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Research Paper Update

My topic is analyzing the changes in American attitudes towards immigration in recent years as opposed to the past. I will look to uncover the reasons behind this new hostility and propose possible ways to remedy the problem.

Sources:
Hanson, Gordon H., Preface to "Does Illegal Immigration Harm US Citizens?" This is a great analysis of the ways the recent influx of immigrants has affected America in regards to finances and the workforce. 

Hainmueller, Jens and Hiscox, Michael J., "Attitudes toward Highly Skilled and Low-skilled Immigration" This study is unique in the ways that it focuses on the opinions of individuals as they relate to immigration and also tries to pinpoint the varying attitudes towards immigrants of different skill levels.

Ruark, Eric A., and Matthew Graham. "Immigration Is Increasing Poverty in the United States." A solid argument against claims that immigrants take away large numbers of jobs from established citizens.

Hainmueller, Jens and Hopkins, Daniel J., "The Hidden American Immigration Consensus: A Conjoint Analysis of Attitudes Toward Immigrants." A great study that aims to identify the specific attributes of immigrants that provoke especially positive or negative reactions among Americans.

 

Huerta, Alvaro. "Arizona's Immigration Law is Racist." A reflection from someone who personally identifies with those attacked in Arizona, addressing the racism present in our society.


"Introduction to Illegal Immigration: Current Controversies." A concise explanation of the Arizona controversy and its immediate aftermath.

Anti-Gay Marriage

Here's an anti-gay marriage blog...

Lazy People

The greatest notable annoyance about our society today is the epidemic of laziness that has overcome the American people. It seems that all products, services, and pastimes are designed to aid this unfortunate predicament, worsening the cycle and fostering impatience and obesity.

Ever since the invention of cars, our motivation to simply walk places has been consistently declining. Nowadays, we take for granted our transportation by automobile, often times seeing no plausible way to arrive at a destination without the involvement of one. The idea of walking or bicycling to a given location seems daunting and strenuous to many. Furthermore, society caters to our reluctance to walk extended distances. Parking lots can be found today adjacent to all businesses, many featuring even closer spots rewarding people who promise not to stay long. Thus, shoppers will take advantage of these close spots, even if they anticipate staying for an extended time period, simply because they are lazy and the prospect of walking an extra hundred feet is an unbearable concept.

Moreover, as a society we have an acceptance for the pastime of laying around and doing nothing. Many refer to Saturdays or Sundays as their “lazy days”, opting to lay around in pajamas while eating various forms of junk, rather than venturing out and being a productive member of society. Additionally, we are taught early on as children that if you are tired, it is alright to spontaneously lie down during the day and sleep. This pastime is commonly referred to as “napping”, but in reality it is just deciding mid-day that life is too demanding and an unconscious break is necessary.

My argument against laziness in our society would not be complete without at least mentioning the detrimental effects the television has wreaked upon human activity. Don’t get me wrong, I believe that televised programming is beneficial in the way that it disperses information throughout our country and the world, but the prolonged activity of “vegging” out in front of a television watching pointless sitcoms or trashy reality TV only produces negative consequences. Instead of going outside and taking a walk or playing a game of catch, many families plant themselves in front of the screen. This practice is especially unfavorable because it teaches children that nightly inactivity is alright, a lesson that will most likely be passed down to their children as well.

Overall, I do not think that humans in general, or even Americans, contrary to popular belief, are destined to be lazy creatures. Our sluggish state spawns from cultural customs we become used to early on and then accept as normal. Though I admit that I occasionally am a participant in all the patterns I mentioned, I try to distance myself from their tempting grasp as much as possible. Essentially, that is all we can personally do in a society where the automobile, television, fast food, and ultimately laziness reign supreme.

Definition Essay

Link to Essay

Senior Project Update

The topic for my senior project still remains the same, as I will be an assistant teacher and choreographer for a class at Expressions Dance Studio. Life has been hectic lately, so I have not begun my actual field work yet, but I have secured my mentor and a position at the studio. My mentor will be Cassie Geremia, an amazing dance teacher who I worked with previously in middle school when she coached my competition team and last year when I was involved in her company. I have arranged for us to meet this upcoming week so we can discuss all the particulars of the project and deal with the requirements that will be due soon.

For my dance for the girls, I have been researching different styles of choreography through online videos from both amateurs and professionals. Since I will be working with younger students, I feel that this form of preparation is necessary as their material and skill level will be vastly different from my own. Thus, my dance for them will vary from if I were to choreograph a dance for myself.  The choreography I will be focusing on will be fun and upbeat and simple enough for them to execute effectively. Nonetheless, in my time working with the girls, I want to be able to improve their skill levels through my instruction, so I will attempt to challenge them whenever manageably possible.

Clearly, there is still much I have to complete in regards to my senior project. It is still necessary for me to solidify the exact class I will be working with for the project and then determine the amount of choreography to craft. However, I have definitely already determined the basic components that my project will entail, now I simply need to fill in the remaining gaps.

Response to "Drugs" by Gore Vidal

 

I do not necessarily agree with Vidal's assumption that people with easy access to drugs pose no threat to their neighbors. It seems that anyone engaging in regular usage of addictive drugs inevitably suffers from erratic side effects, which could lead to unpredictable and in some cases, possibly dangerous behavior. Even in the case of marijuana, which is not physically addictive, psychological addiction can arise causing less detrimental, but similar consequences as well. It is undeniable that people who periodically use drugs would be more likely to exert negative influence on those around them, whether the drugs are officially legalized or not. With that said however, I believe that simplified access to drugs would lessen the potential danger of these individuals to their neighbors. Readily available drugs would take the desperation and forced secrecy out of the illegal drug- obtaining process and thus, addicts would not be forced to resort to drastic measures as a result of the stress of trying to safely buy their goods. The psychological and physical dependence of addicts causes them to resort to crazy measures to maintain or regain their high and with the assurance of available drugs, these would not be necessary. Overall, though, relying on past crime rates alone, it is clear that drug users exert negative influence because of the drugs themselves, a trend that would most likely not change with any form of legalization.