Ethan Sullivan
Identity Mask
Essay
October 3,
2013
The Truth Behind the Masks I
Wear
Many people feel like they
have to keep part of themselves hidden in some situations.
For example, someone who is not wealthy might hide their social class if
they were at a fancy restaurant with a lot of wealthy people.
The reason people do this is due to socialization.
Socialization is what determines someone's perspective of the world by
creating identity categories where people are placed as either agents or
targets. Identity categories are
religion, social class, gender, race, sexual orientation, age and ability
disability status and also determine who you are.
Agents are the favored groups of people, such as heterosexuals, and white
people. According to "The Cycle of
Socialization," targets are social identity groups "who are not considered
important enough to study." Another way to state this is that targets are groups
without power and can sometimes be seen as unfavorable.
Examples are people like atheists, homosexuals, and black people. In the
identity categories of social class, religion and gender what is visible is that
I am an agent, but there are also parts of me that I keep hidden due to how I
was socialized and what I've been taught is not desirable.
One part of me that is
visible and that is in the desired group of things is my social class. My social class is middle class. One
way I have been told this is desirable is through the media that shows
two-parent families living in nice homes. What people see about me and what I make
visible are that I have parents
with advanced and professional college degrees, an education that meet or exceed
a bachelor’s degree . Also, my family travels a lot and lives in a nice home on
35 acres. These are parts of my social class identity that are desirable, so I
make them more visible because these things have been rewarded by acceptance by
friends and relatives. However, there are parts of my
social class identity that are hidden and that I have been socialized not to
share. My family has been hit hard
with medical bills in these past couple years and Durango is an expensive town
to live in. Sometimes middle class
does not cut it in this town, and those facts are something I keep hidden
because the town I live in shows
that having a lot of money is the norm by the showing their nice homes, nice
outdoor equipment and not talking about poorer people that live in Durango.
In America we
are socialized to believe religion is really important, and people make their
religion visible. There are a lot
of churches in America, and the people in the government talk about religion.
These things reinforce that being religious is desirable.
Many people would actually think my family and I were religious because
my brother goes to a Catholic school.
Also, we celebrate Christian holidays like Christmas and Easter. The
truth that I feel like I have to keep hidden in most situations is that I am an
atheist. I keep this hidden because it’s reinforced through friends who talk
about God and put me down by saying “you don’t believe in God? What’s wrong with
you?” I see the world a completely different way than religious people do, and
it’s too bad that I have to hide this from most
people.
Another identity category where I hide parts of who I am is my gender.
I am a male agent. Since I am a
male I have been socialized through sports, the media and friends to believe
that men need to be strong, not gay, and shouldn't cry or show emotion. On the outside, I meet all of the
above, but sometimes I have to hide when I don’t feel strong.
In the video The Man Box Tony
Porter the man featured on Ted Talks, talked to a little boy about how he feels
about this "man box" and the boy said "if these stereotypes didn't exist, I
would be free.” I have to keep
some things that are emotionally a struggle for me hidden sometimes because I
don't want to break the man box.For example, when I found out my dad had cancer
I was very emotional, but I hid that emotion. Danny in Mexican Whiteboy felt
numb and hid his emotions by hiding in the bathroom and cutting himself with
tweezers. It’s sad that males like Danny and I don't want to break the man box s
becausewe fear of being made fun of for crying or showing emotions.
These are some connections I
had during the whole socialization unit. First, to break the negative cycle of
socialization I can respect other people's opinions and perspectives. Also, accept people for who they
are. Third, take stands for unfair
rights. In the cycle of
socialization by Bobbie Harro it states "if we are a member of a group that
benefits from the rules we may not notice that it's unfair". That's what I can
do as an individual to break this negative cycle of socialization and make it
possible for people to not hide parts of who they are.
The symbols I chose to put on my mask represent how I as an individual
have been socialized in this world to show some parts of my identity and hide
other parts. To represent religion
for the visible side I put a cross that represents how I celebrate Christian
holidays and for the hidden side I drew an atheist symbol.
For social class I drew a Union Jack symbol representing travel for what
I make visible. For the hidden
side I drew a map of Colorado that shows money pouring out via Durango.For the
side of gender that I make visible, I drew a bicep representing strength and for
the side that I hide, I drew a sad face.
In conclusion, all of these symbols and identity categories represent how
I view socialization in a world where values are constantly changing. Maybe
someday values will change enough to where people are comfortable showing all of
who they are and won't have to wear a mask.
“Deported”
Prologue
Los
Angeles - Suburbs
November
23, 2015
(A
teenage boy looks into the distance waiting for a friend so they can go home and
prep for a long night as he waits he ponder's about how he might be able to get
his brothers back to the U.S.A).
Chorus:
(Used
as of Daniel’s mind and mentor)
Daniel,
please don’t grieve
You
drag yourself down
By
grieving on the names of your brothers
Alejandro
and Carlos
Wouldn’t
want you to grieve
Over
their departure
You
are Legal
They
are not
No
one can change that
Not
even you
Daniel
/ Rocky : But they’re my brothers, I have every right to
try
and bring them back to America! I would give or do anything to be with my
hermanos again.
Chorus:
(Used as Daniel’s mind and mentor.)
Do
as you wish,
But
be warned
The
laws have changed man,
The
border has tightened over the last two years
It
is heavily patrolled.
There’s
no way
you
could bring your brothers here
Daniel
/ Rocky: I sure as hell better try!
Chorus
:
Go
for it
Then
you might see where
You’ve
flawed.
Scene
One
November
23, 2015
Sonora,
Mexico
8:15
AM “No Hope for the Week” Trailer Park
There’s
a sharp smell of blood in the street, but blistering heat which makes it
worse.
Carlos::
Hermanos Hermanos! My friends! Today is a big day! Our little brother,
Daniel or better known to you guys as our little Rocky! He is coming
home!
Al:
Can't wait bro!
Carlos:
I'm just concerned about going to America illegally we were already deported
once.
Al:Chill
out hermano, nothing to worry about.
Carlos:(kicks
dirt) dude, its easier said than done, think about it everyone has been caught
who has tried to cross. I don’t know, it’s way to risky. Why doesn’t rocky
just come live with us? Besides if we do this we have already been caught once
and the consequence is if you get caught a second time it means 10 years in JDC
and of course you know how much of a hell hole that place is, I mean this is
mexico bro.
Al:
I promise.. dont be a chicken and not go with us..
Carlos:
ok Ill go, we just need to plan this out when Danny
comes tomorrow
Al:
ook later bro(high five)
Carlos:(deuces)
Scene
Two
November
25, 2015
Los
Angeles
lAl
: I think we can sneak in the trunk of Daniel rental car.
Carlos:
Great, but what if he gets a truck.
This
is the moment of truth
For
them no car means no America.
Also
Rocky will more than likely not get to see his brothers again.
(They
arrive at Enterprise Car Rental Shop.)
(
Rocky shows the lady his driver's license.)
Rocky,
Al, Carlos are in disbelief. The lady doesn't even ask there age or where they
are going
she
just says I need you to sign here and here are your keys to your Nissan
Centra.
Rocky:
Cool thanks Señora.
( They all climb into the car.)
Rocky:
Man guys I haven't been in Mexico for so long, I can't believe how dry it
is.
Al:
Yeah Rocky nothing new has happened down here just brown fields and drugs and of
course no work or education.
Rocky:
I know man I feel for you, trust me everything will be better in
America.
Carlos:
Definently.
Rocky:
Hey guys we are 4 miles from the border so let's stop and have you guys get in
the trunk.
Border
Patrol: Passport please.
Rocky:
Sure thing
(Rocky
swallows hard as the dog sniffs every part of the car.)
Border
Patrol: Thank you sir have a nice day.
Rocky:
You to, keep tight watch ( wink.)
Border
Patrol: Excuse me sir?
Scene
Three: November 26, 2015 6: 30 Los Angeles suburbs.
Rocky:
Were approaching the Los Angeles suburbs boys.
Al:
I am so pumped to be back in America.
( Carlos sobs)
Carlos:
I'm so happy just to be with you again Rocky and finally have a
family.
Rocky:
I will always be here for you man no matter what I'd do anything for
you.
Al:
My old house! Let's go inside and see everyone.
Rocky:
Aimmee and Ash you guys remember my brothers right.
Aimme:
Oh my gosh yes!!
Ash:
Sup bros.
Carlos,
Al: Nothing much guys it’s great to be out of that horrible place, also known as
Mexico and to know were going to be together awhile again.
Ash:
I feel you guys.
Aunt
Marcy: Boys! So great to see you guys! It's a pleasure having you
back.
Carlos:
It's great to see you to and I already love being back.
Al:
Same here.
Uncle
Jose: Hey boys! How was the journey here.
Al:
We snuck in the back of Rocky's rental car.
Uncle
Jose: Why did you guys rent a car you know you have to return it, and wait how
on earth did you get away with something like that
Rocky:
I will fly back down to Mexico soon and return the car and we got really super
lucky In fact was the happiest most relieving moment of my
life.qw
Uncle
Jose: Sweet! You guys hungry after that long drive.
Al
,Carlos, Rocky: Yeah!
Uncle
Jose: Marcy has chicken enchilladas and rice waiting in the kitchen.
(They
all say grace then eat.)
Scene
four, November 26 2015 Los Angeles suburbs, Happy Camper Trailer
park
(Aunt
Marcy wakes up at 8 :30 because she hears knocking on the
door.)
Aunt
Marcy: Excuse me who are you.
Police:
Hi mam, we are coming here to deport and arrest illegal boys because the
neighbors called this morning to complain. It’s very unfortunate that your
trailers are so close becasue your neighbors could hear everything last night,
and I mean everything.
Aunt
Marcy: NO!! You #$%@#!! You can’t take them they are my family, I get that they
came here illegally, but for opportunities that they would not have back in
Mexico can't you understand, I mean if you had a family you would understand how
it is to lose someone you love. I mean come on!!!
Police:
Mam I am very sorry, we are just doing our job we are not the government we
cannot change this.
Aunt
Marcy: You have to or else.
Police:
Or else what.
(Rocky
comes barging out of his bedroom and yells.)
Rocky:
I give up you win police, you can just take my brother's you have stolen the two
brothers that mean the world to me. I mean what's wrong with illegal's there
just people to who deserve a fair chance and would have more opportunities over
here, so screw you' and America, take my life to. All my life is misery and
depression I just wanted love and a family!! what the
hell!!!
Police:
It's the rules man I cat do anything about it, sorry.
Chorus:
Death
is always hard
a brother
who
would do anything
to
save his brothers from Mexico.
Al
and Carlos knew that too.
If
only immigration wasn't so complicated,
if
there was a better way to come in
Instead
families are driven apart,
forced
back to a country
where
there is no future
If
only it was easier
Model UN Projects
This project was about how the United Nations works and how they come to compromises on different issues the world is facing today. Also, it was about the conflict between Israel and Palestine and how that is arguably the biggest tragedy in the world today. We chose this issue because it is perfect for the United Nations debate and is an issue where all countries really need to band together and try and get some peace. Finally, My role in this project was to write a resolution and try and convince people even though I wasn't part of the Security Council.
North Korea Resolution/ Policy Paper
Germany (Ethan Sullivan)
North Korea Nuclear Weapons
The Perfect Solution To North Korea's Nuclear Issue
Deeply concerned that nothing is working to stop North Korea and their arsenal of weapons,
Fully aware that North Korea poses a threat to our Allie and good friend South Korea,
Noting with deep concern that they are capable of lying to the UN about testing nuclear weapons,
Realizing that they will use there nuclear weapons to their advantage.
Recalling Germany's idea to drop some nuclear weapons and create world peace.
1. Germany will try to convince everybody with there resolution by creating compromises between
the countries.
2. Remind delegates that Germany wants peace, meaning all the members of the security council
get rid of a portion of there nuclear weapons, using reasoning and compromises.
3. Consider that North Korea has gone to far with there nuclear weapons and as a result there will
be very little aid because of North Korea's threat's towards other countries:
A) The aid will come after they have given up about 3/4 of their weapons.
B) The permanent members of the security council shall provide the aid and store it because
they can definently be trusted.
C) Monthly inspections will be needed because of how untrustworthy North Korea is.
D) If they threaten or attack South Korea or any country again then there will be no aid
offered.
4. Urge that each member of the security council give up a small amount of weapons as part of
the deal.
5.Support North Korea having about a quarter of the weapons they have now for protection
from other countries.
6. Encourage that the rest of the nuclear reactors will go to the permanent members of the
security council.
7. If North Korea behaves well then a few of the sanctions will be removed over time.
Ethan Sullivan
Sara Price
Model UN
2 /5 /14
Germany Policy Paper
Although Germany recognizes that North Korea is a sovereign nation, it believes that their nuclear weapons violate international peace and security and all countries need to work toward a nuclear free world and need to be willing to work toward disarmament.
North Korea, Iran and all other countries that proliferate nuclear weapons are creating international security issues. In the past Germany has advocated for sanctions, but North Korea seems to be intent on achieving nuclear armament. Süddeutsche Zeitung claims that “it's clear that Kim (or his military puppetmasters in the background) wants legitimacy as a nuclear power. Time and time again, he has made it known that his nuclear arsenal is not among the bargaining chips” (Speigel Online International). North Korea has made it clear that they don’t want to bargain, but disarmament agreements between multiple nations may work better. Also, many Germans have a negative view of North Korea probably because of their international stance for proliferation. Wikipedia states that “only 3% of Germans view North Korea's influence positively, with 90% expressing a negative view” (Wikipedia). IGermany proposes additional non-prolieferation and disarmament initatives and negotiating new agreements. On The Permanent Mission of Germanyto the United Nations website, the German position regarding nuclear weapons is “the uncontrolled spread of nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destructions is one of the greatest threats to global security. Curtailing this danger can ultimately become a matter of survival” (The Permanent Mission of Germany to the United Nations of New York)Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle condemns North Korea's nuclear test and says “the international community should consider further sanctions against the regime" (Payne). . If everyone participated in these sanctions and agreements and agreed to reducing arms, we could make it more likely to have successful negotiations with North Korea.
Germany is “strongly committed to a number of disarmament and non-proliferation initiatives, such as the Friends of the Non-Proliferation Treaty or the Group of Interested States for Practical Disarmament Measures, according to the article “Disarmament, Arms Control and Non-Proliferation” (The Permanent Mission of Germany to the United Nations of New York). Using force to fight force makes no sense. Instead, increased focus on negotiations and sanctions are the best opportunity to create global peace and security, but this can’t be accomplished with only a few countries participating. If everyone participated in these agreements and agreed to reducing arms, we could make a better case for North Korea.
Bibliography
Payne, Ed. "CNN International News." 12 February 2013. World leaders react to North Korea's nuclear test. Web. 4 February 2014.
"Speigel Online International." 3 April 2013. World from Berlin: 'Kim Wants Legitimacy as a Nuclear Power'. Web. 4 February 2014.
"The Permanent Mission of Germany to the United Nations of New York." 17 January 2014. Disarmament, Arms Control and Non-Proliferation. Web. 3 February 2014.
Wikipedia. "Germany- North Korea Relations." 21 Febuary 2013. Web. 4 February 2014.
Germany Israel Palestine Resolution/Policy Paper
Ethan Sullivan
Sara Price
Model UN
3/3/14
Germany’s Opinion on Israel/Palestine Conflict
Although the Palestinians should have the right to return to their holy land because it was originally their land, Germany feels it would cause more violence because both sides have proven they cannot live peacefully together and the Palestinians don’t see Israel as a Jewish country, a country Germany strongly supports says (News).
Germany believes that if the Palestinian people are ever allowed back then they need to look at Israel as Jewish state and respect that says (Bakir Oweida). Right now the Palestinians aren’t respecting that and both Israel and Germany think that is a lot of disrespect. Also, many Palestinians see Germany as pro-Israeli. The truth is Germany and Israel are both trying to move on from the catastrophe and we, Germany will always support Israel from now on. Germany also feels there should just be two states at this point and if the Palestinian people could just have their own state there wouldn’t be this problem. The problem is the areas where the Palestinians would like to settle are occupied by Israel military control according to the (Federal Foreign Office).
We as Germany feel the Palestinian people at this point should find another state, considering all the chaos. We feel it would be better if they were a good distance apart because they have proven they cannot live peacefully together by now. Also, Germany sees the conflict as more of a struggle over land then a terrorism war according to (Wilson Ruiz) (News). The Palestinian people having their own state would also mean more peace and security in the middle east, and would be beneficial for families to see each other more and more educational and health care opportunities. If the Palestinians had their own state the UN could provide Israel and Palestine with supplies, but that wouldn’t happen until all the conflict is resolved. In conclusion, we as Germany stand by Israel and think the Palestinians could find other areas to settle so there won’t be even more chaos if they return.
Work Cited
Bakir Oweida. ASHARQ AL- AWSAT. 25 Januar 2014. Web. 3 March 2014.
Federal Foreign Office. "The Middle East Conflict." 8 January 2013. Web. 3 March 2014.
News, Al Arabiya. Al Arabiya News. 28 January 2014. Web. 3 March 2014.
Wilson Ruiz. Jewish News One. 17 July 2012. Web. 3 March 2014.
Germany (Ethan Sullivan)
Israel/Palestine Conflict
PERFECT SOLUTION TO ISRAEL/PALESTINE CONFLICT
The General Assembly,
Aware of the nonstop fighting between the the Israelis and Palestinians, which has been continuous for more than 100 years,
Recognizing that both countries have each other to blame for the fights, un-sanitary refugee camps, and the deaths,
Realizing that Israel has been reaching out to Palestine trying to come up with peace agreements but Palestine denies them,
Deeply disturbed that Israeli troops are cruel towards Palestinians,
Keeping in mind that if Palestinians were allowed back in then Israel would have nowhere else to settle and they have always wanted their own peaceful state,
Having examined the refugee camps that are not suitable for any human beings,
Deeply concerned that if the Palestinians return it will overpopulate the tiny country of Israel,
Expecting the United Nations to take steps towards peace with the conflict,
Having heard from International Business Times Netanyahu and Israel will make peace if the Palestinians recognize Israel as a Jewish state
1. Designates a two state solution which will solve the conflict and consists of:
A) The UN helps support Palestine finding a new state with money, food, clean water, and humanitarian aid,
B) Any Palestinians who refuse, will have tight sanctions,
2. Urge any arab league countries to accept the leftover refugee’s
A) Palestinians who are relocated to other arab countries will be treated fairly like people,
B) Everybody who abstains from this agreement including Palestinian refugees, other arab league states, and Israelis,
3. Supports Israel and Palestine receiving humanitarian aid:
A) Both countries have to chip in,
B) Each country will have its own state with aid,
4. Further recommends both states to discuss equal land privileges
,
5. Notes that if there are two states there will be more peace and security in the Middle East,
6. Emphasizes that illegal settlements are very dangerous and a threat to everybody,
7. Confirms that if there are reports of Israeli troops beating or being cruel to the Palestinians heavy sanctions will be placed,
8. Authorizes that a two state solution is a win for both parties and that there will be more peace this way,
9. Designates that peace will be reached through this solution to end the chaos.
MUN Reflection
1. I think it’s important to tell other kids about the MUN exhibition because it is for me definitely the highlight of the year in humanities. I think it is also really important to know what really goes down in the United Nations and how the countries come to compromises with resolutions and amendments. Also, what I thought was most important was how the United Nations meetings work and what the process behind that is, but on top of that we got to learn about perhaps the world’s biggest issue and tragedy today. This what I would tell another student if they asked me why all this content is important to know in the world.2. During this project I felt like I really used perseverance effectively. At first during the conference I was actually really nervous to talk because I felt like maybe I was going to say the wrong thing and embarrass myself. So it took a lot of perseverance to get through that the exhibition and still come out with a decent grade. It was also a rewarding feeling at the end to have pushed through a project that was pretty difficult and to have it done was an exciting feeling.
3. The most challenging part of the project was probably time because I felt like right before the exhibition my speech wasn’t perfect and I wanted it to be. After that though when I finally got up to the podium and gave my speech it was an awesome feeling to feel like I nailed it.
4. The most interesting speech to me was Grant with South Africa. His speech to me was really interesting because he made great connections with Nelson Mandela and how valuable he was and how he wanted this conflict to be solved fairly. He really wanted the Palestinians to have a home and freedom, but wanted it to also be fair for the Israelis. And how Grant mentioned such a valuable character in society was really awesome because Nelson Mandela definitely deserves to be mentioned.
Brave New World Project
During the Brave New World Project we read the book Brave New World by Aldous Huxley. During the book we examined their society and what happiness is to them. After reading the book there was a seminar where we talked about what meaningful happiness is and how Brave New World doesn't really have true happiness. Finally, after the seminar we wrote an essay about what happiness means to us and we used a lot of evidence from different movies and readings to shape the essay.
How Must We Seek True Happiness
The book Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley, describes a society that stifles emotion and the characters don’t experience true happiness because everybody has predestination. Even though humans in our society have access to meaningful happiness and experience emotion unlike the characters in Brave New World, and they often say they feel happy, many people are not pursuing meaningful happiness. Right now the United States ranks seventeenth in terms of happiness according to New York Daily News.com. Others areas, such as the Middle East, are even less happy. Often this lack of happiness can be due to people pursuing short term happiness rather than something more meaningful. Short-term happiness might come from things or accomplishments and doesn’t last, but long term, meaningful happiness comes from having balance, social acceptance, and contributing to the community in a way that isn’t at the expense of others.
Having balance in life is an important part of lasting happiness. There have been times in my life where I have been so focused on getting ahead or getting an item that I am not focusing on other meaningful aspects of life. One time I wanted to make the highest basketball team so badly. I put a lot of energy into this accomplishment. I made a lower team and initially was so focused on not making my accomplishment and thought I would even quite. Eventually, I realized that I would have a more enjoyable experience on the lower team with my friends and a nicer coach. Not realizing these important aspects of happiness is being out of balance. Other people experience being out of balance, too. For example, the movie Happy explained how people in Japan who aren’t always working and always on the go are dishonoring their families. It has gotten to the point where some people in Japan collapse and die of over-exhaustion. Having that much stress and not being able to take a break and enjoy oneself is not considered balance or happiness. My high school, Animas High School, is a college prep school so there are a lot of students competing to be flawless and achieve academically and in extra-curricular activities. This is great, but if a student is only worried about getting ahead and to that next level, and not taking time to enjoy family, passions, and relax, they won’t achieve a more meaningful, lasting happiness that comes from things like seeking joy and focusing on good family and friend relationships.
Another important part of finding true happiness is finding social acceptance because because when someone is respected for who he or she is, then they are happier. While this doesn’t happen often at my school, in the past, I have seen students pick on other students and make them feel isolated and not safe in their environment. Someone who feels that way will not find true happiness until they no longer have to deal with lack of social acceptance or get out of that environment. In the movie Happy, Michael Prichard, a motivational speaker and comedian, was at a school and he stated that compassion and love leads to happiness. Students who isolate others must not be happy either because they lack compassion and love. Being a victim of racism or homophobia or other unfair bias prevents people from being happy, too. This is why we should work to prevent these issues. We all need to be able to seek and live in environments that make us feel accepted and safe so that we can thrive.
Happy people get lots of joy from receiving benefits from others, but people who are living a meaningful, purposeful life get their joy from giving to others and contributing to the community. Kathleen Vohs stated during a presentation at the University of Pennsylvania
“Happy people get a lot of joy from receiving benefits from others while people leading meaningful lives get a lot of joy from giving to others.” This is why winning an award or getting a gift makes you feel happy, but only for a little while. It was given to you and maybe you earned it, but you will probably quickly lose the joy and want another accomplishment or gift. It is more meaningful to help others. I have gotten a lot of joy from helping my brother’s soccer team and volunteering at the Discovery Museum because I’m giving to others. This summer I will work on a fundraiser for cancer research. I know I could spend all summer to get on a better golf team or work to buy something expensive, and I will probably do those things, too, but will find more meaning in the volunteer work. In Brave New World, John, the main character, tried to help the society by getting rid of Soma. He didn’t succeed, but since John was a protagonist and the only person in the book who tried to help others and do good things, the message is clear. Helping others is beneficial and important to finding real happiness.
For our society to seek happiness we should not do it at the expense of making someone suffer because it’s not possible to be truly happy if others aren’t able to have the same options as you. For example, in the short story “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas,” by Ursula Le Guin, there is a poor child that is suffering and starving so the society can be perfect. Towards the end of the story a few people leave this world because they cannot bear the thought of someone suffering so that they can be happy. The main idea is this story actually happens in real life in many places. In order for many people in the world to get pleasure, people elsewhere suffer. In the Congo, kids as young as 12 are out risking their lives every day digging up minerals that are used in cell phones which many richer countries use today. Twelve year old kids should not be in dangerous underground tunnels risking their lives to make others happy. I noticed this when I was in Mexico and saw many workers in agricultural fields getting produce for Americans to eat. These people lived in one or two room houses. I realize it’s not possible to eliminate all suffering that occurs to make others’ lives happy, but we can start taking steps to address things that are not equal and people who have privilege need to acknowledge that so they can help others who suffer and are in need; otherwise, true happiness cannot be achieved.
Happiness is decreasing in some areas of the world because people become too focused on short-term happiness or don’t have access to things that make them truly happy. To work towards more authentic and meaningful happiness we all need access to environments where we are safe and do not suffer. If I were to tell a friend of mine how to find happiness I would say try and focus on long term happiness and what is going to matter in the future instead of focusing in on the short term happiness so much. Accomplishments or things do not make someone happy and won't matter that much in the long run. What will make someone happy is balance, social acceptance, and contributing to the community in a way that isn't at the expense of others.
Brave New World Project Reflection
If I were to tell a friend or even a stranger how to find happiness I would say build good family and friend relationships, have balance in your life, and contribute to the community in a way that is not affecting others around you. Also, never feel pressured to do something that is not going to make you happy. If I was questioned about how solid family and friend relationships will help you be happy I would say having reliability with the most important people in your life will be a really big deal when your older. For having balance in your life I would say that is important because doing school work and getting good grades is really important, but having time to be happy and enjoy yourself is really important to. Finally, for caring about our community without the expense of others is a good thing to realize because there are people risking their lives out in the world every day to make everybody else happy and to realize that will make you and everybody else around happy.
Initially this summer I planned on working quite a bit, but after talking with my family I realized working enough to have money to buy things I want is important, but also have time to have fun with my family and friends. I also plan on heading up to Montana this summer to relax and hang out with my mom's family and that will be a good form of balance for me this summer. Job wise this summer I plan on having a landscaping job that I really enjoy right now and with a lady I really enjoy so this job means a lot to me and makes me happy.
After this project I realized there is a lot of stuff I can incorporate in my life in terms of happiness. After writing my Happiness essay I realized all the different things I talked about in my essay are exactly what I am going to use the rest of my life. Just by writing a six paragraph essay on happiness I have a very good understanding on what true happiness is. Having balance is what stuck with me the most after I was done writing my essay because life cannot be just about getting a bunch of trophies or always getting to the next level, it should be about having good family and friend relationships and also taking time to enjoy yourself. The Brave New World Project really taught me what true happiness is and I will use what I learned from this project the rest of my life.
This project was about how the United Nations works and how they come to compromises on different issues the world is facing today. Also, it was about the conflict between Israel and Palestine and how that is arguably the biggest tragedy in the world today. We chose this issue because it is perfect for the United Nations debate and is an issue where all countries really need to band together and try and get some peace. Finally, My role in this project was to write a resolution and try and convince people even though I wasn't part of the Security Council.
North Korea Resolution/ Policy Paper
Germany (Ethan Sullivan)
North Korea Nuclear Weapons
The Perfect Solution To North Korea's Nuclear Issue
Deeply concerned that nothing is working to stop North Korea and their arsenal of weapons,
Fully aware that North Korea poses a threat to our Allie and good friend South Korea,
Noting with deep concern that they are capable of lying to the UN about testing nuclear weapons,
Realizing that they will use there nuclear weapons to their advantage.
Recalling Germany's idea to drop some nuclear weapons and create world peace.
1. Germany will try to convince everybody with there resolution by creating compromises between
the countries.
2. Remind delegates that Germany wants peace, meaning all the members of the security council
get rid of a portion of there nuclear weapons, using reasoning and compromises.
3. Consider that North Korea has gone to far with there nuclear weapons and as a result there will
be very little aid because of North Korea's threat's towards other countries:
A) The aid will come after they have given up about 3/4 of their weapons.
B) The permanent members of the security council shall provide the aid and store it because
they can definently be trusted.
C) Monthly inspections will be needed because of how untrustworthy North Korea is.
D) If they threaten or attack South Korea or any country again then there will be no aid
offered.
4. Urge that each member of the security council give up a small amount of weapons as part of
the deal.
5.Support North Korea having about a quarter of the weapons they have now for protection
from other countries.
6. Encourage that the rest of the nuclear reactors will go to the permanent members of the
security council.
7. If North Korea behaves well then a few of the sanctions will be removed over time.
Ethan Sullivan
Sara Price
Model UN
2 /5 /14
Germany Policy Paper
Although Germany recognizes that North Korea is a sovereign nation, it believes that their nuclear weapons violate international peace and security and all countries need to work toward a nuclear free world and need to be willing to work toward disarmament.
North Korea, Iran and all other countries that proliferate nuclear weapons are creating international security issues. In the past Germany has advocated for sanctions, but North Korea seems to be intent on achieving nuclear armament. Süddeutsche Zeitung claims that “it's clear that Kim (or his military puppetmasters in the background) wants legitimacy as a nuclear power. Time and time again, he has made it known that his nuclear arsenal is not among the bargaining chips” (Speigel Online International). North Korea has made it clear that they don’t want to bargain, but disarmament agreements between multiple nations may work better. Also, many Germans have a negative view of North Korea probably because of their international stance for proliferation. Wikipedia states that “only 3% of Germans view North Korea's influence positively, with 90% expressing a negative view” (Wikipedia). IGermany proposes additional non-prolieferation and disarmament initatives and negotiating new agreements. On The Permanent Mission of Germanyto the United Nations website, the German position regarding nuclear weapons is “the uncontrolled spread of nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destructions is one of the greatest threats to global security. Curtailing this danger can ultimately become a matter of survival” (The Permanent Mission of Germany to the United Nations of New York)Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle condemns North Korea's nuclear test and says “the international community should consider further sanctions against the regime" (Payne). . If everyone participated in these sanctions and agreements and agreed to reducing arms, we could make it more likely to have successful negotiations with North Korea.
Germany is “strongly committed to a number of disarmament and non-proliferation initiatives, such as the Friends of the Non-Proliferation Treaty or the Group of Interested States for Practical Disarmament Measures, according to the article “Disarmament, Arms Control and Non-Proliferation” (The Permanent Mission of Germany to the United Nations of New York). Using force to fight force makes no sense. Instead, increased focus on negotiations and sanctions are the best opportunity to create global peace and security, but this can’t be accomplished with only a few countries participating. If everyone participated in these agreements and agreed to reducing arms, we could make a better case for North Korea.
Bibliography
Payne, Ed. "CNN International News." 12 February 2013. World leaders react to North Korea's nuclear test. Web. 4 February 2014.
"Speigel Online International." 3 April 2013. World from Berlin: 'Kim Wants Legitimacy as a Nuclear Power'. Web. 4 February 2014.
"The Permanent Mission of Germany to the United Nations of New York." 17 January 2014. Disarmament, Arms Control and Non-Proliferation. Web. 3 February 2014.
Wikipedia. "Germany- North Korea Relations." 21 Febuary 2013. Web. 4 February 2014.
Germany Israel Palestine Resolution/Policy Paper
Ethan Sullivan
Sara Price
Model UN
3/3/14
Germany’s Opinion on Israel/Palestine Conflict
Although the Palestinians should have the right to return to their holy land because it was originally their land, Germany feels it would cause more violence because both sides have proven they cannot live peacefully together and the Palestinians don’t see Israel as a Jewish country, a country Germany strongly supports says (News).
Germany believes that if the Palestinian people are ever allowed back then they need to look at Israel as Jewish state and respect that says (Bakir Oweida). Right now the Palestinians aren’t respecting that and both Israel and Germany think that is a lot of disrespect. Also, many Palestinians see Germany as pro-Israeli. The truth is Germany and Israel are both trying to move on from the catastrophe and we, Germany will always support Israel from now on. Germany also feels there should just be two states at this point and if the Palestinian people could just have their own state there wouldn’t be this problem. The problem is the areas where the Palestinians would like to settle are occupied by Israel military control according to the (Federal Foreign Office).
We as Germany feel the Palestinian people at this point should find another state, considering all the chaos. We feel it would be better if they were a good distance apart because they have proven they cannot live peacefully together by now. Also, Germany sees the conflict as more of a struggle over land then a terrorism war according to (Wilson Ruiz) (News). The Palestinian people having their own state would also mean more peace and security in the middle east, and would be beneficial for families to see each other more and more educational and health care opportunities. If the Palestinians had their own state the UN could provide Israel and Palestine with supplies, but that wouldn’t happen until all the conflict is resolved. In conclusion, we as Germany stand by Israel and think the Palestinians could find other areas to settle so there won’t be even more chaos if they return.
Work Cited
Bakir Oweida. ASHARQ AL- AWSAT. 25 Januar 2014. Web. 3 March 2014.
Federal Foreign Office. "The Middle East Conflict." 8 January 2013. Web. 3 March 2014.
News, Al Arabiya. Al Arabiya News. 28 January 2014. Web. 3 March 2014.
Wilson Ruiz. Jewish News One. 17 July 2012. Web. 3 March 2014.
Germany (Ethan Sullivan)
Israel/Palestine Conflict
PERFECT SOLUTION TO ISRAEL/PALESTINE CONFLICT
The General Assembly,
Aware of the nonstop fighting between the the Israelis and Palestinians, which has been continuous for more than 100 years,
Recognizing that both countries have each other to blame for the fights, un-sanitary refugee camps, and the deaths,
Realizing that Israel has been reaching out to Palestine trying to come up with peace agreements but Palestine denies them,
Deeply disturbed that Israeli troops are cruel towards Palestinians,
Keeping in mind that if Palestinians were allowed back in then Israel would have nowhere else to settle and they have always wanted their own peaceful state,
Having examined the refugee camps that are not suitable for any human beings,
Deeply concerned that if the Palestinians return it will overpopulate the tiny country of Israel,
Expecting the United Nations to take steps towards peace with the conflict,
Having heard from International Business Times Netanyahu and Israel will make peace if the Palestinians recognize Israel as a Jewish state
1. Designates a two state solution which will solve the conflict and consists of:
A) The UN helps support Palestine finding a new state with money, food, clean water, and humanitarian aid,
B) Any Palestinians who refuse, will have tight sanctions,
2. Urge any arab league countries to accept the leftover refugee’s
A) Palestinians who are relocated to other arab countries will be treated fairly like people,
B) Everybody who abstains from this agreement including Palestinian refugees, other arab league states, and Israelis,
3. Supports Israel and Palestine receiving humanitarian aid:
A) Both countries have to chip in,
B) Each country will have its own state with aid,
4. Further recommends both states to discuss equal land privileges
,
5. Notes that if there are two states there will be more peace and security in the Middle East,
6. Emphasizes that illegal settlements are very dangerous and a threat to everybody,
7. Confirms that if there are reports of Israeli troops beating or being cruel to the Palestinians heavy sanctions will be placed,
8. Authorizes that a two state solution is a win for both parties and that there will be more peace this way,
9. Designates that peace will be reached through this solution to end the chaos.
MUN Reflection
1. I think it’s important to tell other kids about the MUN exhibition because it is for me definitely the highlight of the year in humanities. I think it is also really important to know what really goes down in the United Nations and how the countries come to compromises with resolutions and amendments. Also, what I thought was most important was how the United Nations meetings work and what the process behind that is, but on top of that we got to learn about perhaps the world’s biggest issue and tragedy today. This what I would tell another student if they asked me why all this content is important to know in the world.2. During this project I felt like I really used perseverance effectively. At first during the conference I was actually really nervous to talk because I felt like maybe I was going to say the wrong thing and embarrass myself. So it took a lot of perseverance to get through that the exhibition and still come out with a decent grade. It was also a rewarding feeling at the end to have pushed through a project that was pretty difficult and to have it done was an exciting feeling.
3. The most challenging part of the project was probably time because I felt like right before the exhibition my speech wasn’t perfect and I wanted it to be. After that though when I finally got up to the podium and gave my speech it was an awesome feeling to feel like I nailed it.
4. The most interesting speech to me was Grant with South Africa. His speech to me was really interesting because he made great connections with Nelson Mandela and how valuable he was and how he wanted this conflict to be solved fairly. He really wanted the Palestinians to have a home and freedom, but wanted it to also be fair for the Israelis. And how Grant mentioned such a valuable character in society was really awesome because Nelson Mandela definitely deserves to be mentioned.
Brave New World Project
During the Brave New World Project we read the book Brave New World by Aldous Huxley. During the book we examined their society and what happiness is to them. After reading the book there was a seminar where we talked about what meaningful happiness is and how Brave New World doesn't really have true happiness. Finally, after the seminar we wrote an essay about what happiness means to us and we used a lot of evidence from different movies and readings to shape the essay.
How Must We Seek True Happiness
The book Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley, describes a society that stifles emotion and the characters don’t experience true happiness because everybody has predestination. Even though humans in our society have access to meaningful happiness and experience emotion unlike the characters in Brave New World, and they often say they feel happy, many people are not pursuing meaningful happiness. Right now the United States ranks seventeenth in terms of happiness according to New York Daily News.com. Others areas, such as the Middle East, are even less happy. Often this lack of happiness can be due to people pursuing short term happiness rather than something more meaningful. Short-term happiness might come from things or accomplishments and doesn’t last, but long term, meaningful happiness comes from having balance, social acceptance, and contributing to the community in a way that isn’t at the expense of others.
Having balance in life is an important part of lasting happiness. There have been times in my life where I have been so focused on getting ahead or getting an item that I am not focusing on other meaningful aspects of life. One time I wanted to make the highest basketball team so badly. I put a lot of energy into this accomplishment. I made a lower team and initially was so focused on not making my accomplishment and thought I would even quite. Eventually, I realized that I would have a more enjoyable experience on the lower team with my friends and a nicer coach. Not realizing these important aspects of happiness is being out of balance. Other people experience being out of balance, too. For example, the movie Happy explained how people in Japan who aren’t always working and always on the go are dishonoring their families. It has gotten to the point where some people in Japan collapse and die of over-exhaustion. Having that much stress and not being able to take a break and enjoy oneself is not considered balance or happiness. My high school, Animas High School, is a college prep school so there are a lot of students competing to be flawless and achieve academically and in extra-curricular activities. This is great, but if a student is only worried about getting ahead and to that next level, and not taking time to enjoy family, passions, and relax, they won’t achieve a more meaningful, lasting happiness that comes from things like seeking joy and focusing on good family and friend relationships.
Another important part of finding true happiness is finding social acceptance because because when someone is respected for who he or she is, then they are happier. While this doesn’t happen often at my school, in the past, I have seen students pick on other students and make them feel isolated and not safe in their environment. Someone who feels that way will not find true happiness until they no longer have to deal with lack of social acceptance or get out of that environment. In the movie Happy, Michael Prichard, a motivational speaker and comedian, was at a school and he stated that compassion and love leads to happiness. Students who isolate others must not be happy either because they lack compassion and love. Being a victim of racism or homophobia or other unfair bias prevents people from being happy, too. This is why we should work to prevent these issues. We all need to be able to seek and live in environments that make us feel accepted and safe so that we can thrive.
Happy people get lots of joy from receiving benefits from others, but people who are living a meaningful, purposeful life get their joy from giving to others and contributing to the community. Kathleen Vohs stated during a presentation at the University of Pennsylvania
“Happy people get a lot of joy from receiving benefits from others while people leading meaningful lives get a lot of joy from giving to others.” This is why winning an award or getting a gift makes you feel happy, but only for a little while. It was given to you and maybe you earned it, but you will probably quickly lose the joy and want another accomplishment or gift. It is more meaningful to help others. I have gotten a lot of joy from helping my brother’s soccer team and volunteering at the Discovery Museum because I’m giving to others. This summer I will work on a fundraiser for cancer research. I know I could spend all summer to get on a better golf team or work to buy something expensive, and I will probably do those things, too, but will find more meaning in the volunteer work. In Brave New World, John, the main character, tried to help the society by getting rid of Soma. He didn’t succeed, but since John was a protagonist and the only person in the book who tried to help others and do good things, the message is clear. Helping others is beneficial and important to finding real happiness.
For our society to seek happiness we should not do it at the expense of making someone suffer because it’s not possible to be truly happy if others aren’t able to have the same options as you. For example, in the short story “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas,” by Ursula Le Guin, there is a poor child that is suffering and starving so the society can be perfect. Towards the end of the story a few people leave this world because they cannot bear the thought of someone suffering so that they can be happy. The main idea is this story actually happens in real life in many places. In order for many people in the world to get pleasure, people elsewhere suffer. In the Congo, kids as young as 12 are out risking their lives every day digging up minerals that are used in cell phones which many richer countries use today. Twelve year old kids should not be in dangerous underground tunnels risking their lives to make others happy. I noticed this when I was in Mexico and saw many workers in agricultural fields getting produce for Americans to eat. These people lived in one or two room houses. I realize it’s not possible to eliminate all suffering that occurs to make others’ lives happy, but we can start taking steps to address things that are not equal and people who have privilege need to acknowledge that so they can help others who suffer and are in need; otherwise, true happiness cannot be achieved.
Happiness is decreasing in some areas of the world because people become too focused on short-term happiness or don’t have access to things that make them truly happy. To work towards more authentic and meaningful happiness we all need access to environments where we are safe and do not suffer. If I were to tell a friend of mine how to find happiness I would say try and focus on long term happiness and what is going to matter in the future instead of focusing in on the short term happiness so much. Accomplishments or things do not make someone happy and won't matter that much in the long run. What will make someone happy is balance, social acceptance, and contributing to the community in a way that isn't at the expense of others.
Brave New World Project Reflection
If I were to tell a friend or even a stranger how to find happiness I would say build good family and friend relationships, have balance in your life, and contribute to the community in a way that is not affecting others around you. Also, never feel pressured to do something that is not going to make you happy. If I was questioned about how solid family and friend relationships will help you be happy I would say having reliability with the most important people in your life will be a really big deal when your older. For having balance in your life I would say that is important because doing school work and getting good grades is really important, but having time to be happy and enjoy yourself is really important to. Finally, for caring about our community without the expense of others is a good thing to realize because there are people risking their lives out in the world every day to make everybody else happy and to realize that will make you and everybody else around happy.
Initially this summer I planned on working quite a bit, but after talking with my family I realized working enough to have money to buy things I want is important, but also have time to have fun with my family and friends. I also plan on heading up to Montana this summer to relax and hang out with my mom's family and that will be a good form of balance for me this summer. Job wise this summer I plan on having a landscaping job that I really enjoy right now and with a lady I really enjoy so this job means a lot to me and makes me happy.
After this project I realized there is a lot of stuff I can incorporate in my life in terms of happiness. After writing my Happiness essay I realized all the different things I talked about in my essay are exactly what I am going to use the rest of my life. Just by writing a six paragraph essay on happiness I have a very good understanding on what true happiness is. Having balance is what stuck with me the most after I was done writing my essay because life cannot be just about getting a bunch of trophies or always getting to the next level, it should be about having good family and friend relationships and also taking time to enjoy yourself. The Brave New World Project really taught me what true happiness is and I will use what I learned from this project the rest of my life.