Author: philly321

Summaries-Philly321

Is PTSD Contagious?

It seems counterintuitive that we allow ordinary individuals to enter harmful, chaotic environments that ultimately affect both their physical and mental health in an effort to protect other people.  And to then assume, that after they endure life altering events, that they will either return to their former lives or even maintain a normal, healthy lifestyle without any effect upon their family members.

Secondary traumatic stress develops with people who have a close relationship with someone who has fallen victim to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. While Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is not physically contagious, the mental impact can develop on a day to day basis in the form of hypervigilance, which is an increased level of anxiety that causes someone to be vigilant of his or her surroundings. The problem goes beyond a soldier’s state of mental health and spills into the lives of the people around them.  They can develop similar symptoms subconsciously via exposure to loud, disruptive behavior.

Over 30 percent of the spouses of soldiers diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder following the Vietnam War were diagnosed with Secondary Traumatic Stress Disorder. More recently, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder has nearly tripled in size due to Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.  Consider the growing number of spouses and other family members who have been exposed to or are expected to be compliant with those who have been diagnosed with this disease. These people need to be supportive and need support for themselves at the same time. Sadly, this situation is frequently one-sided in favor of the soldier diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

It also seems counterintuitive that the U.S. Army only assists families of active-duty personnel. They currently do not take action to treat the side effects associated with being in an unpredictable environment, often for more than one tour of duty, that can cause a spouse or child to inherit similar characteristics. It is expected that families can withstand the secondhand effects from war and grow into normal, functioning people. The U.S. Army’s narrow-mindedness and lack of expanded focus and funding has allowed for an increase in Secondary Traumatic Stress by thrusting bilious soldiers into a house, which often results in a negative, distressing environment for the people around them.

Nevertheless, the United States of America prides themselves as being protectors of their country, but neglect to support and understand, or even acknowledge, the families who face the actual consequences of war without any moral and mental support.

http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2013/01/ptsd-epidemic-military-vets-families

The Cruelest Show on Earth

It seems counterintuitive that many wild animals are forced into captivity, removed from their natural habitat, to become a human spectacle on the premise of profit and amusement. Then, those same animals are expected to perform in the same way repeatedly without showing any signs of unease or unpredictability. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what is happening.

When Kenny, a three-year-old Asian elephant, passed away in a pool of blood following a show held by Feld Entertainment, it was discovered he did not die of natural causes. Kenny was cleared for his show even after showing signs of blood loss and discomfort.  His handlers disregarded federal regulations requiring that a sick elephant must get prompt medical attention and approval by a veterinarian.

The people of Feld Entertainment viewed Kenny more as an item, while pushing the animal to a dangerous level, to imply that he was only good for the money he brought in. As usual, we fail to see the beauty that these animals possess by virtue of our power over them, only to enhance our lives by abusing them and forcing them into an act they had no business being in.

Imagine what we ask of these animals when we make them perform through outrageous, life threatening illnesses. We insist that these forms of senseless enjoyment are worthy by purchasing tickets to a show than we neglect to take into consideration the overall well-being of the elephant because our personal satisfaction has been met. Kenny’s blood is on our hands.

http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2011/10/ringling-bros-elephant-abuse

The Surprising Science of Happiness

It seems counterintuitive that happiness can be attained through a negative, life altering event on the basis of our mindset to persevere, to fully believe, by allowing ourselves to achieve serenity and be able to accept the lives we are given. However, that exactly what is happening.

A survey was introduced to both people who won the lottery and to others who have become paraplegic. The survey required both to talk about their overall happiness a year after their experiences and their answers were exactly the same; they were both happy. The survey, perhaps, was given to engage our minds and transform the way we view a certain aspect of life. While being paraplegic is certainly frightful, they were forced to look at their disability in a positive light rather than drown in their own misery.

The Impact Bias is the tendency to overestimate the hedonic impact of future events. That means that our brains allow us to predetermine the effects of something and avoid it to maintain a healthy, effective lifestyle. What does it mean if we cannot avoid the situation? The purpose of the Impact Bias is to force people to think about the other side of picture and to help cope with an event such as living with a disability.

We expect paraplegics to be unhappy based on their inability to perform normal activities and assume that a life altering event has one side and leads to a variety of damaging side effects like suicide and depression. Happiness lies in the mind of someone who is stuck in a position where all they have left is to be positive. Yet, we remain a country who disparages the idea of positivity by slapping a label on someone who is supposed to be miserable, but has used their situation as a source of happiness within itself.

http://www.ted.com/talks/dan_gilbert_asks_why_are_we_happy#t-180598

Moving Image-Philly321

0:01

The opening scene starts off with a middle aged man turning the volume louder on his stereo. His facial expression shows that he filled with good, lively energy. Based on his dress shirt, it seems he is trying to impress someone. However, his sleeves are rolled up slightly to indicate that he is comfortable and relaxed. He is in great physical condition. The shirt outlines his build, which resembles that of a body builder. The wall suggests that he is indoors, possibly a house of some sort. The speaker shows that this took place in the past because there is a tape player. The father seems mesmerized by the sound of music. Is the music for his own personal enjoyment or for the enjoyment of others? Regardless, the volume indicates that he is getting ready for something.

0:02-0:03

The man is breaking and putting ice cubes into a bucket, which suggests that he is having company. The amount of ice shows that their might be more than one person. The ice bucket could have multiple purposes such as holding a bottle of wine or keeping a variety of beverages cold. Often times a bucket of that size is used plainly to put ice in a soda or glass of wine. His careful precision with the ice into the bucket shows that he does not want to make a mess and indicates that his company is very important to him.

0:04-0:05

Here, this man is pouring pretzels into a bowl. The combination of ice and pretzels shows that this event is casual. Up to this point, the man has not prepared anything fancy or romantic, which suggests this could be for a friend or a child. Pretzels are not a necessity, but can be used as comfort food when people are talking. The colorful bowl hints to the idea that his guests are children or close family. The bowl is meant to be seen as playful and appealing. Also, the bowl is small to show that there could only be one or two guests.

0:05-0:06

The camera angle shifts a little further back to get a full view of the refrigerator and a few beverages that the man seems to be placing into it. The cans are colorful and resemble a kid’s drink such as tomato juice. Once again, the video suggests that his company are younger based solely on the variety of lively colors. His facial expression seems a little more flushed with fatigue. Setting up for his guests has taken its toll on him, but he still seems anxious for his guests to arrive. The size of his refrigerator suggests that he does not live alone. The refrigerator alone is enough to feed a few people. The amount of drinks that he is putting into the refrigerator suggests that he is more than prepared for his visitors.

0:06-0:08

A delivery man appears at the door with a box and a separate bag of food. He is dressed in all red to solidify his role as a delivery man. Without these matching colors, the audience may have been confused about his role. The man at the door gladly retrieves his food with a big smile. He showed no hesitation when he answered the door, which shows that he was expecting the delivery man. The man is leaning slightly forward in an effort to communicate with the delivery man. This could mean that he is comfortable and orders food a lot.

0:09

A green table is carefully placed in the middle of a living room type setting. The green table shows the repetition of the playful colors placed in this video. The table is small which indicates that there can only be a few people coming. Also, a green table is usually used for some type of card game, which suggests he wants to entertain his guests. His hand placement reveals that he wants everything to be perfect and neat. The painting on the walls shows a mixture of colors, which could be intriguing to an infant. The kitchen in the back has marble counter tops and tiles on the walls to give it more of a modern look. The modern look in his house also portrays wealth. The various kitchen supplies on the kitchen counter show that multiple people live in the house. The kitchen seems massive for just one person.

0:10

A chair is placed beside the table furthest away from the man. This seat implies that he plans to play something with his guest. What game? The audience has yet to find out. However, his efforts to set this whole thing up seem to be strenuous and exhausting. His dedication to make this a perfect night obviously shows that he cares deeply for the people coming over. In the background the audience gets another look at a big piece of furniture. The multiple drawers are meant to show that many people live there. There would not be large pieces of furniture for any other reason than to show he does not live alone.

0:11-0:13

The camera angle shows that there are three seats surrounding the table. The man sits between both, which signifies that he is entertaining two guests. He sits down on his chair to show that he is ready for his guests to arrive. He has prepared everything and now he has to play the waiting game. He has a deck of cards that he stacks on the table. There are no chips or anything that would suggest he is gambling. The cards symbolize the playfulness of the event. His sleeves are rolled up. His shirt is unbuttoned. His mindset is ready for a fun night rather than a serious, romantic dinner.

0:14-0:15

The cards are being dispersed into three piles, including one for the man. This gesture assures the audience that there are most likely two guests. The three piles of cards give us an idea that the game could be gold fish or some child-like game. His hands are moving faster, which suggests his guests are arriving soon. Also, his hand motion shows his energetic attitude towards this event. If the cards were distributed slowly, it could indicate that he is dreading this occasion.

0:16-0:17

The camera angle switches to a close up to the gentleman’s face. His facial expression has gotten very serious. His hand placement is very important because he trying his very best to hide his cards from his opponent. The cards are very close to his face. He is looking out the corner of his eye to possibly see if someone is or was looking at his cards. He is taking this event very seriously and seems eager to win. There are five cards in his hand, which reveals that the game is most likely gold fish or some other fun, kid-like game.

0:18

Here, the camera angle switches so that the entirety of the man is visible. However, the guests are still cut out of the frame. The man lowers his cards. His lip posture suggests that he is about to say something verbal to his opponent on his right. He seems like he is about to say something offensive. His eye brows are pointing downward towards his nose which shows that he is angry about something. Perhaps he is accusing someone of cheating or discussing the rules of the game. Either way the man seems displeased by one of his guests.

0:19

Two young boys enter the screen. This shows that this man is the possible father of these two children because they are very close to one another and seem comfortable. Once again, the kitchen enters in the background with a bundle of kitchen supplies. The background is meant to express the idea of family. The man is looking towards the boy on his right annoyingly.  He seems intrigued with what the boy has to say. The boy on the other side is about to say something. Yet, he also seems fascinated with what the other boy has to say. Everyone at the table is actively participating in the conversation one way or another. The young children both have cards in their hand. The deck of cards is placed directly in the center of the table. This set up advocates that they are playing a playful card game. There are no chips or anything of that nature at the table.

0:20

The boy on the right is making a silly face towards the man. His jaw drops and he seems surprised by what just happened. The man’s facial expression shows that he slightly grinning and it could be inferred that he thinks the scenario is funny. The boy to the man’s left is shouting something across the table. This occasion looks lively and filled with positive energy. The camera angle has moved back a little revealing the children’s drinks. There is a juice box and a cup of what looks to be tomato juice or some other flavorful juice. In addition, the children have a plate of healthy foods such as peanut butter and jelly and oranges. This frame portrays the importance of family and eating healthy. The purpose of the food and drinks could be to encourage people watching the video to eat healthier.

0:21

The mood has drastically changed. The man is now visibly happy and content. All of the preparation for this occasion looks like it has finally paid off. The child on the left is laughing as the other is making a goofy face. This picture portrays a happy atmosphere and perhaps symbolizes what family is all about. This “father figure” has meaning and is shown to stress the importance of spending time with family. Making other people happy can lead to one’s own personal happiness.

0:22

The children are celebrating a victory. The “father figure” places his cards down with a comical expression on his face. His eyes are shot in disbelief that these children have beaten him. Perhaps he let them win to make them happier. Regardless, the man’s smile shows that his happiness does not lay in the game itself. His happiness is found by surrounding himself with people he cares deeply about. The child on his right is doing somewhat of a victory dance as the child on the left is laughing in the man’s face. The setting has not changed, but the people’s attitudes have.

 

 

Stone Money-Philly321

P1. Money originated from a string of shared beliefs in Yap, a small group of islands in the Pacific Ocean.  A large, cylinder-like stone, referred to as a rai stone, was used as a source of currency to pay for trade amongst the Yap Islanders.  In his article, “The Megalithic Money of Yap”, Stella Novus said, “the rai stones were special, reserved for things like a bride’s dowry or exchanged when one tribe came to the aid of another in time of war and hardship”.  Although the massive stones rarely moved, the system assumed ownership regarding a trade based on these large stones.  In this respect, America’s banking system collapsed based on of the Yap ideas of ownership.  As French gold reserves grew, the United States gold reserves plummeted, thus causing the downfall of the U.S. Economy.  Ownership of the gold allowed France to feel a sense of dominance over the United States even though their gold was based in the United States.  This idea of ownership based on a mark or label really baffles me. I have difficulty understanding the ability to own something that may not be in your physical presence.  I feel an overwhelming sense of distance from the things that I “own” such as my car or television.  Having thought in depth about the concept of money, my perspective on currency and the things that I supposedly “own” has drastically changed.

P2. Furthermore, the 21st century is very complex when it comes to cash management and movement. Technology has taken ‘money’ by storm in terms of physical storage and distribution.  Online banking started in New York in 1981 with the help of large banks such as Citibank. New York set a platform for the online banking system, which may have been strange for the Yap Islanders. However, a connection could be made in terms of ownership between the Yap Islands and people of the 21st century as the Yap Islanders may have not seen their stone they were trading for, but they knew someone on the island must own it. Similar to earlier banking, people may not see their cash and earnings, but they know that it is safe in a bank based on a computer record and added government regulation. After hearing about these concepts my mind is filled with questions and ideas about the intrinsic value of money. The Yap Islanders based all of their trades on something that was not in their possession. I gained a great deal of knowledge from the birth of money and how the banking system was created. Although the concept of money is tough to wrap my head around, the Yap Islanders gave me a whole new perspective on the innate value of money.

P3. The public’s faith in the value of currency allows an economy to maintain stability. Once the public establishes a little bit of faith, the value of currency develops. In 1994, during the presidency of Itamar Franco, Edmar Bacha used a “Unit of Real Value” to gain the public’s trust. In the article, “Brazil-The Real Plan”, Country Studies said, “The Unit of Real Value did not depend on general price and wage freeze to stop inflation”. Bacha used this false idea of money to make it appear that Brazilian’s were not facing a constant rise in inflation. However, the Unit of Real Value differed in cruzeiros, which meant the Brazilians were still paying different amounts depending on the day. Once Brazilian’s bought into the URVs, people never bothered to question the price in cruzeiros — the economy turned around based on blind faith in something fictitious.  In relation to the Yap Islands, I find it extraordinary that money can be presented in various different ways representing different values nearly at the same time. I strongly believe that money is fictitious. Bacha was able to gain the Brazilians’ trust even though his idea of money was not real.  Brazil’s belief in a Unit of Real Value gave their banking system stability and helped them to avoid major debt, unlike Japan.  Japan’s plan to rebuild their economy has many advantages such as fixing inflation, developing new technologies, supporting finance firms overseas, etc., but their major problem lies with Europe.  If other countries adapt similar strategies, Japan could be in for a currency war across Europe.  Therefore, I believe that it is important for Japan to really sell its financial ideas to the people in order to be successful.  As Edmar Bacha believed, the people are the foundation for an effective economy.

Works Cited

Country Studies. “Brazil- The Real Plan.” Brazil- The Real Plan. U.S. Library of Congress,            2012. Web. 13 Sept. 2016.

Friedman, Milton. “The Island of Stone Money.” Diss. Hoover Institution, Stanford                         University,     Feb. 1991. Web. 13 Sept. 2016.

Novus, Stella. “The Megalithic Money of Yap.” Ancient Origins. Ancient Origins, 04 Jan.                   2013. Web. 12 Sept. 2016.

“The Invention of Money.” 423: The Invention of Stone Money. This Is American Life,                     WBEZ. Chicago. 7 Jan. 2011. Web. 13 Sept. 2016.