Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Sadism

Sadism is when a person obtains enjoyment or pleasure of the inflicting pain of others. For example, on the Stanford prison experiment, it can be said that the conductor of the experiment gained knowledge and saw the suffering of another human-being. The Stanford prison experiment was lead by Professor Phillip Zimbardo that wanted to see the emotional causes made  Nor did his experiment go beyond the morals of the individuals being tested on, but the individuals later had become "grossly absorbed in their roles" as prisoners. (486) Zimbardo had also hope to "promote disorientation, depersonalisation, and deindividualisation." (487) What has the world come to? Not only do humans follow physical cruelty, but use it as their benefit of personal attainment.The participants emotions were tormented that lead to the blindness of the heart's sentiments. Empathy was ignored in this case.






Another example, is when Hogarth illustrates the deviance behavior caused by the character Tom Nero. Tom Nero was simply a demonic ""tender-hearted boy", that as he grew older, he started to use physical violence to animals. All the small creatures he tormented were all innocent of such cause, but just by his amusement of violence, led him to his own death. Therefore, the reward of cruelty came along his way. All the bad deeds he committed ended up coming back to him.


The four stages of cruelty

The cruelty among animals has to stop! All animals should have the liberty to express their feelings. Like they always say dogs is a man's best friend. The cruel violence among all animals is unethical. Many people tend to abuse the rights of innocent creatures that cannot defend themselves. Just because of the problems around us make us who we are or shape us in way, should not be tolerated either way. Our misfortunes cannot lead to the humiliation of others. As human beings, we should all interact together as unison and create a better environment for the betterment of others. For example, the "origins of cruelty to animals and what such behavior might indicate about an individual's capacity for empathy and his or her possible future behavior." (498) We don't want our world to be condemned by the evil vibe that can only harm our surroundings. We want out society to prosper and know from right and wrong. Especially, when it comes to animals. Sadism should not even be a word that should be in our dictionary, meaning it shouldn't exist period! An improvement for the equal rights of animals has slowly advanced. A law has been created to protect the animals from torture of any human-kind. For instance, "the law was enacted not to suppress speech, but to prevent horrific acts of animal cruelty." (502) I want to see that one day, in where all animals are free and born free.




Torture to the beagle dogs that they make them smoke


Citation:
The Anthology

Images:
[1] http://www.uh.edu/engines/epi2268.htm
[2] http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2280/1848699134_428ab3a0c5.jpg
[3] http://thomaspainescorner.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/smoking_beagles1236205373.jpg

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Critical Thinking

As I read the book, "Love dogs, eat pigs, and wear cows" by Melanie Joy, the idea of eating meat or carnism has proven to be a "choice." A choice that as humans, have the right to choose the food we want to eat, to be a part of our dietary nutrients. For example, we can live a healthy lifestyle with eating fruits, vegetables, and grains that all show to be in our pyramid food. But yet, eating meat can be healthy for you, but just knowing the real facts on how meats are processed, that is when eating meat should be a choice.


Eating meat should not be a part of our daily intakes!


Now in days, individuals tend to eat meat without realizing how "meat or animals" are being processed. Sometimes people just tend to be ignorant and not even look how reality really is. For example, I once showed the video "Earthlings" to a couple of friends and not only did they last about twenty minutes of the video until they watched where the cows were being killed in the slaughter houses, but right after a couple of hours they ate a hamburger that contained meat. I was amazed by their decision as they ordered their meal. Why do people tend to eat meat without realizing the effects that come with it? Animals such as, cows, lambs, goats, chickens all have feelings that we may not see because we can't interact with them with the same language of their same species would, but feelings are feelings. They are differ from humans, in which we can talk and say how we feel, but as to us they are unoffensive, innocent creatures. Therefore, we should stop eating meat. What would you feel knowing you were destined to die and be a meal for other people?




All animals should be treated equal and look beyond your feelings!


My question is, why are we so influenced by what we perceive the world or life "ought to be?" For example, we categorize all animals into two categories. The categories go by being edible or inedible. For instance, we see dogs as animals we can keep as pets, but not cows or chickens.This process of thinking, is "cynical, not only do our beliefs ultimately lead to our actions, but our actions also reinforce our beliefs." (443) I believe that any animal can be a pet if you make a connection or interaction with the animal. In that case, all animals should be given the opportunity to live and as us human beings be part of the "vegetarian group" which is a "natural thing" to do. We all follow a "belief system" that we use in regard of what we should eat. For example, "eating plants is a behavior that stems from a belief system." (446) I know eating any other kind of meat is unethical. For example, I am wrong to think such way that chickens are not meat. I categorize meat into two sections being white meat or red meat. I am all against red meat, but yet I eat chicken. I shall not think that chickens are inferior to any other animal, but I look at it as a less harmed animal that is eaten.When I see cows being slaughtered that is when I feel empathy for the animals the most. Maybe is because I see suffering the most or because I see blood the most. For example, Freud stated as follows, "the feelings that accompany eating another being are stronger--much stronger--than the accompanying thoughts." (479) As I see the cruel actions done to cows, my empathy for them grows bigger that I try to influence and make people realize we can all survive without eating meat.


Citation:
 The Anthology

Images:

[1]  http://teamnutrition.usda.gov/resources/mpk_close.pdf
[2] http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMurlXZ0STfFCNWxyqd7rq084hCtA3cDlm-oAXL2IpY8uk_clXIQL4z7M20JMWIbYwAMR5wORCwHSrApDMM5_1edHUgKg1wRLvmK3E-rUXhFeljdHneMXlzGciWufggNRzPqx-9B4mlCs/s1600/AnimalRights_3.jpg&imgrefurl=http://kallioldmaid.blogspot.com/2010_04_01_archive.html&usg=__crIGupB_95MJQatk_2xpzfWD314=&h=307&w=400&sz=21&hl=en&start=0&zoom=1&tbnid=9qG4_l1WhXmXcM:&tbnh=167&tbnw=218&prev=/images%3Fq%3Deating%2Bmeat%2Bshould%2Bbe%2Bbanned%26hl%3Den%26biw%3D1400%26bih%3D833%26gbv%3D2%26tbs%3Disch:1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=455&vpy=92&dur=12491&hovh=197&hovw=256&tx=83&ty=185&ei=hlLzTPqzGoH_8Aaw9fG7Cg&oei=hlLzTPqzGoH_8Aaw9fG7Cg&esq=1&page=1&ndsp=24&ved=1t:429,r:2,s:0

Friday, November 26, 2010

Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum



The Bob Bullock State History Museum contained different varieties of historical artifacts that showed how history around the world has changed this past years.There were many objects that showed how animals play an important role in the live of humans. For example, one the first floor one of the objects that grabbed my attention was this spiritual arrow protector. It contains feathers from an ostrich or eagle. The Native Americans believed that animals were like "spiritual beings that have characteristics just like humans."  They confirmed this by observing them, how they react to their surroundings, just like humans do. If I was an animal taken by the Native Americans I would see the sense of appreciation they give me. Humans and animals have slowly become more attached to each other as time passes.
On the second floor, I noticed this artistic object that had horses on it. As I saw it, I noticed the pride and sense of honor horses meant at the time. Horses were a major part of transportation for cowboys. When a cowboy was seen with a horse they knew he was a "real man." The bond between animals and humans has extended dramatically. Therefore, the connection of animals has brought us humans to make the world a better place through our knowledge gained by observing animals.



Texans in Service

 On the third floor, I saw this interesting bulletin board where it showed the important roles of woman and animals during the World War I. Especially, men that fought for years to set peace. Animals have been an important part in the lives of humans. The kinship between humans and animals are not yet too separate and distinct from each other. On the picture above, Texans were the major group to fight in battle with honor and pride. Animals were close to humans and always served humans as well. In the World War 1, almost 990,000 Texans registered for duty. One of the battle fields was in San Antonio, 1916. Dogs, were the man's best friend who helped them throughout the war. For example, they served as bomb detectors and one of our resources as security. We should acknowledge all the loyalty animals do for us. They truly enrich and nourish our human experience.

 Another example, that depicts the relationship between men and animals is the ability to eat, drink, and sleep. Not exactly, in the same way, but similar characteristics we share are all the same. For example, now and days we interact with animals in the same way the early humans did. We use them as pets, hunt them for food, enjoy them, and and use them as way to define behavior. Now and days, many humans don't realize how much animals serve and mean to us, but we should take it into consideration and value their true value.


[1] Picture taken by author
[2] Picture taken by author
[3] Picture taken by author

Thursday, November 25, 2010

LBJ Library and Museum


Today, September 23, 2010 my class and I had the opportunity to attend the L.B. Museum. It was a great group trip because we got to see historical documents and cultural elements the 60's had. The museum contains 45 million pages of historical documents, 650,000 photos, one million feet of motion picture film, and 5,000 hours of recordings from the public career of Lyndon Baines Johnson. He serve as one of the most prominent U.S. Senator and president. The thing that grabbed my attention the most was the great history the 60's contained. History was unpredictable at the time and acquired many ethical and leadership skills to make right the decisions. One of the leaders that influenced society and helped make a change was L.B. Johnson. For example, when he was president he had the ability to get his point across easily.

 [1]
They talk about some problems the country faces at the time.
                                        



L.B. Johnson exchanges views with H.J. President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.


One of the leadership qualities I would like to carry for myself is his “skill as a raconteur” that amused everyone. He was also a “masterful storyteller.” He was amazingly talented. He carried many characteristics that made him stand out as a political leader. He was able to conquer people's heart by his sense of care and supportive leader. He made big differences around the world that influenced the whole society. For example, he supported the civil rights movement with Martin Luther King Jr. When LBJ had ideas, he was never scared to speak up and act upon such act. He believed that the resources the government have, should be used for the betterment of the people. With the effort of all the people in unison and government support anything can be accomplished. I would like to carry his positive mind seeking and his ability to interact with other people in a easy manner especially with other people with different cultures. But most importantly, his ability to help the community and his leadership skills. His humor was incredibly outstanding. He was considered to be the “homespun wit of a hill country philosopher.” L.B. Johnson was a very talented men that innovated great ideas throughout his presidency. I admire his ability to communicate with other foreign leaders and establish a plan to set peace and equality around the world. Johnson admired all the cultures that played a major role in everyone's life. He was very talented and an easier persuader. During his legislative years he was said to be the “most effective leader in Senate history.”



L.B. Johnson posted up in his ranch 





Landmark of opportunities and hopes for America
[5] 


Another characteristic that I would like to acquire is his ability to think. He thought of every problem that society faced and wrote them all down. Just like in the picture above. He saw society's problems beyond reality and analyzed every crisis that he could think of to later try to act upon it immediately. I want to have that ability to think, of all the problems that people face, not only in my country, but as the world as a whole. He was a great analyzer that the word “nothing” never existed in his mind. He had the determination of a a cowboy, the ability to think wisely and stand out as a leader.



Horse and Groom




In the picture above, there is a horse that shows pride and beauty. Also, the dogs that is below in the base depicts his ability to set order among the deer. He barks or shouts until the deer does what the dog wants him to do. I would want to see myself to me more outspoken and to set strictly orders if I want things to be done the right way.






[1] Picture taken by author
[2] Picture taken by author
[3] Picture taken by author
[4] Picture taken by author
[5] Picture taken by author

References:

 The Humor of LBJ Austin: Lyndon Barnes Johnson Library & Museum, 2010.



Sunday, November 21, 2010

P2 Final Paper-The life of Dexter


The life of Dexter

"I want to be your best friend forever!!!"
This is Dexter...he thanks you for stopping by to learn more about him.
Dexter is a beautiful Chihuahua/Dachshund mix. He is a dog that is sweet as candy, as he licks your face and gives you a lot of kisses. His eyes are small and shiny just like the moon. If you look deep into his eyes he seems to say "I want a place I can call home!" He is the cutest thing ever. His ears are just the perfect size and they give him lots of personality. When one of his ears stands up and the other doesn't, it looks like he is winking at you with his cute ears.
   Two little brown dots just above his eyes give him that dazzling look. He's a charming guy who likes to greet

you by giving you his little paw. His body is soft like a pillow, and he loves to snuggle into a little ball and sleep 

tight. Dexter is very friendly with dogs and cats, and loves to play with squeaky toys. He is also potty trained 

and knows how to sit on command.

                     But now Dexter needs a loving home. If you are in search of a pet, come and meet Dexter and see 

if he's the right dog for you! Dexter was taken off of the euthanasia list, so if you adopt him, you are saving not 

only him but also the next dog Austin Pets Alive! can save in his place!

To find out how you can take Dexter home with you, adopt@austinpetsalive
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hello, my name is Dexter! I am a Chihuahua/Dachshund that’s a year and a half. I was looking for a place I could call home. I had been through many rough times at a young age. Moving from place to place made me feel so alone and unloved causing the presence of adults to intimidate me. The separation from my family was hard to overcome, but let me just tell you a little bit about a life that turned into a great story.
It all started when my mom gave birth to six pups and our owner couldn’t afford to take care of all of us in his home. He then abandoned my siblings and I, leaving us to fend for ourselves. I felt down when I was separated from all my siblings. My heart just shattered into pieces as I looked into my mom’s eyes and saw her gloomy face. The times she would tell us stories that made my siblings and I jump into excitement will always remain in my heart as one of my most treasured memories.  I missed the warmth, sense of security, the love and nurture I had when my siblings and I cuddled around my mom.

I was abandoned below a bridge on a highway on a cold windy night. As the days passed, I remained in the same place, hoping someone would come for me, but as each day came to an end, my hopes were repeatedly crushed. Day after day, I prayed in my sleep that someone would have even noticed I was there stranded below a bridge. But, not a single person came. My stomach growled of hunger and thirst. Every night, I would hear the rumbling noise of the cars and trucks. I had lost hope of finding a home any time soon. 


Suddenly, I thought an angel had come down from the heavens above. I was wrong! “Ouch. Ouch.” What’s going on? I was frightened as some guy in a van picked me up with a big grip. I was nervous and scared to see where he was taking me. He grabbed me and threw me in a cage in a van. Apparently, I was not the only dog inside the van.  I was startled by the dogs barking.  The doors shut down and the van started moving. I whined the whole way, not knowing where was I heading to and hoping someone would come for help. Inside the van everything was dark and depressing. Chills flowed all over my body as I felt the heat the van had created. The dogs were picked from the streets as well. They were all dying of hunger, stress, and heat exhaustion. I was frightened as the dogs howled, whined, and argued with one another. It had given me the tingling sensation. All the dogs argued because they knew what was happening and were looking for a way to escape. I was baffled by all the commotion. Everything was so suspenseful that my heart beat pounded as fast as a cheetah. Suddenly, this girl puppy started to talk to me and calmed me down.  We talked about our misfortunes and how we ended up there.
After the long drive, the van stopped. All the dogs inside looked at each other with fear. Inside the van, 

were two guys that laughed as they looked at us. I didn’t see the joke. They got all of us down on ground 

one by one. We were dragged to this barn house were we were all caged separately, but I had the luck of 

being caged with Buttons. Buttons was another Chihuahua that sooner or later became my best friend. We 

hoped for the best if anything threateningly was to happen. The place was filthy as a trash can. The dogs 

were all mistreated and not taken care of. Their fur was all tangled and dirty. Every minute that passed felt 

like an eternity for me. I would weep myself to sleep. There was not one day, where I thought about my life 

being miserable. What had I done wrong? Is it me to blame? Why me? All I ever did was to care for 

everyone I once had in my life. I am a playful dog who enjoys living life, but my misfortune of being 

abandoned had brought me to tears. Every night, I thought about my dreams I had yet to make into reality. 

For example, Christmas was around the corner and my dearest wish was to have a family of my own and a 

place I could call home.

I wondered what my future would hold.
 I noticed that the guys who had picked us up would go behind this door with some dogs, but I never saw the 

dogs come out again. The presence of the door gave me a negative vibe. Every time the door was open, a 

 strong smell came out. The smell was as strong as sulfur. That night, Buttons told me that dogs were killed 

behind those doors. They were put into gas tanks and killed! No one deserved to die in agony. Why me 

God? I asked myself, questioning everything I saw. Buttons and I would try to figure out ways to escape, but 

nothing seemed to work. Three days later, a group of people came and started checking all the cages in the 

barn. They monitored and checked all the cages as they walked by the dogs. Once they passed by the cage 

where Buttons and I was, I started to hide and curl around into a little ball. I remained quiet and shy hoping 

that they weren’t going to hurt me. Buttons, what are you doing? I asked her, as she moved closer to the 

persons timidly. She slowly let herself be petted. The APA volunteers gave full affection to Buttons when they 

petted her. We were in the last cage in the corner. Finally, they were done checking all the dogs and left. The 

next day, they come in a van and took several of us. They treated us right, with much love. I was baffled, 

thinking, what do they want from me? What did I do? I didn’t do it. They had taken us to an adoption site 

where I saw “APA volunteers“ labeled in their shirts everywhere. They left us into this cage were we had

more space to move around. People would come by and treat us with care. They walked us every day in the 

mornings and played with us too. Oh boy, were those my most favorite times I had in my whole life. Playing 

with toys, I never had before.

We didn’t have to wait as long as four days, until we got adopted. My wish had come true! The best part of all was that Buttons and I were adopted together!  We had created such a bond that I considered Buttons as one of my sisters. The joy I had was so immense that I wiggled my tail for the first time in months! Being from place to place had made me lose hope. But, for right now I am grateful, but best of all I get to meet the rest of the family this Thanksgiving day! This will be the best Thanksgiving Day ever! Now, I have a family of my own, a home, and a “sister.”  My owners consists a total of five. Now, I am happy that God listened to my prayers and granted me my dearest wish. 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appendix
Buttons blog



Buttons is an active Chihuahua mix looking for her forever home! She is a very playful dog; once you throw her a ball, she will run as fast as a cheetah and go after it. She loves toys, especially squeaky ones. This friendly girl will let anyone pet her, and she is a big fan of belly rubs. She is very gentle and sweet. She likes to go behind you shyly and then rub her little head around your leg to show affection. Buttons also seems to get along very well with dogs and cats. She is cute as a button too! Her hazel eyes and soft fur are gorgeous. Come and meet this sweetie today! Buttons was taken off of the euthanasia list, so if you adopt her, you are saving not only her but also the next dog Austin Pets Alive! can save in her place! 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dexter blog

I want to be your best friend forever!!!"
This is Dexter...he thanks you for stopping by to learn more about him.
Dexter is a beautiful Chihuahua/Dachshund mix. He is a dog that is sweet as candy, as he licks your face and gives you a lot of kisses. His eyes are small and shiny just like the moon. If you look deep into his eyes he seems to say "I want a place I can call home!" He is the cutest thing ever. His ears are just the perfect size and they give him lots of personality. When one of his ears stands up and the other doesn't, it looks like he is winking at you with his cute ears. Two little brown dots just above his eyes give him that dazzling look. He's a charming guy who likes to greet you by giving you his little paw. His body is soft like a pillow, and he loves to snuggle into a little ball and sleep tight. Dexter is very friendly with dogs and cats, and loves to play with squeaky toys. He is also potty trained and knows how to sit on command. But now Dexter needs a loving home. If you are in search of a pet, come and meet Dexter and see if he's the right dog for you! Dexter was taken off of the euthanasia list, so if you adopt him, you are saving not only him but also the next dog Austin Pets Alive! can save in his place!
To find out how you can take Dexter home with you, adopt@austinpetsalive.org.

Word Count:
P2 essay: 1,535
Blog for Dexter: 267
Blog for Buttons: 154
Images:
[1] "I want to be your best friend forever!!!
[2] I wondered what my future would hold.
Photo [1] by Araceli Calletano
Photo [2] by Araceli Calletano




Monday, November 15, 2010

Buttons bio

"May I follow you home?"

Buttons is an active Chihuahua mix looking for her forever home! She is a very playful dog; once you throw her a ball, she will run as fast as a cheetah and go after it. She loves toys, especially squeaky ones.

This friendly girl will let anyone pet her, and she is a big fan of belly rubs. She is very gentle and sweet. She likes to go behind you shyly and then rub her little head around your leg to show affection. Buttons also seems to get along very well with dogs and cats.

She is cute as a button too! Her hazel eyes and soft fur are gorgeous. Come and meet this sweetie today!

Buttons was taken off of the euthanasia list, so if you adopt her, you are saving not only her but also the next dog Austin Pets Alive! can save in her place!




Word Count: 154

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Dexter bio





"I want to be your best friend forever!!!"

This is Dexter...he thanks you for stopping by to learn more about him.

Dexter is a beautiful Chihuahua/Dachshund mix. He is a dog that is sweet as candy, as he licks your face and gives you a lot of kisses.

His eyes are small and shiny just like the moon. If you look deep into his eyes he seems to say "I want a place I can call home!" He is the cutest thing ever. His ears are just the perfect size and they give him lots of personality. When one of his ears stands up and the other doesn't, it looks like he is winking at you with his cute ears.

Two little brown dots just above his eyes give him that dazzling look. He's a charming guy who likes to greet you by giving you his little paw. His body is soft like a pillow, and he loves to snuggle into a little ball and sleep tight.

Dexter is very friendly with dogs and cats, and loves to play with squeaky toys. He is also potty trained and knows how to sit on command.

But now Dexter needs a loving home. If you are in search of a pet, come and meet Dexter and see if he's the right dog for you!

Dexter was taken off of the euthanasia list, so if you adopt him, you are saving not only him but also the next dog Austin Pets Alive! can save in his place!

To find out how you can take Dexter home with you, adopt@austinpetsalive.org.


Word Count: 267