Large Group Discussions 2
February 28th, 2006
Facilitator: Andy
Andy mentions that there's an unconscious belief amongst workers of starbuck's that there's a family. Can this be true? Can people be that idiotic as to believe that their employers look at them as family and friends? This is particularly absurd. If they looked at you as family, they'd actually care. This is unfortunately not the case. No matter what you do, you will always be a worker.
March 1st, 2006
Facilitator: Andy
Today we discussed the core fundamentals of capitalism as a class. It's slightly disappointing to know that this is even necessary. After a few years of life in the United States it shouldn't be difficult to summarize how the economy of the country works. Regardless, we summarized it as a system which is divided into classes. The upper tier classes exploit the lower tier classes to make money.
March 6th, 2006
Facilitator: Andy
Today we discussed the facets of power in Bachman's book "The running man." I must admit, if Andy had not illuminated the connections to the bibles, I would've never realized the connection was there. More importantly though, the class discussed how the centricity of television in the book. The discussion lingered on how all of the events were centered around the television too long for my liking. I understand that it's an excellent example of the spectacle and the omnipresence of the government, but things become boring after awhile.
March 7th, 2006
Facilitator: Andy
Andy states that the democratic classroom is an experiment of sorts. I wonder what the control and variables truly are? Is the control the teaching structure? Is the variable our response to it? It seems like the experiment also yielded results that he'd prefer it hadn't. A vote was held to see if the system should remain. It passes. How disappointing.
March 28th, 2006
Facilitator: Andy
Everyday our lives are being controlled by the government. It's essential to understand that they will do what is necessary. Andy brings up the point that we would rather be evil than rude. Is this really true? I can certainly see the most complacent members of humanity falling in line with this statement, but strong willed individuals would surely be able to see through such a farce, wouldn't they? He cited the incident following 9/11 regarding Muslims being held in the tombs. It is true on some level, that those who knew obviously did nothing, as they were held there until released or transferred, but did those who struggled to avoid being "rude" do so out of fear for their own safety or just as Andy stated, being rude?
Omitted Date
Facilitator: Andy
Jordan had the nerve to contest the democratic system today and was promptly shut down by the majority of the class who undoubtedly prefer the minimal amount of work they do under the current system. I cannot blame them. I myself enjoy having to do little to nothing every day for Andy's class in the means of homework. However, it is true that because there is no punishment for having no motivation, the class becomes duller when people don't do there work. It is a sad reality that we will have to live with for the time being.