Journals

The large-scale conflict that I am thinking about has to do with some of the interactions that take place at my work. One of my co-workers often makes a lot of comments that make me feel uncomfortable. In his eyes, his remarks are just innocent jokes about different people around us. However, in my mind, I think that the comments are often sexist and racist. I usually try to be open-minded and considerate of different people. I certainly value free speech and freedom of expression. But with this particular co-worker, some of the jokes that he makes make me feel uncomfortable. He tells these jokes in a laughing and playful manner and he usually does it around me, when we are on break or leaving work. Part of me thinks that he could be doing it to project a certain type of image about himself, or to somehow look cool, controversial, or purposely ironic. The way he treats others at work is very nice and usually proper. He is also a student and he works to pay for his school so that he can help his ageing parents. In many ways I am sympathetic to his situation, but at the same time, I feel like I should say something to him about his sexual or racial comments. Another part of me thinks that his redeeming qualities outweigh his negative qualities, which only really seem to appear when he is making these "jokes" or comments. Maybe he trusts me enough to show some other sides of his personality in front of me. So, I find myself wondering which person is the real one. The other issue is that I am apprehensive about bringing this issue up because if he really is joking and trying to be cool and I confront him with my opinions, it could impact our work relationship and even some of our personal interactions. However, I think that in a way, I would be doing this person a favor by telling him about this. Someone else at the office who hears such remarks might not have the same approach as I do. The other person could go tell superiors and get my co-worker fired for his racially insensitive and sexual comments. Perhaps telling this person all of this could help him deal with this issue in the long run.

There is still another issue that I have, and this has to do with my own life. I personally feel uncomfortable when it comes to racist comments, and comments that put people down or are discriminatory in general. I feel that in a way, I should express this and show my values and beliefs to my coworker, regardless of the consequences.

A current issue that has been on my mind quite a lot lately is some of the political tensions that are rising around the world. In particular, what I have witnessing since Donald Trump came to power in the United States, and the Brexit situation in the European Union. In general, these are signs that people are becoming more and more divided. There are populist movements in different countries around the world. Many people want to showcase their differences rather than highlight the shared similarities with other races and cultures. There have been different types of hate crimes against different racial groups, gays, and other minority groups. There have been terrorist attacks in recent years that have fuelled these types of divisions between people. There have been wars that have escalated tensions and lead to long periods of conflict and losses of many different kinds. The current situation in the United States makes me worried because I have even seen some similar attitudes in Canada. Some people express support for some of Trump's ideas and initiatives. I have heard people in the university showing support for the ideas that I think will lead to greater divisions and more conflicts in the future. All of this makes me concerned and it makes me wonder if this type of thing can happen in Canada as well.

I think one major issue has to do with communication and privacy laws. I read recently that Trump has signed an order that will have a significant impact on Internet users in the US and even Canada. It has to do with information sharing and how corporations can use the information of users who use their products and services. This could lead to a major issue in the future and there are already very heated debate about this. Along these lines, another issue that concerns me greatly is how the Trump administration has tried to silence the media; even going as far as banning some media outlets form official press conferences. I have seen this type of thing in Middle Eastern dictatorships. It is very disheartening to see this type of thing happening in North America.

Week 9: Environmental Conflict

The environmental conflict that has been on my mind lately has to do with genetically engineered and modified food. There has been a lot of debate and contentious ideas around this issue. Some people feel that it is not necessarily a bad thing to genetically modified food, provided that it is controlled, regulated, and dealt with by governments. However, others say that this is an advancement and development for humankind. Human beings are now able to produce larger quantities of food at lower prices. This can be very beneficial to many people, especially people who are impoverished or malnourished around the world. They may be able to eat certain types of meat that they could not afford before this type of development. Many people point to such things in support of this type of artificial food production. However, there have been many studies and news reports about the dangers of eating genetically modified food. These studies and the widespread media coverage has pointed out that these types of foods like to many different types of cancers, as well as other horrible diseases.

Personally, I feel uneasy about this situation. I like the fact that food costs can be cut down. I can also appreciate that many people will have access to different types of food at lower prices. I think about a city like Vancouver, and the downtown eastside, where there are so many hungry and homeless people. These foods could feed a lot of people in need. At the same time, I feel uneasy about this idea.  I have read studies and seen the reports that show how cows and chickens are given hormones to make them grow, and how this type of practice has been linked to a lot of different diseases, including terminal cancers. I must admit that I personally try not to buy artificial or genetically modified food. In this case, I think that there have been so many studies and enough scientific evidence to justify public fear. I think about the mad cow crisis and how that had such a massive impact on people's lives in different countries. Maybe I could warm up to the idea if there were a way to develop cheaper food in a safer way. In a way, I feel that my concerns are justified because I have also been seeing more and more people who are health-conscious. I have close friends who have become vegetarians, friends who only eat organic food, and other who have given up gluten, and other similar ways of trying to be healthier and watch what they are eating.

In a way, I think the food companies that are producing genetically modified food should be responsible for what they produce in the same way that tobacco companies should be accountable for the damages that their product causes. They should be using good public relations practices so that people can know the truth.  I realize that this will not be easy because these companies are very profitable and many people think that they are providing a great service. But, personally, I am opposed to this practice, even if it is cheaper than traditional food production. I think that the public should be aware of the dangers associated with genetically modified food. The tough part is the people who can't afford organic food, or have no other option but to buy modified food. Hopefully there is some sort of way that food can be produced at a cheaper price, and it will not lead to cancer.

The "third story" that I am thinking of has to o with two of my cousins. They are brothers, who are 4 years apart. They are both very nice people but they tend to argue quite a bit. On more than one occasion I have seen my cousins arguing over clothing. The two brothers borrow each other's clothes. The older brother in particular, gets upset when the younger brother borrows his clothes. He works a lot and he buys expensive pieces of clothing. The younger brother sees his clothes and wants to wear some of the same things. This makes my older cousin upset because he feels like his little brother is taking advantage of his kindness and their relationship in general. He thinks his little brother is spoiled and does not see the value of his hard work. To him, his brother taking his clothes is a sign of disrespect. The younger brother does not feel like this is a big deal at all. He laughs at his older brother and usually doesn't even bother to ask permission to borrow things from the older brother.

 I can clearly see that there is a lack of proper communication and understanding of one another's perspective. I feel that next time I am around for one of these arguments, I will be compelled to sit both of them down and have an honest discussion with them. I want to explain how I see the situation and try to get them to communicate better so that they can understand each other and avoid these types of arguments. On a different level, I want to try to get my older cousin to see that valuing his possessions the way he does is not worth possibly hurting a very meaningful relationship with his younger brother. At the same time, I know that people have different perspectives, goals, and general approaches to life. My view of money and material possessions might not be the same as how my cousin looks at these topics. But, for the sake of their relationship and my relationship with my cousins, it is in the best interests of all of us for this talk to take place.

Week 10: Social Movement

A main focus of this chapter is based on listening. A lot of the material has to do with trying to get people to be good listeners. Of course, the chapter describes that qualities that make people bad listeners, then it tries to show what the qualities and practices of good listeners are. People should really be engaged in the conversation they are having with others, and not just waiting for their turn to speak. People should be open minded, especially during difficult conversations. It is good to be curious and inquisitive. I can think of situations with my parents, especially when I was younger, when I thought I was a great listener, but I was really missing the point of what they were trying to tell me. I remember trying to tell them that I did not want to attend university right away because I had a chance to make decent wage at a local company. My parents tried to tell me about delaying pleasure in the short term to have a chance at a better life in future. I thought that I listened to their points. But ultimately, I ended up leaving school to go work. It was only after coming to the realization on my own that I actually heard what they were trying to tell me. This experience took me years to learn from, but I am glad that I learned from it, because in a way, it has made me a better listeners. Now, when people try to give me feedback or advice, I do not get emotional and only think about what I want. I am able to try to see the situation from the point of view of the other person.

Social movements can be successful if they offer something new, a positive change, and they pose an unpopular system or vulnerable authorities. Additionally, social movements are most successful when there are shared causes and a sense of solidarity between people involved in the movements. These movements also involve power between all sides and they are often emotionally charged, with many passionate supporters taking part in these movements. One such example was the Occupy movement that started in New York and made its way to other cities around North America. 

Week 11: International Conflict

Refugees deal with all types of circumstances in their quest to search for better lives and opportunities. They often leave behind their homes, jobs, families, and places of origin for a chance at a good life in a safe environment. Many of them are escaping wars and persecution. Recently, there has been a lot of debate about how to handle so many displaced persons from countries in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and other parts of the world. Some feel that refugees should not be taken in by large numbers and supporting. They ague that doing this will increase taxes and burden on citizens in countries like Canada or Germany. Others think that refugees would be mistreated by some people in host countries. They may be persecuted, discriminated against, or even assaulted in the countries that they are trying to seek asylum in. Locals could see them as threats to employment and opportunities for the citizens of host countries. However, there are arguments in support of refugees as well. In a way, it could be the duty of developed countries to help others in need. People should support refugees if the governments they have elected determine that the country's economy and society can support refugees. Local citizens should try to open their minds and hearts and try to make refugees feel welcome so that they can integrate and assimilate better. Maybe people can try to look at the lives of others and gain perspective. Citizens of host countries can educate themselves about some of the conditions and horrific circumstances that these refugees are escaping from.

Chapter 10 offered some interesting insight about how to speak with clarity and assert one's position in difficult conversations or times of conflict. The chapter suggests that people can be convinced to adopt a particular position through persuasion. The chapter states that in order to properly persuade an audience, what is being presented must play with people emotions and leave a profound impact. In the case of refugees, this could work very well but appealing to people's sense of family, compassion, and love. If people see the brutal circumstances of refugees, even when they reach host country, they may show more empathy towards them.

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