Friday, May 29, 2015
War On Drugs
Growing up watching television, I saw my fair share of Cops shows. The people who had their house raided or were pulled over tended to be minorities. It wasn't until we watched the documentary in class that I realized the majority of drug users and dealers were white, but the media was showing minorities as the problem. What other examples of racisim in the mainstream media?
The brain and how it creates conspiracy theories
I thought it would be interesting to share some psychology that could hint at why people believe in or create conspiracy theories, which I wasn't able to fit in my part of our wiki assignment.
A part of the brain called the amygdala has been connected to the processing of emotions, phobias, and in particular responses to fear. It "jump-starts" the rest of the brain to start analyzing its surroundings, in order to provide a suitable reason for why events are happening. Psychologists believe that it can explain why conspiracy theories exist, as the amygdala may be promoting the creation of these crazily detailed theories in order to explain tragic events such as 9/11.
Of course, are many other factors that can explain why conspiracy theories still exist in today's society, but this can provide one explanation.
Sources:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/26/magazine/why-rational-people-buy-into-conspiracy-theories.html?_r=0
http://www.sciencedaily.com/terms/amygdala.htm
A part of the brain called the amygdala has been connected to the processing of emotions, phobias, and in particular responses to fear. It "jump-starts" the rest of the brain to start analyzing its surroundings, in order to provide a suitable reason for why events are happening. Psychologists believe that it can explain why conspiracy theories exist, as the amygdala may be promoting the creation of these crazily detailed theories in order to explain tragic events such as 9/11.
Of course, are many other factors that can explain why conspiracy theories still exist in today's society, but this can provide one explanation.
Sources:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/26/magazine/why-rational-people-buy-into-conspiracy-theories.html?_r=0
http://www.sciencedaily.com/terms/amygdala.htm
The Crucible : Connections to the McCarthy Era
In English class, we have been reading the play "The Crucible" written by Arthur Miller. It was written in the 50's and 60's, around the time of McCarthyism. The play itself is about the Salem Witch Trials, where hundreds were hung for being accused as witches. This really reminded me of how McCarthy accused other politicians and officials for being "soft on communism". This connection between the 17th century and the 1950's was really cool for me to see. For those of you who have read the Crucible, what are some of the similarities between McCarthyism and the Salem Witch Trials?
9/11 to now: How we have changed
The decade after the 9/11 attacks reshaped and reformed many facets of life in America. Some of these changes were temporary- an immediate response out of concern for our safety-whereas some proved to be more lasting transformations in American society. The American Lexicon, social or political terminology, was one of the major things that changed drastically in months and years after the attacks. Among the words and phrases that entered everyday language: Taliban, Ground Zero, Radicalism, Extremism, Anthrax, and the Axis of Evil. The usage of these terms dramatically increased and soon became a part of Americans' everyday lives. Not only was American terminology relatively affected, bringing in new words to be used in American culture, however, Air travel was distinctly one of these.
Perhaps the most immediate and obvious changes after the attacks took place in U.S. airports. Approximately two months after the attacks, congress federalized airport security by passing the Aviation and Transportation Security Act, which created the Transportation Security Administration. Prior to 9/11, security had been handled by each airport, which outsourced to private security companies. The new TSA implemented procedures that included much more strict guidelines on passenger and luggage screening. Only ticketed passengers could go through security, and an ever changing array of machinery and procedures were introduced to scan for weapons and destructive items. As new threats were discovered after 9/11, including removing shoes and banning liquids. Airplanes themselves also underwent major overhauls: fortified cockpit doors were being generated, and first-class cabin curtains were dropped by airlines. Today, pilots can apply to be come a federal flight deck officer, allowing them to carry a loaded gun and act as a federal officer aboard the plane.
Despite the vast amount of airport and air travel security, today, some critics say some of the new measures are much too excessive and infringe on the rights of travelers, pointing to more invasive searches and examples of passengers being detained. Would you agree with the amount of change we have created in terms of security for our nation? Or would you agree with critics and say that it is too much? Is there a limit? Or do you think American security should not have any limits due to the effects of 9/11?
Perhaps the most immediate and obvious changes after the attacks took place in U.S. airports. Approximately two months after the attacks, congress federalized airport security by passing the Aviation and Transportation Security Act, which created the Transportation Security Administration. Prior to 9/11, security had been handled by each airport, which outsourced to private security companies. The new TSA implemented procedures that included much more strict guidelines on passenger and luggage screening. Only ticketed passengers could go through security, and an ever changing array of machinery and procedures were introduced to scan for weapons and destructive items. As new threats were discovered after 9/11, including removing shoes and banning liquids. Airplanes themselves also underwent major overhauls: fortified cockpit doors were being generated, and first-class cabin curtains were dropped by airlines. Today, pilots can apply to be come a federal flight deck officer, allowing them to carry a loaded gun and act as a federal officer aboard the plane.
Despite the vast amount of airport and air travel security, today, some critics say some of the new measures are much too excessive and infringe on the rights of travelers, pointing to more invasive searches and examples of passengers being detained. Would you agree with the amount of change we have created in terms of security for our nation? Or would you agree with critics and say that it is too much? Is there a limit? Or do you think American security should not have any limits due to the effects of 9/11?
Thursday, May 28, 2015
9/11 Conspiracy Theories
There are a lot of conspiracies on 9/11, but I found some that are interesting. The first one is that the government did it. This is basically what conspiracy theorist do, they question the government and blame them. They argue that there was no "stand down" order. What these Conspiracy Theorists don't understand it that a stand down order is an order from NORAD to scramble fighter jets. Because it was a hijacker situation and not a fighter jet, the order didn't happen until it was too late. Another is that the buildings didn't collapse, they were simply demolished. Another is the planes weren't planes at all, instead they were missiles.
Post 9/11: Hate crime Trends-Muslims, Sikhs, Hindus, and Jews in the U.S.
Anti Muslim
According to most recent reports released in May 2005 entitled anti muslim hate crimes rose by more than 50 percent between 2003-2004;while 93 anti muslim hate crimes were recorded in 2003, 141 hate crimes were recorded in 2004. The study proceeds to cite 1,552 cases of anti muslim occurrences including violence, discrimination, and even harassment. Approximately 225 of these cases involved religious discrimination, such as a city's opposition to a mosque. 196 cases involved discrimination in the workplace and 190 cases cited verbal harassment. The report hypothesizes that the increase in anti-Muslim sentiment can be attributed to websites and radio programs whose content propagates feelings of hate.
State Demographics
According to the CAIR report, nearly 80% of anti-Muslim crime was committed in only 10 states. 20% of crimes were committed in California. Incidents occurring in California in 2004 included the assault of a Portuguese man in San Diego who was mistaken for being of Middle Eastern descent. A group of white men yelled racial slurs at him and told him to "go back to Iraq." On December 30, 2004, also in California, a Muslim woman wearing a hijab was pushing her baby in a stroller when a man in a truck almost ran them over near a gas station. When the woman cried, "You almost killed my baby!," the man responded, "It wouldn't have been a big loss.
Increase of Police Discrimination
One of the most salient increases from 2003 to 2004 is that of discrimination by police such as unwarranted arrests and searches which comprised a quarter of CAIR cases in 2004, whereas in 2003 comprised they only 7% of incidents. One example of unreasonable arrest occurred on June 10th, 2004 in Colorado where a Muslim family's house was raided by the IRS and armed FBI agents who drew their guns. The family was told that an IRS investigation was being conducted and the agents proceeded to ask them questions that randomly incorporated religion, suicide bombing, and personal opinions concerning war between the US and Iran.
Hate Crime on Campuses
Anti-Muslim hate crimes have been especially visible on the campuses of universities and colleges nationwide since 9/11. In the Spring of 2003, anti-Muslim rants were shouted towards student Christine Lo's dorm room at Yale. Lo had hung an upside-down American flag outside of her window to protest the war in Iraq. The ranting students also attempted to pry open her door with a plank of wood. Notes were left on Lo's door prompting Americans to kill muslims and releasing statements using threats that compromised Lo's intermediate family members simply because of race and religion.
With all of the information provided above that provides enough insight on how influencing and racially altering 9/11 was afterwards, what do you think? Would you agree or find yourself relating as to why these incidents happened? Or would you oppose them and keep an open mind despite the terrorist attacks? Do you think these incidents, racial slurs, and comments continue in today's modern society? Why or why not?
According to most recent reports released in May 2005 entitled anti muslim hate crimes rose by more than 50 percent between 2003-2004;while 93 anti muslim hate crimes were recorded in 2003, 141 hate crimes were recorded in 2004. The study proceeds to cite 1,552 cases of anti muslim occurrences including violence, discrimination, and even harassment. Approximately 225 of these cases involved religious discrimination, such as a city's opposition to a mosque. 196 cases involved discrimination in the workplace and 190 cases cited verbal harassment. The report hypothesizes that the increase in anti-Muslim sentiment can be attributed to websites and radio programs whose content propagates feelings of hate.
State Demographics
According to the CAIR report, nearly 80% of anti-Muslim crime was committed in only 10 states. 20% of crimes were committed in California. Incidents occurring in California in 2004 included the assault of a Portuguese man in San Diego who was mistaken for being of Middle Eastern descent. A group of white men yelled racial slurs at him and told him to "go back to Iraq." On December 30, 2004, also in California, a Muslim woman wearing a hijab was pushing her baby in a stroller when a man in a truck almost ran them over near a gas station. When the woman cried, "You almost killed my baby!," the man responded, "It wouldn't have been a big loss.
Increase of Police Discrimination
One of the most salient increases from 2003 to 2004 is that of discrimination by police such as unwarranted arrests and searches which comprised a quarter of CAIR cases in 2004, whereas in 2003 comprised they only 7% of incidents. One example of unreasonable arrest occurred on June 10th, 2004 in Colorado where a Muslim family's house was raided by the IRS and armed FBI agents who drew their guns. The family was told that an IRS investigation was being conducted and the agents proceeded to ask them questions that randomly incorporated religion, suicide bombing, and personal opinions concerning war between the US and Iran.
Hate Crime on Campuses
Anti-Muslim hate crimes have been especially visible on the campuses of universities and colleges nationwide since 9/11. In the Spring of 2003, anti-Muslim rants were shouted towards student Christine Lo's dorm room at Yale. Lo had hung an upside-down American flag outside of her window to protest the war in Iraq. The ranting students also attempted to pry open her door with a plank of wood. Notes were left on Lo's door prompting Americans to kill muslims and releasing statements using threats that compromised Lo's intermediate family members simply because of race and religion.
With all of the information provided above that provides enough insight on how influencing and racially altering 9/11 was afterwards, what do you think? Would you agree or find yourself relating as to why these incidents happened? Or would you oppose them and keep an open mind despite the terrorist attacks? Do you think these incidents, racial slurs, and comments continue in today's modern society? Why or why not?
9/11: WTC Demolition Conspiracy
World Trade Center controlled Demolition theories contend that the collapse of the World Trade Center was not solely caused by the airliner crash damage that occurred as part of the September 11, 2001 attacks, and the resulting fire damage, but the explosives installed in the buildings in advance. Controlled demolition theories make up a major component of 9/11 conspiracy theories. Early advocates such as Physicist, Steven E. Jones, architect Richard Gage, software engineer Jim Hoffman, and theologian David Ray Griffin, argued that aircraft impacts and resulting fires could not have weakened the buildings sufficiently to initiate such a catastrophic collapse, and that the buildings would not have collapsed completely nor at the speeds that they did without additional energy involved to weaken their structures.
Among these advocates is William Rodriguez, a janitor at the North Tower of the World Trade Center during 9/11 and was in the basement of the North Tower when American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the building. Rodriguez claims that he heard an explosion at the WTC "just seconds before" the plane hit. He additionally adds by describing these explosions," coming from below the first sub-level while working in the basement. "The walls were cracking around me and I pulled a man to safety by the name of Felipe David" who was severely burned from the basement explosions.Rodriguez states how much impact this has had on his outtake of 9/11, convincing him to change his mind as he saw how the commission did it's work after 9/11 and how American media edited out his testimonies about hearing bombs in the buildings (while Spanish media did report his un-edited evidence.) William Rodriguez is not the only one following the Demolition conspiracy. Another janitor who worked in one of the WTC buildings and equally helped save lives, adds to the theory by describing "explosions"in the lower basement" as well. Kenny Johannemann was working his shift and had encountered the same thing as Rodriguez,being interviewed on live TV on the morning of the attacks, footage that had gone viral and has been used on countless 9/11 truth documentaries. What seems to be suspicious is the fact that Johanneman later committed suicide on August 31st, 2008 after years of depression post 9/11.
The question is: Why? Why would a bomb in the basement be required to go off as the plane hit? What is the purpose behind this? If it was not aimed to demolish the building and yet increased the risk of detection, added more effort, careful timing, and yet would not achieve anything significant really..why would bombs be set off shortly before the plane crash? One source of evidence is good enough, but how about two? What do you think? Do you think what both these men witnessed has any significance to the truth of 9/11? Again, Why would there be explosives set off in the basement? The following links provides much more information and insight on Rodriguez and Johanneman,the American media, and what "truly" happened on 9/11 itself: http://www.911myths.com/html/william_rodriguez.html http://infowars.net/articles/September2008/050908Witness.htm
Among these advocates is William Rodriguez, a janitor at the North Tower of the World Trade Center during 9/11 and was in the basement of the North Tower when American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the building. Rodriguez claims that he heard an explosion at the WTC "just seconds before" the plane hit. He additionally adds by describing these explosions," coming from below the first sub-level while working in the basement. "The walls were cracking around me and I pulled a man to safety by the name of Felipe David" who was severely burned from the basement explosions.Rodriguez states how much impact this has had on his outtake of 9/11, convincing him to change his mind as he saw how the commission did it's work after 9/11 and how American media edited out his testimonies about hearing bombs in the buildings (while Spanish media did report his un-edited evidence.) William Rodriguez is not the only one following the Demolition conspiracy. Another janitor who worked in one of the WTC buildings and equally helped save lives, adds to the theory by describing "explosions"in the lower basement" as well. Kenny Johannemann was working his shift and had encountered the same thing as Rodriguez,being interviewed on live TV on the morning of the attacks, footage that had gone viral and has been used on countless 9/11 truth documentaries. What seems to be suspicious is the fact that Johanneman later committed suicide on August 31st, 2008 after years of depression post 9/11.
The question is: Why? Why would a bomb in the basement be required to go off as the plane hit? What is the purpose behind this? If it was not aimed to demolish the building and yet increased the risk of detection, added more effort, careful timing, and yet would not achieve anything significant really..why would bombs be set off shortly before the plane crash? One source of evidence is good enough, but how about two? What do you think? Do you think what both these men witnessed has any significance to the truth of 9/11? Again, Why would there be explosives set off in the basement? The following links provides much more information and insight on Rodriguez and Johanneman,the American media, and what "truly" happened on 9/11 itself: http://www.911myths.com/html/william_rodriguez.html http://infowars.net/articles/September2008/050908Witness.htm
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