The fifties brought a time of peace after war, a confidence in our government, and a prosperous decade in American history. I would have loved growing up in a dance crazed era filled with swing, twist, jitterbug, and jive. I would have twirled my poodle skirt and bopped my ponytail as I hopped in my red and white 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Sport Coupe to go cruising with my girlfriends. I would have a strong sense of national pride with Dwight D. Eisenhower as the United States President and security with our growing economy, as America's Chevy and Ford vehicles were the most popular in town. I would listen to the King of Rock-n-Roll, watch movie stars the likes of Marilyn Monroe and James Dean, and in the golden age of television be entertained watching I Love Lucy and The Three Stooges.

I am shocked by my own ignorance of media manipulation and once this was explained to me in the article, "Top ten media manipulation strategies", I could see it clear as day. As a proud American who believes she lives in the best country in the world, I assume naively that my countries leaders would only do what is in my best interest. I do not remember learning critical thinking in my childhood school days and I will make sure my children learn and practice it. I could understand in some situations the government or upper class elite taking actions in which they are trying to avoid maybe something along the lines of mass chaos in the the streets, but I think our social media has gone too far in using our trust in what we are told in the news to lead us into deeper distraction of the truth and ignorance of real situations. I find this information fascinating and will put it to use from now on when I watch

The Amish project was an individual's retaliation to what he saw happening in his life in regards to communication and friendships. He was awakened by the observation that he and his friends were not cherishing the time they had together to communicate because they were each on a separate device such as I-pod, cell phone, computer, or tablet. I love his temporary dedication to turning off his email, cell phone, and Facebook and returning to face to face communication. I would not think it necessary to abandon all forms that can make life easier, but I respect his decision to do that in hopes of seeing what all he was missing out on. I think if we would all balance out our forms of commu

Non verbal communication can easily become an obstacle between people of different cultures. Many common hand gestures used on a daily basis in America, such as the v shaped peace sign, a thumbs up, or an okay gesture, can actually be offensive to other cultures as their use of the gesture could have a different meaning or possibly mean the total opposite of the American gesture. A Native American may look to the floor to avoid their elder's eyes as a show of respect where as a white American would view this as disrespectful. In Eastern cultures it would be quite common for two men to hold hands as a gesture of friendship as where in America the only thought that would come to mind is they are lovers. Another common misunderstanding would be if you were offered a meal and you declined, this could be seen as a very rude and offensive gesture. When traveling abroad it would be helpful to look into other cultures hand gestures or to even keep them to a minimum if you are not sure what they mean in a different country. It is always helpful not to jump to conclusions when someone behaves in a way you deem disrespectful and might be helpful to ask their intention of their gesture before judging.

In my Race and Culture paper, I would like to reflect on the ancient African tribal practice of ubuntu and whether it could successfully be used in American communities. If we look at the end result of our desires and are able to visualize how the working together of a community can produce well-being for everyone, we could help our group as a whole to be successful and not just the individual. The difficulty here lies in the American dream that places focus on the prosperity of the individual and does not stress a need for community inter-connectedness as a means to a prosperous end. I think the size of a community plays a role in whether ubuntu philosophy can play a positive role. In smaller units it is easier for everyone to have a place, the larger and more global you make your group the ea

In the two class readings on the African philosophy of Ubuntu, both articles made cases that ‘we’ is stronger than ‘me’. I like the part that states that Ubuntu philosophy is compassionate, but not soft. If a person is lacking or falling behind they must be challenged. I see this as an opportunity to support and encourage one another for the greater good of a larger group. This concept in certain areas of our modern society can be extremely challenging. There are going to be individuals that want to reap the benefits of a society yet are not willing to participate in its daily functions, and often they are not challenged. Ubuntu, team work, treating others as you want to be treated, these appear to be such simple concepts. Why then is it beyond our grasp in with modern society to achieve this? In our fast paced, get a head world we have separated ourselves from each other. If it is not ‘I’ must win or be better than you, we are placed in a group by color, religion, political affiliation, or even a sports team and it is still you, and your group, that must come out in the winning spot. Maybe we would do better with Ubuntu philosophy if we did live and function in smaller groups of individuals. Interacting with people from so many diverse backgrounds and cultures throughout the world puts a lot of conflicting ethics into the individual pieces of the puzzle and maybe they just are not made to fit together.

Completing a project or assignment on your own is a great way to learn important skills. Working as a group can give you additional strengths that almost anyone going into the work force would find valuable. Depending on the requirements of the exercise and those involved in the group project the process and the results can vary immensely. In some groups if there are members that fall short of their fair share of commitment, others may pick up the slack to achieve the final result. When you are in a situation where each member must fulfill their own part before the team can move on it can be very frustrating for those that are on the ball and ready to proceed to wait patiently on those lagging behind and can of course result in the project running late. Communication is a key to success and hopefully the members of the team who are on top of their part would encourage and assist the ones falling short for the greater good of the project.

Hello, my name is Tami Franklin. I moved back to my hometown of Stillwater one year ago to pursue a college degree. After graduating High School in 1990, I took a path where I enjoyed a marriage of fifteen years, the birth of a daughter and a son, plus many opportunities to share my love of dancing with others. I have always loved to dance for as long as I can remember. I have taught for over twenty years and owned my own studio for fourteen, teaching ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, pointe, pom, and competitive dance. In 2007 I began learning a new style of dance. Partner dancing is very different from being a solo dancer. I love two-step, shuffle, and waltz, but my newly found favorite 'West Coast Swing' is the bomb!!  I am also a sincere lover of Star Wars, not the kind that dresses up and goes to conventions, but the one who is truly touched and inspired by its story and characters. I sometimes wish that I could live, "A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away......" My current focus is on achieving a BA in Liberal Studies and maybe going into the field of International Studies where I hope to seek out and explore life and among its beauties find a few of its secrets.