lack of decency

If the world has taught us one thing during our lifetime, it is that there is always another side to the story. A girl I once knew was visiting Texas over spring break. She had been drinking heavily and while under the influence, met some friendly people who bought her a few rounds and hung out with her the rest of the day. Somewhere in between, one of the guys had stolen a few kisses and to her there seemed no harm had been done. A few days later upon awakening, she was very upset to see marks around her mouth. Fearing she had contracted a sexually transmitted disease, she had visited a doctor who needed not one, but two separate opinions before confirming his belief that the disease was one contracted from contact to human corpses. Authorities were notified and days later this once thought to be nice guy was arrested on accounts of cannibalism and the discovery of a few dead bodies within his home. Red Sammy had it right when he said “A good man is hard to find” (O’Connor). The world as we know it rarely has that humble, story book-happy ending because evil can be found not only in the forsaken slums, but behind closed doors. Movies like Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining or Flannery O’Connor’s story “A Good Man is Hard to Find” portray media our society assumes to be entertainment but in fact desensitize us from the harsh reality that horrors similar to these happen on a daily basis and the argument that truly sincere men or women are a rarity.
As children, we were raised never to talk to strangers because there are very many dangerous and bad people out there that will come and get you. As a feeble minded child we did not know any better, but now as adults, we know all too well that it was an understatement. “’It isn’t a soul in this green world of God’s that you can trust,’ she said. ‘And I don’t count nobody out of that, not nobody,’ she repeated” (O’Connor). The grandmother from O’Connor’s story has been around long enough to know people can mask what they are behind a very convincing smile. Similar to Kubrick’s film, Jack Torrance is a loving family man with high recommendations, references, and seems to be very “normal,” eventually losing his grip on reality and wields an axe as he attempts to hack his family to bits (The Shining). The idea that someone you love and are very close to can turn out to be such a person demonstrates how anyone can break down. To put it simply, human nature is to serve one’s self in order to survive or seek pleasure if tested.
In our times of desperate need for comfort or support, people cannot always find answers from family or friends so they reach out to God through their religion. When a person thinks of a church, the first thing on their mind would hopefully be peace that sets their mind at ease; however in such a world as this, can we be so confident in anything? Allegations of sexually abusive priests have been around but as of 2002 they have really began to surface. A shocking fact shows “An estimated 13,000 victims and some 5,000 abusive priests since 1950” (Kingsbury) are known to be documented and it is more than likely that is merely a scratch on the vast surface of decades left out. To add to the statistics, “Six dioceses around the country have been forced into bankruptcy because of abuse costs” (Kingsbury). Who can we turn to when our most holy churches and houses of prayer are tainted with sin? Questioning and doubting faith begins as we wonder where God has allowed so much evil to happen. Towards the end of O’Connor’s story, the grandmother begins to reconsider her faith, “’Maybe He didn’t raise the dead,’ the old lady mumbled, not knowing what she was saying and feeling so dizzy that she sank down in the ditch with her legs twisted under her” (O’Connor). After witnessing the cold blooded murder of her entire family, she wonders where God is for none of her prayers seem to help matters. Not only verbally, but psychically her mind and body are now are twisted as her faith has been shaken.
As our world has advanced and the complexity of our world grows as each day passes along, one would could not help but expect we are growing more and more civil as well. Shamefully, as strong as a nation as we are, we still fail when it comes to reaching a peaceful compromise with neighboring countries. After eight years ago upon the attacks on U.S. soil, we continue our war campaign in the Middle East. As of February this year, current President Obama has decided to “’deploy an additional 17, 000 troops to Afghanistan,’” in order to meet expectations of his Intel’s “’anticipated rise in violence’” for this up and coming spring. It is also noted by experts that 2009 is going to be a “’tough year’” (Waterman). The departure of our troops in this seemingly endless war remains a mystery. As a fellow citizen who once was in favor of the move, we the people cannot help but ponder the fearful thought whether or not our strenuous efforts will pay off in the long run. Where are morals and ethics? Perhaps we were once animals, but have yet to evolve into intelligent human beings that can solve problems with our brilliant minds. We have merely grown to more efficiently defeat one another, inevitably a destructive species looking to dominate! People like to blame it on the next generation, “’In my time,’ said the grandmother, folding her thin veined fingers, ‘children were more respectful of their native states and their parents and everything else. People did right then’” (O’Connor). Little things like respect was lacking then, wars occurred, and general disposition was never the text book definition as old folks like to recall. This world is inhabited by creatures that fend for themselves when put on the spot. Eventually, the grandmother pleas for her own life selfishly, while the Misfits orders the execution style murders of her family, granting her extra time. Where is the notable respect and love of the past she so emphasizes?
The grandmother portrays one of O’Connor’s beliefs in which, “individualism leaves people as self-focused wanderers without community who use others as means to their own ends. For O’Connor, this individualism is the cause for much of the rottenness in the world” (Hooten). Every moment she spoke was literally on her behalf whether it be her complaining about the trip or worrying about herself being killed over her young, and much deprived of life grandchildren. When the grandmother appears to be very concerned, she is in fact very manipulative, “’I wouldn’t take my children in any direction with a criminal like that aloose from the Federal Pen and headed toward Florida and you read her what he did to these people. I couldn’t answer to my conscience if I did’” (O’Connor 186). She plays the sympathy card and it almost seems cruel since we are aware of her intentions as it so clearly states she does not want to go to Florida, but wants to go to Tennessee. She cares nothing for their safety and she displays individualism that O’Connor regards as the corruption of the world. In The Shining, Jack Torrance also shows this characteristic. He has frightened his family and at one point Danny, his son, seems to be ill, however Jack goes on about himself in a frantic rage, “’Have you ever had a single moments though about my responsibilities? Have you ever thought, for a single solitary moment about my responsibilities to my employers? Has it ever occurred to you that I have agreed to look after the Overlook Hotel until May the first’” (The Shining). Jack rants on about himself in his delusional state and his mind is not his. He has been influenced by the evil spirits left behind in the hotel in exchange to help him accomplish his work. Their screams cannot shake him out of the induced trance; his psychological state is far too gone. To help his own mind, he must kill them. We must never forget the fact that stranger things have happened and the will of one when put in survival mode may resort to any tactics necessary. It is a sad world when you hear of family men who would rather give up someone they love or for this matter, loved in order to satisfy one’s own self.
The sought after honest, good willed, unselfish men and women who pledge to not only clean up, but maintain our nation is one we greatly hope we can place trust into and not have to worry. Time and time again, we are shocked by some scandal or corruption in what we were lead to believe was a secure refuge and symbol of hope. The badge the police officer is worn over the heart and reads sworn to protect. All across the nation, trials are pending and or already processed and keep proving that badge is worthless. Chicago 1974, there were “convictions of 48 cops in the past 3 years and the firing or forced resignations of 407 members of the force” (Time). Around the same time, many other cops have been convicted of nearly everything involving: police graft, connections to prostitution, narcotics, stolen goods, and burglaries (Time). As it happened then, the corruption on all levels has not strayed too far. In recent news, Illinois Governor has been under heat for quite awhile and was finally indicted in 2009. After promising to help our already corrupted government status, he had fallen into the trap to help serve his own self- a reoccurring theme among all the mentioned so far. It was said he “illegally pressured people to make campaign contributions,” and most shocking, caught “Scheming to sell an appointment to Obama’s Senate seat for campaign cash” (Wills). The promise of protection and help was lost among the greed to benefit one’s self. Our trust was put on edge years ago and it has yet to reach out to its people and pull through fully. How have we ever flourished this long in prosperity? We simply disregard the poor, while the powerful are spotlighted and run the world. We can further relate this to Kubrick’s film along with O’Connor’s theme of selfishness and the idea that our demons can get the better of us no matter who we are or what we think we can handle.
The idea a friendly looking face or a close loved one can turn their back to us is hard to conceive. It is also hard to believe the fact that such a bright, up and coming normal looking person can commit such ghastly crimes. Philip Markoff, or the Craigslist Killer, as he has been dubbed, had murdered one and attacked at least two others. The hard to believe culprit was “A 22 year old med student engaged to be married” was captured and found to have no prior record (Ford and Pearson). The son of an upstate family was caught on camera as “The clean-cut, 6-foot-tall suspect strolling casually to and from the three crime scenes peering into his Blackberry” (Ford and Pearson). It is certainly hard to imagine how or why such a successful young man could do such a thing. Some were lead to believe it was for financial gain. In relationship to appearances, the grandmother in “A Good Man is Hard to Find,” sees the Misfit, who is a killer, as a good man even though his heart is pure evil. At one point, she says “’I know you’re a good man. You don’t look a bit like you have common blood. I know you must have come from nice people.’ ‘Yes mam,’ he said, ‘finest people in the world.’ The he smiled and showed a row of strong white teeth. ‘God never made a finer woman then my mother and my daddy’s heart was pure gold,’ he said” (O’Connor 192). She goes on saying he doesn’t look the type and he seems nice, but the true identity is always masked and hidden from reality. We are not transparent; one must be careful of deception. Similarly, could you imagine a loving husband and father attempt to slaughter his young family? Torrance has already lost his mind and the voices in his mind scream kill! As his wife, Wendy, is scared and trying to retreat back to her room, Jack follows her with a demonic look, “’Wendy? Darling? Light, of my life. I'm not gonna hurt ya. You didn't let me finish my sentence. I said, I'm not gonna hurt ya. I'm just going to bash your brains in’” (The Shining). There is a devil inside us all we cannot see, but don’t let it fool you because when you least expect it, his face will be shown through actions of people.
We constantly come face to face with the ugly truth that, we as people are what corrupt and taint this beautiful world and gift of life. We can keep running from it, keep the fact silent, or avoid the topic, but we must expose and come to terms with it. I have no solution because in the heat of the moment, there is no telling what people or even I for the matter. We try to live as a model person, but hit a dead end every now and then. The main saddening idea I wish to point out is that, in this world a truly good hearted and sincere man or woman, no matter color, shape, or size, is a rarity not only in this present day, but also the past. Some of the most sadistic will be hidden behind a beautiful face and a great big smile. The story of the grandmother and the Misfit, along with Jack Torrance and his family show how anyone from a friendly face on the street, to family living under the same roof as us can surprise us with horrific acts of violence and downright evil individualistic intentions. There is a lack of decency in people.

all the sites..thank u

Ford, Beverly, Erica Pearson, and Helen Kennedy. "Cops have Philip Markoff, suspected 'Craigslist Killer' of model Julissa Brisman, in custody." New York News, Traffic, Sports, Weather, Entertainment and Gossip - NY Daily News. 23 Apr. 209. 26 Apr. 2009 .

Hooten, Jessica. "Individualism in O'Connor's A Good Man Is Hard to Find." 2008. LION. Moraine Valley Community College, Palos Heights, IL. 27 Apr. 2009 .

Kingsbury, Alex. "The Pope Confronts the Priest Sex Scandal - US News and World Report." US News & World Report - Breaking News, World News, Business News, and America's Best Colleges - USNews.com. 18 Apr. 2008. 26 Apr. 2009 .

Making Police Crime Unfashionable - TIME." Breaking News, Analysis, Politics, News Photos, Video, Tech Reviews - TIME.com. 6 May 1974. 25 Apr. 2009 .

O'Connor, Flannery. Literature Approaches to Fiction, Poetry, and Drama. Comp. Robert DiYanni. Second ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Humanities/Social Sciences/Languages, 2006.

The Shining. Dir. Stanley Kubrick. Perf. Jack Nicolson, Shelley Duvall, and Danny Llyod. DVD. Warner Brothers, 1980.

Waterman, Shaun. "Obama sends 17,000 more troops to Afghanistan - UPI.com." Latest Headlines, Top News, Entertainment, Health, Science and Sports News - UPI. 18 Feb. 2009. 03 May 2009 .

Wills, Christopher. "Illinois Governor Blagojevich Bounced From Office - US News and World Report." US News & World Report - Breaking News, World News, Business News, and America's Best Colleges - USNews.com. 29 Jan. 2009. 28 Apr. 2009 .

loss of decency draft

If the world has taught us one thing during our lifetime, it is that there is always another side to the story. A girl I once knew was visiting Texas over spring break. She had been drinking heavily and while under the influence, met some friendly people who bought her a few rounds and hung out with her the rest of the day. Somewhere in between, one of the guys had stolen a few kisses and to her there seemed no harm had been done. A few days later upon awakening, she was very upset to see marks around her mouth. Fearing she had contracted a sexually transmitted disease, she had visited a doctor who needed not one, but two separate opinions before confirming his belief that the disease was one contracted from contact to human corpses. Authorities were notified and days later this once thought to be nice guy was arrested on accounts of cannibalism and the discovery of a few dead bodies within his home. Red Sammy had it right when he said “A good man is hard to find” (O’Connor). The world as we know it rarely has that humble, story book-happy ending because evil can be found not only in the forsaken slums, but behind closed doors. Movies like Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining or Flannery O’Connor’s story “A Good Man is Hard to Find” portray media our society assumes to be entertainment but in fact desensitize us from the harsh reality that horrors similar to these happen on a daily basis and the argument that truly sincere men or women are a rarity.
As children, we were raised never to talk to strangers because there are very many dangerous and bad people out there that will come and get you. As a feeble minded child we did not know any better, but now as adults, we know all too well that it was an understatement. “’It isn’t a soul in this green world of God’s that you can trust,’ she said. ‘And I don’t count nobody out of that, not nobody,’ she repeated” (O’Connor). The grandmother from O’Connor’s story has been around long enough to know people can mask what they are behind a very convincing smile. Similar to Kubrick’s film, Jack Torrence is a loving family man with high recommendations, references, and seems to be very “normal,” eventually losing his grip on reality and wields an axe as he attempts to hack his family to bits (The Shining). The idea that someone you love and are very close to can turn out to be such a person demonstrates how anyone can break down. To put it simply, human nature is to serve one’s self in order to survive or seek pleasure if tested.
In our times of desperate need for comfort or support, people cannot always find answers from family or friends so they reach out to God through their religion. When a person thinks of a church, the first thing on their mind would hopefully be peace that sets their mind at ease, however in such a world as this, can we be so confident in anything? Allegations of sexually abusive priests have been around but as of 2002 they have really began to surface. A shocking fact shows “An estimated 13,000 victims and some 5,000 abusive priests since 1950” (Kingsbury) are known to be documented and it is more than likely that is merely a scratch on the vast surface of decades left out. To add to the statistics, “Six dioceses around the country have been forced into bankruptcy because of abuse costs” (Kingsbury). Who can we turn to when our most holy churches and houses of prayer are tainted with sin? Questioning and doubting faith begins as we wonder where God has allowed so much evil to happen. Towards the end of O’Connor’s story, the grandmother begins to reconsider her faith, “’Maybe He didn’t raise the dead,’ the old lady mumbled, not knowing what she was saying and feeling so dizzy that she sank down in the ditch with her legs twisted under her” (O’Connor). After witnessing the cold blooded murder of her entire family, she wonders where God is for none of her prayers seem to help matters. Not only verbally, but psychically her mind and body are now are twisted as her faith has been shaken.
The sought after honest, good willed, unselfish men and women who pledge to not only clean up, but maintain our nation is one we greatly hope we can place hope into and not be distraught.

cantigny baby!

On a lovely afternoon in April, a good friend of mine, Mike-who is also in our class, decided to take a tour of the First Division Museum of Cantigny with me for our humanities project. After commonly butchering and slandering the name all day in front of people looking like fools, we would later come to discover the ‘g’ is silent. Pronounced can-tee-knee, the 500 acre lot is well kept and maintained at all times and serves as a lesson in cultural arts as it stands itself. The grounds contain very elaborate gardens filled with sculptures and other artistic displays. A mansion owned by Colonel Robert R. McCormick turned museum along with a war museum that takes you through every war America has been involved in starting with the First World War which the colonel was in.
Mr. MacNamara decided to carpool to the museum together since it was quite a hall out to Wheaton from our hometowns. Undecided and cutting it close, I remembered a really cool exhibit I had once seen before (Cantigny) and we went on Tuesday the 28th of April. The really cool thing about the place was that it is this huge open area and the landscape is just amazing. Every inch of the place was so well kept and very well and the wooded lot makes a beautiful place just to walk around on any nice day. It is also free admittance besides the five dollar parking fee, other than that, what a goldmine!
The story of Cantigny we had learned from a tour guide was a war hero and highly influential figure, Robert R. McCormick, had inherited the lot originally named Red Oaks. He was a colonel during the First World War and fought in the battle of Cantigny in France. He was very moved by his experiences by the battle so he named his home after it. The home and all the land would later be donated and turned into a museum. He was extremely wealthy and well known figure well liked by the people and represented a generation as a great figure in time-similar to the many outspoken and notable characters of the past we have learned over the course of the semester.
We ended up spending a few hours just bumming around and checking out the museums. The war museum of the First Division is extremely cool because it is a huge walk through museum you can go at on your own pace. It is similar to walking through a time portal with each next consecutive room leading into the next war. They are each decorated and portrayed as you are a bystander during the each era. For example there is a room decorated like Omaha Beach with tanks and men and bullets scattered on a beach landscape or even a Vietnam room that is filled with plush greens and trees in a bog to represent the jungle. Each room shows off heroics of men and their stories like we hear of long ago about Achilles or Odysseus and the advancements in technology as far as warfare. Similar how guns have advanced, so did the type of weaponry of the past, from bronze to iron or the idea of use of animals or ships to help give advantages during wars.
The First Division is a group of soldiers who were well known for their strength and courage is the beginning of our military. They were strong and taught well to be warriors for our country like the disciplined Spartans or the Mycenaean culture. Just like the story goes the brave 300 Spartans held off and army of thousands, the battle of Cantigny in France was against odds and held its ground (although unlike the 300, they were not betrayed and all slaughtered). Many of the battles and wars are very famous as well as the courageous acts of our time like the past wars like the Peloponnesian or Punic war we learned about. They had all great impacts in the times they had occurred and shape our history and culture.
Just like the Herodotus, the said to be father of history, the once home to McCormick now museum is a collection of history. McCormick loved to collect things especially his wives who were very much into the arts. The house is scattered with paintings or sculptures and books that cry artistic devotion. The rugs, the furniture, walls and ceilings are all highly detailed and overall architecture is an over whelming vision of arts from all over like we have studied the past months. McCormick also loved collecting swords or guns. The love for violence or the hunt has never left mankind since the time of the gladiators we studied. Like Democritus who was ahead of his time with the idea of atoms, McCormick was very involved with new technological advancements. His mechanical fireplace, his hidden bar, the electricity, and the modern day remote for his television and many others throughout the mansion not only show high class, but concepts and theories and ingenuity like the many marvelous minds we have studied like Da Vinci or Democritus. He was also very hospitable like the Greeks and threw many parties and invited guests over or stay the night.
We had a lot of fun going through the two museums and around the grounds. Surprisingly, we found out how much of the material we learned can be found all around. I would highly recommend a visit to Cantigny. The whole area is beautiful, it is extremely interesting to see all the old stuff in the buildings, and personally the 20’s were my favorite American era so I loved it.

self assessment

With the upcoming freshman year of college and the question of “What’s your major” constantly pummeling me left and right, I chose to enter Moraine Valley Community College earlier this fall with an undecided stance. I felt it was the best bet for me seeing that I could save money and knock off a few ‘GENEDS’ while also working at my local job and go from there. Along the way, I began to become more and more interested scanning available classes for the future as fall enrollment was beginning to open up. Criminal justice caught my eye and all the branches the field spreads into.
Before taking the class, I was originally signed up for a biology class which I would later find out I would be unnecessary for graduating purposes. I needed a last minute change, but had no idea what to take as far as a class to fill in the gap. It hit me later that I could check and see if a criminal justice course had opened up. The idea of taking a course I was interested in as a major just to get my feet wet before I transfer to a university and find out if I am serious about it or not. To be honest, I was not sure what to expect. I was worried it was an early class and the fact that it was a last minute decision.
First entering class, when I found out you were a former cop, I felt a bit intimidated like most people are. Later on I would find out you were a real cool teacher who was pretty laid back and straight forward when it came to teaching the course. I really liked your form of lecture; you were very down to earth when you explained the ideas. Most teachers would give you a very formal book definition that would leave a student still scratching his or her head. However, you would say forget that because you’ve been around and from experience you know what you’re talking about. I also thought it was cool how you just got to the point of important things. You knocked out some of the technically stuff like the court dates that relate to the things we were studying. You know that we will never use that later and that we don’t care. You stuck to the basics and if you can get to that it might stick with us a little longer.
I really thought the class might have been a bit harder. To be really honest, the class was too easy. I am not sure who will pass the class, but I think a lot of the students took advantage of your laid back status. I cannot say I showed up to every class nor was I always on time, but too many people walked in late or ditched the class. Grant it the class was 8am and had it been later I know that more would show up or be on time. Participation would have been upped I’m sure had it been later in the day as well. I felt bad no one really spoke up. You would just stand up there and try to provoke us and we would all just sit there starring or sleeping. You did a good job at keep on trucking through the power points and lectures.
You really presented things well in the class. Definitely keep up with the power points because they are a really great way to learn things visually and with the concept that you have the notes up there. I would suggest that you keep the notes up there a bit longer for the students to copy down possibly or throw more hints out whether it may or may not be on the test. That way you can help keep some of the kids dosing off to get their act together and jot down a few notes. I also really liked how you in cooperated little examples from everyday life or you tube videos along with other movies that you had on you. You should maybe give out a worksheet to go along with the film-that will ensure students stay awake for it and make us pay a bit more attention. I felt myself bobbing my head back and forth at times not because they were boring, but mainly because I don’t get enough sleep and 8am is early for me. If I have to pay attention and it means points are at stake or possible test questions for later, I will make sure of it that I am awake and conscious. You should not feel bad for kids who just blow everything off, they are slackers. If they don’t care about learning then they shouldn’t pass. I try everyday and take notes and so forth; I feel that if they pass and they were not involved whatsoever, I feel pretty pissed.
The black board site is awesome. I love being able to check my grades and the idea that homework assignments or announcements were on there. I check it all the time to keep on the up and up with class or my grades. I would have to argue that you give too much of a window of opportunity for slackers though. Homework online was really an easy way for you and us, but I think that you should grade them rather check them for participation. I know for a fact some of the other students took advantage of you allowing them time and or grading them less harsh because of participation. I know most of those kids did not even open their book to glance over before the chapters quiz was due. They would fill in just anything knowing you still give them 10/10 for completion. Knowing that I am interested in the course as a major I did read through all the chapters. I would have to also say that the tests were too easy. I think you should not follow those online quizzes so strictly as being what’s on the test. I think the test questions should come directly out of your notes you give during class and maybe throw a study guide out to the kids. I felt it was too easy and the reason kids blew off class so much was because they knew they could get away with it by getting some participation grade that will pass them. They don’t care if it’s a low grade, just as long as they get by and receive credit for the year.
In closing, I did enjoy your class and still feel a calling towards criminal justice. I like how you are very involved with the class and that really helps a student knowing that you are there for us and care. I think you should not be so nice though when it comes to homework and tests. I feel a student should at least some effort to show up or pay attention and do work. Don’t get me wrong because I hate homework, I just do what I have to do and I don’t like to screw around. Thanks for a good year; you kept it interesting-crack the whip next year!