How we identify bias...

Bias is a subjunctive way of thinking that tells only one side of the story, sometimes leading to inaccurate information and a false impression. Labeling someone as biased in some regard implies they need a greater or more flexible perspective in that area, or that they need to consider more deeply the context.I think bias is very hard to identify in ourselves because it is unconscious, and we do not recognize it when we see it. Bias in others is also hard to idintify because it often passes for impartial judgement, espcially in the form of conventional wisdom.

-Melanie K

Why we read, write, sing, make movies, etc.

I tried to find examples of the point I am going to try and prove on YouTube and Google. YouTube gave me music and random things that have nothing to do with the question, and Google lead me back to this blog. So why do we read, write, sing, and make movies? Other than the obvious reason of entertainment, I honestly believe that there's an emotional connection to all of the above. We enjoy reading and watching movies for many of the same reasons. Emotionally we like to be able to relate to others. We like to empathize, or see that maybe we don't really have it so bad. How else would depressing movies lift off the ground? The reasons we write, sing, and make movies are similar. The reason we do these things isn't just for kicks (or at least not usually). These are all ways for us to express and share our emotions in a slightly less direct way. Singing is an excellent way for people to express emotions. Movies are a great way to express them without people really examining your life. And writing a letter or poetry, though more direct than music and movies generally are, is still better than an awkward phone call or lunch. I'm not saying that we do these things purely based on emotion. In fact, I think reading and watching movies is a lot more based in interest and entertainment. But there's always something there that tries to tug on your heartstrings in one way or another. There's always an emotional connection.

Why Do We Read, Write and Make Movies?

There are many reasons that we read, write and make movies. People have the need to express their emotions. Expressing emotions in creative ways allows people to connect to each other better. Another reason people read, write and make movies is because its enjoyable. We can not forget about the entertaining aspect of this. Movies, books and music open up our imagination, and let us be creative. They can allow a person to almost "be" somewhere or someone else for a while. Books, movies and music can be an escape from your own hectic life. It also gives people a sense of freedom and relaxation. I believe that reading, writing and making movies are a very important part of society, and culture. The way people read, write and make movies may differ around the world, but these activities can be found in almost any culture.

Why do we read, write, sing and make movies?

We read, write, sing, and make movies in order to express our emotions. It also shows our creative side and enables us to destress. People can show and share their point of view by reading, writing, singing, and making movies. Another reason that people choose to read write and sing is because they want to share their experience's with others and give wisdom that most people take years to learn. They want to share their successes with their audience and their failures. Also people usually read, write, sing, and make movies to convey a message.

Why do we read? Write? Sing? Make movies?

I believe that people write, sing, and make movies to creatively express experiences that they have been through and express feelings that they have that they otherwise not have been able to express in just plain words themselves. They will try to make their audience feel a certain way to effectively get their message across. On the other side of this equation are the people who read. I believe that people read to get an insight into oothers' thoughts, feelings, and minds, and for a brief moment escape the realm of reality to become someone that they might admire or envy. They can forget about their own daily strife or burdens that cause them stress, and look into the mind of another being, and maybe find some comfort in whatever they coose to read.

What is humanity??

Humanity is the quality and condition of being human. For examples, your race, your behavior, etc.

Unity Video Clip and Assignment

Good evening, class! I apologize for not getting this up sooner for some of you, but the following provides the link to the clip I would like you to view. After viewing it, please respond to the following questions: What does this clip convey to us about the concept of unity? How have you experienced the power of unity in your own life? Please provide details of the experience and what you learned as a result. Enjoy!!!

http://www.goal-setting-college.com/go/unityindiversity

What does it mean to be a citizen of the world?

to be a citizen of the world means to take responsibility for it. you need to take care of the people, held those in need, and help with the environment. every living thing should be cared for. you need to take action, and see everyone as equle; no one is higher or lower. youy have to make peace and try for world peace. also you need to act for the greater good.

What does it mean to be a citizen of the world?

Being a citizen of the world means that you think about your actions in relation to the world as oppose to acting selfishly. A citizen of the world is constantly thinking of solutions to world problems. Being a world citizen means that you are willing to take charge in a situation to better the world instead of believing that someone else will take care of it. A crucial part of being a citizen of the world is understanding the idea of collective responsibility. A true world citizen would realize that everyone is equally to blame for world problems instead of placing the blame upon a single individual or group.

What does it mean to be a citizen of the world?

To me a citizen of the world is someone that believes in themselves and helps others. To believe in yourself you need to set goals and follow your dreams. Citizens need to try their hardest and never quit. Also citizens of the world should help people. There are many different ways to help people. Some ways is to just hold the door open, tutor someone, clean the environment, etc. People need to care for others. This is what it means to be a citizen to me.

What does it mean to be a citizen of the world?

To be a citizen of the world means, to me, that you work for the world to keep it clean and to protect not only your country but protect others as well. I also think that it is everyone's obligation to know world affairs and to work to keep peace throughout the whole world. Another thing that I think is extremely important in being a citizen of the world is to help out other countries when they are in extreme poverty or distress. Overall, people should not think only about the wellfare of themselves, but also the wellfare of the entire world.

Good evening, Class! For those of you who were absent yesterday (12/1), here is the link to the site I would like you to view. Enjoy!

"The Danger of the Single Story"

http://www.ted.com/talks/chimamanda_adichie_the_danger_of_a_single_story.html

Wyclef Jean: 60 Minutes Interview

Hi, Class--

I apologize for the technical difficulties today, but here is the link for the interview I want you to watch this evening. Please answer the following questions, as well, and do not forget to set aside some study time for the unit exam!!! Good luck and I will see you tomorrow!

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4713518n


1. Why do you think Wyclef's family succeeded in emigrating to America when so many other Haitians cannot?
2. To what would you attribute his success? Is it just talent or something different about him?
3. Why do you think he feels so committed to returning to his homeland to help?
4. Can you think of anyone else who has done something similar? (It can be in this country or another.)
5. How might you help out right here in Smithtown or someplace else on Long Island? Is anyone needy here? Do you need to be wealthy to help?
6. Why don't wealthy nations do more to help Haitians?

What are inalienable Rights

Inalienable rights are given rights that every person should have. these rights are included in our bill of rights. they are include in our declaration of Independence and some of them are; the right to life, freedom, and and the pursuit of happiness. We, United States citizens are very to have these rights because most governments deprive their people these rights. in my opinion every single person should have these rights except when they fail to follow the law.

Inalienable Rights

Inalienable rights are rights that we are born with and can not be taken away. History states that our inalienable rights are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Unfortunately, these rights are taken away quite often. Inalienable rights are the rights that people should have, but prejudice and discrimination often play a role in depriving people of them.

Inalienable Rights

Inalienable rights are rights that every single human being should have, or at least start their life out with, without questioning. These rights are usually generalized to life, liberty, property, and the pursuit of happiness. I believe that inalienable rights should basically include people being able to do whatever they want, as long as it does not interrupt another person or animal's life or happiness. However, I do believe if someone is to stop another person from enjoying their rights to the fullest, that that person too may have to face the consequences of having their rights taken away for a period of time, depending on what exactly they did.

What are inalienable rights?

An inalienable right is a right that you are born with as a human. They are the freedoms that are given to you at birth. They are not rights that are given to you by government but rather rights that a government should help protect. They should never be taken away or infrideged upon. These rights are your birthright. The Declaration of Independence cites some of our inalienable rights such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It says all men are created equal. These are principles that every human deserves to possess. They are universal ideals of what it means to be free and no one should ever take that away from another human.

Inalienable Rights

Inalienable rights are rights that cannot be taken away, unless by the permission of the individual. Most people hold on to them because they feel they are very important to lead a fulfilling life. However, in some parts of the world, inalienable rights are almost overlooked all together, restricting the freedoms of their people. People here in America are conditioned to believe that the rights we have were given to us at birth and can never be taken away, and rightfully so. It is stated the Declaration of Independence. But this is not the case in many other countries, and perhaps may not be in our own country at some point in time, sooner or later.

Inalienable Rights

Inalienable rights are the basic rights which all people should be given, right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness among a few of them. This idea was brought up by our own constitution, as well as John Locke's "Two Treatises of Government". In short, they are rights which cannot be taken away from anyone, the ones which provide for our safety and our freedoms. These rights seem to be becoming more exclusive to only the more "stable" countries. Places such as Haiti or Darfur, where people are constantly fighting for survival tend to go without these rights due to a lack of law enforcement keeping them safe.

Inalienable rights

Inalienable - incapable of being alienated, surrendered, or transferred

Inalienable rights are those rights that cannot be taken from us. They're natural rights such are having the right to be whomever you choose to be, the right to Life and to live, the right of expression, right of faith and the right to believe. As in the Declaration of Independence and as John Locke stated

"Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness"

.

Inalienable Rights

Inalienable rights are rights that every human has at birth but they can change as life goes on. The right to bare arms or the right to an attorney are inalienable rights because if congress passed a law stating that both of these are ineffective, we would lose these rights. These are important and represent laws or any right the government gave you such as the right to drive at 17 years old. They can change that to 18, 19, 20 and so on because there temporary rights until they change them. From birth until death, chances are you will loose and gain inalienable rights. 

Inalienable rights are the rights that we are born with that should not be suppressed, except under specific circumstances such as being put in jail or the person willingly gives up there rights for a price. Unalienable rights are different from inalienable rights in that they are not life liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Inalienable rights are sellable and unalienable rights can not be sold which explains why slavery is illegal.

what are inalienable rights?

Inalienable rights are the rights given to the individual, which cannot be taken away without the individual's consent. They are mistakenly confused with "unalienable rights" which cannot be taken away with or without consent. The committee behind the Declaration of Independence believed that human rights shouldn't be alienated even by those given the right because of their major importance. Such rights include "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." They are absolute rights given by the creator which cannot be tampered with by government. In basic terms, man has the right to happiness, security, freedom and private property. These natural rights are given to the individual at birth with understanding that all men are created equally.

What are Inalienable Rights?

Inalienable rights are rights that a person is born with. They ensure that a person is treated equally to those around them. In our Declaration of Independence, our inalienable rights are considered as life, liberty, and the persuit of happiness which I interpret to be the rights that every human being should have in addition to the rights given to them by their own governement. People should have to right to live, be free, and be happy whenever they choose. I also believe that inalienable rights are not to be taken away or changed. Inalienable rights are our natural rights and are the basis for which all other laws are formed, to protect our own personal liberty.

What are inalienable rights?

Inalienable rights are the rights that are given to you at birth. These rights are incorporated into the Declaration of Independence as life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. They are natural rights that cannot be taken away from us and remain permenant throughout our lives. I believe that these rights were included in the Declaration of Independence to insure that all people will be treated equally.

What is an inalienable right?

An inalienable right is one of those ideal concepts made notable in the Declaration of Independence. It is the assumption of Sovereignty by each and every individual who is willing to accept the responsibility for such an exalted office. For example, a being a human being.

-Melanie King

What are inalienable rights?

Inalienable rights are certain privileges that we as humans are given at birth. They are rights that can not be violated, or taken away. They are permanent for as long as you live. I believe that the idea of inalienable rights were created to ensure certain amenities to the individual to create a peaceful existence. Also to make sure that every individual is given equal opportunities.


We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain Inalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

What are inalienable rights?

Inalienable rights are a right according to natural law. These rights can not be transferred, denied, or be taken away. An example of these rights is the "natural rights". The natural rights are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Inalienable rights are the rights that you receive the second you are born. We get these rights because we are human.

Up Close With Racism

Good morning!!! As a reminder, please read Krik? Krak! Chapter 2 ("1937") for tomorrow's class, and finish the discussion questions for "Children by the Sea." Below you will find a link of a clip regarding some of the discussions we have had over the past week, thanks to one of your peers (who shall remain anonymous for the moment:)) We'll be reviewing this in class, but feel free to watch and comment on it if you like. See you tomorrow!!!


Up Close With Racism

Random video test

To be human is to have an advanced level of thought and understanding. It is to interpret our basic instincts and natural reactions into deep emotions. To feel love, or compassion, or deep seated hate. To be human is to crave to create, consume, and feel. To continually attempt to understand every aspect of our world; to create something beautiful, or useful, or amusing. To be human is to endure trial and error in order to create the society we live in today. To be human is to continually attempt to grow and better ourselves through a means of technology, culture, philosophy, and an organized fair government.

What does it mean to be human?

In my opinion to be human you must have some sort of empathy and sympathy. You must show some of your emotions. Many people say they have no empathy or sympathy but they do because it impossible not to. It might not be much but they have. Having empathy and sympathy is a trait of being a human.

What it means to be Human

To be human is to be different. We as humans can do something that other species cannot. We have a way of life, culture, and our own individual approach. We are specie that can represent our own reasons and actions, we can even reason with those around us. Each one human is different and each cell has its own specific structures. To be human is to have the ability to have soul and desire inside of you. You understand the actions of right and wrong; you can realize and take in the embarrassment of anything of wrong doing. It’s to love and to feel passion for somebody other than your own self. To put your self in other peoples shoes and emphasize just as they would be feeling. It’s to further yourself in the world and know that you have the knowledge to do whatever you put yourself out there to do. This video shows everything that was created in the world and if combined together a human has a little of. Without everything in this world humans wouldn’t be the way they are today. - Nicole Gautier

To be human....

To call ones self a human, he or she must have the ability to cry in times of sadness, as well as to laugh in times of humor. To our knowledge, only humans are capable of displaying these emotions. Being a human also requires a person to understand and interpret situations to act in a civilized manner, although not all humans act this way. Humans have the power to change the world, but many take advantage of this power. The following video demonstrates inhumane behavior:

Humanity

To be human means to me that you can communicate complex ideas and understand and feel complex emotions. For example an animal may feel anger or fear, but it can’t feel pity or compassion. Humans also have the ability to think with logic opposed to reacting through instinct. Normal animals don’t understand treaties and other means to prevent fighting, if one animal sees another on its territory it leads to instant conflict.

Humans also have the ability to create and destroy like no other race on this planet. We are the only race that kills for unnecessary reasons, for example, genocide. Humans are the only race that hurts others of their own race out of greed.

Stephanie Belli, Period 7

Being human is the ability to always feel physically, mentally and emotionally. It's relationships we have, the success and failure we have the growth and death we experience.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YiJ-iTK7wCY&feature=related
This video portrays all the different definitions and adjectives it means to be human

To me, to be human is very complex. A human has the capability to understand and express feelings and emotions. A human also has the ability to sympathize for and empathize with other humans or animals. However, a human may lack these abilities or chose to ignore them which also make humans unique. Lastly, a human is able to convey these feelings and emotions or, lack of feelings and emotions, to others.

I found this clip. It was a project done by two students in which they asked 100 random people what it meant to be human. I liked it because it is interesting to hear what other people think in response to this question. Also, I feel that there is not one specific definition to what is means to be human, and this video is a perfect example.

I think this question of what it means to be human is a very hard question to answer. Personally I think it is easier to say all the things that sets humans apart from animals rather then just giving a definition on what being human is. I think it is the emotions that we are able to have that show what humanity is. Unlike animals we feel guilt, sorrow, regret, and we are the only species that can feel embarrassed. Our emotions and our thoughts are at a deeper level then animals. I think that being a "human" means much more then just in the biological/scientific sense. Being human is having the ability to feel and empathize with someone during trying or difficult times. Biologically someone can be "human" without having human characteristics. I believe serial killers, child abusers and other violent criminals fall into this category. These people don't have a conscience, they don't have the same emotions that other humans do. To me, humanity is the emotions we have and the way treat other human beings. Another part of humanity is the need to be with others to have relationships with other human beings. Honestly, I think humans need other humans.

My passionate sense of social justice and social responsibility has always contrasted oddly with my pronounced lack of need for direct contact with other human beings and human communities.- Albert Einstein

I believe that being human can mean a few different things depending on the way it is used in a situation. One of the more obvious of ways you can be considered human is to belong to the group homo sapiens. Personally, belonging to this group is the first definition of human that comes to mind for me. Another way people consider you to be human is when you are kind, considerate and show compassion in day to day life. There is also the famous saying "you're only human". In this situation being human means you are not perfect and can make mistakes. I believe that the thought of what it means to be human varies slightly from person to person but generally means about the same thing.

What does it mean to be human?

Humans are an interesting species. Our brains are filled with abstract thoughts, we are able to create civilizations and invent amazing devices, and we can see the complexities in the world around us that other species just can't comprehend. We have the ability to create and destroy, to love and to hate, to show empathy and to be remorseless. Humans are unpredictable. Even though according to DNA we are all nearly identical, each human being is infinitely different from one another. Thus, it is difficult to determine what it means to be "human".

Certain emotions are able to distinguish homo sapiens from other species. We able to experience empathy, regret, and logic. These characteristics would describe humans as virtuous, wise, intelligent beings. And certainly some humans are capable of these traits. However, humans can also be vile, wicked, and irrational creatures, capable of destruction and lacking any form of compassion. We have committed terrible acts over the ages. The humans who commit these deeds are referred to as "inhumane" because they lack the goodness that people believe humans possess. But, these people are human and do factor in to what it means to be human. We can't say that we are human because we have empathy or because we help each other because some do not have that traits. They are not a definitive characteristics of all humans.

I don't believe anyone can come up with a concrete definition for what a "human" is. Sure, genetically we can determine what is and what is not physically human. But inside, what defines the human race from every other race on the planet? Emotions? No. Many animals like dogs can be happy, sad, angry, etc. Intelligent thought and problem solving? No. Monkeys are able to learn sign language and if you put a mouse in a maze, they can work their way through to get a piece of cheese. Creating elaborate structures? No. Beavers are able to build dams that can able to block the flow of massive rivers. Is it simply our advanced brainpower that sets us apart? Maybe. But whatever it is, I sure don't know.

I think to be human is having the ability to have feelings and emotions. I think there isn't an exact phrase or definition to being human because everyone is different, and varies from one another. People can all feel a sense empathy or sympathy.

To be a human means no more than having the biologically evolved genetic sequence for the species homo sapiens. It is nothing more special than any other species. True, we may have the most highly developed brains this planet has known, and have advanced abilities for technology, language, and imagination and ambitions. But it is common to take advantage of this and place ourselves on a level above all other living things.

Humans have created the most beautiful things, as well as the most destructive and evil things the world has ever seen. And I believe the horrible things outweigh the good. So in this regard, it might be said that to be human is to have the power to create wicked things at will, with the sole purpose of hurting others with no beneficial result.


We believe that this life and the present here on planet Earth is the most important thing that has ever happened. But no one takes time to realize that our lifespan and our small history of human beings is unfathomably minuscule on a time line of our galaxy and the infinite amount of other galaxies. To be human, though, is the ability to have this very thought. No other species can ponder the cosmos and question their existence like humans can. This is where humans separate themselves from other living things, but it does not make us greater in any regard.


“Some time ago I figured out with the help of some reading that I can’t recall now that, if it’s true that we’re all from the center of a star, everything atom in each of us from the center of a star, then we’re all from the same thing, and even a coke machine or a cigarette butt on the street in Buffalo are made out of atoms that came from a star. They’ve all been recycled thousands of times as have you and I. So, if that is true, and I am everywhere in the universe, in an extended sense, and therefore, it’s only me out here, so what is there to be afraid of? What is there that needs solace-seeking? Nothing. There’s nothing to be afraid of, because it’s all us."

-George Carlin

"Who are we? We find that we live on an insignificant planet of a humdrum star lost in a galaxy tucked away in some forgotten corner of a universe in which there are far more galaxies than people."

-Carl Sagan


john romano

What does it mean to be human?

I do not believe there can be any specific definition put behind the word human. Each human is unique from one another, feeling different emotions and having different thoughts. There can not be any generalizations made that could be used to describe what it means to be human, as everyone could and most likely does have different views on what they believe it means and there is no way to encompass everyones point of view into one meaning.

What does it mean to be human?

To be human means to have the abilty to create and interpreat. Humans are animals but we are set apart from the rest because we can create and build. Our minds are set so we can think much further than just food, water, shelter. We have the abilty for compassion and kindness, but at the same time we can be ruthless and destructful. Humans have a deaper emontally conection. our children stay connected with their parents and their parents don't, for the most part, abannion their children and forget about them. Humans can understan what is happining arond them.
-Laura O'Brien

What it means to be human

Being human is like being a student in high school. Everyone is working towards the same goal, and yet there are so many divisions amongst us. Much like the prevalent cliques in high school these days, the human world is divided into many different groups, racially, religiously, geographically and in so may other ways. Even though we are all divided, in the back of everyone’s head we still feel for each other. We may discriminate against each other for any reason, but if something catastrophic were to ever happen we band together to overcome it. This is one of the things that sets us apart from all other animals, our senses of empathy and compassion for each other. It are these two things that truly make us human.

What does it mean to be human?

To be human you have to have humanity and be able to be empathetic towards others. Humans experience emotional bonds on a more complex and deeper level than anything else on Earth. We are able to use our imagination and abilities to invent, create, and express ourselves. We as humans can create bonds with others. Being human means you are able to interpret and make decisions as to whether or not to act on instincts. To be human you also have to have an understanding of the world and your existence. The most important thing that separates humans and animals is the possession of a conscience. When someone chooses to ignore their conscience then they are no better than an animal.

- Chris Musachio

To Be Human

Yes, humans are animals, too. We compete, we fight, we hunt, we just try to survive. However, we are greatly set apart from animals by many differences. As humans, we have many feelings. These feelings aren't just sympathetic, they may also be hate, jealousy, discrimination, etc. Humans also tend to question the unknown, and constantly search for the answers. In times of struggle, we always tend to come together. We depend on each other in our weakest of times. Our minds are extraordinary. We all think differently, we have different views and opinions on many things. We are a more sensitive animal. We feel hurt, we cry, we stress, we worry. On the other hand, we have the ability to feel so good, we laugh, we can reach extreme happiness. Many animals tend to find many mates in their lives, while humans tend to get drawn to one person, and love that one person. The human mind is extremely complex, as we can remember events for a lifetime, and have the potential intelligence to create anything. Look at some of the things that humans have created. Even back when humans were less developed, we were able to form written language and calendars. Now, humans are creating computers that go beyond our abilities, and even holograms. A human will never have a true definition. Human abilities are infinite, we possess qualities that will just continue to broaden as we forever evolve here on Earth.

what does it mean to be human

Use human in a Sentence

–adjective

1.	of, pertaining to, characteristic of, or having the nature of people: human frailty.

2.	consisting of people: the human race.

3.	of or pertaining to the social aspect of people: human affairs.

4.	sympathetic; humane: a warmly human understanding.

–noun

5.

a human being. Though the definition of human is to be a human being, I believe that is is much deeper than that. Humans are the only species that can rationalize and understand concepts. We have the ability to be compassionate towards on another and understand someone else's situation. Making mistakes and learning from them is another quality that we posses. Humans live very complex lives, from struggling with issues and developing cultures. Within each culture there is its own religion, art, literature, etc. We share these cultures and learn form one another. Overall, I believe that to be human separates you from any other race out there in may different ways.

What does it mean to be human?

To be human is the abillity to comprehend emotions and think with unlimited imagination. Most creatures out in the world have only few thoughts on their mind; find food and where to sleep. But humans have the abillity to go further than that and think of new ideas and push the boundaries of the mind and create other relms of reality. Humans are also able to exspress fellings in a way whitch causes others to change their emotions or even be pushe to do things they would not naturally do. The human mind is what diffines us from the other creatures of the world. Thats what it means to be human.

To be Human is...

• to have emotions
• to love
• to hate
• to feel empathy
• to feel sympathy
• to have compassion
• to feel regret
• to be unique
• to be creative
• to have logic
• to reason
• to create
• to believe

The list can go on and on, listing all the different characteristics that make up a human. But to be a human is simply to feel emotions, compassion and to have logic. We are able to make decisions using our personal logic and common sense, although it may differ among each individual; we can also feel and reason our actions, we can change and be unique.

What does it mean to be human?

How can we define what it is to be human? We've been using the word 'Human' for so long... and yet we lack definition. The Merriam Webster Dictionary doesn't even have a definition of 'Human' without using the very word itself in that definition (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/human). I don't think any of the 'definitions' provided for the word can accurately display what it is. We all know we are more intelligent than animals. We created civilization. We created Technology. And we created computers that are just as smart as we are... but we're not computers are we? Because computers don't have emotions. Animals have emotions though... really all we are are very smart animals. We may not like to think of it that way because we like thinking we are superior. We enjoy the false belief that humans and animals are separate and different things. But a human is nothing but a species of animal. We may be more advanced, and we may be more evolved, but we are animals. The definition of human is very inaccurate, and we've lost sight of the fact that we are animals. Merriam Webster has several definitions of the word animal (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/animal). We as humans fit perfectly into the first definition, and yet the other definitions make sure that we humans are not animals, and we are superior... So if we don't have a basic definition as towards who we are... are we nothing? The human race has existed for less than 1% of earth's history... so maybe we are nothing. Nothing at all. And if we are nothing, how are we superior?

What does it mean to be human?

To be human means having the ability to know right from wrong, and acting accordingly. Not only that, but it also means feeling complex emotions that animals cannot. Humans also have the ability to create and invent. They can further technology and make things more advanced than ever before. One major thing that humans can do is change society. They can determine what is right and wrong within their community and choose to change their community for the better. This brings me to my next point: humans have the ability to choose. For example, we can choose whether or not to be in a relationship with someone, while a dog cannot choose his home, the humans choose for him. Overall, being human mean you have emotions, a conscience, they can create, and they have the power to choose.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krds8ebsPO0

what does it mean to be human

to be human is when some one shows compastion, love and even hate all the immotions that people face on a day to day and these immotions effect how a person will live their life. being human is the abilty to feel immotions.

What does it mean to be human?

To be human means to have the ability to feel and act on emotions that other animals can not. I believe that humans are the only creatures that are able to feel sympathy, guilt, and empathy. To be human basically means to have morals. Animals simply take what they need without considering the consequences. Humans, however, consider the consequences of their actions; they sometimes do without because they know that getting what they want will hurt others or themselves. Basically, being human is having the ability to reason.

What does it mean to be human?

Many factors contribute to what makes humans different from other species. I believe the main difference is our ability to question ourselves and understand others. Humans alone can rationalize and reason. We our very complex in our way of life, developing many cultures over thousands of years. Along with culture has come great ideas such as religion, law, and art. Art and especially creativity is important to the human race. Without creativity humans would not have been able to develop much farther than the neolithics. The human race has set itself apart in extraordinary ways.

What does it mean to be human?

To me being a human means that you have the power to make your own decisions. These decisions can be good or bad. We decide who we are fall in love with and who we hate. We have laws to follow but sometimes being human, people break those laws. For an example, it is a against the law to murder someone. But being human you can do whatever you want, just there is consequences in your decisions. Each decision that is made can change lives very quickly. They can change futures for an example where you might live like if you murder someone, you go to jail, sometimes for life. Being human lets you eat what you want, drink what you want, drive any car, etc. In our country we get to decide who the President is by voting on who you think is the best choice to run this country. Making decisions is part of being human.

What does it mean to be human?

Being human and humane are two completley different things. To be human you would typically have the physical structure, organs, and body parts that everyone around you has. Being humane is being able to understand and connect with those"bodies" around you. When your able to look at another human being and your able to understand and have some compassion for them is when you are human. To be able to realize the differences within people but at the same time search for the similarities between you and another person is when you are human. Being human isn't just being born and having a physical body structure. When you can itneract with one another on a deeper level and really get in touch with them and feel for them is what it is to be human. We have so many responsibilities as "humans" that we think were just here to go through the motions, get a job, have a family, get old and at some point pass on. But, thats not what being a person/human or atleast decently humane person is all about. Taking your life and applying it to other lives, using your emotional and deeper mentality to relate to another person is being human. Showing someone else some sense of compassion instead of hostility is being human. We are natural fighters and protectors, so to go beyond that and break the "norm" is being a human. To live a decent, civilized and empathetic life is to be human/humane.

What does it mean to be human?

Being human means that we have the ability to feel compassion for others. Even though every person is different than the next, being human means that we can co - exist despite those differences. Being human also means that we have a higher level of different emotions than those of animals, we feel happiness and sadness the way animals do not. We grieve and deal with emotions the way that other species on this planet do not. Being human also means that we have the ability to create and use technology in a beneficial way to help others like the inventions of medicine, computers, etc. Being human also means that we have the ability to live and learn from our mistakes and move on to not make those same mistakes.

What does it mean to be human?

Human is defined by culture, nationality, and race. The way a person looks depends on the race they were born from. Even though all human beings are born to look different, there are similar traits that they can share through the race they were born in.
Nationality describes where the human was born and originated from. The nationality of a person can have major impacts on him/her. The personality of a person can be altered and/or created by the people and places they grew up around. A person's lifestyle also depends partly on their nationality.
Culture also affects a person's lifestyle. Culture is the ways of living built up by a group of human beings and passed on from one generation to another. These ways of living include religion, values, music, food, shelter, art, literature, etc. The culture of a human being greatly affects his/her daily life.
If i were to define human today, i would say that they are a organized group of beings that follow the rules created by the people in their nation. Each nation has their own set of laws that can effect or alter the way their people live. A government is created by each nation to create and enforce these laws. With these laws they can keep a well organized society in their nation. Without these laws our society will be in chaos. Human can also be defined by the laws that they follow.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6r4KT8-VX0

Being human means..

Being a human means much more than having similar complex organs to the person next to you. Being human means having the ability to alter you’re surrounding and remove yourself from a certain environment. Each individual has the power to make a difference; every human being has the power to have a positive influence on the world around them.

Being a human means making decisions. Each human is faced with challenges daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly, whether they are easy to make or very difficult. Some may even be life altering; however, every human must make choices, and if they are bad ones, humans must accept the consequences.

Being human means having emotions. Every human goes through similar phases of life: struggles, happy times, and bad times. Being human means having the ability to make decisions based on these emotions. Whether the decisions are positive or negative is entirely up to the individual.

Also, being a human means making mistakes. As humans, we are able to fail, and in turn, learn from our failure. Making mistakes is how we learn, and in time, people can build those mistakes and learn how to not make them again.

Melanie K

What Does it Mean to be Human?

Being human is to have emotions. Being human is not just to exist on this planet but to feel compassion for others and relate to others as we would want them to relate to us. When someone in our family is hurting, we feel their hurt and their sadness. When terrible things happen to other people in the world, we try to understand what they are feeling and we pray that we never have to feel that way or go through what they are going through. I like to think that most of our emotions could be happy ones and feel good about ourselves and others around us, like our family and our friends. To be human to me is to have my own feelings and have feelings for those around me.

What does it mean to be human?

Being human means being unique. Everybody in this world has a different mind, a different conscious. Some minds may be similar but there are always differences even if its tiny. The imagination of humans are endless. No one in the world has the same finger print, making them unique. Being human also means you can think, everybody in the world has an ability to think. If people couldn’t think then they wouldn’t be able to communicate, perform tasks, or even be alive. We adapt to our environment, we get used to the things around us; the way we are brought up.

What it means to be human

I think being human means being able to make decisions that directly affect you and other people. You are able to make choices for yourself and not have others make the choices for you. This also means you have the ability to be an individual. As a human you are also able to come up with your own ideas and views about situations, you can act on these views and ideas and ultimately affect others through your actions. Besides the basic physical characteristics, being human also means you have emotions, and can feel for others. I think most importantly, being human means having the ability to change and impact the world. We have the opportunity to change situations and help one another. We have the ability to feel empathy and change other lives with our own actions. I believe this is the most important aspect of being human because we have the chance to affect not only ourselves but other people. As humans we not only have the ability to change the world, but we have the responsibility to do so.

Human

Being human basically means you are alive on planet earth. You have personalities and the ability to interact with other humans. You have arms, legs, torso, and a face. You have the ability to make your own decisions and participate in anything you want to do. You have the ability to move around your body and have a memory of what you do as life goes on. Being a human means you have personality and moods which change base on people, places or situations in your life. You have the ability to dream and to sleep. You also have the ability to reproduce and digest. Being a human means you are able to show your emotions. Humans can talk, walk and speak. Humans can heal themselves when they are wounded or hurt. Humans have immunity to fight off diseases and sicknesses. Every human is an individual with a different mind displaying different traits, physically and mentally.