Dear Grandchild,
I am writing this on June 15th, 2016. This November, the nation will select the next President of the United States. This political season has been one of much hearsay and, for many voters, who should be our next president is not a clear choice. The nation is divided on several issues and there seems to be no way to make a decision. As you are faced with deciding who your leaders will be, I encourage you to look to John F. Kennedy as an example of a leader who inspired those who followed and unified our nation.
John F. Kennedy (JFK) became President of the United States on January 20th, 1961. In his inaugural speech, he spoke some of the most unifying and historically significant words of US history when he said "Ask not what your country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your country". In that speech he also emphasized the importance of unity and brotherhood between the US and foreign countries. His presidency reflected that same spirit of unity and patriotism as he lead the nation through the Space Race, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the continued fight against communism. He was loved by citizens of the United States. This was made very apparent at the nation's reaction to his assassination in Dallas, Texas on November 22nd, 1963. The country mourned his death and rallied around his family. An extensive investigation was set to be carried out regarding his accused killer, but the killer was gunned down before the trial could begin. The country was outraged by the killer's death because it left the country without answers or justice.
JFK was so loved because of his patriotism, his integrity, and his moral commitment. As you analyze the credentials of potential presidential candidates and leaders of other sectors, look to men who have the qualities John F. Kennedy had. A patriot, a person of integrity, and person with a moral basis is the best kind of person to follow. Learn from history and choose your leaders wisely.
Sincerely,
Grandma Mary
Showing posts with label posted by Mary Dias. Show all posts
Showing posts with label posted by Mary Dias. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 15, 2016
Wednesday, June 8, 2016
Individualism vs Collectivism: The Struggle is Real
By Grant Gibbons, Mary Dias and Talmage Cromar
The Struggle
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Individualism- a (1) : a doctrine that the interests of the individual are or ought to be ethically paramount;also : conduct guided by such a doctrine (2) : the conception that all values, rights, and duties originate in individuals
Collectivism- : emphasis on collective rather than individual action or identity
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The Struggle
In Alaska this spring, a transgender woman (biological male) ran in the women's 100M and 200M races getting the state qualifying time edging out the other female competitors. This raises the question about how far individualism has been allowed to be exercised in our country. This is not a new question. History is full of examples of how this struggle is real and ongoing.
Although individualism has been the tool for great societal progress beginning in the Renaissance, we must find the proper balance in our moral and political systems between individualism and the collective well being because history has proven that appealing to either of these extremes is destructive to progress.
So where should the line be drawn? If it were up to you, where would you draw it?
I write, arrange, and orchestrate music as a profession—I have a big passion for music and am in school right now to get a music education degree. I'm the 6th of 7 children in my family, so one of my other great joys in life is hanging out with them and their cute kids. I'm a Disney animated films fan, among other things. A big part of my life is church service. I am a Mormon (belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints). I learned to love MANY different cultures while serving an LDS mission in East LA. This is where I gained a passion for sharing what I know with the world!
Collectivism: The Fandom Menace
While being a fan of something reflects a person's individualism, I see a clear danger: as groups of fans gather to celebrate that individualism, are they aware that really they are part of a collectivist group, subject to the influence of the major media producers of our day? Is it appropriate to consider media of our day propaganda? How has this negatively affected individuals, families, and communities in the past? How can we use this "collectivism" as tool of good influence in the future?
I am a student at Brigham Young University studying dietetics. I have been a long-time student and lover of health and wellness and I am extremely interested in the media’s influence on the physical health of our country's citizens. I enjoy reading, cooking, running, and camping and I have a love for learning. I live in Provo, Utah and will be married soon! I am excited to share my thoughts on diet culture, individualism, and how their connection could affect your life positively.
Diet Culture, Individualism, and Fighting Back
Diet culture is a modern concept perpetuated by the diet industry. This industry teaches values centered around health and appearance ideals that are often unhealthy and unrealistic. It’s goal is to sell product at the expense of the consumer’s long-term health. The industry’s niche is quick or easy weight loss and sensationalist claims about products. The culture is based on an assumption that every person should or has a desire to lose weight. It subtly encourages the belief that outward appearance is more important than overall health. There is a certain ideology that was developed during and propelled the Renaissance that enables the exploitation of consumers by the diet industry. This ideology is individualism and, when applied a certain way, it allows consumers to be more vulnerable to the enticements of the diet industry. However, if a different application of individualism was made, it could change diet culture and demand change from the industry behind it.
I am an Advertising Major at BYU and love every second of it. An avid soccer player, I also dabble in any and all sports, even experimental ones like crate stacking. Married and with a 5 month old daughter, life is always busy. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served as a missionary for two years in the Mexico City, Mexico area. I want more than anything for our nation to return to God and receive blessings from his hand again.
The Imperative of Moral Instruction in Education
Have you ever been frustrated by how our school system works? Long hours of sitting in a sterile room listening to a teacher drone on about the current subject and worrying about remembering it for a test that will happen a month or more from now? How there is alchohol and drug use, sexual promiscuity and general disrespect all around? How you seem to just be another student in this giant system called school, lost in all the noise? Well, you aren't the only one. Educational reform has been needed for a long time and we may just be on the edge of actually accomplishing it. Part of that discussion will be about the role of individualism in education. Should we structure the new system to place more emphasis on the group or the individual? I believe there must be a balance in education between individual and group benefits. Either way, this topic will have to be addressed if proper reform is to occur.
Hi, I'm Grant.
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| Grant Gibbons |
Collectivism: The Fandom Menace
While being a fan of something reflects a person's individualism, I see a clear danger: as groups of fans gather to celebrate that individualism, are they aware that really they are part of a collectivist group, subject to the influence of the major media producers of our day? Is it appropriate to consider media of our day propaganda? How has this negatively affected individuals, families, and communities in the past? How can we use this "collectivism" as tool of good influence in the future?
Hi, I'm Mary.
 |
| Mary Dias |
Diet Culture, Individualism, and Fighting Back
Diet culture is a modern concept perpetuated by the diet industry. This industry teaches values centered around health and appearance ideals that are often unhealthy and unrealistic. It’s goal is to sell product at the expense of the consumer’s long-term health. The industry’s niche is quick or easy weight loss and sensationalist claims about products. The culture is based on an assumption that every person should or has a desire to lose weight. It subtly encourages the belief that outward appearance is more important than overall health. There is a certain ideology that was developed during and propelled the Renaissance that enables the exploitation of consumers by the diet industry. This ideology is individualism and, when applied a certain way, it allows consumers to be more vulnerable to the enticements of the diet industry. However, if a different application of individualism was made, it could change diet culture and demand change from the industry behind it.
Hi, I'm Talmage.
 |
| Talmage Cromar |
The Imperative of Moral Instruction in Education
Have you ever been frustrated by how our school system works? Long hours of sitting in a sterile room listening to a teacher drone on about the current subject and worrying about remembering it for a test that will happen a month or more from now? How there is alchohol and drug use, sexual promiscuity and general disrespect all around? How you seem to just be another student in this giant system called school, lost in all the noise? Well, you aren't the only one. Educational reform has been needed for a long time and we may just be on the edge of actually accomplishing it. Part of that discussion will be about the role of individualism in education. Should we structure the new system to place more emphasis on the group or the individual? I believe there must be a balance in education between individual and group benefits. Either way, this topic will have to be addressed if proper reform is to occur.
Diet Culture, Individualism, and Fighting Back
When I was 12 or 13 years old I became extremely interested in nutrition and dieting. Unfortunately, a lot of the information I gathered came from my mom’s Glamour magazines. This began an adolescence full of conflicting messages and unrealistic expectations. I am not unique in my experience of being swept up by diet and nutrition media.
What is referred to as “diet culture” is a phenomenon where claims and practices that would likely fail miserably in a scientific fact check are preached through different modes of media and absorbed by consumers of that media. Many aspects of diet culture are magnified by social media.
What is referred to as “diet culture” is a phenomenon where claims and practices that would likely fail miserably in a scientific fact check are preached through different modes of media and absorbed by consumers of that media. Many aspects of diet culture are magnified by social media.
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