April 10, 2010
It has been sometime since I have given a strong opinion on this issue or that. I often have a hard time capturing an accurate description of my philosophies because they seem to always be evolving as I gain newer information. I try to avoid labels because they don't help; they only bring on overgeneralized stereotypes and judgmental reactions.
Over the last several years I have been on a long journey. I remember several years ago thinking how I wanted to be able to understand opposing points of view without becoming furious all the time, which at the time was how I always seemed to react. Back then I was a bloody red conservative. I could have never imagined that actually making the decision to look at differing views as objectively as possible would change my entire world view so drastically.
I now can accept others' viewpoints as just as valid as mine, in the context of their experiences and worldview. This does not undermine the fact that my perspective is just as valid - for me. In my view, this is much more realistic in relation to how the world really turns today. Diversity is the rule, and I have come to embrace that fact, with the idea in mind that we still have more in common than we have differences.
I do not regret questioning the long-held beliefs of my youth, even though it has caused some friction now and again with some of my closest associations. While I feel I have walked this path despite the uncertainty of where it would lead, I can see why some might believe I am just another example of why people generally are afraid to take those first tenuous steps. It is scary and uncomfortable changing viewpoints and being humble enough to admit you may have been wrong, or that you might even be wrong now. A lot of times along the way I have felt like I was losing my faith because so many things I thought were rock solid beliefs started to crumble before my eyes. But I continue to hang on to things I have always valued greatly, and the other things I let go of.
It has taken me awhile, but I am getting comfortable having views that contradict some of the things I was taught growing up, at church, at school, at home. I feel I am nearing the point where I can talk about those 'aberrant' beliefs openly, regardless of the consequences. I hope to do so in a respectful way. And I hope to bring a perspective that can verify that my perspective and views are not crazy, or unfounded. I hope that someday I can be a comfort to others who feel they have 'unorthodox' political, religious, or social views, to help them feel they are not alone - as I have often felt at times during my journey - and that having differing views does not make them wrong.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
January 24, 2010
I have been playing the organ on and off for the last couple years. Maybe that's what makes this performance all the more impressive. The organ is an incredibly cool musical instrument, especially if you have mad organ skills like Richard Elliot of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
Watch with amazement.
I have been playing the organ on and off for the last couple years. Maybe that's what makes this performance all the more impressive. The organ is an incredibly cool musical instrument, especially if you have mad organ skills like Richard Elliot of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
Watch with amazement.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Jon Stewart Smacks Olbermann
January 22, 2010
Just around the time of the last presidential election, I posted an entry from Saturday Night Live with Ben Affleck mocking Keith Olbermann's self-important, pseudo-intellectual, psycho-babble.
Well, after Olbermann called Senator-elect Scott Brown from Massachusetts about every name you could possibly imagine (with the suffix -ist usually incorporated), Jon Stewart decided to take issue. And though I don't like the wallow in the name-calling myself, Stewart aptly shows why I have, for quite sometime now, considered Olbermann a cotton-headed ninnymuggins.
Just around the time of the last presidential election, I posted an entry from Saturday Night Live with Ben Affleck mocking Keith Olbermann's self-important, pseudo-intellectual, psycho-babble.
Well, after Olbermann called Senator-elect Scott Brown from Massachusetts about every name you could possibly imagine (with the suffix -ist usually incorporated), Jon Stewart decided to take issue. And though I don't like the wallow in the name-calling myself, Stewart aptly shows why I have, for quite sometime now, considered Olbermann a cotton-headed ninnymuggins.
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
| Special Comment - Keith Olbermann's Name-Calling | ||||
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Thursday, January 21, 2010
I am the WORST!
January 21, 2010
I have completed one year of grad school, and have quite enjoyed the experience so far. Apparently there are those in the world who don't think too highly of grad students. Here are two of my favorite video clips in regards to the matter; one from 30 Rock and one from The Simpsons. They make me laugh every time.
I have completed one year of grad school, and have quite enjoyed the experience so far. Apparently there are those in the world who don't think too highly of grad students. Here are two of my favorite video clips in regards to the matter; one from 30 Rock and one from The Simpsons. They make me laugh every time.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
The Evil of Sesame Street
November 12, 2009
Apparently it is the 40th anniversary of the first Sesame Street. I loved the show as a kid, and am sometimes disappointed to see my children more interested in lesser kid-friendly entertainment like Thomas the Tank Engine and Dora the Explorer. I did not realize how awful the Sesame Street actually was until Colbert made it known on his show yesterday. What were my parents thinking letting me get indoctrinated by the Public Broadcasting Service when I was so young and innocent? No doubt, if it weren't for Sesame Street, I probably wouldn't be so screwed up today!
Apparently it is the 40th anniversary of the first Sesame Street. I loved the show as a kid, and am sometimes disappointed to see my children more interested in lesser kid-friendly entertainment like Thomas the Tank Engine and Dora the Explorer. I did not realize how awful the Sesame Street actually was until Colbert made it known on his show yesterday. What were my parents thinking letting me get indoctrinated by the Public Broadcasting Service when I was so young and innocent? No doubt, if it weren't for Sesame Street, I probably wouldn't be so screwed up today!
| The Colbert Report | Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c | |||
| Grover the Hill | ||||
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