Who are we to judge?

As our class got into what I think was our first heated discussion today, it got me really thinking. In fact, I have been thinking about our discussion literally all day. When we started talking about having free-will and pre-determination and then it started leading to other things, somehow, it seemed as if at one point we were talking about morality and judgment. This point stuck with me.

As a woman, I can be honest and say, by nature I am a judgmental being. Even though I feel that I am not as judgmental as others I can still admit that I am guilty of judgment. And as I look around and see other people judging me, judging my classmates, I wonder, what are they really thinking about me? The simple thing is to say you don't care, and for the most part I don't however, I do still wonder from time to time if I am presenting myself the way I want to be seen.

Well this also got me thinking, who do we, as humans, think we are, to seriously think that we should judge others? Really? Think about it, isn't God the one who "saved" us, and if this is so, Isn't he the all powerful, gracious, and kind being? Shouldn't he be the one to judge our actions and our character? I don't know but, all day this has really bothered me thinking about people pretty much hating on one another. 

Like when one of our classmates brought up about her neighbor and his situation, yes, to us that seems completely wrong and immoral but, what if God forgives him? Then what to we do? Still hate on him? I think this is a tough issue to reason with but it is definitely something to think about more often.

What is "Self?"

As we explore self this week in Philosophy, I have to question, what is it that I consider to be "self?" Do I consider my personality traits self? What about my body parts? What about my character?
This got me thinking about a past experience of mine. I brought home a boy that my father absolutely hated, and I mean, like loathing hate. When I asked my dad what his deal was he said that his character was questionable and he didn't trust him.
So, is this really an issue? Was this guys' character really something so deep within himself that it distinguished what he was as a person completely?
As we had our class discussion today and we took our positions, I looked closer at what Plato said about "self." He basically said that our soul is what is our actual self, and our body is just a tool. This was easy to agree with because I personally believe that our self has a direct correlation with our soul. When I think of what my "self" is made of, I would say things like: honest, trustworthy, happy, and loving. I wouldn't generally think of saying that my self is my brown eyes, my brown hair, etc. Yes, those things are part of me, and technically I guess they are what make me, me, but, what really makes me who I am as a person are my traits and qualities. However, I can see who this could be so controversial. I myself as I write this blog entry am finding myself questioning my "self."

Prop 8

Can I just start off by saying, Thank you Professor Devitto for that YouTube link. The issue of Prop 8 is something that I have a strong opinion about.

As election day approaches closer I have not only educated myself on who I think should be the next President, but also the different propositions that we, as Americans, are to vote for. One that has particularly caught my attention is Prop 8.

Growing up in a strict Christian home I was taught that being gay was unethical and against the teachings of the bible. Of course, as I child I did not question what the adults around me said, but as I grew older and started to form my opinions I started to realize a system that I consider to be quite flawed.

Not only did I feel like it was wrong to discriminate against gay people, it felt even worse to know that in the public eye they aren't even recognized as what is to be considered "acceptable." This is so hurtful, who are we to pass that kind of judgment on people that may be slightly different from our own self? Do people discriminate against race? No. Because someone finally stood up and said no, I have had enough.

This, Prop 8, is our chance to speak on behalf for those people who don't have the liberty that everyone else does. Shouldn't everyone have the right to be happy? And as for religion, like one of the men in that youtube video said, "Jesus was a man that wanted to dignity, respect, and EQUALITY, for all." This is something I can agree with. For all those religious people who claim that biblically it is against the will of God, He also sent Jesus as an example for us to live by, a man of compassion, a man that I believe, would not discriminate.

I have attached the link for those of you who did not get to watch it already.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90ANZiOK0o0

What is "Truth?"

Before I took this philosophy class I questioned many things going on in my every day life and the world around me however, some how I find myself questioning even more than I did before. Because of this I ask you: What is the point of trying to make a long-distance relationship work?

This thought crossed my mind when my boyfriend of almost two years told me he was going to another state for school this school year. As it took me as somewhat of a surprise we both agreed that we felt it was worth it to try and make it work. It has been four months since he left to his state and left me here in California. Many of my friends and especially my parents question why we would even try to make it work, especially when  you factor in the distance between us is close to a twenty hour drive. 

My answer to this question is simple, as one of my classmates today said, your reality is what you make it to be. What is truth to you may not be truth to another but as long as it is your truth and you are ok with it, that is all that matters. So to relate this back to my original question, the reason I feel it is worth it to make a long-distance relationship work is because it is my truth, and my reality, and maybe not everyone can see from my eyes but that doesn't neccessarily matter to me.

In conclusion, your truth is what you make it to be, and you can truly apply this to any situation you find yourself in.  

Do what you've got to do

Last quarter I felt so overwhelmed by my class-load. I let not only the pressures of school get to me but, also pressures like my parents, my boyfriend, and friends get to me. I got to the point where I was so fed up with everything I felt like I needed a break from it all.

At this point I looked into traveling abroad in another country for a year. The countries that particularly caught my attention were Argentina, and Spain. Starting to see that I really could end up going I started to get really excited. 

Unfortunately, six months later, here I am, not in a foreign country. But do you want to really know why I am here? Because I let something so small like an opinion of someone else tell me I shouldn't go. That's it. Stupid decision right? 

Essentially, the point I am trying to make here is, do what you have to do for yourself, and do not let anyone else influence you. Doing these things will bring you happiness and life experience.