Writing from the Other Side

Obama has made significant changes in the human rights category as well. He strongly encourages gay rights after he refused anyone interested in the Commander in Chief position that did not support the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. This policy makes it possible for homosexuals to enter the United States army freely without discrimination. Obama is also pro-choice in regards to the ongoing and controversial issue of abortion, believing it is a woman’s choice what she does with her body. Along with that, he also rid former President Bush’s policy on interrogation of suspected terrorists. Obama has also entered the United States in the United Nations Human Rights Council, a council that promotes the strengthening of human rights across the globe. In a report given to the council, Obama has suggested the federal government hire more that are disabled and has also given women the right to sue their employers if they are paid less than their male co-workers under the .  

                With all this said, one can see that Obama has made efforts in the face of human rights. He has certainly attempted to better our society, not only in America, but all throughout the world. Along with this, he also bans those who are part of war crimes and in violations of serious human rights from entering out country in order to protect the American people. To protect others outside of the United States, Obama sent troops to intervene in Libya’s fight for human rights, saying it was a necessary act in order to protect thousands of innocent civilians. His acts for human rights increase the safety and security of people of all races and all nationalities, hopefully making advancements towards a world peace.

                

Culture, Society, and Social Networking

                Both articles reflect on the Internet’s influence on our society and culture of today. The Facebook article asks us to think about how social networking affects the attitudes of those that use it. Does Facebook really make us more egotistical? Does the use of social networking really encourage the “better than anyone” kind of attitude? When you get down to it, Gaynes’s article makes a strong point. They way people present themselves online is completely different from the way they present themselves outside of their internet shield. Only the better looking pictures are kept up, and the basis of popularity is solely on how many friends you have and who is writing on your wall.

                Henig’s article is even more worrisome. Normal, even small acts of misconduct can be spread like wild fire across the internet. Then, all of a sudden, waves of information begin pouring out about the subject and any sense of privacy that person once had is now destroyed, and there is no stopping an mob of nosy internet users.

                I think what both articles are really trying to argue is the fact that the internet is no longer being used in a productive or friendly way. Many hide behind their computer screens firing off a list of insults that would otherwise be silenced in public. Others create a false image of themselves that forces the boosting of their ego. Some conduct that can be found on the internet is disturbing. What people seem to forget is that even though “Dog Poop Lady” refused to clean up after her dog, there have been instances when they themselves were not such perfect people either. Society’s concept of sympathy seems to be lost on the internet, and rather hypocrisy and criticisms play a key role on web pages instead.