choice do you have?
You must kill criminals
for a living.
But it is their life,
their mistake. Not yours.
(As Robert’s bad conscience)
An eye for an eye makes the world go blind.
Is killing criminals really what you should be doing with your life?
Doesn’t that make you just as bad as them?
(As Robert’s good conscience)
It is your job,
you must do it to live.
Don’t doubt yourself,
just do it.
(Robert D. Hurt turns to look at Kevin E. Michael.)
Kevin E. Michael: I didn’t do anything! You have the wrong man!
(Kevin E. Michael looks up at Robert D. Hurt.)
Robert D. Hurt: Don’t plead with me. You’ve already had your trial.
(Kevin E. Michael is executed.)
Scene Three
(the next day, at the execution center, August 5, 2010)
(Robert D. Hurt walks into Jim F. Gibson’s office.)
(Jim F. Gibson is sitting at his desk. He looks distraught.)
Robert D. Hurt: Is something wrong?
Jim F. Gibson: That man you executed yesterday...he was innocent.
(He looks up)
(Robert D. Hurt is speechless.)
(Jim F. Gibson stands up.)
Jim F. Gibson: Well, no matter. That is considered an acceptable result these days. Anyway, I have another one here today.
(He slides a file across the table.)
(He walks out without looking at the file.)
Chorus:
(as Robert’s good conscious)
You killed an innocent
But it is acceptable.
No one has to know,
just go on with your life.
Everything will be alright,
just let go of your past.
You have a job to do, do it.
Don’t overthink these things.
Scene Four
(Robert D. Hurt is preparing a syringe. He looks at the criminal, expecting him to plead.)
Andre L. Hollins: I’m not going to beg. I know I’m innocent. That’s all that matters. And besides, the death penalty is racially biased. That’s been proven. No matter what I say, I will be wrongly executed.
(Robert D. Hurt stares at him, then looks at the syringe in his hand.)
Chorus:
(As Robert’s bad conscience)
You’ve already killed one man who
was innocent.
Can you really live with yourself?
Before you know it
you will become a murderer.
You have a chance,
now make a decision.
Robert D. Hurt: I believe you.
Andre L. Hollins(looking up): What?
Robert D. Hurt(yelling): I can’t take it anymore!
(He pushes the syringe into his arm.)
Andre L. Hollins(struggling against his restraints): Oh my God!! What are you doing?!?
(He falls to the ground, losing strength.)
Robert D. Hurt(dying): I already killed one innocent…
(Robert D. Hurt is dying)
Andre L. Hollins(struggling against his restraints): Help!!
Chorus:
(As Robert’s good conscience, speaking to Andre L. Hollins)
Just because the death penalty is used
doesn’t make it morally correct.
He is dead because of guilt
He did this to himself,
he made his own choice.
You could do nothing,
for a moral struggle
is the hardest one to win.
Killing is wrong,
no matter what the situation.
The death penalty is a barbaric thing
therefor we should punish
criminals the just way, prison.
Derek Junttonen
The Story of Robert D. Hurt
Prologue
(In Jim’s office, August 4, 2010)
Jim F. Gibson: Are you sure you can execute today? You haven’t been yourself lately.
Robert D. Hurt: No, I’m fine boss.
Jim F. Gibson: Ok. Well, get on with it. (jokingly)The criminals have to pay, right?
(Robert D. Hurt exits the room.)
(He enters the execution room, where Darrel M. Smith is strapped in.)
Darrell M. Smith: I’m innocent! You can’t do this to me!
Darrell M. Smith(talking to Robert D. Hurt): You won’t listen to me either, will you?
(Robert D. Hurt turns towards him with the syringe.)
Robert D. Hurt: No. You’ve already lost.
(Darrell M. Smith is executed.)
Chorus:
(As Robert’s good conscience)
You have a job to do,
but is it right?
Is it just?
Every person has begged for mercy
Every person has said they were innocent.
How can you know,
they weren’t telling the truth?
Scene One
Jim F. Gibson(over intercom): Robert, I need you in my office.
(Robert walks into his boss’s office. The boss stands up.)
Jim F. Gibson: Ah, you’re here. I have another one for you.
(He slides a file across the table.)
Jim F. Gibson: The man is Kevin E. Michael. He’s been charged with first-degree murder.
Robert D. Hurt: (sigh) This is happening more and more these days…
Jim F. Gibson: *coughs for attention* I believe you have a job to do.
(Robert D. Hurt nods and steps out of the office.)
Chorus:
(as Robert’s good conscience)
All of the people who are sentenced to death
have already had their trial.
You have no choice but to believe,
You have to believe,
that the justice system has made the right choice.
This is what you do
But nobody can reverse death.
Is what you are doing right?
Scene Two
(Robert D. Hurt is preparing to execute Kevin E. Michael)
Chorus:
(As Robert’s good conscience)
You may have a difficult job,
but what other choice do you have?
You must kill criminals
for a living.
But it is their life,
their mistake. Not yours.
(As Robert’s bad conscience)
An eye for an eye makes the world go blind.
Is killing criminals really what you should be doing with your life?
Doesn’t that make you just as bad as them?
(As Robert’s good conscience)
It is your job,
you must do it to live.
Don’t doubt yourself,
just do it.
(Robert D. Hurt turns to look at Kevin E. Michael.)
Kevin E. Michael: I didn’t do anything! You have the wrong man!
(Kevin E. Michael looks up at Robert D. Hurt.)
Robert D. Hurt: Don’t plead with me. You’ve already had your trial.
(Kevin E. Michael is executed.)
Scene Three
(the next day, at the execution center, August 5, 2010)
(Robert D. Hurt walks into Jim F. Gibson’s office.)
(Jim F. Gibson is sitting at his desk. He looks distraught.)
Robert D. Hurt: Is something wrong?
Jim F. Gibson: That man you executed yesterday...he was innocent.
(He looks up)
(Robert D. Hurt is speechless.)
(Jim F. Gibson stands up.)
Jim F. Gibson: Well, no matter. That is considered an acceptable result these days. Anyway, I have another one here today.
(He slides a file across the table.)
(He walks out without looking at the file.)
Chorus:
(as Robert’s good conscious)
You killed an innocent
But it is acceptable.
No one has to know,
just go on with your life.
Everything will be alright,
just let go of your past.
You have a job to do, do it.
Don’t overthink these things.
Scene Four
(Robert D. Hurt is preparing a syringe. He looks at the criminal, expecting him to plead.)
Andre L. Hollins: I’m not going to beg. I know I’m innocent. That’s all that matters. And besides, the death penalty is racially biased. That’s been proven. No matter what I say, I will be wrongly executed.
(Robert D. Hurt stares at him, then looks at the syringe in his hand.)
Chorus:
(As Robert’s bad conscience)
You’ve already killed one man who
was innocent.
Can you really live with yourself?
Before you know it
you will become a murderer.
You have a chance,
now make a decision.
Robert D. Hurt: I believe you.
Andre L. Hollins(looking up): What?
Robert D. Hurt(yelling): I can’t take it anymore!
(He pushes the syringe into his arm.)
Andre L. Hollins(struggling against his restraints): Oh my God!! What are you doing?!?
(He falls to the ground, losing strength.)
Robert D. Hurt(dying): I already killed one innocent…
(Robert D. Hurt is dying)
Andre L. Hollins(struggling against his restraints): Help!!
Chorus:
(As Robert’s good conscience, speaking to Andre L. Hollins)
Just because the death penalty is used
doesn’t make it morally correct.
He is dead because of guilt
He did this to himself,
he made his own choice.
You could do nothing,
for a moral struggle
is the hardest one to win.
Killing is wrong,
no matter what the situation.
The death penalty is a barbaric thing
therefor we should punish
criminals the just way, prison.
Greek Tragedy Project Reflection
1. What are you most proud of about your project? Describe it or put the quote. Why do you think you are proud of it? Be specific.
The thing I am most proud of is how our graphic novel turned out. I am most proud of our graphic novel because it was a really challenging thing to do well and make it the graphic novel make sense. I think I am proud of this part of my project because I think that our graphic novel was good, and the pictures made sense to what was happening in our play.
2. What advice would you give a student next year about how to be successful with this project? Be specific.
I would advice next years students to make a really solid script and to pick a topic that really interests them. I would advice them this because the most challenging part of the project. And because once you have a solid script it is easier to get the pictures the way you want them.
3. How do you feel working in partners? Did it work out well? In what ways? What was challenging? Be specific.
I felt like working in partners went very well. One big reason on why it worked well was because Derek and I have worked together a lot before so it was fun and we were both putting in the same amount of work. Working in partners was not too challenging but only in the beginning it was. It was hard because we both had ideas on how we had imaging the project but once we had a clear insight about how they wanted the project to work it was easy because we combined ideas and that made our graphic novel look very well.
4. What provided to be the most challenging task for you personally and how did you work to overcome it? Be specific.
The most challenging task for me personally was helping write the script. This was hard for me because I don’t feel like writing is my strongest subject or strength so that was hard. Another thing that made it hard for me was Derek was doing such a good job on writing our script and I wanted to help but not take away for the good work he was putting out. I overcame this by communicating with Derek more about what I was going to write or how we could make the script we wrote better or make more sense.
The thing I am most proud of is how our graphic novel turned out. I am most proud of our graphic novel because it was a really challenging thing to do well and make it the graphic novel make sense. I think I am proud of this part of my project because I think that our graphic novel was good, and the pictures made sense to what was happening in our play.
2. What advice would you give a student next year about how to be successful with this project? Be specific.
I would advice next years students to make a really solid script and to pick a topic that really interests them. I would advice them this because the most challenging part of the project. And because once you have a solid script it is easier to get the pictures the way you want them.
3. How do you feel working in partners? Did it work out well? In what ways? What was challenging? Be specific.
I felt like working in partners went very well. One big reason on why it worked well was because Derek and I have worked together a lot before so it was fun and we were both putting in the same amount of work. Working in partners was not too challenging but only in the beginning it was. It was hard because we both had ideas on how we had imaging the project but once we had a clear insight about how they wanted the project to work it was easy because we combined ideas and that made our graphic novel look very well.
4. What provided to be the most challenging task for you personally and how did you work to overcome it? Be specific.
The most challenging task for me personally was helping write the script. This was hard for me because I don’t feel like writing is my strongest subject or strength so that was hard. Another thing that made it hard for me was Derek was doing such a good job on writing our script and I wanted to help but not take away for the good work he was putting out. I overcame this by communicating with Derek more about what I was going to write or how we could make the script we wrote better or make more sense.
My Mask Project
How My Society Has Shaped Me
Written by Brenden Wedertz
Socialization is the way society has shaped you, made you who you are today. Society has been placing ideas into peoples’ heads since they were young children. Society has been impacting me, and the way I act and think, through my family, friends, and through the media. I have been socialized by my family, friends and the media to act a certain way as a man, to be a heterosexual male and nothing else, and to conform to what I see other men doing all around me.
Everyday men are told by society, by their friends, and even gestures in their everyday life to act a certain way to be a “real” man in the 21st century. My first piece of evidence is a Ted Talk called the Man Box by Tony Porter. The man box talks about the key parts in being a man. For example: This talks about how a man should never show emotion besides anger, not to show fear, to be heterosexual, and the list goes on. Tony Porter goes on to tell a story about when his brother had died, and when they had held the funeral. He states “after all the woman got out of the car his dad started to cry, he knew that he could cry in front of the woman but he knew that he could keep it in until they got home.” “And at the same time his dad was giving him props and lifting him up for not crying.” Even though that he had put his son in the ground less than 10 minutes ago, his dad still wouldn’t cry in front of the women in his family. This is bad because not only does it set standards men can’t fill it also puts so much pressure on men to do things that are manly and not do things that aren't manly that it can just destroy people and make men feel awful after doing something taboo to their man culture. This has influenced me and my everyday life to be a man that I am not.
There will always be people who don’t agree or follow the rules set by society, and a lot of those people don’t get punished but there are some people who are punished just for being different. For example there is a video called Two Spirits, this is based off the murder of a 16 year old boy named Fred Martinez, who was killed by another man for being gay. After watching this video I really realized what kind of society we live in. I came to the conclusion that we live in our society that will only tolerate people being different, and will eventually not accept people for who they are. Also, this helped me notice what society accepts, and what our society doesn’t except. After watching this video I noticed that society has influenced me to be a “straight” man in society.
The society that we live can be incredibly discriminating. In the video: I Never Thought I’d See The Day Where Even In Broad Daylight It’s Too Dangerous for Love. This video is about to homosexual men who were beat up, just for holding hands, on the streets of New York. The worst part to hear is that no one helped the guys who were being beat up. When I finished this video I realized that there aren’t equal rights for anyone. Sure people have general rights but if we all had equal rights then people could really be who we are. I connected this video to the Two Spirits video about how Fred Martinez was punished for being gay just like how the two guys were also punished. Then I noticed that even our elders our who are supposed to be setting examples for us still can’t face the fact that some people are “gay”, but does that truly make them different? This video showed me that when I have seen something bad or wrong I don’t do anything thin to help instead I just do whatever the other men are doing around me.
After watching all the videos and reading all the articles about socialization I made up some questions and wrote down my answers. The first question was: How can you as an individual break the harmful cycles of socialization? My answer to this question was: I don’t think that only one person can break the ways of socialization because there are a lot more people that would rather conform to society then ask why is this, or because why. However, I think that one person could spread awareness about the harmful ways of socialization because once you hear something this important you'll never forget it. The next question I asked myself was: How long have people been aware of societies harmful ways of socialization? My answer to this question was: I think people have been aware of the ways of socialization but people were more scared to ask questions about why that is. Even though people are still scared to ask questions about why we do things I think that it is a different kind of being scared. What I mean by this is that maybe before people didn’t have as equal rights people have today, people may have been unfairly punished. And now people don’t want people to judge them for asking questions instead of just doing what everyone else is doing. The third question I asked myself was: Can the ways of socialization be changed even though we are so far into it? My answer to this question was: I think that people can change anything with true motivation. The problem with this is that more people would have to start asking questions about why we do things, and a lot of people are scared to do that. There is an article written by Bobbie Harro,The Cycle of Socialization. This article talks about how people are socialized to live in the world today. About how people begin to recognize differences and judge those people because of it. And also how people just conform and do the things that other people do without asking questions about why that is. What this article is showing us is that people are scared to ask questions and to be judged for asking questions. Socialization has been around since the beginning, mostly for good, its taught people to survive and to do other things that help us live today, but still society has also placed bad thoughts and views in our heads. The new question I have for you is will you contribute to a new society or will you contribute to society that doesn’t ask why?
Some symbols on my mask people may not understand what they are or why I used them. The first symbol I used was the man box. I used this because almost every boy or man has realized what a man “should” do, or the way a man “should” act. The next symbol I used were words about who I am. I did this because this shows that I’m not the man a lot of people think a man should be. The lock shows that a lot of people are scared to ask questions about our current society. But this lock is open to show I am not scared to ask questions. And the reason I chose the colors yellow, blue, and green were because yellow symbolizes who I truly am, blue symbolizes what society wants me to be or do (the man box), and the green shows that when I speak I try to combine both of those thoughts or actions. And when you see my mask you can also tell that the blue (man box) is a little bit larger than the yellow (who I am), this is to show that the man box dominates who I am as an individual. These symbols on my mask really show who I am as a person and how I have been socialized by my society.
Written by Brenden Wedertz
Socialization is the way society has shaped you, made you who you are today. Society has been placing ideas into peoples’ heads since they were young children. Society has been impacting me, and the way I act and think, through my family, friends, and through the media. I have been socialized by my family, friends and the media to act a certain way as a man, to be a heterosexual male and nothing else, and to conform to what I see other men doing all around me.
Everyday men are told by society, by their friends, and even gestures in their everyday life to act a certain way to be a “real” man in the 21st century. My first piece of evidence is a Ted Talk called the Man Box by Tony Porter. The man box talks about the key parts in being a man. For example: This talks about how a man should never show emotion besides anger, not to show fear, to be heterosexual, and the list goes on. Tony Porter goes on to tell a story about when his brother had died, and when they had held the funeral. He states “after all the woman got out of the car his dad started to cry, he knew that he could cry in front of the woman but he knew that he could keep it in until they got home.” “And at the same time his dad was giving him props and lifting him up for not crying.” Even though that he had put his son in the ground less than 10 minutes ago, his dad still wouldn’t cry in front of the women in his family. This is bad because not only does it set standards men can’t fill it also puts so much pressure on men to do things that are manly and not do things that aren't manly that it can just destroy people and make men feel awful after doing something taboo to their man culture. This has influenced me and my everyday life to be a man that I am not.
There will always be people who don’t agree or follow the rules set by society, and a lot of those people don’t get punished but there are some people who are punished just for being different. For example there is a video called Two Spirits, this is based off the murder of a 16 year old boy named Fred Martinez, who was killed by another man for being gay. After watching this video I really realized what kind of society we live in. I came to the conclusion that we live in our society that will only tolerate people being different, and will eventually not accept people for who they are. Also, this helped me notice what society accepts, and what our society doesn’t except. After watching this video I noticed that society has influenced me to be a “straight” man in society.
The society that we live can be incredibly discriminating. In the video: I Never Thought I’d See The Day Where Even In Broad Daylight It’s Too Dangerous for Love. This video is about to homosexual men who were beat up, just for holding hands, on the streets of New York. The worst part to hear is that no one helped the guys who were being beat up. When I finished this video I realized that there aren’t equal rights for anyone. Sure people have general rights but if we all had equal rights then people could really be who we are. I connected this video to the Two Spirits video about how Fred Martinez was punished for being gay just like how the two guys were also punished. Then I noticed that even our elders our who are supposed to be setting examples for us still can’t face the fact that some people are “gay”, but does that truly make them different? This video showed me that when I have seen something bad or wrong I don’t do anything thin to help instead I just do whatever the other men are doing around me.
After watching all the videos and reading all the articles about socialization I made up some questions and wrote down my answers. The first question was: How can you as an individual break the harmful cycles of socialization? My answer to this question was: I don’t think that only one person can break the ways of socialization because there are a lot more people that would rather conform to society then ask why is this, or because why. However, I think that one person could spread awareness about the harmful ways of socialization because once you hear something this important you'll never forget it. The next question I asked myself was: How long have people been aware of societies harmful ways of socialization? My answer to this question was: I think people have been aware of the ways of socialization but people were more scared to ask questions about why that is. Even though people are still scared to ask questions about why we do things I think that it is a different kind of being scared. What I mean by this is that maybe before people didn’t have as equal rights people have today, people may have been unfairly punished. And now people don’t want people to judge them for asking questions instead of just doing what everyone else is doing. The third question I asked myself was: Can the ways of socialization be changed even though we are so far into it? My answer to this question was: I think that people can change anything with true motivation. The problem with this is that more people would have to start asking questions about why we do things, and a lot of people are scared to do that. There is an article written by Bobbie Harro,The Cycle of Socialization. This article talks about how people are socialized to live in the world today. About how people begin to recognize differences and judge those people because of it. And also how people just conform and do the things that other people do without asking questions about why that is. What this article is showing us is that people are scared to ask questions and to be judged for asking questions. Socialization has been around since the beginning, mostly for good, its taught people to survive and to do other things that help us live today, but still society has also placed bad thoughts and views in our heads. The new question I have for you is will you contribute to a new society or will you contribute to society that doesn’t ask why?
Some symbols on my mask people may not understand what they are or why I used them. The first symbol I used was the man box. I used this because almost every boy or man has realized what a man “should” do, or the way a man “should” act. The next symbol I used were words about who I am. I did this because this shows that I’m not the man a lot of people think a man should be. The lock shows that a lot of people are scared to ask questions about our current society. But this lock is open to show I am not scared to ask questions. And the reason I chose the colors yellow, blue, and green were because yellow symbolizes who I truly am, blue symbolizes what society wants me to be or do (the man box), and the green shows that when I speak I try to combine both of those thoughts or actions. And when you see my mask you can also tell that the blue (man box) is a little bit larger than the yellow (who I am), this is to show that the man box dominates who I am as an individual. These symbols on my mask really show who I am as a person and how I have been socialized by my society.
Socialization Project Reflection
1. Mask: What are you most proud of about your mask? Why?
The thing that I am most proud of on my mask is how professional it looks. It looks professional because I really became passionate about my mask and because how much time I put into my mask, weather that was sanding it down, or painting layer after layer. The reason that I took the extra time on my mask is so I could not only get a good grade but also so I could be proud of it.
2. Quote: Quote the section of your essay that you are most proud of and describe, in detail, why you are proud of it.
The section of my mask that I am most proud of is: "Then I noticed that even our elders our who are supposed to be setting examples for us still can’t face the fact that some people are “gay”, but does that truly make them different? This video showed me that when I have seen something bad or wrong I don’t do anything thin to help instead I just do whatever the other men are doing around me. " I am most proud of this part because I think that I really stated why I just do things that other guys are doing even though that I don't agree with them.
3.Biggest Take-away: What will you remember from this project?
The thing that I will remember most from this project is how socialization has shaped me personally. I think that I will remember this most because I can really see how much this has effected me and my personal life.
4. Habit of Heart and Mind: Which habit of heart and mind do you need to work on in your next project to get better at Project Based Learning? Why do you need to improve and how that Habit f Heart and Mind will help you?
The habit of heart and mind that I need to work on in my next project is prospective. I need to improve on prospective because "I need to work on how other people will see my work or other peoples' beliefs and if my project will offend them. This improvement will help me because I want to be the best student that I can be, therefor I need to work on prospective.
1. Mask: What are you most proud of about your mask? Why?
The thing that I am most proud of on my mask is how professional it looks. It looks professional because I really became passionate about my mask and because how much time I put into my mask, weather that was sanding it down, or painting layer after layer. The reason that I took the extra time on my mask is so I could not only get a good grade but also so I could be proud of it.
2. Quote: Quote the section of your essay that you are most proud of and describe, in detail, why you are proud of it.
The section of my mask that I am most proud of is: "Then I noticed that even our elders our who are supposed to be setting examples for us still can’t face the fact that some people are “gay”, but does that truly make them different? This video showed me that when I have seen something bad or wrong I don’t do anything thin to help instead I just do whatever the other men are doing around me. " I am most proud of this part because I think that I really stated why I just do things that other guys are doing even though that I don't agree with them.
3.Biggest Take-away: What will you remember from this project?
The thing that I will remember most from this project is how socialization has shaped me personally. I think that I will remember this most because I can really see how much this has effected me and my personal life.
4. Habit of Heart and Mind: Which habit of heart and mind do you need to work on in your next project to get better at Project Based Learning? Why do you need to improve and how that Habit f Heart and Mind will help you?
The habit of heart and mind that I need to work on in my next project is prospective. I need to improve on prospective because "I need to work on how other people will see my work or other peoples' beliefs and if my project will offend them. This improvement will help me because I want to be the best student that I can be, therefor I need to work on prospective.