This is a difficult question, and I really believe that it depends on the situation. On one hand, "falling in love" is much more enjoyable and most people believe that it is the ultimate goal in a person's life. On the other, "love" isn't always real, and when it fades, a married couple may find themselves out of love and stuck with a person that they have nothing in common with. This may be part of the reason that there are so many divorces going on these days.
For me, "learning to love" always conjures up mental images of arranged marriages, young brides, and formal awkwardness. In general, this term only applies to arranged marriages, which modern American society tends to view with horror. It is true that in many of the countries where arranged marriage is practiced today, women are dehumanized and young girls are sold to much older men and often abused. However, a few years ago I was reading an article online about arranged marriages in modern times. I seem to remember it being about several Indian (and by that I mean from the country of India, not Native American) people who had either been in arranged marriages or had arranged marriages for their children, or both, etc. I actually found it quite surprising. I don't know if this is true for all families, but the parents in the article took great care in picking spouses for their children. They looked for ones with compatible personalities, and they didn't force their children to marry against their will. They truly did want them to be happy. Many of the people that had been in arranged marriages said that they were very happy with their spouses and had either "fallen in love" early on or had grown to love them.
In conclusion, I really can't answer that question. It always depends on the circumstances. However, I think that both of them are definite possibilities.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Saturday, February 7, 2009
OMG. Global Warming.
Global warming is a huge issue where I live (well, the same is true for almost everywhere, actually), but people never seem to actually do anything about it. Oh sure, everywhere you look there's something new being toted as "Green!" or "Natural!" or "Eco-friendly!", but it doesn't mean anything. Sure, it's a little better than the "old, destructive" way of doing things, but it's not enough.
All over the US, grocery store customers are being encouraged to bring their own reusable bags to the store with them instead of getting new plastic/paper bags at the store on each visit and then throwing them away. This is definitely a good thing, but it's not really going to make a significant impact on our effect on the environment. Everyone and their grandmother owns a lovely new hybrid car, but that's still a lot of petroleum being burned.
There is some debate over whether or not global warming is actually occurring, but I consider this irrelevant. For one thing, I'm definitely convinced that global warming is occurring. But even if we can't be sure, isn't it better to be safe that sorry (or dead)? The consequences that we will face if global warming is real and we don't act now outweigh (by far) the inconvenience that changing the way we treat our planet will cause.
This sounds cowardly of me, but I personally try my hardest not to think about global warming. Drastic action needs to be taken now, but I know that it's never going to happen. I'm almost positive that our species is going to destroy this planet, or at least itself, pretty soon here.
All over the US, grocery store customers are being encouraged to bring their own reusable bags to the store with them instead of getting new plastic/paper bags at the store on each visit and then throwing them away. This is definitely a good thing, but it's not really going to make a significant impact on our effect on the environment. Everyone and their grandmother owns a lovely new hybrid car, but that's still a lot of petroleum being burned.
There is some debate over whether or not global warming is actually occurring, but I consider this irrelevant. For one thing, I'm definitely convinced that global warming is occurring. But even if we can't be sure, isn't it better to be safe that sorry (or dead)? The consequences that we will face if global warming is real and we don't act now outweigh (by far) the inconvenience that changing the way we treat our planet will cause.
This sounds cowardly of me, but I personally try my hardest not to think about global warming. Drastic action needs to be taken now, but I know that it's never going to happen. I'm almost positive that our species is going to destroy this planet, or at least itself, pretty soon here.
Technology
It has begun to seem like my life revolves around technology. I probably use it the least at school, but even then our announcements are televised and teachers are constantly using their computers for various things. Outside of school, I am practically attached to my iPod and am constantly using my cell phone to send people text messages. When I get home, I often have to use the computer for homework. Of course, I'd use it even if I didn't have to.
I'd say that of all the technological innovations in today's society, the Internet belongs most in the category of fire and electricity. Television is up there too, but the Internet allows almost instant connection with people all over the world. News can now travel instantly between countries, which can be vital to negotiating and avoiding warfare. The Internet has also allowed anyone with a computer and an Internet connection to talk to people all around the world and make their opinions heard. I have a feeling that this will help create a much "smaller" world, and I consider this an excellent thing because I feel that a sense of unity among the people of the earth is the only way that world peace can ever be acheived.
I'd say that of all the technological innovations in today's society, the Internet belongs most in the category of fire and electricity. Television is up there too, but the Internet allows almost instant connection with people all over the world. News can now travel instantly between countries, which can be vital to negotiating and avoiding warfare. The Internet has also allowed anyone with a computer and an Internet connection to talk to people all around the world and make their opinions heard. I have a feeling that this will help create a much "smaller" world, and I consider this an excellent thing because I feel that a sense of unity among the people of the earth is the only way that world peace can ever be acheived.
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