Sunday, January 3, 2010

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.