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3.17.24 Project 2
2.26.24 What is the future of primal instincts and where do they fit into our development as a species?
Primal instincts have been a part of humanity since its creation. We have relied on them to survive and adapt in every environment and still utilize them today. Though some primal instincts have a place in our lives- the flight or fight response, for example- many of them are now inhibitors for being a functional member of an ever evolving society. As we continue to develop as a species, I wonder if we will let the neuro-pathways that support these visceral reactions deteriorate or if they will always have a place in our neuro-pathways.
https://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/brain-the-inside-story/your-emotional-brain/beyond-our-lizard-brain
https://www.zo.utexas.edu/courses/thoc/HumanInstincts.html
https://hbr.org/1998/07/how-hardwired-is-human-behavior
I will likely interview my relative, Laura Nespbor. She is well-respected in her field of psycho-therapy and has over 20 years of experience. I believe she is a perfect candidate considering her understanding of the human brain as well as its reactions to danger, trauma, and emotional distress.
The interview will be in-person and will consist of a list of questions and answers. I will ask questions regarding “lizard-brain”, primal instincts, how they affect us today, what instincts she works on rewiring with her patients, and how she believes they will evolve with our species.
2.12.24 A review of LOL
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nobHvcc88Db-HzZ5tWnUaY0XTda1rXGw/view?usp=sharing
2.12.24 Metacognition
"In other words, to think through a solution to a problem differs from an awareness of how we came to resolve that problem... writers engage in cognition when they reflect on 'what they are doing in that particular moment' but display metacognition when they consider 'why they made the rhetorical choices they did'. "
This description of cognition versus metacognition reminded me of a book I read on existentialism. One of the key phrases that is used to delve into the history of this ideology is "how do we know that we know what we know". Although I'm aware the two writings aren't intending to address the same ideas, I do believe they can be connected in a sense.
Thinking further into this connection as well as my writing, I think it pushes me to analyze why I think the way I do.
What we know: my writing- choices, process, and finished product
That we know: why did I make those choices or go that direction
How do we know: what experiences or understandings about the world fuel these choices or direct that path of thought
Again, I don't think existentialism is what Howard Tinberg was intending to discuss, however, the connection I made helped to immerse me in the development of my writing.
2.12.24 Self-Reflection Memo
Elements- I think the strength of my writing lies in the contemplation of my topic's positives and negatives. I spent a time considering this and feel my review is as close to my widened perspective on the subject as I can achieve at this point in my developmental journey. I'm proud of my connection between my past with the topic, my present experience as well as my predictions for the future. It felt like a natural development and I always feel proud of representations showcasing my style of writing as well as how it is improving.
Challenge- Black and white thinking is a mindset I have yet to overcome. When my morals have been set, the passion I have for these subjects make it difficult for me to see outside of that perspective. To reflect on the positives and negatives surrounding this subject felt like a moment of self-growth that I was not expecting. Moving through this process included my own self-reflection on why I struggle with overcoming this mindset. What experiences lead to the beliefs fueling these neuropathways. How can I connect that information with the topic I am exploring?
Goals- Because I deeply value self-growth and self-reflection, I am going to seek similar enlightenment in future projects. It inevitably develops my views, my ideas and my intrapersonal relationship. I hope for my writing to demonstrate these findings.
Help- I have always felt a disconnection between my ideas and the transition of thought to interpersonal communication. I'd like help making my writing legible for an audience. How to properly communicate and engage.
B+ Although I believe that I put significant thought into my review, I still found it below my own standards. I think I could have delved deeper into my thought process and why I feel that way. Despite my interest in the subject, the energy I placed into the project was lackluster.
2.8.24 can I ask my friend to turn off her Alexa?
https://www.futureadvice.club/2020/10/20/can-i-ask-my-friend-to-turn-off-her-alexa/
The episode surrounds the topic of casual surveillance. In the very beginning portions, a concern was brought up in regards to normalizing devices that listen in to our day to day lives like Alexa. I've met many that think it borders on conspiracy to assume that someone is listening. I don't ever pretend to think I have my own personal CIA agent, however I do think that it gives the internet access to my life, my data, and my personal information.
Rose Eveleth invited Dr. Simone Browne who is someone who works with the concepts of surveillance, ethics, and privacy.
Browne discusses online proctoring in universities and it brought to mind our chemistry department which requires us to download proctorio. Proctorio is a google chrome extension that can record and see your screen, your camera, and your audio. When looking through the disclaimers of the extension, I remember feeling nervous about how much data they casually had access to. I remember other students on the school snapchat story discussing privacy concerns with the program as well as a data breach that the company had experienced a few years prior. If I wanted to take the chemistry class at the UMN, I had to get this program. There was no other option provided. Browne and Eveleth bring up an extremely important point that this was a time where I was denied a right of refusal. I had to give up my privacy if I was to continue my college experience at the UMN where I had already poured 1000's of dollars.
Surveillance was described as a way of oppression or control. I hadn't thought of it in that regard because my vision was self-focused. It has been historically used to monitor social activism groups, as a sneaky-listening landline amongst the family members in your own home, and so much more. In the future, with so many people welcoming these devices into their homes, there will be exceptional amounts of personal data being collected. I am not sure by whom or what, though anything can be bought or sold.
I truly loved this podcast and it gave me something new to think about when day dreaming about the fall of humanity.
2.5.24 P-1 rough draft
1.28.24 P-1 pre-writing
"lol"- "LOL" is one of the many text abbreviations that exist in telecommunication. Although, "lol" stands out to me because it is depicting a laugh- something that I find extremely personal and unique. There is a wide disconnect between a three-letter acronym and a sound that is known to embody joy and personality. I think the disconnect comes with the advancement of technology and a disconnect with the natural world.
composting- For Earth, and the organisms residing, composting as a natural way of life. Humans that compost are glorified as if they are doing a service. They put this compost in a yard that is likely beside a house created with plastics, cement, treated woods- all materials that will harm the Earth as they decompose, if they decompose at all. Hypocritical.
playing god- Humans now have the ability to genetically modify creatures, plants, and humans alike. We have made weapons and tools that allow us to kill in an instant. We have disrupted the natural order of life on Earth- shortening the existence of some species while elongating the existence of others.
1.22.24 The Anthropocene Reviewed Essays on a Human-Centered Planet "Introduction"
Memoir: The passage describing his recovery from labyrinthitis.
Research: The passage detailing how the coronavirus is a testament to Anthropocene.
Reflection: The passage connecting Anthropocene to the connection between humans, the willingness to communicate information and knowledge as well as a reliance on each other as a species.
General Impressions: I thought the notion of pay attention to what you are paying attention to was interesting. When reading that line, I thought about what I pay attention to. I didn't think about it much past- I don't pay attention to the things I want to be paying attention to (I spend a lot of time thinking about things that I find unproductive). That's an idea I would like to reflect on in my free time. Aligning yourself with a way of life and goals is extremely important and it seemed that throughout the introduction, John Green was reflecting on his affect and place in the world- narrowing it down further- the Anthropocene.
1.22.24 The Anthropocene Reviewed Essays on a Human-Centered Planet "Lascaux Cave Paintings"
Memoir: The passage retelling the story of helping his children draw their handprints on paper (hand stencils).
Research: The story of how the Lascaux Caves were discovered and how the story of the boys who made that discovery.
Reflection: The connecting of the hand-art on the walls of the cave to the idea that humans are connected- past to present. We find connection in our similar expression and impressions on the world.
General Impressions: I agreed with the Green's idea that the hand-art was a way to say "I am here". It feels like a physical testament to existence. A visual way to leave your mark on the world. It is the same way that kids in my hometown traveled to a bridge nearby to spray paint the cement underneath it. Even though the city could repaint it, spray it off, they don't. I think they recognize a symbol of unity among the generations- expressions of self that are similar to the hands that say "I was here".
1.22.24 The Anthropocene Reviewed Essays on a Human-Centered Planet "Scratch 'N' Sniff Stickers"
Memoir: The experience of finding comfort in the stickers as a child following into adulthood when Green still occasionally pulls out his binder of stickers to re immerse himself into his childhood.
Research: The passage containing information on when the scratch 'n' sniff stickers were created, when they were most popular, how they have been used recently (hibiscus flower) and how Green thinks they may be used in the future.
Reflection: The idea that scratch 'n' sniff stickers are not supposed to mimic the natural world, but to give humans the illusion of reality and remind us of what was or could be.
General Impressions: While reading the ending portions about these stickers not having been created to accurately depict natural smells, it made me think of a conversation I had recently with my brother. We were eating strawberries and I was choosing to eat mine with sugar. He asked why and I said it was because I wanted them to be sweeter. We talked about how strawberries taste nothing like the sugar infused flavors we have in candy or flavored drinks. When I think of strawberries I think of the chemically, loud-tasting, pink-dyed flavor and I also think of the watery, bitter flavor. I hope that I never forget the taste of the strawberries that grow.
1.22.24 Media Interests and Habits
I really enjoy reading the works of Maya Angelou- specifically her novel "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings". I think she was a brilliant mind and I regret that I never had the chance to see her speak in-person. My music mostly consists of R&B as well as lo-fi type beats. Remi Wolf and Still Woozy are some of my favorite artists. During my free time, I like to listen to music, read, spend time with friends and during the summer, I like to go to the beach. One of my greatest strengths is my love for learning. Some of my greatest weaknesses are that I have no filter and can't control my facial expressions.
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