Most recent public comments by Emma Graham https://nowcomment.com/users/43188 https://nowcomment.com/documents/137721?scroll_to=1329345 https://nowcomment.com/documents/137721?scroll_to=1329345 As I previously discovered through research, people trust because they don't want to seem dependent. Attached to feelings of dependence is anxiety, and so trusting powerful individuals is a defense mechanism. It doesn't matter how deserving the powerful person is of trust. This psychological idea is known as motivated cognition. Sat, 20 Apr 2019 12:38:11 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/137721?scroll_to=1329343 https://nowcomment.com/documents/137721?scroll_to=1329343 While this theory (specifically the part about powerful individuals affording to betray others) isn't entirely true, it's possible that this part is. When visiting the doctor, it's polite to accept their advice and orders. After all, they did attend YEARS of schooling to do so, compared to you, someone who likely knows very little about medicine. From this perspective, trusting the doctor is instrumental in maintaining your relationship with them. Sat, 20 Apr 2019 12:31:09 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/137721?scroll_to=1329342 https://nowcomment.com/documents/137721?scroll_to=1329342 I want to dig deeper than the idea that trusting so openly "doesn't seem sensible." If something doesn't seem sensible, there must be a psychological reason as to why it still happens. Of course, trusting people who've been proven to be untrustworthy is not sensible. However, I'm hoping to understand on a deeper level why trust exists so freely in our society. Sat, 20 Apr 2019 12:26:52 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/136868?scroll_to=1321341 https://nowcomment.com/documents/136868?scroll_to=1321341 Findings from this study prove my initial thought on trust. While we may have individual doubts about those in power, our society has programmed us to trust them. Wed, 10 Apr 2019 11:18:33 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/136868?scroll_to=1321314 https://nowcomment.com/documents/136868?scroll_to=1321314 Perhaps as individuals, we don't trust those in power, such as government leaders and medical professional. However, because we are surrounded by a society that's programmed to trust these leaders, we do as well. This is known as herd mentality, where thinking is heavily influenced by the people or system around you. Trust may be biologically natural, but it is intensified by the mindset of those around us. Wed, 10 Apr 2019 11:07:09 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/136868?scroll_to=1321285 https://nowcomment.com/documents/136868?scroll_to=1321285 While there are two mindsets about government highlighted in this article, they both focus on a gut-level trust that exists for all Americans. This circles back to the idea of natural trust in those holding positions of power. This can be incredibly dangerous, but our brains naturally trust the powerful as a mode of protection. Wed, 10 Apr 2019 10:59:46 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/136653?scroll_to=1319361 https://nowcomment.com/documents/136653?scroll_to=1319361 While situations like this are rare, it poses the question: why do we trust in the first place? Is it because we are told to by society? Or are there deeper psychological reasons? Mary Efurd's trust in Dr. Duntsch, a powerful individual (with her life in his hands), had disastrous results. Perhaps those in power have no reason to be trusted in the first place. Mon, 08 Apr 2019 22:16:29 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/136653?scroll_to=1319239 https://nowcomment.com/documents/136653?scroll_to=1319239 Despite obscure emails and comments, nobody understands Dutsch's motives throughout his time as a surgeon. He went through years of surgical training to attain a certain level of power, and he used it to his advantage with vicious intentions. He ultimately left 31 patients seriously paralyzed, 2 of them dead. This is devastating, and it makes me question the people I personally trust. Mon, 08 Apr 2019 20:27:58 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/136653?scroll_to=1319235 https://nowcomment.com/documents/136653?scroll_to=1319235 Mary Efurd did not know her surgeon's background (even though he had plenty of training), but she trusted him anyways. In interviews conducted with Efurd, she simply responds that she trusted him because he was employed at the hospital and that he seemed confident in his position as a surgeon. In no way is the surgery's terrible outcome Efurd's fault, but it brings up the question: why do we trust those in power? Mon, 08 Apr 2019 20:20:30 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/136528?scroll_to=1318108 https://nowcomment.com/documents/136528?scroll_to=1318108 We are human beings, designed to seek survival like all other animals. While we may be more intelligent than other animals, we are no different in our need to survive and carry on our genes through reproduction. So, this idea of trustworthiness from a lower power position is not for the sake of other people. Instead, it is to boost one's self-esteem, to "protect oneself from unwanted realities." We survive by protecting our minds and our bodies, and this is one way to do so. Sun, 07 Apr 2019 17:47:20 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/136528?scroll_to=1318106 https://nowcomment.com/documents/136528?scroll_to=1318106 To me, the rational actor theories seems completely inaccurate. I have never witnessed people with little to no power take the high road and refuse to trust those with more power than them. It makes sense that people with less power want to compensate for their feelings of dependence by placing trust in those above them. The results of this study make a lot of sense. Sun, 07 Apr 2019 17:42:00 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/136528?scroll_to=1318103 https://nowcomment.com/documents/136528?scroll_to=1318103 This paragraph only mentions the public and the way it trusts the media and politicians. However, we see this kind of blind trust in every aspect of life: teachers, doctors, manufacturers, and even parents and friends. We naturally trust people around us who have more experience than us or are in roles of power. Why? What tells us that these people do not have bad intentions in their dealings with us? Sun, 07 Apr 2019 17:29:34 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/133763?scroll_to=1296127 https://nowcomment.com/documents/133763?scroll_to=1296127 This paragraph ties everything together, making Quammen's writing make perfect sense. It's the final "road sign." Wed, 20 Mar 2019 11:10:32 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/133763?scroll_to=1296080 https://nowcomment.com/documents/133763?scroll_to=1296080 This group of sentences keeps readers on track with all of the information presented. It forecasts what's to come in the essay to avoid confusion. Wed, 20 Mar 2019 11:01:08 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/133763?scroll_to=1296063 https://nowcomment.com/documents/133763?scroll_to=1296063 Quammen presents a lot of complex information, so explaining WHY it's important keeps readers interested and avoids confusion. Wed, 20 Mar 2019 10:59:01 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/133763?scroll_to=1296058 https://nowcomment.com/documents/133763?scroll_to=1296058 Quammen makes use of transitional sentences to further guide readers and maintain a sense of flow throughout the essay. Including things like transition makes information more easy to follow. Wed, 20 Mar 2019 10:57:17 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/133763?scroll_to=1296053 https://nowcomment.com/documents/133763?scroll_to=1296053 Quammen uses sentences such as this one to show readers where he's going with his essay. Doing so helps clearly communicate the information to readers. Wed, 20 Mar 2019 10:55:23 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/122988?scroll_to=1190487 https://nowcomment.com/documents/122988?scroll_to=1190487 As I continue to read this article, it seems like individualist and collectivist cultures are neither good nor bad. Though they are very different, they provide individuals with a form of strength and support in one way or another. Tue, 18 Dec 2018 20:57:28 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/122988?scroll_to=1190486 https://nowcomment.com/documents/122988?scroll_to=1190486 This article looks at both individualist and collectivist cultures in a positive light. However, it seems to praise individualist cultures a lot more. Is it good to have collectivist cultures? Are they beneficial all the time, or can they become harmful at points? Tue, 18 Dec 2018 20:55:03 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/121994?scroll_to=1190143 https://nowcomment.com/documents/121994?scroll_to=1190143 This is an interesting way to look at conformity. It's not bad- it actually allows for a strong and productive society. However, when used in the wrong way, conformity becomes groupthink and leads to a toxic environment. Tue, 18 Dec 2018 10:29:29 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/121994?scroll_to=1190124 https://nowcomment.com/documents/121994?scroll_to=1190124 I disagree with Mishra. I believe that everyone, no matter how strong-willed, is subject to peer pressure. Human beings naturally conform to one another- it's a survival instinct. To say that one is not affected by the people around them is naive. Tue, 18 Dec 2018 10:26:04 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/121994?scroll_to=1190076 https://nowcomment.com/documents/121994?scroll_to=1190076 I totally agree with this perspective. Individuality isn't always easy, so conforming to the larger group makes discovering one's identity a little easier. This is prevalent in high school! Tue, 18 Dec 2018 10:22:07 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/121995?scroll_to=1189822 https://nowcomment.com/documents/121995?scroll_to=1189822 This paragraph helped me understand government regulations and their importance. Just like anything, they can be abused and ultimately harm the economy. I think this definition will be helpful in writing my "1984" essay. It is clear that in Orwell's imaginary world, the government's role has become out of balance and in turn, put individuality at risk. I wonder if this same thing could be an issue in modern society.... Mon, 17 Dec 2018 21:41:21 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/121995?scroll_to=1189821 https://nowcomment.com/documents/121995?scroll_to=1189821 Just like the other article on regulation, this argument seems a bit one-sided. So far, however, it seems like this one might consider the opposing view. Mon, 17 Dec 2018 21:37:42 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/122018?scroll_to=1189819 https://nowcomment.com/documents/122018?scroll_to=1189819 I like this last idea. I thought the rest of the article was a bit controversial, but for the most part, the author brings up good points. Many of us don't trust the government, so we resort to individualism as an alternative. I think that's the idea in "1984" by Orwell, just the other way around. If we can bring our sense of individualism to the table while building a strong institutional ladder, we can thrive. Mon, 17 Dec 2018 21:28:44 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/122018?scroll_to=1189817 https://nowcomment.com/documents/122018?scroll_to=1189817 This article brings up a good point. We must keep the idea of individualism in check because if we don't, it can actually cause harm to those at a disadvantage. To be excessively worried about it, however, is unnecessary. We simply need to keep that point in mind as we go about promoting the importance of the individual. Mon, 17 Dec 2018 21:25:09 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/122018?scroll_to=1189813 https://nowcomment.com/documents/122018?scroll_to=1189813 Once again, this article presents the risks of the individual being so heavily emphasized. When we only place value on the smallest unit of society, the individual, society truly ceases to exist. We need to be aware of the importance of government presence and feelings of nationalism so that we can thrive as a whole. All units are important in moderation. Mon, 17 Dec 2018 21:21:40 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/122852?scroll_to=1189809 https://nowcomment.com/documents/122852?scroll_to=1189809 Individualism can be toxic in certain lights. However, when used to benefit the group, everything thrives. Individualism is important, and can definitely be slowed by overwhelming government regulation. Why can't we flip the mindset, and make individualism work for the government instead of the other way around? Mon, 17 Dec 2018 21:07:34 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/122852?scroll_to=1189808 https://nowcomment.com/documents/122852?scroll_to=1189808 As a reader, I identify with this statement a lot. As I have grown older and more independent, I have come to blame myself for failures that aren't solely my fault. While individualism is healthy, it can also cause feelings of inferiority and even depression. Mon, 17 Dec 2018 21:04:43 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/122852?scroll_to=1189806 https://nowcomment.com/documents/122852?scroll_to=1189806 This psychologist makes a very good point. Individualism can be taken too far, and when it is, society begins to collapse. From the beginning of time, human nature has led us to group together and form entities for increased economic, physical, and psychological strength. We cannot neglect the idea of strong nations and governments, because that is what protects our freedom to act as individuals. Mon, 17 Dec 2018 21:02:34 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/122852?scroll_to=1189804 https://nowcomment.com/documents/122852?scroll_to=1189804 While my argument is largely for individualism and controlled government regulation, I do think that it can go too far. An excessive sense of individualism almost becomes toxic. We must find a balance of recognizing the individual and exercising personal liberties, all while empowering one another and standing with our government. Mon, 17 Dec 2018 20:58:49 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/122877?scroll_to=1189803 https://nowcomment.com/documents/122877?scroll_to=1189803 Once again, this is a strong example that has helped me better understand the need for government regulation. While things like this are important, what about all of the other regulations that are unnecessary? I know the author picked the most sensible ones to support his argument. When looking at this issue with a simple mindset, the basic ones make the world of government regulation seem ideal. I think the author should have included some of the unnecessary regulations and talked about why capped regulation is important. In my opinion, doing so would have strengthened his argument. Tue, 18 Dec 2018 10:29:56 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/122877?scroll_to=1189802 https://nowcomment.com/documents/122877?scroll_to=1189802 I understand the author's point here. While regulation might immediately cause some people to lose their jobs, things aren't any different in the long run. But if nothing really changes, what's the point of having so many regulations? Doesn't that just leave room for a more powerful government, threatening the idea of a free market? Tue, 18 Dec 2018 10:27:09 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/122877?scroll_to=1189799 https://nowcomment.com/documents/122877?scroll_to=1189799 In my opinion, this author did a poor job of presenting a good argument. He never discussed the opposite opinion in a sensible way, but bashed it so much that it sounded silly. No matter one's political stance, I doubt many people want to read through this whole article! I will say this: I understand why government regulation is necessary. In my question based on "1984" by Orwell, I wonder about the negative effects of intense government regulation. I get why regulation is positive when used appropriately. However, this author seems to be a little like Big Brother- obsessed with strict regulation- just far less extreme. Mon, 17 Dec 2018 20:45:31 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/122865?scroll_to=1189780 https://nowcomment.com/documents/122865?scroll_to=1189780 I remember learning about this painting in AP European History! It is one of the most prominent paintings in which every figure is depicted as having a unique appearance. Every person looks different, with different expressions or actions. This summarizes the new mindset that accompanied the Renaissance. People were thought of as their own beings rather than being grouped together for the first time. Mon, 17 Dec 2018 20:36:54 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/122883?scroll_to=1189779 https://nowcomment.com/documents/122883?scroll_to=1189779 Once again, China seems to be one of the least individualistic countries in the world. This is honestly surprising, considering it has grown a lot economically. However, it must also mean that increasingly controlled social aspects lead to decreased individualism, which surely is the case with China. Mon, 17 Dec 2018 20:32:49 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/122883?scroll_to=1189757 https://nowcomment.com/documents/122883?scroll_to=1189757 I am only super familiar with China and its current state out of these five countries. From what I know, China is extremely controlled by its government. Life in China is strictly regulated. It seems that decreasing individualistic values are a result of major government regulations in these five countries. When considered in the context of "1984," it's easy to see how every character lost their sense of individuality. The strict government took away every opportunity for these people to express themselves. Tue, 18 Dec 2018 10:24:09 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/122883?scroll_to=1189747 https://nowcomment.com/documents/122883?scroll_to=1189747 Who said that collectivism is a bad thing? This sentence makes a collectivist culture sound extremely beneficial to the people within it. It emphasizes "interdependence, family relationships, and social conformity." Having strong families and depending on one another are ways to build a foundation for a thriving community. We've also been taught that social conformity is bad, but what if that is not the case? What if it actually benefits societies and brings individuals together over a common purpose? Unless it goes to the extreme, it seems like collectivism as a result of government involvement might actually be a positive thing. Tue, 18 Dec 2018 10:23:05 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/122888?scroll_to=1189608 https://nowcomment.com/documents/122888?scroll_to=1189608 "The Lamentation" by Giotto was painted before the Renaissance. During this time, individualism was not a heavily emphasized topic. While studying this painting, I noticed that nearly every figure, except for Jesus, has the exact same face. Every being looks essentially the same, showing the lack of concern for individualism in pre-Renaissance times. Tue, 18 Dec 2018 10:20:09 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/116114?scroll_to=1148914 https://nowcomment.com/documents/116114?scroll_to=1148914 While it would be nice for citizens to no longer be in debt, our nation must also consider what is best for the economy. There are so many ways to use that money, all of which are more urgent than repaying student loans. Fri, 02 Nov 2018 16:37:46 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/116114?scroll_to=1148912 https://nowcomment.com/documents/116114?scroll_to=1148912 Yes, student loans are a burden. However, it is likely that those who took out a lot of loans for their degree are making more money than those who got a less prestigious degree. The people who are in a lot of debt with high degrees would have all of their debt wiped away, and would automatically be raking in a ton of money. This seems to contradict the main ideas of those opposing student debt in the first place. Fri, 02 Nov 2018 16:36:03 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/116114?scroll_to=1148906 https://nowcomment.com/documents/116114?scroll_to=1148906 While the whole idea of "wiping away" student debt sounds great, it is completely unrealistic. Our nation has accumulated over $1 trillion in student-loan debt. How would the government just get rid of this without abandoning other responsibilities? If all student debt were to just be forgiven, it would have to be prioritized over Social Security spending and other government assistance for those in need. This would be far more destructive in the long run. Fri, 02 Nov 2018 16:28:49 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/116114?scroll_to=1129739 https://nowcomment.com/documents/116114?scroll_to=1129739 Why is there such little wage growth? If employers require college degrees from all employees, shouldn't they get paid more? Raising wages, as long as it is deserved, would allow post-graduate students to pay back some of their student loans. Sat, 13 Oct 2018 13:16:30 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/116114?scroll_to=1129712 https://nowcomment.com/documents/116114?scroll_to=1129712 In our modern world, a college degree is seen as essential to earning a decent living as an adult. If this is the case, why is it such a burden for individuals to receive that degree? If respectable jobs hold their employees to such high standards, then meeting those standards should be more feasible. I'm not saying college should be free- professors and other expenses still need to be paid. However, it is not appropriate for institutions to charge $200,000 to provide ambitious students with an education. Sat, 13 Oct 2018 12:16:49 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/116114?scroll_to=1129711 https://nowcomment.com/documents/116114?scroll_to=1129711 I am shocked that we didn't started panicking about student debt until it hit the $1 trillion mark. Why were we not super concerned about it before? Why is fixing this crisis not a bigger priority in our country? It is something that burdens the lives of nearly every American with hopes of advancing professionally or receiving education after high school. This overwhelming amount of debt it hurting the economy. Something must be done- we can no longer be satisfied with exorbitant tuition rates and low-paying post-graduate jobs. Sat, 13 Oct 2018 12:10:04 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/116114?scroll_to=1129695 https://nowcomment.com/documents/116114?scroll_to=1129695 While I agreed with most of this article, the ending paragraphs seem to blame just one group of people for a major crisis. We need to step back and evaluate the issue as a whole. The student-debt crisis can be attributed to the universities, students, government, and the entire nation as a whole. This is not a problem that one group is at fault for, but rather one that has built up because of corrupt institutions and poor decision making. Our country can fix this issue as long as everyone involved is willing to make change and move forward in hopes of seeing a positive outcome. Sat, 13 Oct 2018 11:13:18 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/116114?scroll_to=1129694 https://nowcomment.com/documents/116114?scroll_to=1129694 I constantly hear complaints from older generations that millennials don't work as hard as they do; that they're lazy, unmotivated, and unskilled. Maybe this comparison is true on some level, but it surely can be contributed to the student-loan debt crisis. Not only is school debt impossible to pay back, but current generations are now getting paid less to do what they trained for. They are unable to progress in the professional world and make a decent life for themselves no matter how hard they work. I'm sure anyone would be unmotivated to work if these were the results. Sat, 13 Oct 2018 10:18:47 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/116114?scroll_to=1129693 https://nowcomment.com/documents/116114?scroll_to=1129693 Why is college 400 times more expensive than it was 30 years ago? I'm sure institutions could argue that it contributes to more rigorous academics, opportunities and events, and the appearance of the campus. But are these things really worth it if they are setting students up for failure? While students may be receiving a great education all while having a good college experience, they're left with unbearable debt after college. This ultimately sets them up for failure in life and defeats the purpose of college in the first place. Sat, 13 Oct 2018 10:06:35 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/116114?scroll_to=1129607 https://nowcomment.com/documents/116114?scroll_to=1129607 Hearing this from an individual who has experienced this nightmare brought the debt crisis to life for me. What’s the practicality behind medical school if you won’t ever make enough money to fund a decent life? Professions once viewed as high-paying and difficult to reach are no longer desirable. As of now, my plans for college are to follow a pre-medical track in hopes of attending medical school. I fear that all of the stress I will go through will have no positive results. What if I’m better off working a job that requires less schooling? Our country’s entire job system is going to fall apart if we don’t do something about this issue. Fri, 12 Oct 2018 21:16:22 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/116114?scroll_to=1129592 https://nowcomment.com/documents/116114?scroll_to=1129592 I never understood the lasting effects of student debt. Students can’t afford to pursue careers in medicine, law, and other fields that require a lot of schooling. As a result, our nation’s rising generation of professionals is decreasing. We are suffering as a country in all areas- legal, medical, educational, etc- simply because no one can afford it. Jobs once deemed as high-paying no longer pay enough to make it worth the effort. It is obvious that even prestigious universities are realizing this, doing all that they can to encourage students to enter once-desirable professions. Fri, 12 Oct 2018 20:37:26 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/116114?scroll_to=1129563 https://nowcomment.com/documents/116114?scroll_to=1129563 This point hits home for me, especially because I'm preparing to go to college next year. Knowing that simply receiving an education can delay my profession and future family is disappointing. As a student who has worked hard to be able to continue pursuing an education, it seems unfair that doing so might destroy the reality of a successful future. Fri, 12 Oct 2018 19:27:58 -0400