Outside Reading 4

Dillow, Clay. "Movie Ratings: Running the Numbers". Fast Company 2008: 1-1.

I read an article about the changes in movie ratings. On November 1, 1968, people argued that movies were corrupting children, so the film industry created a voluntary rating system, according to appropriateness. Ratings have changed, but they still give kids the desire to sneak into R rated movies. It then gave me many stats on how many different rated movies people see a year, and how many are rated G, PG-13, R and what not. 

Looking at these stats I was so shocked about how naive society is to these raising problems of R and X movie exposure to teens. One stat proved that, "Teens with high exposure to R-rated films are seven times more likely to take up smoking than teens with low exposure to them" (Dillow 1). This freaks me out, that by just seeing one movie, that people are drawn into that type of life style that we see in those R movies. "In 2007, more than half the movies were rated R" (Dillow 1). This just shocks me at how I have seen R movies, just like it's no big deal, not knowing that maybe some day, it will end up effecting me when I have to make a  decision, and from seeing these movies, does that help me make the right one? This article proves that society is corrupting the youth with some of these inappropriate movies, that some people model their lives after. Let's stick with PG-13 movies!!! I know that some people may think R movies are more interesting because they don't cut anything out, and are relentless, but that is why society has problems like alcoholism and what not, because they see these party movies, and want to be just like those kids, but end up dead, or with a life time problem, because of what the media has shown them. So upsetting to find out that people are taking movie concepts the wrong ways, movies are meant for enjoyment and for things like in a fantasy world that can boost our imagination!  

Photo Analysis Picture

Outside Reading 3

http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/10/08/nebraska.safe.haven/index.html

This article is about the Nebraska 'safe haven' law, allowing parents to hand over their children anonymously and leave them there without being prosecuted. This law is going horribly wrong, because frustrated parents are even crossing the Nebraska state line just to drop off their child at this hospital. "The few situations we've seen so far demonstrate the need for a change in Nebraska's safe haven law," Gov. Dave Heineman. The problem this law sets up is thankfully seen and is hopefully going to change soon, otherwise there will be a bunch of random children with no one to claim them, and no where for them to go.
This relates to Siddhartha, because where he is on his path to enlightenment, he sees that suffering exists, because of human desires. These abandoned children suffer because their irresponsible parents see that this hospital is just a drop off place that they can put something that is causing them suffering, and never have to deal with it again. The parents gave into their desire for leaving their children by dropping them off at this hospital, and never having to see them again if wanted.

Outside Reading 2

http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/10/03/eviction.suicide.attempt/index.html

This article is about Addie Polk, a 90 year old woman who was being evicted from her home. Police came to her house to try and remove her from the home, when Addie shot herself twice in the upper body region. She is in the hospital recovering right now, but this story was brought up in the House of Representatives. They say that the bill of economic proposal is not addressing the millions of homeowners that are losing their homes.
I think that this is an absolutely horrendous story, in the case that Addie shot herself, because she could no longer keep her home. I suppose that when you are that old, that's the end. You no longer have a home, so what are you going to do with the rest of your life. Addie decided that she would rather end her life it seems, or at least tried to. But for others that are just starting their lives as homeowners, and can't afford to make payments, what's next? Many of people are going to be homeless, or jam packed into their parent's houses. I believe this relates to the Odyssey because with Odysseus gone, Penelope seems so weak without him. She lets the suitors in and all over her, because there is no strong force that is keeping them from entering. This is just like the banks/government stepping all over people like Addie Polk, who is old, and retired, and can't register money to pay for her house, so they take over her. They take things from her, and basically take all that she has in her life away. In Penelope's case, all but her husband and son.

Question 2

I believe that Odysseus would be in some ways a hero for our times, and in some ways not. He is very cunning, and can get his way out of most things, like when Cyclops held him and his ship mates captive, and then Odysseus came up with a plan that helped them escape. We would need Odysseus in times when we were in a jam, and needed a clever plan to escape. Odysseus would also be a good hero because he has a strong, willpower. Like when he is caught in Poseidon's storm, he does not lose hope, and still fights for his life. I would want a hero that never gives up, and one that is strong especially in times of trouble.

Odysseus would also not be a good modern hero because he is a killer. His plans include killing many people, and in modern day, you would be considered a serial killer. An example of his killing plans is the final plan to kill all of Penelope's suitors. They were all viciously killed, that would not be a normal thing in present day. Another reason why Odysseus would not be a good hero is that he is really not very self-conscious, and somewhat a rash person. Like when he woke to Nausicaa and her maids singing and bathing, and walked out to them naked and started asking for help and directions. We, at least I, want my hero to make very well and educated decusions, instead of acting on impulse and making yourself look like a fool.

Overall, I think that Odysseus would not make such a great modern hero, just because some of the things he does are not quite as acceptable in our society now, but some of his character traits would be GREAT in a hero that we could use today