Ideology (Paper #5)

Ideology is a very complex subject to understand. My best guess definition of the word ideology is the study of ideals or ideas. This study has been around for centuries appearing first in politics, and continuing today in political and social beliefs. Different ideals and ideas vary among every human on this planet which causes political and social debates. Ideology is almost always seen in a Political or Epistemological manner. There are many differences between Epistemological and Political ideologies and I have a personal set of ideals as well.

Epistemological Ideology is more focused on the study of philosophy, how humans should act and everything throughout space, the final frontier.

Political Ideology is the basis of any political association, each having their own set of ideals and beliefs on a subject. These differences in beliefs have caused the human race to take sides on every issue putting man against man, and brother against brother. This fighting of ideals can be attributed to many wars, events that led to war and the killing of millions of people over the life span of the earth. Everyone grows up different which leads one to have their own set of ideals. They will follow these ideas and fight anyone who goes against them. It is sad to see so many people fighting, when some of these “soldiers” do not even try to understand where the other group is coming from. This is the main problem because citizens are not open minded and so they only focus on their own personal beliefs even if they are wrong.

I consider my thoughts to be accepting of all information, but obviously I do not believe absurd statements. Out of all the political associations I have to affiliate myself as more of an Independent. I am on the fence post on many large debates in today’s society such as, abortion, stem cell research, taxes, etc. I try to keep an open mind, get a general understanding of the subject and I try to think about where both sides are coming from. With this technique I find myself siding with a lot of different political groups because all of my ideals are different. I believe being independent is the best way to go about politics because you get a little bit of everything and you do not get criticized as much by other parties.

Ideology is very deep in meaning and has stumped many intellectual human beings. The two main ideologies, Political and Epistemological, have been around since Homo sapiens have been able to think and question ideals. Many people spend their entire lives obsessed with pushing forward their ideals and fighting anyone who is against them. This ongoing war of ideas has caused many deaths and unfortunately it will continue to the end of man. People need to learn to fight with knowledge and not their emotions. Life is too short to be angry all the time, so try to find the common threads that bring us all together.

Iconic Image- Che Guevara (Paper #3)

Some pictures behold more than just an image, but a story, a history and great meanings. These astonishing images have become better known as Icons. Out of all the images taken throughout history up to this point I have chosen one, the iconic image of the Marxist Revolutionary Che Guevara, known as “Guerrillero Heroico,” or Heroic guerilla. It is a plain headshot of the scruffy looking Argentine native wearing a hat and a zip up shirt. Originally this image was kept at home by the photographer, Alberto Korda, but eventually it was given to an Italian publisher who later released it. Who would have known that this simple picture would turn into a legacy? The answer is, the man in the image, Che himself, made the legacy. This image shows not only a male but also a man of the people, a physician, and a political genius.

This image for many around the world reminds them of equality and how Guevara was a man of the people. He traveled all around the Americas and was appalled by all of the poverty and mistreatment of the common man. He associated this poverty and mistreatment of the common man with the ideals of imperialism and monopoly capitalism. This was his driving factor against world powers and he sought out to start a world revolution. Many other famous leaders’ one being Nelson Mandela was very fond of Che and his ideals. He stated that Guevara was, “An inspiration for every human being who loves freedom." This is a very strong statement and Nelson Mandela had also been going through a revolution in South Africa. It’s amazing how this simple image gives so much hope and reminds many that they too have rights.

There are also many people who see this image and think of a murderer and communists along with Fidel Castro. They couldn’t be any more wrong, because Che was a physician! Yes that’s a fancy word for a Doctor. Initially looking at the picture you don’t really think of a doctor because of his long scruffy hair and his clothes. Che had started medical school at the University of Buenos Aires but left for a year to travel and this was his first experience of poverty. He later returned and graduated from medical school only later to leave once again. Unfortunately many people stereotype Che, but if only they knew more about his life, I am sure they would rethink their assumptions. Like they say don’t judge a book by its cover!

Scholars and many others see Che as a very intelligent man with a great understanding of politics. He wanted a world revolution to help better the common man and to take out the evil powers of the world. Guevara grew up reading many famous books and probably the one with the biggest impact on his life was written by Karl Marx. This later developed to be his main basis of beliefs and it would lead him to become known as a Marxists Revolutionary. Guevara traveled all over south and Central America and eventually ventured to Cuba. This also makes Guevara very famous because he made friends with Fidel Castro and he joined Fidel’s movement to overthrow the United States backed president of Cuba at the time. This siding with Castro produced some friends and enemies and would later contribute to his demise.

It is unbelievable how a story, a history and meanings can be derived from a single image. This plain picture of one man has transpired into one of the most famous photographs ever. When people see this image it sends a message, a message of strength and caring. Unfortunately the story of this picture ends with Che’s brutal execution. He was captured in Bolivia by U.S. trained Bolivian forces and with the help of the CIA. He was to be executed a few days later and when his executioner came, Che had this to say, “I know you have come to kill me, go ahead, you are only killing a man.” What an astonishing quote, he kept his integrity and values and accepted his fate. Hopefully when you look upon this image you will not only see a man, but a legend.

Response to "They Say" (Paper #4)

A response to Douglas Rushkoff's intro to,"They Say."

The captivating an insightful words of Douglas Rushkoff in his introduction to, “They Say,” trick you into believing you are learning an interesting take on authority in our society. When actually it is indeed about questioning authority but we are completely oblivious to the fact that at the same time he is currently utilizing the techniques of persuasion and coercion upon us. Rushkoff has many tricks up his sleeve and after reading this hefty convincing piece he spills all. Douglas is extremely tricky in his methods of using illusions, making it personal, and by means of instilling fear in you.

Basically this entire paper was one huge extravagant illusion that gave you a sense of trust and involvement. He talks about using basic techniques such as inventing a character that we can relate too and that we will follow. We then get the illusion that we are along for the ride with this person and we want to know what will happen to them. This makes us dependent upon the author as we await the fate of our new friend. He also uses an illusion with some of his wording. Rushkoff speaks of a conspiracy, but that is too scary and so he quickly covers it up. He makes us feel safe by using words and phrases like, “Just a science that has gotten out of control,” but in reality he is basically talking about technology and how one day it could see to the end of humanity. Douglas has mastered the art of illusion and he could possibly make you believe anything.

Another tactic is how he makes this paper seem very personal to you and how this affects your feelings and judgment. He asks you to take into account the leaders of your life and how they affect you against your will. This gets you involved and it introduces you to the problems in your life. Thus making it personal and very interesting because you can relate with what happens in the paper. Rushkoff also uses statements such as, “As we’ll see,” and this gives you the assumption as if he is talking to you, which will also pull you in deeper. Plus he gives you a very personal insight when he tells you of his story of media and going into advertising. This gives you the sense of a personal connection with him, so you will continue read and back him up. Making it seem personal to the reader is extremely effective because it gets the reader engaged into the story.

Fear, this simple four letter word can make anyone do anything. Rushkoff uses fear to intrigue you and to grab your attention because what he is saying could affect your life! He is dramatizing but he almost always grabs your attention does he not? Douglas speaks of physiologists who study human behavior and how they alter colors and shapes to make us more attracted to whatever it is. This is scary in the sense that someone can affect are free will by simply changing colors and shapes. He instills fear in us all throughout the piece, but mainly at the beginning. Douglas writes about, “They,” and how they tell us who, what, when, where and why. Who exactly are they and why do they get all the authority? It is these questions that spark fear in you because you have absolutely no idea who, “They,” are! The worst fear is the fear of not knowing and Douglas hits this one right on the head.

“They Say,” has to be one of the most fascinating pieces of literature I have read. Rushkoff is not only feeding you loads of information, but at the same time he is exposing you to the very thing he is writing against. Through his methods of illusions, making it personal, and implementing fear, I would not doubt that he could make anyone believe anything.