Personal Response - Freedom

“I think the environment should be put in the category of our national security. Defense of our resources is just as important as defense abroad. Otherwise, what is there to defend?” 

Robert Redford

Our natural environment provides us with everything that we ever need such as oxygen, water, food and resources. Many of the earth's resources are now vulnerable because they are influenced by human impact across the world. Therefore, I think concern for environment should be put in the category of our national security.

Environmental concerns are growing due to many reasons such as overpopulation, new technology and the high demand for natural resources. Humans are cutting forests to build infrastructure. However, they do not think of the consequences they might face in the future as deforestation disturbs the natural cycle between the environment and life on the earth. It can also cause global warming because there will be less trees to absorb carbon dioxide. Since, natural resources are limited, they should not be overused. Otherwise they will be gone forever. Instead, we could use renewable energy. This would also help save the environment from global warming. The use of environmentally unfriendly materials such as plastic should be discouraged. Safer environmentally friendly vehicles should be used. For short distances, people should be encouraged to use bicycles instead of motor-based vehicles. Domestic and industrial disposal should not be allowed to be dumped into the sea or ocean and the domestic and industrial garbage should be segregated as recyclable and non-recyclable before being dumped.

Throughout the evolution of Homo Sapiens, we have fulfilled our needs by destroying the natural environment without realising that it can have an impact on the future generations. Therefore, defending our resources is very important. Otherwise, what is there to defend?

(Nanki, IB2)

Happiness - internal or external?

Happiness, or lack of it, is perhaps the most crucial factor in determining our quality of life. Some of us feel happy when we are accepted by those around us. Others believe we can only really achieve happiness when we learn to accept ourselves. Personally, I believe that it is a ‘chicken and egg’ scenario. So which comes first?

There is no doubt that most people, even those with the toughest skins, are concerned about how others view them. Being viewed in a negative light can lead to feelings of depression. It can cause people to react in one of two ways; either they retreat from society or they change themselves so as to be accepted. This change can be good, particularly if a person improves; however, if a person changes just to be accepted by others, it may actually increase unhappiness levels. Therefore, to be truly happy, it is important that we also learn how to accept who we are. We must realise that nobody is perfect, but that we should also strive for improvement. This goal of self-improvement will lead to more self-happiness. Ultimately, improved self-happiness will lead to us being accepted by others, increasing the happiness and sense of wellness in both the individual and the group.

To summarise, no man is an island; our sense of happiness depends on how we treat each other. Learning to accept ourselves is the first stage in being accepted by others. Once we can can do this, the path to happiness is made smoother for everyone.

The need for advertisements

Many people are critical as to the enormous sums of money being spent on advertising, particularly those advertisements aimed at younger people. While there is no doubt that some advertising budgets are way over the top –  for example, just look at some of the budgets of large companies like Coca Cola, MacDonalds and Nestle – I believe that it is still important for advertisers to make people aware of their products.

There are a number of reasons for this. First of all, how can an advertiser attract new customers. Word-of-mouth might work in some cases; however, advertisements, be they print, on television or radio, or on the internet, are needed to reach potential new customers over a wider area. In addition, advertisements are needed to inform current customers of any improvements or additional services to their existing range of products. Without this, products will not be used to their full capacity. Furthermore, advertisers are always worried about losing market share to rivals. Well-delivered advertising campaigns can ensure that advertisers not only gain new customers but also keep their existing ones. Finally, like it or not, the advertising industry is a very important source of employment. Many people are employed in the area of market research, advertisement design and sales; without advertisements, many people would be without relatively well-paid jobs.

In conclusion, advertisers need advertisements to ensure that they attract new customers, keep existing ones and to keep their current sales and marketing employees in work. However, advertisers also need to justify how they spend each of their advertising dollars.

Is technology exceeding humanity?

Ladies and gentlemen, Einstein once said that “It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity”. To a certain extent, I agree with him. For example, weapons technology is resulting in more people dying not just in wars but also on everyday streets. However, when technology is used for people benefit, such as with household appliances and medical care, it is clear that technology is enhancing our humanity.

We live in a time unlike any other with so many new technological advancements at our fingertips, which make our lives much easier. For example smartphones, household appliances and medical care. Smartphones are safe and reliable to use. They allow people to stay in touch, even over long distances, and also allow them to gain access to information and answers to questions very quickly. In the medical field, doctors and nurses need to get information about patients quickly and easily. Technology has been able to provide faster and more accurate results. Another advantage in the medical field is for people with diabetes. With the advancement in technology, people are now able to get accurate glucose level readings without going to hospitals.

However, technologies can also be used for bad proposes, for example weapons. On the one hand there are many benefits of using weapons. One benefit is that hunters have moved from using of arrows and spears to guns. As the guns are more accurate and effective, hunters do not need to run around chasing animals like they used to do before. Another benefit is that having a gun is good when it comes to defending yourself and your family against attackers and criminals. On the other hand, it is also important to acknowledge the fact that this increase in gun ownership can also bring harm. Some people store guns in their homes while others always carry them around so the risk of violence and accidents is very high. Kids can get hold of a gun that is inside the house and shoot others. There are many instances where people who own guns have ended up shooting other people accidentally. Guns are also used to commit suicide and that is why they should always be in the right hands.

In conclusion, in society today, people cannot imagine their lives without the use of technology. Some of these technologies are being used to harm. However, I believe that for every disadvantage that technology brings us, it also brings us more advantages, thereby enhancing humanity, not exceeding it.

Cycle 11 - 17/11/16 to 25/11/16

Time	Place	Content
D2-P4	ELS1	Chp 3 - Pg 72-74
D3-P1	ELS2	2nd draft of writing (p71) Chp 3 - Pg 75-77 (HW - finish reading if necessary)
D6-P5	ELS1	Longer writing Chp 3 - Pg 83-86

Cycle 10 - 09/11/16 to 16/11/16

Time	Place	Content
D2-P4	ELS1	Analyse personal repsonse pg 63 2nd draft of personal response
D3-P1	ELS2	Chp 3 - Pg 70-71 HW - Writing activity P71 (Due Day 6 Period 5)
D6-P5	ELS1	Analyse personal response pg67 2nd draft of personal response Chp 3 - Pg 72-74

Cycle 9 - 01/11/16 to 09/11/16

Time	Place	Content
D2-P4	ELS1	Chp 3 - Pg 61-62
D3-P1	ELS2	Chp 3 - Pg 63, personal response
D6-P5	ELS1	Chp 3 - 64-66 HW - 2nd draft personal repsonse (Due Day 2 Period 4)

Cycle 1 - 18/08/16 to 25/08/16

Day 2 - Period 4 (ELS1)

Chapter 6, Pg 213-215 - Stereotypes and gender roles

Day 3 - Period 1 (ELS1)

Chapter 6, Pg 215 - Personal response
HW - Pg 216, 217 - Deadline Day 6

Day 6 - Period 7 (ELS2)

Chapter 6, Pg 218-22
HW - Pg 222 Written assignment