Racism......

Here is another enjoyable topic up for discussion here at beginnings blog. It is nothing to be made light of and is all together a horrible thing that has torn societies apart since the beginning of time. Most recently we heard the effects of racism on the Jewish people. Millions were killed, starved, tortured, and many are still effected by the hate driven actions of a racist population. What can be done about this? As for the past, nothing. All we can do is always remember so that we can prevent it from ever happening again. Our generation should never feel guilty for anything that has happened to the people decades ago. We are only to hear their stories, learn our history, and accept that horrible things happened and will happen when ignorance and hate lead to action. With that we have a responsibility to never make the same mistakes as our forefathers and nothing more. I believe racism is a huge problem in our world but every day it fades.
One thing that has always irritated me about the discussion on racism is the tendency to blame people of today for the actions of people in the past. As a white, male American it sometimes feels as though I should always be apologizing or feel guilty for the actions of all previous white males who have discriminated against African Americans, such as slavery or the KKK, or Japanese Americans for their placement into internment camps. I had nothing to do with any of that and would never approve of such things so why should I be targeted? I think bitterness plays a huge part of racism today. We have to learn to forgive not only each other but the generations before us for their mistakes. Who are we to be stingy with forgiveness when our Lord and Savior gives it so willingly? That is pretty much the main point I have to say. Racism is a horrible aspect of our lives here on earth, but it can be overcome with patience and understanding, just like any other problem.

Issues

So this week in beginnings we discussed body image, pornography, and sexual abuse if I remember correctly. Its been fun....But in all honesty these are fairly relevant topics in the society we live in today. As far as body image goes, I believe the media has way too much of an influence over the youth of America today in shaping how they think they're bodies should look. It starts at an extremely early age, with even Disney movies focusing on gorgeous, slim, full-figured women to depict in cartoons. The men are also shown as tall, muscular and well defined individuals. Then as adolescents and young adults the movies we are filled with just flat out beautiful people. 300 shows guys with abs bigger than my head and women with seemingly perfect, flawless bodies and faces. Television shows corrupt our idea of normality even more, creating styles that are ever more revealing and flashy. Pornography has the same effect in a way. It gives you a false idea of how to treat women, what men and women's bodies should look like, as well as diminishing the true purpose of why sex was created; for a married man and women to express their love and join together as one. Pornography can even lead sexual urges so far out of whack that it leads people to sexually abusing others, such as molestation and rape. Overall, these are all very scary but very real topics we discuss. They should not be taken lightly in any way, and I know sometimes we like to joke about these things but tons of people around us, even on this christian campus, are effected by them daily and struggle with the thoughts and memories of their traumatizing experiences.

Alcohol: The Dilemma

It seems as though everyone you meet has had some encounter with alcohol. Wether its a sip with your parents at dinner time or a weekend/party/social drinker. Everyone has an opinion on alcohol which is pretty much based on their individual experience with it. I have seen young people be responsible with alcohol and older people be very irrisponsible with it. So age is almost irrelevant when it comes to alcohol. Even though there is an age limit place on alcohol in our society I do not believe that your age excuses you from any inappropriate actions. It is just as sex is legal after your 18, it doesn't mean you are justified in going out and having sex. I believe that you should not drink until you are of age and when you are you should not get drunk. This is because Christians should hold themselves to a higher standard than the rest of society does. We are under the constant scruteny of the secular world due to the pledge we make to live good, God honoring lives. Many people we have heard speak take wishy-washy stances on alcohol and say "I don't think it is that bad as long as you are responsible". But in the end you are not being responsible if you are voluntarily taking part in breaking the law and disrespecting your body with a poisonous substance. True, that in moderation alcohol can have some positive effects on our bodies, a glass of wine is even recommended on occasion. However, when we put addictive substances in our body we are not exactly heading down the clean, pure path God wants us to walk, especially when we are younger. I may sound overbearing or unrealistic to some people, but by not drinking your really not missing out on anything and every time you put that bottle, cup or glass in your hand you are ruining your image to others and giving Christians an even worse name than they already have in the secular world.

Strengths Goals

I am a very goal oriented person and this blog topic really did make me think about what I wanted to do with my time here at APU. This semester I really would like to nail down my major and feel confidant that it is the one for me. Another goal for me is that I will be able to graduate in 4 years or on time. Due to my scholarship restraints it is required that I do so. I would also like to maintain a 3.5 or higher GPA. All of my strengths will help me accomplish these goals. Belief that God will get me through the tough times even when I sometimes doubt myself. Competition with my past to see if I can really see if I can improve each semester. Also, the fact that I judge my success based on how good others are doing around me so I will want to outdo them. Command will help me if I stay with Athletic Training becuase there is a need to be authoritative when helping and treating athletes. Adaptability will be a big help if situations come my way that make me feel that it is necessary to change my major or direction in college. In the end the goals I have now may change but the strenghts I have will help me achieve and overcome whatever comes my way.