Wednesday, August 29, 2007

The age of innocence (Pocoyo and Friends)

In a simplistic view, this photograph may just be another 'cute picture' to the passing eye. However, as we consider society's rapid pace today, this kind of picture holds the characteristic that is nearly absent as we enter into the new generation/era, 'the age of innocence and unity.'

As we grow older, our knowledge and innocent eyes are subjected to a world of violence, sex and drugs through the influence of television and celebrities. The bright 'happy and joyous' colours of the photograph, as well as the characters' expression of surprise, wonder and awe allows the viewers to reflect on the forgotten age of innocence, where in our youth, all things great and small either would surprise us with great delight or small anxiety. Frozen in time, this innocence serves to remind us that life is and will be full of wonders and surprises, no matter how dark the era might be.

Through the representation of 'different and unique' characters, the picture also serves to generate a sense of 'multiculturalism', where size, shape, colour or race, should not matter. This variation of characters depicts how we can enjoy life, learn and experience great friendships from binding with and accepting others who we may deem as 'different' than us.

This photograph, captures a moment that allows us to realise that through all the 'horrors' or 'darkness' that society may present, we should never forget that life still holds the many wonders that we all experience as a child. Mainly, to experience these wonders to the fullest height, we must be able to accept and befriend all of those around us.

Waive Maths Requirement?

The argument made by Gordon Adams contains a valid ideology that is present in if not all but most students. “Why should we waste time and pay for classes that are not even related or beneficial to our future careers?” Being a student myself, my friends and I have muttered this inquiry subconsciously many times whilst trudging to and from our classes, without ever conjuring up a satisfying answer. However, we must take into consideration that students nowadays want to 'race through' their education, avoiding the 'long winding road' to their destination. Adams’ notions are from the perspective of a student. Yet, instead of relentlessly complaining why we 'have to study' certain subjects what if we consider the reason why we have required courses?

It can be said that the main reason by having a ‘core course’ system is due to the fact that, students who graduate from high school, are too young to have a secure and stable vision of their careers in the future. This may consequently lead students to ‘waste more time and money’ switching majors due to their indecision. Core classes covering different subject areas may thus allow students time to decide on their ‘true calling’ as they grow older and become more mature.

Also, it is only logical that, once one person is allowed to ‘opt out’ of a required course, then, as justice requires us, we have to have the same considerations for all other students. Just imagine, the ‘chain effect’ once a person has been allowed ‘leeway.’ We have to remember that the argument of having to do subjects not required for a particular course, has been in the mindsets of many students throughout their schooling years. Thus the university itself will be overwhelmed with similar situations as in the case of Gordon Adams. As we contemplate more into the future, we may have to face serious situations. Not only may there be an increase in unemployment and a diminishing variety of subjects, due to the decrease of student participation in certain areas of study, but students will have a less ‘well rounded’ education.

If the United States is willing to change its whole curriculum and school system from a long tradition, then waivering subjects due to their irrelevance on a certain major can proceed. However, we must consider the advantages of having requirement courses and remember, that education, can only serve to benefit us, as well as our future generations. Consider this: You have a child, he/she comes home with a mathematics assignment and asks you a question, you have one of two options: 1) You fortunately have had the advantage in studying in college and is able to answer his/her question. 2) Tell them that you're sorry, you didn't study it at school because it was not related to your major. Which one would you choose?

“The more you know, the more you grow, the more you grow, the greater your voice, in making a decision or making a choice” - anon.