While on a trip in Washington D.C. last week visiting the Holocaust Memorial Museum, our class started talking about all of the disrespectful people we saw inside. A group of teen girls giggling amongst themselves and talking on cell phones. A person taking a flash picture of an exhibit, while standing next to the sign that said "Out of respect for the subject matter, please no flash photography." Two little boys laughing because there were naked bodies on the screen (even though they were being tossed into the crematoria). A couple walking quickly through the museum, not even stopping to glance at the exhibits. A person spitting their gum into the pile of prisoners' shoes? The list went on and on. After we all shared our stories, our professor asked if we would have been just as annoyed and offended if this had occured in, say, the Art Museum. And we all answered honestly, "No." If I had seen a person walking briskly through an art museum, without stopping to look at a Picasso, I wouldn't think twice about it. So what makes the Holocaust Museum so different? The fact that people died? The level of horror in which they were killed? The fact that it happened only 70 years ago?
I don't know. I would say death certainly plays a large role in this. But what sets it apart from, say, Ancient Rome? People were slaughtered every day in the Colosseum. And the expansion of the empire also caused massive casualties in the territories that were taken over. But do we hold the same reverance in a History museum? No.
Why? What do you think?
Another thing. In class I heard for the first time that the Germans did not persecute the Jews alone. They also killed Gypsies, the Handicapped, Homosexuals, Political enemies, and so forth. Call me naiive, but I had heard nothing through grade-school about this. Anyway, in the Holocaust museum, I saw virtually NO representation of these groups. There was a small exhibit about the mentally handicapped children. And I heard there was a short 1 minute video on all of the other groups smashed together, but I never saw it. I'm not saying the Jews don't deserve all of the reverance we can give them, and more, but to not even include the other groups offended me a bit.
Overall though, the museum was a good experience, well...as "good" as a visit to the Holocaust museum can be, and I'm glad I went.
01 December 2009
18 November 2009
Oh Religion, How You Inspire My Blogs...
This morning’s Sociology class revealed to me just how cynical some people can be. The topic of today’s class was Religion. Everything ran smoothly until a video clip was shown. It was a documentary on Atheists. While the professor warned us that the particular Atheist depicted in the video was an extremist, this did not serve to lessen the offensiveness. The man said that Religion is an institution for promoting belief in superstition, and that everyone who claims to belong to a religious sect is an idiot. Religion has no good points, and does not serve to better the lives of anyone participating. Religion’s only goal is to promote fear, so that they may control the behavior of the participants.
“Wow“, I thought to myself, “that was mildly offensive.”
Now, I don’t claim to be a devoutly religious person, but even I raised my hand after the video and said “Yeah, I’m certain that all of my Atheist friends would have found that video horribly offensive.”
And it’s true! I know many people who don’t have a religion, but even they can see the good in a person who does.
After the video, the professor asks “Is Atheism a social problem?”
What? Of course not! Just because a person is an Atheist does not mean they are radical extremists who are plotting to blow up churches across the country.
I read in a book recently, a professor talking to his students:
“On the day of the sun god Ra, I bow before an ancient torture device and consume representations of blood and flesh while reciting incantations in a forgotten language. And if you would like to become a part of my cult, you can join me in Mass next Sunday.”
Any religion seems odd when you take it out of context. It is not difficult to see why many people think that religion is nothing but superstition. But to say that religion does no good for people? I have to disagree.
If you find truth in one of the world’s many religious factions, I say pursue it. I do not believe that there is only one way to Heaven. If a person pursues his truth, and leads a moral life, then he will be rewarded in the afterlife according to his beliefs.
That must be all for now, I have to get to class. Time moves far too quickly when one is blogging…
The Librarian
“Wow“, I thought to myself, “that was mildly offensive.”
Now, I don’t claim to be a devoutly religious person, but even I raised my hand after the video and said “Yeah, I’m certain that all of my Atheist friends would have found that video horribly offensive.”
And it’s true! I know many people who don’t have a religion, but even they can see the good in a person who does.
After the video, the professor asks “Is Atheism a social problem?”
What? Of course not! Just because a person is an Atheist does not mean they are radical extremists who are plotting to blow up churches across the country.
I read in a book recently, a professor talking to his students:
“On the day of the sun god Ra, I bow before an ancient torture device and consume representations of blood and flesh while reciting incantations in a forgotten language. And if you would like to become a part of my cult, you can join me in Mass next Sunday.”
Any religion seems odd when you take it out of context. It is not difficult to see why many people think that religion is nothing but superstition. But to say that religion does no good for people? I have to disagree.
If you find truth in one of the world’s many religious factions, I say pursue it. I do not believe that there is only one way to Heaven. If a person pursues his truth, and leads a moral life, then he will be rewarded in the afterlife according to his beliefs.
That must be all for now, I have to get to class. Time moves far too quickly when one is blogging…
The Librarian
28 October 2009
Stumbling in the Dark
How do I find destiny? How do I find a calling? A niche?
When everyone around me seems to have found what they are meant to do in life, I am left stumbling in the dark, trying to find a path of my own. I have dreams, of course. But are they realistic? Realistic enough to pursue? And with that, there are so many lives I want to live. I want to travel, but then I want to settle and have a family. I want to be an archeologist, but then I want to work in a library or a museum. I cannot have both, and yet I must make a choice. But how? We’ve been told all our lives to follow our dreams, but how do we follow them all?
I’m beginning to think it may not be possible. When all is said and done, there will still be a part of us that longs for something we did not pursue. Perhaps it was for the better, but the longing is still present. Will we feel unfulfilled? Or will we feel so satisfied with the choice we did make that the lost one won’t matter?
I hope for the latter.
“When in disgrace with fortune and men’s eyes
I all alone beweep my outcast state
And trouble deaf heaven with bootless cries
And look upon myself and curse my fate
Wishing me like to one more rich in hope
Featured like him, like him with friends possessed
Desiring this man’s art, or that man’s scope
With what I most enjoy contented least
Yet in these thoughts myself almost despising
Haply, I think on thee, and then my state
Like to the lark at break of day arising
From sullen earth, sings hymns at heaven’s gate
For thy sweet love such wealth brings
That then I scorn to change my state with kings.”
Thank you, Shakespeare. Perhaps one day soon I shall find my way in the darkness. But I will need a guiding light. That light is the support, ideas, and love from those whom I hold closest. Probably without knowing it, you all have made a significant impact on my life, and I thank you for it.
I wish you luck. Though I keep a little for myself. Know that I’m going through the same thing, and you’re not alone.
Until next inspiration
The Librarian
When everyone around me seems to have found what they are meant to do in life, I am left stumbling in the dark, trying to find a path of my own. I have dreams, of course. But are they realistic? Realistic enough to pursue? And with that, there are so many lives I want to live. I want to travel, but then I want to settle and have a family. I want to be an archeologist, but then I want to work in a library or a museum. I cannot have both, and yet I must make a choice. But how? We’ve been told all our lives to follow our dreams, but how do we follow them all?
I’m beginning to think it may not be possible. When all is said and done, there will still be a part of us that longs for something we did not pursue. Perhaps it was for the better, but the longing is still present. Will we feel unfulfilled? Or will we feel so satisfied with the choice we did make that the lost one won’t matter?
I hope for the latter.
“When in disgrace with fortune and men’s eyes
I all alone beweep my outcast state
And trouble deaf heaven with bootless cries
And look upon myself and curse my fate
Wishing me like to one more rich in hope
Featured like him, like him with friends possessed
Desiring this man’s art, or that man’s scope
With what I most enjoy contented least
Yet in these thoughts myself almost despising
Haply, I think on thee, and then my state
Like to the lark at break of day arising
From sullen earth, sings hymns at heaven’s gate
For thy sweet love such wealth brings
That then I scorn to change my state with kings.”
Thank you, Shakespeare. Perhaps one day soon I shall find my way in the darkness. But I will need a guiding light. That light is the support, ideas, and love from those whom I hold closest. Probably without knowing it, you all have made a significant impact on my life, and I thank you for it.
I wish you luck. Though I keep a little for myself. Know that I’m going through the same thing, and you’re not alone.
Until next inspiration
The Librarian
21 September 2009
The Oath
I recently saw something very disturbing on Facebook. One of my friends had taken a quiz entitled "How long would you wait for sex?" Result: "You're a saint!! You could wait a whole 4 months to have sex with your bf/gf! You really value getting to know your partner before taking that step."
I was appalled! Really? 4 months is considered a LONG time?! What happened to waiting until marriage? To valuing yourself enough to wait for the right person?
I can say with my head held high that I count myself among the individuals who have chosen to wait. Not for religious reasons, but as a promise to myself.
If you've made a similar promise, and want to make it formal, you can sign the True Love Waits pledge on their website. I've already done so :-)
lifeway.com/tlw
I fear greatly the society that my future children will grow up in. If 4 months is equivalent to "forever" now, imagine what it could be in the future! 2 months? One month? Perhaps it will just become a social activity, not requiring the participants to even be in a relationship! An awful thought!
Is sex special anymore? Or has it already become a meaningless activity meant only for recreation?
I don't have the answer to that. All I know is that I still hold it in high regard. What my peers think is probably a completely different story. I just wanted to share my thoughts. And to reassure society that there is at least one college student who's waiting.
The Librarian
I was appalled! Really? 4 months is considered a LONG time?! What happened to waiting until marriage? To valuing yourself enough to wait for the right person?
I can say with my head held high that I count myself among the individuals who have chosen to wait. Not for religious reasons, but as a promise to myself.
If you've made a similar promise, and want to make it formal, you can sign the True Love Waits pledge on their website. I've already done so :-)
lifeway.com/tlw
I fear greatly the society that my future children will grow up in. If 4 months is equivalent to "forever" now, imagine what it could be in the future! 2 months? One month? Perhaps it will just become a social activity, not requiring the participants to even be in a relationship! An awful thought!
Is sex special anymore? Or has it already become a meaningless activity meant only for recreation?
I don't have the answer to that. All I know is that I still hold it in high regard. What my peers think is probably a completely different story. I just wanted to share my thoughts. And to reassure society that there is at least one college student who's waiting.
The Librarian
14 September 2009
What is Religion?
What is religion? The formal definition is: "a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs." (dictionary.com)
My views on the subject vary slightly from those of my peers. If someone asks me, "What religion are you?", I find it very difficult to answer them. The fact is, I find truth in just about every religion I've come across. Each one has aspects which I agree with whole-heartedly, as well as other parts which I do not. I'll use the example of Christianity, since it seems to be the easiest. Yes, I believe in God, and that he came to earth, sacrificed himself for the well-being of humanity, etc. You know the story. But I do not believe in the condemning of homosexuals. Or that a child who misbehaves their parents should be put to death. Or a woman who lies with a man outside of marriage should be stoned to death. Being a student of History, I would say that, when reading the Bible, one must take into consideration the historical context in which it was written. In those days, perhaps many of the things written in the Bible would have been accepted. But in modern society?
And so I pull various beliefs from many religions. Christianity (Protestant and Catholic), Buddhism, witchcraft, Hinduism, Judaism, Islam...the list goes on. I've been gifted with a very open mind. One that enjoys listening to other beliefs, as well as deeply questioning my own. If a person believes something without questioning it at all, then just how truely does that person believe? Belief without understanding is the same as not believing, in my opinion.
It's nearly time to go off to class. (I wish I had longer breaks)
Farewell
The Librarian
My views on the subject vary slightly from those of my peers. If someone asks me, "What religion are you?", I find it very difficult to answer them. The fact is, I find truth in just about every religion I've come across. Each one has aspects which I agree with whole-heartedly, as well as other parts which I do not. I'll use the example of Christianity, since it seems to be the easiest. Yes, I believe in God, and that he came to earth, sacrificed himself for the well-being of humanity, etc. You know the story. But I do not believe in the condemning of homosexuals. Or that a child who misbehaves their parents should be put to death. Or a woman who lies with a man outside of marriage should be stoned to death. Being a student of History, I would say that, when reading the Bible, one must take into consideration the historical context in which it was written. In those days, perhaps many of the things written in the Bible would have been accepted. But in modern society?
And so I pull various beliefs from many religions. Christianity (Protestant and Catholic), Buddhism, witchcraft, Hinduism, Judaism, Islam...the list goes on. I've been gifted with a very open mind. One that enjoys listening to other beliefs, as well as deeply questioning my own. If a person believes something without questioning it at all, then just how truely does that person believe? Belief without understanding is the same as not believing, in my opinion.
It's nearly time to go off to class. (I wish I had longer breaks)
Farewell
The Librarian
12 September 2009
As My Eyes Stare Forward
Solemn
Humble
Modest
They say these are qualities of the righteous
They say that I should bow completely
Make myself wholly vulnerable
But do I cast my eyes downward before God?
I refuse, though that makes me less of a man
In your eyes that fall, as my eyes stare forward…
You ask why it is I have gone astray
They say that everything happens for a reason
God has a plan
But was it in God’s plan to lead me away?
To lead me into a dark forest
Only to be abandoned
Left alone to live for myself
To find my own way
For this I have done
I have found my own way
Made my own path
Without the help of your god, whom you fear to meet the eye of
The all powerful, all knowing, all loving god
You whisper wishes in the privacy of your mind
But have these ‘prayers’ been answered?
Did the skies open up?
Doves swarm and cry peace?
Innocence always treasured?
Love granted?
Because you asked it so?
I think not
Why would it be that he would answer to you?
Unless you assume god to be your slave…
But then, why is it you bow to him?
And so I stand boldly
For though your god may not be my slave…
I am not his
But you cannot see His smile
As He sees that I have learned
The Truth
Why it is that your eyes fall, as mine stare forward.
Humble
Modest
They say these are qualities of the righteous
They say that I should bow completely
Make myself wholly vulnerable
But do I cast my eyes downward before God?
I refuse, though that makes me less of a man
In your eyes that fall, as my eyes stare forward…
You ask why it is I have gone astray
They say that everything happens for a reason
God has a plan
But was it in God’s plan to lead me away?
To lead me into a dark forest
Only to be abandoned
Left alone to live for myself
To find my own way
For this I have done
I have found my own way
Made my own path
Without the help of your god, whom you fear to meet the eye of
The all powerful, all knowing, all loving god
You whisper wishes in the privacy of your mind
But have these ‘prayers’ been answered?
Did the skies open up?
Doves swarm and cry peace?
Innocence always treasured?
Love granted?
Because you asked it so?
I think not
Why would it be that he would answer to you?
Unless you assume god to be your slave…
But then, why is it you bow to him?
And so I stand boldly
For though your god may not be my slave…
I am not his
But you cannot see His smile
As He sees that I have learned
The Truth
Why it is that your eyes fall, as mine stare forward.
11 September 2009
First Post
Well, I've decided to try the blogging thing. I'm hoping that perhaps I'll learn a bit about myself, and hopefully have some feedback on my thoughts and ideas. (Debate and opposing thoughts are always welcome).
You're probably wondering what the title of the blog, As My Eyes Stare Forward, is all about. It's the title of a poem that I wrote in High School. I'll be sure to get that up here soon. It has to do with my beliefs, religiously, and my thoughts about other people who claim to be deeply religious, but are deeply flawed otherwise.
A little about myself, I'm a sophomore in college. I'm a double major in History, as well as Museum Studies. And am also a Latin minor. And some seem to think I'm insane for it. :) Other than that, I'm a fairly laid-back person. I enjoy reading, and letting my mind wander to places that many people fear to go. (I also have a deep-seeded, self-proclaimed obsession with the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, but that's for another time).
I wish that I had more time to write, but History class is calling me. Until next time!
The Librarian
You're probably wondering what the title of the blog, As My Eyes Stare Forward, is all about. It's the title of a poem that I wrote in High School. I'll be sure to get that up here soon. It has to do with my beliefs, religiously, and my thoughts about other people who claim to be deeply religious, but are deeply flawed otherwise.
A little about myself, I'm a sophomore in college. I'm a double major in History, as well as Museum Studies. And am also a Latin minor. And some seem to think I'm insane for it. :) Other than that, I'm a fairly laid-back person. I enjoy reading, and letting my mind wander to places that many people fear to go. (I also have a deep-seeded, self-proclaimed obsession with the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, but that's for another time).
I wish that I had more time to write, but History class is calling me. Until next time!
The Librarian
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)