Organizations and societies are the sum total of all the individuals in them. To transform one person is to begin the process of transforming many people. If our modern workplace is to become more humane, caring and devoted… and less obsessed with the short-term efficiency and profit, then that larger transformation must begin one person at a time.
Response #1:
This is a very important statement to look at because we all greatly contribute to the well-being of society and our world whether we realize it or not. If you look at Kant’s universality, you can see that if one person is not looking out for the well-being and progress of everyone then the system will not work. In order to create great monumental change we need everyone working on themselves individually and for the greater good of all. It will not make things different over night, but treating everyone as ends, rather than means to an end, will create a huge difference.
Actual Text #2:
Our consumer society is based on the premise that it is, that any human desire worth having is worth fulfilling.
Response #2:
When looking at this statement, it is clear that we are directly at the heart of most if not all problems in society. We can blame it on external sources, but it is internally within ourselves that we feel like we are entitled to so much more than we really are. We are constantly always wanting more and never fully satisfied. It is a sad reality, if we can not recognize that its our thoughts and actions that are having a global effect on everything then we will continue to harm ourselves and our planet one day at a time. We somehow think that power, wealth, and material things buy you a good happy life but that is not true. You can full your life with excess products and frills but that will only mask your real internal happiness. Happiness comes from having meaningful conversations and enjoying the simplicity of being in your own skin, being loved, and having just the bare necessities.
A steady intentness of the mind on its goal;--this is Restfulness.
Response #1:
To me, this quote meant that we all have goals that we set for ourselves but in order to attain them and full appreciate the achievement we must be able to be patience. We have to take a step back and rest/reflect on what we want. We are constantly working and busy with the events of every day life but our mind cannot full reach its goal without taking time to rest now and then.
Actual Text #2:
An honest confidence in the teaching and the Teacher;--this is that Faith by which the treasure is gained.
Response #2:
Transparency is key when teaching. If students can see that a professor is truthful in what they are trying to teach their students, then the class will have more faith in attain greater understanding of the course. Treasure is only gained when we have the ability to expand our minds pass the actual text we are reading. Confidence is learning more comes from an honest teacher and eager students in an open and effective learning atmosphere.
"I used to refuse things at table. Now I shout for more wine.”
Response 1:
These lines are both very powerful and symbolic. They are a great representation of our Spirituality and Fair Trade class. In our class we are able to feel comfort in voicing our opinions and thoughts. The class allows us to open our minds to views and situations we may not have ever thought of. We are now able to express ourselves without fear of being judged or embarrassed. Our words, actions, and cooperation with one another have allowed us to step outside of our comfort zone, and put meaning and importance to our thoughts. It is empowering to feel comfortable with other to express how you feel. If we are not open to our shortcomings or accomplishments we cannot work with others to achieve something great. Cooperation and teamwork allows us to use each and everyone's strengths to improve a situation. It is key to have distributive justice, and to recognize we all do not have the time, or power to do everything on our own. We must collaborate with each other and focus on what we specialize in and let others do the same. With methods like this, we are able to create great things.
Text 2:
Insecurity reaches to our sense of self. Since we are socially mobile (up,down, and sideways), we no longer identify with traditional roles, or with our occupations. All that can change from year to year. Meanwhile, pluralism discredits traditional sources of meaning: custom, religion, and ideologies. Doubts plagues. us. We take a long time to figure out who we are and what we believe.
Response 2:
We are all not perfect. We all have faults and insecurities, but that should not be the reason we cannot succeed. We are all born into the world with difference, varying life perspectives. We all adapt with our environment and with the relationships we build with others. We must make sure we are supportive of each other so that we can create the greatest good for the greatest amount of people. We are not supposed to know who we are and what our purpose is over night. In order to truly understand ourselves as human beings we must be rational and know that it takes time and experience to create ourselves. I really like the quote, “life is not about finding ourselves, it is about creating ourselves.” We are not in this world to live up to anyone’s expectations. We must discover what we are passionate about and what we are skilled at and use that to create the person we what to be, the person that will have the confidence to change the world.
I’m going to suggest that the best way to discover and deploy those assets is through building and strengthening community, not just within city neighborhoods but across neighborhoods and out to the suburbs. It is also by creating not just a web of individual relationships but also organizational partnerships and networks that weave together the faith-based organizations, social enterprises, and traditional nonprofits that make up our social sector.
Response 1:
This is a very powerful statement. We talked last night about bettering ourselves and being prideful in doing all we can to obtain our own personal goals. The other side to this is, that we all do need each other to survive. In order to make the world, a fruitful and happy place to live, we need to build and strengthen our community. We must use the word, community, in the sense of everyone in the world, not just as the people who live right next door to us. Cooperation and teamwork not only bring great ideas out to the open, but also allow us to create change. If we can get to know each other and value each other, then with each and everyone’s strengths and powerful minds, we can do great things.
Actual Text 2:
Often the approach is accompanied by a “whatever it takes” determination. The organization has the courage to make leaps of faith, to tackle big challenges or pursue big ideas despite a lack of resources.
Response 2:
This is important to point out, because we can think of something to change, say something about it, but unless we take that first step and take action, nothing will happen. Romero, MLK, KFK, Rosa Parks, and many other inspiring people took a leap of faith, even if they could not see the entire staircase. We have to have strength and support within ourselves, and for others, in order to change the odds and make a substantial difference, together.
Actual Text #1: The past three decades “1/3 of the worlds total natural resources have been consumed. 80 percent of the world’s forests are gone and 99% of the stuff we run through the systems is trashed within six months.”
Response #1: These statistics amazed me. The fact that in the amount of time that I have lived on this planet, we ourselves have used up one-third of the worlds’ natural resources. There should always be distributive justice and everyone needs to find a way to better work together so that these numbers do not increase. The problem most of the time is that even though we know right from wrong, and are well aware that we are quickly destroying our finite planet, we some how think that we “ourselves” are the exception. We automatically do not think we could be the ones contributing to the problem. If everyone just faced the fact that each and every individuals role in society has an impact, then maybe we will have a better grasp on how to save our planet.
Actual Text #2: Three steps to change: Identify the heart of the problem, the big idea. Then realize you all have to work together to accomplish this goal. Lastly, take action. “Faith is taking the first step even though you do not see the whole staircase."
Response #2: Many things seem beyond our control, but the problem we all have is that we know what is wrong, we know we have to work together to fix it, but we never exactly find the courage to take action. That third step may be the scariest because that means you have to change the structure of things and polices but we do not make improvement in life without having a little bravery that with our help we can make change. I have noted this before, but I truly think this is a great quote. “ You know, sometimes all you need is 20 seconds of insane courage. Just literally 20 seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you; something great will come of it. If people like Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Oscar Romero and Abraham Lincoln, can find it in them to make change happen, I think we can find a way to get together and back them. They risked everything for us and this world will not survive much longer if we don't find those 20 seconds to have courage.
Actual Text #1: “I have learned more from those failures than from my success. ‘Why?’ It is because when you fail you realize how much you need to do to succeed. “
Response #1:
I really like this statement because many people think that to succeed you must not make any mistakes, but that is not the case. The only way you truly can grow as a person and learn is by making mistakes. You should be able to ask as many questions as you would like and use lessons learned from your failures to make improvements. No one is perfect but we can all gain more knowledge and become better people with the recognition that our failures and lessons make us that much stronger.
Actual Text #2:
“I have always believed that altruism is part of us, that as social being we are inherently compassionate…we are all interconnected we are now coming to the realization that to survive, as human beings, we need to connect with others and be more sympathetic. Most of our problems would be over if we had an array of people committed to serving others. “
Response #2:
It is a constant tread in all the pieces of readings that we are assigned that community and teamwork are key in getting anything done. We must work together in order to maintain a long-lasting goal. The benefit of working with other is that we can learn from each other. We all have strengths and weaknesses and if we collaborated more we can achieve even greater things. I think it is awesome that the MIA Senior Living Solutions can allow people to hold on to their dignity. There is no need to take that away from people. Working together is beneficially to everyone. These seniors need our help because we all know that if we were in their shoes, we would be hoping the exact same thing. If we put in a little effort to help, these individuals can live with pride and will be more likely to live longer lives because their happiness will not be drained out of them from the depressing, gloomy setting of a nursing home. Not only will we be helping them live happier lives but also will be able to because we will be saving millions of dollars.
Actual Text: #1 “Economy of Communion businesses commit themselves to following management principles that enable them to bring Gospel values to bear on their day-to-day decisions while working within market structures”… “A manager was ready to fire an employee until one of the chemists suggested that he should first listen to the employee with greater attention. From that moment on, not only did our relationship improve, but his work did as well.”
Response: #1
I think that this is very eye opening. Management and being able to make relationship with your employees is key to the success of any organization. If you cannot work together and have good communication, you will not get anywhere. I was pleased to see the boss using these practices to step back, reflect, and reproach the situation in a more beneficial and effective way. Not only did he feel good about his actions of handling the situation, but his worker felt respected and understood. As a result, he worked harder after the discussion. A little goes a long way, if you show people that you respect them and try to see a situation from more than your own perspective.
Actual Text: #2
The Economics of Communication also touch the notion of happiness. Here the operative word is public because it highlights the reciprocal nature of happiness, as distinct from wealth: I can be rich by myself, but to be happy I need others.
Response: #2
This is very important, “the reciprocal nature of happiness”. If you treat others right, you will receive the same. Smiling at someone or doing something nice, not for a reward, but to help others, can improve someone’s day tremendously. Sometimes people forget that the world only goes round when we are all working together. Putting down other people or performing unjust acts, for your own personal success, will not leave you as happy as public happiness. Everyone should follow Kant’s idea of the “greater good for the greater amount of people”. It is positive and constructive to build relationships with people because you never know if you may need something later on down the road, and you don't want to be wishing you were a bit nicer to that person.
Actual Text #1: The first part of the movie that stuck out to me was Francis Grande and Romero’s role in helping voice the social injustice in El Salvador. They introduced a gospel of a different context. This allowed a new religious view for the poor, in order to liberate them. An individual being interviewed said, “A good man must take a leap.” Another said, “I will not let the fear beat me. We must stick up for Romero because he has the courage to stick up for us.”
Response #1: These two statements really stuck out to me. It was amazing the impact these priests had on the poor and disadvantaged people of El Salvador. They realized that Grande and Romero had taken the leap to stick up for their human rights and it was only fair for them to not back down. Romero instilled strength in the people. He told them if they didn't fight for the change now, then there would never be any change. Romero’s homilies provided such strong spiritual strength and these people would have not survived without his help. All these people wanted was peace. Romero was an angel sent from God and his last homily was proof of that. He knew how much trouble he would be in if he spoke against the military, but he knew it was important to the people that their message was heard. He made sure the military knew that they were killing their own people and that they must find a path to peace. He believed in the people and understood them. His actions remain an important part of their culture to this day and the world deserves more people like Francis Grande and Oscar Romero.
Actual text #2: The second part that stood out to me was Romero’s discussion of the “truth of 99 cases”. Everyone was able to come and share his or her stories to the priest. Stories about loved ones that were unjustly killed, tortured, or missing. People could come to him, sit in the cafe, share stories, and gain advice on how to move forward after facing these horrific tragedies. Romero would even open his home up to anyone in need of help. He would let individuals sleep in his bed because he knew how dangerous it was to be out and walking on the streets of this town. He defended their human rights and did not assess the value of each case but rather held each with the respect it deserved and implanted peace in the minds of these families. My favorite part of the movie was when a woman said, “watching Romero speech was like watching heaven open and he wanted a heaven on earth.”
Response #2: This was a very powerful statement. It showed the significant impact he had on this society. He brought hope to a society that lost all faith in God. Romero was extremely generous and was someone the underprivileged could count on during this devastating and gruesome time. I really appreciated watching this film because I was able to see real live footage of the events occurring at that time. I liked how it was filmed with subtitles because I was able to really sit there and pay full attention to this touching story.
The first piece of information that stood out to me in Sandel’s reading was the part about "gift giving" and friendships. He states that friendships cannot be bought and if someone were to hire a “friend”, then it would loose its value. The Truman Show is a great example. It shows how deception leads to corruption. Sandel also discusses the aspect of "gift giving". The value of a handmade gift or cash to go purchase what you would like, can hold a lot more value then a gift bought last minute or a gift that is not pleasing to the receiver. He gives the example from a recent book that states, “when other people do our shopping, for clothes or music or whatever, it's pretty unlikely that they'll choose as well as we would have chosen for ourselves. We can expect their choices, no matter how well intentioned, to miss the mark.”
Response to Text #1
I thought this was very interesting because in today’s day and age people feel the need to bring money into every situation. A relationship should not be built around money. It destroys the meaning of a relationship if you are with someone for his or her money or feel the need to buy someone’s happiness. If a relationship isn’t given out freely and openly it should not be taken. I think a lot of people loose sight of getting to know people by what on the inside and end up just focusing on the materialistic outer appearance. This ties into gift giving because I think it is a lot more meaningful to give a gift that is made from the heart. I know kids whose parents have bought them everything and there is not a toy they don't have. However, that does not equal love or a meaningful relationship. We live such fast paced lives that most of us don't just stop and enjoy the little things of a relationship. I value Sandel’s view on gift giving and how “if there was no stigma, then givers would give cash, and recipients would choose items that they really want, resulting in the most possible satisfaction given the amounts spent."
Actual Text #2
The second point that stood out to me what the discussion on buying a baby or paying people to give blood. He states, “that putting a price tag on children would corrupt the norm of unconditional parental love; the inevitable price differences would reinforce the notion that the value of a child depends on his or her race, sex, intellectual promise, physical abilities or disabilities, and other traits.” Sandel also touches on Titmuss’s view on paying people to give blood. He worried, “market-driven societies might become so inhospitable to altruism that they could he said to impair the freedom of persons to give. The commercialization of blood and donor relationships represses the expression of altruism, he concluded, and "erodes the sense of community."
Response to Text #2
I completely agree with these two points. Children should not be labeled as less important due to where they came from or what they look like. Adoption should be based on love and responsibility. A child should not come with a price tag, just like a friendship should not. It is sad to think about how many kids are put up for adoption or going foster home to foster home. Every child should be given the opportunity to be a part of a family and feel loved, respected, and wanted and no price can match the value of that. Secondly, donating blood is a charitable act. It is a way for people to give back to the community. Good deeds should not be connected with receiving commission for doing it. There is a moral responsibility that comes with the thought of donation your blood. If it becomes a commodity it will loose that value. Not only will it loose value but also it can have harmful implications affecting the quantity and quality of donating blood. Today the world is so brainwashed to think that everything has to be tied with making profits. What happened to doing what is right because it's the morally correct thing to do?
After reading this article, one part that stuck out to me, was the discussion of Fair Trade’s purpose and how it compares to Free Trade. It is stated on page six, “Free Trade increases nation’s economic growth, where as, Fair Trade empowers marginalized people and improves the quality of life.” It also talked about how Fair Trade is developed to be honest and transparent. It is not created so that companies can say they are Fair Trade but really only have 5% of their purchases be Fair Trade oriented. Subsequently, when discussing the difference between Fair Trade and Free Trade, it showed how Fair Trade eliminates the middleman for a more direct trade route, where as, Free Trade’s supply chain includes many parties between producer and consumer.
Response to Text #1
I think it is important for everyone to know the difference between Free Trade and Fair Trade. It is clear that Free Trade does not have the workers’ overall well being in mind, but rather directs their focus to helping undeveloped countries by way of government policies. I understand that it is good to help these less industrialized countries make money and have strong financial support, but it is not helping them as people when we are not treating them in the most respectful manner. These individuals should not feel as though we are pitting them. It is not important to them to receive money from us, but rather to help us, by showing Americans what they are passionate about. They are pleased to help our country out through Fair Trade because they can see their hard work is being noticed. Another important piece of information that stuck out to me in this article was the word “empower.” When describing Free Trade vs. Fair Trade, it is shown that the main goal of Fair Trade is to empower the people and help them improve the quality of their lives. It is great to know this goal is focused around the individuals themselves. I feel that they are more likely to get out of unsafe living conditions, grow and succeed, as human beings and as communities, if they are given the tools of learning and empowerment, rather than us Americans giving them money to show our “support.” Lastly, it is imperative that Fair Trade cuts out the middlemen that Free Trade has in their supply chain. Reason being that, these groups of people in undeveloped countries, live their whole lives around work and designing products they feel passionate about. They create these Fair Trade products to survive. There is no need to have parties between the producers and consumers, when it’s clear and ethical to give the money to the people who earned it.
Actual Text #2
Another story that was touching to read about was the “Visually Impaired Woman in India finds Lifeline in Fair Trade.” This woman is an artisan and has been visually impaired, since she was born. Because of this devastating condition, she has spent most of her life poor and famished. However, with the help of Blue Mango, she was able to find the help she needed. Not only to fix her living condition, but to also help other women who are either widowed, abandoned, abused, and disabled. Blue Mango facilitates training, employment ownership and empowerment, to these women, so they are able to lift themselves out of the demoralizing situations and change their lives for the better.
Response to Text #2
The reason this story stuck out to me the most was because it showed how anything is possible. Today, in the states, people constantly complain about their lives, the government and other issues, but they continued to sit around and do nothing about it. They think that everything in life should be handed to them, but that is not how life works. These women, especially Botumani, show what it means to get out there, push through the hardships and difficulties and change your own life. She has a disability that most people are lucky they were not faced with, yet she still is doing more from her end then we do, living in a free country. There is so much opportunity out there, but everyone is too naïve to see it or step out of their comfort zone to achieve it. Botumani shows true strength and provides the world a great lesson that anything is possible. Finally, when reading this story, it reminded me of my favorite quote that I would like to share. “You know, sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage. Just literally twenty seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it” (We Bought a Zoo).
Actual Text #1: The first part of the reading that really stood out to me was the text on page 10, describing the phenomenon in Jamaica. It discussed how, although the Blue Mountain coffee was delicious, the forests and soils used to grow the beans for the coffee are now destroyed, due to the harsh working conditions on these grounds, over the years. As a result, the residents of Jamaica have grown significantly poorer and there lives are now governed by the cash crop, “coffee.” With the vast amount of price fluctuations in the stock market, these resident workers are now working in fields that they do not own and they are becoming poorer while someone else is profiting off their hardships and dedication to properly grow good coffee beans.
Response to Text #1 I was really fascinated with this story because I feel as though we are so completely unaware of the hard work that goes into producing products that we so-call “need.” I found it devastating that people are working under such harsh conditions, just to make ends meet, for our need for the luxury of “delicious coffee.” Not only do these workers get paid way less than they should for their devotion to satisfying our needs, but they are also residents of Jamaica and have to work under the authority of someone else, watching that authoritative figure make all the profits for their work. It is sad that we can take Jamaica’s beautiful land and forests and destroy them for our own luxuries, as if we do not already have enough.
Actual Text #2 The second part of the reading that really stood out to me was the part where the author describes how Fair Trade encourages artisans to work together rather than compete with one another. It states, “when one helps another becomes more skilled, one strengthens the group.” The author also stresses the importance of being transparent and honest to create a healthy and proactive working environment. It is also saying aside from good communication between artisans, they also are very generous to help each other out. If, for example, one woman is unable to complete her part of the job, because of an injury, they will all make sure she still gets paid. This “cooperation gives artisans the opportunity to establish their own rules and solve problems in ways that are life-giving.”
Response to Text #2 The reason I thought this part what of great importance to reflect on is because I believe the underlying cause of a good, successful working environment is teamwork. If you are not willing to be open to others and share a common working ground then you will not accomplish the same amount of progress, as you would if working together. I think there is something to value in the way these artisans view life. It is very heart-warming to know that these woman who come from nothing still hold the value of friendship and learning from each other to the highest standard. I think it would be very beneficial for people of this day and age to see what true cooperation and sharing accomplishes. Overall, I think these woman have a greater idea of what is important in life and I think many people these days forget about that when it comes to success and money.
Tue Nov 19, 2013 2:47 am
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